Although Eben Dudley was the principal and the efficient military man in
this little expedition from the valley, he was accompanied by those whose
authority was predominant in all matters that did not strictly appertain
to the executive portion of the duty. Commissioners, named by the
Government of the Colony, had come out with the party, clothed with power
to dispose of Philip, should that dreaded chief, as was expected, fall
into the hands of the English. To these persons the fate of Conanchet was
now referred.
We shall not detain the narrative to dwell on the particulars of the
council. The question was gravely considered, and it was decided with a
deep and conscientious sense of the responsibility of those who acted as
judges. Several hours were passed in deliberation, Meek opening and
closing the deliberations by solemn prayers. The judgment was then
announced to Uncas, by the divine himself.
"The wise men of my people have consulted together in the matter of this
Narragansett," he said, "and their spirits have wrestled powerfully with
the subject.
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