However, a noted authority on Connecticut Indians, John DeForest, wrote in another vein in his History of the Connecticut Indians:

    "In these deeds the sachems allege various reasons for parting with the land: sometimes it is 'out of love and affection for the grantee'; sometimes 'on account of many benefits and kindnesses heretofore received'; sometimes for a 'valuable consideration' now paid, or perhaps only promised. These grants often covered each other, often contradicted each other, and were the source of innumerable quarrels and litigations between the English and the Indians and between the English and each other.
    "The sachems at times complained, that advantage was taken of them when they were intoxicated, to beguile them out of lands which they never intended to part with."

    Whatever the relative merits of the opposing viewpoints listed above, it can be certain that the relation of the English and the Indians were a source of continual concern in the towns. Fearing of Indian problems, the colonies developed local militias.
    In 1685, Ebenezer Johnson was appointed Lieutenant of the Derby Train Band. The appointment was made by the General Court, the legislative body of the Colony, comparable to today's State Legislature. The rank of Lieutenant was the highest given any person commanding a train band with less than sixty-four men, which was the case in Derby.
    The Train Band, a title shortened from Training Band, was created for the purpose of military training of the local citizenry, so they would be prepared in case of Indian problems. The Train Bands were also called into service to look after interests of the colonies.
    Prior to Johnson's appointment in Derby, there had been military drilling in the town, but Johnson worked diligently to upgrade the Train Band. Under his leadership, arrangements were made for the town to provide the powder and ammunition for the Train Band - this was previously left up to the local men to provide as best they could. Johnson also established regular training programs which were held twice a year.
    In 1688, three years after his appointment, Johnson had apparently out-stripped his neighbors in Derby in terms of wealth, having enjoyed the benefits of a cash salary from the