Published: 9/29/2020 9:20:15 AM
Here is an offering to the column published in the Recorder on Aug. 26, “Finding the Truth.” The intent here is to promote a fair and considerate understanding for everyone concerned with local historical accounts being brought to-the-fore. Historical correctness plays a major role in regard to arriving at an understanding and serves to establish a creditable knowledge base for those who show an interest in such matters.
The writing mentions: “that about 60 or 70 Nipmuck Soldiers were camped nearby, but Turner deliberately chose to attack the peaceful group.”
■ “Camped nearby” . . . Turner’s approach to the Indian gathering on the north shoreline of the Connecticut River at the “falls” (Riverside, Gill today) was from the west-northwest. Turner had no knowledge of any Nipmuck soldiers or any other inhabitants along the south bank of the Connecticut River. (Turners Falls today). There is no presented evidence of reconnaissance performed by a militia or any other Massachusetts Bay Colony group to this effect. Turner had no choice as to his target area. His group did not choose to “attack the peaceful group instead.” He was directed by his military (militia) superiors to engage the Indians at the designated area at the “falls.”
Turner had no idea as to the strength or size of the Indian gathering at the “falls.” This quote from “Soldiers in King Philip’s War,” by G.M. Bodge, 1906 states; “It is said a great feast had been celebrated the night before by the Indians, at which they had gorged themselves with fresh salmon from the river, and beef and new milk from the Hatfield cattle. Not a guard had been set, and no precaution had been made, so secure were they and unsuspicious of an English raid.” This is the reason why Turner’s men were able to accomplish the raid without being detected by any early-warning alarm the Indians may have planned on. They obviously had none and the raid wreaked havoc among the Indians.
■ “The incident may have been a turning point in King Philip’s War.” It was definitely a turning point in King Philip’s War. (1675-1676)
■ “The campaign to change the name had nearly 2,700 signatures.” The petition is an internet petition., which is invalid for use in any local/regional/national issue.
■ “When the war came, Turner, who had prior military training . . .” Turner had never received military training. He was a family man, a tailor, and a follower of the Baptist doctrine. His religious beliefs were the reason for his stints in jail in Boston. Because Turners was designated to assemble a group to do battle with the Indians, Turners’ rank as captain was given to him by Massachusetts Bay Colony magistrates upon his release from prison.
With this update, it is hoped that as thoughts progress regarding historical accounts, it will establish a fair and balanced outcome to any issue that may be at hand.
Ed Gregory is a resident of Greenfield."gorged" - Google News
September 29, 2020 at 08:24PM
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