It is likewise to be apprehended that this will be but the beginning of our troubles, for, as these Indians with their weapons kill our people, one after another [it is to be feared] that they will next with guns destroy us, our wives and children, while the men are ruined, the grain and other produce burnt, very little saved, not even a plough can be put in the ground this fall, so that not 100 skepels will be sown in this

neighborhood, and consequently much less in the spring, and were any provisions to be obtained from the English, in the East, we know not wherewith we, poor people, will pay for them, whilst the private traders have by their unnatural extortions for the last three or four years, utterly drained us, and impoverished this country ; for such must be the result so long as industry is obliged to stand still in the land. Cattle destroyed, houses burnt ; the mouths of women and children must remain shut. We speak not now of other necessaries, such as clothing, shirts, shoes and stockings, In fine, it is like to happen, that it will be with us, according to the words of the Prophet, Whoso draweth the sword, shall perish of hunger and cold. We turn, then, to your Honors; we humbly pray and beseech you to be pleased to help us with the first opportunity to assist us with such aid as your Honors in this distressed plight, and