Chapter V: Part 5

The first Town Northeast from _Green-harbor_ is _Sittuate_ in the jurisdiction of the _Mattachusets_-Colony, more Northward of _Sittuate_ is _Conchusset_ and _Hull_ a little Burg lying open to the Sea, from thence we came to _Merton-point_ over against which is _Pullin-point_. Upon _Merton-point_ (which is on the Larboard-side) is a Town called _Nantascot_, which is two Leagues from _Boston_, where [p. 159.] Ships commonly cast Anchor. _Pullin-point_ is so called, because the Boats are by the seasing or Roads haled against the Tide which is very strong, it is the usual Channel for Boats to pass into _Mattachusets-Bay_.

There is an Island on the South-side of the passage containing eight Acres of ground. Upon a rising hill within this Island is mounted a Castle commanding the entrance, no stately Edifice, nor strong; built with Brick and Stone, kept by a Captain, under whom is a master-Gunner and others.

The _Bay_ is large, made by many Islands, the chief _Deere_-Island, which is within a flight shot of _Pullin-point_, great store of _Deere_ were wont to swim thither from the Main; then _Bird_-Island, _Glass_-island, _Slate_-Island, the Governours Garden, where the first Apple-Trees in the Countrey were planted, and a vinyard; then _Round_-Island, and _Noddles_-Island not far from _Charles_-Town: most of these Islands lye on the North-side of the _Bay_.

The next Town to _Nantascot_ on the South-side of the _Bay_ is _Wissaguset_ a small Village, about three miles from _Mount-wolleston_, about this Town the soil is very fertile.

Within sight of this is _Mount-wolleston_ or _Merry-mount_, called _Massachusets_-fields, [p. 160.] where _Chicatabat_ the greatest _Sagamore_ of the Countrey lived before the plague: here the Town of _Braintree_ is seated, no Boat nor Ship can come near to it, here is an Iron mill: to the West of this Town is _Naponset_ River.

Six miles beyond _Braintree_ lyeth _Dorchester_, a frontire Town pleasantly seated, and of large extent into the main land, well watered with two small Rivers, her body and wings filled somewhat thick with houses to the number of two hundred and more, beautified with fair Orchards and Gardens, having also plenty of Corn-land, and store of Cattle, counted the greatest Town heretofore in _New-England_, but now gives way to _Boston_, it hath a Harbour to the North for Ships.

A mile from _Dorchester_ is the Town of _Roxbury_, a fair and handsome Countrey Town, the streets large, the Inhabitants rich, replenished with Orchards and Gardens, well watered with springs and small freshets, a brook runs through it called _Smelt_-River, a quarter of a mile to the North-side of the Town runs stony River: it is seated in the bottom of a shallow _Bay_, but hath no harbour for shipping. Boats come to it, it hath store of Land and Cattle.

Two miles Northeast from _Roxbury_, and [p. 161.] Forty miles from _New-Plimouth_, in the latitude of 42 or 43 degrees and 10 minutes, in the bottom of _Massachusets-Bay_ is _Boston_ (whose longitude is 315 degrees, or as others will 322 degrees and 30 seconds.) So called from a Town in _Lincolnshire_, which in the _Saxons_ time bare the name of St. _Botolph_, and is the Metropolis of this Colony, or rather of the whole Countrey, situated upon a _Peninsula_, about four miles in compass, almost square, and invironed with the Sea, saving one small _Isthmus_ which gives access to other Towns by land on the South-side. The Town hath two hills of equal height on the frontire part thereof next the Sea, the one well fortified on the superficies with some Artillery mounted, commanding any Ship as she sails into the Harbour within the still _Bay_; the other hill hath a very strong battery built of whole Timber and fill’d with earth, at the descent of the hill in the extreamest part thereof, betwixt these two strong Arms, lyes a large _Cove_ or _Bay_, on which the chiefest part of the Town is built to the Northwest is a high mountain that out-tops all, with its three little rising hills on the summit, called _Tramount_, this is furnished with a Beacon and great Guns, from hence you may [p. 162.] overlook all the Islands in the _Bay_, and descry such Ships as are upon the Coast: the houses are for the most part raised on the Sea-banks and wharfed out with great industry and cost, many of them standing upon piles, close together on each side the streets as in _London_, and furnished with many fair shops, their materials are Brick, Stone, Lime, handsomely contrived, with three meeting Houses or Churches, and a Town-house built upon pillars where the Merchants may confer, in the Chambers above they keep their monethly Courts. Their streets are many and large, paved with pebble stone, and the South-side adorned with Gardens and Orchards. The Town is rich and very populous, much frequented by strangers, here is the dwelling of their Governour. On the North-west and North-east two constant Fairs are kept for daily Traffick thereunto. On the South there is a small, but pleasant Common where the Gallants a little before Sun-set walk with their _Marmalet_-Madams, as we do in _Morefields_, &c. till the nine a clock Bell rings them home to their respective habitations, when presently the Constables walk their rounds to see good orders kept, and to take up loose people. Two miles from the town, [p. 163.] at a place called _Muddy-River_, the Inhabitants have Farms, to which belong rich arable grounds and meadows where they keep their Cattle in the Summer, and bring them to _Boston_ in the Winter; the Harbour before the Town is filled with Ships and other Vessels for most part of the year.

_Hingham_ is a Town situated upon the Sea-coasts, South-east of _Charles-River_: here is great store of Timber, deal-boards, masts for Ships, white-Cedar, and fish is here to be had.

_Dedham_ an inland town ten miles from _Boston_ in the County of _Suffolk_ well watered with many pleasant streams, and abounding with Garden fruit; the Inhabitants are Husband-men, somewhat more than one hundred Families, having store of Cattle and Corn.

The Town of _Waymouth_ lyes open to the Sea, on the East Rocks and Swamps, to the South-ward good store of _Deer_, arable land and meadows.

On the North-side of _Boston_ flows _Charles-River_, which is about six fathom deep, many small Islands lye to the Bayward, and hills on either side the River, a very good harbour, here may forty Ships ride, the passage from _Boston_ to _Charles-Town_ is by a Ferry worth forty or fifty pounds a [p. 164.] year, and is a quarter of a mile over. The River _Mistick_ runs through the right side of the Town, and by its near approach to _Charles-River_ in one place makes a very narrow neck, where stands most part of the Town, the market-place not far from the waterside is surrounded with houses, forth of which issue two streets orderly built and beautified with Orchards and Gardens, their meeting-house stands on the North-side of the market, having a little hill behind it; there belongs to this Town one thousand and two hundred Acres of arable, four hundred head of Cattle, and as many Sheep, these also provide themselves Farms in the Country.

Up higher in _Charles-River_ west-ward is a broad Bay two miles over, into which runs _Stony-River_ and _Muddy-River_.

Towards the South-west in the middle of the _Bay_ is a great Oyster-bank, towards the North-west is a Creek; upon the shore is situated the village of _Medford_, it is a mile and half from _Charles-town_.

At the bottom of the _Bay_ the River begins to be narrower, half a quarter of a mile broad; by the North-side of the River is _New-town_, three miles from _Charles-town_, a league and half by water, it was first [p. 165.] intended for a City, the neatest and best compacted Town, having many fair structures and handsom contrived streets; the Inhabitants rich, they have many hundred Acres of land paled with one common fence a mile and half long, and store of Cattle; it is now called _Cambridge_ where is a Colledg for Students of late; it stretcheth from _Charles-River_ to the Southern part of _Merrimach-River_.

Half a mile thence on the same side of the River is _Water-town_ built upon one of the branches of _Charles-River_, very fruitful and of large extent, watered with many pleasant springs and small Rivulets, the Inhabitants live scatteringly. Within half a mile is a great pond divided between the two Towns, a mile and half from the Town is a fall of fresh waters which conveigh themselves into the Ocean through _Charles-River_, a little below the fall of waters they have a wair to catch fish, wherein they take store of _Basse_, _Shades_, _Alwives_, _Frost-fish_, and _Smelts_, in two tides they have gotten one hundred thousand of these fishes. They have store of Cattle and Sheep, and near upon two thousand Acres of arable land, Ships of small burden may come up to these Towns.

[p. 166.] We will now return to _Charles-town_ again, where the River _Mistick_ runs on the North-side of the Town (that is the right side as beforesaid) where on the Northwest-side of the River is the Town of _Mistick_, three miles from _Charles-town_, a league and half by water, a scattered village; at the head of this River are great and spacious ponds, full of _Alewives_ in the spring-time, the notedst place for this sort of fish. On the West of this River is Merchant _Craddock’s_ plantation, where he impaled a park.

Upon the same River and on the North-side is the Town of _Malden_.

The next Town is _Winnisimet_ a mile from _Charles-town_, the River only parting them, this is the last Town in the still bay of _Massachusets_.

Without _Pullin-point_, six miles North-east from _Winnisimet_ is _Cawgust_, or _Sagust_, or _Sangut_ now called _Linn_, situated at the bottom of a _Bay_ near a River, which upon the breaking up of winter with a furious Torrent vents it self into the Sea, the Town consists of more than one hundred dwelling-houses, their Church being built on a level undefended from the North-west wind is made with steps descending [p. 167] into the Earth, their streets are straight and but thin of houses, the people most husbandmen. At the end of the _Sandy beach_ is a neck of land called _Nahant_, it is six miles in circumference. Black _William_ an _Indian_ Duke out of his generosity gave this to the _English_. At the mouth of the River runs a great Creek into a great marsh called _Rumney_-marsh, which is four miles long, and a mile broad, this Town hath the benefit of minerals of divers kinds, Iron, Lead, one Iron mill, store of Cattle, Arable land and meadow.

To the North-ward of _Linn_ is _Marvil_ or _Marble-head_, a small Harbour, the shore rockie, upon which the Town is built, consisting of a few scattered houses; here they have stages for fishermen, Orchards and Gardens, half a mile within land good pastures and Arable land.

Four miles North of _Marble-head_ is situated _New-Salem_ (whose longitude is 315 degrees, and latitude 42 degrees 35 minutes) upon a plain, having a River on the South, and another on the North, it hath two Harbours, Winter Harbour and Summer Harbour which lyeth within _Darbie’s_ fort, they have store of Meadow and Arable, in this Town are some very rich Merchants.

[p. 168.] Upon the Northern Cape of the _Massachusets_, that is _Cape-Ann_, a place of fishing is situated, the Town of _Glocester_ where the _Massachusets_ Colony first set down, but _Salem_ was the first Town built in that Colony, here is a Harbour for Ships.

To the North-ward of _Cape-Ann_ is _Wonasquam_, a dangerous place to sail by in stormie weather, by reason of the many Rocks and foaming breakers.

The next Town that presents it self to view is _Ipswich_ situated by a fair River, whose first rise is from a Lake or Pond twenty mile up, betaking its course through a hideous _Swamp_ for many miles, a Harbour for _Bears_, it issueth forth into a large _Bay_, (where they fish for _Whales_) due East over against the Islands of _Sholes_ a great place of fishing, the mouth of that River is barr’d; it is a good haven-town, their meeting-house or Church is beautifully built, store of Orchards and Gardens, land for husbandry and Cattle.

_Wenham_ is an inland Town very well watered, lying between _Salem_ and _Ipswich_, consisteth most of men of judgment and experience _in re rustica_, well stored with Cattle. At the first rise of _Ipswich_-River in the highest part of the land near the head [p. 169.] springs of many considerable Rivers; _Shashin_ one of the most considerable branches of _Merrimach_-River, and also at the rise of _Mistick_-River, and ponds full of pleasant springs, is situated _Wooburn_ an inland-Town four miles square beginning at the end of _Charles-town_ bounds.

Six miles from _Ipswich_ North-east is _Rowley_, most of the Inhabitants have been Clothiers.

Nine miles from _Salem_ to the North is _Agowamine_, the best and spaciousest place for a plantation, being twenty leagues to the Northward of _New-Plimouth_.

Beyond _Agowamin_ is situated _Hampton_ near the Sea-coasts not far from _Merrimach_-River, this Town is like a _Flower-deluce_, having two streets of houses wheeling off from the main body thereof, they have great store of salt Marshes and Cattle, the land is fertil, but full of Swamps and Rocks.

Eight miles beyond _Agowamin_ runneth the delightful River _Merrimach_ or _Monumach_, it is navigable for twenty miles, and well stored with fish, upon the banks grow stately Oaks, excellent Ship timber, not inferiour to our _English_.

On the South-side of _Merrimach_-River [p. 170.] twelve miles from _Ipswich_, and near upon the wide venting streams thereof is situated _Newberrie_, the houses are scattering, well stored with meadow, upland, and Arable, and about four hundred head of Cattle.

Over against _Newberrie_ lyes the Town of _Salisbury_, where a constant Ferry is kept, the River being here half a mile broad, the Town scatteringly built.

Hard upon the River of _Shashin_ where _Merrimach_ receives this and the other branch into its body, is seated _Andover_, stored with land and Cattle.

Beyond this Town by the branch of _Merrimach_-River called _Shashin_, lyeth _Haverhill_, a Town of large extent about ten miles in length, the inhabitants Husbandmen, this Town is not far from _Salisbury_.

Over against _Haverhill_ lyeth the Town of _Malden_, which I have already mentioned.

In a low level upon a fresh River a branch of _Merrimach_ is seated _Concord_, the first inland Town in _Massachusets_ patent, well stored with fish, _Salmon_, _Dace_, _Alewive_, _Shade_, &c. abundance of fresh marsh and Cattle, this place is subject to bitter storms.

[p. 171.] The next town is _Sudbury_ built upon the same River where _Concord_ is, but further up; to this Town likewise belongs great store of fresh marshes, and Arable land, and they have many Cattle, it lyeth low, by reason whereof it is much indammaged with flouds.

In the Centre of the Countrey by a great pond side, and not far from _Woeburn_, is situated _Reading_, it hath two mills, a saw-mill and a Corn-mill, and is well stockt with Cattle.

The Colony is divided into four Counties, the first is _Suffolk_, to which belongs _Dorchester_, _Roxbury_, _Waymouth_, _Hingham_, _Dedham_, _Braintre_, _Sittuate_, _Hull_, _Nantascot_, _Wisagusset_. The second County is _Middlesex_, to this belongs _Charles-town_, _Water-town_, _Cambridge_, _Concord_, _Sudbury_, _Woeburn_, _Reading_, _Malden_, _Mistick_, _Medford_, _Winnisimet_ and _Marble-head_. To the third County which is _Essex_, belongs _New-Salem_, _Linn_, _Ipswich_, _New-Berry_, _Rowley_, _Glocester_, _Wenham_ and _Andover_. The fourth County is _Northfolk_, to this belongs _Salisbury_, _Hampton_ and _Haverhill_.

In the year of our Lord 1628, Mr. _John Endicot_ with a number of _English_ people set down by _Cape-Ann_ at that place called [p. 172.] afterwards _Gloster_, but their abiding-place was at _Salem_, where they built a Town in 1639. and there they gathered their first Church, consisting but of Seventy persons; but afterwards increased to forty three Churches in joynt Communion with one another, and in those Churches were about Seven thousand, seven hundred and fifty Souls, Mr. _Endicot_ was chosen their first Governour.

The Twelfth of _July_ _Anno Dom._ 1630. _John Wenthorp_ Esq; and the assistants, arrived with the Patent for the _Massachusets_, the passage of the people that came along with him in ten Vessels came to 95000 pound: the Swine, Goats, Sheep, Neat, Horses cost to transport 12000 pound, besides the price they cost them; getting food for the people till they could clear the ground of wood amounted to 45000 pound: Nails, Glass, and other Iron work for their meeting and dwelling houses 13000 pound; Arms, Powder, Bullet, and Match, together with their Artillery 22000 pound, the whole sum amounts unto One hundred ninety two thousand pounds. They set down first upon _Noddles-Island_, afterwards they began to build upon the main. In 1637. there were not many houses in the Town of [p. 173.] _Boston_, amongst which were two houses of entertainment called Ordinaries, into which if a stranger went, he was presently followed by one appointed to that Office, who would thrust himself into his company uninvited, and if he called for more drink than the Officer thought in his judgment he could soberly bear away, he would presently countermand it, and appoint the proportion, beyond which he could not get one drop.

The Patent was granted to Sir _Henry Rosewell_, Sir _John Young_ Knight, _Thomas Southcoat_, _John Humphrey_, _John Endicot_, and _Simon Whitecomb_, and to their Heirs, Assigns, and Associats for ever. These took to them other Associats, as Sir _Richard Saltonstall_, _Isaac Johnson_, _Samuel Aldersey_, _Jo. Ven_, _Matth. Craddock_, _George Harwood_, _Increase Nowell_, _Rich. Perry_, _Rich. Bellingham_, _Nathaniel Wright_, _Samuel Vasell_, _Theophilus Eaton_, _Thomas Goffe_, _Thomas Adams_, _Jo. Brown_, _Samuel Brown_, _Thomas Hutchins_, _Will. Vasell_, _Will. Pinchon_ and _George Foxcroft_. _Matth. Craddock_ was ordained and constituted Governour by Patent, and _Thomas Goffe_ Deputy Governour of the said Company, the rest Assistants.

That part of _New-England_ granted to [p. 174.] these fore-mentioned Gentlemen lyeth and extendeth between a great River called _Monumach_, alias _Merrimach_, and the often frequented _Charles-River_, being in the bottom of a _Bay_ called _Massachusets_, alias _Mattachusets_, alias _Massatusets-bay_; and also those lands within the space of three _English_ miles, on the South part of the said _Charles-River_, or any or every part, and all the lands within three miles to the South-ward part of the _Massachusets-bay_, and all those lands which lye within the space of three _English_ miles to the North-ward of the River _Merrimach_, or to the North-ward of any and every part thereof, and all lands whatsoever within the limits aforesaid, North and South, in latitude, and in breadth and length and longitude of and within all the main land there, from the _Atlantick_ and Western-Sea and Ocean on the East-part, to the South-Sea on the West-part, and all lands and grounds, place and places, soils, woods and wood-groves, Havens, Ports, Rivers, Waters, fishings and Hereditaments whatsoever lying within the aforesaid lands and limits, and every part and parcel thereof, and also all Islands lying in _America_ aforesaid in the said Seas, or either of them on the Western or Eastern [p. 175.] Coasts or parts of the said tracts of lands. Also all mines and minerals as well Royal of Gold, Silver, as others _&c._ With power to rule and govern both Sea and land, holden of the East manner of _Greenwich_ in _Com. Kent_, in free and common soccage, yielding and paying to the King the fifth part of the Oar of Gold and Silver which shall be found at any time.

This Colony is a body Corporated and Politick in fact by the name of the Governour and Company of the _Mattachusets-bay_ in _New-England_.

That there shall be one Governour, and Deputy-Governour, and Eighteen Assistants of the same Company from time to time.

That the Governour and Deputy-Governour, Assistants and all other Officers to be chosen from amongst the free-men, the last _Wednesday_ in _Easter_-term yearly in the general Court.

The Governour to take his Corporal Oath to be true and faithful to the Government, and to give the same Oath to the other Officers.

[p. 176.] To hold a Court once a month, and any seven to be a sufficient Court.

And that there shall be four general Courts kept in Term time, and one great general and solemn Assembly to make Laws and Ordinances; So they be not contrary and repugnant to the Laws and Statutes of the Realm of _England_. Their form of Government and what their Laws concern, you may see in the ensuing Table.

[p. 177.]

{ { Governour
{ { {
{ { 1 Magi- { { 1 Counsellers.
{ { strates. { {
{ { { Assistants. { { 1 of the whole
{ 1 { { { Countrey.
{ their { { 2 Judges {
{ person { { { 2 of each town.
{ {
{ {
{ { { 1 of the { 1 for their protection.
Their { { 2 People. { whole Countrey, { 2 for their provision.
Laws { { {
Con- { { 2 of each { 1 their lands.
cern { { Town, concerning. { 2 their Treasure.
{
{ { 1 The
{ { 1 Civil { publick { 1 in their personal
{ { & they { State, or { inheritances, and
{ { concern { 2 Particular { proprieties
{ { { persons. {
{ { { { 1 Of
{ { { 2 in { buying
{ { { Whether { 1 either { their { and
{ { { between { of Tres- { mutual { selling
{ { { the members { passes { com- {
{ 2 of { { of { or { merce { 2 Lending
{ causes { { their own { 2 of { whether { and
{ { { Commonwealth { Capital { in { borrow-
{ { 2 Cri- { & they are. { Crimes. { way { ing
{ { minal.
{ 2 Between {
{ Burgesses {
{ and the { 1 That we do them wrong.
{ people, {
{ and forraign { 2 That they do us wrong.
{ Nations, {
{ whether {
{ in case {

[p. 178.] _Anno Dom._ 1646. they drew up a body of their Laws for the well ordering of their Commonwealth, as they not long since termed it.

The military part of their Commonwealth is governed by one Major-General, and three Serjeant Majors; to the Major-General belongeth particularly the Town of _Boston_, to the three Serjeant Majors belong the four Counties, but with submission to the Major-General. The first Serjeant Major chosen for the County of _Suffolk_ was Major _Gibbons_. For the County of _Middlesex_ Major _Sedgwick_. For the County of _Essex_ and _Northfolk_ Major _Denison_.

Every Town sends two Burgesses to their great and solemn general Court.

For being drunk, they either whip or impose a fine of Five shillings; so for swearing and cursing, or boring through the tongue with a hot Iron.

For kissing a woman in the street, though in way of civil salute, whipping or a fine.

For Single fornication whipping or a fine.

For Adultery, put to death, and so for witchcraft.

An _English_ woman suffering an _Indian_ to have carnal knowledge of her, had an _Indian_ cut out exactly in red cloth sewed [p. 179.] upon her right Arm, and injoyned to wear it twelve moneths.

Scolds they gag and set them at their doors for certain hours, for all comers and goers by to gaze at.

Stealing is punished with restoring four fould, if able; if not, they are sold for some years, and so are poor debtors.

If you desire a further inspection to their Laws, I must refer you to them being in print, too many for to be inserted into this Relation.

The Governments of their Churches are Independent and Presbyterial, every Church (for so they call their particular Congregations) have one Pastor, one Teacher, Ruling Elders and Deacons.

They that are members of their Churches have the Sacraments administred to them, the rest that are out of the pale as they phrase it, are denyed it. Many hundred Souls there be amongst them grown up to men & womens estate that were never Christened.

They judge every man and woman to pay Five shillings _per_ day, who comes not to their Assemblies, and impose fines of forty shillings and fifty shillings on such as meet together to worship God.

[p. 180.] Quakers they whip, banish, and hang if they return again.

Anabaptists they imprison, fine and weary out.

The Government both Civil and Ecclesiastical is in the hands of the thorow-pac’d Independents and rigid Presbyterians.

The grose _Goddons_, or great masters, as also some of their Merchants are damnable rich; generally all of their judgement, inexplicably covetous and proud, they receive your gifts but as an homage or tribute due to their transcendency, which is a fault their Clergie are also guilty of, whose living is upon the bounty of their hearers. On Sundays in the afternoon when Sermon is ended the people in the Galleries come down and march two a breast up one Ile and down the other, until they come before the desk, for Pulpit they have none: before the desk is a long pue where the Elders and Deacons sit, one of them with a mony box in his hand, into which the people as they pass put their offering, some a shilling, some two shillings, half a Crown, five shillings according to their ability and good will, after this they conclude with a Psalm; but this by the way.

The chiefest objects of discipline, Religion, [p. 181.] and morality they want, some are of a _Linsie-woolsie_ disposition, of several professions in Religion, all like _Æthiopians_ white in the Teeth only, full of ludification and injurious dealing, and cruelty the extreamest of all vices. The chiefest cause of _Noah’s_ floud, Prov. 27. 26. _Agni erant ad vestitum tuum_, is a frequent Text among them, no trading for a stranger with them, but with a _Græcian_ faith, which is not to part with your ware without ready money, for they are generally in their payments recusant and slow, great Syndies, or censors, or controllers of other mens manners, and savagely factious amongst themselves.

There are many strange women too, (in _Salomon’s_ sence) more the pitty, when a woman hath lost her Chastity, she hath no more to lose.

But mistake me not to general speeches, none but the guilty take exceptions, there are many sincere and religious people amongst them, descryed by their charity and humility (the true Characters of Christianity) by their Zenodochie or hospitality, by their hearty submission to their Soveraign the King of _England_, by their diligent and honest labour in their callings, amongst these we may account the Royalists, who are lookt upon with an evil eye, and [p. 182.] tongue, boulted or punished if they chance to lash out; the tame _Indian_ (for so they call those that are born in the Countrey) are pretty honest too, and may in good time be known for honest Kings men.

They have store of Children, and are well accommodated with Servants; many hands make light work, many hands make a full fraught, but many mouths eat up all, as some old planters have experimented; of these some are _English_, others _Negroes_: of the _English_ there are can eat till they sweat, and work till they freeze; & and of the females that are like Mrs. _Winters_ paddocks, very tender fingerd in cold weather.

There are none that beg in the Countrey, but there be Witches too many, bottle-bellied Witches amongst the Quakers, and others that produce many strange apparitions if you will believe report, of a _Shallop_ at Sea man’d with women; of a Ship, and a great red Horse standing by the main-mast, the Ship being in a small _Cove_ to the East-ward vanished of a suddain. Of a Witch that appeared aboard of a Ship twenty leagues to Sea to a Mariner who took up the Carpenters broad Axe and cleft her head with it, the Witch dying of the wound at home, with such like bugbears and _Terriculamentaes_.

[p. 183.] It is published in print, that there are not much less than Ten hundred thousand souls _English_, _Scotch_ and _Irish_ in _New-England_.

Most of their first Magistrates are dead, not above two left in the _Massachusets_, but one at _Plimouth_, one at _Connecticut_, and one at _New-haven_, they having done their generation work are laid asleep in their beds of rest till the day of doom, there and then to receive their reward according as they have done be it good or evil. Things of great indurance we see come to ruine, and alter, as great Flouds and Seas dryed up; mighty hills and mountains sunk into hollow bottoms: marvel not then that man is mortal, since his nature is unconstant and transitory.

The Diseases that the _English_ are afflicted with, are the same that they have in _England_, with some proper to _New-England_, griping of the belly (accompanied with Feaver and Ague) which turns to the bloudy-flux, a common disease in the Countrey, which together with the small pox hath carried away abundance of their children, for this the common medicines amongst the poorer sort are Pills of Cotton swallowed, or Sugar and Sallet-oyl boiled thick and made into Pills, Alloes pulverized [p. 184.] and taken in the pap of an Apple. I helped many of them with a sweating medicine only.

Also they are troubled with a disease in the mouth or throat which hath proved mortal to some in a very short time, Quinsies, and Impostumations of the Almonds, with great distempers of cold. Some of our _New-England_ writers affirm that the _English_ are never or very rarely heard to sneeze or cough, as ordinarily they do in _England_, which is not true. For a cough or stitch upon cold, Wormwood, Sage, Marygolds, and Crabs-claws boiled in posset-drink and drunk off very warm, is a soveraign medicine.

Pleurisies and Empyemas are frequent there, both cured after one and the same way; but the last is a desperate disease and kills many. For the Pleurisie I have given _Coriander_-seed prepared, _Carduus_ seed, and _Harts-horn_ pulverized with good success, the dose one dram in a cup of Wine.

The Stone terribly afflicts many, and the Gout, and Sciatica, for which take Onions roasted, peeled and stampt, then boil them with neats-feet oyl and Rhum to a plaister, and apply it to the hip.

Head-aches are frequent, Palsies, Dropsies, Worms, Noli-me-tangeres, Cancers, [p. 185.] pestilent Feavers. Scurvies, the body corrupted with Sea-diet, Beef and Pork tainted, Butter and Cheese corrupted, fish rotten, a long voyage, coming into the searching sharpness of a purer climate, causeth death and sickness amongst them.

Men and Women keep their complexions, but lose their Teeth: the Women are pittifully Tooth-shaken; whether through the coldness of the climate, or by sweet-meats of which they have store, I am not able to affirm, for the Toothach I have found the following medicine very available, Brimstone and Gunpowder compounded with butter, rub the mandible with it, the outside being first warm’d.

For falling off of the hair occasioned by the coldness of the climate, and to make it curl, take of the strong water called Rhum and wash or bath your head therewith, it is an admirable remedie.

For kibed heels, to heal them take the yellowest part of Rozen, pulverize it and work it in the palm of your hand with the tallow of a Candle to a salve, and lay of it to the sore.

For frozen limbs, a plaister framed with Soap, Bay-salt, and Molosses is sure, or Cow-dung boiled in milk and applyed.

For Warts and Corns, bathe them with Sea-water.

[p. 186.] There was in the Countrey not long since living two men that voided worms seven times their length. Likewise a young maid that was troubled with a sore pricking at her heart, still as she lean’d her body, or stept down with her foot to the one side or the other; this maid during her distemper voided worms of the length of a finger all hairy with black heads; it so fell out that the maid dyed; her friends desirous to discover the cause of the distemper of her heart, had her open’d, and found two crooked bones growing upon the top of the heart, which as she bowed her body to the right or left side would job their points into one and the same place, till they had worn a hole quite through. At _Cape-Porpus_ lived an honest poor planter of middle-age, and strong of body, but so extreamly troubled with two lumps (or wens as I conjectured) within him, on each side one, that he could not rest for them day nor night, being of great weight, and swagging to the one side or the other, according to the motion or posture of his body; at last he dyed in _Anno_ 1668 as I think, or thereabouts. Some Chirurgeons there were that proffered to open him, but his wife would not assent to it, and so his disease was hidden in the Grave.

[p. 187.] It is the opinion of many men, that the blackness of the _Negroes_ proceeded from the curse upon _Cham’s_ posterity, others again will have it to be the property of the climate where they live. I pass by other Philosophical reasons and skill, only render you my experimental knowledge: having a _Barbarie-moor_ under cure, whose finger (prickt with the bone of a fish) was Impostumated, after I had lanc’d it and let out the Corruption the skin began to rise with proud flesh under it; this I wore away, and having made a sound bottom I incarnated it, and then laid on my skinning plaister, then I perceived that the _Moor_ had one skin more than _Englishmen_; the skin that is basted to the flesh is bloudy and of the same Azure colour with the veins, but deeper than the colour of our _Europeans_ veins. Over this is an other skin of a tawny colour, and upon that _Epidermis_ or _Cuticula_, the flower of the skin (which is that Snakes cast) and this is tawny also, the colour of the blew skin mingling with the tawny makes them appear black. I do not peremptorily affirm this to be the cause, but submit to better judgment. More rarities of this nature I could make known unto you, but I hasten to an end; only a word or two of our _English_ Creatures and then to Sea again.

[p. 188.] I have given you an Account of such plants as prosper there, and of such as do not; but so briefly, that I conceive it necessary to afford you some what more of them. _Plantain_ I told you sprang up in the Countrey after the _English_ came, but it is but one sort, and that is broad-leaved plantain.

_Gilliflowers_ thrive exceedingly there and are very large, the Collibuy or humming-Bird is much pleased with them. Our _English_ dames make Syrup of them without fire, they steep them in Wine till it be of a deep colour, and then they put to it spirit of _Vitriol_, it will keep as long as the other.

_Eglantine_ or sweet _Bryer_ is best sowen with _Juniper-berries_, two or three to one _Eglantine-berry_ put into a hole made with a stick, the next year separate and remove them to your banks, in three years time they will make a hedge as high as a man, which you may keep thick and handsome with cutting.

Our _English Clover-grass_ sowen thrives very well.

_Radishes_ I have seen there as big as a man’s Arm.

_Flax_ and _Hemp_ flourish gallantly.

Our _Wheat_ i. e. summer _Wheat_ many [p. 189.] times changeth into _Rye_, and is subject to be blasted, some say with a vapour breaking out of the earth, others, with a wind North-east or North-west, at such time as it flowereth, others again say it is with lightning. I have observed, that when a land of _Wheat_ hath been smitten with a blast at one Corner, it hath infected the rest in a weeks time, it begins at the stem (which will be spotted and goes upwards to the ear making it fruitless): in 1669 the pond that lyeth between _Water-town_ and _Cambridge_, cast its fish dead upon the shore, forc’t by a mineral vapour as was conjectured.

Our fruit-Trees prosper abundantly, _Apple-trees_, _Pear-trees_, _Quince-trees_, _Cherry-trees_, _Plum-trees_, _Barberry-trees_. I have observed with admiration, that the Kernels sown or the Succors planted produce as fair & good fruit, without graffing, as the Tree from whence they were taken: the Countrey is replenished with fair and large Orchards. It was affirmed by one Mr. _Woolcut_ (a magistrate in _Connecticut_ Colony) at the Captains Messe (of which I was) aboard the Ship I came home in, that he made Five hundred Hogsheads of _Syder_ out of his own Orchard in one year. _Syder_ is very plentiful in the Countrey, ordinarily sold for Ten shillings a Hogshead. At the [p. 190.] Tap-houses in _Boston_ I have had an Ale-quart spic’d and sweetned with Sugar for a groat, but I shall insert a more delicate mixture of it. Take of _Maligo-Raisons_, stamp them and put milk to them, and put them in an _Hippocras_ bag and let it drain out of it self, put a quantity of this with a spoonful or two of Syrup of _Clove-Gilliflowers_ into every bottle, when you bottle your _Syder_, and your Planter will have a liquor that exceeds _passada_, the Nectar of the Countrey.

The _Quinces_, _Cherries_, _Damsons_, set the Dames a work, _Marmalad_ and preserved Damsons is to be met with in every house. It was not long before I left the Countrey that I made _Cherry wine_, and so may others, for there are good store of them both red and black.

Their fruit-trees are subject to two diseases, the _Meazels_, which is when they are burned and scorched with the Sun, and lowsiness, when the wood-peckers job holes in their bark: the way to cure them when they are lowsie is to bore a hole into the main root with an Augur, and pour in a quantity of Brandie or Rhum, and then stop it up with a pin made of the same Tree.

The first Neat carried thither was to [p. 191.] _New-Plimouth_ _Anno_ 1624 these thrive and increase exceedingly, but grow less in body than those they are bred of yearly.

Horses there are numerous, and here and there a good one, they let them run all the year abroad, and in the winter seldom provide any fother for them, (except it be Magistrates, great Masters and Troopers Horses) which brings them very low in flesh till the spring, and so crest fallen, that their crests never rise again. Here I first met with that excrescence called _Hippomanes_, which by some is said to grow on the forehead of a foal new cast, and that the Mare bites it off as soon as foaled; but this is but a fable. A neighbour at _Black-point_ having a Mare with foal, tyed her up in his Barn, the next day she foaled, and the man standing by spied a thing like a foals tongue to drop out of the foals mouth, which he took up and presented me with it, telling me withall, that he had heard many wonderful things reported of it, and that it was rank poyson. I accepted of it gladly and brought it home with me, when it was dry, it lookt like Glew, but of a dark brown colour; to omit all other uses for it, this I can assure you that a piece of it soakt in warm water or cold, will take spots out of wollen Clothes being rub’d thereon.

[p. 192.] _Goats_ were the first small Cattle they had in the Countrey, he was counted no body that had not a Trip or Flock of _Goats_: a hee-_Goat_ gelt at _Michaelmas_ and turn’d out to feed will be fat in a moneths time, & is as good meat as a weather. I was taught by a _Barbary Negro_ a medicine which before I proceed any further I will impart unto you, and that was for a swelling under the throat. Take _Goats_ hair and clay and boil them in fair water to a poultis, and apply it very warm.

_Sheep_ now they have good store, these and _Goats_ bring forth two, sometimes three _Lambs_ and _Kids_ at a time.

_Hoggs_ are here innumerable, every planter hath a Heard, when they feed upon shell-fish and the like, as they do that are kept near the Sea and by the fishers stages, they tast fishie and rank; but fed with white Oak-Acorns, or _Indian_-Corn and Pease there is not better Pork in the whole world: besides they sometimes have the _Meazels_, which is known when their hinder legs are shorter than ordinary.

_Catts_ and _Dogs_ are as common as in _England_, but our _Dogs_ in time degenerate; yet they have gallant _Dogs_ both for fowl & wild Beasts all over the Countrey: the _Indians_ store themselves with them, being much [p. 193.] better for their turns, than their breed of wild dogs, which are (as I conceive) like to the _Tasso_-canes or mountain dogs in _Italy_.

Of _English_ Poultry too there is good store, they have commonly three broods in a year; the hens by that time they are three years old have spurs like the Cock, but not altogether so big, but as long, they use to crow often, which is so rare a thing in other Countries, that they have a proverb _Gallina recinit_ a Hen crowes. And in _England_ it is accounted ominous; therefore our Farmers wives as soon as they hear a Hen crow wring off her neck, and so they serve their spur’d Hens, because they should not break their Eggs with their spurs when they sit. In the year 1637. which was when I went my first Voyage to _New-England_ a good woman brought aboard with her a lusty Cock and Hen that had horns like spurs growing out on each side of their Combs, but she spoiled the breed, killing of them at Sea, to feed upon, for she loved a fresh bit.

In _Anno_ 1647/8. Certain _Indians_ coming to our house clad in _Deere-skin_ coats, desired leave to lodge all night in our kitchin, it being a very rainie season, some of them lay down in the middle of the Room, and others under the Table, in the morning they [p. 194.] went away before any of the people were up; the poultry had their breakfast usually in cold weather in the kitchin, and because they should not hinder the passing of the people too and again, it was thrown under the Table; in the afternoon they began to hang the wing, in the night the sickest dropt dead from the perch, and the next day most of them dyed; we could not of a sudden ghess at the cause, but thought the _Indians_ had either bewitched, or poysoned them: it came at last into my head, seeing their Crops very full, or rather much swell’d, to open them, where I found as much _Deers_ hair as Corn, they that pickt up none of the hair lived and did well.

In the year 1667. _October_ the 7th amongst our poultry we had one white game Cock of the _French_ kind, a bird of high price, when he was three years old he drooped and his spirit was quite gone; one of our _Negro_ maids finding him in the yard dead brought him into the house and acquainted me with it. I caused her to draw him, when his guts were all drawn out she put in her hand again and felt a lump in his body as big as a half-peny loaf, strongly fastned to his back, and much ado she had to pull it out; I found it to be a tuff bag, containing stuff like liver, and very heavie, at one end [p. 195.] of the bag, another little bag filled with a fatty matter, his gizard, liver, and heart wasted. The Pipe or Roupe is a common disease amongst their poultry infecting one another with it. I conceive it cometh of a cold moisture of the brain, they will be very sleepie with it, the best cure for it is _Garlick_, and smoaking of them with dryed _Hysope_.

In _September_ following my Arrivage in the _Massachusets_ about the twelfth hour of the eight day, I shipt my self and goods in a Bark bound to the East-ward, meeting as we sailed out the _Dutch_ Governour of _New-Netherlands_, who was received and entertained at _Boston_ by the Governour and Magistrates with great solemnity. About nine of the clock at night we came to _Salem_ and lay aboard all night.

The Ninth day we went ashore to view the Town which is a mile long, and lay that night at a Merchants house.

The Tenth day we came from _Salem_ about twelve of the clock back to _Marble-head_: here we went ashore and recreated our selves with Musick and a cup of Sack and saw the Town, about ten at night we returned to our Bark and lay aboard.

The Eleventh being Saturday, and the wind contrary, we came to _Charles-town_, [p. 196.] again about twelve of the clock we took store of _Mackarel_.

The Thirteenth being Monday, we went aboard again about nine of the clock in the morning and out to Sea, about Sun going down we took store of _Mackarel_. The

wind was scanty all along, and in the night time we durst not bear much sail, because of the Rocks and foaming breakers that lay in our way.

The Fourteenth day we came up with _Pascataway_, or _Pascatique_, where there is a large River and a fair harbour, within here is seated a Colony, properly belonging to the Heirs of Captain _Mason_ sometime since of _London_; but taken into the Colony of _Massachusets_, by what right I will not here discuss.

The chiefest places of note are the _Bay_ or _Harbour_ North from _Boston_, on the West-side of the Harbour are built many fair houses, and so in another part called _Strawberry-bank_.

By the Harbour is an Island which of late days is filled with buildings, besides there are two Towns more seated up higher upon the River, the one called _Dover_; the River-banks are clothed with stately Timber, and here are two miles meadow land and arable enough; the other town is called _Excester_.

[p. 197.] At the River _Pascataway_ begins the Province of _Main_: having pleased our selves with the sight of _Pascataway_ at a distance we sailed on, and came to _Black-point_.

The Fifteenth day, about eight of the clock at night, where the next day I was shrewdly pinched with a great frost, but having two or three bottles of excellent _Passada_, and good cheer bestowed upon me I made a shift to bear it out, and now we are in the Province of _Main_.

The Province of _Main_, (or the Countrey of the _Traquoes_) heretofore called _Laconia_ or _New-Summersetshire_, is a Colony belonging to the Grandson of Sir _Ferdinando Gorges_ of _Ashton Phillips_ in the County of _Sommerset_, the said Sir _Ferdinando Gorges_ did expend in planting several parts of _New-England_ above Twenty thousand pounds _sterling_; and when he was between three and four score years of age did personally engage in our Royal Martyrs service; and particularly in the Seige of _Bristow_, and was plundered and imprisoned several times, by reason whereof he was discountenanced by the pretended Commissioners for forraign plantations, and his Province incroached upon by the _Massachusets_ Colony, who assumed the Government thereof. His Majestie that now Reigneth sent over his [p. 198.] Commissioners to reduce them within their bounds, and to put Mr. _Gorges_ again into possession. But there falling out a contest about it, the Commissioners settled it in the Kings name (until the business should be determined before his Majestie) and gave Commissions to the Judge of their Courts, and the Justices to Govern and Act according to the Laws of _England_, & by such Laws of their own as were not repugnant to them: But as soon as the Commissioners were returned for _England_, the _Massachusets_ enter the province in a hostile manner with a Troop of Horse and Foot and turn’d the Judge and his Assistants off the Bench, Imprisoned the Major or Commander of the Militia, threatned the Judge, and some others that were faithful to Mr. _Gorges_ interests. I could discover many other foul proceedings, but for some reasons which might be given, I conceive it not convenient to make report thereof to vulgar ears; _& quæ supra nos nihil ad nos_. Onely this I could wish, that there might be some consideration of the great losses, charge and labour which hath been sustained by the Judge, and some others for above thirty years in upholding the rights of Mr. _Gorge_ and his Sacred Majesties Dominion against a many stubborn and elusive people.

[p. 199.] _Anno Dom._ 1623. Mr. _Robert Gorge_, Sir _Ferdinando Gorges_ brother had for his good service granted him by Patent from the Council of _Plimouth_ all that part of the Land commonly called _Massachusiack_, situated on the North-side of the Bay of _Massachusets_.

Not long after this Sir _Ferdinando Gorges_ had granted to him by Patent from the middest of _Merrimack_-River to the great River _Sagadehock_, then called _Laconia_.

In 1635. Capt. _William Gorge_, Sir _Ferdinando’s_ Nephew, was sent over Governour of the Province of _Main_, then called _New-Summersetshire_.

Sir _Ferdinando Gorge_ received a Charter-Royal from King _Charles_ the first the third of _April_ in the Fifteenth of his Raign, granting to him all that part and portion of _New-England_, lying and being between the River of _Pascataway_, that is, beginning at the entrance of _Pascataway-harbour_, and so to pass up the same into the River of _Newichawanoe_ or _Neqhechewanck_, and through the same unto the farthest head thereof aforesaid, North-eastward along the Sea-coasts, for Sixty miles to _Sagadehoc_-River to _Kenebeck_, even as far as the head thereof, and up into the main land North-westward for the space of one hundred and twenty [p. 200.] miles. To these Territories are adjoyned the North half-Isle of _Sholes_, with several other Islands, it lyeth between 44 degrees and 45 of Northerly latitude. The River _Canada_ on the North-east the Sea coast South, amongst many large Royalties, Jurisdictions and Immunities was also granted to the said Sir _Ferdinando Gorge_, the same Royalties, priviledges and franchises as are, or of right ought to be enjoyed by the Bishop of _Durham_ in the County Palatine of _Durham_; the planters to pay for every hundred Acres of land yearly, two shillings six pence, that is such land as is given to them and their Heirs for ever.

The Officers by Patent are a Deputy Governour, a Chancellor, a Treasurer, a Marshal for Souldiers, an Admiraltie for Sea affairs, and a Judge of the Admiraltie, a Master of Ordinance, a Secretary, _&c._

Towns there are not many in this province. _Kittery_ situated not far from _Pascataway_ is the most populous.

Next to that Eastward is seated by a River near the Sea _Gorgiana_, a Majoraltie, and the Metropolitan of the province.

Further to the Eastward is the Town of _Wells_.

_Cape-Porpus_ Eastward of that, where there is a Town by the Sea side of the same name, [p. 201.] the houses scatteringly built, all these Towns have store of salt and fresh marsh with arable land, and are well stockt with Cattle.

About eight or nine mile to the East-ward of _Cape-Porpus_, is _Winter harbour_, a noted place for Fishers, here they have many stages.

_Saco_ adjoyns to this, and both make one scattering Town of large extent, well stored with Cattle, arable land and marshes, and a Saw-mill.

Six mile to the Eastward of _Saco_ & forty mile from _Gorgiana_ is seated the Town of _Black point_, consisting of about fifty dwelling houses, and a Magazine or _Doganne_, scatteringly built, they have store of neat and horses, of sheep near upon Seven or Eight hundred, much arable and marsh salt and fresh, and a Corn-mill.

To the Southward of the _point_ (upon which are stages for fishermen) lye two small Islands beyond the point, North-eastward runs the River _Spurwinch_.

Four miles from _Black-point_, one mile from _Spurwinch_-River Eastward lyeth _Richmans-Island_, whose longitude is 317 degrees 30 seconds, and latitude 43 degrees and 34 minutes, it is three mile in circumference, and hath a passable and gravelly ford on the [p. 202.] North-side, between the main and the Sea at low-water: here are found excellent Whetstones, and here likewise are stages for fishermen.

Nine mile Eastward of _Black-point_ lyeth scatteringly the Town of _Casco_ upon a large Bay, stored with Cattle, Sheep, Swine, abundance of marsh and Arable land, a Corn-mill or two, with stages for fishermen.

Further East-ward is the Town of _Kenebeck_ seated upon the River.

Further yet East-ward is _Sagadehock_, where there are many houses scattering, and all along stages for fishermen, these too are stored with Cattle and Corn lands.