Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1858 Excerpt: ...men to escort her to your dwelling, as became a chief. She, now, having an intention to return to me, I did expect the same." This message irritated Passaconaway in his turn, and the quarrel between them continued and increased so much, that the squaw never came back to Rumney-Marsh at all. We find but few events happening at Natick in these years between 1654 and 1660. There was another fast in 1658, partly in preparation for the gathering of a church, partly on account of much rain, and other trials. Here Waban exhorted, and Nishohkou, formerly described as a bashful man, who began thus, "I am a poor weak man, and know but little, and therefore I shall say but little." In the afternoon, John Spcene, the former chief owner of the Natick lands, Anthony, the sawyer, Piambouhou, who lived at Hassanamesit, and Wattasacompanum (Captain Tom), made speeches. All took their subjects from Genesis or St. Matthew's gospel; for, except a few of the Psalms in metre, no more of the Bible had been yet printed in their language. They all used pretty much the same words at beginning, then recited some passage from the parts of Scripture they were familiar with, which they explained and illustrated. Piambouhou began with, "I will speak but a little, because I am a poor creature," and Captain Tom's first sentence was, "A very little I am able to say, and besides, it is late." In none of the speeches of these Indians which I have read, have I found any traces of that eloquence so conspicuous in some of the later chiefs in our western States. There is, now and then, a remark touching from its humility, but none of the stern vigor that lives in the words of Red-Jacket and Black-Hawk. In accounting for this, it must not be forgotten that these ...