Page:King Philip's war, and Witchcraft in New England (IA kingphilipswarwi00hutc).pdf/15

Rh and try to persuade him to come in. At first he was unwilling, and his counselors declared he should not go; but finally he consented, provided his men might go with him, they to be on one side of the meeting-house, and the English on the other. Philip denied that he had any further purpose in bringing his men together and arming them than to defend himself from any attacks which might be made by the Narragansett Indians, some of whom had been engaged in quarrels with some of his people.

Upon inquiry, however, it appeared that he was on better terms with the Narragansetts than ever before; and plentiful evidence being produced of his preparations both of ammunition and provisions, and of parties of his men being destined for the attack of Taunton, Seaconk, and other places, he was confounded, and made a full confession.

Thereupon the commissioners required of him satisfaction for past damages and security against further injuries. The first was not long insisted on, but with respect to the latter he was prevailed on to deliver up what English arms he then had with him, being about seventy guns, and to promise to send in the remainder in a few days. A writing was also drawn up, which he consented to sign, acknowledging his past breach of faith and promising future fidelity.

The logs of so many guns must have been grievous to Philip at a time when he only waited a good opportunity of falling upon the English. His submitting to the acknowledgment in writing was of no consequence. The Indians, in general, will promise anything required of them to remove an impending danger or to procure an immediate benefit: and they regard such promises not a minute longer than it is for their advantage to do it. When Philip was at liberty he thought no more of his engagements. The guns were not brought in, and he himself refused to come to Plymouth when required. Many strange Indians, moreover, resorted to him.

On the 23d of August, Mr. Morton, secretary, in the name of