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A Pastoral Letter of

TO MY

Much Respected FRIENDS,

that are in their Voyage

FROM

Quebeck for New-England.

Present with Care, I Pray.

Per Samuel Scammon. Q. D. C.

My Brethren, dear Friends, and Christian Neighbours,

INasmuch as I may neither be permitted to return with you ; nor be permitted to come to see you before you return ; These come to acquaint you, That I am truly desirous of your Prosperity, for Soul and Body. I would bless God who is opening a door of Return for you : And if God be your Front-Guard, and Rereward, it shall yet go well with you ; a Mercy , I would humbly be imploring for you. I hope you will continue to Pray for us that are left behind, that God would
preserve
(c) Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield MA. All rights reserved.
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The Reverend Cotton Mather (1662-1727) of Boston collected and published three captivity stories in 1706 under the title, "Good Fetch'd Out of Evil." Among these was a letter by the Reverend John Williams (1664-1729). French and Indian attackers took Williams to Canada, along with over one hundred other Deerfield residents following a raid on the town in 1704. Williams wrote this letter to a group of freed captives returning to New England. Williams instructed his church members to use their experience to strengthen their faith.

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