Ltt of this Province, And the Speaker and greate men
Indians of Pascattoway.
And first his Lspp: by Thomas Baker the Interpreter Delivers
himself to the said Indians in manner foll: viz.
I Desire to know how the Emperor Doth because I see him
not here, that I should have been glad to have scene him here
this Day, that I came here to meete him in ordr to give him
& his greate men an answer to a message deld by some of
their Indians to James Smallwood touching an Indian I had
Demanded of the Emperor when I saw him here last.
James Smallwood Informed us that the aforesaid Indians
were ordered to tell us that if Wassetass was Demanded by
the English he should be deld up, but that the Emperor and
all of the Indians in generall did earnestly desire & begg his
life might be spared, he being a greate man, and as they all
beleived innocent as to any murder Committed upon the
English at Pottuxent
And because the Emperor his greate men and the Rest did
soe earnestly begg this Wassetass Life, I was come here to
meete with the Emperor to give him and his greate men an
assurance that I was willing to grant their request by giveing
them the life of this person, hopeing that for this favour and
|
Lib. R.
|
mercy Shewn at their greate request, The Emperor & his
greate men would take care to give their young men good
Advice and Councell to carry themselves civilly towards all
the English, that noe breach of the Articles of peace may be
made by them for the future, And then I and the English
should be satisfied of a happy & good undrstanding hence
forward which on the part of the English should not be
wanting.
Which the Interpreter having Delivered Distinctly to them.
The Speaker makes answer as foll. viz.
That the Emperor was at the ffort but soe sick that he could
not come That he would gladly have come to see his Lspp: had
he been able. That the Emperor had Committed all to the
Speakers managemt at this Conference and that what he said
might be taken as coming from the Emperours owne mouth.
He then proceeds to returne thankes to his Lspp: for his
greate favor & mercy towards them in granting them the
Life of Wassetass wch they had so earnestly implored at his
lspps. hands withall calling his Lspp: ffather & that they had found
favor at his hands, And further saith that it is true the English
can draw good Speeches in writeing & Speake very well but
for their parts they could Deliver nothing but with their lipps,
and what they did say was straight and good beeing unac-
quainted with any thing that is crooked and naught.
His Lspp: then ordrs the Interpreter further to lett them know
|
p. 75
|
