Pumatarkeam, the Sachem of Mount Hope, or Pokanoket, beter known by his English name Philip, the most illustrious savage of North America, the most powerful enemy that was ever encountered by the English settlers, and who came near exterminating the whole English race in New England.' Philip was unquestionably a man of superior talents, a great warrior, and a mighty chief, in whom rested the confidence and hope of the confederated tribes. On close examination of his character, it will appear that he possessed some virtues which ought to have inspired his enemies with respect, some traits of a benevolent heart which should be remembered with gratitude. But unfortunately for his memory, his character could be written only by his enemies, who in noticing his victories were obliged to record their own defeats, and whose prejudice naturally led to a false coloring of motives and actions. In Philip's character were combined the attributes of the patriot and hero, and it is unjust that his stern courage, and unconquerable spirit, should be regarded as mere savage ferocity. This celebrated chief was led by his sagacious mind to anticipate the impending fate of his race. The English were constantly increasing in numbers and strength, they were in possession of a considerable portion of the Indian territories, and the expulsion of the aborigines from the land of their fathers must inevitably be the consequence. Base indeed would have been his conduct had not Philip made every possible effort in favor of the preservation of his people. No chief of a numerous and powerful nation would tamely submit to annihilation without a struggle. His patriotic spirit was excited into action, and the noble deeds which he performed in 1676, in defence of his unfortunate people, would not suffer in comparison with those of the renowned heroes in our own cause in 1776, to whom has justly been awarded a large share of honor and fame. Had Philip been the conqueror instead of the vanquished, the whole race in this country would have celebrated his name with enthusiasm, and entwined round his brow laurels like those which have adorned the names of some of the most renowned heroes of antiquity. Who shall discern the difference between the noble heroism, and the loftiness of spirit, which is laudably displayed by the patriot in civilized life, and the same active virtues when glowing in the breast of the ignorant, untutored son of the forest? From the death of Philip may be dated the extinction of his tribe, and eventually the aboriginal race in New England. The termination of the sanguinary Indian war was an event of the utmost importance to the colonies, as during its continuance of about two years, they suffered a loss of thirteen

towns in all the colonies, six hundred dwelling houses burnt, and six hundred men slain in the flower of their strength; so that almost every family in New England was called to mourn the loss of a relation or friend.

The mode of warfare practised by Philip and his followers, by burning the habitations, and their murderous assaults upon the inhabitants, could not fail of spreading through the land inexpressible terror and dismay.

It can therefore be no matter of surprise that a vindictive and bitter spirit was excited among the English colonists against their enemies, but we have to lament the want of charity and candor in that eminent divine, Dr. Increase Mather. In speaking of the efficacy of prayer for the destruction of the Indians, he says, 'Nor could they cease crying to the Lord against Philip until they had prayed the bullet into his heart." Speaking of the slaughter of Philip's people at Narraganset, he says, 'We have heard of two and twenty Indian captains, slain, all of them brought down to hell in one day.' Again referring to a chief who had sneered at the christian religion, and who had withal, added a most hideous blasphemy, immediately upon which a bullet struck him in the head and dashed out his brains, sending his cursed soul in a moment amongst the devils, and blasphemers in hell forever.'

When true religion warms the heart into philanthropy, there will be no rejoicing at the sacrifice of the lives of human beings, nor complacency in sanguinary revenge. The enormities of the Indians cannot justify enormities among christians, who being blessed with high intellect, should set before them examples of mildness and humanity. It is true that Philip, following the injunction and example of his father, was strongly opposed to the christian religion. Their own forms of religious worship were probably no less precious to them than the christian religion was to their opposers. When Rev. Mr. Eliot urged upon Philip the great importance of the gospel, he, taking hold of a button on his coat replied, that he cared no more for the gospel than he did for that button. Dr. Mather, in the year 1700, says, 'it was not long, before the hand which now writes, upon a certain occasion took off the jaw from the exposed skull of that blasphemous leviathan; and the renowned Samuel Lee hath since been a pastor to an English congregation, sounding and showing the praises of heaven, upon that very spot of ground, where Philip and his Indians were lately worshipping of the devil.' From the above data it appears that Philip's skull remained exposed 24 years or more.

The rage for war manifested by the natives, was by Dr

Mather and others ascribed to the influence of a diabolical spirit, and the Rev. Divine speaks of them in the phraseology of the times as if they were unworthy of christian sympathy. In a review of the treatment of the Indian prisoners by the colonists, the inquiry naturally arises to what extent the infliction of capital punishment could be considered as justifiable and proper. The position is allowed to be correct that a conquered foe should be rendered incapable of committing further enormities; retaliation nevertheless should be tempered with clemency, and human lives should be sacrificed no further than the public safety demands. The major part of the Indian prisoners, both old and young, of both sexes, were condemned to a punishment little less cruel than death, that of being sold into perpetual slavery; some were transported to Europe and to Bermudas, and others were domesticated among the English families. The principles of humanity as understood in more modern times would raise the public voice against such proceedings, unless the real safety of the conquerors rendered it indispensable. The punishment of death was inflicted on a number of the most notorious murderers of defenceless families and individuals. Eleven savages of this description were captured in July, 1676, four of whom were executed at Plymouth, and others at Boston. The base miscreants who assaulted the house of Mr. Clark at Plymouth and massacred the inhabitants, were justly excepted from mercy or quarter.

After the death of Philip, the government appointed a day of thanksgiving, and they awarded to Captain Church the miserable pittance of 30s. for each Indian captured and killed, for his invaluable services and imminent perils to which he had exposed himself for the benefit of the public. The remains of Philip's forces were now commanded by Annawan, long noted for his savage ferocity and numerous murders. He was one of Philip's great captains, and he narrowly escaped with 50 or 60 men from the swamp when Philip was killed. Wolf-like, he was prowling in the wilderness and rushing from his secret haunts to devour and destroy. The brave Captain Church was now desired to raise a small party of volunteers to hunt for this savage in the forests and swamps. His former worthy lieutenant, Jabez Howland, and a few of his old soldiers assured him that they would hunt with him as long as there was an Indian left in the woods. A few prisoners were soon taken, who informed that Annawan was ranging from swamp to swamp, never lodging twice in a place.' Church, calling his few men together, inquired, whether they would willingly go with him and give Annawan a visit.' 'All answered in the affirmative,

but reminded him that they knew this Captain Annawan was a great soldier, that he had been a valiant Captain under Philip's father; and that he had been Philip's chieftain all this war.' And further, that he was a very subtle man, of great resolution, and had often said, that he would never be taken alive by the English. They moreover reminded Captain Church that the soldiers who were with Annawan were resolute fellows, some of Philip's chief soldiers, and they very much feared that to make the attempt with such a small number, would be hazardous in the extreme. Mr. Cook, belonging to Plymouth, being asked by Church what was his opinion of the undertaking, replied,'I am never afraid of going any where when you are with me.' Captain Church, with unshaken resolution remarked to them, 'That he had a long time sought for Annawan but in vain,' and doubted not in the least but Providence would protect them.

Church, with his small party consisting of six Indians, and Cook, the only Englishman, proceeded and soon captured one of Annawan's Indians, and a girl, who consented to conduct them to the retreat of Annawan, and his company of 50 or 60 men. Their den was situated in Rehoboth, about eight miles from Taunton green, in an immense swamp of nearly 3,000 acres, in which was a small piece of upland, covered almost entirely by an enormous rock, which is still called Annawan's rock. This on one side presents an almost perpendicular precipice of 25 or 30 feet in height, on the other side it was less inaccessible and Church with two of his Indians ascended to its summit, from which he discovered the object of his pursuit, and his whole company by the light of their fires. They were divided into three parties laying at a short distance from each other; their guns leaning against a cross stick and covered from the weather by mats. Over their fires their supper was cooking. To any other man than Church a descent into this infernal den would be deemed an act of unjustifiable rashness. To him indeed the attempt was appalling, a forlorn hope, for if in sliding down the rock he should be discovered, instant death would be his fate, and if he should reach their camp with his six Indians and one Englishman, what would prevent the immediate sacrifice of the whole party? Church, however, being a man of religious zeal and full in the faith of the protection of Divine Providence, esolved on the perilous experiment. Hearing the noise of pounding corn in a mortar in the Indian camp, he thought it might favor his movements. He ordered his Indian prisoner, and his daughter, who were well acquainted with the place to lead the way, with their baskets at their backs as they had often done before, and Church and his men followed close in their

rear; holding on by the bushes that grew from the fissures of the rock, resting when the pounding ceased and advancing when that was renewed. Church suddenly leaped from the rock into the midst of his enemies,unharmed, with his tomahawk in his hand; instantly the old captain Annawan started up crying out Howoh, I am taken.' Church and his men immediately secured their arms, and then calling on all the Indians to submit, who in their panic, supposed the English far more numerous than they were, yielded themselves as prisoners, and to prevent their making resistance they were told that Captain Church had encompassed them with his army, and that resistance would be in vain, but if they submitted peaceably they should receive good treatment. To this they readily consented, and surrendered up their guns and hatchets. Having thus far settled this great affair, Church asked Annawan, what he had for supper, saying, 'I am come to sup with you.' Annawan replied, Sanbut,' and ordered his women to provide supper for Captain Church and his company, inquiring whether he would eat cow beef or horse beef; he replied cow beef. Church and his little party remained in the Indian camp during the night, in the midst of his prisoners, being in number ten to one of his own men, but without sleep although he had not slept for the last 36 hours. His men were soon asleep, but Annawan was awake. Finding that Annawan could converse in the English language, they held much conversation together for more than an hour, when the chief retired, and being absent some time, Church became very anxious, suspecting some ill design. But he returned and falling on his knees before him, he thus addressed Church in English. "Great Captain, you have killed Philip, and conquered his country, for I believe that I and my company are the last that war against the English; so suppose the war is ended by your means; and therefore these things belong to you." He then presented him with what he said was Philip's royalties, with which he was wont to adorn himself when he sat in state, and he thought himself happy in having an opportunity to present them to him. The first was a beautifully wrought belt nine inches in breadth, and of such length, that when put about the shoulders of Captain Church it'reached to his ancles. This was considered at that time of great value, being embroidered all over with wampum of various colors, curiously wrought into figures of birds, beasts and flowers. The second belt was also of exquisite workmanship, with which Philip used to ornament his head, and from which flowed two flags which decorated his back. A third belt was a smaller one, with a star upon the end of it, which he wore upon