Page:Archæologia Americana—volume 2, 1836.djvu/567

THE CHRISTIAN INDIANS. 531 and my family employed therein, should be freed from publique charges, and also from publique service during this employ. Now the committee, as you see by their order here inclosed, they have engaged me to see that they do receive no damage to, or prejudice from the English. For the Indians doing no prejudice to the English, I hope I shall accomplish to your honours' satisfaction, with the rest of what is desired respecting me, only they say that they are under my conduct and ordering. Now I humbly move to know your honours' pleasure, whether you will be pleased to give us leave to make our own orders, both for regulating our affaires and punishing offenders; which, being ratified by yourselves or your committee, may be our lawfull power in all proceedings. Or whether you or your committee will give us orders sutable to our society. As also, what way I shall be directed to save the Indians from the inso- lency of the English, being daily threatned to be shott, and one snapt at thrice at my own dore by a Lankastsheir souldier; or whether, you will likewise give me leave to propose to you 5 what I conceive may be a suitable remedy, which I deem can no wise be offensive or prejudiciall to any that own themselves subject to the lawes of this Government. I shall wait for your answer, still praying that all under you may live a peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty. As in duty bound, Your humble servant to be commanded, John Hoar. In answer to this petition, the Councill do herby exempt John Hoare and his family, from being impressed into the coun- try service, during such time as hee is employed in looking to the Indians. Secondly, as for exemption from publike charges, the Councill do not grant it; but reffer it to the Generall Court, to whome hee may apply himselfe ; but if the petitioner, upon expense, do acquit himselfe so in that imploy, as the court shall see benefitt accrue to the publike by it, they conceiv the court will consider the petitioner some other way, for his incourage- ment. Thirdly, if the petitioner have any thing further to offer to the Councill or court, for the publik weale and good of the Indians, the Councill shall be willing to heare it, and give such answer as shall be agreeable to reason. 15th January, 1675. Past. Edw. Rawson, Secretary,