Unredeemed

            
             The colonization of America by English settlers was a prosperous step for the English, but detrimental to the Native Americans who had settled on that soil long before the English knew it existed. The displacement of the Natives did not sit well with them, and animosity was great between the two groups. The Unredeemed Captive fascinates us with a gripping story of the capture, by Indians, of many colonists in Deerfield, Massachusetts and one family's plight to redeem the last of the captives.
             John Williams, a prominent minister in Deerfield, and his family were easy targets for the French who have allied themselves with the Indians. It was to be a simple capture and return for the return of "a key French prisoner Captain Baptiste." (Demos, 16) Status was achieved in the 17th century based on religious stature. Mr. Williams" importance made him the political object of the French and Indian raid on Deerfield. .
             The attack occurred in the early morning in the dead of winter after the watch guards had fallen asleep. It did not last very long, but the damage was enormous. At least 112 townspeople had been kidnapped including all of the Williams family less the two that were killed. The prisoners were forced to begin a march that would cover several hundred miles. Along the way several of the prisoners are murdered, including Mrs. Williams, for not being able to keep up. The Indians must hurry so as not to be followed by the English. After four days of travel, the "masters" and their captives break into small groups, giving them a greater advantage of not being pursued. The Williams family is now divided. .
             Divided they remained until Mr. Williams and three of his five children are ransomed sometime about April. A full year and two months later, the French ransoms a fourth child. The only Williams child still held captive is Eunice, a seven-year-old living with the Mohawks. The tribe has no interest in letting her go.