FOUNDING WRITERS Sessions 3 & 4

Dr. Bill Thierfelder

WILSONVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 2

SESSION THREE: OPENING NOTE:  Full biographies of each writer may be found on my website: www.makingwings.net  Go to FOUNDING WRITERS in the top menu and choose the session you want in the drop down.  There are separate pages for SESSIONS 1 & 2; SESSIONS 3 & 4; and SESSIONS 5 & 6.  You will see the links to the biographies under each author’s name.  In addition, there are links to the complete versions of many of the works that we’ll be discussing in this class should you wish to explore further. ______ANN HUTCHINSON (1591--1643)

From THE EXAMINATION OF MRS. ANN HUTCHINSON (1637)

NOTE: Hutchinson was a Puritan spiritual adviser, mother of 15, and an important preacher who defied the male dominance of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Her strong religious convictions were at odds with the established Puritan clergy in the Boston area, and her FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 3 popularity and charisma helped create a theological schism that threatened to destroy the Puritans' religious community in New England. She was eventually tried and convicted, then banished from the colony with many of her supporters.

REVIEW BACKGROUND: Until 1517, there was one Christian denomination in Europe: The Roman Catholic Church. In 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the doors of the church in Wittenberg Germany, thus creating the Protestant Movement. Over time several groups broke away from the Catholic Church. In England, the break happened in 1534 when Henry VIII declared himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England. (Technically, the English Monarch is still Head of the Church, working in concert with the Archbishop of Canterbury who is the ordained leader of the Church of England.) Many believers, however, felt that the Church of England was just as corrupt as the Roman Catholic Church from which it had broken, and that its theology/dogma was still too “Papist.” As a result, some groups broke away from the C. of E. and were labelled Separatists. There wasn’t one Separatist group, but several, an example being the Puritan sect (that sought to “purify” the Church). One of the great debates among all these factions--the Catholics, the Church of England (who today are called Anglicans or Episcopalians depending upon theological beliefs and location), and the various Separatist groups--was whether one was saved solely by the GRACE of God, by doing good WORKS, or by some combination of GRACE AND WORKS. This debate, as you will see, is one of the important aspects of Hutchinson’s trial. Hutchinson "saw herself as a mystic participant in the transcendent power of the Almighty." Her theology of direct personal revelation opposed the belief that the Bible was the final authority concerning divine revelation, which was basic to the doctrines held by the majority of English settlers at that time. She also preached that works, behavior, and personal growth are not valid demonstrations of a person's salvation. She saw herself as a prophetess; she openly pronounced that God was going to destroy England--and, during her trial, that God would destroy Boston.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT WHILE READING: As you read through this transcript what are some of the arguments that Governor Winthrop raises? Does Hutchinson stand her ground? What is the “tone” of this trial? Does Hutchinson’s strength come through in her responses?

Gov. John Winthrop: Mrs. Hutchinson, you are called here as one of those that have troubled the peace of the commonwealth and the churches here; you are known to be a woman that hath had a great share in the promoting and divulging of those opinions that are the cause of this trouble, and to be nearly joined not only in affinity and affection with some of those the court had taken notice of and passed censure upon, but you have spoken divers things, as we have been informed, very prejudicial to the honour of the churches and ministers thereof, and you have maintained a meeting and an assembly in your house that hath been condemned by the general assembly as a thing not tolerable nor comely in the sight of God nor fitting for your sex, and notwithstanding that was cried down you have continued the same. Therefore we have thought good to send for you to understand how things are, that if you be in an erroneous way we may reduce you that so you may become a profitable member here among us. Otherwise if you be obstinate in your course that then the court may take such course that you may trouble us no further. Therefore I would intreat you to express whether you do assent and hold in practice to FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 4 those opinions and factions that have been handled in court already, that is to say, whether you do not justify Mr. Wheelwright's sermon and the petition.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: I am called here to answer before you but I hear no things laid to my charge.

Gov. John Winthrop: I have told you some already and more I can tell you.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: Name one, Sir.

Gov. John Winthrop: Have I not named some already?

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: What have I said or done?

Gov. John Winthrop: Why for your doings, this you did harbor and countenance those that are parties in this faction that you have heard of.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: That's matter of conscience, Sir.

Gov. John Winthrop: Your conscience you must keep, or it must be kept for you.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: Must not I then entertain the saints because I must keep my conscience.

Gov. John Winthrop: Say that one brother should commit felony or treason and come to his brother's house, if he knows him guilty and conceals him he is guilty of the same. It is his conscience to entertain him, but if his conscience comes into act in giving countenance and entertainment to him that hath broken the law he is guilty too. So if you do countenance those that are transgressors of the law you are in the same fact.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: What law do they transgress?

Gov. John Winthrop: The law of God and of the state.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: In what particular?

Gov. John Winthrop: Why in this among the rest, whereas the Lord doth say honor thy father and thy mother.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: Ey Sir in the Lord.

Gov. John Winthrop: This honor you have broke in giving countenance to them.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: In entertaining those did I entertain them against any act (for there is the thing) or what God has appointed? FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 5

Gov. John Winthrop: You knew that Mr. Wheelwright did preach this sermon and those that countenance him in this do break a law.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: What law have I broken?

Gov. John Winthrop: Why the fifth commandment.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: I deny that for he [Mr. Wheelwright] saith in the Lord.

Gov. John Winthrop: You have joined with them in the faction.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: In what faction have I joined with them?

Gov. John Winthrop: In presenting the petition.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: Suppose I had set my hand to the petition. What then?

Gov. John Winthrop: You saw that case tried before.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: But I had not my hand to the petition.

Gov. John Winthrop: You have counseled them.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: Wherein?

Gov. John Winthrop: Why in entertaining them.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: What breach of law is that, Sir?

Gov. John Winthrop: Why dishonoring the commonwealth, Mrs. Hutchinson.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: But put the case, Sir, that I do fear the Lord and my parents. May not I entertain them that fear the Lord because my parents will not give me leave?

Gov. John Winthrop: If they be the fathers of the commonwealth, and they of another religion, if you entertain them then you dishonor your parents and are justly punishable.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: If I entertain them, as they have dishonored their parents I do.

Gov. John Winthrop: No but you by countenancing them above others put honor upon them.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: I may put honor upon them as the children of God and as they do honor the Lord.

Gov. John Winthrop: We do not mean to discourse with those of your sex but only this: you so adhere unto them and do endeavor to set forward this faction and so you do dishonor us. FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 6

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: I do acknowledge no such thing. Neither do I think that I ever put any dishonor upon you.

Gov. John Winthrop: Why do you keep such a meeting at your house as you do every week upon a set day?

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: It is lawful for me to do so, as it is all your practices, and can you find a warrant for yourself and condemn me for the same thing? The ground of my taking it up was, when I first came to this land because I did not go to such meetings as those were, it was presently reported that I did not allow of such meetings but held them unlawful and therefore in that regard they said I was proud and did despise all ordinances.

Upon that a friend came unto me and told me of it and I to prevent such aspersions took it up, but it was in practice before I came. Therefore I was not the first.

Gov. John Winthrop: ...By what warrant do you continue such a course?

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: I conceive there lies a clear rule in Titus that the elder women should instruct the younger and then I must have a time wherein I must do it.

Gov. John Winthrop: All this I grant you, I grant you a time for it, but what is this to the purpose that you Mrs. Hutchinson must call a company together from their callings to come to be taught of you?

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: If you look upon the rule in Titus it is a rule to me. If you convince me that it is no rule I shall yield.

Gov. John Winthrop: You know that there is no rule that crosses another, but this rule crosses that in the Corinthians. But you must take it in this sense that elder women must instruct the younger about their business and to love their husbands and not to make them to clash Mrs. Hutchinson...

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: Will it please you to answer me this and to give me a rule for then I will willingly submit to any truth, Mrs. Hutchinson If any come to my house to be instructed in the ways of God what rule have I to put them away?.... Do you think it not lawful for me to teach women and why do you call me to teach the court?

Gov. John Winthrop: We do not call you to teach the court but to lay open yourself....

Gov. John Winthrop: Your course is not to be suffered for. Besides that we find such a course as this to be greatly prejudicial to the state. Besides the occasion that it is to seduce many honest persons that are called to those meetings and your opinions and your opinions being known to be different from the word of God may seduce many simple souls that resort unto you. Besides that the occasion which hath come of late hath come from none but such as have frequented your meetings, so that now they are flown off from magistrates and ministers and since they have come to you. And besides that it will not well stand with the commonwealth that families should FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 7 be neglected for so many neighbors and dames and so much time spent. We see no rule of God for this. We see not that any should have authority to set up any other exercises besides what authority hath already set up and so what hurt comes of this you will be guilty of and we for suffering you.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: Sir, I do not believe that to be so.

Gov. John Winthrop: Well, we see how it is. We must therefore put it away from you or restrain you from maintaining this course.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: If you have a rule for it from God's word you may.

Gov. John Winthrop: We are your judges, and not you ours and we must compel you to it.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: If it please you by authority to put it down I will freely let you for I am subject to your authority....

Deputy Gov. Thomas Dudley: I would go a little higher with Mrs. Hutchinson. About three years ago we were all in peace. Mrs. Hutchinson, from that time she came hath made a disturbance, and some that came over with her in the ship did inform me what she was as soon as she was landed. I being then in place dealt with the pastor and teacher of Boston and desired them to enquire of her, and then I was satisfied that she held nothing different from us. But within half a year after, she had vented divers of her strange opinions and had made parties in the country, and at length it comes that Mr. Cotton and Mr. Vane were of her judgment, but Mr. Cotton had cleared himself that he was not of that mind. But now it appears by this woman's meeting that Mrs. Hutchinson hath so forestalled the minds of many by their resort to her meeting that now she hath a potent party in the country. Now if all these things have endangered us as from that foundation and if she in particular hath disparaged all our ministers in the land that they have preached a covenant of works, and only Mr. Cotton a covenant of grace, why this is not to be suffered, and therefore being driven to the foundation and it being found that Mrs. Hutchinson is she that hath depraved all the ministers and hath been the cause of what is fallen out, why we must take away the foundation and the building will fall.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: I pray, Sir, prove it that I said they preached nothing but a covenant of works.

Dep. Gov. Thomas Dudley: Nothing but a covenant of works. Why a Jesuit may preach truth sometimes.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: Did I ever say they preached a covenant of works then?

Dep. Gov. Thomas Dudley: If they do not preach a covenant of grace clearly, then they preach a covenant of works.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: No, Sir. One may preach a covenant of grace more clearly than another, so I said.... FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 8

Dep. Gov. Thomas Dudley: When they do preach a covenant of works do they preach truth?

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: Yes, Sir. But when they preach a covenant of works for salvation, that is not truth.

Dep. Gov. Thomas Dudley: I do but ask you this: when the ministers do preach a covenant of works do they preach a way of salvation?

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: I did not come hither to answer questions of that sort.

Dep. Gov. Thomas Dudley: Because you will deny the thing.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: Ey, but that is to be proved first.

Dep. Gov. Thomas Dudley: I will make it plain that you did say that the ministers did preach a covenant of works.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: I deny that.

Dep. Gov. Thomas Dudley: And that you said they were not able ministers of the New Testament, but Mr. Cotton only.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: If ever I spake that I proved it by God's word. Court: Very well, very well.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: If one shall come unto me in private, and desire me seriously to tell them what I thought of such an one, I must either speak false or true in my answer. Dep. Gov.

Thomas Dudley: Likewise I will prove this that you said the gospel in the letter and words holds forth nothing but a covenant of works and that all that do not hold as you do are in a covenant of works.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: I deny this for if I should so say I should speak against my own judgment....

Mr. Hugh Peters: That which concerns us to speak unto, as yet we are sparing in, unless the court command us to speak, then we shall answer to Mrs. Hutchinson notwithstanding our brethren are very unwilling to answer.

[The Governor says to do so. Six ministers then testify to the particular charges and that she was “not only difficult in her opinions, but also of an intemperate spirit.”]

Mr. Hugh Peters:.... [I asked her] What difference do you conceive to be between your teacher and us?... Briefly, she told me there was a wide and broad difference.... He preaches the covenant of grace and you the covenant of works, and that you are not able ministers of the New Testament and know no more than the apostles did before the resurrection of Christ. I did then FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 9 put it to her, What do you conceive of such a brother? She answered he had not the seal of the spirit.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: If our pastor would shew his writings you should see what I said, and that many things are not so as is reported.

Mr. Wilson: ...what is written I will avouch Hutchinson.

[Mr. Weld agrees that Peters related Hutchinson's words accurately]

Mr. Phillips: [after agreeing that Peters related Hutchinson's words accurately] Then I asked her of myself (being she spake rashly of them all) because she never heard me at all. She likewise said that we were not able ministers of the New Testament and her reason was because we were not sealed.

Mr. Simmes: Agrees that Peters related Hutchinson's words accurately

Mr. Shephard: Also to Same.

[Mr. Eliot agrees that Peters related Hutchinson's words accurately]

Dep. Gov. Thomas Dudley: I called these witnesses and you deny them. You see they have proved this and you deny this, but it is clear. You say they preached a covenant of works and that they were not able ministers of the New Testament; now there are two other things that you did affirm which were that the scriptures in the letter of them held forth nothing but a covenant of works and likewise that those that were under a covenant of works cannot be saved.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: Prove that I said so.

Gov. John Winthrop: Did you say so?

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: No, Sir, it is your conclusion.

Dep. Gov. Thomas Dudley: What do I do charging of you if you deny what is so fully proved?

Gov. John Winthrop: Here are six undeniable ministers who say it is true and yet you deny that you did say that they preach a covenant of works and that they were not able ministers of the gospel, and it appears plainly that you have spoken it, and whereas you say that it was drawn from you in a way of friendship, you did profess then that it was out of conscience that you spake....

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: ...They thought that I did conceive there was a difference between them and Mr. Cotton.... I might say they might preach a covenant of works as did the apostles, but to preach a covenant of works and to be under a covenant of works is another business. Dep. Gov.

Thomas Dudley: There have been six witnesses to prove this and yet you deny it. FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 10

[He then mentions a seventh witness, Mr. Nathaniel Ward.]

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: I acknowledge using the words of the apostle to the Corinthians unto him, (Mr. Ward) that they that were ministers of the letter and not the spirit did preach a covenant of works.

Gov. John Winthrop: Mrs. Hutchinson, the court you see hath laboured to bring you to acknowledge the error of your way that so you might be reduced, the time grows late, we shall therefore give you a little more time to consider of it and therefore desire that you attend the court again in the morning.

[The next morning]

Gov. John Winthrop: We proceeded... as far as we could... There were divers things laid to her charge: her ordinary meetings about religious exercises, her speeches in derogation of the ministers among us, and the weakening of the hands and hearts of the people towards them. Here was sufficient proof made of that which she was accused of, in that point concerning the ministers and their ministry, as that they did preach a covenant of works when others did preach a covenant of grace, and that they were not able ministers of the New Testament, and that they had not the seal of the spirit, and this was spoken not as was pretended out of private conference, but out of conscience and warrant from scripture alleged the fear of man is a snare and seeing God had given her a calling to it she would freely speak. Some other speeches she used, as that the letter of the scripture held forth a covenant of works, and this is offered to be proved by probable grounds....

[Discussion of whether the witnesses should be recalled and made swear an oath, as Mrs. Hutchinson desired, is resolved against doing so]

Gov. John Winthrop: I see no necessity of an oath in this thing seeing it is true and the substance of the matter confirmed by divers, yet that all may be satisfied, if the elders will take an oath they shall have it given them....

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: After that they have taken an oath I will make good what I say. Gov.

John Winthrop: Let us state the case, and then we may know what to do. That which is laid to Mrs. Hutchinson charge is that, that she hath traduced the magistrates and ministers of this jurisdiction, that she hath said the ministers preached a covenant of works and Mr. Cotton a covenant of grace, and that they were not able ministers of the gospel, and she excuses it that she made it a private conference and with a promise of secrecy, &c. Now this is charged upon her, and they therefore sent for her seeing she made it her table talk, and then she said the fear of man was a snare and therefore she would not be affeared of them....

Dep. Gov. Thomas Dudley: Let her witnesses be called.

Gov. John Winthrop: Who be they? FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 11

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: Mr. Leverett and our teacher and Mr. Coggeshall.

Gov. John Winthrop: Mr. Coggeshall was not present.

Mr. Coggeshall: Yes, but I was. Only I desired to be silent till I should be called.

Gov. John Winthrop: Will you, Mr. Coggeshall, say that she did not say so?

Mr. Coggeshall: Yes, I dare say that she did not say all that which they lay against her.

Mr. Peters: How dare you look into the court to say such a word?

Mr. Coggeshall: Mr. Peters takes upon him to forbid me. I shall be silent.

Mr. Stoughton (assistant of the Court): Ey, but she intended this that they say.

Gov. John Winthrop: Well, Mr. Leverett, what were the words? I pray, speak.

Mr. Leverett: To my best remembrance when the elders did send for her, Mr. Peters did with much vehemency and intreaty urge her to tell what difference there was between Mr. Cotton and them, and upon his urging of her she said “The fear of man is a snare, but they that trust upon the Lord shall be safe.” And being asked wherein the difference was, she answered that they did not preach a covenant of grace so clearly as Mr. Cotton did, and she gave this reason of it: because that as the apostles were for a time without the spirit so until they had received the witness of the spirit they could not preach a covenant of grace so clearly.

Gov. John Winthrop: Don't you remember that she said they were not able ministers of the New Testament?

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: Mr. Weld and I had an hour's discourse at the window and then I spake that, if I spake it...

Gov. John Winthrop: Mr. Cotton, the court desires that you declare what you do remember of the conference which was at the time and is now in question.

Mr. Cotton: I did not think I should be called to bear witness in this cause and therefore did not labor to call to remembrance what was done; but the greatest passage that took impression upon me was to this purpose. The elders spake that they had heard that she had spoken some condemning words of their ministry, and among other things they did first pray her to answer wherein she thought their ministry did differ from mine. How the comparison sprang I am ignorant, but sorry I was that any comparison should be between me and my brethren and uncomfortable it was. She told them to this purpose that they did not hold forth a covenant of grace as I did. But wherein did we differ? Why she said that they did not hold forth the seal of the spirit as he doth. Where is the difference there? Say they, why saith she, speaking to one or other of them, I know not to whom. You preach of the seal of the spirit upon a work and he upon free grace without a work or without respect to a work; he preaches the seal of the spirit upon FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 12 free grace and you upon a work. I told her I was very sorry that she put comparisons between my ministry and theirs, for she had said more than I could myself, and rather I had that she had put us in fellowship with them and not have made that discrepancy. She said, she found the difference. This was the sum of the difference, nor did it seem to be so ill taken as it is and our brethren did say also that they would not so easily believe reports as they had done and withal mentioned that they would speak no more of it, some of them did; and afterwards some of them did say they were less satisfied than before. And I must say that I did not find her saying that they were under a covenant of works, nor that she said they did preach a covenant of works.

[Discussion between Rev. John Cotton, trying to defend Mrs. Hutchinson, and Mr. Peters, about exactly what Mrs. Hutchinson said]

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: If you please to give me leave I shall give you the ground of what I know to be true. Being much troubled to see the falseness of the constitution of the Church of England, I had like to have turned Separatist. Whereupon I kept a day of solemn humiliation and pondering of the thing; this scripture was brought unto me—he that denies Jesus Christ to be come in the flesh is antichrist. This I considered of and in considering found that the papists did not deny him to be come in the flesh, nor we did not deny him—who then was antichrist? Was the Turk antichrist only? The Lord knows that I could not open scripture; he must by his prophetical office open it unto me. So after that being unsatisfied in the thing, the Lord was pleased to bring this scripture out of the Hebrews. He that denies the testament denies the testator, and in this did open unto me and give me to see that those which did not teach the new covenant had the spirit of antichrist, and upon this he did discover the ministry unto me; and ever since, I bless the Lord, he hath let me see which was the clear ministry and which the wrong. Since that time I confess I have been more choice and he hath left me to distinguish between the voice of my beloved and the voice of Moses, the voice of John the Baptist and the voice of antichrist, for all those voices are spoken of in scripture. Now if you do condemn me for speaking what in my conscience I know to be truth I must commit myself unto the Lord.

Mr. Nowel (assistant to the Court): How do you know that was the spirit?

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: How did Abraham know that it was God that bid him offer his son, being a breach of the sixth commandment?

Dep. Gov. Thomas Dudley: By an immediate voice.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: So to me by an immediate revelation.

Dep. Gov. Thomas Dudley: How! an immediate revelation.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: By the voice of his own spirit to my soul. I will give you another scripture, Jeremiah 46: 27-28—out of which the Lord showed me what he would do for me and the rest of his servants. But after he was pleased to reveal himself to me I did presently, like Abraham, run to Hagar. And after that he did let me see the atheism of my own heart, for which I begged of the Lord that it might not remain in my heart, and being thus, he did show me this (a twelvemonth after) which I told you of before.... Therefore, I desire you to look to it, for you see FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 13 this scripture fulfilled this day and therefore I desire you as you tender the Lord and the church and commonwealth to consider and look what you do. You have power over my body but the Lord Jesus hath power over my body and soul; and assure yourselves thus much, you do as much as in you lies to put the Lord Jesus Christ from you, and if you go on in this course you begin, you will bring a curse upon you and your posterity, and the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

Dep. Gov. Thomas Dudley: What is the scripture she brings?

Mr. Stoughton (assistant to the Court): Behold I turn away from you.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: But now having seen him which is invisible I fear not what man can do unto me.

Gov. John Winthrop: Daniel was delivered by miracle; do you think to be deliver'd so too?

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: I do here speak it before the court. I look that the Lord should deliver me by his providence.... (because God had said to her) though I should meet with affliction, yet I am the same God that delivered Daniel out of the lion's den, I will also deliver thee.

Mr. Harlakenden (assistant to the Court): I may read scripture and the most glorious hypocrite may read them and yet go down to hell.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: It may be so....

Gov. John Winthrop: I am persuaded that the revelation she brings forth is delusion. [Trial transcript reads:] All the court but some two or three ministers cry out, we all believe it—we all believe it.

Gov. John Winthrop: The court hath already declared themselves satisfied concerning the things you hear, and concerning the troublesomeness of her spirit and the danger of her course amongst us, which is not to be suffered. Therefore, if it be the mind of the court that Mrs. Hutchinson for these things that appear before us is unfit for our society, and if it be the mind of the court that she shall be banished out of our liberties and imprisoned till she be sent away, let them hold up their hands. (All but three did so.)

Gov. John Winthrop: Mrs. Hutchinson, the sentence of the court you hear is that you are banished from out of our jurisdiction as being a woman not fit for our society, and are to be imprisoned till the court shall send you away.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: I desire to know wherefore I am banished?

Gov. John Winthrop: Say no more. The court knows wherefore and is satisfied.

Source: Thomas Hutchinson, History of the Colony and Province of Massachusetts (Boston, 1767)

------FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 14

MARY ROWLANDSON (1635?--1678)

From NARRATIVE OF THE CAPTIVITY AND RESTORATION OF MRS. MARY ROWLANDSON (1682)

NOTE: Rowlandson was a colonial American woman who was captured during an attack by Native Americans during King Philip's War and held ransom for 11 weeks and 5 days. After being released, she wrote A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson, also known as The Sovereignty and Goodness of God. It is a work in the literary genre of CAPTIVITY NARRATIVES. It is considered to be one of America's first bestsellers, four editions appearing in 1682 when it was first published. She married Reverend Joseph Rowlandson in 1656. Four children were born to the couple between 1658 and 1669, with their first daughter dying young. At sunrise on February 10, 1675, the town where they lived (Lancaster) came under attack by Narragansett, Wampanoag and Nashaway/Nipmuc Indians. During the attack, which was anticipated by man residents including Mary's husband, Joseph, the Native American raiding party killed 13 people, while at least 24 were taken captive, many of them injured. Rowlandson and her three children, Joseph, Mary, and Sarah, were among those taken in the raid. Rowlandson's 6-year-old daughter, Sarah, succumbed from FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 15 her wounds after a week of captivity. For more than 11 weeks, Rowlandson and her children were forced to accompany the Indians as they travelled through the wilderness to carry out other raids and to elude the English militia. On May 2, 1676, Rowlandson was ransomed for £20 raised by the women of Boston in a public subscription and paid by John Hoar of Concord at Redemption Rock in Princeton, Massachusetts. In 1677, Reverend Rowlandson moved his family to Wethersfield, Connecticut, where he was installed as pastor in April of that year. He died in Wethersfield in November 1678. Church officials granted his widow a pension of £30 per year. Mary Rowlandson and her surviving children moved to Boston, where she is thought to have written her captivity narrative, although her original manuscript has not survived. It was published in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1682, and in London the same year.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT WHILE READING: As you read through the following selections, what kind of woman emerges for you? What are some of her qualities? Despite her circumstances, what helps her carry on?

The sovereignty and goodness of GOD, together with the faithfulness of his promises displayed, being a narrative of the captivity and restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson, commended by her, to all that desires to know the Lord's doings to, and dealings with her. Especially to her dear children and relations. The second Addition [sic] Corrected and amended. Written by her own hand for her private use, and now made public at the earnest desire of some friends, and for the benefit of the afflicted. Deut. 32.39. See now that I, even I am he, and there is no god with me, I kill and I make alive, I wound and I heal, neither is there any can deliver out of my hand.

On the tenth of February 1675, came the Indians with great numbers upon Lancaster: their first coming was about sunrising; hearing the noise of some guns, we looked out; several houses were burning, and the smoke ascending to heaven. There were five persons taken in one house; the father, and the mother and a sucking child, they knocked on the head; the other two they took and carried away alive. There were two others, who being out of their garrison upon some occasion were set upon; one was knocked on the head, the other escaped; another there was who running along was shot and wounded, and fell down; he begged of them his life, promising them money (as they told me) but they would not hearken to him but knocked him in head, and stripped him naked, and split open his bowels. Another, seeing many of the Indians about his barn, ventured and went out, but was quickly shot down. There were three others belonging to the same garrison who were killed; the Indians getting up upon the roof of the barn, had advantage to shoot down upon them over their fortification. Thus these murderous wretches went on, burning, and destroying before them.

At length they came and beset our own house, and quickly it was the dolefulest day that ever mine eyes saw. The house stood upon the edge of a hill; some of the Indians got behind the hill, others into the barn, and others behind anything that could shelter them; from all which places they shot against the house, so that the bullets seemed to fly like hail; and quickly they wounded one man among us, then another, and then a third. About two hours (according to my observation, in that amazing time) they had been about the house before they prevailed to fire it (which they did with flax and hemp, which they brought out of the barn, and there being no defense about the house, only two flankers at two opposite corners and one of them not finished); FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 16 they fired it once and one ventured out and quenched it, but they quickly fired it again, and that took. Now is the dreadful hour come, that I have often heard of (in time of war, as it was the case of others), but now mine eyes see it. Some in our house were fighting for their lives, others wallowing in their blood, the house on fire over our heads, and the bloody heathen ready to knock us on the head, if we stirred out. Now might we hear mothers and children crying out for themselves, and one another, "Lord, what shall we do?" Then I took my children (and one of my sisters', hers) to go forth and leave the house: but as soon as we came to the door and appeared, the Indians shot so thick that the bullets rattled against the house, as if one had taken an handful of stones and threw them, so that we were fain to give back. We had six stout dogs belonging to our garrison, but none of them would stir, though another time, if any Indian had come to the door, they were ready to fly upon him and tear him down. The Lord hereby would make us the more acknowledge His hand, and to see that our help is always in Him. But out we must go, the fire increasing, and coming along behind us, roaring, and the Indians gaping before us with their guns, spears, and hatchets to devour us. No sooner were we out of the house, but my brother-in- law (being before wounded, in defending the house, in or near the throat) fell down dead, whereat the Indians scornfully shouted, and hallowed, and were presently upon him, stripping off his clothes, the bullets flying thick, one went through my side, and the same (as would seem) through the bowels and hand of my dear child in my arms. One of my elder sisters' children, named William, had then his leg broken, which the Indians perceiving, they knocked him on [his] head. Thus were we butchered by those merciless heathen, standing amazed, with the blood running down to our heels. My eldest sister being yet in the house, and seeing those woeful sights, the infidels hauling mothers one way, and children another, and some wallowing in their blood: and her elder son telling her that her son William was dead, and myself was wounded, she said, "And Lord, let me die with them," which was no sooner said, but she was struck with a bullet, and fell down dead over the threshold. I hope she is reaping the fruit of her good labors, being faithful to the service of God in her place. In her younger years she lay under much trouble upon spiritual accounts, till it pleased God to make that precious scripture take hold of her heart, "And he said unto me, my Grace is sufficient for thee" (2 Corinthians 12.9). More than twenty years after, I have heard her tell how sweet and comfortable that place was to her. But to return: the Indians laid hold of us, pulling me one way, and the children another, and said, "Come go along with us"; I told them they would kill me: they answered, if I were willing to go along with them, they would not hurt me.

Oh the doleful sight that now was to behold at this house! "Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he has made in the earth." Of thirty-seven persons who were in this one house, none escaped either present death, or a bitter captivity, save only one, who might say as he, "And I only am escaped alone to tell the News" (Job 1.15). There were twelve killed, some shot, some stabbed with their spears, some knocked down with their hatchets. When we are in prosperity, Oh the little that we think of such dreadful sights, and to see our dear friends, and relations lie bleeding out their heart-blood upon the ground. There was one who was chopped into the head with a hatchet, and stripped naked, and yet was crawling up and down. It is a solemn sight to see so many Christians lying in their blood, some here, and some there, like a company of sheep torn by wolves, all of them stripped naked by a company of hell-hounds, roaring, singing, ranting, and insulting, as if they would have torn our very hearts out; yet the Lord by His almighty power preserved a number of us from death, for there were twenty-four of us taken alive and carried captive. FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 17

I had often before this said that if the Indians should come, I should choose rather to be killed by them than taken alive, but when it came to the trial my mind changed; their glittering weapons so daunted my spirit, that I chose rather to go along with those (as I may say) ravenous beasts, than that moment to end my days; and that I may the better declare what happened to me during that grievous captivity, I shall particularly speak of the several removes we had up and down the wilderness.

THE FIRST REMOVE

Now away we must go with those barbarous creatures, with our bodies wounded and bleeding, and our hearts no less than our bodies. About a mile we went that night, up upon a hill within sight of the town, where they intended to lodge. There was hard by a vacant house (deserted by the English before, for fear of the Indians). I asked them whether I might not lodge in the house that night, to which they answered, "What, will you love English men still?" This was the dolefulest night that ever my eyes saw. Oh the roaring, and singing and dancing, and yelling of those black creatures in the night, which made the place a lively resemblance of hell. And as miserable was the waste that was there made of horses, cattle, sheep, swine, calves, lambs, roasting pigs, and fowl (which they had plundered in the town), some roasting, some lying and burning, and some boiling to feed our merciless enemies; who were joyful enough, though we were disconsolate. To add to the dolefulness of the former day, and the dismalness of the present night, my thoughts ran upon my losses and sad bereaved condition. All was gone, my husband gone (at least separated from me, he being in the Bay; and to add to my grief, the Indians told me they would kill him as he came homeward), my children gone, my relations and friends gone, our house and home and all our comforts—within door and without—all was gone (except my life), and I knew not but the next moment that might go too. There remained nothing to me but one poor wounded babe, and it seemed at present worse than death that it was in such a pitiful condition, bespeaking compassion, and I had no refreshing for it, nor suitable things to revive it. Little do many think what is the savageness and brutishness of this barbarous enemy, Ay, even those that seem to profess more than others among them, when the English have fallen into their hands.

Those seven that were killed at Lancaster the summer before upon a Sabbath day, and the one that was afterward killed upon a weekday, were slain and mangled in a barbarous manner, by one-eyed John, and Marlborough's Praying Indians, which Capt. Mosely brought to Boston, as the Indians told me.

THE SECOND REMOVE

But now, the next morning, I must turn my back upon the town, and travel with them into the vast and desolate wilderness, I knew not whither. It is not my tongue, or pen, can express the sorrows of my heart, and bitterness of my spirit that I had at this departure: but God was with me in a wonderful manner, carrying me along, and bearing up my spirit, that it did not quite fail. One of the Indians carried my poor wounded babe upon a horse; it went moaning all along, "I shall die, I shall die." I went on foot after it, with sorrow that cannot be expressed. At length I took it FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 18 off the horse, and carried it in my arms till my strength failed, and I fell down with it. Then they set me upon a horse with my wounded child in my lap, and there being no furniture upon the horse's back, as we were going down a steep hill we both fell over the horse's head, at which they, like inhumane creatures, laughed, and rejoiced to see it, though I thought we should there have ended our days, as overcome with so many difficulties. But the Lord renewed my strength still, and carried me along, that I might see more of His power; yea, so much that I could never have thought of, had I not experienced it.

After this it quickly began to snow, and when night came on, they stopped, and now down I must sit in the snow, by a little fire, and a few boughs behind me, with my sick child in my lap; and calling much for water, being now (through the wound) fallen into a violent fever. My own wound also growing so stiff that I could scarce sit down or rise up; yet so it must be, that I must sit all this cold winter night upon the cold snowy ground, with my sick child in my arms, looking that every hour would be the last of its life; and having no Christian friend near me, either to comfort or help me. Oh, I may see the wonderful power of God, that my Spirit did not utterly sink under my affliction: still the Lord upheld me with His gracious and merciful spirit, and we were both alive to see the light of the next morning.

THE THIRD REMOVE

The morning being come, they prepared to go on their way. One of the Indians got up upon a horse, and they set me up behind him, with my poor sick babe in my lap. A very wearisome and tedious day I had of it; what with my own wound, and my child's being so exceeding sick, and in a lamentable condition with her wound. It may be easily judged what a poor feeble condition we were in, there being not the least crumb of refreshing that came within either of our mouths from Wednesday night to Saturday night, except only a little cold water. This day in the afternoon, about an hour by sun, we came to the place where they intended, viz. an Indian town, called Wenimesset, northward of Quabaug. When we were come, Oh the number of pagans (now merciless enemies) that there came about me, that I may say as David, "I had fainted, unless I had believed, etc" (Psalm 27.13). The next day was the Sabbath. I then remembered how careless I had been of God's holy time; how many Sabbaths I had lost and misspent, and how evilly I had walked in God's sight; which lay so close unto my spirit, that it was easy for me to see how righteous it was with God to cut off the thread of my life and cast me out of His presence forever. Yet the Lord still showed mercy to me, and upheld me; and as He wounded me with one hand, so he healed me with the other. This day there came to me one Robert Pepper (a man belonging to Roxbury) who was taken in Captain Beers's fight, and had been now a considerable time with the Indians; and up with them almost as far as Albany, to see King Philip, as he told me, and was now very lately come into these parts. Hearing, I say, that I was in this Indian town, he obtained leave to come and see me. He told me he himself was wounded in the leg at Captain Beer's fight; and was not able some time to go, but as they carried him, and as he took oaken leaves and laid to his wound, and through the blessing of God he was able to travel again. Then I took oaken leaves and laid to my side, and with the blessing of God it cured me also; yet before the cure was wrought, I may say, as it is in Psalm 38.5-6 "My wounds stink and are corrupt, I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly, I go mourning all the day long." I sat much alone with a poor wounded child in my lap, which moaned night and day, having nothing to revive the body, FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 19 or cheer the spirits of her, but instead of that, sometimes one Indian would come and tell me one hour that "your master will knock your child in the head," and then a second, and then a third, "your master will quickly knock your child in the head."

This was the comfort I had from them, miserable comforters are ye all, as he said. Thus nine days I sat upon my knees, with my babe in my lap, till my flesh was raw again; my child being even ready to depart this sorrowful world, they bade me carry it out to another wigwam (I suppose because they would not be troubled with such spectacles) whither I went with a very heavy heart, and down I sat with the picture of death in my lap. About two hours in the night, my sweet babe like a lamb departed this life on Feb. 18, 1675. It being about six years, and five months old. It was nine days from the first wounding, in this miserable condition, without any refreshing of one nature or other, except a little cold water. I cannot but take notice how at another time I could not bear to be in the room where any dead person was, but now the case is changed; I must and could lie down by my dead babe, side by side all the night after. I have thought since of the wonderful goodness of God to me in preserving me in the use of my reason and senses in that distressed time, that I did not use wicked and violent means to end my own miserable life. In the morning, when they understood that my child was dead they sent for me home to my master's wigwam (by my master in this writing, must be understood Quinnapin, who was a Sagamore, and married King Philip's wife's sister; not that he first took me, but I was sold to him by another Narragansett Indian, who took me when first I came out of the garrison). I went to take up my dead child in my arms to carry it with me, but they bid me let it alone; there was no resisting, but go I must and leave it. When I had been at my master's wigwam, I took the first opportunity I could get to go look after my dead child. When I came I asked them what they had done with it; then they told me it was upon the hill. Then they went and showed me where it was, where I saw the ground was newly digged, and there they told me they had buried it. There I left that child in the wilderness, and must commit it, and myself also in this wilderness condition, to Him who is above all. God having taken away this dear child, I went to see my daughter Mary, who was at this same Indian town, at a wigwam not very far off, though we had little liberty or opportunity to see one another. She was about ten years old, and taken from the door at first by a Praying Ind. and afterward sold for a gun. When I came in sight, she would fall aweeping; at which they were provoked, and would not let me come near her, but bade me be gone; which was a heart-cutting word to me. I had one child dead, another in the wilderness, I knew not where, the third they would not let me come near to: "Me (as he said) have ye bereaved of my Children, Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin also, all these things are against me." I could not sit still in this condition, but kept walking from one place to another. And as I was going along, my heart was even overwhelmed with the thoughts of my condition, and that I should have children, and a nation which I knew not, ruled over them. Whereupon I earnestly entreated the Lord, that He would consider my low estate, and show me a token for good, and if it were His blessed will, some sign and hope of some relief. And indeed quickly the Lord answered, in some measure, my poor prayers; for as I was going up and down mourning and lamenting my condition, my son came to me, and asked me how I did. I had not seen him before, since the destruction of the town, and I knew not where he was, till I was informed by himself, that he was amongst a smaller parcel of Indians, whose place was about six miles off. With tears in his eyes, he asked me whether his sister Sarah was dead; and told me he had seen his sister Mary; and prayed me, that I would not be troubled in reference to himself. The occasion of his coming to see me at this time, was this: there was, as I said, about six miles from FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 20 us, a small plantation of Indians, where it seems he had been during his captivity; and at this time, there were some forces of the Ind. gathered out of our company, and some also from them (among whom was my son's master) to go to assault and burn Medfield. In this time of the absence of his master, his dame brought him to see me. I took this to be some gracious answer to my earnest and unfeigned desire. The next day, viz. to this, the Indians returned from Medfield, all the company, for those that belonged to the other small company, came through the town that now we were at. But before they came to us, Oh! the outrageous roaring and hooping that there was. They began their din about a mile before they came to us. By their noise and hooping they signified how many they had destroyed (which was at that time twenty-three). Those that were with us at home were gathered together as soon as they heard the hooping, and every time that the other went over their number, these at home gave a shout, that the very earth rung again. And thus they continued till those that had been upon the expedition were come up to the Sagamore's wigwam; and then, Oh, the hideous insulting and triumphing that there was over some Englishmen's scalps that they had taken (as their manner is) and brought with them. I cannot but take notice of the wonderful mercy of God to me in those afflictions, in sending me a Bible. One of the Indians that came from Medfield fight, had brought some plunder, came to me, and asked me, if I would have a Bible, he had got one in his basket. I was glad of it, and asked him, whether he thought the Indians would let me read? He answered, yes. So I took the Bible, and in that melancholy time, it came into my mind to read first the 28th chapter of Deuteronomy, which I did, and when I had read it, my dark heart wrought on this manner: that there was no mercy for me, that the blessings were gone, and the curses come in their room, and that I had lost my opportunity. But the Lord helped me still to go on reading till I came to Chap. 30, the seven first verses, where I found, there was mercy promised again, if we would return to Him by repentance; and though we were scattered from one end of the earth to the other, yet the Lord would gather us together, and turn all those curses upon our enemies. I do not desire to live to forget this Scripture, and what comfort it was to me.

Now the Ind. began to talk of removing from this place, some one way, and some another. There were now besides myself nine English captives in this place (all of them children, except one woman). I got an opportunity to go and take my leave of them. They being to go one way, and I another, I asked them whether they were earnest with God for deliverance. They told me they did as they were able, and it was some comfort to me, that the Lord stirred up children to look to Him. The woman, viz. goodwife Joslin, told me she should never see me again, and that she could find in her heart to run away. I wished her not to run away by any means, for we were near thirty miles from any English town, and she very big with child, and had but one week to reckon, and another child in her arms, two years old, and bad rivers there were to go over, and we were feeble, with our poor and coarse entertainment. I had my Bible with me, I pulled it out, and asked her whether she would read. We opened the Bible and lighted on Psalm 27, in which Psalm we especially took notice of that, ver. ult., "Wait on the Lord, Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine Heart, wait I say on the Lord."

[...] THE TWENTIETH REMOVE FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 21

It was their usual manner to remove, when they had done any mischief, lest they should be found out; and so they did at this time. We went about three or four miles, and there they built a great wigwam, big enough to hold an hundred Indians, which they did in preparation to a great day of dancing. They would say now amongst themselves, that the governor would be so angry for his loss at Sudbury, that he would send no more about the captives, which made me grieve and tremble. My sister being not far from the place where we now were, and hearing that I was here, desired her master to let her come and see me, and he was willing to it, and would go with her; but she being ready before him, told him she would go before, and was come within a mile or two of the place. Then he overtook her, and began to rant as if he had been mad, and made her go back again in the rain; so that I never saw her till I saw her in Charlestown. But the Lord requited many of their ill doings, for this Indian her master, was hanged afterward at Boston. The Indians now began to come from all quarters, against their merry dancing day. Among some of them came one goodwife Kettle. I told her my heart was so heavy that it was ready to break. "So is mine too," said she, but yet said, "I hope we shall hear some good news shortly." I could hear how earnestly my sister desired to see me, and I as earnestly desired to see her; and yet neither of us could get an opportunity. My daughter was also now about a mile off, and I had not seen her in nine or ten weeks, as I had not seen my sister since our first taking. I earnestly desired them to let me go and see them: yea, I entreated, begged, and persuaded them, but to let me see my daughter; and yet so hard-hearted were they, that they would not suffer it. They made use of their tyrannical power whilst they had it; but through the Lord's wonderful mercy, their time was now but short.

On a Sabbath day, the sun being about an hour high in the afternoon, came Mr. John Hoar (the council permitting him, and his own foreward spirit inclining him), together with the two forementioned Indians, Tom and Peter, with their third letter from the council. When they came near, I was abroad. Though I saw them not, they presently called me in, and bade me sit down and not stir. Then they catched up their guns, and away they ran, as if an enemy had been at hand, and the guns went off apace. I manifested some great trouble, and they asked me what was the matter? I told them I thought they had killed the Englishman (for they had in the meantime informed me that an Englishman was come). They said, no. They shot over his horse and under and before his horse, and they pushed him this way and that way, at their pleasure, showing what they could do. Then they let them come to their wigwams. I begged of them to let me see the Englishman, but they would not. But there was I fain to sit their pleasure. When they had talked their fill with him, they suffered me to go to him. We asked each other of our welfare, and how my husband did, and all my friends? He told me they were all well, and would be glad to see me. Amongst other things which my husband sent me, there came a pound of tobacco, which I sold for nine shillings in money; for many of the Indians for want of tobacco, smoked hemlock, and ground ivy. It was a great mistake in any, who thought I sent for tobacco; for through the favor of God, that desire was overcome. I now asked them whether I should go home with Mr. Hoar? They answered no, one and another of them, and it being night, we lay down with that answer. In the morning Mr. Hoar invited the Sagamores to dinner; but when we went to get it ready we found that they had stolen the greatest part of the provision Mr. Hoar had brought, out of his bags, in the night. And we may see the wonderful power of God, in that one passage, in that when there was such a great number of the Indians together, and so greedy of a little good food, and no English there but Mr. Hoar and myself, that there they did not knock us in the head, and take what we had, there being not only some provision, but also trading-cloth, a part of the FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 22 twenty pounds agreed upon. But instead of doing us any mischief, they seemed to be ashamed of the fact, and said, it were some matchit Indian that did it. Oh, that we could believe that there is nothing too hard for God! God showed His power over the heathen in this, as He did over the hungry lions when Daniel was cast into the den. Mr. Hoar called them betime to dinner, but they ate very little, they being so busy in dressing themselves, and getting ready for their dance, which was carried on by eight of them, four men and four squaws. My master and mistress being two. He was dressed in his holland shirt, with great laces sewed at the tail of it; he had his silver buttons, his white stockings, his garters were hung round with shillings, and he had girdles of wampum upon his head and shoulders. She had a kersey coat, and covered with girdles of wampum from the loins upward. Her arms from her elbows to her hands were covered with bracelets; there were handfuls of necklaces about her neck, and several sorts of jewels in her ears. She had fine red stockings, and white shoes, her hair powdered and face painted red, that was always before black. And all the dancers were after the same manner. There were two others singing and knocking on a kettle for their music. They kept hopping up and down one after another, with a kettle of water in the midst, standing warm upon some embers, to drink of when they were dry. They held on till it was almost night, throwing out wampum to the standers by. At night I asked them again, if I should go home? They all as one said no, except my husband would come for me. When we were lain down, my master went out of the wigwam, and by and by sent in an Indian called James the Printer, who told Mr. Hoar, that my master would let me go home tomorrow, if he would let him have one pint of liquors. Then Mr. Hoar called his own Indians, Tom and Peter, and bid them go and see whether he would promise it before them three; and if he would, he should have it; which he did, and he had it. Then Philip smelling the business called me to him, and asked me what I would give him, to tell me some good news, and speak a good word for me. I told him I could not tell what to give him. I would [give him] anything I had, and asked him what he would have? He said two coats and twenty shillings in money, and half a bushel of seed corn, and some tobacco. I thanked him for his love; but I knew the good news as well as the crafty fox. My master after he had had his drink, quickly came ranting into the wigwam again, and called for Mr. Hoar, drinking to him, and saying, he was a good man, and then again he would say, "hang him rogue." Being almost drunk, he would drink to him, and yet presently say he should be hanged. Then he called for me. I trembled to hear him, yet I was fain to go to him, and he drank to me, showing no incivility. He was the first Indian I saw drunk all the while that I was amongst them. At last his squaw ran out, and he after her, round the wigwam, with his money jingling at his knees. But she escaped him. But having an old squaw he ran to her; and so through the Lord's mercy, we were no more troubled that night. Yet I had not a comfortable night's rest; for I think I can say, I did not sleep for three nights together. The night before the letter came from the council, I could not rest, I was so full of fears and troubles, God many times leaving us most in the dark, when deliverance is nearest. Yea, at this time I could not rest night nor day. The next night I was overjoyed, Mr. Hoar being come, and that with such good tidings. The third night I was even swallowed up with the thoughts of things, viz. that ever I should go home again; and that I must go, leaving my children behind me in the wilderness; so that sleep was now almost departed from mine eyes.

On Tuesday morning they called their general court (as they call it) to consult and determine, whether I should go home or no. And they all as one man did seemingly consent to it, that I should go home; except Philip, who would not come among them. FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 23

But before I go any further, I would take leave to mention a few remarkable passages of providence, which I took special notice of in my afflicted time.

1. Of the fair opportunity lost in the long march, a little after the fort fight, when our English army was so numerous, and in pursuit of the enemy, and so near as to take several and destroy them, and the enemy in such distress for food that our men might track them by their rooting in the earth for ground nuts, whilst they were flying for their lives. I say, that then our army should want provision, and be forced to leave their pursuit and return homeward; and the very next week the enemy came upon our town, like bears bereft of their whelps, or so many ravenous wolves, rending us and our lambs to death. But what shall I say? God seemed to leave his People to themselves, and order all things for His own holy ends. Shall there be evil in the City and the Lord hath not done it? They are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph, therefore shall they go captive, with the first that go captive. It is the Lord's doing, and it should be marvelous in our eyes.

2. I cannot but remember how the Indians derided the slowness, and dullness of the English army, in its setting out. For after the desolations at Lancaster and Medfield, as I went along with them, they asked me when I thought the English army would come after them? I told them I could not tell. "It may be they will come in May," said they. Thus did they scoff at us, as if the English would be a quarter of a year getting ready.

3. Which also I have hinted before, when the English army with new supplies were sent forth to pursue after the enemy, and they understanding it, fled before them till they came to Banquang river, where they forthwith went over safely; that that river should be impassable to the English. I can but admire to see the wonderful providence of God in preserving the heathen for further affliction to our poor country. They could go in great numbers over, but the English must stop. God had an over-ruling hand in all those things.

4. It was thought, if their corn were cut down, they would starve and die with hunger, and all their corn that could be found, was destroyed, and they driven from that little they had in store, into the woods in the midst of winter; and yet how to admiration did the Lord preserve them for His holy ends, and the destruction of many still amongst the English! strangely did the Lord provide for them; that I did not see (all the time I was among them) one man, woman, or child, die with hunger.

Though many times they would eat that, that a hog or a dog would hardly touch; yet by that God strengthened them to be a scourge to His people.

The chief and commonest food was ground nuts. They eat also nuts and acorns, artichokes, lilly roots, ground beans, and several other weeds and roots, that I know not.

They would pick up old bones, and cut them to pieces at the joints, and if they were full of worms and maggots, they would scald them over the fire to make the vermine come out, and then boil them, and drink up the liquor, and then beat the great ends of them in a mortar, and so eat them. They would eat horse's guts, and ears, and all sorts of wild birds which they could catch; also bear, venison, beaver, tortoise, frogs, squirrels, dogs, skunks, rattlesnakes; yea, the FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 24 very bark of trees; besides all sorts of creatures, and provision which they plundered from the English. I can but stand in admiration to see the wonderful power of God in providing for such a vast number of our enemies in the wilderness, where there was nothing to be seen, but from hand to mouth. Many times in a morning, the generality of them would eat up all they had, and yet have some further supply against they wanted. It is said, "Oh, that my People had hearkened to me, and Israel had walked in my ways, I should soon have subdued their Enemies, and turned my hand against their Adversaries" (Psalm 81.13-14). But now our perverse and evil carriages in the sight of the Lord, have so offended Him, that instead of turning His hand against them, the Lord feeds and nourishes them up to be a scourge to the whole land.

5. Another thing that I would observe is the strange providence of God, in turning things about when the Indians was at the highest, and the English at the lowest. I was with the enemy eleven weeks and five days, and not one week passed without the fury of the enemy, and some desolation by fire and sword upon one place or other. They mourned (with their black faces) for their own losses, yet triumphed and rejoiced in their inhumane, and many times devilish cruelty to the English. They would boast much of their victories; saying that in two hours time they had destroyed such a captain and his company at such a place; and boast how many towns they had destroyed, and then scoff, and say they had done them a good turn to send them to Heaven so soon. Again, they would say this summer that they would knock all the rogues in the head, or drive them into the sea, or make them fly the country; thinking surely, Agag-like, "The bitterness of Death is past." Now the heathen begins to think all is their own, and the poor Christians' hopes to fail (as to man) and now their eyes are more to God, and their hearts sigh heaven-ward; and to say in good earnest, "Help Lord, or we perish." When the Lord had brought His people to this, that they saw no help in anything but Himself; then He takes the quarrel into His own hand; and though they had made a pit, in their own imaginations, as deep as hell for the Christians that summer, yet the Lord hurled themselves into it. And the Lord had not so many ways before to preserve them, but now He hath as many to destroy them.

But to return again to my going home, where we may see a remarkable change of providence. At first they were all against it, except my husband would come for me, but afterwards they assented to it, and seemed much to rejoice in it; some asked me to send them some bread, others some tobacco, others shaking me by the hand, offering me a hood and scarfe to ride in; not one moving hand or tongue against it. Thus hath the Lord answered my poor desire, and the many earnest requests of others put up unto God for me. In my travels an Indian came to me and told me, if I were willing, he and his squaw would run away, and go home along with me. I told him no: I was not willing to run away, but desired to wait God's time, that I might go home quietly, and without fear. And now God hath granted me my desire. O the wonderful power of God that I have seen, and the experience that I have had. I have been in the midst of those roaring lions, and savage bears, that feared neither God, nor man, nor the devil, by night and day, alone and in company, sleeping all sorts together, and yet not one of them ever offered me the least abuse of unchastity to me, in word or action. Though some are ready to say I speak it for my own credit; but I speak it in the presence of God, and to His Glory. God's power is as great now, and as sufficient to save, as when He preserved Daniel in the lion's den; or the three children in the fiery furnace. I may well say as his Psalm 107.12 "Oh give thanks unto the Lord for he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever." Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy, especially that I should come away in the midst of so many hundreds of FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 25 enemies quietly and peaceably, and not a dog moving his tongue. So I took my leave of them, and in coming along my heart melted into tears, more than all the while I was with them, and I was almost swallowed up with the thoughts that ever I should go home again. About the sun going down, Mr. Hoar, and myself, and the two Indians came to Lancaster, and a solemn sight it was to me. There had I lived many comfortable years amongst my relations and neighbors, and now not one Christian to be seen, nor one house left standing. We went on to a farmhouse that was yet standing, where we lay all night, and a comfortable lodging we had, though nothing but straw to lie on. The Lord preserved us in safety that night, and raised us up again in the morning, and carried us along, that before noon, we came to Concord. Now was I full of joy, and yet not without sorrow; joy to see such a lovely sight, so many Christians together, and some of them my neighbors. There I met with my brother, and my brother-in-law, who asked me, if I knew where his wife was? Poor heart! he had helped to bury her, and knew it not. She being shot down by the house was partly burnt, so that those who were at Boston at the desolation of the town, and came back afterward, and buried the dead, did not know her. Yet I was not without sorrow, to think how many were looking and longing, and my own children amongst the rest, to enjoy that deliverance that I had now received, and I did not know whether ever I should see them again. Being recruited with food and raiment we went to Boston that day, where I met with my dear husband, but the thoughts of our dear children, one being dead, and the other we could not tell where, abated our comfort each to other. I was not before so much hemmed in with the merciless and cruel heathen, but now as much with pitiful, tender-hearted and compassionate Christians. In that poor, and distressed, and beggarly condition I was received in; I was kindly entertained in several houses. So much love I received from several (some of whom I knew, and others I knew not) that I am not capable to declare it. But the Lord knows them all by name. The Lord reward them sevenfold into their bosoms of His spirituals, for their temporals. The twenty pounds, the price of my redemption, was raised by some Boston gentlemen, and Mrs. Usher, whose bounty and religious charity, I would not forget to make mention of. Then Mr. Thomas Shepard of Charlestown received us into his house, where we continued eleven weeks; and a father and mother they were to us. And many more tender-hearted friends we met with in that place. We were now in the midst of love, yet not without much and frequent heaviness of heart for our poor children, and other relations, who were still in affliction. The week following, after my coming in, the governor and council sent forth to the Indians again; and that not without success; for they brought in my sister, and goodwife Kettle. Their not knowing where our children were was a sore trial to us still, and yet we were not without secret hopes that we should see them again. That which was dead lay heavier upon my spirit, than those which were alive and amongst the heathen: thinking how it suffered with its wounds, and I was no way able to relieve it; and how it was buried by the heathen in the wilderness from among all Christians. We were hurried up and down in our thoughts, sometime we should hear a report that they were gone this way, and sometimes that; and that they were come in, in this place or that. We kept inquiring and listening to hear concerning them, but no certain news as yet. About this time the council had ordered a day of public thanksgiving. Though I thought I had still cause of mourning, and being unsettled in our minds, we thought we would ride toward the eastward, to see if we could hear anything concerning our children. And as we were riding along (God is the wise disposer of all things) between Ipswich and Rowley we met with Mr. William Hubbard, who told us that our son Joseph was come in to Major Waldron's, and another with him, which was my sister's son. I asked him how he knew it? He said the major himself told him so. So along we went till we came to Newbury; and their minister being absent, they desired my husband to preach the FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 26 thanksgiving for them; but he was not willing to stay there that night, but would go over to Salisbury, to hear further, and come again in the morning, which he did, and preached there that day. At night, when he had done, one came and told him that his daughter was come in at Providence. Here was mercy on both hands. Now hath God fulfilled that precious Scripture which was such a comfort to me in my distressed condition. When my heart was ready to sink into the earth (my children being gone, I could not tell whither) and my knees trembling under me, and I was walking through the valley of the shadow of death; then the Lord brought, and now has fulfilled that reviving word unto me: "Thus saith the Lord, Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears, for thy Work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord, and they shall come again from the Land of the Enemy." Now we were between them, the one on the east, and the other on the west. Our son being nearest, we went to him first, to Portsmouth, where we met with him, and with the Major also, who told us he had done what he could, but could not redeem him under seven pounds, which the good people thereabouts were pleased to pay. The Lord reward the major, and all the rest, though unknown to me, for their labor of Love. My sister's son was redeemed for four pounds, which the council gave order for the payment of. Having now received one of our children, we hastened toward the other. Going back through Newbury my husband preached there on the Sabbath day; for which they rewarded him many fold.

On Monday we came to Charlestown, where we heard that the governor of Rhode Island had sent over for our daughter, to take care of her, being now within his jurisdiction; which should not pass without our acknowledgments. But she being nearer Rehoboth than Rhode Island, Mr. Newman went over, and took care of her and brought her to his own house. And the goodness of God was admirable to us in our low estate, in that He raised up passionate friends on every side to us, when we had nothing to recompense any for their love. The Indians were now gone that way, that it was apprehended dangerous to go to her. But the carts which carried provision to the English army, being guarded, brought her with them to Dorchester, where we received her safe. Blessed be the Lord for it, for great is His power, and He can do whatsoever seemeth Him good. Her coming in was after this manner: she was traveling one day with the Indians, with her basket at her back; the company of Indians were got before her, and gone out of sight, all except one squaw; she followed the squaw till night, and then both of them lay down, having nothing over them but the heavens and under them but the earth. Thus she traveled three days together, not knowing whither she was going; having nothing to eat or drink but water, and green hirtle- berries. At last they came into Providence, where she was kindly entertained by several of that town. The Indians often said that I should never have her under twenty pounds. But now the Lord hath brought her in upon free-cost, and given her to me the second time. The Lord make us a blessing indeed, each to others. Now have I seen that Scripture also fulfilled, "If any of thine be driven out to the outmost parts of heaven, from thence will the Lord thy God gather thee, and from thence will he fetch thee. And the Lord thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them which hate thee, which persecuted thee" (Deuteronomy 30.4-7). Thus hath the Lord brought me and mine out of that horrible pit, and hath set us in the midst of tender- hearted and compassionate Christians. It is the desire of my soul that we may walk worthy of the mercies received, and which we are receiving.

Our family being now gathered together (those of us that were living), the South Church in Boston hired an house for us. Then we removed from Mr. Shepard's, those cordial friends, and FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 27 went to Boston, where we continued about three-quarters of a year. Still the Lord went along with us, and provided graciously for us. I thought it somewhat strange to set up house-keeping with bare walls; but as Solomon says, "Money answers all things" and that we had through the benevolence of Christian friends, some in this town, and some in that, and others; and some from England; that in a little time we might look, and see the house furnished with love. The Lord hath been exceeding good to us in our low estate, in that when we had neither house nor home, nor other necessaries, the Lord so moved the hearts of these and those towards us, that we wanted neither food, nor raiment for ourselves or ours: "There is a Friend which sticketh closer than a Brother" (Proverbs 18.24). And how many such friends have we found, and now living amongst? And truly such a friend have we found him to be unto us, in whose house we lived, viz. Mr. James Whitcomb, a friend unto us near hand, and afar off.

I can remember the time when I used to sleep quietly without workings in my thoughts, whole nights together, but now it is other ways with me. When all are fast about me, and no eye open, but His who ever waketh, my thoughts are upon things past, upon the awful dispensation of the Lord towards us, upon His wonderful power and might, in carrying of us through so many difficulties, in returning us in safety, and suffering none to hurt us. I remember in the night season, how the other day I was in the midst of thousands of enemies, and nothing but death before me. It is then hard work to persuade myself, that ever I should be satisfied with bread again. But now we are fed with the finest of the wheat, and, as I may say, with honey out of the rock. Instead of the husk, we have the fatted calf. The thoughts of these things in the particulars of them, and of the love and goodness of God towards us, make it true of me, what David said of himself, "I watered my Couch with my tears" (Psalm 6.6). Oh! the wonderful power of God that mine eyes have seen, affording matter enough for my thoughts to run in, that when others are sleeping mine eyes are weeping.

I have seen the extreme vanity of this world: One hour I have been in health, and wealthy, wanting nothing. But the next hour in sickness and wounds, and death, having nothing but sorrow and affliction.

Before I knew what affliction meant, I was ready sometimes to wish for it. When I lived in prosperity, having the comforts of the world about me, my relations by me, my heart cheerful, and taking little care for anything, and yet seeing many, whom I preferred before myself, under many trials and afflictions, in sickness, weakness, poverty, losses, crosses, and cares of the world, I should be sometimes jealous least I should have my portion in this life, and that Scripture would come to my mind, "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every Son whom he receiveth" (Hebrews 12.6). But now I see the Lord had His time to scourge and chasten me. The portion of some is to have their afflictions by drops, now one drop and then another; but the dregs of the cup, the wine of astonishment, like a sweeping rain that leaveth no food, did the Lord prepare to be my portion. Affliction I wanted, and affliction I had, full measure (I thought), pressed down and running over. Yet I see, when God calls a person to anything, and through never so many difficulties, yet He is fully able to carry them through and make them see, and say they have been gainers thereby. And I hope I can say in some measure, as David did, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted." The Lord hath showed me the vanity of these outward things. That they are the vanity of vanities, and vexation of spirit, that they are but a shadow, a blast, a bubble, and things of no continuance. That we must rely on God FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 28

Himself, and our whole dependance must be upon Him. If trouble from smaller matters begin to arise in me, I have something at hand to check myself with, and say, why am I troubled? It was but the other day that if I had had the world, I would have given it for my freedom, or to have been a servant to a Christian. I have learned to look beyond present and smaller troubles, and to be quieted under them. As Moses said, "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord" (Exodus 14.13).

[The complete text is available on my website under MARY ROWLANDSON in SESSIONS 3 & 4]

------FEATURED WRITER: ANNE BRADSTREET (1612?--1672)

SELECTED POEMS (1650; 1678 and later)

NOTE: Bradstreet was the most prominent of the English poets of early colonial America and the first writer in England's North American colonies to be published. She is also the first Puritan figure in American Literature and notable for her large corpus of poetry, as well as personal writings published posthumously. Bradstreet, born in England, was a well-read scholar especially affected by the works of Guillaume Du Bartas (a prominent Protestant French poet of the 1500’s). A mother of eight children and the wife of a public officer in the New England community, Bradstreet wrote poetry in addition to her other duties. Her early works read in the style of Du Bartas, but her later writings develop into her unique style of poetry which centers on her role as a mother, her struggles with the sufferings of life, and her Puritan faith. Her volume of poetry The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America received considerable favorable attention when it was first published in London in 1650. Eight years after it appeared it was listed by William London in his Catalogue of the Most Vendible Books in England, and George III is reported to have had the volume in his library. She continued to write poetry until her death at age 60 (tuberculosis) FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 29

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT WHILE READING: As mentioned in the introduction to our class, Bradstreet’s poetry foreshadows the poetry of the Romantic Age, nearly 150 years off. In Bradstreet, we find writing that is clearly a private response to the world. If the 18th Century and the Age of Enlightenment tended to focus on society--on the “We”--and moral and ethical questions, the Romantic Era of the 19th century was all about the individual--the “I”--and about a person’s reactions to his or her deep feelings. As you read through these poems, what kind of person (woman) emerges? What does her faith mean to her? Does she ever question that faith? What other kinds of questions does she explore? How are these poems deeply personal? How are these poems universal--in other words, how are her concerns the concerns of any human being of any era in time? How is Bradstreet’s poetry different from Taylor’s who also writes from a very personal vantage point? COMMENT ON THIS: Taylor focuses on Eternity; Bradstreet is rooted in the Now; Taylor hopes for Heaven; Bradstreet lives on Earth.

Before the Birth of One of Her Children

All things within this fading world hath end, Adversity doth still our joys attend; No ties so strong, no friends so dear and sweet, But with death's parting blow is sure to meet. The sentence past is most irrevocable, A common thing, yet oh, inevitable. How soon, my Dear, death may my steps attend. How soon't may be thy lot to lose thy friend, We both are ignorant, yet love bids me These farewell lines to recommend to thee, That when that knot's untied that made us one, I may seem thine, who in effect am none. And if I see not half my days that's due, What nature would, God grant to yours and you; The many faults that well you know I have Let be interred in my oblivious grave; If any worth or virtue were in me, Let that live freshly in thy memory And when thou feel'st no grief, as I no harms, Yet love thy dead, who long lay in thine arms. And when thy loss shall be repaid with gains Look to my little babes, my dear remains. And if thou love thyself, or loved'st me, These O protect from step-dame's injury. And if chance to thine eyes shall bring this verse, With some sad sighs honour my absent hearse; And kiss this paper for thy love's dear sake, Who with salt tears this last farewell did take. FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 30

-----

By Night when Others Soundly Slept

By night when others soundly slept And hath at once both ease and Rest, My waking eyes were open kept And so to lie I found it best.

I sought him whom my Soul did Love, With tears I sought him earnestly. He bow'd his ear down from Above. In vain I did not seek or cry.

My hungry Soul he fill'd with Good; He in his Bottle put my tears, My smarting wounds washt in his blood, And banisht thence my Doubts and fears.

What to my Saviour shall I give Who freely hath done this for me? I'll serve him here whilst I shall live And Loue him to Eternity.

------

To my Dear and Loving Husband

If ever two were one, then surely we. If ever man were loved by wife, then thee; If ever wife was happy in a man, Compare with me, ye woman, if you can. I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold, Or all the riches that the east doth hold. My love is such that rivers cannot quench, Nor aught but love from thee, give recompense. Thy love is such I can no way repay, The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray. Then while we live, in love let's so perservere That when we live no more, we may live ever.

------

Verses upon the Burning of our House, July 18th, 1666

In silent night when rest I took, FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 31

For sorrow near I did not look, I waken'd was with thund'ring noise And piteous shrieks of dreadful voice. That fearful sound of "fire" and "fire," Let no man know is my Desire. I starting up, the light did spy, And to my God my heart did cry To straighten me in my Distress And not to leave me succourless. Then coming out, behold a space The flame consume my dwelling place. And when I could no longer look, I blest his grace that gave and took, That laid my goods now in the dust. Yea, so it was, and so 'twas just. It was his own; it was not mine. Far be it that I should repine, He might of all justly bereft But yet sufficient for us left. When by the Ruins oft I past My sorrowing eyes aside did cast And here and there the places spy Where oft I sate and long did lie. Here stood that Trunk, and there that chest, There lay that store I counted best, My pleasant things in ashes lie And them behold no more shall I. Under the roof no guest shall sit, Nor at thy Table eat a bit. No pleasant talk shall 'ere be told Nor things recounted done of old. No Candle 'ere shall shine in Thee, Nor bridegroom's voice ere heard shall bee. In silence ever shalt thou lie. Adieu, Adieu, All's Vanity. Then straight I 'gin my heart to chide: And did thy wealth on earth abide, Didst fix thy hope on mouldring dust, The arm of flesh didst make thy trust? Raise up thy thoughts above the sky That dunghill mists away may fly. Thou hast a house on high erect Fram'd by that mighty Architect, With glory richly furnished Stands permanent, though this be fled. It's purchased and paid for too FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 32

By him who hath enough to do. A price so vast as is unknown, Yet by his gift is made thine own. There's wealth enough; I need no more. Farewell, my pelf; farewell, my store. The world no longer let me love; My hope and Treasure lies above.

------

The Vanity of All Worldly Things

As he said vanity, so vain say I, Oh! Vanity, O vain all under sky; Where is the man can say, "Lo, I have found On brittle earth a consolation sound"? What isn't in honor to be set on high? No, they like beasts and sons of men shall die, And whilst they live, how oft doth turn their fate; He's now a captive that was king of late. What isn't in wealth great treasures to obtain? No, that's but labor, anxious care, and pain. He heaps up riches, and he heaps up sorrow, It's his today, but who's his heir tomorrow? What then? Content in pleasures canst thou find? More vain than all, that's but to grasp the wind. The sensual senses for a time they pleasure, Meanwhile the conscience rage, who shall appease? What isn't in beauty? No that's but a snare, They're foul enough today, that once were fair. What is't in flow'ring youth, or manly age? The first is prone to vice, the last to rage. Where is it then, in wisdom, learning, arts? Sure if on earth, it must be in those parts; Yet these the wisest man of men did find But vanity, vexation of the mind. And he that know the most doth still bemoan He knows not all that here is to be known. What is it then? To do as stoics tell, Nor laugh, nor weep, let things go ill or well? Such stoics are but stocks, such teaching vain, While man is man, he shall have ease or pain. If not in honor, beauty, age, nor treasure, Nor yet in learning, wisdom, youth, nor pleasure, Where shall I climb, sound, seek, search, or find That summum bonum which may stay my mind? FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 33

There is a path no vulture's eye hath seen, Where lion fierce, nor lion's whelps have been, Which leads unto that living crystal fount, Who drinks thereof, the world doth naught account. The depth and sea have said " 'tis not in me," With pearl and gold it shall not valued be. For sapphire, onyx, topaz who would change; It's hid from eyes of men, they count it strange. Death and destruction the fame hath heard, But where and what it is, from heaven's declared; It brings to honor which shall ne'er decay, It stores with wealth which time can't wear away. It yieldeth pleasures far beyond conceit, And truly beautifies without deceit. Nor strength, nor wisdom, nor fresh youth shall fade, Nor death shall see, but are immortal made. This pearl of price, this tree of life, this spring, Who is possessed of shall reign a king. Nor change of state nor cares shall ever see, But wear his crown unto eternity. This satiates the soul, this stays the mind, And all the rest, but vanity we find.

------

Before the Birth of One of Her Children

All things within this fading world hath end, Adversity doth still our joyes attend; No ties so strong, no friends so dear and sweet, But with death’s parting blow is sure to meet. The sentence past is most irrevocable, A common thing, yet oh inevitable. How soon, my Dear, death may my steps attend, How soon’t may be thy Lot to lose thy friend, We are both ignorant, yet love bids me These farewell lines to recommend to thee, That when that knot’s untied that made us one, I may seem thine, who in effect am none. And if I see not half my dayes that’s due, What nature would, God grant to yours and you; The many faults that well you know I have Let be interr’d in my oblivious grave; If any worth or virtue were in me, Let that live freshly in thy memory And when thou feel’st no grief, as I no harms, FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 34

Yet love thy dead, who long lay in thine arms. And when thy loss shall be repaid with gains Look to my little babes, my dear remains. And if thou love thyself, or loved’st me, These o protect from step Dames injury. And if chance to thine eyes shall bring this verse, With some sad sighs honour my absent Herse; And kiss this paper for thy loves dear sake, Who with salt tears this last Farewel did take.

------

In Reference to her Children, 23 June 1659

I had eight birds hatcht in one nest, Four Cocks were there, and Hens the rest. I nurst them up with pain and care, No cost nor labour did I spare Till at the last they felt their wing, Mounted the Trees and learned to sing. Chief of the Brood then took his flight To Regions far and left me quite. My mournful chirps I after send Till he return, or I do end. Leave not thy nest, thy Dame and Sire, Fly back and sing amidst this Quire. My second bird did take her flight And with her mate flew out of sight. Southward they both their course did bend, And Seasons twain they there did spend, Till after blown by Southern gales They Norward steer’d with filled sails. A prettier bird was no where seen, Along the Beach, among the treen. I have a third of colour white On whom I plac’d no small delight, Coupled with mate loving and true, Hath also bid her Dame adieu. And where Aurora first appears, She now hath percht to spend her years. One to the Academy flew To chat among that learned crew. Ambition moves still in his breast That he might chant above the rest, Striving for more than to do well, That nightingales he might excell. FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 35

My fifth, whose down is yet scarce gone, Is ‘mongst the shrubs and bushes flown And as his wings increase in strength On higher boughs he’ll perch at length. My other three still with me nest Until they’re grown, then as the rest, Or here or there, they’ll take their flight, As is ordain’d, so shall they light. If birds could weep, then would my tears Let others know what are my fears Lest this my brood some harm should catch And be surpris’d for want of watch Whilst pecking corn and void of care They fall un’wares in Fowler’s snare; Or whilst on trees they sit and sing Some untoward boy at them do fling, Or whilst allur’d with bell and glass The net be spread and caught, alas; Or lest by Lime-twigs they be foil’d; Or by some greedy hawks be spoil’d. O would, my young, ye saw my breast And knew what thoughts there sadly rest. Great was my pain when I you bred, Great was my care when I you fed. Long did I keep you soft and warm And with my wings kept off all harm. My cares are more, and fears, than ever, My throbs such now as ‘fore were never. Alas, my birds, you wisdom want Of perils you are ignorant. Oft times in grass, on trees, in flight, Sore accidents on you may light. O to your safety have an eye, So happy may you live and die. Mean while, my days in tunes I’ll spend Till my weak lays with me shall end. In shady woods I’ll sit and sing And things that past, to mind I’ll bring. Once young and pleasant, as are you, But former toys (no joys) adieu! My age I will not once lament But sing, my time so near is spent, And from the top bough take my flight Into a country beyond sight Where old ones instantly grow young And there with seraphims set song. FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 36

No seasons cold, nor storms they see But spring lasts to eternity. When each of you shall in your nest Among your young ones take your rest, In chirping languages oft them tell You had a Dame that lov’d you well, That did what could be done for young And nurst you up till you were strong And ‘fore she once would let you fly She shew'd you joy and misery, Taught what was good, and what was ill, What would save life, and what would kill. Thus gone, amongst you I may live, And dead, yet speak and counsel give. Farewell, my birds, farewell, adieu, I happy am, if well with you.

[Other poems are available on my website under ANNE BRADSTREET in SESSIONS 3 & 4]

FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 37

SESSION FOUR: OPENING NOTE:  Full biographies of each writer may be found on my website: www.makingwings.net  Go to FOUNDING WRITERS in the top menu and choose the session you want in the drop down.  There are separate pages for SESSIONS 1 & 2; SESSIONS 3 & 4; and SESSIONS 5 & 6.  You will see the links to the biographies under each author’s name.  In addition, there are links to the complete versions of many of the works that we’ll be discussing in this class should you wish to explore further. ------ELIZABETH ASHBRIDGE (1713--1755)

FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 38

From SOME ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY PART OF THE LIFE OF ELIZABETH ASHBRIDGE, WRITTEN BY HERSELF (1807 edition)

NOTE: Little is known about Elizabeth Ashbridge beyond what is recorded in her brief autobiography, Some Account of the Fore Part of the Life of Elizabeth Ashbridge...Written by her own Hand many years ago (1755). It provides a portrait of a remarkable woman whose spiritual questing and marital trials reveal much about religious imperatives and gender roles in eighteenth-century American culture. Eloping at fourteen prompted a permanent estrangement from her authoritarian father; sadly, she became a widow within months of that marriage. Banished from her parents’ home, she spent several years in Ireland, where she began to seek religious enlightenment. At nineteen, she emigrated to the colonies (New York) as an indentured servant, hoping to begin a new life. Ashbridge’s indenture to a cruel master whom she had taken for “a very religious man” augmented her sense of the hypocrisy of much that passed for piety; it also impelled her to buy her freedom and marry a worldly suitor named Sullivan who “fell in love with me for my dancing.” Not long after, visiting Quaker relations in Pennsylvania, she embraced their religion, a commitment that profoundly changed her. Her newfound spiritual mission made her a more somber and self-directed woman, alienating the husband who had loved her for her mirthful nature. Ashbridge struggled to observe her new faith against the growing anger and abuse of her husband. Not until Sullivan’s death and her eventual union with Aaron Ashbridge, also a Quaker, did she find the marital and spiritual harmony she had for so long sought. SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT WHILE READING: Comment on this statement: Elizabeth Ashbridge’s Account underscores the importance of life-writing as a tool of female vindication in a patriarchal culture. In the following passage, discuss the relationship that she and her second husband, Sullivan, seem to have.

When I came to Trent-town Ferry, I felt no small mortification on hearing that my relations were all Quakers, and, what was worst of all, that my aunt was a preacher. I was exceedingly prejudiced against this people, and often wondered how they could call themselves Christians. I repented my coming, and was almost inclined to turn back; yet, as I was so far on my journey, I proceeded, though I expected but little comfort from my visit, How little was I aware it would bring me to the knowledge of the truth!

I went from Trent-town to Philadelphia by water, and from thence to my uncle’s on horseback. My uncle was dead, and my aunt married again; yet, both she and her husband received me in the kindest manner. I had scarcely been three hours in the house, before my opinion of these people began to alter. I perceived a book lying upon the table, and, being fond of reading, took it up; my aunt observed me, and said, “Cousin, that is a Quaker’s book.” She saw I was not a Quaker, and supposed I would not like it. I made her no answer, but queried with myself, what can these people write about? I have heard that they deny the scriptures, and have no other bible than George Fox’s Journal,— denying, also, all the holy ordinances. But, before I had read two pages, FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 39 my heart burned within me, and, for fear I should be seen, I went into the garden. 1 sat down, and, as the piece was short, read it before I returned, though I was often obliged to stop to give vent to my tears. The fullness of my heart produced the involuntary exclamation of, “My God, must I, if ever I come to the knowledge of thy truth, be of this man’s opinion, who has sought thee as I have done; and must I join this people, to whom, a few hours ago, I preferred the papists. O, thou God of my salvation, and of my life; who hath abundantly manifested thy long suffering and tender mercy, in redeeming me as from the lowest hell, I beseech thee to direct use in the right way, and keep me from error; so will I perform my covenant, and think nothing too near to part with for thy name’s sake. O, happy peoples thus beloved of God!” Alter having collected myself, I washed my face, that it might not be perceived I had been weeping. In the night I got but little sleep; the enemy of mankind haunted me with his insinuations, by suggesting that I was one of those that wavered, and not steadfast in faith; and advancing several texts of scripture against me, as that, in the latter days, there should be those who would deceive the very elect; that of such were the people I was among, and that I was in danger of being deluded. Warned in this manner, (from the right source as I thought,) I resolved to be aware of those deceivers, and for some weeks did not touch one of their books. The next day, being the first of the week, I was desirous of going to church, which was distant about four miles; but being a stranger, and having no one to go with me, I gave up all thoughts of that and, as most of the family were going to meeting, I went there with them. As we sat in silence, I looked over the meeting, and said to myself, “How like fools these people sit; how much better would it be to stay at home, and read the Bible, or some good book, than come here and go to sleep.” As for me I was very drowsy; and, while asleep, had nearly fallen down. This was the last time I ever fell asleep in a meeting. I now began to be lifted up with spiritual pride, and to think myself better than they; but this disposition of mind did not last long. It may seem strange that, after living so long with one of this society at Dublin, I should yet be so much a stranger to them. In answer, let it be considered that, while I was there, I never read any of their books nor went to one meeting; besides, I had heard such accounts of them, as made me think that, of all societies, they were the worst. But he who knows the sincerity of the heart, looked on my weakness with pity; I was permitted to see my error, and shown that these were the people I ought to join.

A few weeks afterwards, there was an afternoon meeting at my uncle’s, at which a minister named William Hammans was present. I was highly prejudiced against him when he stood up, but I was soon humbled; for he preached the gospel with such power that I was obliged to confess it was the truth. But, though he was the instrument of assisting me out of many doubts, my mind was not wholly freed from them. The morning before this meeting I had been disputing with my uncle about baptisms which was the subject handled by this minister, who removed all my scruples beyond objection, and yet I seemed loath to believe that the sermon I had heard proceeded from divine revelation. I accused my aunt and uncle of having spoken of me to the friend; but they cleared themselves, by telling me, that they had not seen him, since my coming, until he came into the meeting. I then viewed him as the messenger of God to me, and, laying aside my prejudices, opened; the beauty of which was shown to me, with the glory of those who continued faithful to it. I had also revealed to me the emptiness of all shadows and types, which, though proper in their day, were now, by the coming of the Son of God, at an end, and everlasting righteousness, which is a work in the heart, was to be established in the room thereof, I was permitted to see that all I had gone through was to prepare me for this day; and that the time was near, when it would be required of me, to go and declare to others what the God of FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 40 mercy had done for my soul; at which I was surprised, and desired to be excused lest I should bring dishonour, to the truth, and cause his holy name to be evil spoken of.

Of these things I let no one know. I feared discovery and did not even appear like a friend.

I now hired to keep school, and, hearing of a place for my husband, I wrote, and desired him to come, though I did not let him know how it was with me.

I loved to go to meetings, but did not love to be seen going on weekdays, and therefore went to them. from my school, through the woods. Notwithstanding all my care, the neighbours, (who were not friends,) soon began to revile me with the name of Quaker; adding, that they supposed I intended to be a fool, and turn preacher. Thus did I receive the same censure, which, about a year before, I had passed on one of the handmaids of the Lord in Boston. I was so weak, that I could not bear the reproach. In order to change their opinion, I went into greater excess of apparel than I had freedom to do, even before I became acquainted with friends. In this condition I continued till my husband came, and then began the trial of my faith.

Before he reached me, he heard I was turned Quaker; at which he stamped, and said, “I had rather have heard she was dead, Well as I love her; for, if it be so, all my comfort is gone.” He then came to me; it was after an absence of four months; I got up and said to him, “My dear, I am glad to see thee.” At this, he flew into a great rage, exclaiming, “The devil thee, thee, thee, don’t thee me.” I endeavoured, by every mild means, to pacify him; and, at length, got him fit to speak to my relations. As soon after this as we were alone, he said to me, “And so I see your Quaker relations have made you one” I replied, that they had not, (which was true,) I never told them how it was with me. He said he would not stay amongst them; and, having found a place to his mind, hired, and came directly back to fetch me, walking in one afternoon, thirty miles to keep me from meeting the next day, which was first day. He took me, after resting this day, to the place where he had hired, and to lodgings he had engaged: at the house of a churchwarden. This man was a bitter enemy of Friends, and did all he could to irritate my husband against them.

Though I did not appear like a Friend, they all believed me to be one. When my husband and he used to be making their diversions and reviling, I sat in silence, though now and then an involuntary sigh broke from me; at which he would say, “There, did not I tell you your wife was a Quaker, and she will become a preacher.” On such an occasion as this, my husband once came up to me, in a great rage, and shaking his hand over me, said, “You had better be hanged in that day.” I was seized with horror, and again plunged into despair, which continued nearly three months. I was afraid that, by denying the Lord, the heavens would be shut against me. I walked much alone in the woods, and there, where no eye saw, or ear heard me, lamented my miserable condition. Often have I wandered, from morning till night, without food, I was brought so low that my life became a burden to me; and the devil seemed to vaunt that, though the sins of my youth were forgiven me, yet now I had committed an unpardonable sin, and hell would inevitably be my portion, and my torments would be greater than if I had hanged myself at first.

In the night, when, under this painful distress of mind, I could not sleep, if my husband perceived me weeping, he would revile me for it. At length, when he and his friend thought themselves too weak to overset me, he went to the priest at Chester, to inquire what he could do with me. This FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 41 man knew I was a member of the Church, for I had shown him my certificate. His advice was, to take me out of Pennsylvania, and settle in some place where there were no Quakers. My husband replied, he did not care where we went, if he could but restore me to my natural liveliness of temper. As for me, I had no resolution to oppose their proposals nor much cared where I went. I seemed to have nothing to hope for. I daily expected to be made a victim of divine wrath, and was possessed with the idea that this would be by thunder.

When the time of removal came, I was not permitted to bid my relations farewell; and, as my husband was poor, and kept no horse, I was obliged to travel on foot. We came to Wilmington, fifteen miles, and from thence to Philadelphia by water. Here we stopt at a tavern, where I became the spectacle and discourse of the company. My husband told them his wife had become a Quaker; and he designed, if possible, to find out a place where there was none: (thought I,) I was once in a condition to deserve that name, but now it is over with me. O that I might, from a true hope, once more have an opportunity to confess the truth; though I was sure of all manner of cruelties, I would not regard them. Such were my concerns, while he was entertaining the company with my story, in which he told them that I had been a good dancer, but now he could get me neither to dance or sing. One of the company then started up and said, “I’ll fetch a fiddle, and we’ll have a good dance;” a proposal with which my husband was pleased. When the fiddle was brought, my husband came and said to me, “My dear, shake off that gloom, and let us have a civil dance; you would, now and then, when you were a good churchwoman, and that’s better than a stiff Quaker,” I had taken up the resolution not to comply with his request, whatever might be the consequence; this I let him know, though I durst say little, for fear of his choleric temper. He pulled me round the room, till the tears fell from my eyes, at the sight of which the musician stopt, and said “I’ll play no more; let your wife alone.”

…

Finding that all the means he had yet used could not alter my resolutions, he several times struck me with severe blows. I endeavoured to bear all with patience, believing that the time would come when he would see I was in the right. Once he came up to me, took out his penknife, and said, “If you offer to go to meeting to-morrow, with this knife I’ll cripple you; for you shall not be a Quaker.” I made hint no answer. In the morning, I set out as usual; he did not attempt to harm me. Having despaired of recovering me himself, he fled, for help, to the priest, whom he told, that I had been a very religious woman, in the way of the Church of England, of which I was a member, and had a good certificate from Long Island; that I was now bewitched, and had turned Quaker, which almost broke his heart; and, therefore, he desired that, as he was one who had the cure of souls, he would come and pay me a visit, and use his endeavours to reclaim me, which he hoped, by the blessing of God, would be done. The priest consented, and fixed the time for his coming, which was that day two weeks, as he said he could not come sooner. My husband came home extremely pleased, and told me of it. I replied, with a smile, I trusted I should be enabled to give a reason for the hope within me; yet I believed, at the same time, that the priest would never trouble himself about me, which proved to be the case. Before the day he appointed came, it was required of me, in a more public manner, to confess to the world what I was. I felt myself called to give up to prayer in meeting. I trembled, and would freely have given up my life to be excused. What rendered the required service harder on me was, that I was not yet taken under the care of friends; and was kept from requesting to be so, for fear I should bring a scandal FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 42 on the society. I begged to be excused till I had joined, and then I would give up freely. The answer was, “I am a covenant-keeping God, and the word that I spake to thee, when I found thee in distress, even that I would never forsake thee, if thou wouldst be obedient to what I should make known unto thee, I will assuredly make good. If thou refusest, my spirit shall not always strive. Fear not, I will make way for thee through all thy difficulties, which shall be many, for my name’s sake; but, be faithful, and I will give thee a crown of life.” To this language I answered “Thy will, O God, be done; I am in thy hand, do with me according to thy word;” and I then prayed.

This day, as usual, I had gone to meeting on foot. While my husband (as he afterwards told me) was lying on the bed, these words crossed his mind “Lord, where shall I fly to shun thee,” &c. upon which he arose, and, seeing it rain, got the horse and set off to fetch me, arriving just as the meeting broke up. I got on horseback as quickly as possible, lest he should hear I had been speaking; he did hear of it nevertheless, and, as soon as we were in the woods, began with saying, “Why do you mean thus to make my life unhappy? What, could you not be a Quaker, without turning fool in this manner?” I answered in tears, “My dear, look on me with pity, if thou hast any; canst thou think that I, in the bloom of my days, would bear all that thou knowest of, and much that thou knowest not of, if I did not feel it my duty.” These words touched him, and he said, “Well, I’ll e’en give you up; I see it wont avail to strive; if it be of God I cannot overthrow it; and, if of yourself, it will soon fall.” I saw the tears stand in his eyes, at which I was overcome with joy, and began already to reap the fruits of my obedience. But my trials were not yet over.

Source: Elizabeth Ashbridge, Some Account of the Early Part of the Life of Elizabeth Ashbridge (Philadelphia: H. and T. Kite, 1807), 26–36, 44–47.

NOTE: Ashbridge’s religious beliefs caused much turmoil in her marriage, and, in a drunken stupor, Sullivan enlisted himself as a soldier and left for Cuba in 1740. Later, claiming the Quaker's right to pacifism (though he wasn’t actually a Quaker), he was beaten brutally for his refusal to serve and died in a hospital near London in 1741. Her autobiography ends with Sullivan's death.

[The complete text is available on my website under ELIZABETH ASHBRIDGE in SESSIONS 3 & 4]

------

FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 43

ELIZABETH DRINKER 1735--1807

From THE DIARY OF ELIZABETH DRINKER (1758--1807; pub. 1889)

NOTE: Drinker was a Quaker who kept a diary from 1758 to 1807. This 2,100 page diary was first published in 1889 and sheds light on daily life in Philadelphia, the Society of Friends, family and gender roles, political issues and the American Revolution, and innovations in medical practices. In September 1777, Pennsylvania arrested twenty leading Quaker men, including Elizabeth’s husband Henry Drinker, and sent them into captivity in Virginia, supposedly to prevent them from aiding the approaching British. Thus Elizabeth Drinker faced the British occupation of Philadelphia in 1777 and 1778 as a single head of a household that included five children aged three to sixteen, her sister, and a series of constantly changing servants. Elizabeth and her husband Henry wrote often to one another while Henry was imprisoned. From her journal entries and the 67 letters between them, it is evident that Henry encouraged Elizabeth to do as she saw fit to continue running the house in his absence; they also suggest that the couple had a companionate marriage, resembling a partnership more than a patriarchal structure. Especially during the 1790s, Elizabeth wrote extensively regarding her Federalist views, as she and other women of the time became engaged in politics. Elizabeth lived during a time of political struggle between the Federalists (strong central government) and the Democratic Republicans (states’ rights; curbed central government). In addition to the political and social views in the diary, Elizabeth described changing medical practices during the 18th century, including the development of smallpox inoculation and vaccination.

NOTE: As you read the diary, you’ll note that she often uses initials rather than full names to signify people. CHILDREN: Sarah Sandwith Downing; Anna Drinker; William Drinker; Henry Sandwith Drinker; FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 44

Mary Drinker; Henry Drinker; Elizabeth Drinker; Mary Drinker Rhoady; and Charles Drinker. HUSBAND’S BROTHER: John Drinker. ELIZABETH’S SISTER: Mary Sandwith.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: Once you navigate Drinker’s lack of punctuation and often random spelling, what kind of woman emerges for you? Describe her relationship with her husband. What seem to be her main topics?

SEPTEMBER 20, 1777 The Town has been very quiet all this day, I believe; it is said that Washingtons Army has cross'd the Foard and are at present on this side-- some expect a battle hourly; as the English are on the opposite side-I received a Letter this Evening from my dear, a long letter- J Drinker also received one--dated the 17 Instant they were then at Reading-all the boats, Ferry boats excepted, are put away-and the Shiping all ordred up the River, the next tide, on pain of being burnt, should G. Howes Vesels approach-Our Child very low and unwell this Evening-Weather Cloudy; little Molly disordred in her Bowels-...

21. First Day. MS. SD. AD. WD. went to meeting this morning The Child appears to be better again-After meeting, Sam. Emlen and Wife, Becky Jones and S Swett call'd-Sammy read aloud my dear Henrys long letter of the 17th Instant and was very much affected thereby .-after which we had a setting togeather, and Sammy was led to speak comfort to us.-In the After- noon ED. SD. AD. WD. went to Meeting, which was silent-James Hutchinson call'd this morning with a Letter from Saml. Pleasants to his Wife dated the 18 wherein my dear gives his love to us:-this Evening our little sick Son received a letter from his dear Father, which is well worth the store he sits by it, he has ordred it to be put in his Pocket-Book Wile he larns to read writeing-...-we have been favour'd with quiateness all this day;-rain this Afternoon prehaps our dear Friends are this day moveing further from us.

22. Molly Pleasants came from her Sister this morning to tell us of an oppertunity to Reading, and as the person was to set off, in less than half an hour, J Drinker who came in, wrote to my Henry, for himself and us-We are inform'd this Evening that they left Reading Yesterday Morning but no perticulars of their treatment. Nanny Oat call'd to day, to demand her freedom dues, and was very impertinent and Saucy-Jenny carried our sick Child this Afternoon up stairs, down in the Parlour, and in the Nursery, for the first time, he can't yet stand, alone, but I hope he is mending. very unwell myself to day. with pain in my back and Head-Sister poorly-many flying reports of various kinds to day but we know not what to depend Upon; they have been taking Blankets, Coverlids &c to day from many of the Inhabitance-...

23. JOHN DRINKER (J.D.) wrote a Compy. Letter this Morning to our dear Henry-by Levi Hollandsworth-ED. AD. WD. went to Meeting, it is our Monthly Meeting where my dear was mist, and thought on by many-Wm. Brown appeard in Testimony recommending Faith and Patience with respect to chooseing proper persons to transact the business of the Church &c S. Hopkins appeared he had to Mention something relating to Our dear absent Friends.-Billy informs me, that the Clarks business devolved upon Abel James, S Smith and T. Scattergood- Our dear Child has walk'd several times across the Room, with Jennys help to day. those men that collected Blankets &c in our Ward, were this Afternoon at each of our Neighbours, but did not call on us. it is reported and gains credit, that the English have actually cross'd Schuylkill and are on their way towards us,-I received two letters after meeting from my dear Husband; which FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 45 at the same time that they made my Heart ake, gave me comfort,-many have had their Horses taken from them, this afternoon, some going one way and some another; it is likily from the present prospect of things, that we shall have a Noisey Night, tho' at this time 9 o'clock I hear nothing like it, but we living back and retired escape many hurries, that others are expos'd to; all the Bells in the City are certainly took away, and there is talk of Pump handles and Fire-Buckets being taken also, but that may be only conjecture; things seem upon the whole to be drawing towards great confusion, May we be strengthen'd and suported in the time of tryal-I have had a bad spell of the sick Head-Ake this afternoon it still continues uneasy-...the Atsion Black Smiths Brother call'd yesterday to know, if an account which he had heard, was true, viz that all the Men at the Works were taken up and confin'd, G. James has heard nothing of such matter .

24. Sister all Day bad with the Head Ake, little Henry much better-Josa. Fishers Goods, and others, taken from them, by order of G. Washington. Goods taken from Wm. Lippencot and others from the Substitute fine, return'd to the owners, they continue pressing Horses-Sister and HD. set up last Night, 'til 12 o'clock, as did many others in the City; Cannon plac'd in some of the Streets-the Gondelows along the Warfs, the latter gone of to Day tis say'd with Fishers Goods &c-the report continues of the English approaching us, but know not what to believe, the Sign (Over the Way) of G . Washingn. taken down this Afternoon-talk of the City being set on fire Joseph Ingel, call'd to pay, for 2 or 3 Tonns of Hay, but as I had not my Husbands papers, could not receive the money-Neigr. Buckleys gone off, We heard this Evening that our dear Friends, were arrived at Lebanon all well-...-Little Molly not very well.

25. this has been so far, a day of great Confusion in the City, tho with respect to ourselves we have experienc'd no injury and but little fright; set asside the consideration of the situation of him we love: Enoch Story (to whome I pay'd 3 half Joes by my dear Henrys order this morning [A Portuguese gold coin, originated in 1722: one of the most popular gold coins of the New World in the eighteenth century]. Were inform'd that the English were within 4 or 5 miles of us, we have since heard they were by John Dickinsons place; they are expected by some this Evening in the City-most of our warm people are gone of, tho there are many continue here that I should not have expected. Things seem very quiate and still, and if we come of so, we shall have great cause of thankfullness--should any be so wicked as to attempt fireing the Town, Rain which seems to be coming on, I may Providentially, prevent it-a great number of the lower sort of the People are gone out to them-G. Napper also went, and I hear he brings word back that he spoke to Galloway, who told him that the Inhabants must take care of the Town this Night, and they would be in, in the Morning, as it rain'd they fixt within 2 Miles of the City for the Night; it is now near 11 o'clock and has been raining for several hours, which I look upon as a remarkable favour, as tis said that tar'd faggots &c are laid in several out Houses in different parts, with [meschievous] intent;-Numbers mett at the State-House since nine o'clock to form themselves into dfferent Companyes to watch the City, all things appear peaceable at present, the Watch- Men crying the Hour without Molestation,-Sister, Nancy, and Harry sitting up for H Drinr. who is out among the rest;-the Number of the English Troops is not yet assertaind some say-20,000, which I think not very probable;-Our dear little Henrys Shoes and Briches were put on today for the first time since his illness, he cannot walk yet without help.-Jos. Yerkes sent this morning for Billy to tell him, that Nichs Hicks had mett our [Friend] near Lebanon, and his Daddy on Horse- back who gave his love to us, and said he was well; 0! that he was but r with us. ... FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 46

26. Well, here are the English in earnest, about 2 or 3000, came in, through second street, without oppossition or interruption, no plundering on the one side or the other, what a satisfaction would it be to our dear Absent Friends, could they but be inform'd of it; our end of the Town has appeard great part of this Day like the first day of the Week-I understand that Barnhill, Hysham, and some others, are taken Up, -it is recommend to the Inhabitance to continu to assist in guading the Town each Night for some time yet Corn Wallace came with those troops to day. Genl. Howe is not yet come in-Richd. Adams, brought me this Afternoon, my Henrys Letter from Potts Grove-...

27. About 9 o'clock this Morning the Province, and Delaware Frigets, with several Gondelows came up the River, with a design to fire on the they were attac'd by a Battry which the English have errected the engagement lasted about half an hour when many shots were exchang'd; one House struck, but not much damaged; no body, that I have heard, hurt on shore; but the people in General, especialy downwards, exceedingly Allarm'd, the Cook on board the Delaware, 'tis said, had his Head shot off, another of the men wounded, She ran a Ground, and by some means took fire, which occasion'd her to strike her Colours, the English immediately boarded her; the others sheard off they took Admiral Allexander and his Men Prisoners-it seems he declar'd, that their intentions were to distroy the Town;-part of this scean we were spectators of, from the little Window in our Loft-We heard to day of the death of poor Meriam LaMar , who lost his life with many others, of Gen. Vaynes Bragade, over Schuylkill,-Billy went this forenoon with Neigr. Bowel and his Son, to their [place]. he return'd in the Afternoon-little Henry walk'd alone several times to day, but had two falls-...

28. First Day: Sister and the Children went to Meeting this Morning this is our Yearly Meeting, and many more Friends in Town than could have been expected, the Situation of things considred,-not one from Jersey-Robt. Vallintine, Wm. Mathews, and Benin. Townsend, the latter from York County, din'd with us; after dinner Johnny Drinker, Reba. James, Sarah Carry and her Neighr. Watson came in while we were setting in Silence.-the three Men Frds. had each something to say, tho but short; ED. and the Children went to meeting in the Afternoon.-Joshua Baldwin and Debby Morris drank Coffee with us. Sally Penington, S. Swett, K. Howell call'd. Our little Henry taken off his feet again by a pain in his Hams. I fear he has caught some cold-the Weather is cold for the time of year-I hear this Evening that they are building Battrys on the Jersey shore, opposite Arch and Market Streets. The Ameriacans I mean.

29. Went with the 3 Children to Meeting this Morning Silent Meeting-S. Swett din'd with us, S. Logan drank Coffee--...-some Officers are going about this day Numbering the Houses, with chalk on the Doors--a Number of the Citysans taken up, and imprison'd,...-reinstated our Horse & Cow,-Received part of a Cord Wood of A.James--G. James call'd.

30. Sister and the Children went to Meeting in the Morn'g and Afternoon; ... two Widdows who live near Winchester in Virginia, who call'd kindly to see us, that in case they should see our dear HD, they might have to say that they had been to his House-Becky James Junr. (Jessy Waterman, who appear'd in Testimony at meeting this Morning) Joseph Scott, Doctor likewise call'd to see us. Sucky and Hannah Jones came to tell us of the arrival of our Friends in Carlisle last fourth day, but could not inform us who brought the intillegence, ...,-Abel James and Family are come to Town, thinking it more safe to be here, as a Number of the Americans are skulking FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 47 near and about Frankford-Old Joshua Gibson, whose Son lives at Ashbridges Mill, was last Week taken from thence, by one Horse Man, but was quickly resqu'd by one or 2 of the English light-Horse- Phebe Pemberton has received a Letter from her Husband, dated from Lebanon.

******November 12 to 25, 1777

12. great part of last Night and most of this day at times, we have heard the Cannon below; Mud-Island Battry not yet taken.-they say that it is reported in the Country that 5/- is given here for a Rat: it is bad enough indeed, but far from being so, I trust it will not-Robt. Waln, C.West, and Edwd, Drinkers Widdow, call'd this Morning the latter I sent for, as I had heard she was in want. gave her Beef and Biscuit &c-... Sucky Hartshorn, spent part of the Evening I sent my letter to HD this Morning to Geo. Morgans Wife who expects to go, to day or tomorrow. poor Beef is now sold for 3/- p lb. Veal 4/- Butter 7/6-Chocolate 4/. 6-Brown Sugar 6/- Candles 2/6 Flour what little there is, at 3£ p [ ]-Oak Wood as it stands 17/- to 20/ p cord-and scarcely possible to get it cut or Haul'd-We are told that our Friends J. Parish and J. James, were stop'd on the other side Schuy kill, and taken to Head-quarters,-but were soon dismist with being told that they should not return to the City.

13. Sister and Sally went out this Morning to D. Drinkers for Bowls, &c, I went this Afternoon to G. Morgans Wife, she has lain in a Month and Sets of tomorrow, with Becky James junr. for Frankford, to stay at Abels place with her Children 'till her Husband comes back from Pittsburgh, where she says he is call'd on exroidanary busyness. call'd on Caleb Carmalt, in my way home, he was here this Evening, I paid him four Dollars to renew the Insureance on our House, J. Drinker here this Evening he tells us that a Company of Soliders have taken possession of our House in Water Street, near Vine Street-Johnny call'd on them, they promis'd to take care that nothing is distroy'd-no news from the Battry; fine clear cool Weather .

14. Heavey fireing this Morning, and at times all day, Nothing of Concequence done,-I went after dinner down to Abels, to see Josey, who is again in his Chamber, took a walk to Uncle Jerviss-drank Tea at John Drinkers, call'd at Neigr. Stiles and at Nr. Walns--JD. here this Evening.

15. The fireing to day has been like thunder, comparitevely speaking, from the Vigilant and Sommerset Men of War, on this formidable Mud-Island Battry, which is not yet conquer'd, tho Greatly damag'd,-lI had the great Satisfaction this Evening of receiving two Letters from my dearest Henry, the first I have received from him since he left Reading, he mentions 2 others, wrote before these, that have not come to hand, several since I doubt not,-if I can judge of my dear by his Letters, he is in good Spirits, which thought is pleasing to me, I...

16. First Day: Sister and 3 Children went to meeting this Morning the Children all except Sally who has her Face very much swell'd with the tooth ach, went in the Afternoon; the Mud- Island Battry is at length taken, the Amricans left it last night about 12 o'clock, when it is supos'd the English ware about to storm it; other perticulars I have not yet heard-...Jammy Morton came this Afternoon to inform us of an oppertunity to Winchester tomorrow... FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 48

17 J. Drinker , Billy, and myself wrote to day, to our dear HD, at Winchester, ... Neigr. WaIn call'd this Evening, the latter brings us a sorrowful account, that our dear Friend Betsy Waln lays so ill that her life is dispair'd of, her mammy is sent for, but cannot easyly get to her-the British troops are busyly employ'd geting up the Chevaux-de-Frise, cold and raw.

18. Saml. Emlen call'd after meeting he read my Henrys letters, seem'd much pleas'd with 'em, spoke Exellently to the Children &c by way of testimony; express'd great regard for their absent Father-Molly Pleasants junr. came to know if I would go with her Sister to visit S. Penington, I sent Harry to know if it suited SP. who brought word that she is not well, we put it of at present-I took a walk this afternoon, to Uncle Jerviss read my HDs Letters to them and Peggy Smith,-came home to Coffee-J. Drinker call'd-Nanny Oat came while I was out, to ask pardon for her former conduct, which has been vastly impudent-the weather clear and cold, English Troops very much taken up, but private in their [movements].

19. Isaac Zane call'd this Morning I pay'd 30 pounds for 4 Loads of Hay, at 8£ p load, forty Shillings allowd for a difficiency in one of them-John and Daniel Drinker call'd, they are trying to purchase some Wood for themselves and us--...-G. Corn Walace left this City the Day before Yesterday at 2 o'clock in the Morning with 3000 men, as its said-he was fire'd at, out of a House near Darby, when some of his men rush'd in, and put 2 men to the Sword, and took several others prisoners--he designs for the Jersyes--A Number of the Amaricans were seen this Afternoon in the Jersyes, opposite the City, and in other parts.

20. that 2 men was put to the Sword Yesterday is a mistake, but that one of the English was shot is true, the person who did it made of-it is said, and credited that Red-Bank Battry is taken, the Amrircans left it, and it is thought they have blown it up, they have also, distroy'd one or two of their Vesels-I saw a great Smok[ing] from our little Window-John and Dl. Drinker call'd, the former told me that M. Pleasants had received 2 Letters from her Husband, and that there was one for me, I made some enquirey but could not find mine 'till Evening when Wm. Jackson and Benin. Mason call'd and brought me two letters from my dear Henry-dated the 1 and 11th. Instant-tis a great comfort to know that he was so lately well-they left others litters for us poor women; at 3 several places, at Josa. Pusys at the Grove, at Willmington and at Darby-they thought it best, not to take all, least they should be taken from them-Jos. Scott, Josa. Howel call'd as did Becky Jones--Wm. Jackson gave me a Letter from my dear to G. Churchman, with an account of their situation-We have a small quarter of Beef, came home to day-spaird us by Nr. Stiles, I went to bed very sick at my Stomach, as I have frequently been laterly, with a Vomiting- little Molly has had a bad cough for several Weeks.

21. I was awaken'd this Morning befor 5 o'clock by the loud fireing of Cannon, my Head Aching very badly; All our Family was up but little Molly, --and a fire made in the Parlor, more then an hour before day-all our Neighbours were also up, and I believe most in Town- The Amricans had set their whole Fleet on fier, except one Small vesel and some of the Gondelows, which past by the City in the Night; the fireing was from the Delaware who lay at Coopers Point, on the Gondelows, which they did not return; Billy counted 8 different Vessels on fire at once in sight, one lay near the Jersey shore, opposite our House; we heard the explosion of 4 of 'em when they blew up, which shook our Windows greatly-We had a fair sight of the blazeing Fleet, from our upper Windows.-We have heard this Morning of Skirmishing in many places, at the FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 49

Black-Rorse on Frankford road, and in different parts of the Jersyes.-Isaac Wharton, with another man, call'd, to tell me, that his Brother Thos. had mention'd in a Letter to him a sum of mony, lent to an Hessian Officer a prisoner, in Virginia, by my HD. &c. that 2 half Joes was coming to me, which David Franks was to pay, and he intended to call on him for it.-An inferior Hessian Officer, an elderly man who lodges at the Bakers next door, insisted on putting his Horse in our Stable, which I refus'd, he came in this morn'g and ask'd for Harry. I call'd him into the Parlor; he either could not, or pretended he could not understand English; but told Harry in Dutch that he must and would put his Horse in our Stable. A. James who came in some time after, was kind enough to go to Jos. Galloway and get a few lines from him, which he took in next door, and had some talk with them, which I hope will settle the matter; J Drinker, Danl. Drinker Jos. Bringhurst and Becky Jones were also here before Dinner-C. West Saml. Smith and Reba. Wain, the last came late in the Evening she is afraid to go to Bed, as there is talk of Washingtons making an attack or the City before Morning- this has been a Day repleat with events, very hazey weather, my Head Achs.

22. Fireing again this Morning Cannon and small arms,-an Amrican Schooner burnt in our river this morning by the English, partly oppsite our House- An Earthquack was felt this Morning between 7 & 8 o'clock, by a great number of the inhabitans, not one in our Family was sensible of it-these are tremendous times indeed-there has been Skirmishing to day several times between the Amercians and the Picquet Guards and tis said 7 or 8 have lost their lives,-five Vessels have turn'd the Point this Afternoon--0ne thousand Men, attack'd the Picquet guard this Morning about 11 o'clock, they drove them off, when some took Shelter in J. Dickensons House, and other Houses thereabouts, the English immeadatly set fire to said Houses and burnt them to the Ground,-the burning those Houses tis said is a premeditated thing, as they serve for skulking places; and much anoy the Guards. They talk of 0, burning all the Houses &c within four miles of the City, without the lines Dickensons House; that in which C. Tomson liv'd, Jon. Mifflins, Widdow Crawstons, and many others were burnt this Afternoon-R. Wain and Wife, Josa. Rowel and several others, went on top of our House to day, where they could see the Houses burning, and the Ships coming up-those two days past have been big with events, and Alarms; 'till now, we have experienc'd great quiate since the English came in, I have heard the Noise of a Drum, but twice since they came,-R Waln was ask'd in Market within this day or two 30 s-- for a very small Turkey; Butter 12 s-- I gave 3 half Joes to day for £60 Conti[nental money]...

23. First Day: Sister and the 4 Children at Meeting this Morning myself with them in the afternoon, Wm. Jackson came home with us after meeting, he, J. Drinker, S Swett and D Drinker drank Coffee with us---after which, we had a setting togeather, when Wm. was led to speak encourageingly to us---...-William Jackson proposes, paying a visit to Winchester next month, he leaves Town tomorrow Morning I gave him this Afternoon £61. 11. 3. Continenl. Cury .-and 2 pair of worsted Stockings for my dear Henry- The Widdow Crawtsons House said to be burnt yesterday proves a mistake, its said is burnt to the Ground, all that was in it-H. Catheral just now informs me that D. Williams is not burnt, but that, the Widw. Taylors, John Byards, and A. Hodges are burnt, with many small out Houses, Barns, &c-I have just heard that poor Docr. Kersley died lately in Carlile jail. wrote a Letter this night after the Family was retir'd to rest, to my dear Henry. FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 50

24. Wm. Jackson call'd this Morning to let me know, that he was not free to take the continental money with him, I must therefore seek another conveyance, I took a Walk to Mary Pembertons, Billy with me, to alter that part of my letter concerning the money-a number of Friends there-... it is an agreeable sight to see the Warfes lin'd with Shippin, and number has come up to day- the poor people have been allow'd for some time past to go to Frankford Mill, and other Mills that way, for Flour, Abraham Carlile who gives them passes, has his Door very much crouded every morning-Gen. CornWallace is said to be in the Jersys, some say that he has taken a number of Prisoners, others say this afternoon, that he is taken himself &c-we know not what to believe-I saw a general Letter to day from Winchester sign'd by Thos. Fisher, with a line in my dear Henry writeing; giving an account of his Wellfare.

25. Sister and the 4 Children went to Monthly meeting. Rachl. Hunt came home with 'em and din'd and stay'd all the Afternoon. Dr. Moore drank Coffee with us, S. Hartshorn came over this Morning to go on the top of our House to see the Fleet come up; 2 or 3 twenty Gun Ships and a great number of Smaller Vessels came up today-Becky Jones, Robt. Waln and Billy Compton call'd-We have seen fire and Smoak in several places in the Jersys to day, it is said that Gloster is Burnt, and several Houses in Woodberry-We were very much affrighted this Evening before 9 o'clock, Jenney happen'd to go into the Yard, where she saw a Man with Ann-she came in and wisper'd to Sister, who immediately went out, and discoverd a Young Officer with Ann coming out from the little House, Sister held the Candle up to his Face and ask'd him who he was, his answer was whats that to you, the Gate was lock'd and he followd Ann and Sister into the Kitchen, where he swore he had mistaken the House, but we could not get him out,-Chalkley James who happen'd to be here, came into the Kitchen and ask'd him what busyness he had there he dam'd him and ask'd whats that to you, shook his Sword, which he held in his Hand and seem'd to threaten, when Chalkly with great resolution twisted it out of his Hands and Collor'd him-Sister took the Sword from Chalkly and lock'd it up in the draw in the parlor, all his outcry was for his Sword, and swore he would not stir a foot untill he had it. I then sent in for Josa. Howel, when he declar'd that he knew we were peaceable people, and that he gave up his Sword on that account out of pure good natur'd, which he had said to us before. he told Chalkley in the Kitchen that he would be the death of him tomorrow, -Josa. got him to the door, and then gave him his Sword, expecting he would go of, but he continu'd swaring there, where Josa. left him and went to call Abel James; in the mean time the impudent Fellow came in again swareing in the entry with the Sword in his hand. Sister had lock'd Chalkly up in the Middle Room, and we shut ourselves in the parlor, where he knock'd, and swore desireing entrance, our poor dear Children was never so frightend, to have an enrag'd, drunken Man, as I believe he was, with a Sword in his Hand swareing about the House, after going to or 3 times up and down the Entry, desireing we would let him in to drink a Glass of Wine with us--he went to the end of the Alley- when Harry lock'd the Front door on him, he knock and desir'd to come in, when J. Howel, and A James whome Josa. had been for, came to him, they had some talk with him, and he went off as I supose'd-I had all the back doors boulted, the Gate and Front door lock'd, when in about 10 minuts after Harry came out of the Kitchen, and told us he was there I then lock'd the parlor door, and would not let Chalkley go out, Harry run into Howels for Josa. who did not come 'till some time after the Fellow was gone, and Ann with him he came over the Fence, and they went out the same way; 'tis not near one in the Morning and I have not yet recoverd the fright,-Ann call'd him Capt. Tape, or John Tape-Henry Drinker and C. James lodges here. FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 51

****** December 9 to 11, 1777

9. things seem to ware but an unpromissing appearance at present. but the absence of my dear Husband is worse to me than all the rest put togeather- Nothing will pass at this time, unless with a Few , but Gold & Silver, which is hard upon those who have a quantity of the old paper Money, by them; the fence of Boards &c round our House in water Street, is pull'd down, and I suppose burnt;-Sally Howard and two of her Daughters came here this Evening she came from the Jersys this Afternoon, and brought us a Bottle of Snuff from Betsy Waln, who is much recover'd of her late indispossion- Neigr. Waln sent a Horse and Chaise here this afternoon to put into our Stable, which Pattersons 2 Sisters came with, from Bristol-C James & Tommy lodges here again to Night, as H Drinker is gone a Forageing-I wrote to my dear Henry to day, Mr. Starr of Willmington; who goes out of Town tomorrow.

[The complete text is available on my website under ELIZABETH DRINKER in SESSIONS 3 & 4]

______FEATURED WRITER: SARAH KEMBLE KNIGHT (1666-- 1727)

From THE JOURNAL OF MADAM KNIGHT (1704--1705; pub. 1825)

FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 52

NOTE: Knight was a teacher and businesswoman, who is remembered for a brief diary of a journey from Boston, Massachusetts Bay Colony, to New York City, Province of New York, in 1704–1705, which provides us with one of the few first-hand-accounts of travel conditions in Connecticut during colonial times. The journal begins on the afternoon of October 2, 1704, and ends when she returns to the busy household on Moon Street on March 3, 1705. At that time, travel between the colonies was difficult. The roads weren’t marked, and she had to find local guides to accompany her from one town or inn to another. The colonies were vastly different in customs, government, and religion at that time. Between Rhode Island and Connecticut, was a tract of land called Narragansett Country, which was at times affiliated with different colonies, and sometimes acted independently. Dense forests made travel difficult, and numerous rivers and streams along the coast of Rhode Island and Connecticut had to be crossed by fording (wading or on horseback), by ferry, or by narrow bridges. Throughout, Mrs. Knight sometimes shows the prejudices of an upper-class Bostonian. She seems racially biased and holds rigid ideas of social class; she found the “Natives of the Country” the most savage she had ever seen, but felt it was because there was “little or no care taken to make them otherwise.”

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT WHILE READING: Compare and contrast Knight with Drinker and Ashbridge. All three have written journals/logs about their lives. How are they similar? Different?

SATURDAY, OCT.7TH [1704], we set out early in the Morning, and being something unacquainted with the way, having asked it of some we met, they told us we must Ride a mile or two and turn down a Lane on the Right hand; and by their Direction we Rodeon, but not That coming to the turning, we met a Young fellow and asked him how far it was to the Lane which turn’d down towards Guilford [Connecticut]. He said we must Ride a little further, and turn down by the Corner of uncle Sam’s Lot. My Guide vented his Spleen at the Lubber; and we soon after came into the Road, and keeping still on, without anything further Remarkable, about two o’clock afternoon we arrived at New Haven, where I was received with all Possible Respects and civility. HereI discharged Mr. Wheeler with a reward to his satisfaction, and took some time to rest after so long and toilsome a journey; And Inform’d myself of the manners and customs of the place, and at the same time employed myself in the affair I went there upon.

They are Govern’d by the same Laws as we in Boston (or little differing) throughout this whole Colony of Connecticut, And much the same way of Church Government, and many of them good, Sociable people, and I hope Religious too: but a little too much Independent in their principles, and, as I have been told, were formerly in their Zeal very Rigid in their Administrations towards such as their Laws made Offenders, even to a harmless Kiss or Innocent merriment among Young people. Whipping being a frequent and counted an easy Punishment, about which as other Crimes, the Judges were absolute in their Sentences. They told me a pleasant story about a pair of Justices in those parts, which I may not omit the relation of.

A negro Slave belonging to a man in the Town stole a hogshead [wooden barrel] from his master, and gave or sold it to an Indian, native of the place. The Indian sold it in the neighborhood, and so the theft was found out. Thereupon the Heathen was Seized and carried to FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 53 the Justice’s House to be Examined. But his worship (it seems) was gone into the field, with a Brother in office, to gather in his Pompions [pumpkins]. Whither the malefactor is hurried, And Complaint made, and satisfaction in the name of Justice demanded. Their Worships can’t proceed in form without a Bench: whereupon they Order one to be Immediately erected, which, for want [lack] of fitter materials, they made with pompions which being finished, down set their Worships, and the Malefactor call’d, and by the Senior Justice Interrogated after the following manner. You, Indian, why did You steal from this man? You shouldn’t do so, it’s a Grandy wicked thing to steal. Hol’t Hol’t, cries Justice Junior Brother, You speak negro to him. I’ll ask him. You, sirrah, why did You steal this man’s Hogshead? Hogshead? (replies the Indian,) me no stomany. No? says his Worship; and pulling off his hat, Patted his own head with his hand, says, Tatapa. You, Tatapa--you; all one this. Hogshead all one this. Hah! says Netop, now me stomany that. Whereupon the Company fell into a great fit of Laughter, even to Roaring. Silence is commanded, but to no effect: for they continued perfectly Shouting. Nay, says his worship, in an angry tone, if it be so, take me off the Bench.

Their Diversions in this part of the Country [colony] are on Lecture days and Training days mostly: on the former there is Riding from town to town.

And on training days The Youth divert themselves by Shooting at the Target, as they call it (but it very much resembles a pillory) where he that hits nearest the white has some yards of Red Ribbon presented him, which being tied to his hatband, the two ends streaming down his back, he is Led away in Triumph, with great applause, as the winners of the Olympic Games. They generally marry very young: the males oftener as I am told under twenty than above; they generally make public weddings, and have a way something singular (as they say) in some of them, viz.[such as] Just before Joining hands the Bridegroom quits the place, who is soon followed by the Bridesmen, and as it were, dragg’d back to duty being the reverse to the former practice among us, to steal ms. Pride.

There are great plenty of Oysters all along by the seaside, as far as I Rode in the Colony, and those very good. And they Generally lived very well and comfortably in their families. But too Indulgent (especially the farmers) to their slaves: suffering [allowing] too great familiarity from them, permitting them to sit at Table and eat with them (as they say to save time) and into the dish goes the black hoof as freely as the white hand. They told me that there was a farmer lived near the Town where I lodged who had some difference with his slave, concerning something the master had promised him and did not punctually perform; which caused some hard words between them; But at length they put the matter to Arbitration and Bound themselves to stand to the award of such as they named which done, the Arbitrators Having heard the Allegations of both parties, Order the master to pay 40s [shillings] to black face and acknowledge his fault. And so the matter ended: the poor master very honestly standing to the award.

There are everywhere in the Towns as I passed a Number of Indians, the Natives of the Country, and are the most savage of all the savages of that kind that I had ever Seen: little or no care taken (as I heard upon enquiry) to make them otherwise. They have in some places Lands of their own, and Govern’d by Laws of their own making; they marry many wives and at pleasure put them away, and on the least dislike or fickle humor, on either side, saying stand away to one another is a sufficient Divorce. And indeed those uncomely Stand aways are too much in Vogue among the FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 54

English in this (Indulgent Colony) as their Records plentifully prove, and that on very trivial matters, of which some have been told me, but are not proper to be Related by a Female pen, though some of that foolish sex have had too large a share in the story.

If the natives commit any crime on their own precincts among themselves, the English takes no Cognizance of. But if on the English ground, they are punishable by our Laws. They mourn for their Dead by blacking their faces and cutting their hair after an Awkward and frightful manner; But can’t bear You should mention the names of their dead Relations to them: they trade most for Rum, for which they’d hazard their very lives; and the English fit them Generally as well by seasoning it plentifully with water. They give the title of merchant to every trader; who Rate their Goods according to the time and specie they pay in: viz. Pay, money, Pay as money, and trusting. Pay is Grain, Pork, Beef, &c. [etc.] at the prices set by the General Court that Year; money is pieces of Eight, Ryalls, or Boston or Bay shillings (as they call them,) or Good hard money, as sometimes silver coin is termed by them; also Wampum, vizt. Indian beads which serves for change. Pay as money is provisions, as aforesaid one Third cheaper than as the Assembly or General Court sets it; and Trust as they and the merchant agree for time.

Now, when the buyer comes to ask for a commodity, sometimes before the merchant answers that he has it, he says, is Your pay ready? Perhaps the Chap Replies Yes: what do You pay in? says the merchant. The buyer having answered, then the price is set; as suppose he wants a sixpenny knife, in pay it is 12d in pay as money eight pence, and hard money its own price, viz. 6d. It seems a very Intricate way of trade and what Lex Mercatoria [Lex Mercatoria (Latin): Law Merchant, the rules of commerce devised by medieval merchants in Europe] had not thought of.

Being at a merchant’s house, in comes a tall country fellow with his alfogeos [cheeks] full of Tobacco; for they seldom Loose their Cud but keep Chewing and Spitting as long as their eyes are open he advanced to the middle of the Room, makes an Awkward Nod, and spitting a Large deal of Aromatic Tincture, he gave a scrape with his shovel-like shoe, leaving a small shovel full of dirt on the floor, made a full stop, Hugging his own pretty Body with his hands under his arms, Stood staring round him, like a Cat let out of a Basket. At last, like the creature Balaam Rode on, [Balaam: the donkey, capable of speech, on which the prophet Balaam rode; in the Old Testament book of Numbers.] he opened his mouth and said: have You any Ribbon for Hatbands to sell, I pray? The Questions and Answers about the pay being past, the Ribbon is brought and opened. Bumpkin Simpers, cries its confounded Gay, I vow; and beckoning to the door, in comes Joan Tawdry, dropping about 50 curtseys and stands by him: he shows her the Ribbon. Law, You, says she, it’s right, Gent, do You, take it, tis dreadful pretty. Then she inquires, have You any hood silk, I pray? which being brought and bought, Have You any thread silk to sew it with, says she, which being accommodated with, they Departed. They Generally stand after they come in, a great while speechless, and sometimes don’t say a word till they are asked what they want, which I Impute to the Awe they stand in of the merchants, who they are constantly almost Indebted to; and must take what they bring without Liberty to choose for themselves; but they serve them as well, making the merchants stay long enough for their pay.

We may Observe here the great necessity and benefit both of Education and Conversation; for these people have as Large a portion of mother wit, and sometimes a Larger, than those who have been brought up in Cities; But for want of improvements, Render themselves almost FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 55

Ridiculous, as above. I should be glad if they would leave such follies, and am sure all that Love Clean Houses (at least) would be glad about it too.

They are generally very plain in their dress, throughout all the Colony, as I saw, and follow one another in their modes [fashions]; that You may know where they belong, especially the women, meet them where you will.

Their Chief Red Letter day is St. Election, which is annually Observed according to Charter, to choose their Governor: a blessing they can never be thankful enough for, as they will find, if ever it be their hard fortune to loose it. The present Governor in Connecticut is the Honorable John Winthrop, Esq. [Esquire, i.e., gentleman], A Gentleman of an Ancient and Honorable Family, whose Father was Governor here sometime before, and his Grandfather had been Governor of the Massachusetts. This gentleman is a very courteous and affable person, much Given to Hospitality, and has by his Good services Gained the affections of the people as much as any who had been before him in that post.

After concluding her family business in New York, Knight again travels through Connecticut on her return journey to Boston. The December 6th, 1704 melds into this description:

Having here transacted the affair I went upon and some other that fell in the way, after about a fortnight’s stay [two weeks] there I left New-York with no Little regret, and Thursday, Dec. 21, set out for New Haven [Connecticut] with my Kinsman [relative] Trowbridge, and the man that waited on me about one afternoon, and about three come to half-way house about ten miles out of town, where we Baited [fed the horses] and went forward, and about 5 come to Spitting Devil, Else Kings bridge, where they pay three pence for passing over with a horse, which the man that keeps the Gate set up at the end of the Bridge receives.

We hoped to reach the French town and Lodge there that night, but unhappily lost our way about four miles short, and being overtaken by a great storm of wind and snow which set full in our faces about dark, we were very uneasy. But meeting one Gardner who lived in a Cottage thereabout, offered us his fire to set by, having but one poor Bed, and his wife not well, &c. or he would go to a House with us, where he thought we might be better accommodated thither we went, But a surly old shoe Creature, not worthy the name of woman, who would hardly let us go into her Door, though the weather was so stormy none but she would have turned out a Dog. But her son whose name was gallop, who lived just by Invited us to his house and showed me two pair of stairs, viz. one up the loft and t’other up the Bed, which was as hard as it was high, and warmed it with a hot stone at the feet. I lay very uncomfortably, insomuch that I was so very cold and sick I was forced to call them up to give me something to warm me. They had nothing but milk in the house, which they Boiled, and to make it better sweetened with molasses, which I not knowing or thinking of it till it was down and coming up again which it did in so plentiful a manner that my host was soon paid double for his portion, and that in specie. But I believe it did me service in Clearing my stomach.

So after this sick and weary night at Eastchester (a very miserable poor place), the weather being now fair, Friday the 22d Dec. we set out for New Rochelle, where being come we had good Entertainment and Recruited ourselves very well. This is a very pretty place, well compact, and FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 56 good handsome houses, Clean, good and passable Roads, and situated on a Navigable River, abundance of land well fined and Cleared all along as we passed, which caused in me a Love to the place, which I could have been content to live in it. Here we Rode over a Bridge made of one entire stone of such a Breadth that a cart might pass with safety, and to spare; it lay over a passage cut through a Rock to convey water to a mill not far off. Here are three fine Taverns within call of each other, very good provision for Travellers.

Thence we travelled through Merrimack, a neat, though little place, with a navigable River before it, one of the pleasantest I ever seen. Here were good Buildings, Especially one, a very fine seat, which they told me was Col. Heathcoat’s, who I had heard was a very fine Gentleman.

From hence we come to Horseneck, where we Baited [fed the horses] and they told me that one Church of England parson officiated in all these three towns once every Sunday in turns throughout the Year; and that they all could but poorly maintain [tolerate] him, which they begrudged to do, being a poor and quarrelsome crew as I understand by our Host; their Quarreling about their choice of Minister, they chose to have none. But caused the Government to send this Gentleman to them.

Here we took leave of York Government, and Descending the Mountainous passage that almost broke my heart in ascending before, we come to Stamford, a well compact Town, but miserable meeting house [church], which we passed, and through many and great difficulties, as Bridges which were exceeding high and very tottering and of vast Length, steep and Rocky Hills and precipices (Bugbears to a fearful female traveller).

About nine at night we come to Norwalk, having crept over a timber of a Broken Bridge about thirty foot long, and perhaps fifty to the water. I was exceeding tired and cold when we come to our Inn, and could get nothing there but poor entertainment, and the impertinent Babble of one of the worst of men, among many others of which our Host made one, who, had he been one degree more Impudent, would have outdone his Grandfather. And this I think is the most perplexed night I have yet had. From hence, Saturday, Dec. 23, a very cold and windy day, after an Intolerable night’s Lodging, we hasted forward, only observing in our way the Town to be situated on a Navigable river with indifferent Buildings and people more refined than in some of the Country towns we had passed, though vicious enough, the Church and Tavern being next neighbors.

******

CONCLUSION (MARCH 1705):

We were now in the colony of the Massachusetts and taking Lodgings at the first Inn we come to, had a pretty difficult passage the next day, which was the second of March, by reason of the sloughy ways then thawed by the Sun. Here I met Capt. John Richards of Boston who was going home. So being very glad of his Company, we Rode something harder than hitherto, and missing my way in going up a very steep Hill, my horse dropped down under me as Dead; this new surprise no little hurt me, meeting it just at the Entrance into Dedham from whence we intended to reach home that night. But was now obliged to get another Horse there and leave my own, FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 57 resolving for Boston that night if possible. But in going over the Causeway at Dedham the Bridge being overflowed by the high waters coming down I very narrowly escaped falling over into the river, Horse and all, which t’was almost a miracle I did not. Now it grew late in the afternoon and the people having very much discouraged us about the sloughy way which they said we should find very difficult and hazardous, it so wrought on me being tired and dispirited and disappointed of my desires of going home that I agreed to Lodge there that night which we did at the house of one Draper, and the next day being March 3d we got safe home to Boston, where I found my aged and tender mother and my Dear and only Child in good health with open arms ready to receive me, and my Kind relations and friends flocking in to welcome me and hear the story of my transactions and travels, I having this day been five months from home, and now I cannot fully express my joy and Satisfaction. But desire sincerely to adore my Great Benefactor for thus graciously carrying forth and returning in safety his unworthy handmaid.

***********************

FEATURED WRITER: MARY OTIS WARREN (1728--1814)

From The Defeat (1773)

NOTE: Warren was one of the preeminent political writers and propagandists of the American Revolution. During the years before the Revolution, Warren published poems and plays that attacked royal authority in Massachusetts and urged colonists to resist British infringements on colonial rights and liberties. She was married to James Warren, who was likewise heavily active in the independence movement. In 1790, she published a collection of poems and plays under her own name, a highly unusual occurrence for a woman at the time. In 1805, she published one of the earliest histories of the American Revolution, a three-volume History of the Rise, Progress, and Termination of the American Revolution, the first history of the American Revolution authored by a woman. Warren formed a strong circle of friends with whom she regularly corresponded, including Abigail Adams, Martha Washington, and Hannah FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 58

Winthrop, wife to John Winthrop. She became a correspondent and advisor to many political leaders, including Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and especially John Adams, who became her literary mentor in the years leading to the Revolution. She wrote several plays, including the satiric The Adulateur (1772). One of the main characters is Rapatio, who represents Thomas Hutchinson (descendant of Anne Hutchinson and her son Edward), the governor of Massachusetts at the time. Because Warren was a Whig and Hutchinson was a Tory, Warren disagreed with Hutchinson's pro-monarchy views. Therefore, Rapatio is the antagonist in The Adulateur. The protagonist is Brutus, a character that Warren created to represent her brother, James Otis. In the play, the characters that are Whigs are brave, independent people. The characters that are Tories are selfish and rude. The play includes a happy ending for the Whigs. Because her first play was so successful and she thoroughly enjoyed writing about politics, Warren did not stop there. In 1773, she wrote The Defeat, also featuring the character based on Hutchinson. Hutchinson had no idea the accuracy of her plot nor completely comprehended the impact she made on his political fate. Warren's assistance in the movement to remove Governor Hutchinson from his position through The Defeat was one of her greatest accomplishments. Warren began to have doubts as she wrote the third installment in her trilogy, feeling the power of her satire compromised her divine purpose to be a "member of the gentler sex," but found encouragement from Abigail Adams, who told her, "God Almighty has entrusted [you] with Powers for the good of the World.” With this affirmation, Warren then provided her sharpest political commentary yet: In 1775 Warren published The Group, a satire conjecturing what would happen if the British king abrogated the Massachusetts charter of rights. The anonymously published The Blockheads (1776) and The Motley Assembly (1779) are also attributed to her. Her work earned the congratulations of numerous prominent men of the age, including Alexander Hamilton who remarked, "In the career of dramatic composition at least, female genius in the United States has outstripped the male.” © Adapted from several online biographies, including that found on Wikipedia.

NOTE: The Adulateur depicted the tyrannical Rapatlo—a thinly disguised Hutchinson—who ruled the fictional country of Upper Servia and vowed to destroy his rebellious subjects. Pitted against him were virtuous patriots with lofty Latin names including Hortensius, Cassius and Brutus, the last representing Warren’s brother James Otis, who, in the play’s final scene, predicted eventual triumph. Response to The Adulateur was so enthusiastic that a year later it was published as a pamphlet. Encouraged, Mercy penned a second satire, The Defeat, which appeared in an abridged form on May 24, 1773, in the Boston Gazette. Again the setting was Upper Servia, but Mercy drew Rapatio even more darkly, as a Satanic figure who bribed his followers to remain loyal. Rapatio dies offstage, but in the last scene, Limpit, a mocking representation of Hutchinson’s brother-in-law Lt. Gov. Andrew Oliver, warns readers that the British spirit still survives as a “dangerous foe / Of Liberty, of truth, and of mankind.” Adapted from © History Net.com

FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 59

SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: This is how the text appeared in the Boston Gazette on May 24, 1773. WE DO NOT HAVE THE COMPLETE TEXT OF THE PLAY. The Gazette published what it called “a few extracts.” As far as we know, there is no full text of the play. Yet we certainly get the drift of the play from these few passages. If the character of Rapatio represents the governor of Massachusetts Colony, can you see why such a play would be dangerous for the author (and the publisher of the newspaper)? Describe and discuss the tone of the passages The Gazette printed. What kind of person is Rapatio (and in the last scene, Limpit, his relative)? Can you draw similarities with current political satire, such as that seen on popular television programs like Saturday Night Live or the opening monologues of late night talk show hosts?

As many of your country readers have been out of the way of the theatrical amusements of the last season, it may perhaps be some entertainment to them to see a few extracts from The Defeat, a dramatic performance lately exhibited.

The author has thought proper to give as a prologue the following lines of a celebrated writer.

"O how I laugh when I a blockhead see Thanking a villain for his probity, Who stretches out a most respectful ear With snares for wood-cocks in his holy leer, It tickles through my soul to hear the cock's Sincere encomium on his friend the fox, Sole patron of his liberties and rights, While graceless Reynard the fox listens -- till he bites.

[NOTE: Edward Young (3 July 1683--5 April 1765) was an English poet, critic, philosopher and theologian, best remembered for Night-Thoughts.]

Dramatis Personae

Rapatio -- Bashaw of Servia Proteus -- his general and one of his council Honestus -- virtuous senator Cassius -- virtuous senator Rusicus -- virtuous senator Horiensius -- virtuous senator Lucius -- virtuous senator Helvidius Priscus -- virtuous senator Crito -- a scribbler Chronus, Impavidus, Executioner -- garretteers, etc., etc., etc.

In this entertainment, the audience is presented a scene with the soliloquy of Rapatio, just leaving his apartment, with a speech in one hand for the senate, in the other a FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 60 warrant on the revenue chief -- salary, pension, perquisites, etc. summed up on the table.

Rapatio solus.

Rapatio: I've traversed over the records of the land, Ransacked the musty volumes of the dead, Researched the deeds of former infamy, And traced each monument of early days. Nor unexplored have left one useful line To prove the darling purpose of my soul And fix the shackles on an injured land. The senate summoned shall prevent the assembling The little states of every petty villa. Should they convene throughout the commonwealth And freely scan the rapid strides of power, Feeling their strength, they'd route and crush the hydra And dash my hopes beneath the dreaded wreck. The trump of malice by my minions blown Shall blast the laurels of the fairest name, And stab the bosom of that patriot's fame, Who dare oppose my arbitrary sway Or scorn to tremble at a despot's frown. A feather bribes all, but the virtuous few I'll tinkle empty titles in their ears, And browse the rattle for the crest of fools, Lull the supine in thoughtless indolence. And sink the claim of freedom with a nod: Nor leave a trace of all their boasted rights, For their depressed, their dropping sons to view, And point them back to what their fathers were. But should the genius of their sleeping fires, With angered brow and threatened vengeance rise, Demand the reason of my cruel deeds, Bid me avow the black and guilty cause, The traitorous purpose of my rankling mind, That's hid behind a subtle meagre form, The soft smooth grimace of a pander's smile, The oily droppings of a courtier's tongue, I'll point them there ---

[pointing to the sum counted up before time]

Say who the lure of such a bait could stand, Or who the glittering sequins could refill, FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 61

Yet not an aspect of the ample treasure Shall ever repair my shattered habitation. For this I'll squeeze the laboring peasant's brow And reap the ruined honest trader's spoils. The orphans tears shall lend their wretched aid, To rear a pile to glut my wild ambition: Yet spite of pride, of avarice, or revenge, I tremble at the purpose of my soul. The wooden latchet of my door never clicks, But that I start -- and ask does Brutus enter? Or comes a Mucius in the form of Ludlow? _____Ludlow______I hate that curst Cromwellian signature, ______It augurs ill. ______I'll haste, repair, and gently strive to soothe The nobles of my court to base compliance, To crush the brave, intrepid hero's zeal. And still the pen of bold and dauntless truth.

The scene changes to the senate house. Enter Proteus. In his hand a spirited paragraph, just published, censuring the measures and disclaiming the authority by which the people of Serva are oppressed.

Proteus: Did mortal ever behold such worth abused? Rapatio sure is virtue's first born son, (I hold his slave at humble distance kept.) No sordid views contaminate his soul. No rank ambition lurks within his breast, A generous ardor in his bosom glows, To guard the sacred rights of Servia's sons The Freedom purchased by their father's blood.

Honestus: Why all this waste of words -- why labors thus Thy supple tongue -- who has aspersed thy master?

Proteus: The good Honestus -- art thou Rapatio's friend? And clamly ask -- why all this fervid warmth? Feel you no kindlings for Rapatio's honor?

Honestus: I feel for Servia's wrongs. FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 62

Proteus: See there the darings of licentious pens! Shall we behold such excellence traduced? The great, the wise, the brave, discreet Rapatio Let us support, or order's at an end. The bands of government are loosed at once, Confusion, rage, and riot, hand in hand, With dire revenge, and anarchy, succeed.

Honestus: These frightening bugbears gendered at Neponsett Dealt out by Proteus or Crito's pen, Can't push the virtue of this noble senate, To an illegal step, to save a wretch Who checks the murmurings of a falling state, Deaf to the groanings of despairing worth, Forbids the comfort of a mingled sigh.

Proteus: Some gratitude is sure Rapatio's due For all the labors of his anxious days, The constant watchings of his sleepless nights, To prove ______

Hortensius: ______us born the slaves to distant lords. But Servia's noble senate has repelled His futile labored subtle eloquence, And freedom like Zenobia led in chains Still spurns the victor, though she grace the triumph.

Proteus: I'll hasten hence. I see the rising storm.

Honestus: I from my soul detest these base designs, Go tell thy master he deceives no more. The covered sting, the half disguised plan Peeps through the veil and shows the abject man, Who for a place, a grasp of shining earth, Has stabbed the vitals that first gave him birth. Shall Servia bleed and shan't her sons complain, While traitors revel over her children slain? Go dirtiest dupe of all the venal race Who sell their country for a pensioned place, FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 63

Who barter conscience for a gilded straw, Riot on right, and trample on the law.

Exit

End of the second act

The Scene changes, discovers Proteus in his own apartment in a trembling attitude.

Proteus alone.

Proteus: I've shifted, trimmed and veered to either side, As changing fortune smiled on either party, Till neither trusts or can in me confide. My future game shall be to fawn on power And gain a smile on which depends my fate. I'll cringe and court each ministerial tool. With zeal redoubled, I'll extol each measure, So keep my seat when a mandamus comes, Procured by serpentine maneuvers of one man, To sort the sycophant from men of worth.

The scene closes on Proteus, after which several tragical scenes are exhibited; but we refer the curious to the whole representation, as acted at the Head Quarters of the Bashaw of Servia, and proceed to the third act, which opens:

Drums, trumpets and several warlike instruments without. A battle ensues, in which Rapatio, his abettors and creatures are totally defeated, after which freedom and happiness are restored to the inhabitants of Servia, by the prudent and spirited conduct of Honestus, Hortensius, Cassius Rusticus, and others.

But as this entertainment is crowded with a variety of interesting events, we shall omit any further extracts of this time, except the concluding scene of the fourth act, where the curtain draws up and presents Rapatio to the audience in deep mourning. Scaffold, blocks, etc. etc.

Rapatio: Oh the reverse, the sad reverse of fortune! Stripped of my plumes, my plunder, and my peace. Peace I did say! that gentle heavenly guest, Has not resided in my cankered breast Ever since my native land I basely sold, FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 64

For flattering titles and more sordid gold. The dreadful curses of the slaughtered dead, Full vengeance pour on my devoted head. I fall unpitied not one weeping eye Shall wail my fate or heave a tender sigh. Had faithful Hazlerod survived my fate, He would deplore my truly wretched state. But he, with all my faithful favored band, Who swarmed as lice over Egypt's blasted land, And sucked the blood of their devoted prey, As Egypt's locusts, now are swept away. I now detested, shunned by every friend, A monument to after times I stand. I plunge, I sink. Oh save me from despair. What -- do I hear? -- is fierce Cerberus there? The portals of the yawning pit he guards, Where traitors doomed receive their just rewards. Bold Hercules who dove to Pluto's deep To fetch him out or lull that fiend asleep Bids him attend whenever a tyrant falls Who ruined millions and their race enthralls.

NOTE: The Gazette inserts an editorial tirade at this point before continuing with its “excerpts” from the play:

Boston May 24.

As an additional affront to the feelings of his countrymen; as an aggravated outrage on the sensibility, humanity, virtue, and justice of this people; as a master stroke of rancorous enormity, to put in the rack the most obstinate quietist: Be it known; that the cringing, smiling, fawning, bowing Charles Froth, Esq., a wretch, who from his earliest puppy-hood, through the lingering progress of a too long protracted life, to a period when he withers on the crutch of decrepitude, might challenge his recording angel to produce one single action, that sifted to its motive, would not effectually consign him to eternal infamy; has, O! unparalleled effrontery! O! the detestable parricide! has appointed that execrable villain, the condemned vagabond, the rank, bloody, and as yet unhanged Ebenezer Richardson, an officer in the Customs of the Port of Philadelphia. And what is infinitely aggravating and renders the transaction much more atrocious: the murderer is distinguished by a particular recommendation to the collector and comptroller of that port; declaring the miscreant to be a distinguished friend to government, a proper person to be employed in the revenue, and ordering them to reward him with a guinea per week. As the said Ebenezer Richardson is now placed on the ladder of promotion, we may expect him one of the Honorable Board of FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 65

Commissioners in a few years; where he may probably make as distinguished a figure as the rest of his brethren.

Friday last, Mr. Hutchinson returned from his tour to Hartford. We do not learn he missed his way on his return, though we are credibly informed his coachman did some six or eight miles in or near Needham on his journey hence. Now Needham is about 14 miles beyond Sheep Alley, which is about 5 miles from Boston, where his lieutenant some few years since was seen wandering.

Sometime last week Ebenezer Richardson, Esq., who lately had such a fortunate and surprising escape from the gallows for the murder of young Seider, through the extraordinary clemency of our pious and gracious monarch, set out for the City of Philadelphia, being appointed an officer in the Customs, for his notable exertions in behalf of government --- Balf, McQuirk & Kennedys are not the only instances of the unexampled goodness of George the Third.

At the general election at Hartford on Thursday the 13th instant, the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Assistants were chosen the same as last year.

Having heretofore entertained our readers with some extracts form a late dramatic exhibition called The Defeat, we now offer them another from the same work.

Act III Scene 2

Rapatio: (Looking at a document) Hah -- Betrayed -- Dear Limph can it be? Original! ------The hand! The signature -- Why these reprints? What sad, what dreadful tidings do I hear? Is the game up? Can I deceive no more? Could not my art, my sophistry and guile, All my precaution to conceal my plan Prevent the busy quick-eyed Patriot's search? Have they the broad Atlantic traveled over From Albion's bosom! fetched the guilty proofs Of our perfidious, bold and black designs?

Limpit: Yes, all is out, but how I cannot learn, Though I my timid, trembling form laid by To gain the clue: paraded the Exchange With shameless front, and an assured brow As if no pangs my goaded conscience felt, Nor did I leave deception's ragged veil, But patched it up, and sent it my few friends FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 66

To call before the beauteous face of truth, When they no longer can her charms resist.

Rapatio: Truth, sacred truth, none longer can resist. Conviction clear Strikes every honest undesigning heart. Resentment kindles in the offended senate. The citizens alarmed. The world's convinced That we're the miscreants that have sold their rights, Yet cheated many with a false pretense That we alone the public welfare sought. The mask is off, and my detested form Is known to those who have been most deceived.

Limpit: Few thought that we so black a part could act, That we behind the curtain played the wires, Pushed on our English to disturb the peace, To make the face complete pretended fear, Implored as aid that curse of every state; That bane of freedom, and the badge of slavery, the nurse of vice, of rapine and distress: A standing army; To subdue the spirits of a brave people, And riot on their spoils Though some suspected, many disbelieved For thy reputed virtue stood so high, ‘Twas deemed impossible the just Rapatio Should plead necessity for an abridgement Of native freedom to a British race; And urge that scourge, that cruel scourge of nations, An armed force to plunder and destroy But only this could have procured the place, An over balance for the patriot's flame. Let nations sink, posterity be ‘thralled. And tenfold plagues may still bring up the rear; And unmolested, we despotic rule.

Rapatio: My solemn, gloomy aspect long has hid The traiterous lurkings of ambitioius lust, A soul deformed by avarice and pride, And all the tumult of discordant fears, Lest hope (who oft a sly deceiver proves) Should change her face and cheat the sanguine wish FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 67

And disappointment, with a look severe Should bid defiance to our artful plan. While resolution promising success Might save a people whom we've striven to ruin.

Limpit: I greatly fear the hand of vengeance nigh, Guilt pallid guilt, fits hovering over my brow, And gnawing vipers twine about my heart: Is there no hope? Pray what led Graccus here?

Rapatio: He scatters bounties with such liberal hand So great his influence, with the vulgar herd [missing words] I thought to gain him with a feather. [missing words] frim; and foolishly adheres [missing words] though he gain naught thereby, [missing words] , and popular applause. [missing words] rumored that we were betrayed, [missing words] of tumultuous rage, [missing words] Gracchus, to learn by him more sure [missing words] of this injured people. [missing words] though often they've been duped. [missing words] tricks of statesmen [missing words] to a George's reign, [missing words] the game I early learned; [missing words] but my lucky cards. [missing words] mounted high in their esteem, [missing words] me honest, wise, and good, [missing words] from step to step I rose, [missing words] repenting but too late, [missing words] confidence reposed in me. [missing words] the goal I sought, [missing words] shackle and oppress, [missing words] I drew my vital breath.

Limpit: How many fortunate events concurred To help us onward to this splendid height, Not Brundo's malice, or Rapatio's art, Nor weak harangue from adulating tongues, By creatures placed in justice's solemn seat, Nor feeble efforts of our small cabal, Would ever have availed if Britain had been wise, Nor lent her ear to avarice disguised FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 68

In the same mantle worn by virtue's friends, Who ever have their country's good at heart.

Rapatio: Talk not of fortune or her pleasing smiles, To one distracted with corrosive care; The vigorous states in yonder senate met, Will not uncensored pass these daring strokes. The hated Cassius' soft pathetic tongue Pleads virtue's cause, which calls for my destruction, And every vice with each, just the doom. While a sincere and patriotic glow, And ardor free from each low private wish Bids Rusticus precipitate my fate With fearless courage and undaunted zeal. There's naught can bribe or shake his Roman soul. But if the conscript fathers should unite With their plebeian leaders, then all is o’er. Britannia's lords must know they've been deceived, Withdraw the pensions, and strip off the plume, And leave us helpless, lost in sad despair. But let me haste, I've yet some power left. I will prevent additions to their order: Know it thou the new auxiliaries they've chosen? They're cool, deliberate, honest, brave, and wise, Benevolent, humane, rejoicing most When happiness is most diffused to Man Renowned for virtue as for hate of tyrants, Their influence such they must not grace the Senate. Yet if I should reject the good Helvidius, I've no pretext to justify the deed. His deep researches into nature's laws, Not more his duty than his chief delight Have kept him ever from the lazy path Of busy courtiers and their public wiles There's naught in him to ground an accusation.

Limpit: Lucius, my former friend, dost thou approve? A friend indeed till he surveyed my heart, The vacant seat of verity appeared, And rectitude no more residing there, Lucius recoiled and bid a last adieu.

Rapatio: His first integrity thou knowest well, FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 69

His upright dealings, and his pious care To guard his heart form each immoral stain. His close attachment to the people's cause Prevents a thought of giving rank to Lucius. But for Hortensius -- (whose name I hate) He talks, he writes, regardless of my wrath: From pale-faced perjury, he strips the veil, Declaims aloud, and points him to the world, In secret thirsting after human blood, A crime for which he never shall be forgiven. How oft his eye has spoken the indignation That filled his soul, when fawning sycophants With labored lip and as an audacious front, Call virtue vice and giving truth the lie Have held me up the patron, friend and father Of this abused, oppressed, deluded people. I'll raise his name, as I'd blot out the memory Of all who struggle for that native freedom, The grant of heaven to our pious fathers, Transmitted down in characters of blood. With this command, ______Die or preserve it sacred: But pure religion, -- Nor a heart sincere, Not men of virtue, -- Nor the man of birth, Nor merit marked with literary fame, Will I forgive, if once they dare oppose My lust of gain, and eager grasp for power, And yet they spurn the favors I confer, And deem it honor when disproved by me!

Limpit: We must call in to aid the tottering cause Some wretched scribbler, bartering for gold, Truth, freedom, peace, and honor, sacred ties Confounding all things with the sceptic’s art, And what so fit for such a base design, As Philalethes prostituted pen, Long hackneyed in venality's low walks, He's crafty, docile, ready or for vice, Or if it would serve his mercenary view, Would draw it even in virtues hated cause. Virtue that state machine, for naught designed, But just to keep the vulgar fools in awe. Who as a ladder lend their galled necks To lift the knave up to his gilded height, FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 70

When on the pinnacle he drops the guise, Looks down and smiles to see the cheat succeed.

Rapatio: Yes! Philalethes long ago broke down The guard of conscience, and that strong defense By foolish priests and prophets of old time, Plagued round her portals to secure her rights, This moral sovereign boldly he's renounced. Lucre now reigns his deity and guide. His penetrating genius proves it clear, precepts divine are but a worn-out tale No revelation can exist at all, Denies his savior, and rejects St. Paul.

Limpit: He's a minion for the vilest deeds, Another curio, bought with Caesar's gold, Alike he'll write, for Brundo, or for thee, Distorting truth to hide the leopard's spots, He'll undertake a talk still more severe, And rashly strive to wash an Ethiop white, Thou knowst the errors of mean Brundo's reign, A Tyrant's heart, but no Machiavil's head. He wanted oft an oculist expert, To clear the sight or to draw over a film. He cogged the die, and turning up a knave, Philanthrop's name was written there at large, He took him up from penury and want, A genius fit to serve his dirty view, And as a reptile round the poisonous weed, Emerged from earth and crawling for support Clings round the thorny stalk till it supplies Nutritious dews to save the restless worm, He hung upon the shameless Brundo's arm, Till wealth rolled in the wages of his guilt An sample price for lost integrity.

Rapatio: But not his windings, or ten thousand wreaths Conceal the rancor of his venomed sting, That stabs alternate -- Brutus -- or his country. 'Tis not the changing signature can hide A base, duplicitous, narrow, servile soul, Subtle, all natural, treacherous, insincere. Dissimulation rest upon his tongue. FOUNDING WRITERS SUPPLEMENT 3 &4 Dr. Bill Thierfelder 71

Can and grimace! Bespeak a pander's heart, Proud and ungrateful, no restraints can bend, False to his friends, and faithless to his God.

Limpit: He may affect simplicity of style, Yet still he's known to be the dangerous foe Of liberty, of truth, and of mankind. Who undermines their happiness below, Then knocks away the props of future peace, Ranks rationality with insects of an hour. A fit expedient for a tyrant's plan To hush his fears and soothe his soul to rest, If after all the lenient hand of time With Philalethes aid should not compose The rising storm, the maddening people's rage That's nigh wrought up to fury and despair. A lifeless effigy won't long suffice, But you and I as forfeiture must pay, Our hoary heads to this much injured state.

NOTE: Limpit represents Andrew Oliver. Oliver, a merchant and public official in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, was Born into a wealthy and politically powerful merchant family. He is best known as the Massachusetts official responsible for implementing the provisions of the Stamp Act, for which he was hanged in effigy. He was commissioned lieutenant governor of the colony when his brother-in-law Thomas Hutchinson became governor in 1771. Letters that he and Hutchinson wrote in the late 1760s during protests surrounding the Townshend Acts were published in 1773, igniting a storm of protest against both men. These protests took a serious toll on Oliver's health, which suffered further after his wife died. Oliver died on March 3, 1774 from apoplectic stroke. His death was greeted with glee by the Sons of Liberty, and his burial was marred by acts of protest and violence. Because of the charged political climate few friends and relatives attended. Most of Oliver's family remained Loyal during the American Revolution, and resettled in other parts of the British Empire.

[The extant texts of Warren’s plays are available on my website under MERCY OTIS WARREN in SESSIONS 3 & 4]