History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

CHAPTER III.
LEGISLATIVE CONTEST—SOUTHAMPTON SETTLED.
The War Unnoticed SCARCELY anything appears upon the recon
the Town Rec- ords of the various town-meetings held
°'"'^^'
during these eventful years, relative to
the war. The condition of affairs was similar to that
which obtained during previous periods of strife and
bloodshed. There was the same sudden enlistment and impressment
of soldiers, the same billeting of men upon the
inhabitants, the same excitement of guard-mounting,
watching, warding and scouting. The startling alarm, followed
by the same quick gathering, the same hurried pur-
suit, was supplemented by the sad and melancholy return,
bearing the mutilated remains of friends, neighbors or
Mndred. The history of these four years was but a repeti-
tion of the daily life of the community during all those
other years of Indian warfare. Through all the horrors of
the situation, no notice of the possible danger, nor any
suggestion for adequate protection, was deemed necessary
by the town in its corporate capacity. Precautions were
taken to guard against surprise, and for safety in case of a
raid, but all these matters were left to the care and supervision
of the military authorities. No real apprehension
of a concerted attack upon the town was at any time man-
ifested. Danger was most imminent from roving bands of
Indians, small detachments of whom were known to be
watching the settlements. As heretofore, men planted
their fields or gathered their crops in constant fear. From
all quarters came appeals to the authorities for guards, lest
interruption to the work of the husbandman should bring
famine and starvation. Throughout the war the enemy by
means of a series of movements made by small bands, kept
the country in a state of constant alarm, and steadily enlarged
their collection of scalps. No attack was made upon