Having partook of some refreshment, we again met to worship God in the School-house; where I believe that the Spirit of the Lord was revealed to us.  Then, wishing to know more of their grievances, real or supposed, and upon their invitation, I appointed several meetings; for I was requested to hear their whole story, and to help them.  I therefore appointed the twenty-first of May, 1833, to attend a council to be called by my brethren.  In the mean while I went to Falmouth, nine miles distant, where I held forth upon the civil and religious rights of the Indians.  Some, who apparently thought that charity was due to themselves, but not to the red men, did not relish the discourse; but such as knew that all men have rights and feelings, and wished those of others to be respected as well as their own, spoke favourably of it.  Of this number was Mr. Woodbury, the minister, who thought it would do good.  I then returned to Marshpee, to attend the council.

The meeting was held in the school-room.  Business commenced at about nine in the morning, and continued through the day.  The first that arose to speak was an Indian, Ebenezer Attaquin by name.  Tears flowed freely down his time-furrowed cheeks, while he addressed us in a manner alike candid and affectionate.  The house was well filled.

After listening patiently to the tale of their distresses, I counselled them to apply for redress to the Governor and Council.  They answered, that they had done so; but had never been able to obtain a hearing.  The white agents had always thrown every obstacle in their way.  I then addressed them in a speech which they all listened to with profound attention.

I began by saying that, though I was a stranger among them, I did not doubt but that I might do them some good, and be instrumental in procuring the discharge of the overseers, and an alteration of the existing laws.  As, however, I was not a son of their particular tribe, if they wished me to assist them, it would be necessary for them to give me a right to act in their behalf, by adopting me; as then our rights and interests would become identical.  They must be aware that all the evil reports calumny could invent, would be put in circulation against me by the whites interested, and that no means to set them against me would be neglected. (Had the inspiration of Isaiah spoken these words, they could not have been more fully accomplished, as is known to the whites of Barnstable County, as well as the Indians.)

Mr. Ebenezer Attaquin, being one of the prayer leaders, replied first, and said, “If we get this man to stand by us, we must stand by him, and if we forsake him after he undertakes for us, God will forsake us also.”

Mr. Ezra Attaquin wished to know if I could not come and dwell with them, as so I could do them more good than if abiding at a distance.  Mr. Ebenezer Attaquin said in reply, that if such a chance should be offered to a white man, he would be very glad to accept it.