Assumption of this kind never convinced William apes of its own justice.  He is still the same unbelieving Indian that he ever was.  Nay, more, he is not satisfied that the learned and professedly religious men who have thus addressed him, were more exclusively the favourites of his Creator than himself, though two of them at least have been hailed as among the first orators of the day, and spoke with an eloquence that might have moved stocks and stones.  One of them dwells in New York and the other in Boston.  As it would avail him little to bespeak the favour of the world in behalf of their opinions by mentioning their names, he will proceed with the matter in hand, viz. the troubles of the Marshpee people, and his own trial.

Indian nullification, &c.

It being my desire, as well as my duty as a preacher of the gospel, to do as much good as in me lay to my red brethren, I occasionally paid them a visit, announcing and explaining to them the word of life, when opportunity offered.  I knew that no people on earth were more neglected; yet whenever I attempted to supply their spiritual wants, I was opposed and obstructed by the whites around them, as was the practice of those who dwelt about my native tribe, (the Pequods,) in Groton, Conn. of which more will be said in another place.

Being on a tour among my brethren in May, 1833, I was often asked why I did not visit my brethren of Marshpee, of whom I had often heard.  Some said that they were well provided, and had a missionary, named fish, who took care of their lands and protected them against the fraud of such of their neighbours as were devoid of principle.  Others asserted that they were much abused.  These things I heard in and about Scituate and Kingston, where I had preached.  Some of those who spoke thus, were connected with the missionary.  The light thus obtained upon the subject being uncertain, I resolved to visit the people of Marshpee, and judge for myself.  Accordingly I repaired to Plymouth, where I held forth on the civil and religious rights of the Indians, in Dr. Kendall’s church, and was treated with Christian kindness by the worthy pastor and his people.  Dr. Kendall gave me a letter of introduction to Mr. Fish, at Marshpee.  Being unacquainted with the way, I strayed a little from it, and found a number of good Congregationalists of the old school, who invited me to tarry and preach to them in the evening, which I did, to their acceptance; for they and their pastor desired me to remain and preach on the Sabbath, which, however, I could not consistently do.  I proceeded thence to Sandwich, where I made my mission known to Mr. Cobb, the Orthodox preacher, who appeared to be pleased.