Many
were sorely wounded, so that they died when we lifted them from
the boats; others had slighter hurts. Each boatload had the same
tale to tell of treachery, surprise, and fiendish butchery. Wherever
it had been possible the English had made a desperate defense, in
the face of which the savages gave way and finally retired to the
forest. Contrary to their wont, the Indians took few prisoners, but
for the most part slew outright those whom they seized, wreaking
their spite upon the senseless corpses. A man too good for this
world, George Thorpe, who would think no evil, was killed and his
body mutilated by those whom he had taught and loved. And
Nathaniel Powel was dead, and four others of the Council, besides
many more of name and note. There were many women slain and
little children.
From the stronger hundreds came tidings of the number lost, and
that the survivors would hold the homes that were left, for the time
at least. The Indians had withdrawn; it remained to be seen if they
were satisfied with the havoc they had wrought. Would his Honor
send by boat - there could be no traveling through the woods -
news of how others had fared, and also powder and shot?
Before the dawning we had heard from all save the remoter
settlements. The blow had been struck, and the hurt was deep. But
it was not beyond remedy, thank God! It is known what measures
we took for our protection, and how soon the wound to the colony
was healed, and what vengeance we meted out to those who had
set upon us in the dark, and had failed to reach the heart.
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