An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

but did not, for that the English Captives had promised the contrary to one another, because if one should run away, that would provoke the Indians, and endanger the rest that could not run away. Whilst we were here, Benjamin Stebbins going with some Indians to Wachuset, Hills, made his ⟨p. 46⟩escape from them, and when the news of his escape came; we were all presently called in and Bound; one of the Indians a Captain among them, and always our great Friend, met me coming in, and told me Stebbins was run away; and the Indians spake of burning us; some of only burning and biting off our Fingers by and by. He said there would be a Court, and all would speak their minds, but he would speak last, and would say, that the Indian that let Stebbins run away was only in fault, and so no hurt should be done us, fear not: so it proved accordingly. Whilst we lingered hereabout, Provision grew scarce, one Bears Foot must serve five of us a whole day; we began to eat Horse-flesh, and eat up seven in all: three were left alive and were not killed. Whilst we had been here, some of the Indians had been down and fallen upon Hadley, and were taken by the English, agreed with, and let go again; and were to meet the English upon such a Plain, there to make further Terms. Ashpalon was much for it, but Wachuset Sachems when they came were much against it: and were for this, that we should meet the English indeed, but there fall upon them and fight them, and take them. Then Ashpalon spake to us English ⟨p. 47⟩not to speak a word more to further that matter, for mischief would come of it. When those Indians came from Wachuset, there came with them Squaws, and Children about four-score, who reported that the English had taken Uncas, and all his Men, and sent them beyond Seas, they were much en•aged at this, and asked us if it were true; we said no, then was Ashpalon angry, and said, he would no more believe English-men. For they examined us every one apart; then they dealt worse by us for a season than before: Still Provision was scarce. We came at length to a place called SquawMaug River, there we hoped for Salmon, but we came too late. This place I account to be above two hundred Miles above Deerfield: then we parted into two Companies; some went one way and some went another way;

but did not, for that the English Captives had promised the contrary to one another, because if one should run away, that would provoke the Indians, and indanger the rest that could not run away. Whilest we were here, Benjamin Stebbins going with some Indians to Wachuset, Hills, made his