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Indian Disposition Following King
Philip's War
(NEHGR 8: 170+Communicated by Joseph Willard, Esq., Mem. Of the N. Eng. Hist Gen Soc., The document, of which this is a copy, is in the autograph of the Hon. Daniel Gookin.– Editor) [The following order in relation to this matter was afterwards passed by the General Court. The paper from which it is copied is endorsed:] " Order about setling our neighbours at 4 places at present, And stating the Time of seruice of Indian children, put Forth or bought, And repealing sundry Lawes touching the Indians since the begining of ye warr. P’curiam," Wheras, after this time of trouble and warre with the Indians, the wel ordering and settlement of those that remaine and are under commaod is a matter of great concernmt to the peace and security of the country, and the welfare, ciuilizing and good education of the said indians and their chiIdren; It is hereby ordered and enacted, that all such Indian children or youths that are settled or disposed by order of Authority or with their parents or Relations consent to any of the english inhabitants within this jurisdiction sha11 so remain with them as seruants and to bee taught and instrueted in the christian Religion vntil each of them attayne to the age of twenty fower yeares of Age, except by speciall contract it be otherwise prouided.And for such indian children, youths or girles, whose parents haue beene in hostility with vs, or haue bene among our enimies in the time of ye warre and were brought in by force, and giuen or sould to any of the inhabitants of this jurisdiction, such shalbe at ye disposall of their masters or their assigns, prouided thay bee instructed in ciuility aad. chtian Religion. And for all other indians that are admitted to liue within this Jurisdiction as wel such as are called praying indians as wel as others they shalbe reduced to Inhabite in fower places for the prsent, vixt. Natick, Punkapog, Hassanamesit and wamesit, and within the limits of those townships as they are granted to y’ by the General court, where they may be Continually inspected and from time to time ordered and Gou’ned by such as this court or councill shal appoint. And when they are once setled as aforesaid, A lyst to bee taken of all the men, wornen and children of the seuerall companies, once a yeare at least and kept vpon record, with a strickt chardge and prohibition vpon the penalty of the displeasure of this court not to receiue or entertayne any stranger or forraigne indian or indians into yr society without the knowledge or approbation of Authority. And all other Lawes and orders Relating to the Indians and made cince the warre began, as to ye confynement to tbis or tbat place, or giueing liberty to any to take or kill any of yr found without the Limeits appointed are hereby Repealed and declared voyd, The magists haue past this, their brethren the Deputjes hereto consenting. Edw’ Rawson, Secrety5th June 1677 Wth this further Addition That the Indians about Piscataquay shal be settled about Cochecha as shal be further ordered by the council. 7 June 1677. Edw’ Rawson Secreyy. Consented to by the Deputyes William Torrey Cleric. |
Summarily revoking any
and all prior agreements this document gives ominous insight into what lay ahead for
Native Americans in New England.