Thomas's Massachusetts spy, or, Worcester gazette. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1811-1821, 1821-05-02
Story OF Mr.. AND Mrs. DUsTAN.
From President Dwight's Trayels.l
Hol. L-Letter XII.

ISL
Vol. L-Lefter XII.
"Haverhill was Settled in the year 1887
and incorporated in 1916. During the first
seyenty-five years from its settlement it suffer.
ed often, and greatly, by savage depredations
The story of these depredations is, however.
inperfectly known at the present time. Even
the facts which are still known, are so dispers-
ed in the possession of different persons, as to
render it very difficult 10 obtain them correct
ly. This kind of knowledge is daily becom-
ing less, and will soon be lost. 1t is much to
be wished that inquisitive men, throughout
this country, would CLEAN and preserve the
little which is left. 1t is a serious and unfor-
tunate errour of men in general to suppose
that events, familiarized to themselves by fire
side repetition, will be uninteresting to Others !;
and that efforts to preserve them will be con-
sidered as either tri1ing or arrogant. In no
country, probably, are the inhabitants more
inquisitive thangin New-England. But their
inquiries terminate, or have until lately ter
minated, chiefly in things remote in time or
place; and have been very little occupied by
subjects pertaining to their own country. It
is, perhaps, natural TO man to feel that his
own concerns, or any concerns which are fa-
miiiar to him, will be little regarded by those
who come after him. Few parents are solicit
tous to have their own portraits taken; yet,
after their decease, scarcely any legacy is
thought more valuable by their children
In the year 1897, on the 9Th day of March,
a body of Indians attacked this town-burned
small number of houses-and killed aid
captivated about forty Of the inhabitants. A
party of them, arrayed in all the terrours of the
Indian war dress, and carrying with them the
multiplied horTours of a savage invasion, ap-
preached near to the house Of Mr.. Dustan.
This man was abroad, at his usual labour.-
Upon the first alarm, he flew u the house, with
hope of hurrying to place of safety his
family, consisting of his wife, who had been
confined week only in child-bed, her nurse,
a Mrs. Mary Taft, widow from the neigh
bcurhood, and eight children. Seven of his
children he ordered to fee with the utmost ex-
pedition, in the course opposite to that in which
the danger was approaching, and went himself
to assist his wife. Before she could leave her
bed the savages were upon them. Her hus-
band. despairing of rendering her any service.
flew to the door, mounted his horse, and de-
termined tn snatch up the child, with which
he was unable to part, when he should over
take the little flock. When he came up to
them, about two hundred yards from his house,
he was unable to make choice, or to leave
any one of the number. He, therefore, de-
ter'nined to take his lot with them, and to de-
fsnd them from their mu-derers, or die by their
side. body Of Indians pursued and came
.pwith him; and from near distances fred at
him and his little company. He returned the
fire, and retreated, alternately. For mere than
mile he kept so resolute face to his enc
my, retiring in the rear of his charge-return-
ed the fire of the savages so often, and with so
good success-and sheltered SO effectualy his
terrified companions-that he finally lodged
them all, safe from the pursuing butchers, in a
distant house. When it is remembered how
numerous his assailants were how bold.
when an overmatch for their enemies how
active and what excellent marksmen de-
vout mind viii consider the hand of Providence
as unusually visible in the preservation of this
family.
Another party of the Indians entered the
house Immediately after Mr.. Dustan had quit
ted it, and found Mrs. Dustan, ard her nurse.
who was attempting to fly with the child in her
arms. Mrs. Du.tan they ordered TO rise IN
staufly; and before she ccnld completely
dress herself, obliged her and her companion to
quit the house, after they had plnndered il
and set it Oh fire. In company with several
other capiives, they began their march into
the wilderness she, feeble, sick, terrified be-
You'd measure, partially clad, one Of her fee
bare, and the season unfit for comfortable trav
cling. The air was chilly and keen, and ths
earth covered, alternately, with snow and deer
mud. Her conductors were unlecling, inso
lent and reyengeful. Murder was their glory
and torture their sport. Her infant was in he
nurses arms and infants were The customar,
victims Of savage barbarity.
The company had proceeded but shor
distance, when an Indian, thinking il an in
cumbrancc, took the child out Of the nurse
arms and dashed its head against a tree
What were then the feelings Of the mother
Such Of the other captiyes os began to b,
weary and to lag, the Indians tomaLawked.-
The slaughter was not an act Of revenge no
Of cruelty. IT was mere convenience a,
effort SO familiar as not even to excite an emo
ton.
feeble as Mrs. Dnstan was, both she ant
her nurse sustained, without yielding, the "a
! tigue Of her journey. Their intense distres
for the death Of the child, and Of their com
panions; anxiety for those whom they ha'
left behind and unceasing teHow for them