In the Classroom > Unit Overview > Lesson 4
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Lesson 4 - Readings for
Studying the Falls Fight Capt. Turner was still in command of the garrisons [forts] at the west. From captives who had escaped, and scouts here and there, came rumors of a great company of Indians fishing at the "Upper Falls" of the Connecticut. Capt. Turner and his officers were anxious to strike a blow against the enemy, and Connecticut authorities were applied to, and promised speedy reinforcements [they asked leaders in Connecticut for help and extra soldiers were provided]. Capt. Turner and his officers determined to attack the Indians at their great fishing-place at once. On May 18th the whole company of soldiers and volunteers, about one hundred and fifty, mustered [gathered] at Hatfield, and marched out at evening towards the "Falls". They eluded [avoided] the outposts of the enemy, and at daylight arrived undiscovered at the camp of the Indians at the fishing-place. The savages were asleep in their wigwams, and the English rushed down upon them and shot them by scores, pointing their muskets in through the wigwam doors. No resistance was possible, and those who escaped the first fire fled in terror to the river, pursued [chased] by the soldiers, and were cut down or driven into the water without mercy; many were drowned attempting to cross the river.
George Madison Bodge, A.M--(1841-1914), a reverend from East Boston, MA, was a member of the New England Historical Genealogical Society and chaplain for the Massachusetts Society of Colonial Wars (a hereditary society).
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