46. The First Settlement of Massachusetts
BY EDWARD JOHNSON (1628)
THESE new-comers were a supply of servants from
England sent over in 1628 to provide against the wants of a
lonely wilderness. Among them came over a mixed crowd of
people, by whom little was done. But the much honored Mr.
John Endicot came over with them to govern. He was a good
person to begin this wilderness work, for he was
courageous, bold, and fearless; yet sociable and of a
cheerful disposition. He could be loving or austere as
occasion demanded.
The place picked out by this people for a settlement was in
the midst of the outstretched arm of Cape Ann. Here they
began to build a town which is called Salem.
After some little time they found out how insignificant were
the neighboring Indians, and the boldest among the English
people gathered in different places which they began to take
up for their own. Those that were sent over as servants had
a great desire to see the new sights in the new world, and
found it easier to eat up of their master's provisions,
than to get more.
Those that came over as their own masters had but little food
left. Most of them began to regret coming when beer and
corn began to fail. The poor Indians could not relieve them
for they were obliged to eke out their own food with acorns.
What added to the unhappiness of the settlers was the thought
that the ditch between England and their new place of abode was so wide
that they could not leap over with a
leaping-stick.[169] Yet some delighted their
eye with the novelty of things about them; and they kept thinking of the
new discoveries they would make when spring came. They managed to get
through the winter's cold by keeping near the fireside, and found fuel
enough groaning at their very doors. They smoked burned tobacco with
all the comfort they could.
They talked, between one while and another, of the great
progress they would make after the summer's sun had
changed the earth's white furred gown into a green garment.
In the year 1629 there came over three godly ministers. This
was to strengthen the faith of the settlers in meeting
difficulties. Now although the number of the faithful people
of Christ was small, yet their longing desire to gather
themselves into a church was very great. The church of
Christ being thus begun, the Lord in His tender mercy
caused it to increase and be fruitful.
And now behold several other regiments of the soldiers of Christ,
shipped for His service in the western
world.[170] Their difficulties were many and
mournful. The billows were high and angry, covering
them with awful water and dashing their bodies from side
to side. Their goods were thrown from place to place on the
ships. After the Lord had given them these trials, He sent
diseases to visit their ships.
[171]
On the twelfth day of July or thereabouts, 1630,
these soldiers of Christ first set foot on the western end of the
world. There they arrived in safety, men, women, and
children. On the north side of the Charles River they landed,
near a small island called
Noddell's Island.
[172] Lady Arabella and some
other godly women abode at Salem while their husbands remained at
Charlestown to settle the civil government and to form another church of
Christ.
The first court was held aboard the ship
Arabella. The much honored John Winthrop was
chosen governor for the remainder of that year, 1630. The
worthy Thomas Dudley was chosen deputy governor.
Then sore sickness fell upon the people, so that in
almost every family mourning and sorrow was heard; and
they had no fresh food to strengthen them. Yet it was
wonderful to see with what Christian courage these soldiers
of Christ persevered amidst all calamities.
Soon they had formed other churches and towns. The fourth
church was seated at Boston, which became the central town
and largest city of this wilderness. The form of this town is
like a heart. It is naturally situated for fortifications. It has
two hills on the front part of it, facing the sea. One is well
fortified with heavy cannon. The other has a very strong
battery built of whole timber and filled with earth.
At the bottom of these hills lies a great bay on which this town
is built.[173] It is over-topped by a third
hill.[174] From all three of these
overtopping towers a constant watch is kept to foresee the approach of
any danger from strange enemies. Each hill is furnished with a beacon
and land guns. By their redoubled echoes these give notice of any danger
to all their sister towns.
The buildings of this city are beautiful and large. Some are
pleasingly built of bricks, tiles, stone, and slate. They are
placed in an orderly fashion upon
beautiful streets. Much shipping is built here yearly, and some
ships of good size. Both tar and masts, the country affords
from its own soil; there is also a supply of food, both for their
own and for foreigners' ships. This town is the very market
of the land. French, Portuguese, and Dutch come here to
trade.
[[169]]
I.e. that they could not easily go home
again.
[[170]]
That is, more colonists set out, and the writer
likens them to soldiers of the Lord.
[[171]]
"Ship fever," a very dangerous disease, was common
in the voyages of that time.
[[174]]
Beacon Hill, on which the State House now
stands.
