History of Swansea, Massachusetts, 1667-1917; - citizen hylbom blog

78 History of Swansea
fierce and fatal outbreak, which, in its course, despoiled New
England of a dozen towns, six hundred dwellings, and as many
of its choicest young men. Swansea was destined to suffer the
first baptism of blood and fire.
Convinced that war was inpending, Maj. James Brown of
Swansea, on the 14th of June, 1675, laid the facts of the case
before Gov. Winslow, and two days later Capt. Benjamin
Church brought to Plymouth conclusive evidence that war
was at hand. Measures were at once taken to oppose force to
force. On Sunday, June 20th, the predicted outburst occurred.
Some of Philip's men raided Swansea, entering houses, helping
themselves to food, shooting cattle and committing other acts
of lawlessness. Most of the men were in church, but one was
found at home, whose cattle were shot, and whose house was
entered and liquor demanded. When it was refused, violence
was resorted to, whereupon the householder shot one of the
Indians, inflicting a serious, though not fatal wound.
A son of Major Brown at once bore tidings of the outbreak
to Plymouth. A fast was proclaimed for Thursday, June 24th.
The troops of all the towns were ordered to rendezvous at
Taunton, Monday night, and messengers were sent to Boston
to urge prompt assistance. A stone house, upon the farm of
Gov. Brenton, at Metapoiset, occupied by Jared Bourne, was
used as a garrison, which the Bridgewater company was ordered
to re-enforce. This company reached the garrison Monday
night and found there seventy persons, all but sixteen,
women and children. The next day, a part of the soldiers
having escorted Mr. Brown to his home, on their return
met thirty Indians, and a little later met some of the men of
the garrison going to a barn for corn. Though warned of their
danger, the men proceeded and were assailed, six of them being
killed or mortally wounded.
Thus the first blood of the war was shed on Gardner's Neck.
The Bridgewater troops remained at Bourne's garrison until
re-enforced, when the inmates were conveyed down Mount
Hope bay to Rhode Island, and the house abandoned. This
house stood on the farm long occupied by Mr, Saunders
Sherman.
On the next day, June 23d, another man was shot within
the bounds of Swansea, and his wife and child scalped. On
Thursday, the appointed Fast Day, some of the Swansea
settlers returning from church were attacked. One was killed,
another was wounded, and two men going for a surgeon were
slain. On the same day in another part of the town others were
killed.
" By this time half of Swansea was burned. " By Monday