Letter from Men of Southold to Major John Mason, with his Reply
After this I speak with Eledia, an Indian, concerning the Indian joining with Ninigret, and sending him wampum, he seemed to make light of the matter, but only said they had sent the old Sachem’s gun to Ninigret, which he desired as a remembrance of him by me.
We understand by an English man who hath had an occasion to be amongst them, that the Indians at Montauk are making great preparation of their guns and that they have store the powder and shot, and great resort from all parts, Block Island, Narragansett and Pequot and that they have every day consultation amongst them; what their discourse is the relator understands not; but only this that it is concerning the English.
Honored Sir,
We conceive it very expedient and our duty to acquaint you with the a foregoing Indian plot, it lending to the utter ruin of all our nation so far as in them lyeth and leave it to your wisdom to make it more public. It came to Southold in the night post from our neighbor plantations, and without any delay we sent by Mr. John Young being as providence ordered coming over to your parts and stayed only the writings here that presenting our due respects we take leave and subscribe,
Sir, your worshipful loving friends and servants,
Southhold,1 June 29, 1669
Endorsement: Gentlemen,
I, receiving, thought good, with all speed, to convey it to your selves. That which I have long suspected, as you know, I fear is coming upon us. I wish we have not, in a great measure, been a means to bring these troubles upon ourselves. I know not what to say at such distance. I suppose it’s high time to consider what to do in several [ tear ] and that with all speed we improve all means to provide and prevent what in us[ tear ] you to spece all and make diligent inquiry amongst your Indians [ tear ] dwelling be nothing wanting in this matter/
Farewell.
Yours,
Cataloguing: 19, 23
- 1. Southold was formerly a part of the Colony of Connecticut, but currently is a town on Long Island, New York.