Isaac Addington letter to William Blathwayt, 1693 October 23

4 pages

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I hope mine of the 21st. and 25th. of July past, with the minutes of Council Laws
and other Transcripts then forwarded are by this time in your hands, being committed
to the care of Mr. Richard Whittingham a Gentleman that tooke passage on the Ship
Elizabeth, James Updick Commander, but I understand, at Sea removed into their Majestys
Frigatt the Pembrooke Captain Robert Fairfax Commander belonging unto the Squadron
under Sr. Francis Wheler. I have now by Captain Bant in the America transmitted
Duplicates of the Laws and other publick writings then sent; as also the minutes of
Council to the last of September, and of the last General Assembly.

In my former to Mr Povey I gave an Account of some overtures of the Indians
in the Eastern parts, for a Peace, and the Sagamores appointment to come to Pemaquid
by the 10th of August to attend such as his Excellency should order to discourse them about
that affaire, which hapned just at the time when fresh Forces raysed for an
Expedition to visit their head Quarters were advanced on that designe as far as the
mouth of Kennebeck, River, being purposely so contrived. His Excellency also
attended with several Gentlemen of the Council being then to visit the Garrison att
Pemaquid, and to give necessary orders for the proceeding of the Forces, in case the
Indians fail'd of appearance according to appointment, or should not comply
with such redsonable demands as might be made. But some of the Chief Sagamores
and Captaines, with many others, to the number of about two hundred, great and
small appeared at the day, and understanding that his Excellency was then upon the
place, sent to pray an opportunity of waiting upon him, which was accordingly
permitted the Sagamores then signified unto his Excellency that they were desirous
of peace, and that the War might be put unto an Issue thoough at present their
Condition was better than at some other times, having been lately supplied with
ammunition and what else they wanted, from the French, and appeared in a very
good habit and plight of body. And the French instigated them to continue and
prosecute the war, holding them in hand from time to time of the assistance of
such Sea and Land Force as would bring this whole Countrey under the obedience of
the French King, and that a French fryer had taken up his residence among them
to incite and encourage them thereto, and strenuously opposed their Submission
unto the English, which they had several times formerly discoursed and intended
but they had now resolved to dismiss him. His Excellency gave them to understand
that he could no otherwise receive any proposals from them than by their casting
themselves upon their Majesties Grace and Favour, acknowledging their Subjection
unto the obedience of the Crown of England.

And

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And that they should engage to forsake the French Interests, freely deliver up and
return all the English Captives and give hostages of some persons of Account with
them for their fidelity, and ceasing of all Acts of hostility for future; they prayed
they might have opportunity to acquaint their men therewith, and to have the
consideration thereof whilst the next day; when they readily agreed to all that
was proposed, desiring a liberty for the Exchange of their hostages after some time
of their being with the English, and Articles being accordingly drawn up were
Signed and Sealed by them. A Copy whereof you have with the other papers.
After their Executing the Articles one of the Sagamores very gravedly in a set speech
directed to his Excellency declared that he heartily rejoyced in the Conclusion now made
and that God would have it so. Since which all things have been quiet.
The English Captives returned say the Indians have for more than a yeare past
been meditating to bring about a Peace with the English, which their Fryar has
used all Endeavours to drive them off from, and influenced their young men so
that they would not consent till of late.

Our present danger seems now to lye from the French, though their Expectacions
of an Attack by the English Fleet has obliged them to keep all their Strength at
home this Summer, and to make preparations for their own defence; which has
given some respit from their annoyances. The unhappy disappointment of
that designe will doubtless much animate them and render such an attempt
hereafter more difficult: The state of the Fleet at Sr. Francis Whelers arrival
here, you will have fully represented by the Copy of his own Letter, and the
infection brought in by them spreading in this Town and other places to the loss
of a great many persons did wofully terrifie this People, besides a general Sickness
which at that time attended most Towns throughout the Province.

His Excellency and Council are very sensible of his Majestys Princely care & regard
for these their Territories in being at to great a charge for the reduction of their
Enemies, and procuring their quiet of which there had been a fair prospect with
the blessing of God, if timely notice had come to the several Governours to have made
necessary preparations on their part, and the Fleet arrived in health : You will see
the Sentiments of his Excellency and Council relating to such an attempt in their
answer to Sr. Francis Wheler's Letter at his request to have their opinion in that
matter if their Majesties in their Royal wisdom shall see cause to give their
Commands for the same. An Accompt of other passages relating to the
Publick you will have by the Copies of the Letters and papers inclosed, which are
refer'd in the Lieutenant Governors Letter to Mr. Secretary Nottingham.

I have likewise thankfully to acknowledge the Honour of yours of the 26th
of February (which came not to hand until the Twenty third of the last month)
and for your direction therein relating unto the Treasurers Accompts; which
should have been sent by this Conveyance but that opportunity has not been for
the

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The laying of them before the Council and Assembly for their allowance, the
Assembly being not to meet until the Eighth day of the next month, at which
time they shall be presented and then transmitted. I shall not be wanting of my
utmost Endeavours and diligence to Serve your Honour in that affaire, and in
what else is committed unto my Trust for their Majesties Service, heartily wishing
your Honors prosperity, and the continuance of your good Services for their Majesties

Mr. Blathwayt

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23 October 1693
From Mr. Addington
Secretary of New England

Received 20 December: 1693

An account of the Peace with the
Indians

The Treasury accompts will be
sent by the next Conveyance