Artifacts - Historic Documents

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	Stephen Williams's Account circa 1706 Stephen Williams wrote this account of his eighteen-month captivity among the Wôbanakiak and the French shortly after returning to New England in the spring of 1706.
	The Redeemed Captive Returning to Zion 1774 This is the fifth edition of the book first published by the Reverend John Williams of Deerfield, Massachusetts, after his capture by French and Indians in the raid on that town in 1704.
	1705 Letter to John Sheldon circa 1705 As John Sheldon attempted to return his family from Canada after the 1704 Deerfield Raid, he received a note from a fellow captive that gave him hope: his two daughters were alive and well.
	1706 Letter to John Sheldon August 5, 1706 John Sheldon, Jr., wrote to his father to ask for some high-value gifts to help achieve the return of captives from the 1704 Raid on Deerfield, Massachusetts.
	Ahimunquat Deed July 22, 1667 This deed assigns land belonging to Ahimunquat in present day Deerfield, Massachusetts, to members of the Dedham, Massachusetts, community.
	Baptism Record of Abigail Nims circa 1890 This circa 1890 photograph shows the baptism record of Abigail Nims.
	Chauk Deed February 24, 1667 This deed, probably drawn up by John Pynchon of Springfield, Massachusetts, certifies that Chauk or Chaque, sachem of the Pocumtuck people, assigns land formerly held by his people to members of the town of Dedham, Massachusetts.
	Commentary on the Bible 1672 This commentary on the Bible was reportedly given to John Williams while he was in New France (Canada) in 1706.
	David Hoyt's Estate Settlement 1706 This is a settlement of the estate of David Hoyt (1651-1704), who was carried off to New France (Canada) in the 1704 raid on Deerfield, Massachusetts.
	David Hoyt's Inventory 1704 The inventory of Lt. David Hoyt, resident of Deerfield, Massachusetts, was taken in order to clear his debts and to insure that his family received their just share of his estate.
	Drawing by Dudley Woodbridge 1728 "Delineated at Deerfield" was drawn by Dudley Woodbridge in 1728. It shows the town common, meeting house, and dwellings that lined the common.
	Funeral Sermon June 12, 1729 This typically lengthy sermon by the Reverend Isaac Chauncey repeatedly praised the Reverend John Williams's personal piety and sterling ministerial qualities despite personal tragedy and affliction.
	Geneva Bible 1560 The Geneva Bible, a complete English translation of the Bible printed in Geneva in 1560, remained popular well into the 17th century.
	Liturgical Manuscript in Kanienkeha circa 1700 Attributed to Father Jacques Bruyas, a Jesuit missionary, this manuscript was probably used to teach Kanienkehaka or Mohawk converts in missionary settlements.
	Mansfield Sermon August 4, 1741 When Eunice Williams visited New England for the second time since she was taken captive in the 1704 raid on Deerfield, Massachusetts, her cousin Solomon Williams (1700-1776), preached on "The Power and Efficacy of the Prayers of the People of GOD."
	Mashalisk Deed August 26, 1672 Drawn on the 26th day of August 1672, this deed assigns land on the south side of the Deerfield River to John Pynchon of Springfield, Massachusetts.
	Partial Map of the Deerfield Street and North Meadows 1680 - 1700 This partial map of the street and north meadows of Deerfield, Massachusetts, dates to the late 17th century.
	Pastoral Letter by John Williams 1706 In the hands of ministers like Cotton Mather, the spiritual and physical hardships of New Englanders captured by Indians became powerful testimonials of religious faith in the face of extreme adversity and persecution.
	Runaway Slave Advertisement October 2, 1749 The matter-of-fact tone of this runaway slave notice that appeared in a Boston newspaper in 1749 reveals that slavery was an accepted part of the culture and social structure of 18th century America.
	Table of Losses circa 1704 This document records the official losses to Deerfield, Massachusetts, following the 1704 raid on the town.
	The Great Peace Treaty 1701 The importance of the Great Peace Treaty of 1701 is evident from the large number of signatures it bears. Nearly forty pictograms of signatory Native nations appear at the end of the document.
	The Reformed Pastor 1657 This account of the life and conversion of the Puritan minister Richard Baxter belonged to Hannah Westcarr Beaman (1646-1739) of Deerfield, Massachusetts.
	Timothy Edwards's Sermon Notes 1704 The Puritan minister Timothy Edwards (1669-1758) used these notes to deliver a sermon one week after the 1704 raid on Deerfield, Massachusetts.
	Warning Letter from Samuel Partridge 1703 This warning letter from Colonel Samuel Partridge to Governor John Winthrop predicts the attack on Deerfield, Massachusetts, six months before it occurred on February 29, 1704.

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