Bethel, Springfield, Connecticut, 1636, 1642

Mr. Fletcher and his family moved to the frontier village of Springfield by the Connecticut River six years after arriving in New England. A few months after settling into Bethel, Magawisca, Oneco, Faith, and Mrs. Grafton arrived. The home also housed their servants, Digby and Jennet. The children, especially Magawisca and Everell, formed deep emotional bonds. Mononotto and his Mohawk warrior allies killed Mrs. Fletcher and her youngest children at Bethel as they awaited Mr. Fletcher and Hope’s return. After retrieving his children, Mononotto took Everell and Faith captive. About seven years later, Hope had grown up at Bethel under the care of Mr. Fletcher, Master Cradock, Mrs. Grafton, Jennet, and Digby. Because Hope aided in Nelema’s escape from prison after she healed Cradock’s snake bite, Hope was sent away from Bethel to become more obedient.

Secluded Village, Housatonic River, 1636

Mononotto brought his...