in certain respects to the sagamore of the Wamponoags, to whom they were obliged to do homage and make annual presonts. This subjection was irksome to their minds; and they were ready to repel any new attempt to impose an additional yoke upon them; or to withdraw their subjects from the obedience which was due to their princes. When, therefore, they perceived the English missionaries among their people, they became jealous that in their animated harangues, they wer aiming to attach them to their own persons, and that under the pretcace of religion they were invading the authority of the sachems.

"Mr. Mayhew observing this jealousy and the causes of it, took an opportunity of addressing the sachems in the following terms: That by an order from the king of England he was to govern the English who inhabited these islands; that his royal master was in power superior to any of the Indian sagamores; but that he was just, as well as powerful; that therefore he would not in any manner invade their jurisdiction; but on the contrary, assist them, if necessary; that religion and government were distinct concerns; and that the sachems might retain their authority, though their subjects were christians. By such prudent speeches he soon brought them to entertain a good opinion of the christian religion.

"When afterwards the number of christian Indians increased, he prevailed upon them to admit the counsels of judicious christians in their controversies, and in cases of more than ordinary consequence to introduce a jury for trial; promising his own assistance to the sachems, whose assent was always to be obtained, though they were not christions. Thus in a few years he established a happy administration of justice among them, to their great satisfaction; and records were kept of all their proceedings in their several courts, by those who had learned to write, and who were appointed to the office.

By his prudent conduct and arguments, he convinced the sachems themselves of the distinguishing excellence of the English government; and in his administration he gave them so fair an example of its happiness, as not only filled them with a

strong desire of adopting the same form themselves, but even induced them voluntarily to make a public acknowledgment of their subjection to the crown of England; though at the same time they were careful to have it understood, that they retained their authority as subordinate princes.

"In his administration he was always ready to hear and redress their grievances, on the first complaint, without the least delay; by which means he wisely prevented any unfavorable impression being made on their minds through a neglect of justice.

Whenever he decided any causes between them, he not only gave them equal justice wirh the English, but he also took pains to convince them that what he determined was right. He would not suffer any one to injure them either in their goods; lands, or persons. They always found in him a protector and a father: by the dignity of his manners, he excited their reverence; and by his condescension and benevolence he secured their affection. In consequence of this discreet and virtuous conduct, no difference took place between the English and natives on these islands as long as he lived among them, which was near forty years. The Indians admired and loved him as a superior being, who always did what was right, and who had no other object than to make them happy.

"In the year 1675, the war, which like a black cloud had hovered during four years over New England, burst with fury on the country. Almost all the Indian nations on the Main were united against the English. Alarm and terror were diffused on every side; and the white inhabitants suffered their minds to become unreasonably exasperated against all the Indians wirhout distinction, and even against their christian friends. Of this jealous spirit were several persons at Martha's Vineyard, who with difficulty could be restrained by Mr. Mayhew and others associated in the magistracy with him, from attempting to disarm the Indians by whom they were surrounded, and whose number greatly exceeded that of the English.

"For the satisfaction of these jealous persons, Capt. Richard Sarsan was sent with a small party to the west end of the island, where the least dependence was to be placed on the Indians

because they were nearest the continent, and were the last who had embraced christianity. He made known to them the suspicions of some of the white inhabitants, and returned with this wise and amicable answer: That the surrender of their arms would expose them to the power of the Indians engaged in the present war, who were not less enemies to thsm than to the English; that they had never given occasion for the jealousy which now seemed to be entertained of them;that if by any means without hazarding their safety, they could afford further proof of their friendship and fidelity, they would readily do it; but that they were unwilling to deliver up their arms, unless the English would propose another method which would be more likely to ensure their preservation. With this answer they sent a writing, which was drawn up in their own language and in which they declared: That as they had subinitted freely to the crown of England, so they were resolved to assist the English on these islands against their enemies, whom they accounted as much enemies to themselves, as to any other of the subjects of the king. This paper was subscribed by persons of the greatest note and power among them.

"The Governor, Mr. Mayhew, was so well satisfied with the answer which was sent,that he employed the Indians as a guard, furnishing them with the necessary ammunition, and giving them instructions how to conduct themselves for the common safety in this time of imminent danger. So faithful were they, that they not only rejected the strong and repeated solicitations of the the natives on the Main, but when any landed from it, in obedience to the orders which had been given them, they carried them, though some of them were their near relations, before the Governor to attend his pleasure. The English, convinced by these proofs of the firmness of their friendship, took no care of their own defence, but left it entirely to the Indians; and the storm of war which raged on the continent was not suffered to approach, but these islands enjoyed the calm of peace. This was the genuine and happy effect of Mr. Mayhew's wisdom, and of the introduction of the christian religion among the Indians.

"By the charter of William and Mary, which arrived in

1692, these islands were taken from New-York, and annexed to Massachusetts. During the season of anarchy and confusion which preceded this event, the Indians behaved in a peaceable manner; and on one occasion in particular forbore to resent the injuries which were inflicted on them by some of the English who were unrestrained by law and government."

In Edgartown there are two excellent private schools, and upon the Island there are twelve or thirteen places of worship. Four of these are in Edgartown, several in Holmes' Hole, and the remainder scattered here and there for the convenience of the scattered population. Of course there are not Clergymen connected with all of them, though there are several in each of the villages. There are three in Edgartown, a Baptist, Methodist, and Orthodox Congregationalist. The Baptist is a missionary and preaches but occasionally in E. Their salaries vary from 3 to 500 dollars at most. Five hundred dollars however on the Island are as good as seven on the main. The Islanders are kind to their Clergymen and relieve them of some expenses they would be subject to elsewhere. Their generosity manifests itself in one item especially — that of riding which can hardly be considered an expense here, for it is seldom, if ever, they can be induced to take compensation. It was my good fortune to become acquainted with the clergymen of the several denominations, and it is no more than justice to say-though,doubtless, as strongly attached to their peculiar views as those who bear the same name in other parts of the country; they were courte

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THE OLDEST CHURH.

ous and friendly. There was an air of openness and kindness about them that seemed to me rather uncommon, and put me almost immediately at my ease with them. In intelligence,manners and conversation,as also in their preaching, for I seized upon several opportunities of hearing them, they differ little from preachers in other parts of this State. The time and occasion of my first acquaintance with them were the Fourth of July and a public dinner in celebration thereof, to which (thanks to the Island patriots) we were severally invited. This memorable occasion must receive a passing notice hereafter.

Yours.

MR. EDITOR:

LETTER VII.

MARTHA'S VINEYARD, 18-.

Having been absent some little time, my communications have been necessarily interrupted. With your favor I hope to send one or two more ere they are brought to a close.

The oldest church in Edgartown is that consecrated by the long and faithful ministry of Mr. Thaxter. He was of the liberal school in Theology, was pastor of the Society about forty-seven years, and lived to be silvered over with age, not being gathered to his fathers until he had reached the patriarchal period of more than four score years. He devoted himself to the good of his country as well as the cause of his Master-serving as Chaplain in Prescott's