Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson




The sovereignty and goodness of GOD, together with the
faithfulness of his promises displayed, being a narrative of the
captivity and restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson, commended by
her, to all that desires to know the Lord's doings to, and
dealings with her. Especially to her dear children and
relations. The second Addition [sic] Corrected and amended.
Written by her own hand for her private use, and now made public
at the earnest desire of some friends, and for the benefit of
the afflicted. Deut. 32.39. See now that I, even I am he, and
there is no god with me, I kill and I make alive, I wound and I
heal, neither is there any can deliver out of my hand.


On the tenth of February 1675, came the Indians with great
numbers upon Lancaster: their first coming was about sunrising;
hearing the noise of some guns, we looked out; several houses
were burning, and the smoke ascending to heaven. There were
five persons taken in one house; the father, and the mother and
a sucking child, they knocked on the head; the other two they
took and carried away alive. There were two others, who being
out of their garrison upon some occasion were set upon; one was
knocked on the head, the other escaped; another there was who
running along was shot and wounded, and fell down; he begged of
them his life, promising them money (as they told me) but they
would not hearken to him but knocked him in head, and stripped