Caleb's Crossing

Bethia recalls a night a few years ago when Makepeace asked their father why their grandfather sought the patent (the equivalent of the modern-day deed) to the island. After all, the mainland to the West had already begun to be settled, though not excessively, and they could have lived there in comfortable proximity to other settlers. Their father explains that their grandfather was embittered by his business dealings with an aristocrat for whom he worked as a “factor” (or agent) and who falsely accused him of embezzlement. Their grandfather also distrusted John Winthrop, governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony, who, while a strong leader, nevertheless is responsible for using violence and torture to maintain obedience among his own people and no doubt inflicts worse injuries upon the Pequot population.

In 1642, Bethia’s father crossed from the mainland and he makes it a point of pride that his own father paid not only the English authorities for the patent, but also the local sonquems (the indigenous clan leaders). Bethia’s father feels their community has lived in harmony with the indigenous population, although some among their community—especially Giles Alden—insist that Native people cannot be converted to Christianity and are thus a threat to the settlers.

Bethia’s father is now in the process of converting the Native population. Bethia has met some Native people herself, but her experiences are a secret, and would greatly upset her father.

This chapter also introduces Iacoomis, the first of Bethia’s father’s converts. Bethia describes him as “unpromising metal”; Iacoomis is in fact an outcast from the Wampanoag, because his short stature and frailty render him unfit for warrior status. Bethia admits that while he looks unimpressive, Iacoomis is quick-witted. He learns English and reading rapidly and helps instruct Bethia’s father in speaking the Wompaontoaonk language. From this, and from previous experience with her father’s attempts at mastering the language, Bethia quietly gains knowledge of the indigenous way of speaking. 

Bethia begins by mentioning her “fall” (13), which she dates to three years in the past when she was 12. This was in the wake of a difficult winter when the settlers foolishly mated their sheep too early and lost most of the lambs to the cold. Going out to find clams in the flats, Bethia rode her father’s horse further beyond the settlement’s boundaries than is allowed for women. Out of sight, she read her brother’s books, which she had secretly taken. Bethia’s twin Zuriel fell from a hay cart while Bethia was so caught up in a book that she did not see him fall, and could not save him from being fatally wounded by the heavy wheels. After Zuriel’s death, her father discontinued her lessons and told her to resign herself to domestic duties.

Bethia learns by overhearing Makepeace’s lessons. When she reveals her knowledge, her father grows angry, insisting that her future place will be as wife to someone and not as a scholar.

Meanwhile, continuing to ride out beyond the settlement’s boundaries, Bethia comes into contact with the Indigenous population. By chance one day she meets Cheeshahteaumuck, whom she impresses with her knowledge of his language. They continue to meet, and share knowledge—he provides her with a greater understanding of local plants and animals.