any thing; and then they have a very accurate sagacity in discovering the tracks of man or beast. And also they are subtle and wily to accomplish their enterprise, especially they keep a deep silence in their marches and motions, whereas the English are more prone to talk to one another and make a noise, whereby the enemy, discovering them before they come near, either prepare for them or take their flight, as is most for their advantage. And here I shall take leave, as a parenthesis, to insert a short and true story of an Indian chief, captain under Uncas, who marching in this war as scout with some English soldiers of Connecticut, one of the English soldiers had on a new pair of shoes that made a creaking noise as they travelled. The Indian captain was not quiet until he had persuaded the fellow with creaking shoes to take his moccasins and wear them, and the Indian carried the Englishman's shoes at his back, and went himself barefoot. Another English soldier had on a pair of leather breeches, which being dry made a rustling noise; the Indian captain was not satisfied until he had persuaded the man to take off his breeches, or else to wet them in the water to prevent their rustling. By this relation, which is a truth, we may observe how circumspect and careful they are in order to obtain advantage of their enemies.
1675, July 2. But to proceed to our purpose. The Governor and Council gave their orders to Major Daniel Gookin (unto whom a peculiar inspection and government of the praying Indians was committed by authority of the General Court) to raise a company of the praying Indians forthwith, to be armed and furnished, and sent to the army at Mount Hope. In pursuance whereof the Major forthwith sent to all the praying Indians for one third part of their able men, who all readily and cheerfully appeared, and being enlisted were about 52.[1] These being armed and furnished were sent to the army under conduct of Capt. Isaac Johnson,[2] the 6th of July, 1675, who returned back after he had delivered them
- ↑ Hence the able men among the praying Indians at this time amounted to about 156. The old men, women, and children, were nearly 400, as will be seen elsewhere stated.
- ↑ Capt. Johnson was one of the earliest emigrants to New England, having been admitted a freeman of Massachusetts in 1635. He resided at Roxbury, and was elected Commander of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, (as the corps is now styled,) in 1667. He was killed at the taking of Narraganset fort, Dec. 19th, 1675.
