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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Thomas Pollock to Alexander Spotswood
Pollock, Thomas, 1654-1722
April 25, 1713
Volume 02, Pages 37-39

[From Pollock's Letter Book.]


Chowan April 25th 1713

Hond Sir

Your's of April the 7th received, an am altogether of your opinion, that seeing wee are not able to carry on the war, it is best to make an honorable peace, if we can, whilst the smart of this blow is fresh in their minds: in order to which Tom Blount coming in here to the Council,

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we have come unto some agreements with him The chief whereof it that for his faithfulness and good service done to us, we will make and acknowledge him King and Commander in Chief all the Indians on the south side of Pamptico River under protection of this government; and that we will make a firm and lasting peace with him and all the Indians that acknowledge him as sachem; he being to deliver to us twenty of the Chief contrivers of the taking the Baron [and] Mr Lawson, and of Carrying on the massacre, whom we name to him; and to deliver up all the captives, horses, arms, goods, and cattle taken from the inhabitants, and to pursue, kill, and take, as Enemies, the catchneys, matamuskeets, and all other Indians, Enemies to the English; and to deliver up to us any of his Indians that we can make appear hath had any hand in the massacre. These are the substance of the chief articles. For security of his performance of which he is the 10th or 11th of next month to be in at the assembly two hostages from each town that is left.

Tom Blount informs me that most of the other Indians that were not in Wahasuke Fort, that was taken were got into an other Fort called Cohunke, who upon hearing of the taking of Nahasuke Fort all scattered, and left their fort, most of them going up Moratock River. And likewise he informs me that Conaguanee, the Sachem that went with three of Tom Blount's Indians to the Commissioners at albany, and procured the letter to this Government, (a Copy whereof I sent to your Honor) had come to his town with about ninety or a hundred of his Indians, and pursuaded him all he could against the English; telling him that they only amused him with fair words to keep him from doing them mischief, but when they had destroyed the rest of his nations, he might be sure to be destroyed likewise: but if he would take his advice he would settle him out of danger of the English. But Tom Blount says he would not hear him, but desired him to leave them to themselves, and mind his own concerns Now if Tom Blount come in and make a peace and do as he promises, we shall have only Matamuskeets, Catechneys, and Cores to deal with, who albeit they may give us a great deal of trouble yet am in hopes, if Col. Moore continues with us with his Indians, they may be brought under in a short time. But if he do not come in and we are forced to go vigorously on with the war, we shall be in great want, I doubt of provision and ammunition; for albeit we shall not have occasion of many white men, the Enemies being to be pursued only in the woods and swamps, where Indians are the best we shall have occasion of more Indians who must have provision and ammunition. I shall do my uttermost Endeavor for procuring all for them I can, and hope if it will fall out so that we shall want your Honor will assist us.

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As for a particular account of the seige and attack of the Fort, I leave it to the bearer Capt Maule, who was personally present, only that all our people behaved themselves extraordinary well, and far otherwise than Col. Barnwell represented them last year, and more indeed than could be expected from inexperienced men.

As for Col Moore his indefatigableness in enduring the greatest fatigues, his conduct and courage at the seige and attacks were extraordinary, all which good qualities are set of with so much modesty that makes them more resplendent, and renders him an extraordinary man.

If any news of importance, by very acceptible, and add to the many obligations received by Hond Sir

Your most obedient
humble Servant
THOMAS POLLOCK

Sent by Capt Maule and John Lovicke