In correcting the text, superfluous words are sometimes left out; but this [-] sign is substituted, and the word or words omitted are given in the margin included by the same marks. When a word is altered, it is also included in brackets, and the word given in the margin as it stood in the original, and included in the same way. All words, presumed to be wanting, are inserted between brackets without reference to the margin, and are by the present editor. All notes included by the parenthesis were by the former editor, and attached to the old edition. I should take it as a great kindness, should any person communicate to me any information where it is presumed to be wanting in the notes to this work; or point out any errours in what is already done, that future editions may be more perfect. It being the particular design of this edition to render it uniform and consistent with respect to arrangement and "originality" of expression, few liberties have been taken with the composition; few indeed, unless pointed out as above expressed. In some instances however, some connective particles have been dropped and the signs omitted. But in such cases what is omitted was superfluous tautology. Therefore the reader may be assured that the text is correctly copied. From the present appearance of the work, its former erroneous composition is too easily discovered; yet it is some consolation, that innumerable errours have been detected, and generally, inasmuch as the design of the subject would admit. It was thought advisable to accompany the work with an Appendix, wherein something new, or of later date might be given, as young persons generally prefer new things to old. It was rather difficult to make the selection for this part, not for want of materials, but because they were so numerous; and so many seem to deserve the same attention. But the articles are authentick, and as interesting, it is presumed, as can be found. As there are different editions of many of the authors cited in this work, for the convenience of reference, a table, containing the chief of them, is here given. In addition to the above list, many works have been consulted, but the assistance from them has been smaller. Some of the most important are Hubbard's History of Newengland, Stiles' History of the Judges, Whitney's History of Worcester, and the Histories of several of the southern states. The free use I have made of every author's works is amply acknowledged in the notes. Reference is made to some late editions of works in preference to the first, not only as they are more uniform, but because they will now be oftener met with. But in most cases such have been compared with the originals. To two works in particular, it was thought most advisable; namely, Penhallow's "Wars of N. England," and Prince's Annals. The first of these is now reprinted in the I Vol. of the N. H. Hist. Soc. Col., which, though not so perfect as it might have been, is, on the whole, a work to be prized. A handsome edition in octavo of the valuable Annals was published last year, by Messrs. Cummings, Hilliard, and Company, Boston. Though this is not exactly reprinted, yet, nothing is altered, that I have met with, but for the better; and, excepting a few typographical errours, is splendidly executed. Having already drawn out my preface to too great a length, the whole is submitted without any apology. And the publisher takes this opportunity of giving his grateful respects to all his patrons, and with pleasure subscribes himself, their much obliged and sincere friend. SAMUEL G. DRAKE. Boston, 2 January, 1827. 1 [The following is an exact copy of the title page of the old edition.] THE ENTERTAINING HISTORY OF KING PHILIP'S WAR, WHICH BEGAN IN THE MONTH OF JUNE, 1675. AS ALSO OF EXPEDITIONS MORE LATELY MADE AGAINST THE COMMON ENEMY, AND INDIAN REBELS, IN THE WITH SOME ACCOUNT OF THE DIVINE PROVIDENCE COL. BENJAMIN CHURCH: SECOND EDITION. BOSTON: PRINTED, 1716. NEWPORT, RHODE-ISLAND: REPRINted and SOLD BY TO THE READER. THE subject of this following narrative, offering it self to your friendly perusal, relates to the former and later wars of Newengland, which I myself was not a little concerned in: For in the year 1675, that unhappy and bloody Indian war broke out in Plymouth colony, where I was then building, and beginning a plantation, at a place called by the Indians, Sogkonate, and since, by the English, Little Compton. I was the first Englishman that built upon that neck, which w was full of Indians. My head and hands were full about settling a new plantation, where nothing was brought to; no preparation of dwelling house, or outhouses, or fencing made; horses and cattle were to be provided, ground to be cleared and broken up; and the utmost caution to be used, to keep myself free from offending my Indian neighbours all round about me. While I was thus busily employed, and all my time and strength laid out in this laborious undertaking, I received a commission from the government to engage in their defence: And with my commission I received another heart, inclining me to put forth my strength in military service: And through the grace of God I was spirited for that work, and direction in it was renewed to me day by day. And although many of the actions that I was concerned in were very difficult and dangerous, yet, myself, and those who went with me voluntarily in the service, had our lives, for the most part, wonderfully preserved by the overruling hand of the Almighty from first to last; which doth aloud bespeak our praises: And to declare his wonderful works is our indispensable duty. |