An earnest exhortation to the inhabitants of New-England, to hearken to the voice of…

May 30th. The enemy appeared at Hatfield, fired about twelve houses and barns without the Fortification, killed many of their Cattle, drave away almost all their sheep, spread themselves in the meadow between Hatfield & Hadly. When upon twenty five active and resolute men went from Hadly to relieve their distressed Brethren. The Indians shot at them ere they could get out of the Bout & wounded one of them. Ours nevertheless charged on the enemy, shut down five of six at the first volley near the River. Then they made hast toward the town fighting with a great number of the enemy, many falling before them. And though encompassed with a numerous swarm of Indians, who also lay in Ambush behind almost every Tree, and place of advantage, yet the English lost not one man, till within about an hundred Rod of the Town, when five of ours were slain; among whom was a precious young man, whose name was Smith, that place having lost many in losing that one man. It speaketh sadly to the rising Generation when such are taken away. After this the Enemy fled, having lost five and twenty in this fight.

In these two last months of May & April, besides the Sword of War, in respect of the Heathen, the Sword of the Lord hath been drawn against this Land, in respect of Epidemical Diseases, which sin hath brought upon us; Sore and (doubtless) Malignant Colds prevailing every where. I cannot hear of one Family in New-England that hath wholly escaped the Distemper, but there have been many Families wherein every one in the House was sick and ill-disposed. So as that there have been many sick and weak, and some are fallen asleep, yea some eminent and useful Instruments hath the Lord removed, and made breaches thereby upon divers of the Colonies New England.

In these two last months of May & April, besides the Sword of War, in respect of the Heathen, the Sword of the Lord hath been drawn against this Land, in respect of Epidemical Diseases, which sin hath brought upon us; Sore and (doubtless) Malignant Colds prevailing every where. I cannot hear of one Family in New-England that hath wholly escaped the Distemper, but there have been many Families wherein every one in the House was sick and ill-disposed. So as that there have been many sick and weak, and some are fallen asleep, yea some eminent and useful Instruments hath the Lord removed, and made breaches thereby upon divers of the Colonies NewEngland.