Notes regarding the Stone Piles Based on a Conversation with an Unnamed Indian
Rock ore makes better iron than bog ore. Three tons Assawompset ore yield one ton of iron.
Ponaganset Friends Meeting, 65 by 28
As to the stone in Plymouth road, the Indians being asked the reason of their custom and practice, say they know nothing about it, only that their fathers and their grandfathers and great-grandfathers did so, and charged all their children to do so. And that if they did not cast a stone or piece of wood on that stone as often as they passed by it, they would not prosper, and particularly should not be lucky in hunting deer. But if they duly observed this custom, they should have success. The English call them the Sacrificing Rocks, though the Indian don’t imagine it a sacrifice, at least they kill and offer no animals there, and nothing but wood and stones.1
Nota Bene: there is such a heap of stones accumulated from such a custom of passing Indians between New Haven and Milford about three miles out of Milford upon the road. Another heap at Stockbridge by the Housatonic Indians2.
Map Locations:
A place of Indians
Corn mill and forge. The bog ore they work at this forge requires five ton of ore to yield one of iron, i.e., not quite one quarter.
Large maple with a spring, a place called Sippican A
Vessels come here
Landing
1 ½ mile
3 ½ fathom
3 miles
80 rods
Cataloguing: 530