"For our subsistence here, the means hitherto hath been the yearly access of newcomers, who have supplied all our wants, for Cattle, and the fruits of our la[b]ours, as board, pale, smiths work etc: If this should fail, then we have other means which may supply us, as fish, viz: Cod, bass and herring, for which no place in the world exceeds us..Our civil Government is mixed: the freemen choose the magistrates every year...and at 4 courts in the year 3 out of each town (there being 8 in all) do assist the magistrates in making laws, imposing taxes, and disposing of lands: Our Churches are governed by Pastors, Teachers ruling Elders and Deacons, yet the power lies in the whole Congregation and not in the Presbytery [not in a larger council of churches] further than for order and precedence. For the natives, they are near all dead of the smallpox, so the Lord hath cleared our title to what we possess." -Letter written in Boston from John Winthrop to Sir Nathaniel Rich Mounting Conflict with Native Americans by John Winthrop (05/22/1634) Which statement best describes the colonist’s attitude towards Native Americans? A) They felt the land belonged to both of societies and that they needed to work out land treaties. B) They were worried about the spread of disease among Natives and if it could spread to their settlements. C) Due to their Christian beliefs, they had compassion on the Natives and showed respect for their traditions. D) They felt their religion was superior and that God had foreordained them to control the land they settled.