Chapter Twelve Summary

Winthrop has organized his followers under two magistrates, Thomas Dudley and John Endecott, who accuse Wheelwright, Anne's brother-in-law, of contempt and sedition. Hutchinson's party, with John Underhill, Governor Vane, and William Coddington, sign a petition for remonstrance and proper procedure. The two factions, however, must call a temporary truce to deal with the problem of Indians.

Letters from Providence and Connecticut warn of hideous Indian massacres, prompting the Bay Colony to prepare for war. In the meantime, Bess is teaching five children, including Daniel Patrick's three, who have been admonished at church for not knowing their catechisms.

The General election pits John Winthrop against Governor Vane, and is a bitter fight, but Winthrop is returned to office. Daniel Patrick decides to take Robert Feake with him to fight Indians, and Feake is enthused about going, even though Bess is again pregnant...