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“ [78] injury (in the least kind) to the heathen people; and if any offend in that way, let them receive due correction.” Our Medford settlers were forbidden to buy lands of the Indians without leave; and they were forbidden to sell them “strong water.” We find the following record, May 9, 1632: “It is agreed that there shall be a trucking-house appointed in every plantation, whither the Indians may resort to trade, to avoid their coming to several houses.” The Indians had great confidence in our fathers; and nothing was omitted which justice or humanity required. An Indian was murdered in the Old Colony; and three Englishmen, fairly convicted, were hung for it. Sagamore John complains (March 8, 1631) that two of his wigwams had been burnt by the English. He was immediately paid for them, and went away perfectly satisfied. Eliot's translation of the Sacred Scriptures into the Indian tongue (1648) was circulated by our fathers among the tribes of this region. This godlike man speaks of “the Mistick Indians” with affection and respect in a letter, Nov. 13, 1649, and says they were ingenious and good and prayerful, and came often to the place where he preached. They were called “Praying Indians.” August 7, 1632: “Sagamore John promised against the next year, and so ever after, to fence their corn against all kinds of cattle.” “Chickataubott and Sagamore John promised to make satisfaction for whatever wrong that any of their men shall do to any of the English, to their cattle, or any other wares.” March 7, 1644: By solemn compact, all the Indians in this jurisdiction put themselves under the government and protection of the Massachusetts Colony. The General Court, with true Christian policy, institute special legal tribunals for the trial of their causes. The laws enacted concerning them were wise and tolerant. Among them were these: Titles to land to be purchased at satisfactory prices; Indians never to be molested; not allowed fire-arms; a crime to sell them fire-arms or ammunition; intermarriage with them discouraged; strange Indians to be kept out. Governor Winslow, in a letter, dated May 1, 1676, says: “I think I can clearly say, that the English did not possess one foot of land in this Colony but what was fairly obtained by honest purchase of the Indian proprietors.” Governor Cradock (1629) says: “If any of the savages pretend right of inheritance to all or any part of ”
John Wilson and son. 22 School Street. Boston. 1855.
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