Papers.

Content Description

Correspondence from Thomas Rose regarding encroachment by white settlers on land set aside for use by Pequot Tribal members in the Groton area. Documents attributed to Thomas Rose addressing Governor Joseph Talcott, the citizens of Groton, and the General Court. He advocated on behalf of the local Pequots to regain access to land set aside for them. A local man named Dean fenced in most of the best trees in an apple grove planted and tended by Pequot women. Dean also took six cart loads of apples when they were ripe denying them to the women. One document appears to be a draft petition requesting a land patent for the Pequots based on the boundaries “beginning at a small black oak then running on an east point to the Winthrop Pine swamp, then runing south by the pine swamp to the south end, the running to Lanthorn Rd, the turtning southward to the mouth of the Mistick River..." Document (a) is handwritten on two sides. Side one is a draft petition to the General Assembly requesting the “Honorible Gentlemen” restore “our lands” and requesting proof that they (the Pequots) are covered by the laws of the colonial government. The verso is a draft petition addressed to the General Court, mentioning the Pequot’s role in the “Narriganset” war and arguing that the people of Groton are cutting their timber and apple trees and fencing in their “English grass and corn” so their hogs cannot graze. Document (b) is a draft handwritten letter to Captain Morgan asking to add some evidence for his attorneys. The writer mentions that the Pequots informed the English about a fort built along the shore at “aciqueidineset”, and described the Indian “attack” at Juda Neck to disperse “roags.” The verso is a draft letter to Governor Talcott about the “Poore Pequot Indians.” The people of Groton are trying to swindle them out their lands. The Pequots were anticipating working with a committee sent by the General Assembly to assess the damage, but the committee met at “Deans house” not the meeting house, so the Pequots were deprived of a chance to speak or show what they suffered. This is the only document with a signature, that of Thomas Rose. Document (c) is a draft handwritten letter to Captain Morgan, again about the “Poore Pequot Indians.” Dean has fenced in the Indian land, taken their choice apple trees and their immature corn and has also taken their timber. Once again, the writer requests that their land be restored.

Acquisition Type

Purchase

Restrictions Apply

Yes

Access Restrictions

Access Restrictions Apply