few days after), and James could not prevent it, if the sachem should change his mind and command him to accompany him; therefore James resolved to endeavour an escape before the sachem took his journey, especially being informed secretly by Joseph Tuhapawillin, the minister of Hassenasit (there with the enemy against his mind), that Philip had given strict order to all his soldiers to surprise, as they could, certain of the praying Indians, of their most valiant men, whereof this James was one; and that they should bring them unto him alive, that he might put them to some tormenting and cruel death; which hitherto had been prevented by the care and kindness of a great captain among them, named John, with one eye, belonging to Nashaway, who had civilly treated and protected James, and entertained him at his wigwam all the time of his being there. The cause of this his special love to James was because he had been a fellow-soldier with him in the Manhake war, and about ten years past. James acquainted his comrade Job with his purpose to escape home, desiring his company with him. Job concealed his purpose, and secretly contrived with him for his escape; "But," said he, "I am not yet in a posture fit to go, for I cannot carry my children with me, and I have not yet considered of a way to bring them off; moreover," said he, "I am willing to venture a little longer, and go down with the Indians that are to meet with the Narragansetts; and, if I live, I may get more intelligence. And," said he, "if God spare my life, I intend to come away about three weeks hence." But James earnestly persuaded him to go with him now; "for," said he, "after I am gone, I fear the enemy will suspect us to be spies, and then kill you." But Job was resolved to stay and venture a little longer, in order to his children's release, and to contrive a way for the escape of some other Christian Indians that were among the enemy, that longed for deliverance. So James came away, and got safe home as is above declared;[1] but Job staid behind, and returned not until the 9th of February; and then, about ten o'clock in the night, came to Major Gookin's house at Cambridge, conducted thither by one Joseph Miller, that lived near the falls of Charles River. He brought tidings, that before he came from the enemy at Menemesse, a
- ↑ "Job and he pretended to go out a hunting, killed three deer quickly, and, perceiving they were dogged by some other Indians, went over a pond and lay in a swamp till before day; and, when they had prayed together, he run away." — Cotton MSS.
