The messengers were farther instructed to go to Ninigret, and make the following complaints. 1. That the commissioners were told he had married his daughter to the brother of the old Pequot chief; Sassacus, and had made some pretensions to the Pequot territory. 2. That _Weekwash Cooke_ had complained to them of certain grievances received at his hands. 3. "That about twelve years sence a Mare belonging to Elty Pomary of Winsor in Connecticatt was killed wilfully by Pequiam a Nyantick Indian brother to Ninegrett which Mare cost twenty-nine pounds, for which satisfaccon hath often been required." &c. They were then to demand payment of all charges due the English, and as also categorical answers to a certain list of questions. The party sent out by Massachusetts in pursuance of these orders was commanded by Major Atherton. On meeting with Pessacus, and stating the purposes of his visit, some altercation ensued. As the Narraghansett warriors meanwhile appeared to be collecting around him, Atherton marched directly to the door of his Wigwam, posted a guard there, entered himself with his pistol in hand, seized Pessacus by his hair, and drawing him out from among his attendants, declared he would despatch him instantly on perceiving the least attempt for his rescue. This bold stroke made such an impression, that all arrearages were paid on the spot. Atherton then visited Ninigret, and having stated the accusations, suspicions and threats of the commissioners--though without obtaining any farther satisfaction--returned home. [FN] * * * * * [FN] Trumbull's expression is--"Having in this spirited manner _Accomplished his business,_ he returned in safety." _History of Conn. Vol. I._ In 1653, the commissioners sent messengers to demand of Ninigret, Pessacus and Mexham, answers to the following questions. They are given in full, as a curious illustration both of the policy of the former and the character of the latter. The object and occasion are sufficiently manifest on the face of them. "1. Whether the _Duch Governor_ hath engaged him [Ninigret] and others to healp them to fight against the English, and how many? "2. Whether the Duch Governor did not attempt such a Conspiracy? "3. Whether hee [Ninigret] hath not received of the Duch Governor guns powder bullets and swords or any ammunition to that end; and how much or many of the said provision for warr? "4. What other sachems or Indians to his Knowlidg that are so engaged? "5. Whether himselfe or the Rest are Resolved according to theire engagement to fight against the English? "6. If hee bee Resolved of his way what he thinks the English will do? "7. Whether it bee not safest for him and his men to be true to the English? "8. Whether the Duch hath engaged to healp him and the Rest of the Indians against the English? "9. If hee haue engaged against us to aske vpon what grounds and what wrong wee haue donn him?