[41] Cotton says, “Some of his friends went to the place appointed by himself beforehand, to make provision of housing and other necessaries against his coming.” Answer p. 8. This, however, is very doubtful.
[42] See p. [388]. Knowles, p. 73. Backus, i. 70. Governor Winthrop had privately advised him to leave the colony. The friendship of this eminent man was of frequent service to our exile. Cotton declares that the officer who served the warrant saw “no sign of sickness upon him.” Answer, p. 57. This he might not choose to see.
[43] See p. [370]. Knowles, p. 395.
[44] Now called Rehoboth.
[45] Quoted from his “Key,” &c., by Knowles, p. 101.
[46] The land at this spot still bears the designation of “What Cheer.”
[47] The vivid and dramatic poem of Judge Durfee, entitled “What Cheer?” is founded on the supposed events of his journey through this howling wilderness, and amid its savage inhabitants.
[48] Letter to Major Mason. Knowles p. 394, Benedict, p. 449.
[49] This view has been ably advocated by General Fessenden, from whose manuscript some of the above particulars are taken by Benedict, in the new edition of his Hist. of the Baptists, p. 449.
[50] Knowles, p. 103, 112. Backus, i. 90, 94.