Genealogy of the Olmsted family in America : embracing the ...

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Second Generation 13
tation at Mattatuck. This committee was composed of men of note, who
bore honorable names, well known in the history of the Colony, and attest
the high consideration with which they were regarded. Lieut. Nicholas
Olmsted was a deputy in 1672, and in active service as a Lieut, in King Philip's
war."—History of Waterbury, Conn. (Bronson), pp. 7-8.
Nicholas Olmsted was chosen surveyor of highways in 1646; Townsman
for the North side 9 years, between 1653 and 1683; Corporal in the Hartford
Troop of Horse, 1658; freeman and list and rate maker, 1669; deputy to the
General Court in 1672 and 1673. Aug. 14, 1673, on a great appearance of
danger from the Dutch, troops were raised in the Colony, 160 from Hartford
County, and Nicholas Olmsted was appointed Lieut. King Philip's war
began June 20, 1675. In July, 1675, he was sent in command of the troops
to New London and Huntington on the occasion of an Indian alarm.
On August 26, 1675, he was made a Captain of the troop. The following
letters, taken from the Winthrop Papers, are of interest in this connection:
1st. From John Winthrop, Jr., to Fitz John Winthrop
" Hartford, July 9th, 1675.
"Remember me to Leift. Omsted and let him know that his Wife and all
friends are well."
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2d. From Nicholas Olmsted to Wait Winthrop
" Dated, Petequomseut att Mr. Bulls. July the 10th, '75.
" These for the honnored Captayne Mr. Waite Winthrop, Commander
in chife of his Maiesty's forces of Conetecoote present.
" Sir, After my seruice presented to your selfe these are enform you
that ther is yet hopes of a compliance with the Indians, if they be tenderly
dealte withall; for. heare was yesterday seuerall to speak with Mr. Bull, if he
had binn att home, ther was one came for that purpose as he sayd; and much
desired to speak with your selfe, and promised to bring either Suckquame this
day or some other of his chife men to speak with your selfe. It is desired
that you would make what convienient speed you can, because night will
grow on, and tomorrow is the Saboth, and you will be put by of the opertunytye.
" Not else but remayne,
" Your bubble servant to my peuer,
" NiCHo. Olmsted."
Mr. Bulls' house was in South Kingston, R. I.
3d. From John Winthrop, Jr., to Fitz John Winthrop
" Hartford, July 12th, 1675.
' "I am hasted and not willing to delay the post, and shall only add the
remembrance of my love, and your sisters and to Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Mr.
Bull and Capt. Hutchenson, Leift. Omsted and all freinds as occasion, and
^^^^- " Your loving Father,
" J. Winthrop."
" Let Leift; know yt Mrs. Omsted and all his are well, and all at Capt.
Bulls."
4th. From John AUyn to Fitz John Winthrop
" Dated. Hartford, Sept. 20, 1675.
" Majo. Treat was just marching as the alarm reached Hadly. He
presently sent
over the river.
Cptn. Olmsted wth about 60 men to keep them from passing