[1343] From Archives of Massachusetts, vol. lxviii. p. 193:—
“For the Indian Sagamores, and people that are in warre against us.
“Inteligence is Come to us that you haue some English (especially weomen and children) in Captivity among you. Wee haue therefore sent this messenger, offering to redeeme them either for payment in goods or wompom; or by exchange of prisoners. Wee desire your answer by this our messinger, what price you demand for euery man woman and child, or if you will exchainge for Indians: if you haue any among you that can write your Answer to this our messuage, we desire it in writting, and to that end haue sent paper, pen and Incke by the messenger. If you lett our messenger haue free accesse to you and freedome of a safe returne: Wee are willing to doe the like by any messenger of yours. Prouided he come vnarmed and Carry a white flagg Vpon a Staffe vissible to be seene: which we calle a flagg of truce: and is used by Civil nations in time of warre when any messingers are sent in a way of treaty: which wee haue done by our messenger.
“Boston 31th of March 1676 past by the Council E. R. S. & was signed
“In testimony whereof I haue set to my hand & Seal.
F. L. Gov.”
(From N. E. Hist. and Gen. Register, Jan’y, 1885, pp. 79, 80.)
[1344] Dinwiddie Papers, ii. p. 426.
[1345] Quoted in Parkman’s Montcalm and Wolfe, i. p. 297.
[1346] Margry, v. 135-250.