BIOGRAPHY;

INDIAN

OB,

AN

INDIVLDUALS

ACCOUNT

HISTORICAL

NATIVES

AMERICAN

NORTH

THE

DISTINGUISHED

BEEN

HAVE

WHO

STATESMEN,

WABRIORS,

OBATORS,

AND

CHARACTERS.

REMARKABLE

OTHER

BY

B. B. THATCHER

[N

V0LUMK8.

TWO

VOL.

"
329

I.

YORK:

NEW
HARPER

ESQ.

PUBLISHERS,

BROTHERS,
"

331

STREET,

PEARL

FKANKLIN

SQUARE.

1860.

AMONU

PREFACE
does

ior

not

propose

for

kind,
equires either, he
iny

elaborate

an

of

benefit

the

must

the
be

even

explanation,
following work.
content

statement
can
no
or
give
argument
in the other,
case
or
popularity in the one
justice to the
regarded it,historically,as an act of mere
and
brave
memories
of many
the
wise, brilliant,
rous
generuled
who
statesmen,
patriots,orators, warriors and

_.id
men,

"

"

barbarian

over

an

If it
written
to have
it any
degree of

"

laii.^

nor

and

communities,

worthier

and

success

rians,
barba-

of every
admiration

tion
descrip-

objects of
can
Philosophy

nobler

therefore but the

subjects for record.

were

themselves

indeed

were

influence, eloquence

whose

but

Nor

look

and

the
them

upon

ed
predilection. Comparatively unopinionated and unaffectnative
and
by
as
guided
by
impulse
they were,
governed
amidst
much
and
little
to
struggling
circumstances,
owing
sense,
oping
the best
and against them,
their situation was
possible for develthe
at
same
both
genius and
principle,and their education
trate
illustime
the best
Their
for disclosing them.
Lives, then, should
all
above
should
the true
constitution
of man.
have,
They
the
interest
of
other
the
philosophy teaching
history,
praise and
by example.'
without

"

"

"

'

The

from

mind,

and

our

man

to

owe,

man,

restitution

that

selfishness

such

the

the

been

as

or

of

biography

Nothing
be

called

of
an

any

his

be

may

our

men

Uncas

as

omitted

countrymen,
"erve,

detached

"

dictate

the

need

to

make

policy
this,were

constantly throws

on

suggested,

it be

of

is before

the

the

collection

it

only for

history and
What

public.

may

indeed

recently
Biographical Dictionary
has
that the Author
gladly referred in the course
the
extreme
difficultyof doing justice to
; but
has

Indian
to

the
in

the
the
at
same
race, and
fact that the writer alluded
some

characters

Pipe, and

the

"

Nor

themselves.

character

same

individual."* of
from

at

it

on

nation.

own

the

race

endeavored

light which

much

from

might

has

researches

inferred

with

too

operated

have

We
require dissertation.
too
much
to the Indians,
them
the
to deny
to race,
the issue may
least, however

to

justice

much

alone

appeared, and
of

owed,

too

"

obvious

too

of historical

Author

collateral

be

must

Fathers

poor
have

which

inducements

moral

strictly

Author's

so

Occonostota.
the

by passing

Author
over

time
to

to

has

dl, may
noticed

be
such

he
has
wholly
eight lines, while
as
White-eyes,
important
Buckongabelas,
eminent
On
these, and on all their more

six

has
the

or

the notice
to bestow
intended
they demultitude
vast
distinguished only by

only in general terms.

anecdote, or described
of a
In fine, conscious
of many
imperfections, but also conscious
exertion
and
small
few
strenuous
them
as
to render
as
might be,
submits
the Author
the Biography to the
public, and especially to
whose
the candor
of those
own
labors, if not the results of them,
have
them
the
essential
composition
shown
fallibilityof every
He
like this.
to be satisfied if it do
will have
good, as he
resison
will assuredly be gratifiedif it give pleasure.
Boston, Sept. 10, 1832.

CONTENTS
I

CHAP.

The

Indian

tribes of

of the

date

the

Virginia at

James-

The

hatan
PowPowhatan"
name"
Village
confederacy" The Indian
him
and
between
The
circumstances
of the first interview
his brother
ception
the English
Opitchipan ReOfechancanouqh,
hontas
of Captain Smith
Interposition of Pocaby Powhatan
Third
visit of the colonists"
Second
in his favot"
visit,
test
ConPocahontas
Entertainment
of Smith
and
coronation
by
Smith
between
and
and
between
of ingenuity
Powhatan
:
saved
the latter and Opechancanough"
Smith
again by Pccahonand
tas
Political manoGUvres
of Powhatan
Opechancanough
S
Smith's
return
to Jamestown.
page
settlement

town

their

and

numbers

names,

of

power

"

that

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

after Smith's
Powhatan
departure for
Peace
it
Hostilities resumed
finally
this
of
Manner
the
effected
of
gaining
Pocahontas
by
capture
Death
and
of
Pocahontas
with
John
Rolfe"
point" Marriage
His
of living, talents,
of Powhatan
character
manner
person,
The
His
method
and
of warfare
influence.
discipline
means
himself
of the
he availed
The
in which
of his warriors
manner
the
Causes
of his hostilitytowards
and science
English arras

OHAP.

II."

Conduct

England,

and

of

of

causes

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

Courtesy
Independence
dignity Shrewdness
A
review
for
his
relatives
Affection
Liberality Simplicity
40
various
historians.
various
entertained
of
him
of
by
opinions
colonists

His

"

"

"

III."

CHAP.

The

various

at

"

"

history of

the

"

"

"

family

His

of Powhatan"

Pocahontas

Her

"

of

acts

and

especially to Smith
instruction
in Christianity

times,
"

memorial
Her

at

Court

respecting her to Queen

descendants.

Interview

"

Anne

"

visit

"

.......

"

land
Eng-

to

Hia
Smith
and
ter
charac66

with

death

Her

"

Her

gratitude

Her

"

of

colonists

to the

His

"

and
civilisation,
in 1616
Reception

Sequel

successor"

kindness

IV."
Sequel of the history of Opechancanough"
Renewa.,
him
and
Finesse
by
Opitchipan, of the treaty of peace
by which
extended
his
the
he
dominion
Cnickahominies
over
tions
PreparaCauses
dissimulation
under
which
for War
of it Profound
of making Conjurers
his hostilitywas
concealed
Indian
custom
Manoeuvres
The
against the English interest
great massacre
of it
of 1622 ; circumstances
and consequences
Particular occasion
which
led to it
and
of Nemattanow
Character
death
Details
of the war
broken
Truce
subsequent to the massacre
by
the English
New
of Opechancanough
exertions
Battle of PaPeace
Massacre
of 1641"
of 1632"
munkey"
Capture of Opechancanough
77
by the English His death and character.

CHAP.

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

?HAP.
V.
Some
interview

Opitchifaw
Biography of other Virginian chieftains
His
Tomocomo
visit
to England,
particularsrespecting
with Captain Smith, and
Japareturn
to America
"

"

ZAWs,

"

chief

1656

HI

"

of the

sachem
treatment

successor

TOMor,

"

"

"

English"
in

Notices

Gkanganimo,

of

of
who

Patowomekes
which
he received

Opechancanough
native

several
dies

in

1585

"

"

His

them"

services

of

for the

friendship

from

chiefs
"

His

"

North

Menatenon,

Totopo

death
Carolina
king of the
His

Chowanocks
father of Granganimo ; and Wingiwa,
Ensenore,
his brother"
Plot of the latter against the
Hatte."a3 colony" Hia
death"
95
Comment
the Carolinian
on
Biography.
"

CONTENTS.
CHAP.

VI." Synopsis of the New

England Indians at the date of
The
Pokanoket
Plymouth Settlement
confederacy The
tribe
Their
first head-Sachem
known
to the EngWampanoag
lish,

the

"

"

"

Massasoit
whites

The

"

His

"

first interview
him
and
between
the
in 1621
Treaty of peace and
sent
to him
at Sowams,
by the English

visit to

Plymouth,

friendship Embassy
"

Anecdotes

"

"

respecting it

He is suspected of treachery or faostili

sickness
in 1623
second
His
A
deputation visits
ty, in 1623
him
Ceremonies
and results of the visit
His
intercourse
with
other tribes
Conveyances of land to the English- His death and
"

"

"

"

"

"

character

CHAP.

Anecdotes.

"

VII.

occasion

Massasoit

"

of

Alexander

that

succeeded

in 1639

hy his

to

Alexander

son

the

being given by

name

previous

Plymouth

115

..._--.

his father's death

"

made

Covenant

"

The

"

History of

English

with

Measures
taken
of it,in 1661
in pursuance
the character
of Alexander
Notice
of the
Anecdote
illustrating
Exam
ination of the transaction which
charges made against him
led to his death
Renewal
Accession
of Philip
of the treaty by
him
of it Measures
Interruptionof harmony
Supposed causes
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

taken

in consequence
Governor
Second
of Philip's
War.
"

submission

"

causes

OHAP.

VIII.

"

Philip'ssubmission

Letter

"

in

1671

to the

outh
Plym-

Remarks

"

on

the
141

--.-.-.

Preparationsfor

nies
Philipand the Coloof Hugh Cole
Immediate
Commencement
of them,
June 24th, 1675
sketch
of the war
Summary
Consequences to
the parties engaged
and escapes
of King
Exertions,adventures
Anecdotes
Observations
on
Philip His death
respecting him
his character
His
dignity, kindness, independence,
courage,
Fate of his family Defence
of
shrewdness, and self-command
"

Great

"

excitement
occasion

between

war

of the times
of hostilities

Deposition

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

his conduct.
CHAP.

IX.

The

"

Sachems

at

Cakonicus

"

"

Their

"

159

---...-.-

and power
; territory
the English settlements
in New
with
himself
Miantonomo, his

Narraghansett tribe

the date of
associates

of Roger

treatment

Williams

Chief

"

England
nephew

Hostilityto the
fightthe English

in

1634"

Invited
Plymouth Colony
by the Pequots to
War
Treaty negotiated at Boston, in 1636, by Miantonomo
between
with the Pequots and result of it Subsequent hostility
"

"

"

"

Miantonomo

Plain

and

Capture

"

upon

CHAP.

X.

Uncas

of Miantonomo
him

"

Consideration

"

SE"iUAssEN

"

"

Execution

Battle

"

Sentence
of it.

upon

charge
"

Of

breaking

of the
-

"Sachem'smissioners
English com-

the

177

of the justice of the Commissioners

Their
as
alleged The
reasons,
hawks
designs Of employing the Mothe league of 1638
'Concerning the Pe-

Miantonomo"
against him of ambitious

sentence

of

"

"

"

'
Of
hostility to the English Of peculation
quot squaws
and friendship Causes
Proofs of his fidelity
of complaint by him
of both
and Canonicus
Sachem"
againstthe English Character
of Roger Williams
of that gentleman
Letters
Their treatment
Death
of Canonicus.
19*
Anecdotes
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

succeeded
Meibam
Niwi
XI.
Canonicus
by Pessacus
Sachem
of the Nianticks
by them to the
Proposalsmade
hostili
They commence
English, and by the English in return
The
ties against Uncas
war
English resolve to make
upon then
Their
concessions
visits to Boston
Subsequent
They make
An armed
moTcments
againstUncas.
party sent against Nini-

CHAP.

"

"

"

GRET,

"

"

"

"

"

"

CONTENTS.

gret and

They
English.

Pessacus"

againstthe

accused

are

of

league

with

the Dutch
214

--------

CHAP.
Xn."
Sequel of the lives of Ninigret and Pessacua, from
1653
Various
accusations, deputations,and hostile movenienta
the English" Controversy between
and
between
them
Ninigret
Garrett"
Harmon
and
Applicationfor justicein 1675" Conduct
of it" His deathof Ninigret in Philip's War"
Consequences
Death

sidered"His
charges against the former conand
the
Long Islanders,and
Uncas,

of the

Some

Pessacus"

of

hostilityto
'

League

with

Remarks

Dutch'"

the

on

his character.

231

known
tribe" Their first chief-sachem
An
succeeded
Sassacusto the
embassy
by
and
in 1631"
Residence
strong-hold of Sassacus
sent
to Boston
of Captain
"His
the English" Murder
with
earliest intercourse
He
a treaty of
Justification of it by Sassacus"
Stone"
proposes
ed"Anecdotes"His
Sends
deputies to Boston twice" Treaty concludpeace in 1634"
the Narraghansetts- Fresh
troversy
conwith
wars
with
the English" They send an armed
party to demand
of it" War
of the party, and
consequences
damages" Conduct
of Sassacus"
the
with
Pequots in 1636" Political movements
English expeditionagainsthim in 1637" He is defeated" Driven
The
from his country" Killed by the Mohawks"
English policy

3HAP.

XIII."

Pequot

The

English, P"koath"

in his

CHAP.

brieflyconsidered.

case

His tribe,
Pequot territoryclaimed by Unxasin
the
Services
warded
rePequof
expedition
early history"

XIV."

family,

The

and

by

!ish"

and
and

tribes

Subsequent

result"

Complaints brought against

considered"

and

wars

rendered

Assistance

chiefs"

His

of their favor"

Effect

English"

the

Miantonumo,
various

250

------

him

to them"

with
with
quarrels
contest

him

by the En g
Christianity

His

of his fraud, falsehood,

Evidence
His
ambition"
services, and those of his tribe
violence, tyranny,
which
he met
the accusations
made
in
to the
English" Manner
of
Cunning and servility"His treatment
ing
neighboragainst him"
Various
sachems"
negotiationswith the English" His death
------"Fate
of his tribe.
266
His

morality"

submitted
who
The
to Massachusetts"
GorCHAP.
XV."
Indians
Sacon-qco
and
tonists" PoMHAM,
of Shaomet,
Sachem
complain
Their
examination
and
Government"
Submit
of them"
to the
of
in
the case
Pomham
entertainment"
Policy of Massachusetts
harassed
He
quent
and
much
Saconoco
by their neighbors" Subsetakes
part in Philip's war, and is killed
history" Pomham
His agreement of October,
of Miantonomo
son
Canonchet,
Canonchet's
1675
reer
caWeetamore,
Squaw-Sachem of Pocasset"
Particulars of his surprisaland death"
during Philip'swar"
His
His character"
Anecdotes"
reputation with the EnglishDefence
of his conduct.
295
-.----"

"

"

CHAP.

XVI."

Hampshire"
age

by order of the
and
authority"
Visits

English"
and

notice

Farewell
son

and

Legend

of

Account

the

Passaconawat,

of

Massachusetts

speech

to

His

confederacy
Sachem"

He

His

Government.

in

New

ed
disarm-

is

residence,

good understanding with the

The
Apostle Elliot's acquaintance with,
of Christianity"Festival, and
views

maintains

He

Boston"
him"

Pawtucket
their Chief

his tribe in

1660"

Wosolanset.

successor,
of Passaconaway's

feats

as

Death

Anecdotes
Powah

and

character--Hi8
of the family
315
"

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

CHAPTER

The

Indian

tribes

settlement:

Virginia at

of

their

Tlie

"

The

"

him

brotlier

"

"

visit of

the
"

the colonists

return

the

effected

Smith

Smith

favor

Contest

"

and

by

date

of

within

ingenuity

the

between

to

southern

latter

"

Smitli's

the

settlement

fii-st pennanent

Hmits

of

waters

of
to

Virginia, and

that

for

an

date, the country

Alleghany,

and

river

to

James

lived

together.*

these

jmo^vn,
the

subdivided

was

which

and

cal
Politi-

"

fi-om

the

Patuxent

are

into

to^vns,

families

or

The

three

general

names

communities
the

been

have
the

Mannahoacks,

known
un-

fi-om
most

river,

(now in the state of Maryland) was

occupied by
nations
of these
Each
principal native nations.
a confederacy of
trbes; and
larger or smaller
who

hatan
Pow-

tainment
Enter-

"

of

again by Pocahontas
and
Opechancanough

the

the

sea-coast

tribe

"

tween
be-

Second

"

saved

period previous
the

name

Jamestown.

to

At

hatan
Pow-

liis

coronation

visit, and

of Powhatan

manoBuvres

that

first interview

in his

Pocahontas

and
"

the

Tlie

"

of

Village
of

Pocahontas

by

Powhatan

power

English Opechancanough,
Reception of Captain Smith

Third

"

Smith

Opechancanough

Indian

of tlie Jamestown

"

Opitchipan
Interpositionof

between

and

circumstances

and

of

tlie date

numbers

names,

confeieracy
Powhatan

I.

three
was

each

clans,

by
ordinarily

Monacans

and

Powhatans.
Jefferson's

Jitended

I"

to

use

Notes

on

tlie word

Virginia.
family in

The
its

apparently
enlarged sense

author
most

has

10

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

Of

these,the

mountain

or

Indians.

of the various

small

the falls of the

between

country

might be callea highland

They all lived upon the banks
the hilly
which
streams
water

former

two

Atlantic

rivers

Alleghany ridge. The Mannahoacks

located
of eight tribes,
five of which
were
three
and Rappahannoc, and
the Potomac
the

the last named

and

river

tribes of the

Monacans,*

and

and

James,

James

the

to

three

two

of

boundaries

and

Mannahoacks

the

the

Of

York.

between
between

the

five

fi-om the

southward
Carolina.

consisted

the York

between

were

extended

of
powerful respectively
the

the

and

The

most

eight and of the five

Monacans, properlyso
"

to the
names
given their own
entire nation
or
they were
confederacyof which
tribe occupied chiefly
what
members.
The former
Staflford and
The
now
are
Spotsylvaniacounties.

called

to

seem

"

have

latter resided
The

river above the falls.

upon James
Powhatan
nation inhabited the lowland
tract,

from the ocean

to the falls of the
extendinglaterally
rivers,and fi-om Carolina on the south to the Pathe north.
This comprised a much
tuxent
on
larger
of

number

tribes

than

either

of

the

others.

As

of them

(includingthe Tauxenents,
about
Mount
chief residence
was
Vernon)
between
the
settled
Potomac
and
were
Rappahanextended
between
the Rappahan
noc.f Five others
and York
the York
and
James
noc
; eightbetween
many
whose

and

ten

as

five between

on

and

the borders

of Carolina.

these, the

Beside

macks,

the James

what

Chesapeake Bay)

and
Accohanocks
AccoEastern
is called the
Shore
(of
considered
have also been
a
part

of this nation.
*

It may be well to take this occasion of observing,

that the
author's onlyrule in the orthographyof Indian term
has been
be
to follow what
the
most
approved usage. Stith
appears to
uses

Manakins, instead of Monacans.

f Both

these rivers have derived their names

them.
settled on
The former have
originally
called tliePatowomekos.

from the tribes

been commonly

II

BIOGRAPHY

INDIAN

occupiedby the whole of this great

territory
confederacy, south of the Potomac, comprehended
tory,*
Smith tells us in his hisabiut 8,000square miles.
were
that within sixtymiles of Jamestown
5,000
warriors,
Mr. Jefferson
1,500were
natives,of whom
of Powhatan
number
riors
warhas computed the whole
at 2,400,which, according to the
proportions
between
Smith's estimates (beingthree to ten)would
each
to
give an entire populationof 8,000,or one
The

square mile.
This calculation is probablyquitemoderate
enough.
hundred
It would leave an average of less than one
tribes.
But we find it rewarriors to each of the thirty
corded
ed
by an earlywriter,that three hundred appearunder an Indian chieftain in one body at one
time,
and

hundred

seven

of his
had

between

on

Smith
he

Nansamonds

occasion

one

no

force

ascended

saw

The

hundred

three
The

men.

tribe.

own

; all of whom

another

at

Chickahominies

and

four hundred

and

Chesapeaks

for the

first

parently
apalone

ing
fightshowed

And

of four hundred.

the Potomac, in June

inhabitants

were

when

1608,though
thirtymiles,he

towards
entered
a littlebayed creeke
scarcel}'
all the
he found
Ouawmanient
(now Nominy) when
the
roundabout
to
woods
layd with ambuscadoes
number
of three or four thousand Savages,so strangely
yelling
shouting,
paynted,grimmed and disguised,
from
hell could
and
not
spii'its
crying as so many
had

have
It
wont

has
And

"

shewed
is well
to

terrible."

more

that

known

express
rarelybeen

his

for it has been

valiant

opinions in strong

detected

the circumstances

the

of

terms, but he

in

great inaccuracy.
any
this case
in his favor ;
are

trulyremarked,that

inhabited
fed"?racy

Captain was

country upon

the Powhatan
which

nature

con-

had

all readers
A work of which the value is well known
to
"
The
Trve
The
title
of tile early American
is
history.
Travels,Adventures and Observations of Captaine lohn Smith
in Europe, Asia, Africke and America, beginningabout tlie
We
copy
yeere 1593, and continued to this present 1629."
from the London edition ui tliedate last named.
*

"

12

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

bestowed

singularadvantages. Unlike tlie natives of

northern
regions,they suffered littlefrom cold,

more

and

less fi-om famine.

York
with

and
the

settlements

ly
most-

were

of

the banks

on

Their

James, Elizabeth, Nansamond,

Chickahominy rivers,all which abounded
delicious fish and

most

fowl.

In his

mac
Poto-

that aboundance
Smith met with
of
expedition.
fish,
lyingso thicke with their heads above the water,
for want
of nets, (our barge driving amongst
as
them) we attemptedto catch them tvitha frying-pan."
And
though the captainnaturally
enough concluded,
after some
that this was
instrument
for
a
trials,
poor
"
his purpose, he persists
in addingthat
neither better
varietie for small fish,
had
nor
more
fish,more
plentie,
in any placeso swimming in the
scene
any of vs euer
but they are
water
to be caught with
not
fiyingpans." He found tlie stingraysin such abundance
the reeds at the mouth
of the Rappahannoc,
among
that he
amused
the
himself
to
by nailingthem
"
"
ground with his sword : and thus,"he obsei-ves,we
tooke more
in owne
houre than we could eate in a day."
of com,
Vast quantities
even
too, yearly rewarded
of the Indians,bestowed
the simpleagriculture
it
as
"
of a generous
soil.
Great
was
upon the best portions
"
at Kekoughtan, " and
then
seen
heapes of it were
wild fowle,bread
they broughthim venison, turkies,
In none
of his captivities
and what else they had."
his visits among
the natives,
did the captain evei
or
of food ; and
he often brought ofT
Buffer from want
his boat and his men
laden
with plenty. The
Nan
"

"

samonds

gave

him

400 baskets-full

at one

The

time.

Chickahominies, though they complained extremely

of their own
with
wants, yet "fi-aughted"him
hundred

The
bushels.
inexhaustible supplyboth

on

the

anothel
:

so

thaj;

whole,

it is very

siderably
easy to believe,that a conmate
greater populationthan Mr. Jefferson's estimight have subsisted without much
supposes,

the
on
difficulty
"

furnished
of fi-uitsand game
woods

And

now

the

soil

they are known to have occupied.

winter [of1607
8]approachmg,"we
"

informed

are
so

in another

with swans,

covered

13

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

passage, "the rivers became

and cranes, that
geese, duckes

daily feasted with good bread, Virginiapease,

punipions and putchamins,*fish,fowle,and diverse

we

of wild

sorts

beasts,so

as

we

could

eate

them

; so

Tuftaffatyliumourists desired to go
took
for England." On one
occasion,when Smith underlate hi the
an
exploringtour into the interior,
violent storm
a
to
obligedhim and his men
season,
" And
the savages.
we
were
keep Christmas
among
fed on
"nor
more
never
more
meny," he relates,
plenty of good oysters, fish,flesh,wild fowle aiid
good bread,nor ever had better fires in England." In
interval of a few months, which
occurred
a peacefiil
during the next season, the Indians are said to have
than a hundred
deer
more
brought into Jamestown
and other beasts dailyfor several weeks.
that the Powhatan
It is evident,
at least,
confederacy
that

of

fat

none

have

must

continent.

our

been

the most
among
It Avas warlike too ; and
and

of the Monacans

hills of the

back

country

numerous

the

on

though the

tion
situa-

Mannahoacks

the

among
protectedthem in

some

nothingbut a union of these two nations

of security against then* more
them
powerfulneighbors on the coast.
The Powhatans
lation
appelgave their own
proper, who
ing
leadto the
confederacyof which they were

yet
measure,
could
assure

members,
county,

on

located

were

the

banks

of the

in what
James

is

now

Henrico

river,and

at

the

days'journey from the English

The
settlement
at its mouth.
principalchief" or
him
of the thirty
emperor, as the old historians style
found
tribes of the nation,was
by the first colonists
is believed to have
with these Indians, and
residing
of their number
been one
by birth. His proper name
distance of about

two

"

speciesof indigenous
plum,which is elsewhere described
with fruit like a medlar,
as
growing to a considerable height,
If it be no|
firstgreen, then yellow,and red wlien ripe.
*

"

ripe,it will di'aw a

ripe,it is delicious

raan's mouth
as

an

awry

apricot."

with much

torment.

Il

14

INDIAN

was

Wall unsonacook.
which

by

he

BIOGRAPHY.

He

that of

had

Powhata.^,
from the
generallydesignated,

has been

which
the chief seat and metropwas
called,
olis
of his hereditarydominions.
scribed
This town
is deas
pleasantlysituated on a hill. It consisted
of twelve houses, in front of which
three islets
were
in the river,
far from
what
in modern
times hag
not
been called Mayo's plantation,
and a little below
the
town

so

spot where

Richmond

stands.

now

It

considered

was

by the English both the strongest and pleasantest

countr\' ;* and was
place in the whole
consequently
named

JVonsuch, it seems,

settlement

at

and

it are

about

tAvo

years

after the

Jamestown, when it was purchased of

"
the emperor
The
bj^Smith.
placeis very pleasant,"
"
says the captainin his history, and strong by nature,
about

The

of the first

occasion

colonists

had

with

adventurous

cornfields."

many

acquaintancewhich
follows.
spiritof Smith

Powhatan

and

was

ambitious

as

the
The
had

prompted him to make several journeys and voyages

along the Vh-giniacoast, and into the interior of the
Within

countiy.

few

of

Jamestown, among
Chickahominies, and
provisionfrom them

months

after the

settlement

otlier ti'ibes he discovered

procured
at

large quantity of

time

the

when

the

colonist'*

in great need of it.

But with the idle and unruly in the

were

colony, this
good fortune served only to produce murmuring.
They complained of his having done so littleinstead
of applauding him
for having done
much
so
; and
some

ought
to

of the

even

its

to

have

council

followed

up

say, that he
the Chickahominy river

undertook

to

source.

Smith was
to submit
not a man
tamelyto reproach.
lie set off again,therefore,
in the winter of 1607
8,
"

takingwith
and

upper

him

smaller

boat

streams.

He
*

crew

sufficient

proper
ascended

Stith's

for the
the

to

manage

barge

navigationof the

Chickaliominy with

History,
p.

105.

the

far

IS

BIOGRAPHY

INDIAN

by dint of
and clearing
trees
a pasgreat labor in cuttingaway
sage.
broad
it
in
Then
or
a
leaving
bay
cove, out
of reach of the savages
the banks, the captain,
on
other
with
two
whites, and two
Indians,
fi-iendly
proceeded higher up in the smaller boat. Those
who
left meanwhile
in possession
of the barge,
were
barge,as

ordered

were

it could

as

no

on

be forced

occount

to

go

on

up,

shore

until

his

order
The
Avas
disobeyed ; for he was
scarcelyout of sightand hearing,when the whole of
the crew
ashore.
ing
forfeitwent
They were
very near
return.

their lives for their rashness.

Indians,to the
of two
three hundred, lay wait for them
number
or
the woods
of the river,
under
the
the bank
on
among
of the Padirection of Opechancanough,
Sachem
munkies
and
One
i-eputedbrother of Powhatan.
George Cassen was taken prisoner; and the savages
soon
compelled him to tell them which way Smith
had gone.
They then put him to death in a cruel
and continued
the pursuit.
manner,
The
captain,meanwhile, little dreaming of any
accident,had gone twenty miles up the river,and
was

now

his pursuers

sleepby
out

at

its

Here.

source.

suddenly upon the two

men,
Englishhauled
to
up their boat,and lain down
the dry land,(whileSmith
himself
on

fire

marshes

caine

had

who

went

the

among

The

with
kill game
unfortunate wretches

distance

some

to

his musket

for a supper.) The

shot
were
and
full of arrows
despatched. The savages then
him.
pressed on after Smith, and at last overtook
Finding himself beset by the multitude,he coolly
with his garters, the young
bound
Indian
to his arm,
who
had

had

attended

become

guide,for a buckler
of the other,does not appear)
enemy's onset so brisklyvith

that he

He

had

was

mmiy

soon

wounded

that

as

"

the

spot, and

him

none

himself
arrows

laid three

of them

dead

(what

"

and
his
on

ceived
re-

arms,
firethe

ually
others so effectgalledmany
appeared anxious to approach him.
wounded
in the thigh, and
slightly
in his clothes;but he stil
sticking
and

Id

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

keptthe

bay.

at

enemy

His

next

movement

to

was

his boat ; but taking more

of his foe than his path,as lie went, he sud
notice
denly shpped yp to his middle in an oozy creek.
endeavor

Hampered

he

as

dared

Indian

an

was

to

this awkward

venture

dead

almost

oiF

sheer

to

wth

position,not
self
him, until,
findinghim-

near

cold, he threw
Then
drawing

his

away

anna

him
surrendered.
out, they
had been slam,
his )nen
cari-ied him to the fire where
chafed
his benumbed
i-elimbs,and finally
carefully
and

stored
The

him

the

to

of them.

use

incidents

of the
illustration both of the

are
a
ensuing scene
striking
sagacityof the prisonerand

simplicityof his captors. He called for their

chief" through the intervention
of his Indian guide,
forward.
and
we
Opechancanough came
suppose
Smith
presented him with a round ivory double
he had cairied at his side.
which
The
compass-dial,
confounded
were
by the playing of the fly
savages
and needle, especially
the glassprevented them
as
fi-om touching Avhat they could
see
so
plamly. He
of astronomical
monstrati
then gave them
sort
a
lecture,de"by that Globe-lil?^e Iewell,"a^he calls
of the earth,
the skies,
the sphere of
it,the roimdness
the

"

the sun,
chase

and

moon

the

stars

night round

"

about

and

how

the

the world

sunne

did

contmually;

the greatnesse of the land and sea, the diversitie of

to
nations,varietie of complexions,and how we were
like matters,"
them antipodes,and many
other such
his ta^vny auditoi-s standingall the while motionless
and

dumb

But

with

within

amazement.

about

originalpurpose

of

hour

they returned to
killinghim, as they had
an

thi-ee of his comrades.

He

tied

to

signalof delay,if

not

their
killed

tree, and
the savages di-ew up in a cu-cle to shoot him.
The
bows.
But
was
arrow
alreadylaid upon a hundred
at this moment
pass.
Opechancanough held up the comThis
and

was

they threw

exultation and

was

at
by their arms
parade they then

of mercy,

With
great
conducted
the caponce.

18

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

long matted

remained
about
savages
bread and venison
more
have

served

twenty

thirtyor fortytall stout

as
a
guard. Ere long,
brought him than would

where

wigwam,

him
was

men.

"

thinke,"says

the captain

not very
at that time was
himself,"hisstomacke
mainder
good." He ate something, however, and the refrom the
was
put into baskets,and swung
his head.
roof of the wigwam
over
About
set their
midnight these liberal provisioners
selves
fare before him again,never
tastinga moi'sel themall the while.
But, in the morning, when they
ments
brought in a fresh reinforcement,they ate the fragof former
meals, and swung
up the residue

of the

last

one

as

before.

So

little

had

reason

the

captainto complainof famine,that he began seriously

to believe
they were
fattinghim for the slaughter.
suffered
He
occasionallyfrom the cold,and would
have suffered more
but for an unexpectedrelief
An
Indian,named
Mocasseter,broughthim his goune, as
Smith calls it perhaps a fur mantle,or a blanket
and gave it to him, professedlyin requitalof certain
and
had
beads
Smith
given him at
toys which
Jamesto^vn,immediatelyafter his arrival in Virginia.*
Two
days afterwards,he was
violentlyassaulted,
and but for his guard would
have been killed,
by an
"

"

old

whose

Indian

skirmish

which
him

where

them

he
he

took

to

found

was

had

effect

the

kind

son

had

been

wounded

in the

his capture.
ducted
They condeath-bed
of the poor
vsTetch,

placeat

breathing his
of

water

at

last.

Smith

Jamestown

told
which

not
they would
permit hun
and the subjectwas
in
to go for it,
soon
forgotten.Witha few
days,they began to make great preparations
for assaulting
the EnglishColony by sui-prise.They

might

cure,

l)ut

fine illustrationof that

principleof gratitudewhich is
of
the Indians as tlieir revenge,
characteristic
as
proverbially
No favor is wasted upon them, and
and for similar reasons.
*

no

ihe

injuryor
text

is an

insult is

forgiven. The
instance in point

anecdote

this ia
following

INDIAN

Smith's

craved

advice

offeringhim
but
services,

his

had

he

libertyfor

settlement

wanted

such

"

and

as

ion
opin-

an

knowledge and prowess.

He did everj^ thing in his power
to discouragetheir
of the mines, the cannon,
them
and
design,by telling
various other stratagems and engines of war, used by
could only succeed
in prevailing
the English. He

they

several

upon

Jamestown,
he

which

and
them

to

formed

life and

land for
as

in that proceeding,

assistance

only

not

for wives

women

many

and

much

as

19

BIOGRAPHY.

of his

for
carry a note
some
(underpretence of getting
of

them

to

of his
his countrymen
the intention of the savages,
and
informed

send

articles which
at

him
he

without

fail

named.

particularspot

by

him

toys,)in
tion
situa-

own

requested

the bearers

These

in the woods

certain
be

to

were
near

to

posited
de-

town.
James-

started off,we
are
told,in aa
messengers
could
be of frost and
weather
and
as
severe
snow,
arrived
at Jamestown.
There, seeing men
sallyout

The

from

the town
to meet
them,
would
be the case, they were
But the note
left behind
was

Smith

had

told them

and ran
off.
frightened
coming again
; and so
articles at the appointed

evening,they found the

place,and then returned homeward
to reach
Orapakes in three days

in the

as

as

in such

haste
after they had

left it.

thoughtsof an attack upon the colony being

and terror
now
cited
exextinguishedin the astonishment
by the feats of Smith, they proceeded to lead
him about the country in show
and triumph. First
they carried him to the tribe livingon the Youghtanund, since called the Pamunkey river ; then to the
the Piankatunks,the Nantaughtacunda
Mattaponies,
the Rappahannoc, and the Nominies
Potomac
on
on
river.
Having completed this route, they conducted
him, through several other nations, to Opechancahabitation at Pamunkey ; where, with
nough's own
bowlings and many
frightful
strange ceremonies,
they conjured him three days in order to ascertain,
he intended them
well or
as they told him, whether
All

'

'

aU

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

be formed
of these proceedings,
ill.* An idea may
took place under
which
inspection,
Opechancauoiigh'rf
fi-om the exercises

for

day

one

as

described

by

the

captivehimself.
in a
made
Early in the morning, a great fire was
long house, and mats spread upon each side of it,on
of which
seated.
the prisonerwas
His bodyone
guard
"
then left the house,
and presentlycame
ping
skipwith
in a great grim fellow,all paynted over
coale,mingled with oyle; and many snakes and wesels
stuffed with mosse,
and all their taylestyed
skinnes
of his head
so
as
togethei-,
they met on the croune
in

about the tassell was

tassell ; and round
a coronet
of feathers,
the skinnes
hanging round about his

head, backe and shoulders,and

his face; with
hellish voyce
a
hand."

in

and

covered

manner
a

rattle in his

commenced
his invocation
personage
a
gi-eat varietyof gestures, postures, grimaces
with
exclamations; and concluded
drawing a

with
and

This

cu-cle of meal

the fire.

round

bodies

performers of
painted half

white

and

more

their faces

in imitation
pai-ently
three having danced
made

for three

way

streaks

upon

hand

more,
the

opposite to

of the firstnamed

be the

chief

and
priest,

left. Then
a
with a violent

was

song

in three

same

with

eyes, and
length all seated

At

red

white
selves
them-

the right
prisoner,three on
functionary(who appeared to
and three on the
ringleader)
commenced, accompanied

of the

use

rushed

description,thenhalf black, their eyes

red and
streaked with red patches,
apof Enghsh whiskers.
These
for a considerable
about
time,
the

faces.

black

Then

rattles ; upon

which

the

five wheat-coms,\ and began

priestlaid down
and
hands
his arms
that he
so
an
oration, straining
At the conand his veins swelled.
clusion,
perspii-ed
freely,
chief

all gave
*

groan

of assent, laid down

three

Stith, p. 53.

t An
rather

Indian

we
inadvertency,
presume
what Vad
to
loosely signify
corn

must

be

meant.

or

as

the words
iray be used
distinctive
niune
yet no

INDIAN

and

grains more,

renewed

until the fire was

of the same

on

iil

BIOGRAPHY.

This

the

song.
encircled.

twice

went

Other

monies
cere-

ensued, and last of

all was
evening, a plentifiil
brought on, towards
feast of the best provisions
they could flirnish The
circle of meal
said to signifytheir couutiy,
was
the circles of

character

the bounds

com

world, accordingto
3at,like a trencher,and
The

of the sea, and so on.

round
and
tlieirtheory,was

themselves

located

precisely

the midst.

"n

After

this,they
had

)Owder, which
loat, and

showed

Smith

probably been

of

bag

gunthe

from

taken

which

they were
carefullypreserving till
\he next
because
spring,to plantwith their corn
be acquainted with
of that
the nature
they would
"

"

seede. "
Opitchipan, another brother of Powhatan
of whom
have here the first mention
invited
we
him to his house, and treated him sumptuously ; but
"

no

with
and

"

him.
upon

or

other

any

occasion,would

eat

were
fi-agments
put up in baskets ;
return
to Opechancanough's wig^vam,

The
his

the Sachem's

him

this

Indian,on

wives

and

their children

flocked

about

for their

portions," as a due by custom, to be

"
with such fragments.
merry
At last they carried him to Werowocomoco,
where
This
residence
of his,lay
Powhatan
himself.
was
the north side of York
on
river,in Gloster county,
nearlyoppositethe mouth of Green's creek and about
twenty five miles
this time

below

of the river.

It

wards,
village,
though afternot
coveting the near
neighborhood of the
Enghsh, he retired to Orapakes. Powhatan, which
sold to the English in 1609.
was
gave him his name,
On his arrival in the village.
Smith
detained
was
until the emperor
venience,)
(as we shall call him, for con-

was

at

and
receive
meanwhile
courtiers
with

their

his

the mouth

favorite

his train could

illustrious

more

than

gatheredabout
gazing. He was

themselves
to
prepare
and
captivein proper state
"

two

him
then

hundred

of

these

gi'im
their curiosity
to satisfy
introduced
to the royal

SEZ

INDIAN

presence,

BIOGRAPHY.

the multitude

hailinghim

with

dous
tremen-

a majestic
shout,as he walked in. Powhatan
and finely
formed savage, with a mai'ked countenance,
and an air of haughtinesssobered
down
into gravity
fire
seated before
was
a
by a life of sixty years
seat
a
something like a bedstead,and clothea
upon
in an
skins,with all the
ample robe of Rarowcun*
tails hanging over
him.
On
each
side sat a young
wench
of sixteen or eighteenyeai-s old ; and
along
each wall of the house, two
in the
of women
rows
"

"

and

real-

two

of

rows

men

in front.

All had

their

heads and shoulders

paintedred. Many had their
hair decked
of birds.
Some
with the white
down
of white beads about their necks.
wore
a gi-eatchain
But no one
of some
kind.
without ornament
was
Soon
of rank,
afl;er Smith's
entrance, a female
said

directed
the queen
of Appamattuck, was
his hands ; and another
to bring him
water
to wash
to

be

brought a
of

bunch

to answer
feathers,
Having then feasted him

towel.

of

in

could, a long
determine
The

the

and

solemn

his fate.

conclave

best

resumed

The

barbarous

manner

consultation

decision

the purpose
knowledges)
(as he acwas

they
held

to

againsthim.
gravity; two great
was

their silent

brought in before Powhatan

; and Smith
was
dragged before them, and his head laid upon
them, as a preparationfor beating out his brains
with clubs.
The
fatal weapons
were
alreadyraised,
and the savage multitude
stood silently
awaitingthe
destined
last moment.
But Smith Avas
not
prisoner's
thus to perish. Pocahontas, the beloved daughtei
of Powhatan, rushed
ed
forward,and earnesilyentreatwith
that the victim might yet be spared.
tears
The royal savage rejectedher request, and the executioners
She
stood ready for the signal of death.
knelt down, put her arms
about Smith, and laid her
head over
his,declaringshe would
perish with him
Btones

jr

save

were

him.

The
*

heart

variation of

of the

stern

Sachem

Racoon, perhaps.

was

INDIAN

25

BIOGRAPHY.

decree
reversed
The
was
length melted.
; and
the prisoner
the emwas
as
peror
sparedfor the purpose
explainedit of m-aking hatchets for himself,
and bells and beads for his daughter.*
This
was
apparentlya mere
pretext for concealwliich he thoughtunworthy of his
mg the emotions
for preventingany jealousy
as
a warrior,and
on
name
of
his
counsellors.
And
the part
subsequent events
at

"

"

would

lead

to

the

his prisonerbut two

he caused him
to be
the woods, and there

At tJie end of that time,

in
conducted
to a largehouse

days.

left alone

a
upon
horrible noise

fire. In a short time, a

fi-om behind a wide mat
which
and

then

Powhatan,
with

manner,

divided
in the

dressed

two

some

detained

He

conclusion.

same

hundred

by

mat

the

heard

was

the

house

fantastic

most

followers

as

much

in and told
begrimed and disguisedas himself,came
he
Smith that now
friends ; and presently
they were
'

should
and

Jamestown

to

send

for which
gi-indstone,

he

go

to

him

two

would

great guns

give him

the

country of

him as
Capahowsick, and forever esteem
his own
son.'
He
was
accordinglysent off,with
The
twelve guides, to JamestOAvn.
party quartered
fort the next
and
the
in the woods
reached
one
night,
The
were
handsomely
morning betimes.
savages
demi-culverius
entertained while they staid. Two
and miU-stone
ties.
showTi them, with other curiosiwere
hatan
They proposed to carrj' the former to Powthem somewhat
ed
contenttoo heai'y,
; but finding
themselves with a varietyof lighter
presents. They
were
excessivelyfi-ightened
by a discharge of the
*

This celebrated

is preservedin a beautiful piece of

door of the Rotunda
of the Capitol
ing
representgroup consists of five figures,

scene

over
sculpture,
at Washington. The
when
tlieprecise
moment
Pocahontas, by her interposition,
saved Smith
from being executed.
Smith is attired in the
militarydress, recliningon his elbow, his body extended,

the western

ready to receive
who

stands

near

Capellano,an

the death-blow
his

Italian

head.

from the
This

is the work

pupilof Canova

of

war-mace
we

an

Indian

believe,of

24

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

well as peras
Smith, who had political
sonal
with stones,
in view, had loaded them
motives
the boughs of a tree coverand these he fired among
ed
agined.
effect may
with huge icicles. The
easilybe im-

culverins,

"

winter, Smith visited Powhatan,

with
in company
Captain Newport, a gentleman
newly arrived from England, who had alreadysent
Attended
by a guard
pi-esentsto the emperor.
many
of thirtyor forty
they sailed as far as Werowomen,
the first day. Here
moco
Newport's courage failed
him.
He was
alarmed
especially
by the appeai-ance
of various bridgesthey were
obligedto pass over in
so
looselymade
crossingthe streams
; for these Avere
for traps set by
of polesand bark, that he took them
But Smith, with twenty men,
the savages.
leavingthe
and
to
accomplishthe
boat, undertook
go forward
soon
was
journey. He accordinglywent
on, and
met
Indians,who conducted
by two or three hundred
the

During

them

into the town.

to the utmost

There

addressed

were

refi-eshhim

to

self
him-

exerted

Powhatan

give him
for joy

to

people shouted

The
to

same

royal entertainment.
see

Smith

; orations

feast provided
; and a plentiful
of his voyage.
after the weariness
The
to

him

him, recliningupon his bed of

mats, his pillow of di-essed skin lying Ijesidehim
with its brilliant embroidery of shells and beads,and
his dress consistingchieflyof a handsome
fur robe
"
At his head and feet
as
largeas an Irish mantell."
two
were
as before ; and
comely young women
along
the sides of the house
sat twenty other females,each
with her head and shoulders
paintedred and a great
received

emperor

chain of white
sat

his

chiefest

house, and
stood

Foure

as

or

them

for

none

vpon

wrong

beads

or

about

in like order

men

more

guard in

than
two

fine hundred
our

her neck.

fortie

Before

these

in his arbor-like

plattersof

fine bread

pyles on each side the door.

people made a guard behinde
and
Proclamation
was
made,

passage ;
paine of death

discourtesie.

"

to

With

presume
many

to

doe

vs

any

pretty discourses

ab

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

fair value."

This

proposal was

Newport by Smith,

who

time

he

But

of the

hazard

Newport
either

was

him

incur

must

vain

dazzle

to

informed

man,

and

interpretedto
him

at

the

same

in

accepting it.
expected
confidently

the emperor
with his
with his bounty, so as

tion,
ostenta-

gain
The
event
unluckily
any request he might make.
after
otherwise.
Powhatan,
coolly selecting
proved
such of Newport's goods as he liked best,valued his
corn
a
own
at such
rate, that Smith
says it might
well have been
as
ceived
purchased in old Spain ; they rebushels
had
where
counted
they
scarcelyfour
upon twenty hogsheads.
or

It

overcome

was

now

Smith's

turn

to

to

tiy his skill ; and

he

wiselythan his comrade,

experiment,more
the sagacityof the emperor
but upon
his
not upon
simplicity. He took out various toys and gewgaws,
and
as it were
contrived,by glancing
accidentally,
in the light,
them dexterously
them to great
to show
fixed
advantage. It was not long before Powhatan
his observing eye upon
a
string of brilliant blue
tain
beads.
Presentlyhe became^ importunate to obBut
them.
Smith
was
unwillingto part
very
with these preciousgems
ed,
; they being,as he observrare
substance,of the color
composed of a most
of the skies,and fit to be worn
only by the greatest
and
The
more
kings in the world.
savage
grew
such jewels,so that finally
gain
a barmore
eager to own
was
struck, to the perfectsatisfaction of all
and
two
whereby Smith obtained between
parties,
for a pound or two
three hundred
bushels of corn
of blue beads.
A similar negotiationwas
ately
immediafl;ereffected with Opechancanough at Pamunwith
furnished
a
quantity of this
key. He was
invaluable jewelryat very nearlythe same
price; and
made

his

thus the beads grew into such

Indians far and near, that none
ances,

and

wearing
enormous

their wives

them.
value.

They

and

estimation

among

the

but the great werowchildren,dared to be seen

were

imperialsymbols

ot

27

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

only that Powhatan

set a
perceivedthe vast advantage
in
his own
which
men
the English possessedover
their weapons
exceedinglyanxious
; and he became
side with
to placehimself
equal terms on one
upon
the less
while he should domineer
the colonists,
over
the
he liked,on
fortunate foreign Indian tribes,
as
other.
When
Newport left the country for England,
he sent him twenty fine turkeys,and requestedin return
the favor of as many
swords, which that gentleman
He
inconsiderate enough to furnish him.
was
compliment to Smith ;
subsequentlypassedthe same
But

it

beads

not

was

upon
He
estimate.
higli

and

him

the latter gave

when

no

swords

in payment,

highlyoffended,and is said to have ordered

wherever
his peopleto take them
they could get them,
checked
by stratagem or by force. But Smith soon
this projectin his usual
manner
; and
summary
Powhatan, findingthat game a desperateone, sent in

he

was

with

Pocahontas

presents,

to

for the

himself

excuse

of his

disorderlywarriors,'
that those
and
were
to desire
captive might
their good behavior.
be liberated for this time
on
and
Smith
gi-antedthe
punished them sufiiciently,

injurydone

"

by

some

who

request of the emperor

The

council

his

cruelty;

'

offended

were

but

they considered

at what

affected

Powhatan

hear of the emperor

We

of Pocahontas.

for the sake

Captain Newport ai-rived with

commission
for the colony,and anew

By

this he

authorized

/orgoZrf,
among
country ; and

England

in five

least

to

make

an

the Monacans

be

second

ply
supfor himselC

pedition,
exploringex-

of the

barge was
brought
be
carried
to
over
pieces,
a

to

again in September,(1608,)

when

was

at

tain
moun-

out

the

fi-om

falls,

the company
to the South Sea.
convey
Smith opposed this sage proposalon the gi'oundof
the necessities of the colony ; they were
especially

and

in

thence

want

winter.
was

even

of

provisionto be laid in for the coming

He
But a largemajoritywere
againsthim.
towards
accused of jealousy
Newport ; and

28

BIOGRAPHr.

INDIAN

the latter defeated

all his

as
opposition,

he

thought,

fi-om
by undertakingto procure a bark-load of corn
Powhatan, on his proposed route to the South Sea,
He required,however, that one
at Werowocomoco.
hundi-ed

twenty

no

confidence

his

subjects.

put
or

and

Smith now
the necessary
to

invite him

should

men

the

in

to

to

with

him

of the
firiendship

forward,and

came

go

emperor

volunteered

to

carry

himself,and

Powhatan

messages
visit Jamestown,

; he

for the purpose

of
for him by Newport.

leceivingthe presents broughtover

sin
baa splendid
Among these,it appears, were
and
various
CAver, a bed, bedstead,clothes,and
other costly
novelties ; the only effect of wliich would
the emperor
to overbe, as Smith alleged,to cause
rate
tlie importance of his own
favor,and to sell
for gold and silver alone what he had heretofore sold
Another
of the
readilyfor copper and blue beads.
a royalcrown,
sent out by his Britannic
presents was
Majesty King James I. probably under the expectation
of wheedling Powhatan
into submission
to his
with
orders to conand at all events
OAvn
secrate
authority,
the
divine right"
of his royalallyin Virginia
of a solemn
coronation.
by the ceremonies
Smith
took with him
four companions only,and
the woods, by land, about twelve miles,
went
across
Powhatan
then absent,at
Werowocomoco.
to
was
the distance of twenty or thirtymiles.
Pocahontas
she and
mimediately sent for him, and meanwhile
her women
entertained
their visiter in a styletoo
remarkable
notice.
A fire
to be passed by without
seated
made
in a plainopen field,
and Smith
was
was
"

before

it on

such

mat, with his

hideous noise was

by, that

the

their arms,
Indians who

strangers betook
and
were

; and

heard

him.

with

ly
Sudden-

in the woods

themselves

seized

all his forces

was

near

hastilyto
three

old

sion
apprehencome

made

upon
her

littleexplanationconvinced

the

by surprise. But

appearance

about

two
or
upon
standingnear, under the

even

that Powhatan
them

men

Pocahontas

soon

INDIAN

29

BIOGRAPHY.

she might succeed or fail,

her
captainthat,however
and honor
He
him.
to gratify
only intention was
therefore
with
the Indian
mingled fearlessly
men,
and
women
childi-en,
alreadyassembled as spectators,
and

the ceremonies

"Then

went

presentlythey

anticke.

Thirtie

the

woods, only

few

greene

leaves

came

all

of another

Their leader had a fayrepayre

her head, and an Otter's skinne
her

at

bow

arme,
and arrowes

hand

quiuer

sword,

shouts

another

alike ; the
These
devises.

and

themselves

of

cryes,
in a

at

out

before

with

homes

her

on

one
eueiy
with
fiends,

backe,
had

next

club,another
rest

another
girdle,

at

The

of

of
paynted,some
but all differing.

her

arrowes

rushingfrom
ring about

naked

of Buck's

in her hand.

all horned
severall

and

behind

; their bodies
some

this

presented with

were

women

young
couered

colour, and

one

on.

in her

pot-sticke,
with

most

their
hellish

the trees, caste

among
the fire,singing and

excellent
ill varietie,ofl
dauncing with the most
fallinginto their infernall passions,and solemnly
an
again to sing and daunce.
Having spent neer
hour in this mascarado, as they entred,in like manner
they departed."
themselves,they solemnly
Having reaccomodated
he was
where
invited him to their lodgings,
no
sooner
within the house
but all these nymphs more
ed
tormenthim than euer, with crowding,pressingand hanging
about him, most
tediouslycrying,Loue you not
salutation
?
?
This
Loue
not
me
me
ended,
you
dainties
of all the salvage
the feast was
set, consisting
others singing
they could deirise ; some
attending,
and dauncing about them.
This mirth being ended,
with fire-brands
instead of torches they conducted
him to his lodging.
"

PoAvhatan
delivered

arrived

his

on

message,

father,"Newport,

at

followingday, and Smith

desiringhim to visit "his

the

Jamestown,

for the purpose

of

30

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

the newly arrived presents, and also con

rec"eiving
the Monacans.
certinga campaign in common
agairist
The subtle savage replied
to this artflilproposalw^ith
his accustomed
and independence.
If
intelligence
said he vi^ith great
presents,"
your king has sent me
I also am
this is my land
a king,and
composure,
Here I will stay eightdays to receive them.
Your
Father is to come
I to him, nor
to me, not
yet to
"

"

"

fort.

your

I will not

bite

such

at

Monacans, I can
avenge
my
Atquanachuck, where
you
slain,it is a conti-ary way
it.

suppose

mountains,

And

for

brother
was
your
fi-om those
parts you
salt water
beyond the

say

as

from

had

this he

Upon

for the

As

injuries.As

own

for any
the relations you have

false."

are

bait.

began to
regionswith

my

delineate

ple
peo-

the

of these various
a stick upon
geogi-aphy
the
farther
discourse
ground. After some
upon
Smith returned
generaland complimentary subjects.
with his answer.
had
His servant, Namontack, who
been to England with Newport, was
given back to
him

this occasion.

upon

The

presents

by
a guard
water

; and

were

round

Werowocomoco,
captains
by land,with
The partieshere agreed upon

sent

the two

of

to

went

men.
fifty
the next
day for the coronation
brought in,the
presents were

bed

up, and

other

the

the

scai-let cloak

though

emperor,

consequence
they would

and

with

of Nomantack's

injurehim.

; and

much

and

the

furniture set

apparelput on
ado, and only in

earnest

As

at that time

that

assurance

for

ceive
kneeling to rethe crovra, which
of
he
Avas
tirely
enrequested him,
exhausted
the patienceof his visitei'sby his resistance.
They gained their point in the end by
One leaned hard upon his shoulders,
so
stratagem.
him
a
nd
stood
three more
to cause
to stoop a Uttle,
as
his head
upon,
on
ready to fix the royal gewgaw
; wherethe guard were
at the dischargeof a pistol,
preparedwith such a volleyof musketry as a salute,
started
that the emperor
(now a croiuned-head at least)

up,

as

Smith

not

says, in

honible

fear tillhe

saw

all

INDIAN

31

ElOGRAPHT

ho genecomposure,
rously gave his old shoes and mantle to Newport ic
acknowledgement of his courtesy. But perceiving
was

well.

Soon

that the main

recoveringhis

objectof that gentlemanwas

the Monacans,

he

labored

to

divert

his

to

discover

resolution,

refused to lend any of his own

men
absolutely
said and
Every thing was
exceptingNamontack.
however
done civilly,
Newport
; and, before teaving,
the
to
was
presented with a heap of corn-ears
of seven
amount
or
eight bushels,in farther return
and his presents.
for his politeness
heard of Powhatan
time after this,littlewas
For some
of
through the medium
except occasionally
refused
of his tribes,
who
said to have
are
some
of his orders
tradingwith the Englishin consequence
had become
He
to that eifect.
jealousof them, it
would
ciprocated
seem
Smith, on the other hand, re; and
of his ill humor, that he at one
much
so
and
time thought of falling
him
by surprise,
upon
But appearances
were
taking away all his stores.
stillkept up on both sides ; and in December, (1608)
he
the emperor
invited
the captain to visit him
wanted
his assistance in buildinga house, and if he
would
swoi'ds,a
bring with him a grindstone,fifty
and a hen, with a quantityof
few muskets, a cock
beads
and copper, he might depend upon
gettinga
of com.
ture,
Smith, alwaysready for an advenship-load
and
set oft" with
a pinnace
acceptedthe invitation,
volunteers
and two
by forty-six
barges,manned
that
hazardous
The
considered
so
expeditionwas
excused
themselves
fi-om going,after having
many
that if any
engaged to do so ; though all knew
to return
thingwas to be liad,Smith was not the man
disappointed.
Commencing his voyage on the 29th of the month,
with victualling
for three or four days,he lodged the
chief Sachem
at
firstnight at Warrasqueake. The
suade
to disdid all in his power
this place,being fi-iendly,
hatan
the captainfi"om pursuing his journey. Powwill use
said he, but he has sea.
you kindly,"
and

"

"

"

"32

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

for you

only to cut your throat. Trust him not, and

givehim no opportunityto seize upon your arms."
The
were
next
night and several more
passed at
detained
by a
Kekoughtan, where the English were
severe
cheer,and good fires.
storm, but found merry
in the habit of travelling
The
colonists who
were
with Smith had learned
hardihood.
not
They were
curious in any weather, (he informs us,)to lye three
foure nightstogethervnder the trees." They liked
or
a fine
hunting too as they marched, and here was
fortie eight foules,the
opportunity; "an hundred
President,Anthony Bagnall,and Serieant Pising did
kill at three shoots."
It was
the 12th of January
when
they reached Werowocomoco.
mony
cereashore,quarteredwithout much
They went
at the first house
they found, and sent to
Powhatan
for a supply of provisions.They were
promptly furnished with plentyof bread,venison and
turkeys. Their liberal host feasted them again the
next
at the close of
day ; but not without inquiring,
the entertainment,
when
theyproposed to go home,
that the pleasureof their company
was
insinuating
wholly unexpected,and that he and his people had
though for fortyswords he thought
very little corn
fortybaskets might be collected. In reply.Smith
asked
if he had forgottenhis own
invitation thus
Avho
suddenly ; and then produced the messengers
and who
had carried it,
happened to be near at hand.
The emperor
afl^ected to regard the affair as a mere
joke, and laughed heartily.Smith then proposed
trade ; but Powhatan
would
take nothing but guns
valued
basket
and swords, and
of corn
a
higher
than a basket of copper.
The
was
captain
nettled,
and
mind
and
without
his
spoke
boldly
reserve,
to understand
sity
withal,that necesgivingthe emperor
might force him to use disagi-eeable
expedients
and
the need
of the
for relievinghis own
wants
colony.
"

"

Powhatan
and
gravity,

listened

to

repliedwith

this
a

declaration

with

cool

frankness
coi-responding

34

BIOGRAPHY

INDIAN

ice, and

who

still remained

also

He

hatan
attempted to detain Powof divers i-igmarole
with the deliveiy
hai-angues:
be
outwitted.
He
the latter was
not
to
so
easily
aboard.

but

of his company

landingthose

introduced

two

or

three

to

women

sustain

si arp

and suddenly availed

himself of that opportunity
to leave the house, with
all his attendants
and
luggage. In a few minutes
Smith found himself surrounded
with Indians ; and
"
sword
and
thereupon,we are told, with his pistoll,
such a passage among
these naked
target, hee made
that at his first shoot those next him tumbled
Diuils,
with

conversation

one

over

the

enemy,

The

another."

rest

fled in all directions.

Powhatan
not
was
men
yet discouraged. His
again flocked about Smith with civil explanationsot
had happened ; and he himself
every thing which
bracelet by the hand
Inm a largeand handsome
sent
of his chief orators, with a speech full of
of one
Baskets
furnislied
were
compliments and excuses.
had
been
sold aboard
for carryingthe corn
which
the boat ; and

the Indians

even

offered their services

guard the arms

of the English,while theywere
clined;
detaking care of the provisions.This favor was
the English were
still under
the
but as
necessityof waitingfor the tide of the next morning,
no
pains were
spared to entertain them Avith feasts
to

and

sports meanwhile.

Sachem

was

Smith

all this time

supposes
his
prepai-ing

that the
forces for

them
He probablyconjectured
at supper.
surprising
and but for Pocahontas
there is reason
to believe
right;
that this game
would
have succeeded.
The
actually
kind-heai-ted princesscame
to Smith's
quarters in the
advised
woods, alone and in the evenuig, and earnestly
him by all means
to leave her father's territories
all his
as soon
as
possible.The latter was collecting
she said,to make
assault upon
an
him, unless
power,

those who

sent

were

succeed
In less than

with

his supper

despatchinghim.

an

hour

afterwards

came

should

selves
them-

eightor

of venison
with great platters
lustyfellows,

ten

and other

Victuals,who

36

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

the

importunate that

were

Enghsh

of which
their matches,the smoke
should extinguish
tain,
they afFected to think very disagreeable.The capthem
made
this
without
circumstance,
noticing

dish, and then

every
that the
tell.Powhatan

taste

to

him

see

as

sent

of them

some

back

English were
ready to
their
themselves,he understood

for

but they should

villany,
go free.
to
in soon
at intervals,
came
after,
The
went
on.
night was
spent

Other
learn

messengers
how
matters

without

sleep on

of
the movements
subtle
the other with vigilant
eyes, while both were
and civil enough still to affect friendship. At high
either side.

party watched

Each

off with

went
water, Smith
with the emperor,

at

his

his

request, an

own

leaving
Englishman

company,

three
for him, and two
kill game
or
in buildinga house.
to assist him
mans

to

of the Ger

He had no sooner
the game
not yet over.
was
than the emperor
set sail for Pamunkey,
despatched
the woods
to Jamestown, to take
a deputationacross
But

advantage of

his absence

for

ammunition

and

On

arms.

buying up a quantityof
gers
arriving,these messen-

CaptainWinne, the temporary commandei

for some
of the colony, that their comming was
traordinary
exshift
of
and
-which
tooles
apparell; by
colourable
more
excuse
they obtained sixe or seuen
such
to their confederacie,
[ofthe colonists]
expert
fiirnished
them
with
that
a gi-.eat
theeues,
presently
swords, pike-heads,peeces, shot,powder and
many
Indians
such like."*
at hand
to carry
enough were
told

"

away

the

articles

as

soon

as

obtained

; and

the next
unsuspected,after

returned home
day,the deputation
torous
making an agreement for the services of such traiwillingto desert frum the
vagabonds as were
deserted
of those who
had
two
or
colony. One
with
as
as
already,had provided Powhatan
many
three hundred
hatchets,
swords, eight 'pieces
fifty
and eightpikes.
*

Smith's

History,
p.

213.

3b

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

had arrived at Panninkey, and

Meanwhile, Smith
here Opechancanough was
entertaininghim with all
the day agi-eed
of feastingand
mirth.
On
manner
between
the partiesfor commencing trade,the
upon
captain,with fifteen of his men, Avent up a quarter
the river to the Sachem's
of a mile from
house,
found
He
the appointed rendezvous.
no
person
lame
and
The
other
a
a
man
there,excejrting
boy.
abandoned.
ently,
Preshouses in the village
were
entirely
the Sachem, followed
however, came
by many
of his subjects,
and
well armed
with bows
arrows.
ly
made
to buy corn, but so unsuccessfulAttempts were
that Smith
was
provoked,and i-emonstrated as he
had
done
with Powhatan.
Upon this,the Sachem
sold what
at hand, and
promised to
provision was
give better satisfaction the next day.
his appearance
Smith
made
Then, {accordingly.
with
at the house
again. He found four or five men
with
gi-eat baskets,but whether
any thing in them
does not
in
Opechancanough himself came
appeal.
cheerful
and commenced
soon
a
after,
conversation,
the
he
had taken to
enlargingparticularly
pains
upon
of Smith's
one
keep his promise. Just at this moment
set.
brought him word that the house was becompany
Tiie

woods
with

thronged
a)-med

and

and
more

fields all around

than

hundred

seven

him

were

savages,

paintedfor battle.

there were
English,of whom
only fifteen on
alarmed
at this news,
shore, were
generallymuch
and could
joyed
easily
perceivethat Opechancanough entheir surprise. But
Smith
in his
was
now
said he to his
element.
"My worthy counti-ymen,"
Had
I no
to fear from
more
trembling comrades,
than fi-om these enemies, I should
be
fi-iends,
my
would
willingto meet twice as many
you but second
shalfbe taken?
If we
But what course
me.
begin
with them, and
shall have
seize the king, we
more
llian our
hands
and
defend
fiillto keep him
selves.
ourThe

"

"

If
of their

we

kill them

As
provisions.

all,we

must

for their

for want
fury,that is the
starve

INDIAN

31

BIOGRAPHY.

know
subjectof apprehension. You
heretofore managed two
three hundreds
or

1 have

.east

alone.

Now

here

hundred.

sixteen of us, to their

ai-e

dare

If you

stand

but

to fire your

for them.

the very smoke

will be enough
and
let us fightlike men,
events
First,however, let me
propose

them, and

so

shall have

we

of them
seven

pieces,

But

die like

not

at

all

sheep.

conditions

some

something

to

fightfor."

to

pany
admittingof no argument, the compledged themselves promptly to second him in
he attempted,
die.
whatever
or
towards
The
the Sachem,
captainthen advanced
and
addressed
him.
Opechancanough," said he,
I perceiveyou are plotting
to miu-der
me, but I fear

The

occasion

"

"

As

not.

you
done

much

as

you

as

yours

see
"

harm.
here
the

combat, and
of all.
take

time

yet neither
mine

island

"

muster

mine

nor

in

have
arms

of

more

men
"

as

two, shall be

us

enough
many
basket

as

about
you

"

"

body shall be as naked

my
the river is a fit place for

the conqueror
If you have
not

to

men

therefore take your

Now

are

your

ter
mas-

you,
will
"

of corn,
and
only let eveiy one
bring his
againstthat I will stake the value in copper."
The' Sachem
repliedvery soothinglyto this proposal.
unkindof
He was
soriy to see any suspicion
ness
; and begged that the captainAvould do him the
honor to accept a handsome
present, (byway of peacewhicia was
ready for him at the door of the
offering,)
The
house.
objectof this suggestionwas sufficiently
Indians
obvious ; for besides
the fortyor fifl;y
con
the Sachem's
stituting
body-guard within,"the bait,'
Smith calls it,at the door, (meaning the present)
as
and
was
thirty
guarded by about two hundred
men,
behind
stationed
a
more
were
largetree which kiy
with their ari-owa
lengthwiseathwart the passage-way
It was
Smith's turn to make
a
now
ready notched.
movement.

his

He

retinue,by

seized
his

the

Sachem

in the

midst

of

long locks,presentinga pistol

led
bosom
; an(l in this position

ready-cocked at his
bini out tremblingwith

terror, among

the multitude

38

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

He
the house.
immediately gave
"who surrounded
and
his frightened
and
arrows,
up his vambrace, bow
subjectshastened to follow his example.
" I
the captain
shouted
perceive,ye Pamunkies"
still holding on
this moment,
by the Sachem'a
at
"

hair

perceivehow
long suffei-mgis
I

"

"

own

eager

the

kill

to

are

ye

My

me.

of your

insolence.
drop of blood

cause

to shed one
shoot but one
arrow
of these men, or steal but the least of these
for one
so
long
beads,and ye shall not hear the last of me
will not deny the
alive who
remains
as
a Pamunkey

Now

name.

not

am

perceive. Shoot
load

Ln the

now

then, if

with

swamp,
ye
hazat all ards

corn, or I will
unless you give
Still,
be fi-iends,
and your
your

the first occasion, we

may
wish
fi-ee.
1
have
no
king may go
me

But

dare.

ye

boat
ye shall load my
her with your carcasses.

of

mire

to harm

him

or

you."
This speech had its effect. The savages laid aside
for
and
their arms,
brought in their commodities
trade in such abundance, that the English at length
Once
of receivmg them.
became
absolutely
weary

indeed,in
stout

when
more

usual

the

of the

course

day, some

fortyor

fifty

violent rush into the house

a
hundred
two
Smith
was
asleep, and some
followed
close after them
; but by Smith's
driven back, and then
soon
they were
activity
made

fellows

of his

or
counsellors,
ancients,
the intrusion.
The rest of the day passedin
to excuse
harmony, and towards night the captainbegan hia
down
the river,leaving the Sachem
return-voyage
made
to surprise
at hberty. Various
attempts were
time near
him on the route, and he was
at one
being
the
other
death
in
his
food.
On
hand,
poisonedto

the Sachem

Smith

was

revenge

sent

determined
Powhatan.

upon

Werowocomoco
he found, when
traitorous Germans
his

new

some

not

to

He

go

home

returned

for the purpose

of
he
reached
that
had

caused

house, and carry

without

by way
seizinghim ;
village,that

his

of
but

the

don
the emperor
to abanoff all his familyand

had

English

the

treated

ado

much

finally

reached

weeks,

Avith

for
of

of
that

deer-suet,

and

of

corn

entire

amount

pounds
beads.

four

of

and

hundred

copper

latter

They

absence

an

having

the

lives.

hundred
two

remameu,

that

their

after

and

twenty-five
iron

with

escape

cargo

who

indifferently,

so

to

Powhatans

the

Jamestown

bushels

nine

of

Those

provision.

39

BIOGRAPHY,

INDIAN

of

seventy-

poimds
been
and

six

purchased
fifty pounds

of

40

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY

II.

CHAPTER

after Smith's departurefor EngLad,

Conduct
of Powhatan
Peace finally
effected
of it Hostilities resumed
and causes
Manner
of gainingthis point
by the capture of Pocahontas
Death
And
of
Pocahontas
with
John
Rolfe
Marriage
His person, manner
of living,
character of Powhatan
talents,
of warfare
The
pline
disciinfluence. His method
and means
in
which
he
availed
The
of his warriors
manner
and
science
Causes of his
himself of the English arms
His dignitj'Shrewdness
towards
the colonists
hostility
tion
Independence Courtesy Liberality Simplicity Affecvarious
relatives
A
of
his
review
for
tained
opinionsenterof him by various historians.
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

the
expeditionof which
have justbeen given,
to the time of Smith's
particulars
subsequent,the
departurefor England, a few months
treated and traded Avith
English and the Powhatans
A prineach other upon
cipal
tolerablyamicable terms.
of this harmony is to be looked
for in
cause
several fortunate
incidents
which
went
to impress
the savage simplicity
of one
paaly with an inordinate
conception of the superiorityof the other.
after the return
several
Soon
of the expedition,
of the
articles were
stolen at Jamestown
by one
who
traded
there; and a
Chickahominy Indians
the rest.
thief fled,but two
of
The
pistolamong
his brothers,suspectedof being accessaries
in the
charged,
diswas
apprehended. One of them
case, were
the

From

to

other

date

go

of the

in search

of the

offender

; and

the

the understandingthat
unless the former
should
be successful in his search
within twelve
for
to be hanged. But
hours,he was
his comfort
furnished
during that interval.Smith
with victuals,
for a fire
In the
him
and
charcoal
was

imprisoned,with

evening,the man
with the pistol
;
was

meanwhile

returned
discharged,
but the poor fellow in the dungeon
with
the
nearly smothered
very
who

had

been

42

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

other similar accidents,

are
we
told,so
and his people,that they came
Powhatan
affrighted
of peace.
Sev
in from every quarter with profFei-s
These

and

eral stolen articles

were

returned,the

loss of which

discovered ; and whenever

he might
of theft,
wherever
Indian
convicted
was
an
for
be found, he was
promptly sent in to Jamestown
find that
his j)unishment. Not long afterwards
we
al those kings and the better sort
"so affraide was
that some
of the people to displease
vs
[thecolonists]
had

of

before

never

the

and

sort

that

haue

we

extreamelyhurt

hire vs we
would
villanies,
who
tell it to their kings or countrymen,
not
them
also punish them, and
to
yet returne

punished

should
would

baser

been

lames-Toune

for their

to

content

the

President

for

mony
testi-

of their loues."

the
Still,

prowess

and

the

name

of Smith

himself

preservativesof peace ; and he had

matters
scarcelyleft the country for England when
About
state.
thirtyof the
relapsedinto their worst
time ;
at one
cut off by Powhatan's
men
Englishwere
left in the colony
and of a populationof six hundred
there remained
at Smith's
at the end of six
departure,
and children.
These
months
only sixtymen, women
subsisted chieflyupon
were
roots, herbs, acorns,
and then a littlefish. The
walnuts,berries and now
of
skins of horses,and even
considerable
quantities
starch,wei-e used for food. Others went so far as to
who
had
the body of an Indian
disinter and devour
killed his wife,
been
One
slain and buried.
man
"
poAvdered her,"and had eaten a part of her before
it was
known.
wretch
The
was
hanged for
poor
his horrible deed of despair.
effected with Powhatan
Peace was
through
finally
of
rather by the mere
the intervention,
medium
or
Pocahontas, in the followingmanner.
Early in
with supplies
1613,*two shipsarrived at Jamestown
were

the

best

This date is mentioned by all the VirgiiySnhistorians ; bu

Prince, in his Annals, says that the voyage took place a yea.
afterwards
Belknap(Am. Biog.)is of the same opinion.
*

for the

colony.

Captain
being insufficient,

These

commanded

Argall,who
the Potomac

river

43

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

to

one

trade

of

them,

sent

was

for

witli tlie natives

up
corn.

acquaintance with
Argall formed a particular
of the Potomacs
or
Japazaws, the chief sachem
Patawomekes, and always a stanch friend of the
other
the captain,among
English. He informed
tories,
in his terriat this time
was
things,that Pocahontas
and not far distant,
keeping herself in seclusion,
and kriown
only to a few trusty friends. What were
Here

the

which

reasons

for

father's dominions

her thus

induced
a

does
foreigner's,

put it

out

not

of the

rashness, after Smith's

follyand

her

appear.
herself fi-om being

to withdraw
it was
Stith supposes
of the frequent butcheries
a witness

whose

forsake

to

of her

to save
power
later historian

them.

English,
departure,
And

suggests,*she

vei^
had

probably,
of the emperor
by
ah-eadyincun-ed the displeasure
and
futile
honorable
these repeated
though highly
a

as

attempts.

might be, Argall had

than
of her situation,
received intelligence
sooner
no
he resolved
on
obtainingpossessionof her person,
the colony
he
doubt
had
which
no
as
a
means
with
of effecting
for
n-ould
him
thank
a
peace
been
wellPowhatan.
to have
a
Japazaws seems
fellow
in general; but the
honest
and
meanmg
which
gall
Arkettle,
temptationof a large new
copper
held out before him as the promised recompense
But

whatever

her

motives

"

"

for his

aid and

abettance

in the

case

"

the consideration

praiseworthy object proposed to be

and
last though not
accomplishedby the measure
least of all,the captain's
pledge that Pocahontas
while
in his custody, were
should
be harmed
not
his scruples. The
sufficient to overcome
next
thing
amiable
induce
this
in order was
the
to
princess as
female has generallybeen styled
and talented Indian
boat.
To that end, Japa"to
go on board Argall's
of

the

"

"

*Burk's

Vol.
Historyof Virginia,

I. p. 167.

44

INDIAN

BIOGRAFHr^.

had
himself seen
zaws, who
many
induced
his wile
vessels before tliis,

of the
to

English

affect

an

treme
ex-

im
so
intolerably
curiosityupon the subject,
threatened
The
to beat her.
portunate that he finally
the other hand actually
on
accomplished
good woman
few
This
tears.
a
happened in the presence of
was
repeated,
Pocahontas,and the scene
frequently
until at last Japazaws, affecting
to be subdued
by the
her
manifest
affliction of his wife,reluctantly
gave
tas
permissionto visit the vessel,providedthat Pocahonwould
have the politeness
to go with her.
The
princess,always complaisant,and unable to
witness any longer the apparent distress of her kind
board
the
to
friend and hostess,consented
go on
civillywelcomed, and first
ship. There they were
The
entertained in the cabin.
captain then found
into the gunan
opportunityto decoy Pocahontas
room,
t
here
with
on
Japazaws,
pretence of conferring
the kind-hearted
but really
because
Sachem, who had
of his sin,and
received ei-e this the brilliant wages
began perhaps to relent,was unwillingto be known
in the plot
by the princessto have been concerned
Argall told hex-,in his
against her liberty. When
that she must
go with him to the colony,
presence,
and
compound a peace between her father and the
English, she wept indeed in the bitterness of her
soul ; as for Japazaws and his wife,they absolutely
howled

and inconceivable
tion.
afflicinconsolable
recovei-ed her composure
the princess
on

with

But

findingherself

treated with

kindness

; and

while

the

she

English colony, (which

with somesince Smith's departure)
she had not seen
thing
like cheerfulness at the prospect of doing
even
good, her distressed guardianand his pliantspouse,
with
their copper
kettle filled with
toys, trudged
wigwam.
merrilyback to their own
On
arrival at Jamestown, a
message
Ai-gall's
was
immediately despatchedto Powhatan, that hia
he loued
so
dearly,he must
daughter Pocahontas
"c.
with oior men,
ransom
swoi-ds,peeces, tooles,
turned

her

face towards

"

45

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

This was
not
so
trecherouslyhad stolen."*
comphmentary or soothing as might have been
be
allowed
( the courtesy of
imagined,it must
Smith
was
no
longer m the colony ) and this perhaps
the reason
the unwelcome
as
was
why, much
of his daughter'scaptivityis said to have
news
the message
for
ti-oubled him, he sent no answer
to
hee

"

"

the space of three months.

Then, at the further persuasion
of the council of .Jamestown, he liberated and
sent

in

rusty unserviceable
one

say that
would
make
to

muskets,

with

laden

canoe

English prisoners,with

of his

seven

an

They

corn.

if Pocahontas

axe,

of five hundred

bushels

of

corn.

and

instructed

given up, he
injurieshe had

should

perpetual
peace,

saw,

were

be

satisfaction for all the

done, conclude

three

and

send

in

To

this the council

bonus

repliedthat his daughter,though they would use her

well,could not be restored to him imtil all the English
livered
and
arms
captivesin his possessionshould be deback to the owners.
They did not believe,
he or some
of his men
had asserted,
what
that these
had been lost,
remained
that the whites who
arms
or
with

him

were

free volunteers

in his sei-vice.

This ungraciousmessage
was
no
more
conciliating
the
than
former ; nor
was
seen
or
any thing more
until the spring of 1614, when
heard of the emperor
and fifty
hundred
well arma party of one
ed,
colonists,
i-iver to Werowocomoco,
taking
up his own
Pocahontas
with
them.
Powhatans
received
The
went

scoi-nful bravadoes,proudly demanding

the pui-pose of this new
mvasion.
The
swered,
English anthat they had brought the emperor's daue-hfor her,
ter, and that they expectedthe proper ransom
either peaceably or by force.
Powhatans
The
joined,
reif
that
come,
welto fight,
they were
they came
and
should
be treated as Captain Ratcliffef
them

had

with

been.

"Smith's

f Massacred
in

Upon

this the

Vol.
History,

with the
this chapter. He was

English

said

they would

II. p. 14.

thirtycolonists
othcwise

mentioned

previously

co'led Sicklemore.

46

INDIAN

have

civil answer

more

at

Indians

having

forthwith

and
least,

rapidlyfor the

making
boats,the

BIOGRAPHY.

the

about

menced
com-

in their smaU

shore

time

same

bo-

They effected
and burned
and destroyed
a landuig,
every thingthey
could find. The
sailed
farther up the
next
day they
river ; and meeting with a fi-esh party of Powhatans,
altercation and
after some
truce
a
was
explanation,
were
concluded,and messengers
promised to be sent
off for the emperor.
This was
probably a mere
It was
also stated,
that the English captives
feint.
run
or deserters had
off,for fear of being hanged by
their countiymen.
and pieces,
As for the swords
ing
to I)e broughtin the next
they were
day. But nothof them, and the EnglishproceededtUl
was
seen
of Powhatan
to a residence
theycame
(called
Matchot)
to

gun

where

let flytheir

arrows

collected

Avere

wan-iors, well

them.

among

about

ai-med.

four

These

hundred

of

his

challengedthe

men

English to land ; and when

they did so, walked
a conference
boldlynp and do\vn among them ; demanded
with
their captain
said,that unless
; and
be

should

time

allowed

them

to

send

and

receive

Powhatan, they would

fight for
bi-avawell as they were
able. Other
then- OAvn
as
but a truce
the parties,
does passed betAveen
was
of the next
until noon
day.
agieed upon
finally
of
of
brothers
of Pocahontas
the
Meanwhile, two
directions

fi'om

"

this is the first mention

whom

"

came

to

see

her.

dehghted to find her in good health,and

Tliey were
promised to do every thing they could to effect her
redemption. Two of the Englishalso set ofl'to visit
admitted to the empePowhatan.
not
They were
ror's
presence

but

for what

"

Opechancanough

One

the river

of the two

Rolfe,styledby

their

On

manner.

descended

reason,
treated them

an

to

it is not stated
pitable
hosin the most

return, the whole

"

party

JamestowTi.

last named
was
messengers
"
old historian,* an honest

John

gentle-

of
with Fome
whose relation is incorporated
He was
the oldest histories of other \vriters
subsequeutly
the
Council
of
one
*

Ralph Hamer,

and

man

of

good

47

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

"

behaviour

but

more

especially

to notice
known
by the event which we have now
whom
and
between
his marriagewith Pocahontas
for
attachment
ardent
been
there had
himself
an
Tiie idea of this connexion
time.
pleased
some
Powhatan
so much, that within ten
days after Rolfe'a
relatives named
of his near
in one
he sent
visit,
"

"

Opachiko,togetherwith two of his sons, to see (as

of the marthe manner
riage
justcited)
says the authority
quested
reto do in that behalf what
they were
; and
his deputies.
for the confirmation
as
thei-eof,
took place about the first of April;
The
ceremony
and

firom that time

which
with

until the

death of the emperor,

tions
friendlyrelaliappened in 1618, the most
were
uniformly preservedwith himself and
his subjects.

There

are

historyof

too

passages in the
and too many
markable
rechieftain,

memorable

many

this celebrated

to be ])assedover
chai-acter,
generalnotice. But, previous to any

traits in his

with

other

comment,

mere

it may

be proper to mention
which
belong rather

certain

the
to
facts respectinghim,
In the case
curious than to the chai-acteristic class.
who
noted men
of all great men, as well as of many
there is a good deal of information
not
are
gi'eat,
be interesting
generallyto be gathered,which
may
was
without
being strictlyimportant. Powhatan
both a great and a noted man,
though a savage ; and
self
under
which
he proved himthe rude cu-cumstances
the one, and made himself the other,sliould only
the more
render him
an
objectof popular
signally
and of philosophical
admiration
regard.
him
who
saw
In person, he is described,
by one
with a
tall well-pi'oportioned
a
as
frequently,
man,
eevei-e
gi-ay ; his beard thin
aspect; his head slightly
(as that of the Indians always is;)and "of a v ry
As he
able and
hardy body to endure any labor."
the
appeared to be about sixtyyeai'S of age, when
Englishfirstsaw him, in 1607,he was probablyabout

seventy

at

his death.

He

troubled

himself

but little

48

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

publicaffairs during his last years, leavingthp

charge of them chieflyto Opechancanough, as hia
the
viceroy,and taking his own
pleasurein visiting
With

parts of his dominions.

various
Wft

had

have

alreadyhad

observe,that he
three or four places of residence.
as
for Orapakes, a^ ith
abandoned
was
keeping at an agreeable distance from

as

many
Wero^vocomoco
the view

of

the colonists.

and

house

his

to

latter became

the distance

There, at
had

The

occasion

revenue

from

mile

arrows, targets and clubs.

resei-ved
for the time
things were
others
was

the

were

than

more

of

resources

the

of these
of his burial ;
itself
The
house

war.

feet in

hundred

one

Some

length
"

one

rian
histo-

to have
or
fifty
sixtyyards and as it seems
frequentedonly by the Indian priests,
probably

says

been

resort.

"

and

bows

favorite

he
village,
which
were
depositedhis royalties
skins, copper, beads, red paint,

in

of

sacred

"

character

attached

multitude, which
Four
stationed

was

to

of the

one

four

of its

means

rudely-gravenimages
the

of the

it in the minds
of wood

curity.
se-

were

representing a
dragon,the second a bear,the third a panther,and the
all made
fourth a gigantic
man
we
as
evil-favoredly,
are
told,but according to the best workmanship of
at

corners

one

"

the natives.

The

Powhatan
state which
adopted as emperor,
fi-om the precedingdetails of
in some
degi-ee

appears
his history. He

is said

to

have

kept about

of the tallest men

fortyto fifty
which
might be the case in war,
of parade and
more
ceremony,
peaceable and ordinary times.

from

sentinels

stationed

were

dwelling;
made

and
a

at

each

signalto

at

the

half-hour
the four

his person
in his dominions
;
and upon
occasions

regularlythan in
Every night,four
four
one

of the

sentinels.

vigilanceon their part was punished

exemplary strictness.
According to the universal custom
4.merican natives,he kept as many

of his

corners

with

guard
bodyof

Want
the

most

of the North
wives

as

he

50

BIOGRAPHY

INDIAN

(the originalnuclens,so
less
emperor'sdominion,)numbered
ans

to

proper,

The

fear which

these

savages
occasions, and

speak,of

than

entertained

tlie

hundred.

of him

pears
ap-

when
particularly
they
many
of
in
embraced
an
exchanging hia
opportunity, 1611,
desirous
so
yoke for that of the English. They were
of procuringwhat
in other words
of this change
or
the protectionof the new
master
they considered
of the old
^that they offered to
against the power
indicating their subjection.
adopt a national name
condition
A peace was
on
accordingly concluded
I. That
they should be forever called Tassautessus
and
be true
subjectsto King James
[Englishinen,]
and his deputies.
neither
detain
II. They were
to kill nor
any of
their cattle,
them
but to return
the colonists,
or
on
on

"

"

"

all occasions.
III.

should

They

warriors

himdred

Spaniards or
IV. They
but

any
were

send

stand

for the

ready to furnish three

colony'sservice,againstthe

other enemy,
not

to

enter

word

ments,
English settlenew
Englishmen,
prevent confounding
the

they were
to
(an obscure provision,meant
them
with hostile tribes.)
V. Every fighting
at the beginning
man,
to

was

pay

two

bushels

of

corn

as

of harvest,

tribute,

of hatchets
in return.
number
receivingthe same
all this perto see
VI. The
were
eightchief men
formed,
themselves
forfeit
of
on
being punished
be
Their salarywas
to
a red
chain,
coat, a copper
the honor
of being
the pictureof King James, and

accounted
This

his noblemen.

treaty

was

concluded

with

general assent,

of the old
then one
by acclamation
; and
men
began a speech,addressinghimself first to those
and
to the
of his own
lastly
age, then to the young,
of whom
and
were
women
children,a multitude
how
to undersand
strictly
present. He gave them
safe
be
these coniiitions must
observed, and how

manifested

51

BIOGRAPHY,

INDIAN

the

ihey should then be, on

or
furie of Powhatan
besides being furnished

other
eneniie

any

with

ai-ms

the
hand, ^'^from
whatsoeuer,"*
to

resist tliem.

of the emperor,
it will be observed,is not
The name
inserted in the articles of peace ; there was
supposed
of its coming to his eare ;
to be a hazard,probably,
amicable
and he had then himself justconcluded
an
all this,"adds
"was
our
historian,
treaty. "But
and
rather for feare Powhatan
we
being so linked

bringthem again to his subjection:

chuse
be
the which
to
to preuent, they did rather
they
protectedby vs, than tormented by him, whom
held a Tyrant."
We
have seen, that of the whole Indian population
and
the Alleghany from east
between
the sea-coast
would
together,

to

west,

and

between

the

bordei-s

of

and

Carolina

Mai-ylandfrom south to north,

ions
dominall who
not
were
subjectto Powhatan's
former
class
The
were
leagued againsthim.
tribes ; and
the latter,the
comprised the lowland
In the languageof Stith,the Monmountaineers.
and
the Mannahoacks
formed
acans
a
confederacy
Another
againstthe power and tyranny of Powhatan.
writer sajs, that he also fought againstthe famous
Massawomekes
populous nation,
; a powerful and
a
thought to be situated upon
gi-eat salt-water,
"
which
is either some
by all probability
part of
inlet of some
sea
Cannada, some
gi-eatlake,or some
the

river Patuxent

in

that falleth into the South

Sea."
This
definite description,
for Smith to
even
understood
Massawomekes
are
generally
no

than
believe,

other,we

of New

York.

At

the celebrated

all events,

they were

is not

very
give; but the
been
to have

Five Nations

exceedingly

tribes of Powhatan
troublesome
to the uorthenimost
mitted
which
why they submight be a principalreason
"

the

moi-e

to
willingly

the greater part of his

one, he
*

was

environed

Authorities referred

him.

And

thus, while
a
conquered

empire was
by foreignenemies

OAvn

to

in Smith's

in every

History,V^il. II.

62

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

direction,includingthe

civilized

colony on

the

sea-

coast.

As
we

his

to

not

are

in other

particular
system
informed.
minutely

sections

and

of

and

war

Like

times, it

conquest,
warfare

Indian

is said

have

to

sisted,
con-

degree,of stratagem and surprisal

In 1608, a rebellion which
rather than force.
arose
the Payuntatanks, was
suppressed in the
among
neighbors, a
followingmanner.
They being near
tribe was
of his own
into their villages,
number
sent
false pretence obtained
who
under some
or
disgviise
houses
several
were
night. The
lodgings over
in

meanwhile

great

beset
the
signal,

with

ambuscades

and

within
parties,

at

an

ap-

and

without,
commenced
attack at
moment.
same
an
Twentyfour Payuntatankswere
and their scalpscarried
slain,
time suspendedon
to Powhatan, who
keptthem some
and
a line between
two
trees, as a trophy.The women
or
Sachem, were
children,as also the Werowance
and afterwards
slaves or servants.
made
prisoners,
Powhatan's
warriors were
regularlyand thoroughly
disciplined.At one of his first interviews with the
tainment.
English,a martial parade formed part of the enterIndians
Two
three hundred
or
having
themselves
in
the
fiercest
ner
manpaintedand disguised
divided into two
were
companies, one
possible,
and the
of which
was
temporarilystyledPowhatans
other
Monacans.
had
its captain.
Each
company
about
musket-shot
at
a
They stationed themselves

pomted

two

the

the
each
other.
Fifteen
abreast fonned
from
men
ranked
selves
themfront line of both,and the remainder
of four or
five
in the rear
distance
with
a
but in the
yards from rank to rank ; and not in file,
that the rear
couid
the files,
so
opening between
shoot
as
conveniently as the fi-ont. A parleynow
made
took place,and
a formal
that,
agreement was
whoever

should

their defeat
their

own

should

at

conquer,
should
have

such
two

waiTiors

days

as

allowed

submission,while their wives and

become
once
prizeto the victor.

survived
them
for
children

53

BIOGRAPHY

INDIAN

againsteach otner
partiesadvanced
each
flank, and
sergeant commanding

The
of

the

and

rear:

entire

the

upon
screeches.

sides

both

tenant
lieu-

on

came

comi)any
music, hut

leapingand singingto warlike

of
the first flight
in his place. On
raised

sort

-a

man

every

they
aiTOWs,
of shouts
terrific clamor

they had spent their aiTOws,

the descriher of this scene,)
theyjoinedtogeth
(TV-rites
er prettily,
chargingand retiring,
every rank seconding
the other.
As thej'got advantage,
they caught their
he came
enemies by the hair of the head, and down

and

that

seemed
at

beat

to

of

and
brains,

the skirmish."

half

ambuscade

of fresh

in their turn, and

to

The

party

Monacan

charged
fonner

The
The

Powhatans

take

the Monacans

the

them

retreat, to

their pursuei-s

draw

men.

sword

stillthey crept

Powhatans

moon.

being enclosed,and

avoid

his wooden

with

enemy

the
length decreasiuff,

in the form

an

his

out

maintain

to

rear

His

taken.

was

When

"

upon
retire

this

opportunity
resuming
actions,
ground.
voices and
gestm-es, both in charging and retiring,
strained to the height of their qualitieand
were
so

of

their

"All

first

their

it seem
that the strangeness thereof made
.-"ature,
very
The
music
warlike
spoken of above was
lelightful."
with
skin
large deep platterof wood, covered
drawn
the pui-jiose of a drum.
so
tightas to answer
They also used rattles made of small gourds or
it may
well be suppompion-shells; and all these
posed
with
their
sometimes
voices,
mingled
twenty
"made
such
terrible
)r
a
thirtytogether,
noise,as
than delight
ftfould rather affright
man."
any
It was
of this descripprobablyby no littledrilling
tion
that Powhatan
made
soldiers of his subjects
;
and it naturally
mortified
aft;er
enough
him,
taking
a

"

"

so

much

defeated

trouble
so

with

so

readilyas

much

success,

to

see

them

they Avere
by the English.
this superiority,
was
a matter

chief cause, too, of

of wondei*.
No
Indian
had ever
before
seen
any
arms
thing which resembled. In form or effect,the fireof their strange enemy.
For some
time,there-

The

64

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

vnth
attended
a
fore,their fear was
superstitioi
againstwhich no courage could prevail. But Pow
hatan was
not
long in detemiiningat all events to put
himself on equal terms
with the colonists,
whatever
he
might be the hazard ; and from that moment
spared no efforts to effect his pui-pose. On Newport's
departurefor England, he bargainedaway from him
twenty swords for twenty turkeys. He attempted the
trade

same

with

Smith

; and

declined
'that at

his eagerness
it,
last by ambuscadoes

[thePowhatans]would
vs

at

worke,

blesome

became
at

our

told,
gates they
very
per force,surprise

and

are

of these

Some

any

fellows

such, we

take them

way."*
being seized

or

the latter shrewdly

when

ti'ou-

threatened, they

confessed

that the emperor

had ordered
them
to
possessionof the English arms, or at least some

them,
He

what

cost

availed

of

it might.

of
with great ingenuity,
himself,

among
in these

get

of the

some

contraband

colonists

to

position
dis-

trade

vately
pri-

articles ; and

obtained

in that way
of shot,powder and
i)ikelarge quantities

heads.

So, upon

ment,
Smith's departure for the settleafter his famous
in December,
1608, he
visit,
the captain"to leaue liim Edward
artfully
i*equested
to Mile him
his house."
This

Brynton

; and

as

Englishman
He

had

for

to hunt

to finand the Dutchmen

ish
foule.,
doned
abanhouse, v/e have seen, was
fowl, the idea of employing an

for his Powhatans

absurd.

was

Brynton'sgim oi
his martial services.
he was
The
Germans
probably
the
traitors
of
to
sure
colony,
already. They proved
and soon
after we
find them
engaged in
diligently
One
of them
arming and instructingthe savages.
that the emperor
kept them at
subsequentlystated,
work
to

however,
objection,

no

for him

Smith's

demand

for

go if they chose
miles on his back, he
to

He

in duresse.

"

them,
])ut
was

as

not

to

himself

that
for

sent

answer

at
they were
carryingthem

able.

The

Vol. I.
*Sinitli's History,

ty
liber-

fifty

adroitness

Smith's

obtained

he

which

mth

absence,

55

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

at

arms

lias

JamestoAvii,during
been

akeady

subject of

the

comment.

of his
he exacted
implicitobedience which
o^\Ti
notwithstandingthe apparentlyprecasubjects,
rious
which
he
held
his
tenure
command, is a
by
personal
strikingindication of the extent of his mere
old writer,
influence.
"When
he listeth,"
says an
be obeyed : not onely as
his will is a law, and must
him.
What
halfe a God, they esteeme
a King, but as
he commandeth
they dare not disobey in the least
he commandeth,
thing. At his feete they present whatsoever
The

"

and

at

mil
greatest spirits

by

and

do
courage, would
despot of the Eastern

absolute

offenders

certain
midst

of

from
merciful
with

^lie

an

many

heap

fires made

punishment
club,as Smith

was

of

to

On

world.
burned

were

immense

discredit

no

one

verity
se-

most
sion,
occa-

in the

ed
glowing coals,collect-

for the

purpose.
braining the

by

have

to

was

for

the

death

to

ordinatio
sub-

This

which,

measures

their

browe,

feare."

with

tremble

sustained

was

of his

the least froune

been

more

criminal
sacrificed,

the poor
Avretch to
fastening
a
by one, and then
tree, breaking his jointsone
reeds
and
the body with
shells.
whittling down
trifle.
Smith
no
Thrashing with cudgelswas
says
he saw
this
u
nder
the
to
a man
subjected
discipline
of his practisedcountrymen,
till he
hands
of two
most

horrible

fell prostrate and

was

senseless

; but

he uttered

no

cry

or

complaint.
native shrewdness
of Powhatan
The
extraordinary
tages
in the amusing advanwas
abundantly manifested
he obtained over
Newport ; his long and artful
of them
sustained
conversations
with
Smitli, some
under
the most
embarrassingcircumstances,merely
wliich
time ; the promptness
with
procure
rejectedand defeated the proposalto make common
to

cause

againstthe

Monacans

it,too

foolish

be

occasion

when

to

the

taken

"

he

bait,as he expressed
and, in fine,upon
every
a

Englishundertook

to

or
negotiate

56

BIOGRAliilf

INDIAN

He availed himself most

tially
essenargue with him.
deserters heretofore
of the aid of the German
sagacityto trust
mentioned, but he had too much
two
them after they deserted himself;and
so, when
of them
fled to him a second
time, with proposals
to

deliveringhis great rival,Captain Smith, into

who
his hands, he only observed,that men
betrayed
and
forthwith
the captainwould
betray the emperor,
ordered
the scoundrels
to be brained
upon the spot.*
Powhatan, like many others of his race, has been
which
regarded with prejudicefor the very reasons
for

entitle him
to

to

respect. He
His

the colonists.

was

troublesome

hostile influence

enemy
for
extended

merce
cutting off" comand making
with the natives in the first place,
in the next.
of them
inveterate enemies
Powhatan,
off" their
cut
we
are
told," still as he found means
boats,and denied them trade ; "f and again," as for
and
provisionfrom the salvages,
corne, contribution
clubs and
had nothing but mortall wounds, with
we
arrowes."
availing
Here, too, we find the emperor
of
the
and
himself of the disasters
colony,to
despair
and
ammunition
reekso
procure swords, muskets
had the colonists become
ess
through famine.
adopted
Still,it does not appear, that Powhatan
he believed
as
indispensableto
any policybut such
of his sovereign
he welfare,not to say the existence,
Indian
deed.
His warfare was
dominions.
an
warfare,inof
But
settingaside those circumstances

hundreds

of miles

around

them

"

education

of situation

and

which

rendered

this

it may
be safely
necessity,
said,that he but followed the example of those who
Not
better.
should
have known
only did he act
the
in self-defence
againstwhat he deemed
generally
people,who
usurpation of a foreign and unknown
had settled without
permissionupon his shores ; but
he was
provocations
galledand provoked by peculiar
matter

both

Stith Book

of

pride and

III.

t Authorities in Smith's

Vol.
History,

II

0\i

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

Powhatan's

policyto starve him," landed his com

of anger and
and made
such a show
pany forthwith,
ammunition
that the poor savages
presentlybrought
in all their provisions.
in Mr.
Hamer'a
So we
ai-e
summarily informed
that about
Christmas
relation,
(1611)"in regard of
the iniurie done vs by them
of Apamatuk, Sir Thomas
Dale,without the losse of any exceptsome few SaU
and provision
took possessionof the territory
vages,'"
of the tribe,
out
withmade
a settlement
upon the former
more

and
called it New
ceremony,
suffice.
illustration must

Smith's
under

to
relating
histoiy

the

of

command

and

located

residence

at

Bermudas
It is

detachment

a
one

themselves

the falls of the

West,
river.

of

passage

of

vagabonds,

who

left Jamestown,
Powhatan's

the

But

"

One

fai-from

not

worst

Salvages that dailybrought in

to the
President,that disorderly
these poore soules,by stealing
tormented
so
company
their corne,
robbing then- gardens, beating them,
prisoners,
breakingtheir houses, and keeping some
that they dailycomplained to Captaine Smith
he had
than the
enemies
brought them for Protectors worse
Monacans
themselves, which
though tillthen for his
after
love they had endured, they desired pardon if herethemselves
since he would
not
they defended
them
correct
as
they had long expectedhe would."
and candidly
A most
reasonable
determination,civilly
expressed.
But,whatever may be said of the motives or method
be acknowledged
of the warfare of Powhatan, it must
that his character
to
no
disadvantage in
appears
the Roman
but admire
We
cannot
dignity
peace.
he rejectedall offei-sof compromise, so
with which
tage
disposed to take advanlong as the English seemed
was, that the poore
their contributions

"

of their

Pocahontas.

child,and
he would

own

^vrong
knew

They
they presumed
But, much as

not

sacrifice

in the
that
on

her

violent

this

the

favorite

strengthof

situation

his honor

his

was

so

troubled

far

of

seizure

as

to

his

tachment.
at-

him,
nego-

tiate for

her

59

BIOGRAPHY

INDIAN

restoration

on

He

derogatoryterms.

incensed.
stillmore
but lie was
When,
afflicted,
by sending his sons to visit
however, he ascertained,
well treated,and in good health,
her,that she was
told," they had heard to
(though,we are somewhere
he began to think better of the offers
the contrarie,")
Rolfe " to acquaint him with
of peace.
Then
came
the businesse," and
entertained,
kindly he was
of Powhatan.
though not admitted to the presence
The
gentleman explainedhimself,however,
young
to the emperor's brother ; and the latter promised to
Their
sons.
intercede for him, as did also the two
was
proved successful. The emperor
explanations
entertained
that his daughterwas
not only convinced
pleased with the
by the English,but he was
civilly
and touched
intentions
honorable
iDythe passionate
No sooner, therefore,
and tender affection of Rolfe.
to his
did the time appointedfor the marriage come
knowledge and no doubt Rolfe had already had
than
the politiccourtesy to apply for his consent
of his own
he despatched three members
familyto
"
And
confirm
the ceremony.
ever
since,"adds the
"
trade and commerce,
have had friendly
we
historian,
well with Powhatan
as
himselfe,as all his subjects."
he and
So
so
they of injustice
jealouswei-e
; and
were
time, of mild and
they,at the same
susceptible
magnanimous impressions.
find characteristic
We
anecdotes, to the same
has left on
Mr. Hamer
account
in the curious
effect,
in 1614,
he paid the emperor
record of a visit which
was

"

"

soon

after

conversation

the

conclusion

upon

business

of

peace.

After

matters, the visiter

some
was

a
was
residence,where
lamer
guard of two hundred warriors,which, (asMr. 1
ed
Having offeralways attended his person.
supposes,)
that gentleman a pipeof tobacco, he immediately
Dale, at
inquired after the health of Sir Thomas
that time
daughter
President, and then of his own
how
and
her husband
especially
; wishing to know
Hamer
liked each other.
these two
answered, that

invited

to

Powhatan's

own

60

BIOGRAPHT.

INDIAN

Thomas

Sir

she

was

so

; and

that she

contented,

her father's

to

return

perfectlywell

was

as

for Pocahontas,

never

again if she could.

this reply,and soon

court

would
hatan
Pow-

aftei
laughed heartilyat
of Mr. Hamer's
asked
the particular
cause
present
ordered
his
he
told
it
visit. On
was
being
private,
attendants to leave the house, exceptingonly the two
females

said

"

to

by him,

sat

have
and

been
then

his message.
The latter began with

Indian
bade

Mr.

queens

"

Hamer

who

ways
al-

proceed

with

saying,that

he

was

the bearer

Dale, which
sundry presents from Sir Thomas
much
delivered
to the
were
emperor's
accordingly,
ing
that
Sir
satisfaction. He then added,
Thomas, hearof the fame of the emperor'syoungest daughter,
desirous of obtainingher hand in marriage. He
was
conceived,there could not be a finer bond of union
the two
between
people,than such a connexion
;
Pocahontas
sister
her
and
was
exceedingly
besides,
He
her
Jamestown.
anxious
at
to see
hoped that
would
so
at least obligehimself
Powhatan
much, as
he should
turn.
reto visit the colony when
to suffer her

of

Powhatan

more

than

once

came

very
But

near

rupting
inter-

he controlled
deliveryof this message.
himself, and replied with great gravityto the
tion
salutathat he gladlyaccepted the President's
effect,
which
he certainlyshould
of love and
peace,
with
cherish so long as he lived ; that he received
thanks the presents sent him as pledgesthereof;
many
he had sold her, only a
but that,as for his daugliter,
few days before,to a great Werowance,
livingat the
distance of three days' journey,for three bushels of
took the libertyto
Rawrenoke
[Roanoke]. Hamer
that a princeof his greatness miglitno doubt
"ejoin,
as she was
recall his daughter,if he would
especially
he
and that in such a case
only twelve years of age
"ihould receive for her from the President,three times
of the Roanoke, in beads, co]"per and
the worth
the

"

"

hatchets.

INDIAN

Tc

61

BIOGRAPHY.

this Powhatan

readilyrejoined,that he loved
his daughter as his life ; and
though he had many
children,he delightedin her most of all. He could
live w^ithout seeing her, and that vi^ould be impossible
not
if she went
the colonists,
for he had
among
resolved upon no account
to put himselfin their power,
to visit them.

or

say

no

more

He
the

upon

in his

therefore

subject;

1. That

name.

of the

desired
but

Mr.

Hamer
to
tell the President

to

he desired

other

no

surance
as-

President's

friendshipthan his word

which
was
alreadypledged. He had himself,on the
other hand, alreadygiven such assurance
in the person
of Pocahontas.
One ivas sufficient,
he thought,
at
time ; when she died,he would substitute another in
one
her stead.
But, meanwhile, he should consider it no
brotherlypart to bereave him of two children at once.
2. Though
he gave no
pledge,the President ought
his people. There
had
been
not
to distrust him
or
already lives enough lost on both sides ; and by his
fault

there

should

old,and

growTi

be

never

desired

die

to

the
will

will end."

we

here, as

so

lodgingsfor his

He

then

you are
ordered

guest, and

the

weary
a

had

should

countiy

wa3

"Thus

retreat.

"

And

He

peaceably.

for just cause

hardly fighteven
;
wide
rather
enough, and he would
much," he concluded, I hope
brother.

He

more.

any

satisfymy
sleepy,
and
good

and

supper
latter took

his leave

for the

night.
Early the next

Mr.

Hamer

return

him

to

in

morning,Powhatan
and
at his lodging-place,
his own
Avigwam. There

his

handsomest

manner.

liimself visited
invited
he

The

him

to

enteitained
time

passed

and Mr.
Hamer
pleasantly,
began to feel at home.
in an
had
By and by came
Englishman, one who
been
surprisedin a skirmish three years before at
detained
Fort Henry, and
He
since.
ever
so
was
completelysavage in his complexion and dress,that
Hamer
only recognisedhim by his voice. He now
asked
that gentleman to obtain leave for him to re
with
him to the colony; and the request was
turn

62

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

accordinglymade, and even pressed. The emperor

vexed
at length. "Mr.
was
Hamer," said he, "you
of my
But
have one
daughters,and I am content.
you

cannot

must

have

him,
home
the

see

him

your
break

with

but you
friendship. But take

men

English

these

occasions]:and
yourselves."

on

repliedthat

Hamer
answer

should

for the

he would

do

so

consequences,

The

happen.

and

emperor

was

left him ; but he

feasted his guest mtli

cheerfully.About
a

me,

or
away
if you vdll.
In that case, however, you must
go
without
offered
guides [which were
generally

befalls you, thank

not

of

one

nap,

to

tell him

if any

; but

if

he

any
incensed

evil

would

accident
at

this,
time,

appeared again supjjer

his best fare,and
conversed
from
midnight he roused Hamer
he

with

at

had
him

concluded

to

let Parker

in the

morning. But he
Sir Thomas
remind
ation
to send
must
him, in considerthereof,ten largepieces of copper, a sliavingknife,a grindstone,a net, and sundry fish-hooks and
other small matters
should
For fear Hamer
forget
these particulars,
he made
him write a list of them
in what
the historians
call a table-book,
he
which
he got it,"*
produced. "However
says the narrator,
it was
I desired
hee
would
a faire one, and
give it
Powhatan
me."
evaded this modest
request by saying
that he kept it to show
to strangers ; but when
his guest left him in the morning, he furnished
him
and his attendants with ample provisionfor his journey,
each
of
them
a
buck's-skin,"as well
gave
dressed
could be," and
as
sent
two
to his sonmore
in-law and his daughter.
is much
There
for reflection in this simple
matter
narrative.
The
in discerning
sagacityof Powhatan
the true objectof the visit,
is worthy of the fearless
he exposed it. He
little
dignitywith which
gave
(thecaptive,)
go

"

Probablyof

mous
some
Englishcaptive. Smith wrote his faletter to Jamestown, duringhis firstcaptivity,
what he
on
calls tlie leaf of a table-book.

INDIAN

63

CIOGRAPHV.

"ced,it would seem, to the pretext of marriage; and

tonsidering
only the age of his daughter especially
there was
as
reason
compared with the President's
His conjectures
wei-e
doubtedly
unenough why he should.
and
he
had
be
ed
offendsome
rightto
correct,
still harbored
which
at the jealousy
was
by the
colonists.
Stith expresslystates, that the policyof
Sir Thomas
was
merely to obtain an additional
pledgefor the preservationof peace.*
"

"

The

affection

which

here

Powhatan

manifests

for

his

who
took
to
even
one
children,his hospitalitj^
the strength of it,his liberality,
liberties upon
the
resolution

with

which

he maintained

stillevidently
distrusted

peace

while

he

English honor,his ready

evasions and intelligent
to
reasoning,his sensibility
insult which
he nevertheless
beneath
him
thought it
all easilyto be perceived in this instance,
to resent, are
and are
well worthy to be regai-ded
among
of his temper and genius.
other evidences
His self-command

the

and

his chivalrous

courtesy, on

would
have done no dishonor,
every former occasion,
in another
and
time, to the lion-hearted
country
of England himself
In this respect he was
monarch
well matched

with

; and

Smith

it is

not

the least interesting

point in the common

the singularunion

historyof the two, to

of suavity and
observe
energy
both effected their purposes.
with which
Immediately
after deliveringthe celebrated
reply which he sent
to Ne^^'port's
proposalby Smith, the historian adds
other
discourses
that, many
thcj'had, (yet both
other content
in compliinentall
content
to give each
and so
CaptainSmith returned with his
courtesies)
answer."
In the same
style,when
Newport came
himself
perceivinghis purpose was to discover and
"

"

invade
to lend

the Monacans

him

either

"

Ave

are

told that he

"

refused
Nomau-

than
guidesmore
on
tack,and so after some
complimentallkindnesse
both sides,"he presentedthe disappointedcaptain
men

or

History,p.

133.

b4

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

eightbushels of
journey to JamestoAvn.
pleasant
with

so

or

seveu

brave

%vith

Smith

to

first ordered

having
him

as

man

water

and

bunch

the

in what

feasted him

two

and

corn,

He

be

of

victim

would

not

him

suffer

out
beheaded, with-

even

of

wished

his

queens

to

feathers,and
himself

serve

then

considered

It is very evident
his best barbarous
manner.
neither fear nor hypocrisyin any of these
was
mentioned
have
traits we
of the noble
None

there
cases.

lose

from being connected,as they are,

any of their charm
er
readThe
of barbarism.
with the utmost
simplicity
be allowed
to smile
of these times, therefore,
may
at

the

mighty warrior and

Parker's beingransomed
monarch
insisted upon
fish-hooks ; and the solemn
gravitywith

with
pertinacity

renowned
in

which

he divestedhimself

which

this

of his mantle

and

old shoes

of Ne-\vport. The
and
reward
gratification
Dale were
two
presents sent to him by Sir Thomas
blue
and
pieces of copper, five stringsof white
and a pair
combs, ten fish-hooks,
beads, five wooden
the promiseof a grindstone,
of knives
not to mention
ter
bethe should send for it clearly
whenever
a much
pose
to disbargainfor his daughter,had he wshed
The
of her,than the tvvo bushels of Roanoke.
ed
of conquered nations waitand queens
Werovvances
him
at his meals, as humbly as certain kings
upon

for the

"

"

the
waited upon
ages are said to have
could make
; but unlike his Holiness, Powhatan
robes,shoes,bows, arrows, and pots, besides

of the middle

Pope
his

own

exercise,and hunting deer for

The
Indians
amusement.
generallysubsisted on
months
lived lightfor some
fish in the spring,and
after ; but
Powhatan, their great king, and some
others that are
provident,rost their fish and flesh
times."*
vpon hurdles, and keepe it tUl scarce
that no
candid person
can
In fine,it would
seem,
read the historyof this famous
Indian, with an at-

plantinghis

corn

for

"

Smitli's
ViBGINIA.

account

of the

Natural

Inhabitants

of

66

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHV

CHAPTER

III.

His successor
Powhatan
Seqitelof the his
Her
acts
of
kindness
of
Pocahontas
to the colonistsa
tory
various times, and especially
His gratitude Hei
to Smith
a
nd
in
instruction
Her
civilisation,
visit tc
Clu'istianity
Court
in
1616
Interview
at
with
-Reception
England
Smith
His memorial
her to Queen Anne
^Her
respecting
death and character
Her descendants.

The

familyof

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

The

familyof
Two

been

Powhatan

sons

mentioned.
than

younger

and

There

then*

according
have requiredthat
death.

own

succeeded

princewas
in

two

an

several
the

daughters have
also

upon

three

them

ages,

government

The

and

numerous

were

himself; and

to

after his

was

ential.
influ-

already
brothers

successively,

custom

should

to

seems

devolve

eldest,
Opitchipan,*

in form at least. But

inactive and unambitious
man

him,

degreeperhaps to

"

cordingly
ac-

this
ing
ow-

his

being deci-epid
;
and he was
thrown
into the shade by the supesoon
rior
and
of
talent
Opechancanough, who
energy
before many
years engrossedin fact the whole
power
the
of the government.
Of
brother,Kekayounger
He propably
scarcelyany thing is kno^vn.
TAUGH,
died befoi-e any opportunityoccuiTed
of signalizing
himself in a publicstation. The sequelof the history
of Opechancanough
is wel! worthy of being dwelt
the order of
at some
length: but previously,
upon
time requiresus to devote a share of attention to the
some

fortunes of his celebrated niece, Pocahontas.

This
beautiful and amiable
whom
John
woman,
of his admiration,
Smith, in the excess
styles" the
various writers called Itopatin,
Oetan, OpitchItoyatin,
ipan,
Toyatan a characteristic instance of the uncertainty
which attends the orthographyof Indian proper names.
One
is in the custom
of changing the name
cause
upon great occa
sions.
calle(J
Opitchipan himself after his accession was
and
Sasawpen;
Mangopeeomen.
Opechancanough,

*By

"

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

67

of Virginia,"
has been
in
Niimpai-eil
distinguished
modern
times, chiefly,
by that singleextraordinary
and
act of courage
humanity to wliich the gallant
indebted
historian was
for the preservationof his
life. But this was
the only evidence
by no means
of these noble qualities
which
historyhas presei-yed.
Her
indeed
is scarcely
mentioned
name
once
by the
ancient chronicles of the colony,except in terms
most
of high eulogy,and generally
in connexion
also with
the
substantial facts going stronglyto justify
some
universal
her memory
with
which
is regarded
partiality
to

these

times.

In the earliest and

the settlement,
his
from
immediately after Smith's return
the liberal and
captivity,
thoughtfulkindness of
Pocahontas
the desponding
went
very far to cheer
hearts of the colonists,
as well as to relieve their actual
necessities.
with
her
into Jamestown
She
came
attendants
in every four or five days,for a long
once
of provisions,
time ; and brought with her supplies
by wliich many lives are stated to have been saved.
This Mill appear more
fullyfrom an ancient docu

gloomy days of

shall hereafter transcribe at length.

When
Smith
absent upon
of his Indian
was
one
Jamestown
at
expeditions,emergencies occurred
which
rendered
his presence
extremely desu-able.
But not a man
dared venture
could be found who
to
him
fi'om the council.
He was
to
a
message
cany
known
to be eavironed
by enemies, and the hostility
and power
of Powliatan
at that periodsubjects
were
of the most exaggeratedapprehension. One Richard
ment

which

most

we

enterprise.
Wyfiin at last undertook the hazardous
he reached
Encounteringmany dangersand difficulties,
the residence
of Powhatan, a day or two
after
had
left it for Pamunkey.
that
Smith
He
found
for war
the
were
great preparations
going on among
himself the object
Powhatans
became
; and he soon
of suspicion. His Ufe undoubtedlywould
have paid
the forfeit of his rashness,had not
Pocaliontas,wlio
better than himself
knew
his i)erilous
situation even

68

INDIAN

concealed

him,
of

search

b)'her
^"ouble

the

means

in

and

three

conduct

thwarted

and

embarassed

the
who
pursued him, so that
savages
and
extraordinarybribes and much

ength he found vs
at Jamesto^vn.)
Her

BIOGRAPHY.

days travell,"as historysays,

in the middest

the

of these

"at

tunnoyles,"

after Smith's

departure
{or England. Of the thirtymen
who
accompanied
Ratcliffe when
he was
massacred
by the Indians,only
one
escaped to the colony,and one was rescued by
Pocahontas.
This was
a boy named
Henry Spilman,
who
restored to his friends,*
and
subsequentlywas
from the knowledge of Indian languages which
he
obtained
during his residence with the Patowomekes
proved highlyseri'iceable as an interpreter.Smith
himself was
than once
under
to the
more
obligations
have
alluded
princessfor his personalsafety. We
when
he quartered,
to that occasion
over
night,near
he residence
of her father.
Pocahontas,his dearest
ewell and daughter,in that darke nightcame
through
the u-ksome
and
told
our
woods,
Captaine great
should
and
cheare
be sent vs by
by ; but PowhatEin
he could make, would
and all the power
after come
feill
vs
all,if they that brought it could not kill vs
was

same

"

with

our

Therefore

owne

if

weapons,
would

when

hue,

we

she

at

were

vdshed

supper.

presently
Such
to be gone.
things as she dehghted in, he
"would haue giuen her ; but wth
the teares running
her cheekes,she said she durst not be seen
downe
to
haue any, for if Powhatan
should know
it,she were
but dead, and
she ran
so
by herself as she
away
What
came."+
an
affectinginstance of the most
delicate tenderness
mingled with the loftiestcourage.
have been strsmge indeed,if Smith, with
It would
aU his passionate
had
been
insensible of
chivalry,
had
Even
Powhatan
these repeated kindnesses.
*

He

was

we

destined,however,

eavages, in 1623.
t Smith's Historv.

to

die

at

vs

last by tliehands of the

opinion of him to
sagacity to rely upon

good

loo

had

69

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

an

the

so, for he
for
gi-atitude

suppose
his

of the emperor's
When
some
poHticalpurposes.
taken
prisoners by Smith, (ahhough
subjectswere
and forced to confess
nominallyexisting,)
])eace was
mischief
had employed them
that Powhatan
to work
and
againstthe colony,the latter sent messengers,
with
his dearest daughter Pocahontas"
presents, to
make
apologiesfor the past, and promises for the
fiiture. Smith, on the other hand, (who understood
after
well as any one, the part of a gentleman,)
as
givingthe prisonerssuch correction as he deemed
well for a day or two, and
treated them
necessary,
sake
for whose
then deliveredthem to Pocahontas,
onely he fayned to haue saued their lines,and gaue
genuity
libertie."
them
The emperor
was
paid for this inthe colonists,
in 1613,
in his own
coin,when
took the princessherself captive,
relyingon the wellto
known
her, as the
strengthof his attachment
of procuring peace.
means
surest
told. Rolfe
be soon
Her subsequent history
may
of her beauty,and
had become
ardentlyenamoured
"

"

used

he

perhaps

colony
"

cherished

Pocahontas
and
one

when

her

of them
of her

to

brothers

In the
became
manners,

which
course

and

was

adept in
well

the

on

to

came

was

self,
himshe

visit her

Rolfe
thus

to

"

in his behalf.

towards
feelings

and
sentiments,

with.
it met
of a year
or

quite an

bringingit

confidant.

prosecute his suit with

success

in

stay in the

her

of the President
similar

her

of

occasion
active

was

the intercession

procure

made

fortunate

the

formation
gained ined
embolden-

spiritworthy of the
The
partiesmarried.

two,

the

young

bride

Englishlanguageand

instructed in the doctrines

of

ances
acquaintChristianity.She was entitled by her new
the Lady Rebecca.
In
accompanied Sir
1616, she and her husband
ed
anointDale to England. King James, (that
Thomas
pedant,as Stith calls him,)is said to have been
offended with Rolfe for his presumption in marrying

70

INDIAN

he

daughterof

BIOGRAPHY.

head, too, it -will

king a crowned
be recollected.
He
might have thought,perhaps,
that the offspring
followingup his own
principles,
of the marriage would
be fau'ly
entitled to succeed
Powhatan
in his dominion.
But
the affair passed
little mui-muring; and
Pocahontas
^^,with some
herself was
received at Court, by both the King and
marks
of attention.
Queen, with the most
flattering
Lord de la War, and his lady,and many
other courtiers
of rank, followed
the royal example. The
princesswas gratified
by the kindness shown to her ;
and
those who
entertained
her, on the other hand,
were
unanimously of opinion, as Smith expresses
himself, that they had seen
English ladies
many
worse-favored,proportionedand behaviored.
The
in England ; and
at this time
captain was
althoughupon the eve of leavingthat country on a
to New
England, he delayed his departure
voyage
for the purpose
of using eveiy possiblemeans
in his
of iutrodncing
the princessto advantage. A
power
memorial
which
he draughted with
his oavu
hand,
and sent in to the Queen, is supposed to have had no
a

"

"

littleinfluence
both

Anne

To

as

the most
of Great

Most

It is well

worth
of style,
and as a
a
curiosity
history. It reads thus :

of authentic
"

Court.

at

high and

vertuous

transcribing,
document

Princess

Queene

Britain.

admired

Queene,

The lone I beare my

God, my King and Coimtrie
hath so ofl;emboldened
in the worst
of extreme
mee
honestie doth constraine mee
danger, that now
sume
prethus

Maiestie

farre

this

deadly poyson

beyond myselfe,to present your

short
discourse.
be a
If ingi*atitude
be guilto all honest
vertues, I must

tie of that crime

if I should

omit

any

meanes

to be

So it is,
thankful.
That some
and
ten
yeeres agoe, being in Virginia,
taken
their
prisonerby the power of Powhatan

'NDIAN

chiefe

this gi*eat Salvage exceeding

Nanfi-om his sonne
great courtesie,
especially

taguans, the
euer

in

saw

King's most
but

I received

King,

whose

from

salvage;

deare

and

and

yeeres of age,
heart, of desperate
pitifull

of twelue

or

much
estate, gaue mee
the first christian this
barbarous

of
mortall

saw

his sister

Avell-beloued

compassionate

euer

spiritI
Pocahontas, the
daughter,being

manliest, comeliest,boldest

most

childe

71

BIOGRAPHY,

cause

thirteene

to

proud King
and

; I

respect her

thus

and

his

inthraUed

being
tendants
grim at-

in

their

sion
power, I cannot
say I felt the least occaof those my
that was
in the power
want
foes to preueut, notwithstanding al their

threats.
After

some

sixe weeks

fatting
among

these

Salvage

arded
Courtiers,at the minute of my execution, she hazthe beating out of her ovme
brain es to saue
mine, but not ouely that,but so preuailedwith her
to lames-to^^Tie,
father,that I was
safelyconducted
I found about eightand thiitie miserable poore
where
and sicke creatures, to keepe possession of al those
the weaknesse
largeterritories of Vii-ginia
; such was
of this poore commonwealth, as had the salvagesnot
had starued.
fed us, we
directly
And
this reliefe,
Gracious
monly
most
Queene, was comwithstandi
Notbrought vs by this Lady Pocaliontas.
al

these

passages,

when

inconstant

peace to warre, this tender Virgin

would
stillnot spare to dare to visit vs, and by her our
stiU
iarres haue
been
oft: appeased, and
wants
our

fortune,turned

our

supplyed. Were it the policieof her father thus to

of God
thus to make
imploy her, or the ordinance
affection
lier his instrument, or her extraordinarie
But of this I am
to our
sure
not.
nation,I know
;
and
when
her father,with the utmost
of his policie
sought to surprisemee, hauing but eighteene
power,
with
the darke
not
aftVighther
night could
mee,
from comming through the irkesome
woods, and
with
her
with
watered
eies gaue
me
jntilligence,

72

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY

best

bee
had
aduice, to escape his furief which
knowne, he had surely slain e her.
lames-toime, with her wild traine,she as freelj
frequentedas her father's habitation ; and durmg tht
time
was

of

two

or

three

yeeres,

stillthe instrument

death, famine

to

she

preserv^e

next

under

this colonie

God.
from

if in those
confusion,which
times had once
been
disolued,Virginiamight haue
line as it was
first arriv^all to this day.
at our
Since
then,this businesse hauing beene turned and
varied by many
accidents
from
that I left it at, it is
most
warre
certaine,after a long and troublesome
after my
father
and
her
our
departure,betwixt
heard
not
colonie,at which time shee was
off,about
after she her selfe was
taken
two
prisoner
yeeres
nie
two
Being so detained neere
yeeres longer,the colowas
concluded,
by that means
reheued, peace
and
barbarous
at last reiectingher
condition, shee
maried
to an
was
English gentleman, with Avhom at
this present shee is in England ; the first Christian
of that nation, the first Virginian euer
euer
spake
had
childe
in
a
English,or
marriage by an Englishman.
A
matter
meaning bee truly
surely,if my
and
well vnderstood, worthy a Prince's
considered
\Tiderstanding
Gi-acious Lady, I have related to your
Thus, most
Maiestie,what at your best leasure our
approued
Histories will account
done
in the
at large,and
you
of yoiu- Maiestie's
life ; and howeuer
this might
tmie
bee
presented you from a more
worthy pen, it
from

cannot

and

utter

honest

more

heart.

As

yet I

neuer

it is my
any thing of the state, or any, and
of abilitie and her exceeding desert,your birth

begged
want

her
authoritie,
doth
make
mee
simplicitie,
meanes

beseech

and

your Maiestie
it bee from one

though
as
selfe,her
my
make

to
so

husband's

her fit to attend

birth, vertue,

want

and

thus

bold, humbly to
take this knowledge of her,
vnworthy to be the reporter
estate
not
being able to

your

Maiestie.

The

most

and

74

INDIAN

the

which
or

At

three

BIOGRAPHY.

Englishhad practised
upon

hours

the end

slie

of that

left

was

her

to

time,after

much

her.

For

two

meditations.

own

entreaty,she

was

this

and
prevailed upon to converse;
point once
of her visitant
gained, the politenessand kindness
and her own
of disposition,
sweetness
renewed
soon
her usual vivacity.

In the course
her Father.

of

her

That

remarks

as
appellation,

too
King's daughter,was
modesty, and he infoi-med

her

she

his

could

she

much

understand

called Smith

bestowed

for

the

effect.

that

to

by a
captain's
But

reasoning upon the

she said
after recounting some
subject. "Ah!"
of the ancient courtesies which
had passed between
"
them
did promise Powhatan
that what was
you
be his,and hee the like to you.
You
yours should
called him Father,being in his land a stranger ; and
I doe you." Smith
still
must
reason
so
by the same
and
expressedhimself unworthy of that distinction,
not

"

"

she
my

his

went

"

Were

not
you
father's countrie,
and caused
on.

but

people
"

mee

and

"

afraid

to

fear in him

fear you

I should

into

come

and

all

here call

then
I will ; and
must
you father ? I tell you
you
call mee
childe,and then I will bee foreuer and euer
your
had

country-woman."
been

Powhatan
ascertain

made

believe

to

himself

She

had

assured
he

was

Smith, that she

dead, and that

in that delusion.

shared

To

the

that crafty
fact,however, to a certainty,
attended
barbarian had directed an Indian, who
her
to
England, to make
specialinquiries.This was
chief counselloi-s,
Tomocomo, one of the emperoi''s
and the husband
of his daughter Matachanna
haps
per"

the

riageby

same

who

Sir Thomas

had

been

Dale,in

demanded

in

mar

1614.

It is the last and saddest ofiice of history

to record
the death of "his incomparablewoman,
in about the
two-and-twen+ieth

place

at

year

of her

Gravsend, where
for Virginia,with

embark
child mentioned

in Smith's

This event
took
age.
she
was
preparing to

husband, and
memorial.
They
her

the
were

to

have

with

out

gone

75

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

Captain Argall,who

sailed

and
council
of the
earlyin 1617 ; and the treasurer
for thera
colonyhad made suitable accommoflations
board the adnriral-ship.
on
But, in the language of
Smith, it pleasedGod to take this young lady to his
He
not
sorrow
more
adds, that she made
mercy.
for her unexpected death,than joy to the beholdere,
and see
her make
to hear
so
religiousand godly an
end.
Stith also records
that she died, as she had
The
long lived,a most sincere and pious Christian.
expressionof a later historian is,that her death was
christian
of Indian
fortitude and
a happy mixture
all those who
her by the
saw
submission,affecting
and edifying
lively
pictureof pietyand vu'tue, which

marked
The

her latter moments.*

philosophicwriter,in

same

the

upon

character

of

servation
generalobPocahontas, has

his

remarked, tliat,
consideringall concurrent
justly
it is

surpassed by

not

any

cumstance
cir-

the whole

history; and that for those qualitiesmore

which
do honor
to our
nature
a humane
especially
and feeling
heart,an ardor and unshaken
constancy
range

of

"

in

her

attachments

she

"

stands

almost

without

in a
evidence,indeed,of possessing
high degi-ee
every attribute of mind and heart,which
should
the ornament
be and has been
and prideof
rival.

She

civilized

gave

in

woman

unwearied

kindness
she

and
all countries
to the English was

knew

that

it

must

be

times.

Her

interested
entirelydisso

when

she

danger and weariness, and every kind

to bestow
oppositionand difficulty,
it,seasonably,
the objectsof her noble benevolence.
It was
cate,
deli-

encountered

of
on

of besto\\inent.
No favor v/as
too, in the mode
of obligation
expectedin return for it,and yet no sense
the pleasure which
to mar
it gave.
was
})ermitted
She asked nothingof Smith in recompense
ever
for whatshe had
done, but the boon of being looked
Of her character as a princess,
upon as his child.
*

Burk's

Vol.
Viiginia,

I.

76

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

Pier
enough has ah'eadybeen furnished.
less
and the daunther energy, her independence,
dignity,

evidence

which

courage

deserted her for

never

moment,

w^orthyof Powhatan's

daughter.
cated
Indeed, it has been trulysaid that,well authentiof Pocahontas,there is ground
is the histoiy
as
for apprehensionthat posterity
will be disposedto
probable,"
imIt is not even
regardher story as a romance.
that consideringevery thing
says Burk,
Smith as a mere
to herself and
fiction,
they
relating
for
pairing
imtheir spleen againstthe historian
vent
may
the interest of his j^lot
cess
by marrying the prinof Powhatan
to a Mr.
nothing
Rolfe,of whom
of
all
the exhad been
defiance
pectations
previouslysaid,in
fable."
raised by the foregoingparts of the
left at Plymwas
outh,
Young Rolfe,her only offspring
of
Lewis
under
the
Sir
care
Steukley,
England,
were

"

"

who

undertook

years

making

dii-ect his

to

education

it inexpedientto

his tender

"

him

remove

to

ginia.
Vir-

afl;er completely
gentleman was soon
beggared and disgracedby the part which he took
in the proceedingsagainst Sir Walter
Raleigh,the
tuition of Rolfe passed into the hands of his uncle,
in after years
He became
Henry Rolfe of London.
and
herited
inof eminence
and fortune in Virginia,
a man
As

to

that

Powhatan.

daughter,who
him

ti'act of

considerable

At

married

was

land

his death
to

which
he

had

longed
be-

left;an

Col.

only
Boiling.

Robert
father
was

to Col.
only son, who
John Boiling,
to many
now
living;)and
(wellknown
several daughters married
to Col. Richard
Randolph,
Col. John
Fleming, Dr. William
Gay, Mr. Thomas
Eldridge and Mr. James
Murray. This genealogy

By

is taken

she

had

from

an

Stith ; and

he

shows

with

sufficient

of the imperialfamily
minuteness,that this remnant
of Virginia,
which
long survi\ ed in a singleperson
had

branched

out

into

very numerous
Hon.
John
The
a

progeny,

even

early as 1747.
Randolph
Roanoke
is,if we mistake not, a lineal descendant
the princess
in the sixth degree.
as

of
of

INDIAN

77

BIOGRAPHY.

CHAPTER

IV.

of Opechancanough Renewal, by bini

Sequel of the history
of the treaty of peace
and Opitchipan,
Finesse by which he
the
his dominion
Chickahominies
extended
over
tions
Prepara"

"

"

of it Profound
Causes
dissimulation under
for War
concealed
Indian custom
^vhich his hostility
of making
was
the
against
English interest The
Conjurers Monoeuvres
of
circumstances
and consequences
1622;
of
great massacre
occasion which
led to it Character
it Particular
and
Details
of the war
death of Nemattanow
subsequent to
Truce
brokeu by the English New exertions
the massacre
of Opechancanough Battle of Pamunkey
Peace of 1632
Massacre
of 1641
Capture of Opechancanoughby the
deadi
and
civaracter.
English His
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

Argallbrouglitout from England, among

other things,a varietyof presents for Opechancanough,
who
have
to
now
seems
been,notwithstanding
that Powhatan
still living,
the cliief object of
was
the colony's
apprehensionand regard. He lamented,
did universally,
the untimely fate of
the Indians
as
their favorite ])rincess
self
; but lie also expressed himCaptain

satisfied with
her
on

him

who

son.

Argallsent

his arrival
a

the

at

and
visit,
returned

for Sir Thomas

care

which

messengers

Jamesto^^1l

; and

had
to him

tlie

received
with

been

he

railed

of

immediately
chiefi;ain paid
Tomocomo,

his presents.
Argall,had conceived

Dale, and

taken

dislike

violentlyagainst
he did againstthe English in
him in particular,
as
general; but Opechancanough either was or affected
and
his accusations
to be convinced, that his anger
were
equallygroundless.On the death of Powhatan,
in 1618, both himself and his royal brother Opitchipan
of
the
ancient
the emperor
renewed
league
of which, we
with the English; under the protection
are
told,every man
peaceablyfollowed his building
and planting,
without
accidents oi
any remarkable

interruption.*
*

Stith.

78

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

in
A transaction which occurred
best comment
we
can
give upon

Opechancanough. Tt appears, that

to reheve
lyat that time undertook
the colony by collecting
tribute of
nies.

But,
to

answer

affront.
a

Sorne

some

refused

people

with

for

his

to

reason

demand,

therefore
of one
company
He

he

called

upon

the

character

of

Yeard-

President

of

the necessities
the Chickahomi-

warlike

him

sent

even

which
hundred

the

other, that

or

it ; and

pay

1616,furnishes

construed

an

into

them, soon
well
soldiers,

an

after,
armed.

and bravado
ensued
both sides,
on
threatening
the speedy consequence.
a
regular battle was
Indians
were
turning
defeated,and as Yeardly was rewith
his spoil,Opechancato Jamestown
nough
effected an
met
hin),and artfully
agreement
would
make
no
him, that he (Yeai-dly)
peace

and

The

with

vvith the

Chickahominies

then

went

with

presents of beads

his consent.

without

He

tribe,and pretended that he had,

with
procured a peace
gi-eat pains and solicitation,
for them.
To
service,as it
requite this immense
was
now
considered,they cheerfully
proclaimed him
King of their nation,and flocked from all quarters
he

that

to

copper.
entitled the

From

this time

King of Chickahominy ; and thus was subjectedto him, with their

free consent, a brave
and resolute people,who
own
had successfully
for many
resisted,
years, the power
was

content

to

be

and

of every savage
and civihzed
foe.
The
English historians generally agree
the
the

him
The
well

Opechancanough
EngUsh from first to
he might
case
; and
reason

and

character

calculated

as

an

inveterate

in senting
repreof
enemy

Such may
have been
have had what appeared to
occasion
enough for his hostility.

of many
to

last.

of the colonists

thwart

the

was

best intentions

but too
the
on

peaceableand just
part of the govei-nment, however
The
might be their theory of Indian intercourse.
discontent of Tomocomo
might have its effect,
too^
and

The

the
especially
among
pledge of harmony

mass

which

of
had

his

countiymen.

existed

in

the

of Pocahontas

person

Opechancanough

79

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

forgotten. Bat

was

shrewd

too

was

above

all,
to

not

man

percieve,in the alanning disproportionwhich was

dailyshowing itselfbetween the power of the English
of parof Virginia indeyjendently
and the Indians
ticular
indication
of
the
sure
sity
necesa
provocations
"

"

of

system

new

Subsequent events
for
better preparation
on

the

of defence.

war

conjecture.No

this

confirm

could

have

chieftain's part, than he effected

It is
of the Chickahominies.

made

in the

mission
sub-

unlikely
the
satellites,
not

through his
instigated,
whereby they drew upon themselves
creased
infrom the colony, which
chastisement

that he himself
very insolence
that

been

severe

his

OAvn

influence

over

them

as

much

as

it

their

find
the English. We
to
hostility
several outrages of a
that,in 1618, they committed
most
flagrantcharacter; and although Opechancanough,
who
was
appliedto for satisfaction,
promised
to send in the heads of the ofTendei-s,
this was
never
done, and it may be questioned,whether he was not
privy to, or perhaps the chief author and contriver

aggravated

all events, historians represent,

that his regalauthorityover
the tribe was
by
there-

of the whole

affair.

At

"firmlyriveted and established."

Still,not only had the artful chieftain given no
of hostility;
but he
of opence or evidence
cause
open
succeeded, as we have seen, in completely
absolutely
quietingthe suspicionsof the colonists. In 1620,
fuul it recorded
in the journal of Mr.
indeed, we
will not come
at vs
Rolfe,that noio Opeckankanoitgh
that causes
vs
suspecthis former promises."But this
littleuneasiness
was
wholly done away, on the arrival
of Yeardly, in
of Sir Francis
Wyatt, the successor
That
1621.
gentleman immediatelysent messengers
to Opechancanough and
pressed
Opitchipan,who both ex"

great satisfaction

at

the

accession

of

the

tiieir former
President,and cheerfullyrenewed
leagueswith the colony. The former also declared
himself pleasedwith the idea of the English inhal)itnew

80

indiajv

ing the

biography.

He

proposed,by way of amaJgaof the white families

mating the two nations,that some
should settle among
his people,while some
of
his should
settle at Jamestown.
A former
promise
was
confirmed, of sendinga guide with the English
to certain mines
representedto be situated above the
falls. Nay, so far was
the deceptioncarried,that
"Mr.
Thorpe [the chief messenger] thought he
motions
of rehgionin Opechancaperceivedmore
nough than could easilybe imagined, in so great
and blindness.
He acknowledged his own
Ignorance
religionnot to be the rightway ; and desired to be
country

instructed in the Christian

God

loved

the

faith.

He

confessed

better than

English

that

; and

them

he

of God's anger
their custom
was
thought the cause
of conjuringtheir children,and making them black
boys.'"*
*

Allusion

deserve

singular to

nere

made

to be

seems

description.

some

is sufficiently

which

to a custom

Smith

calls it
which
was

yearly

of the kind
ed
performceremony
in his own
best
be described
words.
Jamestown
near
may
fifteene
ten and
Fifteene of the propetest young
boyes, betweene
of age, they paynted white.
Hauing brought them
forth,

sacrifice
"

of children.

yeeres

in dauncing and singing about

the forenoone
them
the
afternoone
In
to
the
rattles.
they put those children
stood in a guard, each hauing
By them all the men
roote of a tree.
of reeds bound
in his hand, made
a Bastinado
together. This made

people spent

the

with

them

betweene

lane

fiue young

all

to

men

which

along, through

fetch

these

there

children.

fetch

ed
appoint-

were

So

of
one
euery
after
each
other
childe,

the

a
guard
by
with
their Bastinadoes,
guard firecelybeating them
and
ren
they patiently enduring and receiuing all,defending the childnaked
with
their
bodies from the vnmerciful
blowes, that pay
All this while, the women
them
soundly, tho' the children escape.
and
passionately,prouiding mats, skinnes,
weepe
cry out
very
and
mosse
dry wood, as things fittingtheir childrens' funerals
the children
thus
After
were
passed the guard, the guard tore
down
the trees, branches
and
boughs, with such violence that they
the
wreaths
for their heads, or bedecked
rent
body, and made

through

fiue went

to

the

turnes,

their

the

with

hayre

the leaues.
but

they
scene,
they made
dead, where
Werowance
being demanded
not

was

ed,
did

that

the

sucke

oy lot,till
nesse

which

by

children

the

they
the

time

were

young

they

must

from
dead
men

not

els

was

all cast

on

done
a

with

heape

in

the

children

valley as

The
great feast for all the company.
the meaning of this sacrifice,
answer
not

were

bloode

What

were

their

all

dead,

but

that

left breast, who

; but the rest were

till nine
months
converse

with

the

Okee

chanced

or

Divill

to be

his

in

the wilderkept
expired, during

were

any,

and

of these

were

82

INDIAN

to

Hpon,

were

simultaneous

ensure

The

various

drawn

BIOGRAPHY.

tribes

and
together,

assault

engaged

in every

in the

stationed

rection.
di-

acy
conspir-

in the vicinity

of the several

places of massacre, with a celerity

and precision
in the annals of the conti
unpai-alleled
of the detachments
had to
nent.
Although some
from gi-eatdistances,
and through a continued
march
forest,
guided only by the stars and moon, no singlt
of

instance

disorder

mistake

or

is known

to

have
other

happened. One by one, they followed each

in profound silence,
treadingas nearlyas possiblein
each other's steps, and adjustingthe long grass and
which
branches
they displaced,*They halted at
short

from

distances

death-like

the

settlements,and

waited

in

stillness for the

signalof attack.
be given by their fellow-savages,
That
to
was
had
chosen
the same
who
the
morning for visiting
in considerable
different plantations,
numbers, for
the purpose of ascertainingtheir strengthand precise
and at the same
time
situation,
preventingany
suspicionof the generaldesign. This, it should be
habitual
too
a pracobserved, had recentlybecome
tice
with
the Indians, to excite suspicionof itself.
The
The
was
supposed to be inviolable.
peace
savages
a

war

were

; and

well
had

known

shown

no

be

condition for
The
for one.
disposition
they suppliedthem generally
to

in

no

English,therefore,while
with whatever
they asked for,upon fair terms,
They
neglectedto prepare themselves for defence.
so
or
a firelock was
were
rarely
secure, that a sword
with in a privatedwelling. Most
of their
to be met
seated in a scattered and
were
straggling
plantations
a water-privilege
as
or
a choice vein of rich
manner,
land invited them ; and
indeed
it was
generally
further
the
the
better.
from
neighbors,
thought,
The
Indians were
dailyreceived into their houses,
fed at their tables,
and lodged in their bedchambers
;
^#Boats were even lent them previousto the twen
Burk.

INDIAN

83

BIOGRAPHY.

and
forwards
ty-second,as they passed backwards
for the veiy purpose of completing the plan of extirpation.
The

hour
in

being

what

spot

abroad

ownei-s

rest

fell

several

at

and

woman
age, man,
houses
color
under

So

labors.

The

once.

child.

nor

of

as

few

perceivedthe weapon
And
them.
thus, in one
same
instant,fell three

was

or

blow

hour

sex

nor

entered

the

drew

the

Others

; while

occupied

in

the

their

execution, that

the

which

and

hundred

be

of death

neither

pretences
were

quick

work

Some

trade.

various
such

actly
ex-

savages,

they spared

upon

suddenly on

knowing
to
Englishman was

eveiy

them

found, rose upon

was
commenced,

the

come,

despatched

almost

at

the

and

forty-seven
children
and
of them
women
by then; most
men,
own
all,(as Stith observes,)by the hands
arms, and
of a naked
and timid people,who
durst not stand the
of a firelock,
in
presentingof a staff in the manner
the hands

Those
soldier
cleaved
upon
him

of
who

woman.

had

sufficient

sistance,
rewarning to make
saved
their lives. Nathaniel
Causie, an old
of Captain Smith's,though cruellywounded,

down

which

one

the

of

whole

his

assailants

with

had
party who
escaped. At another

an

axe

surrounded

fled,and he
place, two
held possessionof a house
men
againstsLxtyIndians.
wife
At Wan'asqueake, a Mr. Baldwin, whose
was
that she lay for dead, by repeatedso
ly
badly wounded
drove
off the enemy,
and
discharginghis musket
torian,
saved
both her and himself
Ralph Hamer, the hisdefended
in his house, successfully,
himself
and
with spades,axes
brickbats.
One
small family,
Martin's
as
as
Hundred, where
living near
many
slain,not only
seventy-threeof the English were
heard
escaped the massacre, but never
any thing of
it until two
Jamestown
three days afterwards.
or
and some
of the neighboringplaces were
saved
by
the disclosure of a Christian Indian named
Chance,

84

INDIAN

who

BIOGRAPHY,

of

informed
confidentially
the morning of the
on
brothv"r,
vmr

his

Such

the

was

evidence

design by

^2d.

Opechancanough
English. And

which

of the

hatred

of his

the

deep-rooted
his profound dissimulation,that
yet, such was
the middle
of March, he treated a messenger
as
gave

fi-om the

him

to

assuring him
would

fall

he

with

President
held

the peace
than
it should

sooner

the

be

sent

civility,
the sky

utmost

firm, that

so

late

so

violated

his

on

Thorpe, an excellent man, who had taken

a
peculiar interest in christianizingthe Indians,
supposed that he had gained the especialfavor of
Opechancanough by building him a very neat house
such
he took
after the English fashion ; in which
his door
hundred
a
pleasure,as to lock and unlock
also to
be pleased with
seemed
times a day.* He
of Mr. Thorpe, and
and company
the discourse
pressed
exof his kindness.
desire
to
a
requite some
was
man
Nevertheless,the body of this unfortunate
the slain.
found
days before the
Only two
among
the Indians
guided a party of the English
massacre,
who
had
home
one
through the woods, and sent
the
learn their language. On
lived among
them
to
also the evening
of the fatal day, as
very morning
into
before,they came, as at other times, unarmed
the houses
of the
English, with deer, turkeys,fish,
fruits and other
places
things to sell ; and in some
Mr.

part.

down

sat

they

rose

"

up

omitted.

Bmong

of

his

was

wlio

was

humor,

same

whom

persons

characteristic

too

noted

wout,
to

consider

the historians

as

out

Indian, named
of Vanity or

dress

himself

be

to

up

Nesome

with

barbai-ouslyfantastic manner.
the EngUsh the
obtained for him
among
renowned
He
was
Jack-of-the-feather.

feathers,in
habit

the

tomahawk.

There

MATTANOw,
unaccountable

name

to

with

"

of

This

breakfast

occasion
particular
the
conspiracy,is

The
it

to

most

countrymen

both

for

courage

and

cun-

and

nmg

the greatestwar-captain
of

But, what

those times.
he

esteemed

was

had

in many
EngUsh, he

with
wound.

From

ambition

and

i-emai-kable,
although

most

was

skirmishes

been

the

85

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

and

engagements

had

always escaped without a

this accident,seconded
by his own
craft,he obtained at lengththe reputation

being invulnerable and immortal.

of
to the house
came
Early in 1622,Nemattanow
Morgan, who kept and sold a varietyof wellof

one

with

Smitten

the

strong desire

to

Pamunkey,

traffic at that

the

on

place.

obtain

yoimg

only

were

stout

him

accompany

advantageous
supposed to

an

the way, he
trader.
Within

where

Indians.
of them.

some

On

the

two

to

of

assurance

the
murdered
days,he returned again to

have

of the

use

persuaded Morgan

Nemattanow
to

for

commodities

selected

is

two

house

three

or

of his

victim,

servants

men,

of

home.

They, observing that he wore

his head, inquired after him ;
their master's cap on
he was
and Jack told them
dead.
fi-ankly
Confirmed
in their previous suspicions by this
to carry
declaration,they seized him, and endeavored
him
before Mr. Thorpe, who
lived at a neighboring
But
their prisoner troubled
settlement.
them
so
much
by his resistance,and withal provoked them
shot
so
intolerably
by his bravadoes,that they finally
him down, and put him into a boat,in order to convey
him the remaining seven
or
eight miles of the
But the Indian
faint ; and finding
soon
way.
grew
himself surprisedby the pangs of death, he requested
Morgan,

at

his captors

to

stop.

earnestlybesought
never

to

make

In his last

of them

it known

two

that

he

moments

great favors ; first,

he

killed

was

bullet ; and secondly,

the
to bury him
among
that the ceitain knowledge and
monument

might
mortality
his countrymen.

still be concealed
So

strong

was

most

of his

sightof
rulingpassion

from
the

by a
English,

the

in death.

Opechancanough

was

firiend of Nemattenow

so

fai* fi-om
that he

being a particular
had given the

86

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

understand,by a messenger, sometime

before the transaction
just related,that he sliould
take measures
consider
it a favor in him, if he would
have
Jack
to
despatched. The
popularityof the
why he forbore to
war-captainwas the only reason
himself.
take such
measures
Nevertheless,with a
President

to

he

wiliness

consummate

the
on
populai-itj',

same

to

seems

have

been

"

himself

availed

death

of his rival

the better

to

of
as

"

and

inflame

this
Jack
perate
exas-

He affected
againstthe whites.
time
excessively
grievedat his death, and for somement
was
unusually loud in his declarations of resentthe Indians

be

to

and

his threats of revenge.

fi-om the President,to ascertain

For

demonstrations

messenger

what

came

intended

was

and
hostility,
again all
chem
was
quiet as before ; nothing could induce the Sato violate the vast
regard which he had always
entertained
time he
for the English. About the same
themselves
to seat
libert)^,
by negotiation,
gave them
where
of the rivers,within
the shores
his
on
any
dominions, where the natives had no villages.The
for the discoveryof
treaty he had already made
mines, as well as for mutual friendshipand defence,
brass plate,and
was
on
a
at his request engraven
oaks
fastened to one
of the largest
growing upon his
that it might be had always in remembrance.*
territories,

by

these

several
between

years

of

after the massacre,

the colonists

and

war

was

the

veterate
savages, eo inand ferocious as to transmit a mutual
rence
abhorand prejudiceto the posterityof both.
The
former obtained at this periodthe name
of the Long-

waged

to a very
K"-ivEs,by which they were
distinguished
the
late day in
hieroglyphiclanguageof the natives.
taken
and
Every precaution and prepai-ationwas
made
in view of a desperate
conflict.
upon both sides,
Orders were
issued by the government, from time to
and caution against
a generalvigilance
time,directing

"Belknap's Am.

Blog. p. 64, Vol.

II.

87

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

engrossed all thought; and

of arms
and ammuthe waste
nition.
prohibiting
especially
ihe

who

en"my

The

at

uous

of the settlements

remnants

togetherinto
all

now

Of eightyplantations
compass.
but six,which
lay contig

nari'ower

abandoned

were

the

part of James

lower

drawn

were

three

river ; and

the owners
or
others,of which
overseei-s,
selves,
refusingto obey public orders, intrenched them-

four

or

mounted

and

cannon

for their

own

separate

defence.*
the Virbetween
ginians
territoi-y
and the savage
tribes,was wasted with fire,
of laying bare
the stealthy
for the sole purpose
who, under covei- of the
approachesof the enemy,
long grass and underwood, and the giganticshield
A

considerable

of the

from
a

and

under

able to
almost

very feet of the English. But

of fire could not always resti-ainthe
the

boundary
elude

of

cypress, had heretofore been

unperceived,and rise up in attack

oak

advance

space

the

of the Indians.
skill,

even

fury,

Wisely content
with
short and
sudden
for plunder and
incursions,
rather than conquest, they frequentlysucceeded
revenge
and
cattle of the
in carryingoff the corn
and sometimes
their persons
into captivity
colonists,
themselves, on the other hand, launted
They were
like beasts of prey.
No
made
prisonerswere
; no
given.
quarter was
From
the time of the massacre,
Opechancanough
have
taken
the
least trouble to
to
no
seems
longer
conceal his hostility.
He returned
a haughty answer
made
him
for the redempto the firstdemand
tion
upon
of the Englishcaptives
and
under
foot
trampled
;
the pictureof the English monarch, which
was
sent
him
Late in 1622,when
to
as a comphment.
Captain
Croshaw
was
tradingon the Potomac, with the only
ti'ibe which
was
now
willingto carry on commerce,
he had scarcely
landed
when
fi-om his vessel,
a messenger
arrived fi-om Opechancanough to Japazawa,
nor

Purchas V. 1792.

88

INDIAN

Patawomekes,) bearing two baskets of

the king to
royal present, and soliciting

(king of

the

beads

as

murder

BIOGRAPHY.

his

was
spot. He
he did his part or not, before

visitants

new

that whether
end

of

two

left in the
the

message
talkingof it

blood

beads

to

more

the

autumn

before

; and

therefore

between

them

returned

the

by

this,the colonists

and

Englishman

an

two

shed

were

After

be

not

the

Japazaws first disclosed

country.
his guest ; and then, after thinking and

his brother
more

should

sured,
as-

that the English

answer
days, made
and Opitchipan (thePowhatan
peror)
emfi-iends,

his

were

there

moons,
whole

the

on

Indians

his

have

1622

stratagem

however
case

and

by

the

of

of

3,

"

success

slain

been

no

The

means.

messenger.
their season

to

of

winter

by

be

should

during

had

than

ever

English,since the
settlement
of Jamestown.*
But the course
adopted
indicates the despeby the civilized party sufficiently
rate
of their affairs.
state
They availed themselves
of

fallen

said

are

and

had

there

hands

than

worse

circumstances

justifyit. A peace
accepted ; but just as
thus

ripe,the

induced

to

English

barbarous

was

the

fell upon

vast

the greatest
for sometime

war-captains were

be

one.

to

the

beginning
in

enemy

the latter
to

gi-ow
all du-ections
at

appointed day, killed many,

quantity of provisions. Several

destroyed a

to

principle,
supposed in this
which

com

them

of

given

in its

offered

plant,was

hour

be

might

to

were

the

an

among

Opechancanough
This

rumor
"

the

himself

and
of

slain ; and

ed
report-

was

alone,so long as believed,

for against him, says the
"

equal to a victory;
this stratagem chieflylaid."
historian, was
Such
evidence
language furnishes
enough of the
and
his movements
apprehension which
reputation
was

"

had

excited.

substantial
reasons
more
gave
he stillwrested
for the respect which
from his enemy
A
battle took
by his prowess.
place at his own

But

he

villageof Pamunkey,

in

1625,

in

which

the

main

90

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY

the first to take advfmtageof it. During nine yeara

he remained
quietlymaking his preparationsfor the
his

conflict which
The

The

be renewed.

other

or

sagacitytold

horn-

must

at

day

some

lengtharrived.

in dissensions.

involved

colony was

him

tions
Insurrec-

place. The governor was unpopular,

and
and
the people were
heedless.
unprepared
in concerting
lost
not
moment
a
Opechancanough
for effecting
at
measures
a
singleblow the bloody,
but in his bosom
noble
had
design,which
already
and
labor
of
the
solicitude
so
a part
engrossed
lai-ge
had

taken

of his life.
He

was

with

conveyed

of the great

confederacyassociated
the five

With
most

make

his

nearest

nations

raged from

; and

thus

his influence.

location,and

own

the mouth

the

of the

heads
so

under

completely under his control,he resolved to

the principal
in person.
The
tant
disonset
more
stations were
assigned to the leadingchiefe of

the several
that

in years, but his orders were

electric rapidity
tribes
to the remotest

advanced

now

of all the great rivers,which

simple as to render confusion

whole

force

English
time.

of

system

Chesapeake
flow

war

to

the

into

it,was
impossible. The

let loose upon

the entire line of the
settlements
instant of
at nearly the same
was

Five

hundred

perished in

persons

the

sacre.*
mas-

carried
into captivity.
Many others were
The
household
instruments
habitations,
utensils,
corn,
of farming,every thing essential to comfort,
and
almost
to life,
was
sumed
conevery thing necessary
in the situa
by fire. But for circumstances
tion of the settlements,
which
over
Opechancanough
had no conti-ol,
and which
he could not guard against,
the fate of Virginia
had
been
decided
by this single

blow.
As

it was,
suspended in

loom

was

other
every
the terrors

abandoned.

labor
of

The

an

and

thought

Indian

plough

Beverly's History,p. 49.

was

wai*.

Avere

The

lefl;in ita

INDIAN

fiirrow.

All

embodied

as

and

who
a

91

BIOGRAPHY.

able

were

militia for the

to

beai*

defence

arms

of the

were

colony ;

chosen

body, comprising eveiy twentieth man,

marched
into the enemy's country
under
Governor
The
Berkeley'spersonal command.
operationsof
the war, which
mission
raged thenceforth without any interuntil the death of Opechancanough
and
that alone was
expected to end it are detailed by no
The
historian.
which
main
reearly Virginianrecords
in manuscript are
altogethersilent respecting
this period ; and
the meagre
relation of Beverly is
the only chronicle
which
has survived
the ravages
of time.
of itself sufficiently
This circumstance
dicates
inthe confusion
and dismay of the era.
last scene
now
Opechancanough, whose
rapidly
so
approaches,had become
decrepidby age, as to be
unable
to walk, though his spirit,
risingabove the
ruins of his body,directed,fi-om the Htter upon which
his Indians carried him, the onset
and the retreat of
a

"

"

his
at

warriors.

The

wreck

lengthcompleted by
in

this

flesh became
; and

the

of

his

laborious

; his

eyelidswere
they were

sinews
so

Berkeley with

pursued by
length surprisedand

taken.

for the first time

in his

at

service.
lost their

by
he

squadron
He

he

that

heavy

lifted up
see, unless
attendants.
In this forlorn condition

not

constitution

was

encountered
fatigues

extreme

difficult and
macerated

his

of

his

His
ticity
elascould

faithful

closely
horse,and

was

entered

town,
James-

the most
as
spicuous
conlife,
figurein the conqueror'striumph.
To
the honor
of the English,they treated their
distinguished
captivewith the tenderness which his
infirmities
his
demanded, and the respect which
and
talents inspired. They saw
the
appeai-ance
object of their terror bending imder the load of
shattered
by the hardshipsof war ; and
years, and
they generously i*esolved to bury the remembrance
of their injuriesin his present melancholy reverse
of fortune.
His own
deportment was suitable to his
fonner glory,and to the principles
of an Indian hero

92

BIOGRAPHY.

I^fDIAN

disdained

He

He

uneasiness.

ing

complaint

utter

to

that

believed

manifest

to

or

tortures

were

prepar
of any consequent
reduc
haughtiness,his language and demeanoi
instead

; but

for him

tion in his

absolute defiance
and contempt.
bespoke the most
himself in reserve
he shrouded
But generally
; and
that there was
if desirous of showing his enemies
as
his curiosity,
to rouse
nothing in their presence even
he but
less to excite his apprehensions,
much
and
rarely permitted his eyelidsto be lifted up. He
several days,attended
continued
in this state
by his
had begged permisaffectionate Indian servants, who
sion
life
of
But
his
him.
wait
near
an
to
long
upon
close.
He
its
hundred
was
years* was drawing to
of the soldiers
baselyshot through the back by one
appointedto guard him, from no other provocation
than the recollection of his ancient hostilitj^
To

last

the

The
care

he

nearer

seemed

to

preservingthe
Only a few minutes
and

unusual

bustle

Having

ordered

discovered

well

as

dying

he

the

could,

authority,demanded
immediatelybrought

felt the
with
the

that
in.

been

So write
younger

than

Powhatan,

voice

himself

and

or

healthiness of the

air

should

as

of
be

the latter made

have

taken

Sir

his

that
William

he is understood to have
is possibly too
It is said that Berkeleyhad
as

the

estimate

largeby
twenty years.
proposedtakinghiiu to England, as a livingargument
made
in that country as to
the representations
ten

daining
dis-

scornfullytold him,

but
historians,

some

raised

governor

When

the chieftain
appearance,
*'
had it been his fortune to

osity.
curi-

but
indignity,
he

intruders

and

raise his

unseasonable

an
gratifying

chief

confined.

was

he
eyelids,
crowding round him,

to

of persons

of

he

where

room

his attendants

notice

broken.
un-

approached, the more

in conceaUng his dejection,
use
dignityand serenityof his aspect.
before he expired,he heard an

number

The

remained

courage

death

in the

for the purpose

to

his

moment

climate.
Virginian

to

teract
coun-

the

nn"

INDIAN

prisoner,he should
iierkeley
to his people."*
a show
3uch
character
any

the

was

is

additional

His

comment.

extensivelyand
influence than they had
This

have

exposedhim

as

Opechancanough. His
explainedby his life to require

more

himself.

not

of

death

well

too

93

BIOGRAPHY.

is the

own

countrymen

completely under

more

been

his

that of Powhatan

under

fi-om

remarkable

more

were

the fact

that

titled
Opitchipan,whose age and family at least enhim to some
deference,retained the nominal
so
long as he lived. Beverley
authorityof emperor
esteemed
not
bj^the
.says, that Opechancanougli was

Indians

to

that

be in any

related
way
representedhim as the

they
nation residingat
Southwest.

great distance

to

; and

Powhatan

prince of

foreign

somewhere

in the

might be an emigrant or an exile

of the
from the empire of Mexico, or from some
tribes between
that region and Virginia- The
same
historian
describes
him
of large stature,
as
a
maa
noble presence
and
extraordinaryparts. Stith calls
faim a politicand
entitles
haughty prince. Burk
him

He

the Hannibal

He

perhaps the

was

which

enemy
have

of Virginia.
of

any

with

inveterate

most

some
trouble-

and

the

colonies

American
his race.
The

general
which
made
causes
so, independentlyof his
inherent
talents and principles,
to be looked for in
are
the situation of the tribes under
his command,
and
in the relations existing
them
between
and
especially
ever

met

the colonists.

red

must

man

He

among
him

saw,

sooner

superiority;and he
doing all in his own

or

that

either the

later establish

very
power

white

or

the

exclusive

an

reasonably decided
to

determine

upon
the issue in

favor of his country and himself

But more
lar provocationswere
not
wanting. Even
of

particu
after the

1636, great as the anxietywas for its preservation,

"
the subtle Indians,"
resented
says Beverley,
fke encroachtnents on ihem
by Hervey'sgrants." A
peace

"

Beverley.

94

historian

late

of

boimty

where

an

writes,

the

their

"

enchanting
they

had

and

independence

that

remained

from

them

their

enemies.*

round

possessed

the

them

placed

days

had

insatiable

*Bmk,Vol.

IL

on

gayety

to

and

"

labor,
The

attempted

the

by

without

avarice

shore,
sea-

rolled

and

innocence

government.
was

the

on

been

abundance

without
to

by

of

abandoned

had

regions

had

It

terms.

warmer

they

dehghtful

where

heaven

in
that

fathers

their

where

in

he

invaders

their

himself

expresses

enough,

not

was

to

BIOGRAPHT.

INDIAN

be

little

wrested

rapacity

of

95

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

CHAPTER

V.

Virginian chieftains Opitchipan"

Some
His visit
particulars respectingTomocomo
England, interview with Captain Smith, and return

Diography of

other

"

to

"

chief sachem

America
Japazaws,
for the
His friendship
"

from
His

canough

"

native

several
who
"

them

Ensenore,

brother
His

"

Plot

deatli
"

English

chiefs
"

His

"

Menatenon,

Comment

in

"

"

he

to
"

ceived
re-

Opechan-

Notices

of

Grancanimo,

king of the Chowanocks

and

Wingina,

his

againsttlie Hatteras

the Carolinian

on

of

1656

Carolina

Granganimo;

tlie latter

which

successor

death

of North

father of

of

111 treatment

Totopotomoi,

services

in 1585

dies

"

"

of the Patovvomekes

colony"
Biography.

characters
have heretofore noticed are far
The
we
of" Virginia.
the most
prominent in the Indian history

Indeed, they are

been preserved

ahnost
with

the

only

ones

which

have

distinctness

enough to excite
individuals.
interest in them
much
as
Still,there
several which
are
ought not to be wholly passed
of a vivid lightand
by ; and the want
coloringin
of them, may
some
perhaps be compensated, at
of milder
than are
least,
by the appearance
qualities
hitherto
have
we
predominant in the portraitures
sketched.
information

respectingcertain members
of the Powhatan
family,whose historyhas not been
be detailed.
concluded,may soon
Opitchipan is not
mentioned
subsequentlyto the great battle of Pamunkey, in 1625, when for the first time he appears
to have
placedhimself at the head of his countrymen,
the name
As
of
jn
opposition to the EngUsh.
Opechancanough in not even alluded to in the records
of that period,it may
be presumed he was
ally
accidenthave
been
he seems
absent.
to
out
Generally^
of favor with his reigningbrother,and to have
tended
conagainst his influence,such as it was, in all
bis designshostile to the colony. OpitchipandisapThe

extant

96

BIOGRAPHY,

INDIAN

; and

of 1622

earlyin
him sending in Chanco,
disclosed
the conspiracy
who
the Christian convert
in that case, with a message
to Governor
Wyatt, that
he would
send ten or twelve men,
if he would
give
up all the English prisoners in his possession
fused
(which,as we have seen, Opechancanough had reto
promised to deliver up his
do.) He even
bound
hand
if brother he was
implacable brother
and foot.
CaptainTucker," says Stith, was accor
dinglysent upon this service,but without the desired
success.
However, Opitchipansent back Mrs. Boyce,
and fashion like
and unapparelled,
in manner
naked
with
So insignificant,
of their Indians."
even
one
of mere
the power
these savages, was
familyrank,as
opposed to the authorityof reputationand talent.
hatan,
and
of the chief counsellors
One
priestsof Powof his daughterMatachanna,
and the husband
hontas,
Pocato England with
went
was
ToMocoMO, who
and
returned
with
Captain Argall. Smith,
held by
who
calls him Vttamatomakkin, says he was
his countrymen
to be
a very
understandingfellow."
inference
The same
mission
might be made from the com-

proved of the great massacre

find
the ensuing season
we

"

"

"

"

"

"

which

Powhatan

the occasion
gave him, on
of the people in
the number

justalluded to, to take

England, and to bring him
of their strengthand
account

an

and

exact

minute

Tomocomo

resources.

equal simplicityand
zeal.
Immediately on his arrival at Plymouth, he
procured a long stick,whereupon to cut a notch
about

set

with
soon

them
and

business

with

his knife for every

man
became
of his
weary

When

away.

how

that

many
to the

the

he

task,and

emperor
there
people
were,
stars

the sands

on

in the

should

But

see.

threw

he

his stick

his return,
on
inquired,
he could only compare

sky, the

leaves

on

the

trees,

the sea-shore.

collection
Pui-chas,(compilerof the famous
informed
of voyages,)was
by President Dale, with
fi-om Virginia,that
whom
Tomocomo
went
out
Opechancanough,and not Powhatan, had given hiro

Mr.

98

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

nothing." Such an arch sense, adds t-he

he
had this savage of the stingy'
treatment
histoi'ian,
of Tomohad received at court.
Nothing is known

givenme

'

after his

como

The

most

return

constant

America.

to

friend and

allyof

the

Virginian
of

English,for tvs^entyyears from the settlement

Jamestown, was Japazaws, the Sachem
or, as
of the Potomacs
old writers call him, the king

the

"

or

"

He

Patowomekes.
and

authorityon
bears to this day
a

was

the whole
the

name

of great influence
lengthof the river which

person

of his ti'ibe; being in fact

there,and always affecting

of petty emperor
the other
Powhatan
and

kind

to treat

emperors
had
two

rather

as

hundred
superiors. He
in his own
at the date of the great
village,
The entire populationwhich
more
was
massacre.
less subjectto him, appears,
or
though somewhat
view
of his first interfrom
Smith's account
indistinctly,
and his people,in 1608.
with the Sachem
fell with the
16th of lune," he writes,"we
"The
Feare
riuer Patowomek.
being gone and our men
al content
some
to take
paines
recouered,we were

brethren
bowmen

to

the

know

For

than

thirtie miles

Then

bayed

we

were

creeke

saylewe

conducted
towards

could

see

riuer.

broad

of that seuen-mile

name

no

inhabitants.

by two Salvages \'p

Onawmanaient, where

little

al the

to the number
layd with ambuscadoes
of three or foure thousand
Salvages,so strangely
shouting,yellingand
paynted,grimed and disguised,
haue
hell could
from
not
cryingas so many spirits
temble.
showed
more
Many brauadoes they made,
but to appease
their furie,
our
captainepreparedwith
them.
as
as
they to encounter
seeming a willingness
bullets vpon
the water
of our
But the gi-azing
(many
shot
on
they might see them) with
being
purpose
the ecco
of the woodes, so amazed
them, as dowue
their bowes
and
went
arrowes
(exchanging
; and
six
l
ames
Watkins
sent
%vas
myles vp the
hoKtages)
We
woodes
to their King^s habitation.
were
kindly
vnderstood
vsed of those Salvagesof whom
th^y
we

woodes

were

9?

BI0GR4.PHY.

INDIAN

betrayus by the direction of

he was
Powhatan."
After this,
suppliedwith plenty
of excellent provisionsby the subjects
of Japazaws,
and furnished
by that sachem himself ^vith guides to
of the streams.
his party up some
conduct
Finally,
he "kindlyrequitedthis kinde king and al his kinde
people."
Thus
valuable
a
quaintance
acauspiciouslycommenced
it is eminentlyworthy of observa
; and
of fi-iendship
the English
tion, with what
fidelity
were
repaid for the courtesy sho\vn to this intelligent
barbarian,and for the justicedone to his subjects.
Ever afterwards,
they sustained the English cause,
and supplied the English necessities,
when
all the
of their countrymen
rest
were
willingneither to
trade upon
When
treat nor
rived,
Argall arany terms.
in 1614, for example,
he was
sent
to the
riuer Patawomeake,"
calls it,)
Hamer
(as Master
for cnrne, the Salvages about
to trade
vs
hauing
small
I
and
friends
foes
at
as
they found
quarter,
ing
aduautage and opportunitie." Then, Argall hauentred
into a great acquaintancewith Japazaws,
old friend of CaptaineSmith's,and
an
so
to all our
since hee
discouevered
the countrie,"
nation,ever
the negotiation
ensued
which
have
resulted,as we
heretofore
shown, in gettingpossessionof the person
of Pocaliontas,and
thereby ultimatelyeffectinga
general peace.
warmth
The
of the Sachem's
gratitudeperhaps
caused
him to lay too littlestress
the hospitality
on
due to a princessand a guest
if guest she was
but
the struggle which
attended
the bargain, and
the
which
followed
sorrow
it,both show that Japazaws
without
not
was
principleor feeling.The argument
which
spected
probably turned the balance in his mind, rethe prospect of a treaty to be brought about
of Pocahontas,in which
she and
an
Powhatby means
were

commanded

to

"

"

"

"

had

much

more

interest

brightcopper kettle was

though not a sUght one.

"

than

subordinate
We

have

The

himself.

consideration,
seen,

that

the

100

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

willing to barter almost

of blue beads.
their birthrightfor a pound or two
cate
have credit for the deliAt all events, Japazaws must
first
the princesswas
by which
arrangement
notified of her forlorn condition.
treading
^^lapazaivs
done
he had
foot,to remember
ofton the Captaine^s
his time, perhe saw
his part, the captaine,when
suaded
have
Pocahontas
to the gun-roome,
fainingto
conference
with lapazaws, which was
some
onlythat
shee should not percieue
hee was
of her
any way guiltie
Sachems

Powhatan

were

captiuitie."
In 1619, lapazous

so

"

Rolfe

by

master

for

the

first

Jamestown,

to

came

"

called

John

time,

to

ships might be sent to trade in his

for a long
than
abundant
river,corn
being more
Parties were
time before.
sent, accordingly; but,
for some
not
they met ^vith in
explained,
reasons,

desire

that

different
to

two

success

take

eight
Japazaws

That
fi-om the

was

much

not

circumstance

that

gi-eat conspiracyof 1622

we
"

he

intended

to

in
he

of

concluded

so

force.

by

com

fault,would
had

no

mimediately

find,that CaptainCroshaw
where

and

in the commerce,
hundred
bushels

went

up

appear
part in the
after which

the

Potomac,

stay and trade for himself

had

with

by
this

long acquaintance he
to be his
King, that,so earnestlyentreated him now
director
his captaine and
friend,his countenancer,
and
Moyaagainstthe Pazaticans,the Nacotchtanks

reason

of the

ons, his mortall enemies."*

Croshaw
gladlyavailed himself

of this

in^^tation,

to
conducting his commerce
advantage,and secondly,for the purpose of "keeping
the king as an
opposite to Opechancanough." It
that the chieftain last named
sent
was
soon
afterwards,
his messengers
to Japazaws, with
presents of beads,
and proposals
of alliance againstthe English ^both
which
were
rejected. Then we are told,that " Capwith
Hamer
a
tame
ship and a pinnace at
ai-riuing

first for

the

sake

of

"

*Smitli's

Vol.
History,

II.

INDIAN

Patawomeke,

BIOGRAPHY.

lOi

kindly entertained both by him

[Croshaw] and the king." The two were
living
efforts
snugly togetherat this time ; using comnion
for supplyingthe colony or at least the captain
the one
on
hand, and for suppressingthe king's
Their
enemies, as named
above, on the other.
union was
at lengthintexTupted
by tlie machinations
of an exile Sachem, who
had taken refuge at Potomac
from the discontent of his own
subjects. Angry
with Japazaws for not assisting
him
in the recovery
of his dominion, he forged an
artful story about
Japazaws and his tribe having recentlyleagued with
Opechancanough.
That
Isaac Madison, who
story he told to one
had justbeen sent to Potomac
by Governor
Wyatt,
with a reenforcement
of thirtymen,
and
sion
commisa
expresslycharging hixTi to assist the Patowo
mekes
againsttheir enemies, and to protect them and
their corn
To
hood
to his utmost
give his falsepower.
the air of probability,
this savage lago cunningly
was

"

certain circumstances
upon
Madison
at
was
recently occurred.

commented
had
much

"

which

length so

alarmed, that sending for Japazaws to his own

strong-house(which Japazaws himself had assisted
he locked
in the Sachem, his son,
him in fortifying,)
and their four attendants,
them
set over
a
guard of
and bloody assault
and then made
a violent
soldiers,
the neighboringvillageof the Indians.
The
upon
king remonstrated,but in vain. He denied all the
son
Madichargesbrought againsthim, to no purpose.
then led him and
the other five prisonersto his
his
as
soon
as
ship,promising to set them at liberty
The
were
men
king meanwhile
safelyaboard.
vented
prehis subjects
from annoying the Englishon the
the captives
But, contrary to all good faith,
way.
carried to Jamestown, and
there til)
detained
were
the followingOctober, when
taken
home
they were
and ransomed
with a quantityof
by Captain Hamer
for hia
Madison
was
corn.
prosecuted afterwards
infamous
The Patowpunished.
conduct,but never

102

INDIAN

BlOGRAPHt.

have
of course
been
omekes
must
estrangedby it
dence
from the English interest,
though there is no eviof their

kept himself
h istory.

opposing them
aloof,and is no

ever

in

JapazaAvs

arms.

more

mentioned

in

death of Opechancanough was

The
a
signalfor
of the famous
it
the dissolution
confederacywhich

requiredthe whole genius of that chieftain and

and
maintain.
tribes
his predecessor to form
The
relapsedinto their former state of separate government
formidable
and
leader
no
ever
again roused
;
of OpechanThe nominal
them
to union.
successor
canough
do not find
was
we
ToTOPOTOMOi, whom
until after a lapseof ten years from
mentioned
even
his accession.
The ancient records of Virginiashow,
that in 1651, an Act of Assembly was
passed,assigning
and
such
lands on
York
to
securing
Toiopotomoi
had

river

as

he should

appointedto
to

choose

conduct

Jamestown,

and

him

; and

and

firom that

commissioners

his attendants

placehome

were

in

safety
again,after

adjustmentof the treaty. The termination of his

reign and life was as follows. Five years subsequent
after an
interval of
to the date last mentioned, and
ed
pi-ofoundpeace with the Indians which had continufor fifteen years, information
ed
was
suddenly receivthat a body of inland or mountain
at Jamestown,
of six
savages, called Rechahecrians,to the number
the
or
seven
near
hundred, had seated themselves
the

falls of James

river,with

the

apparent

intention of

The
motives
of this
forming a regular settlement.
have
been
never
singularmovement
explained. It
is only kno-vvn,that it gave
Utile alarm
to the
no
made
colonists;and that active preparationswere
for drivingthe new
back to their o^vn
ries.
territoenemy
A campaign ensued, and a battle was
fought;
and in this battle fell the king of the Powhatans, gallantly
aid
i
n
of
the
the
head
of
at
fighting
English,
hundred
warriors.
one
Victory declared for the
Rechahecrians,but a peace was soon after negotiated
with them
terms
to both parties.
on
satisfactory

103

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

Totopotomoi han at least his

!)ythe author of Hudibras, who
make
out
a rhyme,' in his noted
scandal upon the New
England

immortalized
him (to
introduced

name

allusion

to

certain

colonists.

preciousbrother having slain.

time of peace, an Indian,

A
In

The

mighty

Sent

to

Tottipotimot

elders

an

envoy,
of
Complaining sorely the breach
our

league,held

Of

forth

the saints to render

hang, the offender.

Into his hands, or

But they,maturely

They
A

had

no

having weighed.
but him

more

that served

man

them

in

Capacity,to preach and

Resolved
The

Patch.

brother
*

he craved

which

For

by

to

spare

him

of the trade"

double

cobble
;

yet

to

"

do

Indian

Hogan Mogan too

ImpartialJustice,in his stead
that was
Hang an old weaver

did
bed-i-id.

be amused
with the wit of the
certainly
may
satirist in this case, without
strict
a
insisting
upon
proof of his statements.

We

Such

is the

meagre

biography of

the last of the

shall close this chapter

Virginianchieftains. We
with some
particulars
respectingtwo or three of the
principalIndians known, at an earlier date,to the
One
of these was
first colonists of Carolina.
Winof territory
tract
GiNA, the king of a considerable
called

Wingandacosi, bordering upon

Sound.
Another
was
Granganimo, the
Wingina. Not much information is extant
either

known

of these

derives

an

style of the ancient

the circumstance

Albemarle
brother

of

ing
concern-

is
persons ; but the little which
additionaJ
interest both from the
writers

that the

of that

period,and

foreignsettlements

from
which

104

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

the very
led to this partial
acquaintancewere
among
firstupon the continent.
and
On
the 27th of April,1584, Philip Amidas
sailed from

the

of

England, as
of two
commanders
barks, fitted out by Sir Walter
of exploringa vast tract
Raleigh, for the purpose
of country gi-anted
to him
by a patent fi-om Queen
Elizabeth, of the March
previous. Taking the
usual route
by way of the Canaries and West Indies,
States,
they approached the coast of the Southern
for
of July,(enjoying
the second
on
(now so called,)
from
smell
delicate sweete
most
a day or
a
twoV
and
hundred
the shore.) After sailingone
twenty
the first harbor
miles north, they entered
they met
with, returned thanks to God for theu- safe arrival,
then took
the neighboringland, and
went
to view
of it,
cellent
formally, for the Queene's most expossession
done,"writes our ancient
majestie." Which
sandy
chronicler,
"theyfound their first landing-place
and low, but so full of grapes that the very surge of
overflowed
them ; of which
the sea sometimes
they
all
the
such
in
found
sand, the
places, on
plenty
well on
as
gi-eene soyle and hils,as in the plaines,
the tops
also climbingtowardes
as
euery littleshrub
of high cedars,that they did thinke
in the world
Barlow

Arthur

west

"

"

"

were

not

This

the like abundance."

beautiful

spot

was

the

island

ofWococon,

called Ocracock.
The
now
supposed to be the same
newly aiTived adventurers wandei-ed over every part
and
light.
deof it with
mingled feelingsof amazement
of
bosom
covered
the green
Goodly woods
the highits quietvalleys.There, we
are
told,were
est
them
and reddest cedars of the world, bettering
Libanus.
of Azores
or
There, were
Pynes, Cypres,
the
that
beareth
Lentisk
mastick,and many
Saxefras,
there
other of excellent smelle and qualitie.Then
deere
and
were
conies,and fowl in such incredible
would
abundance, that the discharge of a musket
"

See die Collections of

Hackluyt.

106
He

INDIAN

made

BIOGRAPHt.

hole in the

plate,and hung it ahout his

neck for a breastplate.
Much
other "truck"
passed
the parties,
between
in such good humor
and
good
in
the
that
of
a
coui-se
faith,
day or two a meeting
took
of the vessels,
and the
place on board one
a

Sachem

ate, drank
like
he

described

wife
on

be

to

entitled

; and

dressed

alike

longon

both

glish,
En-

Not

wards,
long afterchildren,who
are

own

and

est.
mod-

very

the

her

middle, of

followers

noblemen

pendants
those who

as

"

five
skuis.

the

among
six in each
ear.

or

The

sides of the

women

head

males

All

were

their hair

wore

; the

the

had

leadingcharacters
had

"

the

did,a band of
wore, as her husband
her forehead,and
in her eai-s bracelets

of copper
seemed

with

merry
number.

pearl,*" hanging down to

largepeas." Her female

size of

ai-e

made

brought his wife and

as
slender,but Avell-favored

coral

of

of their

one

The
white

and

only

men,

on

one.

The

step in the acquaintance,and

next

very

natural

that great numbers

of peoplebegan
one, was
to come
in from
various
pails of the neighboring
coast, bringing skins,coral and different kinds of
of which, however, any of them
dyes for sale ; none
the

Imt

noblemen

iheii-headsjas

red
("them that wore
he did,")would
undertake
The
Granganimo himself

of
presence
of the Sachem
showed
m

and

itself more

interview.
With a veiy
^-ud civil regardfor the comfort
of the
at

eveiy

copper
to

on

barter

character

more

to

vantage
ad-

considerate

English,he
never
paid them a visit without previouslysignifyof boats he should
bring with him,
uig the number
by fires kindled upon the shore ; so that his strength
He
might be exactly estimated.
invariablykept,
with
he
perfectpunctuality,eveiy promise which
made
in the coui-se
he also regularly
of traflic,
as
sent to the vessels,
daily,a gratuitousfi-esh supply
*

So called

they
kind.

were

by tlieearlywriters
shells,or

on

various occasions.

or
rock-crystal
j

Probably
that
oi
something'

brace

provisionsgenerallya

ot

"

rabbits,and
cucumbers,

fish ; and sometimes

pears and other roots

invited the

he

107

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

of

bucks, conies,
melons, walnuts,

and

fi-uits. Finally,

visit him

English to

at

his

own

residence,on the north end of an island called

Roanoke, distant about twenty miles fi-om the harbor
firstmade
by the colonists.
The invitation was
promptly accepted by a party
of eightof the Enghsh.
They found Granganimos
villageto consist of nine houses,built of cedar, and
" and
the entrance
like
fortified with sharp palisades,
himself was
Sachem
absent when
a turnpik." The
out
eagerlyto meet
they arrived ; but his wife came
them.
of her peopleshe commanded
Some
to draw
their boat ashore, that it might not suffer from the
sea's dashing; others to carry the English on
their
their oars
backs
through the surf, and put away
under
into
were
an

guests

house

containing five apartments. As they

with rain,she had
a
largefire kindled in

wet

inner

another

washed

apartment,

clothes,and

then
"

room.

the house
and

her

conducted

she

3Ieanwhile

cover.

served
She

somewhat

set

like

their
a

up
on

feet and

bountiful

the bord

their

dinner

in

standingalong

frumentie,sodden

venison

mellons
in like manner
fish ; and
raw,
fruites
of
diners
kindes."
and
boyledrootes,
She manifested the utmost
anxietyfor the comfort
of her guests. While
they were
eating,two or three
rosted

happened to enter, with bows and arrows,

which
the English started np and laid hold of
upon
but instead
iheir arms.
She perceivedtheir distrust,
of the intruders
of beingoffended,
caused the weapons
themselves
to be snapped asunder, and
to be beaten.
did not feel perfectly
Still the company
at home, and
towards
evening they retired to their boat. This
grievedher not a little; but she sent them a supper.
rods
she saw
When
them jealously
pushing off some
from the shore for a safe anchorage,she sent them
Indians

mats

to

guard of

shelter
her

them

peopleto

from
watch

the

rain, and directed

during

the

nightupon

108

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

observed,
whole, it has been justly
affected
is scarcelyin all historya picture of unthan
and generous
more
striking
hospitality
On

the shore.
that there

the

this.

Wingina, meanwhile, lay at his chief town, ill of

he had recentlyreceived in battle ; and the
wounds
Nor
was
nothing of him.
any thing
English saw
until
the next
of
of
seen
April
more
Granganimo,
ony
Grenville
Sir Richard
brought out a colyear, when
he left
and eightpersons, whom
hundred
of one
shore
the Carolinian
at Hatteras.
Granganimo
on
board
in
his usuallyfriendly
his ship
then came
on
and

feai-less manner.

But
1585.

it was

his

last visit.

He

during the year

This
event
produced a great alteration of affairs
settled on
in the colony. They were
Roanoke, an
of Albemarle
island at the mouth
Sound, and that
for them
to visit
it quite convenient
situation made
which
the coast and the country in various directions,
fore,
instructed
to do.
They explored,therethey were
far south
of their expeditions,
in the course
as
as
river; and as far north as the
beyond Pamlico
of the Chesapeaks, on the bay of their own
territoi7
and
Sound
name.
They also went
up Albemarle
hundred
and
Chowan
river,one
thirtymiles,to a
called Chowanocks, livingabove
of Indians
nation
the junctionof the Nottaway and the Mehei-rin.
troducing
these particulars
for the sake of inWe
mention
MenatexVon, the king of the tribe last
the largest
His province is described
named.
on
as
of
the whole
length of the river; and the town
hundred
Chowanock, it is said,could bring seven
lame
into the field. Menatenon
bowmen
was
owing
old
wound
in
battle
but
writes
to
an
a
probably
chronicler " he had more
understandingthan all the
the colonists,
their
and especially
rest." He amused
mine
governor, Mr. Lane, with a story about a copper
He
and a pearlfishery,
somewhere
along the coast.

died

"

"

also gave

strange

Moratuc, (now

account

called the

of the river
Roanoke,)where lived a
of the head

109

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

whose
king (he affirmed,)
such

bordered

country

the

on

of

abundance

pearlsfrom
not
only his skins and his noblemen's, but
his beds and
his houses
were
garnishedwith that
Mr.
Lane
ornament.
expressed a wish to see a
readilyreplied,
specimen of them ; but Menatenon
that the king of that rich country reserved them expressly
with
vien*
ivhite
for trading
took

sea, and
it,that

who

The

source

of

of

springing out
sea, that in
the copper,

an

the
a

Moratuc

rock, standing so

vast

the

storms

There

ore.

of

some

time

render

who

"

of his

himself

an

perhaps to lead
Hearing them
and

the

South

the credulous
his

discourse

was

into

talk
Sea

enterprise.
pearls,

and

mines

were

of that

accordingly,and
to

to

in their eyes, and

about

adventurers

been

have

hazardous

some

which

"

the colonists

must

"

objectof

chief

the

captiveamong

much

simple enough

were

but

for

of foundation

shadow

making them
important man

them

for three

parts of metal

relations ;

these

Menatenon
at the

might be

for

As

generallycollected in
skin,at a placeparticularly

described,and yieldedtwo
of

the

near

it.

over

as

was

with

great bowls, covered

beat

surges

said

that he

described

was

he

period
"

his

believe

with

all hobbies

eager

every

adapted
hearers

thing he

as-

Berted.t

They

even

undertook

of the copper
advanced
actually

search

had

the

mine

proposed expeditionin
the South

and

nearlytwo

hundred

Sea

; and

miles

up

This King was

at Chowanock
two
yeares agoe to trade
with blacke
pearle, his worst sort whereof I had a rope,
but they were
naught; but that king he, [Menatenon] sayth
for
of
hatli store
white, and had trafficke with white men,
he reserved them."
wnom
"
The
t
Mangoaks haue such plentieof it, they beautifie
their houses witli great platesthereof: thisthe salvages
report ;
Chawonocks
the
sonne
and
King
my prisoner,
young Shiko,
*
*
*
the Mangoaks, "c.
that had been prisoneramong
*

"

Menatenon

also

confirmed

guides to this mettall

alt

this, and

fountj-y, 4(-c.

promised

mt

110

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

the
fatigue,ana
of innumerable
hostility
compelled them to
savages
heard
of
that Wingina had
about.
It seems
turn
and
Menatenon
this expedition perhaps from
like that cunning though crippledSachem, he did
it both speciousin prospect
all in his power
to make
and
fatal in result.
After having said every
thing
of
the
and
avarice
the curiosity
to excite
colonists,

countiy, before

the

famine

and

"

"

till he

determined

them

saw

to

he sent
their

go,

word

to

proposed
powerfultribes livingon
coming againstthem;
route, that the English were
and that the sooner
they suppressedthis new
enemy,
the different

the

better.

times

Hence

came

choice
live

provisions,as
several days upon

saxefras

party several

being cut off by the savages ;

suppliedwith
beingplentifully
glad to
expected,they were
with
two
dogs ' boiled down

very near
lience,instead of

and

the

that

it was,

leaves.'

Fortunatelyfor the colony,several circumstances

succeeded
concurred
in the period of distress which
this enterprise,
to
making
prevent Wingina from
them.
war
open
upon
his father,Ensenore,

ganimo,
the

whom

natives.

made

had

all starved

defend
for

vs

inuade

next
fi-iend,

been

among

expedition
of Wingina.

that

the

party

then he had
slain ; and
begun
suffer it,
and not
that would
God
"

or

the return
all enemies

journalof

"

he

credit
could

to

expeditionafter
asswaged a little his

"

in

respect agame,

their

suggests another

Governor

more

of the

But

last observation

See the
collectiuns.

Gran-

the mind

circulated

having defeated
deuises,and brought Ensenore
that our
God
was
good, and wee
foes should
our
perish,"c."
The

of

of the

had no
vs, so that old Ensenore
; for he began by al the deuises

vs."*

to

found

ever

the safe return

blaspheme our

to

best

stronger impression upon

Rumors

were

the

influence

the

was

English had

the
But

One

Lane,

as

and
friends,

circumstance

in the
preserved

old

11

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

enmity of the chieftain.

This was
character,
a mortal
epidemic, of unknown
the Indians, and
wliich prevailed
exclusively
among
which

to restrain

went

the

tlie
colonists had
The
off great numbers.
these simplebeingsregard it as a punishto make
ment
the
hitherto manifested towards
for the hostility

carried
ai-t

diate
himself,who lived in the immeEnglish. Win gina"
come
exceedinglyovervicinityof the colony,was
by his superstition.Twice he was
very sick,
and came
near
dying. He then dismissed the priests
of the
who
usuallyattended him, and sent for some
English to pray for him, and to be as Master Heriot
in his "Observations"
upon this voyage
expresses it,
God
tliat hee might line with him
to our
a meenes
He supposed tliat he had offended the
after death."
Deity of the English by his blasphemy. They were
"

"

"

" This
marueithemselves in great repute, of course.
lous accident in all the country wrought so strange

opinion
thinke

of

vs

Gods

vs

the former

most

that
or

they

could

not

tell,whether

to

Of the two, they considered

probable,for the whites having no
men."

them, the inference in their minds

they were
was, that instead of being born of women,
of an old generation
men
many
years past, and risen
again from immortality.* All which, we are told,so
assumed
( a name
changed the heart of Pemissapan
by Wingina since the death of Granganimo )that,
the English were
Ensenore's
at
suggestion,when
of food, he sent in
for want
reduced
extremities
to
fish-weirs for them, and to plant
his subjects
to make
the fields they had
hitherto thought of abandoning.
died ; and as Wingina
But in April,1586,Ensenore
had now
his health,and most
completelyrecovered
the
of the enemies
which
the colony had
among
nations,
tribes took this opportunity
of renewing their machirangements
he relapsedinto his former
hostility.Armade
for collecting
or
seven
were
eight
hundred
Indians,under pretence of solemnizing the
women

among

"

"

"

Heriot.

112

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHT.

of Ensenore.
Half of them
for those of the colonists who

funeral
ambush

the

pursuit of

in

coast
along
provisions. The

other

fie

to

were

dailystraggled

crabs,fish and

detachment

assault

to

was

other

of

Roanoke, at a signalby fire in the

allotted to
houses were
night. Even the particular
be burned
by particular
persons or parties. Twenty
were
Lane,
chargedto beset the dwellingof Gk)vemor
and fire the reeds which
covered
it ; this would
bring
and
then
could
and
him out, naked
unarmed,
they
order was
despatchhim without danger. The same
made
for Mr. Heriot's,andvarious other habitations,
the settlement

which

were

meantime,

to be
as

it

fired

at

the

instant.

same

of gi-eat consequence

was

In the

to

reduce

it,Wingina
strengthof the colony by dispersing
pi-ovidedfor breakingup the weirs, and strictly
hibited
prohimself
all trade in provisions. He
kept
the

aloof also with

The

well

plan was

Governor

The

Croatan,merely

that

to

pait of the

they might collect

Ten

sustenance.

own

view.

concerted,and not without

was
soon
obligedto send

of the colonists

twenty
their

similar

; and
purpose
about on
themselves

for the

were

more

other

coast

the

means

sent

to

cess.
suc-

off

called

of
Hatte-

small

companies
the seacoast, to gather
scattered
But the ingenuityof the civihzed
oysters and roots.
finally
prevailedagainst
party, driven to desperation,
ras

same

the

chieftain's naked

sent

him

word

he

shrewdness.

going

was

to

The

Croatan,to

Governor
meet

an

had
touched
there with
English squadron which
supplies,coveringthe objectof this fabrication by
also requesting
the services of a few Indians to fish
of gainingtime,
and
hunt for the colony. Desirous
Wingina promptly replied,that he would himself
in eightdays. No doubt he expected
visit Mr. Lane
to completehis conspiracyin this interval.
Bat

the Governor

was

not

so

to be

deceived.

He

a visit
resolved,on the contrary, to pay the Sachem
Previous
to
the next day after receivinghis answer.
the Indians
at
that,however, he proposed to surprise

114

INDIAN

tion

him,

supply

to

Perhaps

which

left

which

be

looked

the
to

Indians

towne,

and

with

the

death,

the

pains

the

gi-eater

of

Menatenon,

and

might

be, then,

if

wholly

son

the

which
motives
of

ilfM

Shiko.

evidence

inadmissible.

'.

Relation

of

shrewd

W^hf"tever
wa"

Wingina's
no

means

justify

to
as

take

may

period,
the

and

turned
re-

familiar

by

this

at

ly
certain-

are

to

of

so

was

such

by

"

and

attempt

annals

medium

his

the

hardly

tvherefore

cup,

was

all

at

Then,

who

injury

being
and

come,

those

aside

town

could

subsequent

Sachem's

the

silver
their

noticed,
the

from

just.

or

information

the

the

through

not

be
into

of

part

and

This

the

setting

look

to

received
came

that

it will

and

history

Finally,

party,

stole

friends,

make

about

besides

Tocokon."*

remember

will

friendly

was

went

natives,

spoyled

at

Carolinian

forgotten.
either

fleet

to

way

no

either

colony

trespasses,

the

by

the

our

the

tribe,

to

other

by

as

upon

burnt

times
some-

respecting

circumstance,

very

unlicensed

wholly

Aquascosack
ive

they

English

tribe

accompanied

events

made

when

The

fi-om

coast

"

probably

be

occurred

Grenville.

by
the

town

to

that

appears

should

i-emark

provocation

ranging

it

though

gratuitously.

did,

first

BIOGRAPHY.

that

or
Govern-

movements

cripple,
the

facts

cJ^^^rl/ jiiadequ;"te

INDIAN

115

BIOGRAPHY.

CHAPTER

VI.*

the

New
England Indians at the date of the
The
Pokanoket
Settlement
Plj'inouth
confederacyThe
first
head-Sachem, known to the
Wampanoag tribe Their
Massasoit
The
first
interview between him and
English
the whites" ^His visit to Plymouth,in 1621
Treaty of peace
and friendshipEmbassy sent to him at Sowams, by die Engish Anecdotes respectingit He is suspectedof treachery
in 1622"
Ilis sickness in 1623
A second deputaor hostility,
tion
and results of the visit His invisits him
Ceremonies
tercourse
with other tribes Conveyancesof land to the English
Anecdotes.
His death and character

Sj-nopsisof

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

if not
the completestclassification
clearest,
of the New
tlement
England Indians,at the date of the setof Plymouth, includes
five principalconfederacies,
each
and
teiritory,
occupying their own
ited
chiefs. The
governed by their own
Pequots inhabThe

the

eastern

the

were

part of Connecticut.

within
Narraghansetts,

East

whose

of them

limits Rhode

Island,and various smaller islands in the vicinity,

ed
situatwere
comprised. The Pavvtucket tribes were
chieflyin the southern section of New Hampshire ,
the Massachusetts
tribes around
the bay of their o^vn
; and

name

between

Narraghansettsupon
claimed

tract

bounded
Island)
et rivers for

of

some

of what

these
the
is now

south,

Not

to

the

and

tho

Pokanokets

Bristol county, (Rhode

Taunton
and
Pawtuck-

laterally
by
distance,togetherwith largeparts

Plymouth and Barnstable.

This
confederacyexercised
*

the north

upon

subjectourselves

to

the

some

dominion

over

it
charge of plagiarism,

iiere,that several passages in tlie

proper to remark
Pokanoket
n
otices
the
Sachems
have been taken
of
following
almost unaltered from an article on Indian
Biography, published
may

be

heretofore in the North American

Review, and
author
The
is true of a
of tliiswork.
the
same
and
his
brotlier
notice
of
Tecuniseh
"ubsequent

written

by

part of the

116
the
and

INDIAN

Indians

of

Nantucket

and

of the

nearest

several

over

BIOGRAPHY.

Martha's

Vineyard,

Massachusetts

and

Nipmuck tribes ; the latter name

designatingan
interior territory,
now
mostly within the boundaries
of AVorcester
Of the Pokanokets, there
county.
nine separate cantons
each
were
or
tribes,
governed
its
but
all
own
or
subject
by
petty sagamore
squaw,
also the particular
to one
grand-sachem, who was
chief of the
Wampanoag
canton, living about
Montaup.*
The first knowledge we
have of the Wampanoags,
"

and

of

them
and
ruled over
the other Pokanokets, is furnished in the collections
of

the

individuals
the

Purchas, on

who

authorityof

Captain Dermer,
the Master
Thomas
Dirmire
spoken of by John
Smith
in his JVew England Trialls,
"an vnderstandas
who
also with
was
ing and industrious geiitleman,
him

from

out

the

amongst

Frenchmen."
in

England

1619,by

of the President
in

ship of

and

hundred

two

Indian

with

him,

twenty

who

had

Dermer
Sir F.

Council

tons.

named

been

sent

was

He

count
Gorges, on acof New
England,

had

Squanto,
kidnapped on

Pokanoket

one

the

of

about

by
Malaga

coast

at
as
CaptainHunt,
for twenty pounds a man.f
Squanto and a few
others of the captives
either rescued or redeem
were
of some
of the
ed, by the benevolent
interposition

in

1614,and

sold

slaves

This celebrated eminence (frequently

called,by corruptioi
of the Indian name,
Mount-Hope) is a mile or two east of the
It is very steep on
all sides, and terminates
villageof Bristol.
in a largerock, having the appearance
to a distant
dome.
spectator, of an immense
Smith
that Hunt
f It is gratifying
to learn from
vi^as
ished,
punthe
baseness
of
his
infamous
though not accordingto
"
He betraied foure and twentie of these poore
Salcrime.
dishonestlyand inhumanely
uages aboord his ship,and most
and
all
for their kinde usage of me
carried them witli
oiu'
men,
him to Maligo,and there for a littlepriuate gaine sold those
silly
Saluagesfor Rials of eight; but this vilde act kept him
ever

afterfrom

Generate

any

more

Historie of x^ew

imploiement to these parts,""

England,publishedin 1632

'

117

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

"
When
I arrived,"says
upon that island.
Dermer
in his letter to Purchas, "at my
savage's
native country, findingall dead, I travelled along a
day'sjourneyto a placecalled Nummastaquyt, where,

monks

I despatcheda messenger
findinginhabitants,
journey further west, to Pacanokit, which
eth

the

on

; whence

sea

with

attended

see

armed
guard of fifty

well satisfied with

in whatsoever

kings

two

me

who

men,

being

I discoursed
savage and
of novelty)
tent
congave me

tliatmy

them, (beingdesirous

unto

to

came

day's

border-

I redeemed

Here

I demanded.

another
at MasstaFrenchman, and afterwards
three years since escaped shipwreckat
who
chusitt,
a

the northeast
the

as

"

of

Cape

sachems

have

"

afterwards

probablythe

the

to

second

One

of these

two

entitled
fi-equeutly

were

earlywriters, must
known

Cod."

been

Massasoit,

Plymouth
liis brother

was

of

kings,
by the
well

so

settlers ; and

Quadepinah.
the vicinity

Squanto was
country"
understood
the Indians
to
of Plymouth, where
are
of them, there,
have
been kidnapped. Thousands
well as elsewhere
as
along the whole coast of New
England, had been swept off by a terrible pestilence.
The

"native

The

of

first appearance

of

Plymouth, was
1621,a week previous to
concerninghim had been

Massasoit,*after
upon
which

22d

the
some

the

tlement
set-

of March,
information

gatheredfi-om an Indian
with great
entered
the village
named
Samoset, who
come."
and
boldness,
greetedthe inhabitants with a welin with
the second
On
occasion,he came
of
four others, having engaged to introduce
some
whom
the Wampanoags, to traffic in furs, among
was
Squanto, at that time probablythe sole remain"

"

"

We

It is
"c.

the
more

giventhe most simpleorthographyof this word.

written Massasoyt,Massasoiet, Massasowat,
frequently
porary
Mr. Belknap says, (American Biography,)that contemwith
made
it a word
of four syllables,
pronunciation
have

sequently
Mas-sass-o-it.
The sachem subhas undergone stiU
assumed
anotlier name,
which
various modifications, Oosamequin,Woosamequin, and

accent

on

die

are
A.usuiuequin,

second,
"

"

some

of them.

118

INDIAN

ing native
fish and
the

of

BIOGRAPHY.

skins

to

sell,and

great sachem, with

force,were

This party brought a few

the English that
informed

Plymouth.

his

hand.

brother
Massasoit

and

his whole

appeared
As they
sixtymen.
upon
seemed
unwillingto approach nearer, Squanto was
despatched to ascertain their designs; and they gave
him
to
some
one
understand, that they wished
be
hold
should
sent
to
a parley.
Edward
Winslow
was
appointed to this ofBce,
and he immediatelycarried presents to the sachem,
which
him
were
willinglyaccepted. He addressed
also in a speech of some
the Indians
length,which
listened to with the decorous
characteristic
gravity^
of the race, ill-explained
it was
as
by the interpi-eter.
The
purport of the speech was, that King James
saluted the sachem, his brother,with
the words
of
peace and love ; that he accepted him as his friend
and
desired to see him,
ally; and that the Governor
and to trade and treat with him upon
friendlyterms.
Massasoit appears
made
to have
no
specialreply to
this harangue, for the sufficient reason,
probably,
that he did not
drift of
the
comprehend
precisely
it. He paid more
and armor
attention to the sword
of Winslow
while he spoke ; and when
he had ceased
to
commence
speakiag,signifiedhis disposition
the proposed trade forthwith
by buying them. They
low
were
not, however, for sale ; and so, leaving Winsin the custodyof his brother,
he crossed a brook
between
and
the English,taking with
him
him
directed to
twenty of the Wampanoags, who were
leave their bows
and arrows
behind
them.
Beyond
he
the brook
and
Standish
met
was
by Captain
another
gentleman,with an escort of six armed men,
who
exchanged salutations with him, and attended
of the best houses
him to one
in the vHlage.* Here,
the

near

at

soon

with
neighboringhill,

arch

has in modern

times been thrown over

tliis
Droolt,to pointout tlie precisespot of tliemeeting. The hill
where the chieftain first appeared was
by the settlers of his
time called " Strawbern-Hill."
stone

INDIAN

119

BIOGRAPHY.

spreadupon the floor,and three

green rug was
four cushions
piled on it for his accommodation.
TJie Governor
then entered
the house, followed
A

several

drum

soldiers,and
and

preceded by

trumpet,

"

flourish

probably

measure

or

by

of

mended
recom-

answered
the purby Standish,and which
pose
of delighting
and astounding the Wampanoags,
even
a deference
beyond expectation. It was
paid
which
to their sovereign,
pleasedas well as surprised

them.

The

and

sachem

the

Governor

kissed

now

each

other,and after the interchangeof certain other

sat down
civilities,
together,and regaledthemselves
with what
Neal calls an entertainment.
It consisted,
it seems,
chieflyof "strong waters, a thing the
took such a
savages love veiy well; and the sachem
him
all
sweat
largedraught of it at once, as made
the while
this

occasion,the

1.
should

That

injure

he should
him.
3.

That

4.

send

if any

if any

aid him

should

aid them.
That

(Massasoit's)
people.

to

taken

away

from

any

it to be

and they
restored,

unjustlywar

againsthim, they
againstthem, he

cause

his.

did

if any

he should

did

send

Avar

erates,
neighbor confedthem
of this,that they might not
to inform
them, but might be likewise comprised in

That

when

sicn,tlieyshould
7.

of their

thingwere

; and

wrong
these conditions
6.

his

to any
of his did any hurt to any of theirs,
the offender,
that they might punish

would
5.

of

as

upon
follows.

if any

do the like
That

were

any

do hurt

concluded

was

of which

he, nor

he should
theirs,

should

treaty

terms

neither
or

2. That

of

he staid."

That

of peace.
his came
leave

his

to

to

their

them

arms

upon
behind

any
them.

occa-

doing, their Sovereign Lord, King

him as his friend and ally.
James, would esteem
"
All which," says Morton, and some
ists
other annal" he
liked very well,and witlial,
agi-ee with him,
at the same
to
time, acknowledged himself content
so

"

"

120

INDIAN

become

the

BIOGRAPHY.

subjectof

his
aforesaid,

heirs

SovereignLord

our

and

the

; and

successors

Kiug
unto

gave

all the lands

ever."
adjacent,to hun and his heirs forThis
acknowledgement of the sovereignty
of the King, if it reallymade
a part of the agreement,
deserved
a placeas
a distinct article ; being
ceitainly
by far more
important than all the others. The
grant of land, and this grant constituted the entire
title of the Plymouth settlers,
as againstthe natives,^
is confirmed
and
by subsequent ti-ansactions,
cially
espethe
of
Massasoit.
his
submission
But
acts
by
of King James, as a subjectto a
to the authority
doubtful ; nor
does it by any means
sovereign,is more
him

"

accord

with

the

seventh

ti-eaty itself also

express

the

That

preservedpreciselyas

not

was

article.

it

probablyunderstood, may be inferred from the

variations of it givenby Mouit
cording
Acin his Relation.
for example, a justrecipto his sixth article,
rocity
is maintained,by providing that the English
should
leave their piecesbeliind them
in their interviews
was

with

the

This

Indians.

alliance and

distinction

subjection, at least in
have been
to
pai'ties,seems

of the

"

"

Such, however,
Indians

of New

Englmid,
"

of gi-eatinterest.

honorable

It

was

The

terms.

the mind
too

made
Indians

passage
upon
came

of

much

firsttreaty made

the

was

between

in

one

looked.
over-

yviih the
its

histoiy
peaceable and
in voluntarily

tion
though they received as a considerafor the immense
at the time,
gi-anted
temtory
only a pair of knives, and a copper chain with a
jewel in it for the grand sachem ; and a knife,a
jewel to hang in his ear, a pot of strong water, a
and some
butter for Quadegood quantityof biscuit,
satisfied with the suball parties
stance
pinah,* yet were
of
as
by the ceremonies
they were
gratified
make

to

it ; and

"

of

So
a

minutelyis the
Plantation

re-published
among
There

is reason

to

transaction described

in The

Journal
at Plymouth, preservedby Purciias, and
the Historical Collections of Massachusetts
think that Winslow
the author
was

122

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

seen

hand, they must

imposing,as well

at

near

somewhat

have

made

to

them

interesting
spectacle.
few
of
their
the
number
a
whites,
Leaving
among
the
the
retired
woods
to
as
hostages,
Wampanoags
about
half a mile distant and spent the night; and
acted as their hostage. The
Winslow
Englishwere
it would
to put faith in the
not yet prepared,
seem,
of savages ; for they kept strict watch
professions
all night,
besides retainingthe securityjust named.
Tlieir guests, on
the contrary, enjoyed themselves
of their
in the woods
some
quietly
; and there were
wives and children w^ith them, who
have come
must
visit from
distance
of forty
this courteous
a
upon
sachem
several of his people the
miles.
The
sent
his wish that some
of his new
next
morning,to signify
friends would

as

him with their presence.

Stan"
"
dish and one
Alderton*
went
venturously among
and
if
not
were
them,
cordially,
^oyallywelcomed
of tobacco
with an
entertalnmeut
and
ground-nuts.
"
We
stUl uncannot
our
satisfied
yet conceive,"continues
" but
that he is willingto have
informant,
our
times
people somepeace with us ; for they have seen
honor

and
in the woods
at work
fowling,when
they offered them no harm, as they
at their
might easilyhave done."
They remained
tilllate in the forenoon ; the Governor
encampment
the sachem's liberality,
meanwhile, by send
requiting
for his largekettle,
and
ing an express messenger
"
it Avith dry peas.
This pleasedthem well ;
filling

alone

and

so

much

two

or

three

their way
;" the
they went
no
relieved,
doubt, as the other
"

party

one
was

as

gratified.f

whom
the outer
point of Boston harbor is said to
been
have
named.
bnsiness at
the earliest visit,of ceremony
or
was
fSuch
least,which tlienatives of New England paid to tlieColonists.
The account
givenof it,thoughex parte, as all such descrip.
tions must
be, is honorable to the former in the highestdegree.
They show that many, if not most of the savages, who were
*

From

fairlydealt with,
kindness

as

could

were

at

first as sensible and as

wished.
They went

have been

prone

to

unarmed

INDIAN

We

meet

with

Massasoit

embassy being then

Montaup or Sowams.

123

BIOGRAPHY.

sent

to

again in July
hun

at his

o\vr,

J 621 ;

an

residence,

consisted

of
embassy
Winslow
and Stephen Hopkins ; and the
Edward
objectsof it were, says Mourt,* that forasmuch as
his subjects
sions
came
oftenand without fear upon all occato visit
now
amongst us" so the English went
him, carryingwith them a coat from the Governor
of good will,
token
to his friend the sachem, as
a
and desire to live peaceably. It was
ted,
farther intimahis
though with great delicacy,that whereas
to
people came
frequentlyand in gi-eat numbers
and all,
and Avere
always
Plymouth, wives,childi-en,
welcome, ^yet being but sti-angers in the land, and
how
confident
their corn
not
might prosper, they
could no longergive them
such entertainment
as they
self,
had done, and stillwished
If Massasoit himto do.
fi-iend
however, would visit them, or any special

This

"

"

of his,he should

be welcome.

request

was

then

should be
Pokanokets, who had fiirs,
The
permittedto disposeof them to the Colonists.
Governor
also to exchange some
wished
him
corn
for seed with the Plymouth people.
The
is more
remaining article in this message

made,

that the

illustrative of the
desirable

between

understood

to

exist

and

parties. On the first

arrival of the Colonists at Cape Cod, it seems
they
had found
buried there in the ground. Seeing
corn
inhabitants in the neighborhood," but some
no
graves
of the dead newly buried,"they took the corn, with
ever
the intention of making full satisfaction for it whenit became
of it were
practicable.The owners
to

be

relations

the

the settlers without

fear, disposedto be honest and
at all events, and
their means
as
friendly
as
hospitable
mitted.
perin the sequel,that they continued so
It will appear
for a long course
of years, as they also continued faithful to
their express obligations.
* See
Mourt's
Relation,
part of which is also preserved
in the Collections.
The name
of tliepublisher
onlyBeems
to be attached to it.
among

124

INDIAN

supposedto

have

BIOGRAPHY.

fled

through fear.

It was
be informed

now

posed,
pro-

by Massasoit, if they could be found, that the Englishwere

ready to pay them with an equal quantityof corn,
they had
Englishmeal, or " any other commodities
withal ;" and full satisfaction was
to pleasure them
oflfered for any trouble which
the sachem
might do
them the favor to take.
This proposalwas
equally
and just.
politic
The
visiters met
with a generous,
though humble
which
reminds
of the firstreception
one
hospitality,
of Columbus
islanders.
by the West-Indian
They
that these

should

men

"

"

reached

Namaschet

about

three

in the afternoon

o'clock

tained
there,we are told,the inhabitants enterthem
with joy,in the best manner
they were
able ; giving them sweet
bread*
and fish,
with a less
acceptableaccompaniment of boiled musty acorns.
Vai-ious civilities were
exchanged after this primitive
and
repast, as ancient, by the way, as the
savory
time was
antly
passedvery pleasearlyGreeks, and some
in shootinga crow
at a considerable
distance,

; and

"

"

of the
then directed to a place about
Indians.
They were
(Middleborough)where, says the
eightmiles distant,
better
store and
Journalist,
they should find " more
the

to

vast

astonishment

and

amusement

welcomed, on their arrival,

of fine
by a pai-tywho were
catchinggreat numbers
bass in Taunton
river,and who gave them a supper
and a breakfast in the mornmg,
besides the privilege
of lodgingin the woods
near
by over night.
Attended
by six of their hosts the next day, they
here they
assisted in passingthe river ; and
were
with the first indications
of ill-will,
in the permet
sons
of two
old Indians
the
bank.
opposite
upon
entered
the river,
These
as
two, espyingthem
they
the high grass to
ran
swiftlyand stealthily
among
victuals."

They

were

and made
Called mazium,
which
Gookin
says, tliata meal
*

sweet, so
travel
would
many

was

so

hearty,and

dayswith

no

doubt.
theymade of parched maize
so
toothsome, that an Indian
other food.
of

Indian

corn,

no

them

meet

then,with

; and

of the

bows, demanded
"but
seeing we
welcomed
bestowed

small

which

remarks

voices and

loud

drawn

strangers who

they were
;
it
is
were
friends,"
added, "they
with
such
food as they had, and we

us
a

125

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

of beads

bracelet

follow

them."

on

The

conduct
this,upon*the

of the

forbear
six attendants,we
cannot
citing at large,
main
"When
irrelevant to our
as
they are.
purpose
we

to

came

"where

small

bridgewas,

no

through of

us

brook," says

their

accords

own

desired

of them

two

writer,

accurate

our

; also

to

can-y

fearingwe

be weary, offered to carry our pieces;

would
also if we
lay off any of our clothes,[itbeing
excessivelyhot,]we should have them carried ; and
were,

as

would

or

the

of them

one

from

one

from

the

had

of the

found

After

reached

Sowams.

but arrived

savage
thankfulness
furtherance in
the

on

Massasoit

and was
after,
dischargeof musketry.

delivered
a

fine

their message

hoi-seman's
lace.

The

by

by

his

welcomed

took

manner,

at

not

was

He

oui

way,

saluted

soon

visiters with a
them kindly after the Indian
his lodge,and
seated them

with

other

help and

entertainment

more

one

the

their

showed

travellers

home,

and

messengers,

other,so they
in affording
us
accordingly,
the journey."

specialkindness

more

himself.

them

They

into
then

and

coat

prising
presents, the latter comof red cotton, embroidered

sachem

mounted

this

superb
article without
delay,and hung the chain,which
they also gave him, about his neck, evidentlyenjoying
the unspeakableadmiration
of the Wampanoags,
who
ed
answergazed upon him at a distance. He now
the message,
clause after clause ; and particularly
his desire to continue in peace and friendship
signified
with
his neighbors. He
gathered his men
around
casionally
him, in fine,and harangued them ; they ocary
confirming what he said by their customer
commandWas
not he,Massasoit,
ejaculations.
of the
town

country

within

about

his iominioii"

them
"

and

Was
were

not
not

such
the

pec-

126

BIOGRAPHY

INDIAN

subjects and should they not bring

it ?
their skins to him, if he wished
he proceeded to name
about
Thus
thu'tyof his
his attentive auditors
small settlements,
responding
tled,
to each
question.^The matter
being regularlysethe lighted
tobacco
for his guests, and conversed
about their own
with them
velling,
country and King, marabove all,
that his Majesty should
hve without
As
it grew
a
late,and he offered no
squaw.
substantial entertainment
than this, ^no doubt
more
for the sound
nothing to offer,
reason, that he had
his guests intimated
to retire for the night.
a wish
He forthwith accommodated
them, with himself and
end and his visiters at the other,
his wife,they at one
of a plank platform,
of a bed consisting
raised a foot
thin
fi'om the ground and covered
with
two
a
or
of his chief men,
Two
mat.
probably by way of
also stationed
the same
compliment, were
upon
premises; and this body-guard performed their
that no
other
pressingduty of escort so effectuallj^
pie

of it his

"

"

"

circumstances
"

guests
been
On
with

woree

weary

the
their

sports and

various

partook,with
a

the

journey."
of the petty chiefs,
followingday,many
in from the adjacentcouncame
try,
subjects,
of

entertainment

the

honored
lodgingthan they had
make

to

necessary
of their

of their

and

of

were

meal

the

the

sachem

games

English.
and

of boiled

with

were

fish shot
They continued

At

got up for
noon,

they

about

forty others,
by himself,(probably
witli him

until the
they departed,leavingMassasoit
"
ashamed"
that he could not better
entei-tain him.
Very importunate he was, adds
the journalist,
them
to have
longer;
stay with him
but as they had
but one
meal
for two
eaten
days
with the exceptionof a partridge,
and a night,
which

arrows.)
next
morning, when
both gi'ieved
and

of them

killed ; and what

night,the "savages'bai-bai-ous
one

to

^vith their location at

singingof themselves

sleep,"musquitoes without doors,and other

mconveniences
within,could not sleep at

fling
tri-

all ;

INDIAN

127

BIOGRAPHY.

of conscience,
they begged to be excused, on the score
Sunday being near at hand, not to mention
and
could
that they were
growing light-headed,
longer,to be
hardly expect, if they stayed much
"

"

home.
Massasoit's friendship
was
again tested in March,
to be under
1622, when an Indian,known
Squanto'3
in
nists,
came
a party of coloinfluence,*
running
among
with his face gashed,and the blood fresh upon
and then
it,callingout to them to flee for their lives,
looking behind him as if pursued. On coming up,
he told them that the Indians,under Massasoit,
were
congregating at a certain placefor an attack upon
in
the Colony ; that he had
received his wounds
had
of opposing their designs; and
consequence
barelyescaped from them with his life. The report
occasioned
little alarm ; althoughthe correctness
no
denied
of it was
flatly
by Hobamock, a Pokanoket
resident
Indian
recommended
at Plymouth, who
that a messenger
should
be sent secretly
to Sowams,
the truth.
for the purpose
of ascertaining
This was
done, and the messenger,
findingevery thing in its
usuallyquietstate,informed Massasoit of the reports
circulated againsthim.
incens
He was
excessively
able

to

reacli

be here observed,was
quiteconsiderable.
Squanto was ambitious and meddlesome, thoughnot malicious
and serviceable to the English,
but a littletoo
well-disposed
his countrymen.
anxious to have credit for that fact among
them
that the whites kept the
He amused himself with telling
plague barrelled up in their cellars,that they intended war
various tribes,"c. for the sake of being employed,
upon
sometimes hired, to act as mediator; and of course
he always
succeeded in settling
the difficulty.
ber,
Squanto died in Novemfitted out by Governor
Bradford
1622, on an expedition
for obtainingcorn
tlie
Indians.
His
last
request was,
among
that the governor would pray for him that he might go to the
He bequeathedhis littlepropGod in Heaven.
Englishman's
erty
his
to
Englishfriends. So perishedthe last aboriginal
of the Plymoutlisoil. He sometimes
played ' Jack upon both
sides,'as Hubbard says, but his death was justlyconsidered a
publicloss.

"

Which, it may

128

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

againstSquanto,but sent his thanks to

for the opinion of his fideUty,
which

ed

him
to

assure

the Governor
he

derstood
un-

the messenger
retain ; and directed
that he should
instantly
apprize him

to

him,

of any conspiracywhich
take place.

might

at

any

the declarations of Massasoit,

upon
of
far
from
words
were
being mere

future

That

this

time
sion,
occa-

compulsion

of courtesy, is

or

duringthe

next

that year, news

sick at Sowams

Winslow

abundantlyproved by his conduct

Early in the springof
season, 1623.
to Plymouth, that he was
came
very
; and

visit him

to

of
friendship

it was
once

determined

to

send

Mr.

of the
in token
more,
That gentleman immediately

the colonists.
his journey,being
commenced

providedwith

few

Master John
cordials,and attended by " one
gentleman,who then wintered
Hampden, a London
with him, and desired much
the country,"
to see
doubt the same
character so eminentlydistinguishno
ed
of England.
afterwards in the politics
They heard, at various placeson their route, that
the sachem
was
already dead ; and their guide,
Hobamock, indulged himself all the way in the most
howunbounded
grief They found him stillliving,ever,
their arrival ; and the multitude of dependon
ents
and friends who
his
made
thronged
lodge,
way
fast as possible
for their admittance
and accomas
modation.
He
appeared to be reduced to the last
extremities.
Six or eightwomen
were
employed
the residue of the
in chafinghis cold limbs, and
were
numerous
exertingthemselves to the
company
rather
utmost, meanwhile, in making what Winslow
pered
uncharitablycalls " such a hellish noise as distemthose that were
well."*
He had the good sense
a

"

leader of the chorus.

Powah
Indian
was
"
the
Williams
df these barbarian quacks,Roger
says, that
poore peoplecommonly dye under their hands," for the very
that they " administer nothing,but howle, and
good reason
tliem,and begin the song to the rest of
roar, and hollow over
the peopleabout them, who all joyne(likea quire)in prayer to
*

Probably

an

^^
f

BIOGRAPHY

INDIAN

from

warm
aitlentlj'

about

were
|,x;e;5ts

to

the

leave

heart.

him, he

Finally,as

his

culled Hobamock

side,and revealed to him a plot againstthe

colonists,
recentlyformed, as he understood, among
Lis

to

certain
had

of

the Massachusetts

iiimself

been

invited

to

rnd
tribes,
join. He

in which
also

he

recom

for the suppresmeasures

sion
summary
with chargingHobamock*
of the plot,and concluded

inended

certain

to communicate

the

the

to
intelligence

It may

be

VVinslow

added

here,
were
subsequently executed by
The
and were
successful.
Standif'h,
conspiracyitself
and
occasioned
was
by the notorious
outrageous
"
of
the
banditti
of
Master
Weston," at
profligacy
Weymouth.
Q he leadingparticulars
in the residue of MassaIn 1632, he waa
soit s life,
be detailed.
soon
may
assaulted
at Sowams,
by a party of Narraghansetts,
and obligedto take refugein an English house.
His
situtiiion was
ascertained
at Plymouth, and
soon
an
armed
force being pi-oniptly
cor,
despatchedto his sucimder
his old friend Stan dish, the Narraghansetts
he
retired.
the
About
1639,
probably
year
associated his eldest son, Moanam
or
Wamsutta, with
him iu the government
togetherinto
; for they came
at
court
Plymouth, it is said,on the 28th of
open
September of that year, and desired that the ancient
inviolable.
They also
treaty of 1621 might remain
entered into some
new
going to
engagements, chiefly
to the
secure
Colony a pre-emptiveclaim to the
the whole
Pokanofeet lands.
"And
court,"add the
*'
of the whole
for
records, in the name
government
each town
and
did then likewise ratify
respectively,
ihe aforesaid ancient league and confede
confirm
racy."
to
way
that th(Be measures
on

Plymouth.

The date of this Indian's death is not known.

He is said
been
the Massachusetts
to have
a
once
war-captainamong
'
tribes. Hubbard
describes liim as a
young man,
proper lusty
for his val
the
those
and of good account
Indians
of
parts
among
without beingtroublesomfl
or.' He was
nse'il,like Sqiianto,

131

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

of the father and

this time, the names
found
not
sometimes
united,and sometimes

From
are

land

which

in instruments

Enghsh. In
Bridgewater m

by
1649,
his

sold

Witnes

"

name.

own

of the deed
are
of the contrie of
quin Sachim
given,grantedenfeofed and sould
the

"

words

so,
the

conveyed to
the territory
of

was

former

the

son

"

these

ents""
presthat I Ousame-

Pocanauket,

Myles

unto

haue

Stand-

Nash
and
Constant
Duxborough Samuel
of Duxborough aforesaid in the behalfe
Southworth
of Duxborough
aforesaid a tract
of all y" townsmen
of land usuallycalled Saughtucket extendingin length
and the breadth thereof,
as
followeth,that is to say
[here follow the boundaries of what is now
Bridgethe
said
W^*"
tract
Ousamequin hath
water] the
given grantedenfeofed and sould unto y" said Myles
Southworth
[Standish]Samuel Nash and Constant
of Duxborough as
in the behalfe of all y^ towusmen
aforesaid w'*" all the emunities
privelegesand profitts
whatsoever
belonging to the said tract of land w"^
underwoods
all and singularall woods
lands meadish

of

"

"

owes

Riuers

houid

to the

Constant

brooks
said

Rivulets

Myles

Southworth

Standish

in behalfe

of the towne
of Duxborough
forever.
In witnes whereof
have here unto sett my
hand
The

In consideration

"c.

of the

to

have

to

Samuel

and

Nash

to

and

of all the townsmen

them
and their heyers

I the said

Ousamequin

this 23 of March

1649

m'' of

^ Ousamequin.
aforesaid bargainand sale

the said

wee

said
tract

stant
Myles Standish Samuel Nash and ConSouthworth, doe bind ourselves to pay unto y"
Ousamequin for and in consideration of y' said
of land

Coats
a

9
8
20
4
10

as

followeth

y''and

half in

coat

Hatchets
Howes
Knives
Moose
skins
yi- and half of cotton

"J
I Myles
"

Standish

Samuel
Constant

Nash

Southworth."

1:3%

BIOGRAPHT.

INDIAN

originaldocument

The

given a hteral and

It is
this day.

of

exact

in

which
has

have

we

here

been

presei-vedto
handwriting of Captain

copy

the

Standish.

precisedate

The

In 1653, his

of Massasoit's death

is unknown.

in a deed
he
appears
by which
of Swausey to Engconveyed part of the territory
lish
that he died about
supposes
grantees. Hubbard
three

name

this ; but as late as 1661,

of the United Colonies,
in the Records

subsequent to

years

he is noticed
as

will

son.

Two

were

made

eldest

in the life of his

particularly
thi-ee years afterwards,
conveyances

more

appear

or

Pokanoket

of the

lands in which

had no voice ; and

he appears
to have
inferred that he died in that interval.

it may

He

be
must

fairly
have

of age.
Such are the passages which
historyhas preserved
concerning the earUest and best friend of the Pilgrims.

eighty years

been

near

Few

and

simple as they are, they give glimpsesof a

that,under other circumstances,might have

character

placed
He

Massasoit

was

mere

writing,after
the

It must

even

him,

as

emblem

than

have

we

barbarous

observed,too, as

to

of

his age.
readingand

fiftyyears

from
distinguished

around
be

illustrious

savage ; ignorantof
of near
intercourse

; and

colonists

savages
outward

an

the

among

seen,

the

by

ornament

them,

that the

mass

with
of

other
of bones.
no

authority

him, or rather upon his

their free gift,
and
hable at any
was
ancestors, was
moment
to be retracted,
wholly or in part, either by
the generalvoice or by the defection
violence
of
or
of hia
individuals.
The
intrinsic dignityand energy
character
have sustained
the
alone,therefore,must
of the sachem, with no essential distinction
dominion
of wealth, retinue, cultivation,
situation in any
or

v^'hich

they

conferred

respect, between
panoags.
his heart
their
won

The

him
naked

of the Wamthe meanest

qualitiesof his intellect and

and

controlled
gamed their loyalty,
and
extravagant passions to his own
purposes,
and afiection.
upon their personalconfidence
must

have

upon

INDIAN

133

BIOGRAPHY.

Tliat he did this appears from

Indian
history,that among

the

fact,so singular
Pokanoket

all the

an
scarcelyan instance of even
individual broil or quarrelwith the English during
of these tribes,living nearer
his long life. Some
the Colony than any other Indians,and going into it
was
finally
dailyin such numbers, that Massasoit
"
"
pestering their
requestedto restrain them from
friends by their mere
multitude, these shrewd
beings
himself
Massasoit
well
have
as
must
perceived,as
as
miserably fearful as
did, that the colonists were
the
of them, too,
Some
feeble and few.
they were
sachem
notoriously
Corbitant, for example, were
had
certain
and
supposed reasons
perhaps
hostile,
ambitious
Yet that cunning and
for being so.
age
savof
act
extricated himself fi-om the only overt
to have
rebellion he is known
attempted,by "solicithig the good offices of Massasoit,"we are told," to
the
such
was
reconcile
him
to the English." And
of the chief sachem, not only over
influence
him,
the Massachusetts
but over
sachems, that nine of the
after came
into Plymouth
principalof them soon
of signifying
fi-om great distances,for the purpose
their humble
respect for the authorityof the English.
beloved as well as respected
That Massasoit
was
by his subjectsand neighbors,far and wide, appears

trihes,there

was

"

"

"

from

the

great multitude

and
as

anxious

friends

who

of
Some
during his sickness.
than
more
ascertained,had come
of seeing him ;
hundred
miles for the purpose
theyall watched his operationsin that case, with
intense
anxiety as if the prostrate patient had

thronged about
them, as Winslow
one

of

been

the father

him

or

the brother of each.

And

meagre

sachem, il
still furnishes
some
evidence, not to be mistaken,
ness.
this regard from them
that he had won
by his kindin
of affectingsimplicity
is a passage
There
that he did not
Winslow's
Relation,going to show
almost
in his own
even
forgettheir minutest intei-ests,
unconscious
morning," it is
helplessness."That
as

is the

justicewhich

history does

the

134

INDIAN

said,"

he

caused

another

BIOGRAFHT!

those

among

spend

to

me

that

and

I gave

these
of

tenor

sense

the

town

as

I had

of the

some

same

goodfolk."
of Massas-

abundantlyillustrated by

the whole

said,exceptingthat the annals

furnish scarcely
one
even
to
parallel

of the continent
But

he

only visited

the

farther

much

went

free vdll and

own

treaty of 1621,

famous

be

need

case.

the

to
fidelity

nothingmore

He not
of his

them

treat

of them

in

to

one

his intercourse
with the whites.
Of his
cluding
of his positiveobligationsto them, in-

his

that

sick

from

traits of the character

noble

stillmore

are

mere

to

hun, sayingtheywere

But

oit

each

give to

to

going

were

[Sowams] ; requesting me
him,

in

Colony

in the

accord, but

he

than

this.

first instance
entered

into

the

in
negotiationscheerfullyand deliberately
; and
the face of their manifest fear and suspicion. Henceforth
the results of it were
regarded,not with the
interest
mere
honesty of an ally,but with the warm
of a friend. It was
probablyat his secret and delicate
suggestion, and it could scarcelyhave been without
his permission, at all events,
that his own
subjects
took up their residence among
the colonists,
with the
view of guiding,piloting,
for them, and
interpreting
useful knowledge. Winsteachingthem their own
low speaks of his appointing
another to fill the place
of Squanto at Plymouth, while the latter should be
the Pokanokets, under
his orders,
sent about among
"
truck [infurs]for the English.
to procure
The
he made
in the
vast
grant of territorywhich
first instance has been spoken of. It was
with
made
the
the simple observation,that his claim to it was
"

"

sole

claim

in

existence.

; the

generous

It

was

sachem,

also
as

without

Roger

sideration
con-

Williams

of the

Narraghan setts in a similar case, "being

ing
the lands to any, and choosshy and jealousof selling
rather to make
a
giftof them to such as they
affected."
MassaSuch is the only jealousy which
says

soit

can

be

said

English. Nor

do

ever

we

to

have

find

any

entertained

of

the

evidence

that

he

repentedof

his

135

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

ox* considered
liberality,

of a
tious extravagance
do find,
We
sance.

it the

of flattered

moment

that

however,

he

incau

complai

invariably

the interest of the grantees, with

Avatched over
strictness than he would
probablyhave watched
He laid claim, in one
his own.
instance, to a
for which

Williams

Mr.

more
ovei

trac

negotiated with the

gentleman being ignorant
had

Narraghansetts, that
the twc
perhaps,of an existingcontroversy between
"
It is mine
tribes. " It is mine," said the sachem,
and
theirs," plainlyimplying that the
therefore
gi-oundin questionwas comprised within the original
this claim was
transfer.
Whether
just,or whether
"

"

it

insisted

was

indication

does

upon,

both

enough,

not

appear

of the

; but

opinion and

there

is

feeling

of Massasoit.

by Governor Winunder
the title of a
pleasantpassage,"is still
thi-op,
more
striking. His old friend Winsnow, it seems,
made
a
trading voyage to Connecticut, during the
An

anecdote

of

him,

recorded
"

upon

his return, he lefl his vessel

or
reason
Narraghansettcoast, for some

of 1634.

summer

the

other,and

commenced

the woods.

across

On

his

Finding

his route, he made

called upon
his ancient

as

upon

himself

his

to

The

journey
way

at a
to

Sowams,

and

sachem.

him
his usual kind
latter gave
welcome, and,
conduct
him home,
his leavinghim, oflfered to

with

Plymouth
loss,probably,

acquaintance,the

pedestrianjourney of two days.

of his Wampanoags
despatched one

"

for

instructions

to

inform

the friends

had

just
to
Plymouth,
of Winslow,
He

ancholy
dead, and to persuadethem of this meltheir
such
as
fact,by specifying
particulars
done
ovni
ingenuity might suggest. All this was
accordingly; and the tidingsoccasioned,as might
be expected,a very unpleasant excitement
out
throughthe Colony. In the midst of it,however, on the
attended
entered
the village,
next
day, the sachem
than his usual complacency
by Winslow, and with more

that he

was

in his honest

and

cheertiil countenance.

Ho

136

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHT.

asked

why such a report had been circulated

That
Winsnow
the day previous.
might be the
more
welcome," answered
he, and that you might
be the more
had
He
happy, it is my custom."
thus for to enjoy this surprisepei-sonally
come
; and
he returned homeward, more
gratified
by it,without
have
been by the most
nate
fortudoubt, than he would
the Narragliansetts.
foray among
It is intimated
quently
frewriters,rather more
by some
than is either justor generous,
that the sachem's
fear of the tribe just named
the
dation
founlay at
of his fi-iendship.
It might have been nearer
the apparent truth,consideringall that is known
of
cide
Massasoit,to say, that his interest happened to coinwas

"

"

"

the

"

with

his

power

of

incUnation.

At

other

any

of

all events,
the sachems

it
or

was

in

kings

throughout the country, to place and sustain themselves upon

the same
had
footingwith the colonists,
they been prompted either by as much
good feeling
On
the
the
Massachusetts
or
good sense.
contrary,
and
were
plotting
threateningon one
hand, as we
have seen,
without
be allowed,
not
provocation,it must
while
the Narraghansettsachem, upon
the
other,had sent in his compliments as earlyas 1622,
in the shape of a bundle
of arrows, tied up with a
"

"

rattlesnake's skin.

forgetthe
the Colony at the period of
with Massasoit.
Indeed, the
Nor

he

took

should

we

for their

vsTetched

feebleness

their first

acquaintance

instant

of

which

measures

relief and

protection,look more
like the promptings of compassion, than
of either
hope or fear. A month previous to his appearance
reduced
to such
a pitiable
them, they Avere
among
condition
men
by sickness,that only six or seven
of their whole

the

number

air ; and
open
force,could they have

were

able

to do

probably their
been

mustered

business

in

entire

fighting
would
together,

which
scarcelyhave equalled that little detachment
delicately
Massasoit broughtwith him into the village,
leavingtwice as many, with the arnis of all,be-

138

BIOGRAPHY.

INPIAN

knife,for

the

himself

surrendered

now

of

execution

sachem's

also the

as
skins, accordingly,

these

the
to

own

criminal.

the

Squauto
Governor, as an

lar
always resignshimself to his fate upon simistill contrived
a
occasions; but the Governor
"
mad
The
deputieswere
pretext for sparing him.
with rage and
impatientof delay,"as may be supposed,
and departedin great heat.
Indian

The

conduct

articles
upon

in this

case

was

mani

stood
ally. He underwell as the Governor
did,the spiritof the
er
in the treaty, which
provided,that an offendeither side should
be given up to punishment

more
festly
as

of the sachem

thaji that of his

correct

demand

upon
that demand

; and

he

careful

was

to

make

and
respectfully.
personally,explicitly
The
Governor, on the other hand, as well as the
culprithimself,acknowledged the justiceof it,but
manoeuvred
to avoid
compliance. The true reason
is no
doubt
It is also given in
given by Winslow.
"
With
much
the languageof Johin Smith.
adoe,"
the
the
honest
Captain,"we
appeased
angry
says
and freely
king and the rest of the saluages,
forgaue
htcaust
he speakins^
our
TusQUANTUM,
language we
could not be tuell vnthoui him."
The
king was
angry,
took
then, as he well might be ; and the Governor
both
and
interested
bound
the trouble,he was
to
him.
It is not to be wondered
take,to appease
at,
the
of
this
that
transaction
are
particulars
perhaps,
little dwelt
so
by the writei-s of that period.
upon
Winslow
nexion,
barely states, speaking, in another conof the Indians
of the
being evidentlyaware
weakness
of the Colonj'^,
was
that, what
worse,
"

"

"

also Massasoit

now

neither

came

is
BO

Squanto,
of the

"

same

Such
is to be

to

frown

upon

us, and
This passage

formerly."
than brief;but not
more
significant
subsequent dry observation
respecting
wiiose
before
this
time, (the fall
peace,
year)ivas wrought with IVIassasoit."
nor

sent

to

us

as

less

no

than

seemed

were

the Ufe and

that
regretted,

so

character

few

of Massasoit.

are
particiilars

It
pre-

INDIAN

served

of the
can

fonner,and
be done

his

historygoes,

most

remarkable
instance

which

it

to

that
the

so

of

men

his

race.

of
history,

he

littlejustice,
sequently,
con-

latter.

certainlymakes

in all

139

BIOGRAPHY.

But

him

There

far

so

as

of the

one

is

no

bler
no-

national

fidelity,
(for
of individual
or
credit,)

have
tlie
mainly must
fi-iendship.This instinct of a generous nature
of
the first instance,
m
being confirmed
by a course
and
conduct
generallyalike creditable to the feelings
shrewdness
of the Colonists,finally
settled itself in
the mind
of Massasoit as ineradicably
his affection
as
for his own
subjects." I know now," said he to Winssickness
low, on his first recovery from the severe
have mentioned, "I knoio that the English love
we
I love them,
I shall never
forgetthem."
me,
But puttingeven
the most
unnatural construction
of the sachem,
the professions
and the conduct
upon
the relation he commenced
and for forty-five
years
allowed
sustained
with the English,must
be
to show
ceeded
at least a consummate
sagacity. He certainlysucduring all this time, not only in shieldinghis
but in gaintribes from their justor unjust hostility,
ing
their respect to such a singulardegree,that the
writingsof no singleauthor within our recollection
furnish one
word
bard
Hubto his disparagement. Even
with
speaks of him
something like regard ;
trait in his character
notwithstanding the obnoxious
"
It is very reindicated in the followingpassage.
markable,"
he says, " that this Woosamequin, how
he affected the English,was
much
in
soever
never
the least degree well affected to their religion." It
is added
furthermore, that in his last treaty with the
whites at Swanzey, refeiTing
to a sale of land which
have
we
mentioned, he exerted himself to bind
draw
them
of his
to
solemnly " never
away
any
and devilish
people from their old pagan superstition
he insisted
to the Christian religion."*This
idolatry
"

"

"

"

""

*In
The

that

(publishedin London, 1651.) entitled

towards the perfect
and more
Light appearingmore
rare

tract

140
until

on,
the

negotiation

then

he

gave

up

point.
did not

Massasoit
nor

and
pertinacity,

his

of

off the

to break

threatened

they

account

on

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

is he

known

himself
distinguish

who

warrior

engaged m any
and powerful
with the inimical
his territory. This
is another
character; and considering the
of all Indians
to
f-. belligerent

have

to

even
hostihties,

open
tribes

been

as

environed

once

unique trait in his

general attachment
deference
for warlike
exclusive
life,their almost
of the
and
scattered
location
qualities,the number
Pokanoket
of
tribes,and
especially th j character
their ancient
fact is alone sufficient
neighbors, this very
All
to
distinguishthe genius of Massasoit.
the native
nations
of New
England, but his,were
involved

in dissensions

and

the

with

ttie tate

"rti"f

and

whites

; and

which

he

with

wars

they

each

all shared

avoided.

6r

sooner

restless

The

other

leaders
ring-

who

the Massachusetts,
plotted mischief
among
the
head
were
summarily knocked
by
upon
hundreds
Miles
of the residue
Standish, while
fled,
and
The
miserably perished in their o\vn
swamps.
three thousand
Pequots, a nation who could muster
but a short tune
bowmen
previous, were
nearly extenninated
in 1637; and the savages
of Maine, meanwhile,
the Mohawks
of New
York, the Narraghansetts
and the Mohegans
were
fightingand reducing each
others' strength,as if their only object had
been, by
a
ultimately extirpatingthemselves, to prepare
way
"

"

in the

Day"

"c.

stated, that
had
Governor

the wayes

and

WTitten

some

of

by

the

on

of

God

with

witli

Land

maine
"

new

the

comers.

Rev.

Christian

the

conversation

along
This
oiety, "c.
came

for the

wilderness

"

Thomas

Indians

of Martha's

Vzzamequin
(coming

he

yard
Vine-

great Sachem

or

them) about
good things
eartlily

amongst

enquiring what
them, and what tlieyhad
was
previousto 1650.
"

it is

Mayhew,

gained by

their

141

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

CHAPTER

VII.

The occasion
by his son Alexander
being given by tlie English History of

Massasoit succeeded
of

tliat

name

"

"

Covenant
made
Alexander
previous to his father's death
Measiu'es taken in pursuance
of it,
with Plymouth in 1639
the character of Alexander
in 1661
Anecdote
illustrating
Examination
of
tlie
made
Notice
against him
charges
of the transaction
Accession
of
which
led to his death
"

"

"

"

"

"

Philip

Renewal

"

harmony

"

"

Supposed
Philip'ssubmission

Second

"

of Philip's

Massasoit

his

to the

when

taken

"

Letter to the
in 1671
Remarks
"

in the
Moanam

son

that

brother.

of

Philip

The

on

the

Pokanoket

quence
conse-

ernor
Gov-

causes

ernment
gov-

Wamsutta,

or

ander
of Alexat

conferred

M^as

in

Plymouth

"

succeeded
eldest

of
Interruption

"

English chieflyby the name

appellationhe received

; which

time

submission
War.

was

by
knoAvn

the treaty by him

of it Measures
causes

of

the

same
on

his

together,
occasion, into open court at Plymouth, and,
professing
great regardfor the English,
requestedthat
should
be given them.
Their
father
names
not
them
as
at the
having attended
being mentioned
of the ceremony,
has
observance
sioned
probably occaIt would
the suggestionof his death.
be a
of his absence, however, that
sufficient explanation

younger
that
on

he was
Sowams

now

an

from

It is easy

to

two

old man,

young

manifested

sustain

came

that the

and

Plymouth was
imagine, that

men

more

the

than

distance

of

fortymiles.

solicitude

he

had

good understanding
with his Plymouth friends,
mend
might lead him to recomthis pacificand
as
a
conciliatorymeasure,
for his own
suitable preparation
decease,and perhaps
of his reign.
the absolute termination
as
There
is some
to
reason
believe, indeed, that
had a share in the Pokanoket
Alexander
sovereignty,
many
years previous to the date of the ceremony
always

to

142

INDIAN

just mentioned.

BIOGRAPHY.

The

Plymouth records show, that

of September, 1639, the
the 25th
father came
on
into court, bringing Moan
with him.
He desired
am
that the old treaty of 1621
might remain
inviolable,
and the said Woosamequin or Massasoit,and Moanam
or
Wamsutta," did also promise that he nor they
shall or will needlessly
and
raise any quaruujustlj'^
rels,
do any wi-ongs
other natives,to provoke
or
to
them
to war
againsthim ; and that he or they shall
not
give, sell or convey, any of his or their lauds
territories or possessionswhatsoever, to any person
of the
without
the privitj'
and consent
or
persons,
the whole
of Plymouth aforesaid ; "and
Government
"

court

in the

town

did
respectively,
the

and

did
and

they

and
firm
conratify
aforesaid ancient
league and confederacy;
quin
also fiirther promise to the said Woosame-

Moanam

shall and

when

then

his
wiU

occasion

son,

from

shall

againstthem to
justly."
Agreeably to the terms
was

Uncas,

chief

by

sent

time

his
to

successors,
time defend

or

wrong

the United
of

Sachem

complainants in

and

oppress

of this covenant,
for 1661 set forth,
that

of the Colonies
thf.t year

likewise

require,againstall such

rise up

ords

government, for each

of the whole

name

that

; and

case

were

the

as

them

that

them,
shall
un

the Rec
a

message

Commissioners

to

The
Court of

Molegans.*

the General

the

cas
charge allegedagainstUnwas
a violent
Invading of Wesamequin and the
and longe haue
bine
Indians of Q,uabakutt whoe are
here assumThe dominion
to the English.''^
ed,
Subjects
is probablyintended
to the Quabato apply onl}'^
kutt Indians, and
not
to Massasoit.
Uncas, in his
professedthat he was
ignorant they were
answer,
"
subjectsof Massachusetts, and furthersays they
of Wesamequin's men
but belonging to
were
none
Onopequin his deadly enemie." "g.
then alleges"that
He
Wesamequin his son and
Massachusetts

"

See

the message

and

replyat largein

the Life

of Uncas

of

diuers
times"

The

as

fought againsthim diuers

which
of the answer
last paragi-aph
by Major Mason in belialf of Uncas
had

men

"

given in

was

is

his

follows

"

[alias]Wamsutta
att Plymouth
belong to him
againstVncas

allis
"Alexander
Sowamsett
being now
Indians

Quabauke

did

that hee

143

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

to

Warr

war

of

Sachem
hee

challenged
further said

and
this

on

summer

that account."
clear

It is very

least that Alexander

at

frankly,what

fearlesslyand

rights; nor does it

sovereigntyin this

that

appear,

maintained,

lie believed

be

to

exercise

the

his

of his

objectedto by the
had the best,if not only rightto object.
party which
He
manifested the same
independence in regard to
effoi'ts of the English missionaries ; so
that
tlie
manner

concludes

Hubbard

he

was

had

"

neither

affection

for

Englishmen'spersons, nor yet for their religion."

This is licentious reasoning,
at the best ; for not a

the

tittleof evidence
aware,

which

drawn

from

occurred

between

his accession

to

The

exception.
order

to

now

the

once

In

be

reignand

as

we

are

connexion

his death

with

the

that

historian

Governor

and

Council

states, with

effect

"

with

which
of the
was

and

to

his

single

comes
more

in
portance,
im-

terminate

life of the chieftain.

Hubbard,
Mather

far

Alexander

excepted case,
considered,is one

that its immediate

at

so

case,

to be
goes to rebut the justinference
the circumstance
that no
or
difficulty

controversy
allies from

exists in the

remark

last cited

barely observes,
were

informed

that

of the

from
the

fact.

that the
particularity,
solicited the Narraghansetts
sachem
rebel with
to
the good proof whereof,
him ; upon
the Plymouth
Government
measures.
adopted certain summary
From
other sources
we
find, that this proof was
communicated
by letters from Boston, where it was
probablyfounded upon rumors
gathered from straggling
Indians.
At all events, no conclusive testimony
be plausibly
surmised.
: and it may
appears in the case
no

more

144

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

that none
was
ever
therefore,
received,the ^vriter8
justcited not being remarkablyprone to omit matters
of this kind.
The
cumstance
rumor
might originatefi-om cirthis true, and
reallysuspicious; but were
far more, if it were
both false Jjid malicious,like the
well question
charges against Massasoit,we
may
and the policy of the steps taken by
both the justice
the Plymouth Government.
"
They presentlysent for him. to bring him to the
court,"says Hubbard, a very remarkable
ing,
proceedwith
related
a
corresponding brevity. The
business was
it also appears, to a gentleman
intrusted,
who
neither afraid of danger,nor
was
yet willingto
We
then told
are
delayin a matter of this moment.
that this gentleman,Mr. Winslow, forthwith
taking
with him, well armed, set out
eightor ten stout men
for Sowams
with Alexander,
met
; that he fortunately
miles' distance,in a wigwam
with eighty
at a few
of his followers ; that they seized upon
the arms
of
the party, which
had been left without
the wig^vam,
"

and

then

in and

went

them

Plymouth.

to

being threatened
he

dead

summoned

that

"

man."

the

He

to

tend
at-

obeyed, reluctantly,

if he stirred
Such

sachem

or

refused

to

go,

his

however,
spirit,
adds Hubbard, that the very surprisalof him
threw
him into a fever.
he requested liberty
to
Upon this,
return
home, and the favor was
granted to him on
a

was

certain
This

conditions
account

the

them.
and
more

The

ten

excellent commander,"
down
fore
beto fetch him

he

seized

upon
hunting-house,
notwithstandinghis
about

him

ernment
Gov-

Doctor, "
used such expedition
major-general
in this affair,
that,assisted with no

Reverend

resolution
than

the way.
; but he died upon
"
The
agrees with Mather's.

that valiant and

sent

says

was

men,

; and

when

the

Alexander
numerous

at a

ants
attend-

saw
a
raging sachem
pistolat his breast,with a threateningof death to
him if he did not quietlyyieldhimself up to go down
to Plymouth, he yielded,though not
quietly,
very
thereunto." Mather attributes his death,furthermore,

146

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHT.

and

such

under

did

circumstances

of

upon

"

him

Alexander,

the

his brother
Metacom,
Prince
he is generallycalled.
That
assumed
the Pokanoket
government,
than usual popularity
more
; for the
devolve

found

have

to
althoughtlie English party seem
ia"perfecthealth.
the ignominious death
Such
was

government
or

Philip,as
to

seems

favored
event

was

have

by

cele

and revelryof multitudes of

by the rejoicing
his subjects,
and
sachems
others,gatheredtogether
of
his territoiy.One
of his
from the remotest
limits

brated

with
his uncle beearliest measures,
fore
to appear
was
the Plymouth Court, followingthe example of

his
wish

father

and

for the

brother.

of

continuance

pledged himself,
other hand, to use
"

as

He

the

expressed an earnest
and amity ; and
peace

Court

all suitable

did

also

upon

the

for

effecting
For several years after this,
that desu-able purpose.
the two
the intercourse
between
partieswent
on,
it
had
done
former
in
as
ostensibly,
times, though
distrust upon
both sides.
probablynot without some
first public interruption
of this harmony ocThe
curred
in 1671, during which
season
Philip was
heard to complain,openly,of certain encroachments
by the English upon his hunting-grounds. About
"

the

same

tmie,

rumors

were

measures

circulated

that his

jects
sub-

assembled
at various
wonted
fi-equently
places in unnumbers; and were
repairingtheir guns,
and sharpeningtheir hatchets.
The
Plymouth Govalai-med.
were
ermnent
to
They sent messengers
communicate
with the Massachusetts
Government,
and at the same
time other messengers
to Philip,
not
"to fetch him before the Court,"as in the case
of his
but to ascertain his intentions.
brother,
He seems
to have
paid a dignifiedregard to this
On the 10th of Api'il,
measure.
a
ceived
rewas
message
fi-om him, inviting
the ofiicers of the Plymouth
Government
conference.
It was
to a
received
by
the latter at Taunton, where
also were
several gentlemen,
the
Massachusetts
Grovernment,
despatchedby

with instructions

147

BIOGRAPHT

INDIAN

mediate

between

the

contending
Governor
Prince, of Plymouth, sent word
at
was
tarrying meanwhile
Phihp, who
to

Earties.
ack
to

"

what

is now

from

Taunton

to

Three-mile-river,about

green,

with

treat

would

called

that he

"

and

him,

four miles

heartilydisposed

was

expected

that

the

sachem

; and his personal

purpose
he
should
do
in
case
so.
guaranteed

forward

come

for that

safetywas
Philipso far complied with
a

considerable

stationed

distance

himself

placedsentinels

at
on

the request, as to advance

the village. He then
nearer

Grossman's
mill,
patched
hill in his rear, and again des-

place called
the

Governor, desiring an
could
interview.
This, the town's-people,who
the
be restrained from falling
forthwith upon
scarcely
Indian
not
permit. At last,the 3Iasparty, would
sachusetts Commissioners, volunteeringto take the
to Philip,
supposed hazard upon themselves, went
This
and persuadedhim to consent
to a conference.
messengers

was

him

on

condition

; and

that

the

to

that

his

business

men

should

should

be

accompany
done at the

side of which
to be reserved
one
was
meeting-house,
for the Wampanoags, and the other for the English.
The council took placeagreeablyto these arrangThe
ments, in the old meeting-house of Taunton.
English stood upon one side,solemn and stern in
in garb ; and opformal
as
they were
posite
countenance,
and
armed
line
of
Indian
to them, a
warriors,
arrayed for battle,their long black hair hanging
about their necks, and their eyes gleaming covertly
with a flame of suspicionand
defiance,scarcelyto
their orator.
He
be suppressed. Philip alone was
denied that he entertained
any hostile design; and
tended
for war, as inpromptly explainedhis preparations
for defence againstthe Narraghansetts.The
Commissioners
however, with such argurejoined,
ments
and

evidence

as

and comsatisfied themselves

pletely
he affected to admit
At least,

surprisedhim.
fused
all that was
allegedagainsthim ; and though he rehe
for past aggressions,
to give cojnpensation

"148
and

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

of his counsellors

some

drawn

up

by

subscribed

the

ledgement
acknow-

an

English in

the

words

following:
"Taunton, April10th,1671.
Whereas

and
father,

my

have

brother and myself

my
ourselves
the king's
unto

formerly submitted
majesty of England, and to this colony of New
hand
under
our
Plymouth, by solemn covenant
; but
I having of late,through my
indiscretion and the
this
heart, violated and broken
naughtiness of my
with
covenant
fi-iends,
by taking up ai-ms
my
my
with an evil intent againstthem, and that groundness
lessly
deeplysensible of my unfaithful; I beingnow
and folly,
do desire at this time solemnlyto renew
and my father's
with my ancient fi-iends,
my covenant
friends above
mentioned, and do desire that this
if ever
I shall
to the world
againstme
testify
may
again in my faithfulness towards them (whom I have
kind toward
and at all times found
now
me) or any
And
other of the English colonies.
as
a
pledge of
my

true

intentions

for the future

to

be

faithful and

freelyengage to resign up to the

of New
Government
Plymouth all my Englisharms,
for their securityso long as they
to be kept by them
shall see reason.
For
the true
performance of the
set
hand, together
promises,1 have hereunto
my
I
friendly,

do

with the rest of my

In presence
of
r.
.,"
William
Datis,
William
Hudson,
Brattle.
Thomas

counsel.
The

mark

of

The

mark

of

^j,

,^ j^

The

mark

The

mark

Philip,
Tavoser,

^ f.

V^^Apoke,

of

Woonchapokchcnb
8 of Nimrod.
T

of this submission, it has been

was
fi-ightened
generallysupposed that the Sachem
"
of his
that
into it. Hence
Hubbard
one
relates,
From

the

tenor

captains,of far better courage and resolution than

position,
himself,when he saw his cowardly temper and diswhitehis arms,
called him
flung down
livered

rurned

cur, or
to the

to that purpose,

English,""c.

and

This

from

might

that time

be

U'ue,

14^^

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

ty
though it is well known, that Mr. Hubbard's authoriin regardto every thing touchingthe character of
allowances
for
Phihp is to be regarded with many
hesitates not, almost
his intemperateprejudice.He
often

as

to

his name,

mention

to

hound,'
hellpassing compliment of caitiff,'
'
and various
similar designation
fiend,'arch-rebel,'

him

pay

he finds occasion

as

the

'

'

'

of respect and
doubt
there is no

But
at

was

least

it had

no

other

affection.
that the

acknowledgement
ly
gain time. Apparentthe
effect in reference
tilities,
to
impending hosthan to hasten them
by aggravatingthe

mere

artifice

to

It does

ill-will of the Indians.

not

appear

that

their

far as stipulated
in the
so
given up, even
submission.
The
followingreply of Philipto some
communication
position
exrespectingthem may be deemed
of his side of "the question. The
precise
arms

were

date is undetermined.
"

fo

Sachem

Philip,

iiuii from
First.

his

answer

of New

the Governor

Declaring his

to the

thankfulness

for his gi-eatrespects and

kindness

letter brought

Plymouth.
to the Governor

manifested

in the

letter.

Secondly. Manifestinghis readiness to lay down

their arms, and send his people about
their usual
business and employments, as also his great desire
of concluding of peace
with
neighboringEnglish.
Thirdly. Inasmuch as great fears and jealousies
hath been raised in (heir minds by several persons, ivhich
7101V
as
theybetter understand the falsity
of such reports,
doth
hath formerlybeen conveyedunto
them, Philip
will pleasefavorably
humbly request the Governor
and aquitthem
from any payment
of damage,
to excuse
their arms, they not apprehending
or surrendering
themselves
blameworthy in those late rumors.
Fourthly. They are not at present free to promise
at court, hoping there will be no
to appear
necessity
of

it,in

lay down
of great

case
arms

their fi-eedoin for peace and readiness to

be accepted; as also suggestions
may

danger that

will befall them, in

case

theyap.

"150

INDIAN

with

pear,

harsh

BIOGRAPHY.

threats to

the

Sachem,

that may

be

considered.
Per

Samuel

me,

Whether

Philipwas

Gorten

Junior."

this time

preparingfor war,
be decided
he was
cannot
: but
prepared.
evidentlyas yet unHe went
to Boston, therefore,during the
of August (1671). He
month
knew
the Massachusetts
be more
to
friendlyto him than
government
the Plymouth ; and although letters had arrived that
tion
intenveiy day from the latter place,announcing an
of declaringwar
him forthwith,
the Sachem
upon
succeeded
in persuading the Massachusetts
ties
authoriof his entire innocence.
They sent a proposal
ties.
to
Plymouth for a new
council,to settle all difficulThis
being declined,they gave their opinion
tion,
Staggered by this declaradecidedlyagainst war.
the government
of the old colony consented
to
try the

effect

at

of another

mediation.

conference

of all

after took place at Plymouth : and

partiessoon
were
followmg articles of accommodation
agreed

the

upon.
and
and
Council
We, Philip
subjects,
my
my
do acknowledge ourselves
subjectto his Majesty the
of
New
King of England, and the goverrmient
Plymouth, and to their laws.
2. I am
the
willing and do promise to pay unto
of Plymouth one
hundred
pounds in
government
such
intreat the favor
things as I have ; but I would
that I might have three years to pay it in,forasmuch

"1.

as

3. I

whom

do
he

get them
come

do

cannot

to

at

present.

promise to send
shall appoint,five

I
as
many
five wolves
yearly.
;

4. If any
myself and
the governor

amongst

it

us.

or

as

difference

the

unto

wolves'
can

procure,

fall between

people,then I do
of Plymouth, to

governor,
heads, if I

the

until

or

can

they

English and
promise to repair to
rectifythe difference

5. I do

promise

151

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

make

to

not

with

war

any, but

approbationof Plymouth.
6. I promise not to dispose of any of the lands
of
that I have
at
present, but by the ap])robation
of Plymouth.
the governor
For the true performance of the premises,I the
said Sachem
; Philip of Paukamakett,* do hereby
bind myself,and such of my council
as
are
present,
and
our
our
faithfully,
heirs,
ourselves,
successoi-s,
do promise ; in witness
thereof,we have hereunto
subscribed our hands, the day and year above wi-itten.
Governoi-'s

the

with

I^Inthe
divers

This

of the

Court,
magistrates,"c.]

presence

was
negotiation

mark

The

mark

The

mark

f of Wocokon.

The

mark

new

the

of it answered

success

The

of Philip.
of Uncompaen.

of Samkama."

stratagem

purpose
does not

of

f and the

Philip cona

"

have
to
although he
appear
such
"in
killed one
wolf, or paid one
cent, even
thingsas he had," nothing occuiTed for three yeai'S,
the suspicionsof the Colonies.
There
to rouse
can
if
not
scarcelybe a doubt, that during all this time,
for a longertime previous, the sachem
maturwas

pletely
;

for

"

"

Mlias

Packanokik

of this ill-fated
Other
variations
Pokanokit.
Purchas.
and Puckanokick,
by

PocANAKET.

Morton.

PocKANocKETT.

Morton's

Pacanokik.
pokanockett.
Pawkunnawkutt.
PUCKANOKIK.
POKANACKET.

Prince,
hutchinson.

word,

are

Contiisuatob

Gookin.

WiNSLOw's
HuBBABD.

RELATION.

When
the Duke
t Mather remarks upon the passage thus :
made
of Antwerp castle,
of Archette, at his being
governor
"

took
the

an

oath

to

keep

)fficer that gave

perform what

you
it not, the

Devil

him
you
take

it

his

shall see anon

enough of what

you

oath used

these odd words.

help you;
promise, God
and
soul !
body
your

if
and

If
do

you
all the

But when the Indian King Philip

less
him: neverthethese words
unto
not
whether these words
were
sive
expresbecame
of him !"

cried Amen!'
standers-by
took his oath, nobody used
"

for King Philipof Spain,

faithfully

iG"

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHr.

of the

grandestplansever conceived
by any
savage ; that of utterlyextermmating the English
of the northern
provinces. This, he was well aware,
with
could
commensurate
only be done by means
the danger and
of the enterprise. The
difficulty
Colonies
were
no
longer the feeble and timid allies,
known
fiftyyears before to his father. They had
in numbers
and
in strength
grown
; and stiU more
in experience and
spirit.Nothing less,than a general
of the New
lived
union
who
England tribes,
around
would
furnish
and
them
safe
a
all,
among
of such
for the complete success
a war
guarantee

ing one

"

as

meditated.

now

was

To

that gi-eatpreparation,
then,the Vv'Iioleenergies
of Philipmust
be devoted.
It was
he
as
difficult,
well
small
under
he

"

ruler of one
The
desirable.
knew, as it was
confederacy, alreadysuspected,and constantly
the close scrutinyof his powerful neighbors,
unite and interest in one
must
common
object,
"

multitude

known

of scattered
until
other,'

each

and

env}', revenge,

inveterate

plan, for

any

will be

far

had

councils

whatever, had
Philipsurmounted

The

seen.

who

and

met

time, only in jealousy,

cases
hereditaiyand

many
whose
among

purpose

How

this

in

; and

war

of

nations

great train of

no

similar

been

ever

these
events

ceived
con-

cles,
obstawe

are

interestingboth as a passage of
stillmore, as they implicateand
character
of Philip,that it may
be

approaching,are so
and
generalhistory,
illustrate
proper
rise to

to

the
take

them.

some

notice

It is well

contemporaries looked
with
feelingsfar from
under

the

of the

causes

that
Ioioaati,

which

him, very
upon
benevolent.
It was

English
generally,
natural

they should do so ; but

it is no more
than it is philosophical
or
necessary,
either
just,on the other hand, to confide implicitly
in their opinionsor their statements.
Philipand his
Wampanoags are unlucky enough, like the lion in
the fable,
to have
no
painter.
It should be observed
here, that Philiplike his
cuxumstances

that

gave

his

154

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

tlie policy of laAvs

A remark
might be made
upon
concerned
like these,so far as the Pokauokets
were
;
also of the

of

1652, and 1653,which prohibited

of
sale
and
the
casks, barques,boats
horses, to
the Indians,besides providinga punishment for such
of them, resident in the Colony,as should violate the
Christian sabbath, or
discharge their guns in the
night-time. But these regulationsthe Government
had an
undoubted
rightto make, as JNIassasoit and
Philiphad possesseda right, which, however, they
were
complaisant enough to relinquish,of selling
their own
lands to purchasers of their own
choosing.
mission
the state of thingspreviousto the subSuch was
With
of 1671.
regard to this, it is quite
the
if Philipwas
clear that,even
made
to understand
instrument
which
it is well knoAvn
he could not read,
it only as an insult,
he could look upon
imposed upon
dependent
Inhim under
circumstances
amounting to duress.
of any
have thought
force,too, he must
and the
himself justified,
by the manifest disposition
self
of the English,in availinghimmeasures
summary
of any stratagem to luU suspicionand to gain
fore,
He
time.
might or might not, at this periodor behave meditated
againstthem,
actingoflfensively
of the indignitysuffered
in revenge
by his brother
and his nation ; but it was
certainlyboth prudent
and patriotic
iu him, to put himself on the defensive.
it appears
He had a right,
to us, both to drill his own
alliances
and
to make
people in martial exercises,
with his Indian neighbors.
been a safe policyin the Plymouth
It might have
in regard
Government, to have considered these things,
at least to what
they might call the jealousand
of the Indians,before proceeding
barbarous prejudices
with either Alexander
to extremities
or
Philip. On
the contrary, while they enacted
laAvs,and encouraged
of
the
and
the
took
execution
accusations,
penalty
of them
used
into their owti
to
no
means
hands, they
fore
beconciliate Philip,but sending for him to appear
"
the Plymouth Court."
Whether
they were
as

acts

"

"

INDIAN

respects after this time

in all other

cautious

offence,it is

155

BIOGRAPHY.

avoid
that history
should

be

to

expected
We
enable us to determine.
tain
find,however, that cerin 1673,took upon
them
of the Colonists,
to negotiate
treaties for land with privatesubjectsof Philip
to doubt,that they entered
; and there is no reason
and
kept possession accordingly.As the sacheni3
been as tenacious
of their territory
kno^vn
to have
are
liberal of it in disposal,
it may
in claim,as they were
to

not

that this first instance

be conceived

well

record,should

of

similar

Philipno little
dissatisfaction. In imitation of the Englishcourtesy
he might have despatchedNimrod, Tobias, Woonk
nature

upon

aponcpunt,
"

other

some

or

"

to
majors-generals

gi-antees

of his "valiant

fetch down

He

Sowams.

to

occasion

seems

to

"

and

the

lent
excel-

offending

have

taken

no

express notice of the affair. But that he understood

is apparent fi-om the singular
his territorial rights,

(volume second
from

the

Massachusetts

of the

Collections

It is preservedin the

follows.

which

communication

Historical

Society,
copied
precisely
still preservedat Plymouth.

of the first series,)

as

which
original,

is

that he
King Philipdesire to let you understand
could not come
to the Court, for Tom, his interpreter,
has a pain in his back,that he could not travel so far,
and Philipsister is very sik.
"
Philipwould intreat that favor of you, and aney
of the magistratsif aney English or Engians speak
at
about aney land,he pray you to givethem no answer
that promis with
he made
all. This last sunnner
"

that

you,

he

would

time, for that

sell

not

he would

be/orethat time,he

no

in

seven

years

English trouble him

forgotthat you promis

have

has

laud

no

not

him.
"

He

will

as

come

speak with you, and so

Philip,dwelling at mount
*

Since

the

text

by meeting with

was

the

possibleas he can to
I rest, you very lovingfriend,
hope nek."*

soon

as

written,our

opinion lias been confirniea

followingsignificant
query

in

petition

156

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

unique letter is addressed " To the much

honered
Prince, dwelling at
Governor, Mr. Thomas
Plymouth." As Philip himself could neither read
ts
nor
write,the honor of the orthography and construcbe attributed to the infinn interpreter.But
Jn must
the sentiments
are
himself,and
worthy of the sachem
pendence
manifest
and indea mingled civility
they certainly
This

which
affixed

do

the letter.

to

If it do

just mentioned,
of the

other

some

which

the
from

It

of

was

of

of his

to

the

tion
transac-

is

the

sea-shore.

his

in 1668.

made

own

it with

date

probably prompted by
description. The interest
of this kind,is appacases
rent

conveyances,
included
within the

tract

plan of

refer

not

No

Avas

felt in

Rocliester,upon

accm-ate

it

same

sachem
one

gi-eat credit.

him

present limits
drafted

He

an

hand, (still
preserved

own

the records
of the Old Colony) and
forwarded
upon
it to the Court, with the followingexplanation.
"This
"

may

inform

that

am
I,Philip,
draught,but the

it still; but

upon
and

the honorable

willingto
Indians
the

read,

within

this

it may
that is

live

sell the land

that

land

we

Court,"

that

are

upon
is mine

sold,

mind.
I have
Watashpoo is of the same
put
of the land we
down
all the principal
now
names
are
willingshould be sold." Watashpoo was
probably
of
the occupants, chiefly interested in the case.
one
letter ends thus ; " Know
The
all Men
ents,
by these PresThat
unto
Philiphas given power
Watashpoo,
and Sampson, and their brethren,to hold
and make
sale of said land to whom
This letter
they will,""c.
have
been
in compliance with some
must
sent
quest
refi'om his Plymouth
fi-iends. It is dated at
Pocanauket
P, which was
by the capital
; subscribed

"f Mr.

Gookin

and Mr. Elliot to the Massachusetts Government

of certain purchasesmade
of the
in
1684, for the rescinding
"
fraudulent:
l-Vas not
Indians which
a
they considered
the
late
encroachments
about
v"ar
on
of
principal cause
"

Philip's lands
add

to

at

the force of

Mount
a

Hope

?"

No

suggestion from such

remarks
a

source.

of

ours

can

INDIAN

and
; and attested,
his secretary, John
Sassamou.

sachem's

tae

by

mark

Sassamon
the

He

157

BIOGRAPHY,

is distinguished
in history
as

immediate
born

was

doubt

no

ten,
writ-

having been

hostilities.
of tlie first open
of praymg
Indians,and
fanjily

occasion
in

some

after

receivinga tolerable education at Cambridge

and other places,
was
employed as a school-master at
The
Natick.
composition above cited rather supports
"
Hubbard's
he
that
was
a
remark,
cunning
and
well
skilled
in
the
English
plausibleIndian,
left
This
he
the
writer saj's,that
English
language,"
of

account

on

that

Mather

misdemeanor.

some

states,

from the profession

of Christianity,
apostatizing
he lived like a heathen, in the qualityof secretary to
King Philip." He adds,that he afterwards deserted
the sachem, and gave such notable
evidences
of repentance,
to be
as
employed in preaching among
the Indians
the eye of his old inat Natick, under
"

structer, the venerable

This

another

Eliot.

provocationswhich must
states
expressly,
annoyed Philip. Hubbard
Sassamon
was
importunatelyurged to forsake
was

of the

have
that
him ; and it ajipears fi-om other
had
an
previouslybeen such
between
with
went

the

that the

two,

all the secrets

still farther,
to

have

Pokanokets
to

of his

Secretaiy was

occasion

availed
fi-equently,
scrutinize

their

intrusted

The

master.

Sassamon,

some

sources, that there

entire
confidence

either

provocation
having or pretending

the
among
himself of this opportunity
to

movements,

go

and

to

report

thought proper to the English, In

of this,
of his subjects
Philipand some
consequence
were
are
examined,'we
told,but nothing definite
learned
them.
Soon
from
was
after, Sassamon
welldisappeared;and as he had expressedsome
founded fears of meeting with a violent death in the
them

as

he

'

course

of these

They
his dead

manoeuvres,
commenced
a

body

borough)where

in
a

his friends

hole in the
O

ed.
alarm-

finallyfound
pond, (in Middleice,throughwhich he

search, and

Assawomset

were

158

INDIAN

been

had
left

BIOGRAPHY.

still
thrust, was
by, as if he had
Mather,
says

near

"

spirits of
foul play,

that

men

jury

that

his

he

and
open,
dro^vned
the

upon

empanelled,
was
broken,

was

neck

and

gun

himself.

"

jealousies

of

have

might

hat

his

with

met

which

is

the

some

whom

unto

thermore,"
Fur-

it appeared

Indian

one

of murdering.^^

way

The

next

seize

to

the

three

upon

of

of

step

Pokanoket

This

strange providence."
the

seen

of

the

from

murder

It

pond.

says
man

be

prisoners,

inferred
for

he

undeniable

that

he

hill

had
the

identity

convicted

were

and

by

near

the

to

they

testimony

mony
testi"

swore

it appears

the

Hubbard,

from
that

was

on

swore

committed

must

"his

Indians,

fourth, "found"

Government

Plymouth

other

stances,"*
circum-

forthwith

and

be
Whatever
hanged.
may
said
of the
legal, the moral
probability certainly is,
that they were
guilty. They were
probably appointed
the
of Philip upon
to execute
Sassamon,
judgment

of them

one

At

being Tobias,

all events,
in

having
the

to

summary

of

purpose
Colonists
believe

any

thing

charge against Philip.

is, probably, stated by
Bays

the

Doctor,

repetition
bad

been

of

tlie

deceased

too

and

One
Mather.

with

in

his

and
up

the

The

his

the

of

imdeniable
dead

Tobias,

and

interred

for

treason.

own

these

tions,
transac-

supported

circumstances

body

approach
it still happened
experiment,
on

bond
vaga-

himself, as
territoiy after
apparently for

ready, throughout
thing which
every
of

tified
jus-

avail

to

following

but

were

himself

measure

enough

mean

distinction

some

thought

did, of being tolerated

betrayed his confidence,

very
The

was

of

nian

have

must

this

taking

who

Sassamon

Philip

"

considerable

bled

yea,

so,"

afresh.
upon

the

albeit he

while

before.

CHAPTER
for
Preparations

VIII.

between

war

159

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

Philip and the Colonies" Great

Immediate
Depositionof Hugh Cole

of the times
occasion of hostilities Commencement
24th, 1675
Summary sketch of the war
the parties
engaged Exertions, adventures
excitement

"

"

of

"

"

"

"

death

His

King Philip
"

Anecdotes

"

Consequences

to

of

and

escapes
servations
Obrespectinghim
"

His courage, dignity,

kindness,
and
self-command
Fate of his
independence,shrewdness,
family Defence of his conduct.
on

his character

them, June

"

"

"

had

Whatever

determination

of

been the disposition

or
previously
Philip,it is universally
agreed,that

at the close
subsequent to the transaction mentioned
of the last chapter,
he took but little pains either to
conceal his own
that of his subjects.
to check
or
hostilitj'

It would
well

remembered

in much

be

incredible

what

had

that

he

happened

should.
to

his

He

brother

torians
peaceable times ; and, as several hisintimate,he must
actuallyhave apprehended
'
the danger his own
head was
in next.'
A passage
in
of his letters heretofore cited,
is to the same
one
pose
pur"
also suggestionsof great danger in case
as
there [at Plymouth]appear
they [hissubjects]
; with
harsh threats to the sachem,that may be considered."
for the impendmade
was
now
Every preparation
ing
crisis on
The
either side.
following ancient
of Plymouth,
the records
document, taken from
of all the partiesconcerned
ehows
that the agitation
had alreadyaiTived to a high pitch. It is the deposition
taken
in
of one
court
Hugh Cole,
previous to
Sassamon's
death,and attested by Nathaniel Morton
more

"

as

secretary :*
"

ing
or
Hugh Cole, aged forty-three,
thereabouts,before
deposed, saith ; That in February last past bethe date hereof,he
to
went
Shewamett, and
"

*Vide

6th. Vol. Man.

His. Coll. 1st Series

t"0

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

him:
and
that theu
with
Englishmen more
business was
to persuadethe Indians to go to Ph/mouth^
Lutlier
to answer
a
complaint made
by Hezekiah
Indians
of the
The
out
(saithhe) seeing us, came
house
towards
of them, at the least
us, being many
in their hand ; and
staves
twenty or thirty,with
two

when

the

they laid

Indians
do\vn

the Indians
hands

their

what

there

saw

but

were

again.

staves

they did

with

three

Theu

those

we

of us,
asked
in their

staves

They answered, that they looked for Englishmen

firom Plymouth, to seek Indians,to
to come
But they said they were
to Plymouth.
carrj' them
time after,
in the same
not
willingto go. And some
to
morning, Philip,the chief sachem, sent for me
to him
to Mount
come
Hope to him ;
; and I went
and
when
I came
of
to Mount
most
Hope, I saw
of Shewamett
the Indians that I knew
Indians,tliere
at Mount
Hope, and they were
generallyemployed
and
and half pikes,and
in making of bows
arrows,
And
I saw
Indians
of
fixing up of guns.
many
several places repair towards
Mount
Hope. And
fi-om Mount
some
Hope, I, with
days after I came
of Captain Willett's rangers,
several others,
saw
one
coming on post on horseback,who told us, that king
marched
with about
three
Philip was
up the neck
and Zacary Eddy, on his report, went
to
score
men;
?

if he could find them

see

the

upper
Caleb

One
there

in

saw

slugs.

And

saw

come

he found

them

towards

part of the

neck, in several companies.

Eddy further saith,that he saw
many
; and

arms

that he

; and

was

informed

several guns,

two

by

loaded

John
with

Padduck,
bullets

or

I further
towards

better armed

than

that those Indians that

testify,
Mount
Hope, as aforesaid,came
Further
usuallyhave seen them.

saith not."

Pokanokets

The
in

the

v/hole

spring
country

of
was

mustered

Hope, early

Moimt

all quarters, and the

in agitation.The
ungovernable

1675,

some

of these

occasion

of the

of
fiiry

at

from

fierce waiTiors
war

which

was

ensued.

the immediate

They

bad

162

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY

Connecticut

river,and most of the Nipraucks why

quently
subsesurvived,fled to Canada, (where they were
of gi-eat service to the French) and
a few
took refuge in New
hundreds
York.
The
Enghsh
detachment
of Captain Church
alone,are estimated
have

to

killed

October

and

about

of 1676.

capturedwere

were

hundred

seven

June

of those

numbers

Large
sent

between

who

of the countiy, and

out

sold

slaves.

as

But

the

bought.

of the

triumph
The

have

to

seems

was
dearly
conqueror
force
of
the
Colofour nies
fighting

whole

Between

been

almost

and

one

in requiconstantly
sition.
thousand

two

the

men

were

swamp-fight alone, an immense

force for a population of scarcelyforty thousand
English throughout New England. Thirteen towns
were
entirely
destroyedby the enemy ; six hundred
number
dwelling-housesburned ; and about the same
of Englishmen killed,so that almost
every family
engaged

lost

at

of the
expense
have been very gi-eat; for the Commissioners
Colonies
afterwards
United
estimated the
a

relative.

"

of the

The

mere

must

war

of the
ments
disburse-

Old

than one
Colony alone, at more
thousand
hundred
pounds.
Such
the
of King Philip sustained
and
was
war
managed, upon his side,by his o\\'n single-handed
and
talent alone.
Not that the sixty Wamenergy
of the sachem's
own
house-hold,as it were,
panoags
"

or

the various

even

tribes of the Pokanoket

which

did

control.
the

Virginiato

Some

various

inter-communication

of his
consequence
and
to unite
operate
done
before,under his

have

Atlantic

assist him

it is rendered

Nor

writers

tribes,

it in

supportedhim,
induced
influence,and were
had
as
together,
they never

and

country,

his sole supporters; but that all the other

were

; but

asserted,that
tribes

of this there

improbable by
among

as

far

these

is

the great

he

south
no

gaged
enaa

proof)

want

of

tribes.

is it true, as other writers have

all the natives of New
England itself were

stated,that
involved

163

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

the most
Philip. On the other hand, it was
of the gi-eat straggleof the
trying circumstance
sachem, that he had not only to relyupon bringing
of petty cantons, as
and
keeping togetherscores
as
so
jealousof each other from time immemorial
and
Highland clans ; but he had to watch
many
all who
would
not
join
resist,openly and secretly,
deserted, betrayed
him, besides the multitudes who
New
and
The
Hampshire tribes
opposed him.
The
the contest.
from
praying
mostly withdrew
then
there were
thousands,either
Indians,of whom
turned
remained
against
neutral, or like Sassamon
tribes forsook
of Philip's
their own
One
own
race.
him in his misfortunes ; and the Pequots and Mohekept the field againsthim from
gans of Connecticut
be
last. It may
the veiy first day of the war
to the
of these tribes Avere
surprised,
supposed,that some
sudden
as
breaking out
Philiphimself was, by the

with

of the war, a year

fi?ced for it. This
in which

before

which

had

been

by the proceedings
governable
concerned,and by the un-

was

fury of

time

occasioned

was

Sassamon

the

few

warriors.

of the young
wept at these

tidingsof the
He
first outrage of the war.
relented,perhaps,
savage as he was, at the idea of disturbingthe long
his father had preserved; but he may
amity which
forced
well have regretted,
that being once
certainly,

Philipis said

to

have

the battle-field
he should
enter
measure,
unpreparedfor what he well knew must be the last,as
the red men
and
between
it was
the first,
gi-eatcontest
upon

the

the whites.
never

But

smiled

the die

after that

was

cast, and

though Philip
hour
justalluded

memorable

the business
bent upon
soul was
to, his whole
there rest
him.
Pay nor night,scarcelywas
limbs or
sleep for his eyes. His resources

have

been

feeble

enough, had

succeeded

to

his

his
utmost

about

six hundred

for his
must

plans, now
wish

girded himself,as it was, with a proud

mortal
struggle. The strengthof his
was

before

barrassed,
em-

; but

he

heart

for the

own

ions
domin-

wai-riors,ready, and

164

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

than

The
ready,long since,for the war-cry.
whole
force of his old enemies, the Narraghansetts,
He
had
was
already engaged to him.
negotiated,
with
the
and
tribes
the Conthe
necticut
on
also,
Nipmucks
and farther west, and one
after another,
these
Nor
induced
it six
to
were
was
soon
join him.
from the first hostilities,
weeks
before all the Indians
dred
along the coast of Maine, for a distance of two hunmiles, were
eagerlyengaged, in what Philip
more

told them

That

the

was

common

be

might
court
were
condemning
holdinga grand war-dance
no

arts

of the

cause

race.

left untried,even
his
at

while

the

three

subjects,he was
ing
Sowams, and muster-

his tawny warriors around

him from all quarters.
Several
tribes afterwards
confessed
to the English,

Philip had thus inveigledthem into the war

his forces driven back upon
And again,no sooner
were
the Connecticut
about the first of Septemriver tribes,
ber,
allies among
them.
1675, than he enlisted new
had joined the English,
The
Hadley Indians,who
suspected,
likelyat his instigation,were
very
and fled to him.
Their
soon
Springfield
neighbors,
of Philip's
in an
after,joined three hundred
men,
attack upon
that town
Nipmuck
; and thus the whole
In the course
of the ensuing
involved.
country was
is said to have
visited the Mohawks
winter,the sachem
York.
in New
Not
succeeding in gaining
he was
their alliance by fair argument,
desperate
of their straggling
in
men
enough to kill some
young
that the blame
the woods, in such
would
a
manner
the English. But this
obviously be charged upon
who
defeated,by the escape of one
stratagem was
The
had only been stunned
latter
by the sachem.
was
obligedto take abrupt leave of his hosts; and
his worst
from thattime,they were
enemies.
among
His situation during the last few months
of the war,
and yet his exertions so well susso
was
tained,
deplorable,
that we
can
only look upon him with pity and
that

"

admiration.

"

His

been tremendous

successes

; but

for

the tide

some

time

began

past had

to ebb

The

whole
aided

power

of

165

BIOGRAPHY

INDIAN

the

Colonies

was

in

the

field,

of his own
race.
by guidesand scouting-parties
relation of his
The SaconetS; the subjectsof a near
Other tribes complained
own, enlisted under Church.
well as hie,
Their
threaiened.
and
as
territory,
and
their settlements
had been over-run,
destroyed,
all occupiedby the
their plantingand fishing-grounds
of them
who
not
were
yet hunted
English. Those
and
day and night followed into swamps
down, were
and reduced
to live, if they did not
actually
forests,
food to
least
and
the
worst
starve
or
freeze, upon
"

"

be conceived
in this
of

of.
manner.

Hundreds
"

I have

died of diseases
eaten

red
incur-

horse,"said

horse
miserable
wretches, "but now
informed
me."
Another
Church, on

these

one

is

one
eating
had gone
Indians
occasion,that about three hundred
heat of the war, for
to Swanzey, in the
a long way
that Philip was
of eating clams, and
Ihe purpose
At another
them.
to follow
time, the valiant
soon
captain himself captured a large party. Finding
attack a second
to
directlyafter,he
It convenient
at a certain
bade the first wait for him, and join him
The
rendezvous.
day after the skirmish," they came
as
ordered," and he drove them
to him
they were
that very night,into Bridgewater pound,
all together,
ing
"Besoldiers to guard them.
and set his Saconet
well treated with victuals and drink," he adds,
with
night,
"they had a merry
great simplicity,
the
soldiers
loud
as
and the prisoners
laughed as
;
not beingso treated for a long time before."
of Philip,meanwhile,
The mere
sufferings
physical
It is by his hair-breadth
incredible.
almost
are
visible during the
escapes, indeed, that he is chiefly
close upon
war.
Occasionally,the English come
ii";m; he starts up, like the roused
lion,plunges into
the river or leaps the precipice; and nothing more
after
of hjm for months.
is seen
Only a few weeks
in the great
surrounded
the war
commenced, he was
and
Pocasset
obliged to escape from his
swamp,
enemies
by raftinghimself, with his best
vigilant

166

BIOGRAFHY.

INDIAN

the

over

men,

and

river, while

great Taunton

children

left

their

be

captured. On
his return
to the same
son,
neighborhood,the next seaa captiveguided the Englishto his encampment.
Philipfled in such haste as to leave his kettle upon
women

were

to

the fire ; twenty of his comrades

overtaken
were
killed ; and he himself escaped to the swamp,
he

as

uncle

shot

was

the

next

on

had

formerlyescaped from
afterwards

soon

tree, made
the

bridgeover
aimed

"

seated

the purpose
of a
and
rately
delibehis musket

It is

one

of

our

party,"

own

savage, who
crept behind him.
his gun, and the stranger turned

It was
Philip himself,musing,
fate which
awaited
him.
Church
had

alreadyfled down the

close and bloody skirmish

enemy

from

He

Upon

Indian

Church

whispered a
lowered

precisely
his

answer

river,raised
him.

at

to

Here

it.

his side.

at

day. Church, discoveringan

fallen

and

head.

his

the
perhaps, upon
but his royal
fired,
bank.
He escaped
few

hours

wards.
after-

desperateman, the
last prince of an
ancient
subjects,
race, without
without
accused
by his allies,
betrayed by
territory,
his comrades, hunted
like a spent deer by bloodhounds,
of famishing,
and
in dailyhazard
with
no
All his chief
shelter day or
night for his head.
was

now

and

desolate

and

brother

slain in the Pocasset

was

down

shot

was

only son were

escaped fi-om

best

fi-iends had

counsellors

his

at

capturedwhen

betaken

himself

Albany
made

stillhave

; but

descent
His

men.

even

next

to

; his

no
a

His
uncle

could

And

rest

or

ovra

he have

country,

refuge.

place between

He

York

had
and

says, the Mooha^s

of his
him
and
killed many
upon
at the fall of
was
kennelling-place*

here,as

languageof Church.
we
properlyapplied,
suppose,
*

swamp

fi-om the soil of his

found

once

killed.

side ; and his wife and

he himself so narrowly

the fire of Church.

fled for the last time

he would

own

been

Church

The

to a

The same
curious

name
cave

might be
in the

as

vicinity

INDIAN

167

BIOGRAPHY.

Deerfield,where, some
river,above
"
found
time after, CaptainTurner
him, came
upon
and
killed a gi-eatmany
him by night,
ed
frightenmen,
hunted
down
that
the
into
were
river,
more
many
Connecticut

the

falls and

drowned."

He

lost

three

hundi-ed

in their encampments,
They were
asleepand unguarded. The English rushed upon
ed,
them, and they fled in every direction,half-awaken!"
! Mohawks
and crying out, " Mohawks
better illustrate Philip's
We
cannot
character,than
that within a few
days of this affair,
by observing,
of the Narraghanthe remnants
he was
collecting
the Wachuset
on
setts and Nipmucks
hills,
among
made
side of the river ; that they then
a
the east
descent
Sudbury ; "met with and sivaUowedup
upon
and his company
the valiant Captain Wadsworth
;* and
in those parts." We
other doleful desolations
many
also find,that Philipwas
settingpartiesto waylay
circumstances
worst
Church, under his own
; and
that he came
succeeding. He is thought
very near
been at the great swamp-fight in December,
to have
Indians
thousand
1675 ; and to have led one
against
In
the ensuing 8th of February.
Lancaster
on
his appearAugust of the former season, he made
ance
the Nipmucks, in a swamp
ten
or twelve
among
"
Brookfield.
miles from
They told him at his first
coming," said one of them who was taken captive,
at

men

this time.

of Winnecunnett
pond, in Norton (Mass.) In the midst of a
cluster of large rocks, it is formed
by the projectionof one
itwith an acute
another which meets
over
angle. It is five
is
feet by nine.
seventeen
at the base
feet high, and the area
the
Sachem's
it
of
secret
Tradition represents
one
as
retreats,
of ' Philip's-Cave'
to this day.
and it bears the name
refer to the
the Captain's
may
which the unfortunate prisoners
met
reallysavage treatment
the authority
of Mather, at
We
have it on
with in this case.
tures
least,that tliose " devils incarnate " inflicted a varietyof tor"
and so with
not necessary to be enlarged
upon here ;
them
out of the
horrible torments, roasted
leisurely,
exquisite,
VII. p. 55.
world."
England, Book
History of New
*

This

London

strong

Ed.

of
expression

1702.

i68

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

fney had done to the English at Brookfield

and ^avt
[burning the town.] " Then he presented
to three sagamores,
namely, John alias Apequinast,
Quanansit, and Ma\Atamps, to each of them about a
peck of unstrung wampum."* Even so late as the
before the sachem's
month
death, a negro, M'ho had
the English of his
him, informed
fought under
design of attackingcertain towns, being still able to
In his last
muster
men.
something like a thousand
and worst
think of peace ; and
not
days, he would
he killed with his o^vn
hand, upon the spot, the only
"

what

Indian

who

brother

of this

ever

dared

by

man

it. It was
propose
whom
he was
himself
to

the
soon

after slain.
These

are

courage
doubt that

as

clear
noble

then,that Philippossessed
proofs,
as

his intellect.

Nor

is there any
a long list

have
furnished
historywould
of his personalexploits,
but that his situation compelled
him
well as conceal
himsell".
to disguiseas
If any thingbut his face had been known, there was
nothingto prevent Chui-ch fi-om shootinghim, as we
have
And
seen.
universallyinfluential as he was,
the master-spirit
guiding, encouragevery where
ing,
and
fact
it
is
a
worthy of
rewarding,
soothing
mention, that from the time of his first flightfrom
before
his death, no
Pocasset
until a few
weeks
his
Englishman could say, that he had either seen
"

"

countenance

or

heard

his

voice.

Hence

Church

bemg always foremost in the flight.

his head, the fearfiil power
The
price put upon
that some
of
which
pursued him, the circumstance
his own
acquaintance were
againsthim, and especially
the vital importance of his life to his cause,
all made
for him
it indispensable
to
adopt every
and
of
warfare
of his
the
cunning
stratagem
wary
describes

Note

him

as

Hutchinson's

History of

Massachusetts.
Mather
Bays, that these very Indians had covenanted by a formal treaty,
a month
before,that they'svouldnot assist Philip.
to

170

INDIAN

but the treatment

der him such a

BIOGRAPHT.

you

have

given him,

as that,if there
subject,

there

does

be

not

not

ren

present

should

answering
presentlybe a
summons,
proceedingto hostilities."
notion of a Plymouth
Philiphad himself the same
duced
insummons
; and yet either policyor good feeling
him
to visit the
Plymouth Governor, in
March, 1675, for the purpose of quieting the suspicions
of the Colony : nothing was
discovered against
He maintained
him, and he retm-ned home.
privately
the same
frank
but proud independence. He
was
his father was,
as
opposed to Christianityas much
and
would
make
concessions
that point.
no
upon
of Sassamon
might have
Possiblythe remembrance
rankled in his bosom, when, upon
the venerable
Eliot
once
him, he took one of his
undertaking to convert
his fiugers,
and told him
he cared
buttons between
for the Gospel than for that button.
That
no
more
he was
red
civil,
however, may be infergenerallymore
to

from

Gookin's

statement

"

I have

heard

him

speak very good words, arguing that his conscience

is convicted,"c."
The
sachem
made
him
evidently
self agreeablein this case.
In regard to his personal appearance,
always a
of
the
of
in
matter
case
curiosity
great men, sketches
of him are extant, but none
purportingto be portraits
of

them

than

the

narrative

are

believed

to

have

gi-otesque charicature
of

Captain

Church

more

verisimilitude

prefixed to
(the model

the

old

of

the

therefore
ourselves
content
to
must
series)
; and we
As to his costume,
i-emaiu ignorantin this matter.
who
him at Boston, says that he had a
saw
Josselyn,
coat
set thick with beads, in pleasant
on, and buskins
of
wild works, and
broad
belt
the
same
a
;" his
A family in
accoutrements
being valued at "20.
is understood
to be stUl in possesSwanzey, (Mass.),
which
session of some
of the royalties
were
given
of
Church.*
the
time
his
at
capture by
up by Anawon,
"

is said to have been

captainduringthe war ; and also
*

Anawon

Philip'schief counsellor and

to

have

foughtupder

Massa-

INDIAN

There

were

two

which

came

over

171

BIOGRAPHY.

horns

of

glazedpowder, a red-cloth
blanket,and thi-ee richly and beautifully wrought
belts.
One
inches wide, and
nine
was
so
wampum
long as to extend fi-om the shoulder to the ancles.
To the second, which
the head, were
was
worn
on
attached
ornamented
small flags. The
two
third and
smallest had a star figuredin beads
one
end,
upon
the bosom.

far from

barbarian in his
being a mere
and feelings.There
is not
instance
manners
an
to
be met
his
of
with,
having maltreated a captive in
while
the English were
even
any
way,
sellinghis
own
people as slaves abroad, or torturingand hang
The
famous
Mrs. Rowlandson
ing them at home.
speaks of meeting with him during her doleful
captivity.
He invited her to call at his lodge ; and when
she did so, bade her sit down, and
asked
her if she
would
smoke.
On
meeting her again,he requested
her to make
some
garment for his child,and for this
he paid her a shilling. He afterwai-ds took the trouble
of visiting
her for the purpose
of assuringher,
that
in a fortnight
she should be her own
mistress."
Her
last interview,it must
be allowed, shows
his
shrewdness
rather more
to
advantage than his fair
dealing. It was Indian stratagem in war-time,how-

Philipwas

"

Boit.

But

the latter was

character ; nor
not a very belligerent
's services
under
do we
find mention
of Ana won
Philip,
fall
the
the
time of his
at
swamp-skirmish, when
previousto
that he boasted
Hubbard
the counsellor made his escape.
states
of having killed ten whites in one
day ; but nearlyall that is
known
derive from the picturesque
of him we
of his
account
captiu-e by Church, who headed an expeditionfor the express
Anawon

his

misfortune,and

entertained his
even
occasion
and
Church recipmanfullyon
rocated
;
conqueror,
his courtesies; but all in vain
tlie old warrior, with
after belieaded at Plymouth
soon
many otliers of his tribe,was
To
tlie traveller from
Taunton
to Providence, through the
purpose.

met

that

most

"

south-east
to this

corner

day

high,on

"

an

sort

of

pointedout
feel
to tliirty
twenty-five

Rehoboth, Anawon's

enormous
pile,from
of island in a swamp

of

rock

some

is

thousand

acras.

172
; and

ever

BIOGKAPHT,

INDIAN

the

sachem

half-clad

this

at

was

very

and

lily-roots.
ground-mits,
livingupon
the
ed
business, [her ransom,] callPhilip,smelling
1 would
asked
what
me
to him, and
me
give him
and
to speak a
some
to tell me
good news,
good
that I might go home
for me,
1
word
to-morrow.
told him
I could not tell, but any thing I had, and
time

acorns

"

"

"

him

asked
and

he

what

would

have.

half
money,
tobacco.
/ thanked

in
shillings

twenty

He
a

said

two

bushel

coats,
of seed-

for his love,

well as that craft})
that good news
but I knew
as
foxP
himself
with
It is probablehe was
this
good
amusing
he did with the worthy Mr. Gookmuch
as
woman,
coi-n, and

some

him

all events, there

traces
are
no
feelingin these simple anecdotes.

iu ; but

at

of malevolent

find that when

one
striking,we
James
Brown, of Swanzey, brought him a letter fi-om
Plymouth, justbefore hostilities commenced, and the
the point of killinghim,
warriors
were
young
upon
Philip interfered and prevented it,saying, that "his
father
had
kindness
Mr.
to
charged him to show
Brown."
in Hubbard,
Accordingly,it is recorded
that a little before
his death, the old sachem
had
visited Mr. Brown, who
lived not far fi-om Montaup,
and earnestlydesired that the love and amity he, had
the children.
It
to
received, might be continued
induced
was
probably this circumstance, which
Brown
enterhimself,to engage in such a hazardous
prize,afl:er an interval,probably, of some
twenty
What

years.
Nor
to

the

Pond,

is

more

should

Leonard
in what

we

pass

over

family,who
is

now

the

kindness

resided

Raynham.

near

of

Phihp
Fowluig

Philip,who

tered
win-

of fishing,
Montaup, for the convenience
accustomed
to
.at
perhaps, was
spend the summer
he became
a
hunting-house, by this pond. There
intimate
with
the Leonards, traded
with them, and
On the
had his arms
fi-equently.
repairedby them
breaking out of the war, he gave strict orders that
at

"

"

these

should

men

and, indeed, the

173

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

hurt,as they never

of Taunton^
town
be

never

whole

"

as

it then

out
through-

unmolested
^i-emained almost entirely
the war, and amid all the ravages and

was,

;*

were

"

massacres

How
dailytook place upon its very borders.
himself
much
of provocationand humiliation he was
his
AH
enduring meanwhile, we have alreadyseen.
relations were
killed or captured,and
a
price set
which

his

upon
It is
the
in

life.

own

melancholy interest to know, that

and hopelessas he had become
sachem, wretched
his last days, was
still surrounded
by a band of
a

of

matter

his faithful and

affectionate

At

followere.

the very

surpriseby the English,he is

of his gloomy dreams,f
them
telling

of his fatal

moment

said

to

have

been

here
upon the site of tlie one
forgeis still in operation
Leonard
The original
House, where tradition
mentioned.
time, is repredepositedfor some
sented
says that Thilip'shead was
It is still
in die Vignette prefixed to this volume.
from the
occupied by one of the family,of the sixth generation
*

builder,and,

so

far

as

we

are

standingin

this coimtry.

ends is inscribed

with the date

now

informed, is the oldest mansion

The

vane,

at one

of the

gable-

1700; but there is littledoubt of

having been erected at least thirtyyears previous.

is remarkablymassive and
The workmanship, especially
witliin,
It isapparentlymodelled after an Englishfashion of the
sound.
modifications proper for defence
eighteenth
century, with some
The
duringthe war.
againstthe Indians. It was garrisoned
the house

"

Fowling

Pond, stillso

called, has become

not

was

Indian

waters.

weapons

and

thick

swamp.

since,who

in
years
a
to catch fish in its
canoe,
utensils are
stillfound on its

living
aged gentleman
boyhood had frequently
gone off in
An

many

borders.
violent

prejudice
existing
againstPhilip,unmitigated
and
in a paeven
by
sufferings death, appears singularly
renthetica
surmise of Hubbard,
whether the devil appeared
that nightin a dream, foreboding
his tragical
to him
end, it
not." So Mather says, he was
matters
hung up like Ahag,
after beingshot throughhis
murderous
heart
and
venomous
Church, generallyan honorable and humane
speaks of
man,
his fallen foe, in terms
which
we
regardhis reputationtoo
f The

his

"

"

much

to

repeat-

"

174

INDIAN

BIORRAFHY.

and

advisingthem to desert him and providefor theij

shot
ovsTi
safety. A few minutes after this,he was
in attemptingto escape from the swamp.
An
Engghshman, one
Cook, aimed at him, but his gun
"

missed

"

stationed to watch
at the same
place,dischargedhis musket, and shot
him
of this success
through the heart. The news
fire ; tlie Indian

of

was

who

received

course

was

satisfaction ;
gave three loud

with

great

Church

whole
says, that "the
army
huzzas."
It is to be regretted
that the honest captain
suffered his prejudicesto caiTy him
so
far,that he
He had
denied the rites of burial to his great enemy.
him quartered,on the contrary, and his head carried
to Plymouth, where, as Mather
is careful to tell us, it
arrived on the ver}^ day when
there were
the church

keeping
temper

soured

was

toward
but

four

and

himself.

For

sixpence

head
a
shillings
head went
Philip's
it a

"

triumph

head
;

with

and

and
one

the

at

about

of
up

the lock of the gun

observes
he

that

thought

Colony

the

killed him

who

of his hands.

detail,several
after given

He

encouragement." The

poor
carried

the Indian

received

together"svith thirty

price,and

same

and

was

he

this march

man,
killed.

for the

scanty reward

sachem's

soon

thanksgiving.The conqueror's
of the Government
by the illiberality

solemn

To

was

in
warded
re-

ed
finish the wretch-

principalroyaltieswere
of his chief captains
;
by one
liis

which

was

fatal

to

him, with

sam^-dishfound in his wigwam, are stillto be seen

the antiquities
of the Historical
Society of
among
Massachusetts.
Montaup, which became the subject
of a disputebetween
the Massachusetts
and Plymouth
awarded
to the latter by a special
Colonies,was finally
decision of King Charles.
Last and worst
of all,
his only son, a boy of nine
a

It

kept many years at Plj-mouth,Dr. JIather says in

It is not longsince the hand which
1700.
writes "upoa
now
took off tlie jaw from the exposedskull oi
a certain occasion
that blasphemous leviathan.^'
was
"

"

of

yeara

the

among

whom

age,

shipped to

we

have

already noticed
sold

EngHsh captives,was
It should

Burmuda.

this unfortunate

that

175

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

measure

be

as

and

stated,however,
taken

not

was

slave

as

without

much
so
scruples. The Plymouth Court were
perplexed upon the occasion, as to conclude
upon
of
the
for
advice.
the
to
Colony
clergymen
applying
children
of noMr. Cotton
of
that
"the
was
opinion
such
toi'ious traitors,
rebels,and murderers, especially
in such
have
been
as
principalleaders and actors
horrid
in the guilt of
villanies,
might be involved
be adjudged
their parents, and might, salva republica,
Mather
to death.'''' Dr. Increase
compared the child
whose
father was
killed by Joab ; and
to Hadad,
he intimates,that if Hadad
himself had not escaped,
some

David

have

would

molesting the
know, that the

next

to

the

even

have

we

Such

How

generation.
he

course

to

measures

It is

gratifyingto

recommended

ignominious and

his

prevent

poned,
post-

was

mortifymg

one

mentioned.
was

forced
of

taken

Philip.
enemy
much

the
upon
And
more

impression
the

which

Colonists

never

was

eeneraliv

greater his

by

had

been

the

terrible

civilized

or

an

sally
univer-

spirit

ized
uncivil-

justlyfeared.
might have been, had
of opposing him, it is

or

success

more

favored,instead
It is confessed,
fortunately
impossiblefor us to estimate.
the Narraghansetts
however, that had even
of the war,
joined him during the first summer
of
it
as
nothing but the abrupt commencement
from
doing, the whole
prevented them
coimtry,
fi-om the Piscataqua to the Sound, must
have
been
But as it was, Philip did
over-swept and desolated.
and endured
him as a warrior,
enough to immortalize
and we
a statesman,
add, as a high-minded and
may
noble
pati'iot.Whatever
might be the prejudice
againsthim in the days of terror produced by hia
the
there are
both
the magnanimity and
prowess,
in these times,to do him
calmness
the justicehe
circumstances

"

"

"

176

INDIAN

fought

He

deserves.

BIOGRAPHY.

and

miserably,

fell,

indeed,

"

but
the
own

the

gloriously,

of

worshipper
honor,

birth-place,
birth-right.

and

his

own

the

his

gods,

the

the

soil

for

mai-tyr
for

of

avenger

"

proud

liberty

household,

own

of

guardian
which

which

was

was

his
his
his

178

INDIAN

is

There

an

BIOGRAPHY.

unnecessary

confusion

in

the information

of our
best annahsts,respectconveyed by some
ing
the particular
who
the
Nargoverned
personage
between
at the date of the first mtercourse
raghansetts
and
them
the EngUsh.
Governor
Hutchinson, for
of Canoivicus
case
as being
example,speaks in one
their chief
sachem.
In another, alludingto the
of Miantonomo, while
death
the former
was
yet
he
had
that
lost
their
living, observes,
althoughthey
had
divers other stout ones, as
chiefsachem,yet they
Canonicus,Pessacus and others.
The ambiguityhas arteen fi-om the circumstance,
that althoughCanonicus
exercised
the chief authority
of the country when
the English first arrived,he
aft;er became

soon

with

Miantonomo,

associated

the

in

Government

his

the parnephew. What were

ticulai- conditions
of the royal co-partnership,
or
the occasion
of it,
what was
be determined.
cannot
now
Some
writers suppose,
that the sole authority
belongedto the younger of the two, and that the elder
acted in the capacityof regent ; but considering
that
the association continued
during the whole term of
the jointlives of the two, it appeal's more
probable,
that Canonicus, finding himself
far advanced
in
with the f^hargeof an
years,*as well as encumbered
extensive dominion, at the period of the first English
settlements,
thought proper to make such an
alteration in his regalstate as seemed
to be required
He therefore selected
by the exigenciesof the times.
the most
as an
associate,
popularand active prince
of his own
family.
Mr. Hutchinson
himself appears finally
to adopt
*

Roger Williams

tellsus in his Key

Indian
to
guages,
Lanthe
firstprintedin 1643, that he was
about foui'scoreyears
"
of age.
is
Elsewhere, it
stated, tliat Cononicus, being the
eole governor
chief
or
sachem, employed his nephew Rliantinomy,
and

to

in

his warlike
manage
his decliningyears

government
Bis.

Coll

for

assistance.

affairs,as
took

His.

him

his army,
in hit
partner
Counirv.
Mass

generalof
as

Narr.

the conclusion

we

have

history*subsequent

179

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

to

juststated.
the

passage
derived
from

refei-sto information
whicli
furnished

In

above

part of his

cited,he

authentic

scripts,
manu-

opinion of the Narra

themselves
the subject. The
oldest
gliansetts
upon
the English fii-starof that people reported,when
rived,
times a sachem
called
that they had in former
Tashtassack, incomparably superior to any other
in the whole

country

the

in dominion

said they,had only

chieftain,

and

two

and

state.

children,a

This

son

and

cording
being able to match them acthem
he joined
to their dignity,
togetherin
wedlock.
They had four sons ; and of these,Canonicus, ivho was sachem when the Englishcame,"was
a

daughter;

not

"

the eldest.

observes, that this is the only

tradition of any sort, from
or
pieceof Indian histoi-y,
the ancestors
of our
first Indians, he had
met
ever
Mr.

with.

Hutchinson

The

brothers

here

of Canonicus

referred

to,
writers, but

occasionallyspoken of by the old

not
as
having signalizedthemselves
by any thing
of
notice.
worthy
The fact that Canonicus
and his nephew administered
the government
in harmony, as weU as in union,
is shown
most
by the letters of Roger Wilclearly
that
liarns.fIt is well known
that,in 1634, when
reverend
sachusetts
gentlemanwas compelled to leave the Masof his religious
colony,(on accoimt
opinions,)
he fled to Seekonk.
But
that place lying
within the limits of the Plymouth jurisdiction,
and
the people of that colonybeingunwillingto embroil
themselves
with Massachusetts,Governor
Wiuslow
informed
him of the difficulty
which
was
apprehend
ed, and advised him to occupy a spot on the other
are

History of 3Tass. Vol.1, pp. 72. and 458.

Vol. I. Mass. His. Coll. 3d Series.
See
writer
The same
t
"
Their
eays in his Key to the Indian Languages
agreement
in the government
will not
is remarkable.
The
old Sachem
be offended at what the young
Sachem
doth ; and tlie young
Sachem will not do what he conceives will displease
his uncle "
"

180

BIOGRAPHY

INDIAN

side

of the

of either
river,without the boundaries
jurisdiction.
Upon this,Mr. WiHiams, utterlyforlorn,
crossed the river,and
threw
himself
the mercy
on
of Canonicus.
The

chieftain
savage
recorded
received
him

praise,be it
with a hospitality
worthy of
of
first,
indeed, he was
suspicious

"

At
emperor.
his visiter's motives
an

in his

his eternal

to

"

; and

he

favor,from

was

the

none

more

his

possessed
pre-

subjectshaving
excessivelyfrom a formidable
epidemic,
which
he supposed to have
been
introduced
by the
"
English. At my first coming among
them," Mr.
Williams
writes," Caunounicus*
(moi-osusaequo ac
barbarus
accused
the
senex) was
very
sour, and
English and myself of sending the plague among
to kill him especiaUy." Soon
them, and threatening
afterwards,however, he not only permitted the
who
had
followed
refugee,and the poor wanderers
fi-om Salem, to have
him
a
resting place in his
all " the neck
of land
domain, but he gave them
the mouths
of Pawtucket
and Moshalyingbetween
suck rivers,that they might sit do^vn in peace
upon
and
forever."
Williams
this
divided
Mr.
it,
enjoy it
land equallyamong
founded
his followers,and
the
recent-

Iv suffered

town

of

Island

commenced

Providence.

Canonicus
of what

The
Patuxet

at

conveying
is

of

Rhode

short time

afterwards,
nearly the whole

Williams

to

Providence

now

settlement

county

at

one

time.

Narraghansettrulers is the
creditable
their feelings,
inasmuch
the
to
more
as
them
and
the English colonies
former relations between
had been
far enough from fi-iendly.
Early in
were
so
1622, their threats of hostility
open, that the
The

name

kindness

The

of

following are
in

the

but

few

of the

other

Vol.

19th.

modifications

use.

CoNONicus.

Trumbull's

Caunonicus

Baylies' History

CoNAUCus.

Winslow's

Cannonicds.

Gookin.

Documents
Casanacus.
Coosoosacub.Canoonacds

mss.

Good

of

Plymouth.

News

in Hazard's

and

from

New

Ekglaro*

Collection.
Conowkacui
Same,

of tliia

181

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

of their
Englishwore receivingconstant intelligence
alliance ; and
designsfrom the Indians in their own
herald to Plysent
a
not
mouth,
long afterwards,Canonicus
left

who

rattle-snake's skin
Tlie

bundle

the

"

of

enclosed

arrows

in

challengeto

customaiy

war.

in return,
messenger
stuffed with
gunpowder and

despatched

Governor

skin
bearingthe same
bullets ; assuring the chieftain also, that if he had
far as
so
shipping,instead of troublinghim to come
his wish
for fighting,
he would
Plymouth to gratify
more,
him in his own
have souglit
country ; and further"

he should
find
come,
This
resolute message
ihe English ready for him.
and the sachem's
had the desired effect,
superstition
that

confirmed

it.

he refused

to

several

the

touch
in

hands, and

did

of

Fearful

remain

to

even

he

whenever

mysterious injury,

some

skin,and

his

It

house.

lengthwas

at

would

not

suffer it

passed through

returned

to the

col

unopened.
attack on Massasoit,
made
an
1632,the sachem
who fled for refuge to an English house at Sowams
;
of
his
and sent despatchesfor the assistance
English
interest in
allies. As Captain Standish took a special
ray,
In

this case, there

between
the

must

have

soon

parties,had

not

been

the

contest

warm

Narraghansetts

of a rumor
that the
hastilyretreated,on account
territory.Four
invading their own
Pequots were
nation
med
forthe last named
years afterwards,when
the Engthe design of completelyextirpating
lish
from New
England, they appliedto their old

enemies,
peace,
as

and

to

possiblein
The

and

Canonicus

engage
a

sachems

occasion,between

them

the

with
cause

common

are

Miantonomo,

said

to

as

many

conclude

to

other

againstthe
have

wavered

tribes

colonists.
on

that

of present revenge
gratification

Pequots, and the prospect of an ultimate

by uniting with
triumph over the English power
for Roger Williams, and
Their
them.
fi-iendship
the influence
he was
cise,
consequentlyenabled to exerinformprobablyturned the scale. Miantonomo
upon

the

182

INDIAN

ed him

of the

do

the honor

BIOGRAPHY.

fbrPequot application
; Mr. Williams
warded
the news
immediately to Governor
Winthrop
and
the
at Boston
same
Canonicus, by
messenger,
;
of recent
word
sent
depredationswhich he had jusl
understood
been committed
to have
by the Peqiiots
thft
at Saybrook. The
Governor, probablyfollowing
tt"
suggestionof Mr. Williams, sent for Miantonomo
him
He

of

visit.

accordingly in Septembei
other
1G36,attended by two of the sons of Canonicus,ansachem, and about twenty sanops
(or male
adults.)As he had given notice of his approach the
day previous,the governor sent a corps of musketeers
him
him
to meet
at Roxbury ; and
they escorted
into town
about
noon.
By this time,Mr. Winthrop
had
of the magistrates and
called
together most
ministers
it being now
dinner time,
of Boston, but
both
and business
were
postponed. The
ceremony
in the same
sachems
dined
room
by themselves
the
with
while
the governor,
were
amply
sanops
Miantonomo
provided for at an inn. In the afternoon,
made
his proposals
of peace ; and said that,in case
to

came

Boston

of their acceptance, he should

in two
months
send a
them.
The
present to confirm
according
governor,
asked
time
consider
this proto their own
to
custom,
posal.

At the second

upon,

and

subscribed

conference,which
followingterms
by the governor

hand,

and

the

of the

the

morning,

next

1.

firm

and

the

consent,)and
2.

Neither

without

the

marks

peace
other

Not

4.

To

to harbor

put

the

were
on
on

place
agreed

the
the

Massachusetts

one

other.
ony,
col-

English plantations,
(with their
their confederates
their consent.)
(Avith
party to make
peace with the Pequots,

consultation

3.

between

sachems

took

to

death

with
the
or

the other.

Pequots.
deliver

over

murderers,and

fugitiveservants.
5.
Tlie Englishto notifythem, when
they marched againstthe Pequots, and theyto send guides.
to return

6.

F/ee

trade between

the

two

nations.

7.

None

of them

during the

kno\vn

visit the

English settlements
Pequots,without some
lishman
Eng-

to

with

war

183

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

the

Indian

in company.
The
to continue
of both
to the posterity
treaty was
On its conclusion,the parties
nations.
dined together
or

before.

as

other
and

then

They

; and

the

dismissed

took

sachems

with

were

formal

leave

escorted

out

volleyof musketiy.

of

each

of town,
The
ent
pres-

oromised

been
to have
by Miantonomo
appears
in earlyin 1637, when
sent
a deputation of twentysix Narraghansetts
to Boston,with fortyfathom
came
of wampum
and
The
a
Pequot's hand.
governor

gave

each

of the

four sachems

in the

"

company,
deferred to return

of fourteen

shiUingsprice,and
his present till after,according to their manner."*
It is well known, how
discharged
fullythe Narraghansetts
their engagements
in the expeditionwhich
took placeabout this time against
the Pequots. They
also furnished,
ful
throughMr. Williams, not a littleuseinformation
respectingthe common
by
enemy,
which
the expedition
the
and
at
was
outset
guided
;
offered the use of the harbors of the Nan-aghansett
coast, for the English vessels.
The jointinvasion of the allies took place in May.
The Englishforces,
takingthe Narraghansettcountry
in their way, acquainted Canonicus
and Miantonomo
with their arrival and plan of campaign. The latter
met
them, the next day,with about two hundred of
coat

his chief
a

formal

counsellors

and

'

warriors.

request for permission

his

to

Mason
pass

made

through

his

the

tonomo,
Pequot forts. Mianafter a
that he
consultation,
replied,
and would
send
highlyapproved of the expedition,
the English force appeared to him
as
men, especially
the Pequots,who
to meet
were
quite too insignificant
on
territories,

way
solemn

great warriors.

About

to

five hundred

marched

againstthe

of Mason

; and
*

some

enemy,
of them

Winthrop's Journal,p.

warriors
under

ingly
accordthe

mand
com-

did active service.

217

184

INDIAN

The

chief sachems

BIOGRAPHT.

took

no

in the
part, personally,

campaign.*
In September 1638,the Pequots being completeof the Mohe'y conquered, Uncas, the chief sachem
gans, (who had assisted in the war,)and Miantonomo
invited to meet
the Connecticut
were
magistratesat
division
of captives.
a
Hartford, to agree upon
hundred
in number, besides women
These
two
were
and children.
allotted to the
Eight}'of them were
sachem
Narraghansett
; twenty to a neighboringchie^
hundred
Uncas.
to
Ninigret; and the other one
annual
tribute of wamThe
to pay
an
pum
Pequots were
at

should

Hartford.
be

and

Uncas
that if any
should

It

was

also

covenanted, that there

perpetualpeace between
that all past injuries
should

should

be committed

in

Miantonomo
be buried

future,complaints

of the
amicablyto
abide by their
to
English,both partiesbeing bovmd
decision
on
pain of incurringtheir hostility. No
of the English were
to be harbored,
open enemies
and all individual criminals
to be given over
to
were
justice.
*

the arbitration

be snibmitted

According to

Mason,

in

of Conn,

some

writers

theydid

not

even

meet

Major

related.
Mr. Wolcott, (Gov.
conference,as
Mr.
1751 to 1754,) in his poetical
Accomitof
above

from

Winthrop's agency in obtaininga charter

notice of that interview:
givesthe following

"

for

Connecticut,"

The news
of this our march, fame doth transport
With
court.
speedto great Miaantinomoh's
Nor had that pensiveking forgotthe losses,
He had sustained throughSassacus's forces.
his captains,all as one.
Cheer'd with the news,
In humble manner
do address the throne,
And press the king to givethem his commission.
To jointhe Englishin this expedition.
To their request the cheerful king assents.
filland form their regiments
And now
tliey
To war : a cohort which came
marching down
To us, who layencamp'd before the town.
Their chiefs go to our
general,and declare
What
's their intention and whose
men
they are, "C

186

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

and then charged the Pequot

flint,
with
after
soon
But, Miantonomo
shooting him.
with
the refugee,the
going to Boston in company
and
magistrates,on examination, found
governor
that the latter was
clear evidence
guiltyof the crime
he was
with which
charged. They proposedsending
be punished; but
Miantonomo
him
to
to Uncas
self;
pleadedthat he might be suffered to return with himand gave them
to understand, it is said,that he
own

with

arm

would

him

send

to

of all blame

hunself
them

so

gi-anted.Two
with

his

He

Uncas.

occasion

took

and
affair,

in the

to

culpate
exvinced
con-

completely,that his requests were

days afterwards,he killed the Pequot

hand.

own

event

took

of any

kind.

other
place in anwhich
under
cu'cumstances
strongly
direction,
the same
indicated
chem
authorship. Sequassen, a sathe Connecticut
on
river,killed a principal
Indian of the IMohegan tribe ; and
waylaid Uncas
himselfjas he was
going down the river,and shot
several
him.
Uncas
at
arrows
complained to the
took great
and
of the colony,who
court
governor
but without
He
success.
pains to settle the affair,
of Sequassen's
induced
to accept of one
was
finally
for the murdered
Indians,to be given up as an equivalent
not
consent
to
man
; but Sequassen would

About

the

submission

or

time,an

same

concession

He

insisted
his challenge,
and

accepted
fighting.Uncas
invaded
and
his territory
defeated,
Sequassen was
;
with the loss of many
of his wigwams burned, and
upon

his

men

As

killed.*

was
conquered sachem
nearly allied to
with him, it
Miantonomo, and upon intimate terms
was
generallybelieved that he acted fi-om his instigation,
and Avith the promise of his assistance in case
of necessity. He even
expressed,
openly,his reUance

on

the

the aid of Miantonomo.

The

NaiTaghansettchief
*

Trumbull's

was

not

Connecticut.

man

to

desert

INDIAN

his

allyor

IU7

BIOGRAPHY.

from

Jiis foe.

Having hastily
matured
it was
the next
a plan of canii)aign,
object
blow
with the most
the intended
to strike
possible
the
notice.
least
and
that
He
effect,
implied
possible
raised

an

to

retreat

five hundred

of between

army

and

towards
the
marched
discovered
spies of Uncas

thousand

and

men,
territory.The
and
jn-oach,

gave
already near, and

Mohegan
their

intelligence.The

him

Uncas

one

enemy
unprepared; but

was

apAvaa

he

of his men, and

rallied four or five hundred
hastily
be
must
by no means
tellingthem that the enemy
marched
suffered to surprisethem
in their villages,
out

to

At the distance

forthwith.

him

meet

of three

each other
miles,the two armies encountered
found
a largeplain. Meanwhile, Uncas, who
upon
himself obligedto rely more
stratagem than
upon
his warriors
the march
had acqiuiinted
on
strength,
he now
with
a
proceeded to put in
plan which
or

four

execution.
He desired a
the face of each
of his men,

Then

other.

he addressed

halted in
advancingin the front

the two

parley,and

armies

Miantonomo

"You

have

with you, and so have I with

of stout men
number
It is a great pity that such
brave warriors
me.
should
be killed in a privatequarrel
between
us
only.
Come
on, then,like a man, as you professto be, and
let us fightit out.
shall be
If you kill me, my men
shall be mine."
If I kill you,
men
yours.
your
a

"

Miantonomo

his

to accept
advantage too cleai-ly
such
a
proposal. "My warriors,"said he, "have
and
come
to
a
long way
fight,
they shall fight."
The reply was
and it was
ed,
anticipated,
scarcelyuttercharged
diswhen
Uncas
fell to the ground. His men
saw

over

him

Narraghansetts
; and
witliout

with

The

moment's
a

hideous

pursuitwas
The

shower
then

of

upon

the

the surprise
ously
them furiupon

followingup

rushed
interval,
and
yell,
sustained

were
enemy
like the doe
precipices,

arrows

soon

put them

to

flight.

with a ferocious eagerness.

rocks
down
chased
and
flyingfrom the huntsiTian,

l88

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

About

and
slain,

thirtywere

wounded.
Miantonomo
of the bravest men
Some

much

gi-eaternumber

exceedinglypressed.
at lengthcame
up
with him ; but not
daring actuallyto skirmish with
to leave that honor
to their leader,
him, or preferring
him
they contrived to impede his flightby tvvitching
Uncas
now
came
back, and then passed him.
uj),
and rushingforward
like a lion gi-eedy
of his prey, he
seized him
The
Narraghaiiset
by the shoulder.
tliat his fate

saw

of immense
around

him.

spake
and

not

called

about

the

continued
sachems

of Uncas

decided

was

and
his
strength,
He
stopped, sat

word.

was

Uncas

was

warriors
down
tlie

gave

party of his men,

up

Uncas

"

and
sullenly,
Indian whoop,
who
gathered

him.

before

but

slain

muscle.

eyes,

He

of

Some
he

still
his

moved

do

speak,"inquired
you not
Uncas, at length; had you taken me, I should have
besoughtyou for my life." But the NaiTaghansett

not

"

Why

his

man

thick

were

royalcaptive and gazed at

moody and speechless.
were

"

proud to
of his
especially
too

was

ask such
rival.

life for the present, and

Uncas

of his enemy,
and
however
spared his

returned

Mohegan, leadingalong with

evidence of his victory.
The
lands

boon

Samuel

in gi-eat triumph to
him the splendidlivuig

Gorton

having purchased
of
Miantonomo,
jurisdiction
and
Plymouth and IMassachusetts,
expectingto be
vindicated by him in his claims againstthose colonies,
and againstother Indian tribes,
he immediatelysent
word
and tm-eatened
to Uncas
to give up his prisoner,
him
a

notorious

of

under

the

of the colonies if he refused

the vengeance
self
compliance. But Uncas shrewdly bethoughthimwith

of

safer

Hartford,and

course.

asked

He
advice

carried his prisoner to

and magof the governor
istrates.

between
the
being no open war
Narraghansetts and English,these authorities were
mended
unwillingto interfere in the case, and they recom-

There

i-eference of the
of the United

affair to tlie commissioners

Colonies, at tlieii*next
whole

INDIAN

189

BIOGRAPHY.

in

September. Meanwhile, Miantonomo

had
recovered
his speech. He
probably expected
better treatment
with the English than with Uncas,
and
he now
to
earnestlypleaded to be committed
their custody. Uncas
consented
leave him
to
at
Hartford,but insisted on having him kept as hia
prisoner.
At the meeting of the commissioners
the whole
affair was
laid befoi-e them.
In their opinionit was
had
made
fullyproved that Miantonomo
attempts
the
life
all
the
of
and
means
Uncas, by
against
heretofore alluded
measures
to, and by poison and
murdered
the Pequot
sorcery besides ; that he had
assassin with his own
hand, instead of givinghim up
the author
of a general plot
to justice
; that he was
the Indian
tribes againstthe colonies ; and
among
meeting

that he had

moreover

aid of the

so
gone
wlio were

far

as

to

engage
within a

the

now
Mohawks,
day's
of
the
journey
English settlements,waitingonly for
release to sej-ve him accordingto his
Miantonomo's
pleasure.
"
These thingsbeing duly weighed and consider
in their report,* "we
ed," say the commissioners
be safe while
cannot
apparently see that Vncas
but that either by secret treachery
Myantenomof lives,
force his life will stillbe in danger. Whereor open
thinke
he may
foj-ewe
justlyputt such a false and
enemie
Juristo death,but in his ovrae
blood-thirsty

Hazard's

Collections,Vol. II. p. 7.

fHaz. Coll. Vol. II. p. 7. The reader will observe the

here used.
variation of the Sachem's
There are several
name
others
iu Hazard.
Hutchinson
writes Myantinomo
and
in the same
Miantonomo
both terms
in the
volume; Baylies,
"

course

admits

of the

adds an
h.
Trumbull
Winthrop
page;
this spelling
with the qualification
that the chief was
same

otherwise

called Mecumeh
(as he was) ; but he afterwards
Miantunnomoh.
Mason, (account of the
regularlyuses
My
writes
and Miantomo;
WolPequot war,)
antonimo
cott, Miaantinomoh;
Roger Williams,
and several other variations.
thus
We
are
llie hope of

amusing the curious.

Miantunnomu,

particulai
only in

190

INDIAN

in the

diccon, not
that in the

BIOGRAPHY.

English plantacons; eind advising

of his death

manner

all mercy

and

mode-

ans
practiceof the IndiAvho
and
exercise
tortures
cruelty,and Vncaa
himself a fi-iend to the English,
haveing hitherto shewed
and in this craveing their advice, if the Nanoothers
shall unjustly assault
or
higgansettsIndians
be

racon

shewed, contrary

the

to

notice and request tho

vpon
English promise to assist .-md protect him, as farr as
they may, against such vyolence."

for this execucon,

Vncas

The

commissioners

further

should

immediately be

of his

trustiest

men

for

sent

directed, that
to Hartford, with
of the

1 informed

an

Uncas
some

sentence

his captive. He
then to take him
was
upon
there
and
into the nearest
territory,
part of his own
discreet
of certain
put him to death in the presence

passed

who
persons,
the execucon

English
"

and

and

see

that the

body

at

all."
to

defend

him

These
made

English

his
and

for

Hartford

fiirnish

Uncas

againstall
appearance
marched

our

meddle

The

directions

to

were

them,
full satisfaccon,

accompany

more

Government

or

quently
subse-

was

forces

\%ath

head

the

with

not

enough

to

his enemies.

were

at

Uncas

promptly obeyed.
Hartford,

off with

him

his

received
to

the

oner,
pris-

spot
very
tlie instant

happened. At
they arrived on the gi-ound,a Mohegan who marched
with
behind
Miantononio
a
hatchet,
splithis head
bly
probakillinghim at a singlestroke ; so that he was
of his execution.
unacquainted with the mode
that Uncas
out
Tradition
cut
a
piece of his
says
He
said it
triumph.
shoulder, and'ate it in savage
where

the

capture

had

"

was

the

sweetest

meat

he

ever

Btrong." The royal victim was

order, at the place of
queroi-'s
erected
over
heap or pihar was
situated
in the eastern
of battle,
Norwich, is called the Sachem^s

eat

"

his heart

it made

buried, by
his death

the

and

con-

gi-eat

The field
his grave.
of
part of the town
Plain

to

this

day

INDIAN

191

BIOGRAFHY

CHAPTER

X.

Consideration of the justiceof tlie Commissioners'

upon

alleged The charge

employingthe Mohawks

Their reasons,
of ambitious designs Of

Miantonomo

as

"

him
against
the leagueof
Of bj-eaking

"

1638

sentence

"

Concerning the Pequot

Of hostility
to the English Of peculation Proofs
squaws"
and friendshipCauses
of complaint by him
of his fidelity
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

and

Canonicus

Character
of both
of Roger Williams
"Letters ot
Death
of Canonicus.

against the

Their treatment
Sachems"
that gentleman Anecdotes
"

English
"

"

"

determine,at this period,the jus

led
tice of the sentence
Miantonomo
was
by which
and
the slaughtei-. As
his
between
himself
to
and
character,
consideringIndian custom
enemy,
would
it might be considered
and
the
sufferer
just;
have been the last to complain of it. But
certainly
be blamed
for using the
not
though Uncas may
different opinionhas been
a
privilegeof the victor,
entertained
of the
interference
of the
English.
Their
laid before the Narraghansett
as
justification,
nation,after Miantonomo's
death, Avas as follows:
"
that this is without
They may well vnderstand
It is

not

violacon

easy

of any

to

betweene

couenant

them

and

for Vncus
with vs, and one
being in confederacon
hath diligently
before
observed
his couenants
for
vs, vpon

his

serious

know,

and

consideracon

[Miantinomo] treacherous
"c. and
againstVncus

he hath

countrey,
the

aught we

beene
we

of the
could

not

vs

that
tioned
men-

requiringadvice from
of the premises, viz.
and
how

murtherous

great

position
dis-

disturber

of the whole
peace
in respect of the justiceof

common

of
safetyof the countrey and faythfulness
our
of the lawfulness
frend,do otherwise than approve
of his death.
This
agreeingso well with the
Indians
and
owne
concurring with the
manners,
of other nations with whom
we
ai-e
practice
aquainthis death may
ed, we persuadeourselves howeuer
be
case,

192

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY

grieuousat present, yet the peaceablefruits of it will

of safety
the Indians, but
to
yieldnot only matter
to all that inhaTiite this continent."
profile
Supposing every thing to be true which is here
and
elsewhere
still be doubted
alleged, it may
whether
the colonies
could
be justified
in the part
taken
but such is not tb""
by theu* commissioners
;
"

case.

the Pequot
His killing
but what
could
be more

misunderstand
hand

would

take.

one

pointagainsthim

natural

than

for them

his

that

to suppose

was

be

promise in that case, or

justicewith
administering
the most
course
satisfactory

to

for him
his
he

own

could

Stress

designesto

" ambitious
is laid upon
Miautouomo's
make
himself \Tiivei-sal Sagamore or Governor

of all these

parts;"but this,whether laudable

in itself,
or
was
clearlyno usurpation
reprehensible
As
his hostility
towards
the
as
to
against them.
English,sufiice it to say here, that the evidence of it
fiirnished chieflyby his enemies,
to have been
seems
whose
direct interest it was
him by engaging
to oppress
As
the English interest in their owti
favor.
of the Mohawks, in particular,
to the employment
the most
that was
made
to appear,
even
through this
medium, was, that they were
awaiting Miantonomo's
release
and then they will carry on their designes,
whether
or
both, is
againstthe Enghsh or Vncus
doubtful"*
Let us
in
observe the testimony of Mr. Williams
regard to this afiair,
borrowing fi-om a letter written
since,
immediately after it took place. A fortoight
of the Mauquawogs
I heard
coming to Paucoraprovoked
tuckqut,their rendezvous
; that they were
Paucomtuck
^^Tongingand robbing some
Dy Onkas
Indians the last year, and that he [Uncas]had dared
to set his
the Mauquawogs, threateningif they came
iiTound with gobbets of their flesh "c."
had
of the Narraghansetts
that a few
He
admits,"
"

"

"

Kazurd's

Col.

Vol. II. p. 9. Commissioners'

Report.

194

BIOGRAPHT

INDIAN

Uncas.

haa
Gfovernor
answered, if Onkus
done him or his fntnds wrong,
and would
not give
course."*
should leave him to take his own
we
satisfaction,
"Our

The

which

follows

of the

explanation
ficiently
is sufgiven upon one point by the accused parties,
characteristic of their inteUigence,
at least,
First then, concerning the
to be quoted at length.
Canaunicus
answered
that he never
Pequot squaws.
account

next

"

but

saw

any,
parts, and

answered,

antunnomu

four

them

to

Then

he

them

to

the

he

he

which

that

into

came

these

;
carry them back to Mr. Governour
be never
heard of them
tillI came, and now
have the country searched
for them.
Mi-

would

and

some

he bade

but since
he

of

heard

was

me,

bid
me,

squaws

whereupon

that he

which

of but six ;

heard

never

brought to him, at
angry, and asked why theydid not carry
that I might convey
them
home
again
the natives that brought them
to carry
who
departingbrought him word that
were
lame, and they could not travel,
saw

he

sent

me

were

Avord,that

I should

send

for

them.

This I must
acknowledge, that this message
fi-om him, and sent
him
I received
woi'd, that we
but few

were

here, and

could

fetch them

not

nor

vey
con-

them, and therefore desired him to send men

wiUi them, and to seek out the rest.
Then, saith he,
indeed
were
as
we
buzy ten or twelve days logetlier,
of solemnity,wherein
in a strange kind
they were
all the nathe sachems
eat nothing but at night,and
tives
round

about

the

time, saith he, I

country
wished

feasted.

were

look

In

them,
which
notwithstanding,in this time, they scaped,
he would
and now
instantlyto search
employ men
three days to
within two
or
all placesfor them, and
Besides he profesthe desired
home.
them
convey

which

he did.

that
letters

with

to

should
think
sorry the governour
He anI objectedthat he sent to beg one.
swered,

not, and

them

to

some

Journal

was

Sassamun, being sent by the governour

to Pequot, fell lame, and
lying at his
Vol. II. and Retards

of

the Colonies

house, told him of

195

BIOGRAPHY,

INDIAN

which
squaw,
while
he lived was
a

was

sachem's

his, IMiantunfriend.
Ht [Miantonomo] therefore
desired in kindness to his dead friend,
to beg her or redeem
her [ofMr. Williams.]
Ill reply to a charge touching his fidelity
to the
declared
that the NarEnglish alliance,Canonicus
" had
stuck to the Englishin lifeor death,
ragliansetts
without
which
they were
persuaded that Okace
as he
[Uncas]and the Moliiganeukshad proved false,
feai-s they will yet." He then went
his
to specify
on
also
for this persuasion and this feai-. He
reasons
stated,that althoughthe Mohegaos had yet brought
in no
brother,Yootash, had on
captives,his own
occasion " seized upon
one
Puttaquppuunk, Quame
and
three-score
twenty Pequts and
; they
squaws
killedthree and bound the rest,tvatching
them all night,
and sending
for the English delivered them into their
that soon
hands in the mor-ning."It seems
afterwards
Miantonomo
the Pequots
passed the house where
osity
were
kept confined by the English,and havinga curiof the captivesachems
of conto see
one
a man
siderable
he made
for that purpose
note
application
but was
thrust at with a pike several times by the
and finally
driven off". Mr. V/ilEnglish sentinels,
liams suggested,
that probablyhe was
not recognised
;
but he thoughtthat he was, and several of the Narof the same
raghansettswere
opinion,and asked if
theyshould have dealt so with "JNIr. Govemour"
still denied,that he could have been
Mr. Williams
known
answered
Miantonomo
that,at
; to which
"
his whole
and
least,
disheartened,
company* were
theyall and Cutshamquene desired to be gone : and
of my
men
(Waqouckwhut and
yet, saith he, two
their guides to Sesquanket fi'om
Maunamoh) were
daughter,who
nomue's, great

"

"

"

the river's mouth."

hundi-ed of his warriors, just
from an
expedition againstthe Pequots,in which
had
taken
and had faithfully
ten
brought them
they
prisoners,
in at diis time.
in a sucSee the Life
of Cdtshame(^oin
ceeding
*He

was

at

the head

returned

Chapter.

of

two

I9b
To

and

the
he

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

third

that
accusation,

wampum

of the

he

had

received

prisoners
belonged to

which

enemy,

nevertheless
stock,and were
lized
monopoCanonicus
t
hat
replied,
although
by himself,
had
their
warriors
and
Miantonomo
own
paid
common

huudred
many
received
one

added,

Pequot

or

four

wampum,

yard of

one

that he had

present from

small

of

fathom

he

had

never

beads.

nomo
Mianto-

nothing but one

who
of Long-Island,
Island,and who, for

received

women

Pequots, but of that

under his
sake, had thereby put themselves
safety's
protection.
of the
in some
Other
facts,if not opinions,
appear
early annals,which would lead to similar conclusions
of the Narraghansettchief?.
respectingthe fidelity
Governor
Winthrop says, in his journalof February
" Miantunnomoh
"c.
1637
sent
six,with
twenty
In
and a Pequot'shand."
fortyfathom of wampum,
March, he records intelligencereceived from the
with
same
source, concerningthe Pequot movements,
of the
the 22d
On
proposalsof fresh assistance.
sent
us
word, that Mason
month, " Miantunnomoh
and slain eightPequods " "c.
had surprised
Again,
" Miantunnomoh
here
the
sent
same
during
summer,
fi-om us ;" and
some
Pequod squaws, which had run
"
the Narraghansetts sent us the
five days afterwards,
"
hands of three Pequods "c.
The two last statements
were

no

"

agree

with

the

declaration

Williams, apparentlyupon

of the
the

sachems

to

Mr.

points.
that Canonicus
accused
the English
have seen
We
of having broken
their promises. Omitting the proof
of that statement, it is impossible
at least,
to doubt
that it was
in the most
made
earnest
sincerity.The
writer justcited informs
in his Key
us
incidentally
Indian
TO
THE
Languages, that Canonicus, in a
solemn
address to himself, before a largeassembly,
had once
used
the followingexpression "I have
suffered any wrong,
off'ered to the Engnever
to be
lish
since they landed,nor
If the Engwill.
never
lishmen
"
speak true,"he added, then I shall go to my
same

"

in peace,

grave

197

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

and

hope

that the

English and my
together." Mr

posteritywill live in peace and love

Williams
observed, that he hoped he had no occasion
to questionthe friendliness of the English. Upon
took a stick,
broke it into ten pieces,
this the sachem
stick to
and
related ten
a
instances, laying down
for aj)preliengave him cause
evei-y instance,which
of them, he
sion or suspicion. With
regard to some
of his being mistaken, and
afterwards convinced
was
readilyacknowledged himself to be so ; but not as to
all.

The
sort

probably is,that provocationsof

truth

had

been

received

both

upon

some

sides ; but that the

to complain,and
English had any peculiar reason
of
the violent administration
especiallyto assume
'cannot be admitcertainly
punishment or prevention,

ed.

There

is

no

evidence

extant

to

support

such

indeed
acknowledges, with
position. Mr. Williams
his usual frankness, that individual
Narraghansetts
"md then
committed
offences
in
had
perhaps now
"
of money
or
matters
pettierevenging of themselves
:" but he
provocation
that he "could
also states, in the same
paragi-aph,
it pleasedy^ Lord to permit y*
not
yet learn y' ever
lish
Narighansettsto staine their hands with any Engin

some

Indians

upon

extream

hostilities nor
secret
blood, neither in open
murthers, as both Pequts and Long Islanders did,
and Monhiggans also in y Pequt wars."*
to be
This statement
we
uncontradicted,
suppose
and the authority is certainlydeserving of credit.
the other side of the
let us examine
Now, for a moment,
how
little likely
we
question,bearing in mind
are,
the circumstances, to be furnished
under
by history
truth.
with the truth,and least of all with the whole
in point liave alreadybeen given.
instances
Some
the frequent complaints
excessive jealousyand
The
calculated
in themselves
to proof the English were
duce,
" The
what
if not to justify,
they referred to
*

Ms.

Letters.

198

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY

governor of the Massachusetts"

"
of 1638
in his journ-al
wrote

"

"

to

with

treat

ahoxd

Miantunnomoh

otherwise to bid them

for war."

Wiuthrop,
Williams

or
satisfaction,

This

was

harsh

sovereignally,who
served
the English cause.
The
had faithfully
only
for it which
reason
is,that
ajjpears in the context
understood
to have
Janemoh, a Niantick chief,was
of
certain depredations on a settlement
committed
were
tributaryto the
Long Island Indians who
have
of that ti'ibe,
we
some
English. Now
seen,
under
Miantonomo's
themselves
: and
protection
put
of determining whether
that
there
are
no
means
chieftain did not
in this case, like the English,feel
We
do find it recorded,
Mmse{/'aggrieved by Janemoh.
of 1637, Mianhowever, that,in the summer
The
to Boston.
tonomo
came
deputy,
governor,
and treasurer, treated with him, and they partedupon
fair terms.
He acknowledged on this occasion,that
all the Pequot and Block Island country belonged to
the English,and promised that he would
not meddle
" In
but by their leave.
with them
fine,we
gave
which Janemoh
him leave to righthimself for the wrongs
had done him : and
for the
and Wequash Cook
would
they had done us, we
right ourselves
wrong
at

message,

in due

Not

the

look

says Mr.
also to Mr.

time."*
far from

best,to

send

the time

when

to

the

above

mentioned

been
made
to have
complaint seems
through Mr.
Williams, the latter writes to Governor
Wiuthrop as
"
in
follows.
Sir,there hath been a gi-eat hubbub
all these parts, as a genera]pereuasion that the time
for a generalslaughterof natives,
was
come
son
by reaof a murther
committed
a native
[Narraupon
within
twelve
miles
of
four
days since,
ghansett]
us,
*
*
An old native comes
by four desperateEnglish.
to
were

me,

and

tells me,

that

that
fled,relating

"vlio had

carried

three

the

those

natives
four had

beaver-skins

Winthrop'sJournal, Vol.

round
slain
and

I. 243.

about
an

us

Indian,

beads

for

son, and came

coats
; that three

three

with

home

Canaunicus's
and

199

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

natives

which

five fathoin
after

came

him groaning in the path ; that he told

found
of this flagrant
The
them, "c."
particulars
outrage
of the four
and
to the christian
surnames
even

him

"

murderers

"

the

given with a minuteness

of mistake.
And
possibility
are

of this transaction

mention

no

in

the

which

cludes
pre-

yet

find

we

tories.
English hishis complaint

perhaps made
But
without
to the proper
success.
authority,
probablyhe endured the injuryin silence,as
Miantonomo

evidence

that his allies

it
Still,

should

new

his enemies.

become

were

more

that

Miantonomo
declined to make
for which
all the explanation
never
As late as 1642,
a fair opportunitywas
given him.*
two
setts
sent
to him
were
by the Massachumessengers
not

government,
him
counsellors

to

with

omitted,

articles of

himself

come

to

be

the governor,

or

ring
complaint; requi-

send

in order

two
to

of his chief
tion
give satisfac-

for certain

grievancesalleged. He attended this

summons
promptly and personally. On his arrival
forward
in court, and demanded
at Boston, he came
should
be brought before
that his accusers
him face
that if they failed in their proof,they
to face ; and
should suffer the same
their accusations
punishment which
calculated
to
himself.
wei-e
bring upon
The whole
deportmenton this occasion was
grave
and dignified.His answers
with
were
given
great
and never
of the
deliberation,
except in the presence
attended
who
counsellors
him, that they might be
of every thing which
witnesses
passed. Two
days
denied
all
he
was
were
charged
spent in treaty. He
what
have alreadysuggested
we
with, and affirmed
raised and
that the reports to his disadvanteige
were
either by Uncas, or some
of his people.
circulated,
Such
an
effect,
(itshould be here observed)had
"

"

"

coiningto him, he carried them apart

with him, and
woods, takingonlyone of his chief men
"c."
them very rational answers
to all their propositions,
The

messengers

into the
e

W% 'in. Journal,

Vol.

II.

200

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

alreadyproduced,that the Connecticu

people were
importunate for open war with the Narraghansettsat this very time; and it required the
of the Massachusetts
whole
influence
authorities,
(wljodoubted, whether,they had sufficient proofsof
the designsof tlie Indians to justify
to prea war,")
vent
these reports

"

immediate

hostilities. Such

placesof refugefor the

of
provided in most
Beacons
smiths

were
were

all the

arms

pau-.

and

women

the

alarm

to
up, in readiness
ordered
to ])ostpone other
set

in the

colony were

great excitement

was

children

and

towns

existed,that
were

plantations.
be fired ; and
business until

put in complete

re-

produced in the to\vns

at WaterBoston, by a poor man, in a swamp

towr
cryingout for help againsta kennel of wolves
him
in the night.
which
heard
he
howling around
And
was
opposed to war,
althoughMa"sachuaetts
"
before
the
vdth the magistrates,
Yet the governor,
court
met, thought it necessary to disarm the Indians
within
the colony, which
they readilysubmitted

about

to.'-*
not only noticed
natural,
his visit to Boston,
of jealousyon
these symptoms
but felt"
ed
keenly the ill-will they impHed, and inquirof them.
Governor
the cause
Winthrop gave
with
him an evasive answer,
which, however, he politely
professedto be satisfied. He then entered into
quitean argument, to show that the suspicionsAvhich
of him
had
been entertained
were
unjust,and were
of his enemies.
He
fered
ofowing to the machinations
either at Hartford
Uucas
at Boston,
to meet
or
and to prove his treacheiyto the English,in their
He should
stand
at any
ready to come
presence.
time, he added; and this notwithstanding he had
been advised
not
to visit the English again,lest they

Miantonomo,

was

as

very

relied upon
seize upon
his person.
He
innocence, and he would visit them, whenever

should

was

deemed

necessary
*

that he should.

Hutchinson,Vol. I

his

i^

202

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

in favor of the accused.

probability,
the fault was
than one
In more
case, if not generally,
that being true, it must
the side of Uncas
on
; and
to
naturallyoccur
reader,to inquire,in the
every
by Mr. Williams,
languageappliedto a similar case
Graunt
these
hath their
subjects,JVTiat capacitie
late massacre
of y- JVarrgansetts
(withwhom theyhad
made peace)without y' English consent, tho^ stillunder
put them into ?"* A very forcible
y English name,
be admitted
its relevancy
query, it must
; and to show
to the
present subject,let us look again for a few-

proof,as

well

as

"

"

facts.

the chieftains
Pequot war, when
who
had assisted the English in caiTyingit on, convened
Hartford for a division of the spoil,Mr.
at
Williams
his journey.
on
accompanied Miantonomo
"By the way," says he, ("lodging from his house
divers Nanhiggonthree nightsin the woods,)we
met
tick [NaiTaghansett]
men
complaining of robbery
and
violence, which
they had sustained from the
Pequts and Mouahiggins in their travel from CunSoon

after the

of the
also some
[Connecticut]
; as
to Canaunicus]came
nashowatuckoogs [subject
nihticut

Wunto us

dred
that two
advertised,
days before about six hunand sixtyPequts,Monahiggins and their confederates
had robbed them
and spoiledabout twentj'three fields of corn
rifled four Nanhiggontick
; and
and
them ; as also that they lay in way
men
amongst
and

wait

to

cut, and
the

stop Miantunnoraue's
divers of them

to

passage

threatened

to

Cunnihti-

boil

him

in

kettle."

ties,
by various authoriand the other English in the comMr. Williams
pany,
were
stronglyin favor of turning back, and
clared
deBut Miantonomo
going to Hartford by water.
that not a man
should
retreat
keep
; he would
strict watch
by night,and in dangerous passes the
all march
with a body-guard,but
sachems
should
These

tidings
being confirmed

*Ms.

Letters,dated 1654.

203

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

would, rather than

the English
back.
turn
on, therefore,
and his wife in fi-ont,
and a flankwith Miantonorao
either side to prevent
on
giiardof fortyor fiftymen
Burprisal.They arrived safelyat Hartford,and the
of contook place. Uncas
accused
conference
was
niving
should

they

die,as he
They moved

himself

the trespasses of his men

raghansetts,and he retorted with
at

Miantonomo.

kind

same

angry

upon
discussion

them

to

and

shake

hands,

Miantunnomu
and

to sup

dine

as

was,

result

of this

last

drew

Miantunnomu

invited
with

of the

At

"

Nar-

charges

The

follows.

the

upon

we

and

Okace

Okace
(twice,
earnestly)
he

him,

killed

and

all his

venison

company
he
but
would
:)

some
having
(hismen
not
yield,altho' the magistratespersuaded him

to

also

it."

by the chieftain
magnanimity manifested
occasion,was uniformlya prominent part of

The

this

character.

When

he visited

Boston

in 1640

as

"

on

his

he

the request of the Massachusetts

ernment
govhe
entertained
the
first by
was
government
to commence,
Roxbui-y ; but when the parleywas

always did,at
"

at

he refused

to

through

treat

the medium

of

Pequot interpreter.The governor beingunwilling

to yield this point to him
as
good policy,if not
he
manners
apparently required that he should
as
departed abruptlyfor Boston, without so much
leave
of
his
host.
latter informed
the
The
taking
of this conduct, "and
would
show
him
court
no
a

"

"

countenance,

admit

nor

formerly,until he
which he readilydid
understand

had
as

him

to

dine

at

our

acknowledged
soon

as

he could

He
it.''''*

his

table

as

failing,

be made

to

obstirved,however, with some

that when
the English should
visit him, he
dignitj'^,
ehould cheerfully
ions,
permit them to use their o^vn fashas
they always had done.
the expedition againstthe Pequots,
Previous
to
both Miantonomo
and Canonic us had
expresseda
*

Win.

Jour. Vol

II.

204

BlOGRAPHr.

INDIAN

that whatever

wish

their

the enemy,

There

spared.
it does

not

to

have

all that

with

accords

chivalryin

been

is known

the warriors

of

should

children

and

women

was

seem

with

done

was

this request

"

be

and

forgotten which

soon

"

of both

these

tains.
chief-

outh
might have suppressedthe Plymcolony in 1622, at a singleblow ; but he thought
formal notice of his
it more
honorable
to give them
he became
hostile intentions,
by a messenger
; and when
been
convinced
that theyhad
misrepresented
if he did
their
ceased
be
to him, he at least
to
enemy
MianIn the same
become
their friend.
not
spirit,
of Connecticut,
tonomo, while in the custody of the governor
cautioned
him
his guard. He
increase
to
the fact
that attempts
what
was
openly declared
jects
be made
and would
were
by his NarraghansettsubCanonicus

"

"

for his
There

is

rescue.
a

affectingevidence

most

of

the

same

in the report of the commissioners

disposition,
The
for 1644.
plaining
constantlycomNarraghansetts,now
his tribe,
of IJncas and
of the conduct
other things,that the latter
brought a charge,among
which
had
had embezzled
a
quantity of wampum
noble

been

put into their hands

tonomo,
truth

while

there

the chief

might

be ascertained.

be

The

for the

was

in the

ransom

of Mian-

yet living. How

cannot
allegation,

commissioners

however

much
well

report,

they gave a fair hearingto the ' Narrahiggansett'

deputieson the one hand, and to Uncas on the other

that
The

result is thus

stated

passedfrom
of wamVncus
and his men
that for such quantities
such
and
parcellsof other goods to a great
pom
of
been
value
there might have
some
probabilitie
were
brought
spareinghis life,
yet no such parcells
i5ut Vncus
the Narrohiggansett
denye'th
Deputies
; and
that any randid not allready,
much
less prone
was
some
agreed,nor so much as any treaty begunn
for that
And
their imprisonedSachem.
to redeeme
but small
and goods sent
as
they were
wampoms
"

That

though

severall discourses

had

parcelsand

205

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

for such

considerable

scarce

part of them disposed by Myantinomo

and captainesfor
Vncus
his counsellors

purpose,
himself to

giuen and sent

his life
so
long
preseruing
curteouslyduring his Imprisonment^

either past or hoped for and

to Vncus and to his Squafor
and

vssinghim

What

could

favour

some

be nobler

than

part ivere

this ?

friendshipof the two

tion
sachems
for Williams
himself,is a sufficient indicaCanonicus
of noble natures.
was
suspiciousof
him
at first ; " but with
Miantunnomu," writes Mr.
after his removal, " I have far better
Williams
soon
court
latelyat my
dealing. He kept his barbarous
house.
He takes some
pleasureto visit me, and sent
of his coming over
word
me
eightdays
again some
at
hence."
When
the treaty of 1636 was
negotiated
not
Boston, Miantonomo
being able to understand
all the articles,
tire
or
perhaps not placingenperfectly
The

and

warm

in

confidence
desired

that

copy

constant

the

Massachusetts
should

be

sent

government,
to

his

fi-iend

it was
intimated,no
satisfied,
his own
would
arise upon
objectionor difficulty
part.
The
of land heretofore spoken of,were
conveyances
in the same
made
to him
feeling. " It was not price
or
money," says the gi-antee, " that could have purchased
Island
't
obtained
Rhode
was
: but
by love,
that love and favor which
that honored
gentleman.
with
the great
Sir Henry Vane, and myself, had
I
sachem, Miantunnomu, about the league which
Indians were
The
procured in the Pequod war.
rather
chose
lands to any, and
very shy of selling
fected."
of them, to such
as
to make
a grant
they af[gift]

Williams

"

if he

was

had pecusupposed,that Mr. Williams

liar
facilities for instructing
the sachems
in the doctrines
but he did not attempt a great
of Christianity
:
deal in this way,
and
his reasons
for it are given in
It

might

his Key
In

to

be

the

Languages,*

1654, (Mass.) he writes

observes, that he

He

"at

my

last

departure for

206

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

conversingwith several of
his chief warriors about keeping the EnglishSabbath.
Indian undertook, in
At another time,a Connecticut
Miantonomo's
to
dispute Mr. Williams's
presence,
doctrine,that the souls of the good should go to
ers
heaven, and those of the wicked to hell. Our Fathhave told us, said he, that all go to the South" And
West, and this I believe.
why so,"asked the
soul go to the Southa
see
sachem, " did you ever
that the evidence
West ?" To this the other rejoined,
heard

once

Miantonomo

doctrine
this respect for the Indian
"Ah
!" answered
tonomo,
Mianfor that of Mr. Williams.
the

was
as

same

but

"

which

than

we

shows

books

has

and

writings,and

one

well know
made ; he may
The
anecdote
fathers."
tainly
cerour
or
of the sachem
in his
great confidence

himself

God

more

he

has

English acquaintance.
We

shall close

our

remarks

this part of our

upon
of the letters to which

subjectwith citingat largeone

indebted
for facts.
we
already have been so much
It is sufficiently
characteristic of both the writer and
the chieftains his friends,
for the labor of
to repay
us
perusal. It is supposed to have been written in
October
"

1637.
The

last

of the

I think the 28th

iveek.

of the

8th.

Sir.
This

bearer,Miantunnomu, resolvingto go on
his visit,
[toBoston] I am bold to request a word of
advice from you
by
concerning a propositionmade
ijanaunicus

and

Canaunicus

gave

by

an

to

me

island

Chibachuwese,

name

seem,

himself

some

half

in the
on

that he ivould dwell there

year since.
Mr. Oldam,

bay to
as
condition,
near

unto

it should

them.

The
"

"

England, I was
importunedby ye Narigansettsachims, and
by Nanekunat, to pressent their petitionto ye high
especially
of
gachims
ligion,
England,yt theymight not be forced from their rebe invaded by war:
and for not changingtheir religion
for theysaid theywere
by Indiana
dailyvisited by threatenings
if
about
Massachusetts
would
from
not pray
they
jt
ye
yt came

theyshould

be

Itywar."
destoyed

Ms.

Letters.

INDIAN

Lord

(in whose

hands

affections towards
and
and

dwell

207

BIOGRAPHY.

all hearts

are)turning their

mji-self,
theydesired
to them.

nearer

I have

me

to

move

answered

er
hithonce

again,tliat for the present I mind not to remove.

if I have itfrom them
I would
satisfacgive them tion
for it,
and build a little house, and put in some

But

Bovine,as understanding the place to have store of

Of late I have
fish and
good feeding for swine.
heard
that Mr.
Gibbons, upon
occasion, motioned
of putting some
swine
on
your desire and his own
of
which
these
hath
made
since
Bome
me
islands,
desire
obtain
I
of
it.
it to this sachem,
to
more
spake
and he tells me
that because of the store offish,
Canaunicus desires that I would accepthalf{it
beingspectacle
and
between
mile
in circuit,
two
a
1
or
wise,
as
the other; bvi I think,
guess)and he would reserve
ifI go over, I shall obtain the whole. Your
loving
Iiow
far
it
be
because
it
counsel,
inoffensive,
may
was
once
(upon a condition not kept) Mr. Oidam's.
So with respectivesalutes to your kind self and Mrs.
Wmthrop, I rest
in all I may.
your worship'sunfeigned,
Ro.

For

his much

honored

Williams."

Mr. Govemour, these."

A singularparagraph in a previouscommunication
addressed to the same
gentleman,indicates that the
writer

took

pains to requitethe various favors

"
conferred
him.
Sir,if any thing be sent to
upon
the princes,[alluding
I find
to
proposed presents,]
that Canaunicus
would
gladly accept of a box of
eightor ten pounds of sugar, and indeed he told me
some

he would
thank
Mr.
In fine,we
cannot

the
his

dismiss

for

the

box

fiiD."

biographyof

Mian-

without

confessinga sensation of sorrow,

even
shame, arisingfi-om the contemplationof
and
noble
traits which
lofl;y
certainlyadorned
character,contrasted with the ignominous death

tonomo

and

Governor

which

he

met

with

learned editor of

at

the

recent

hands

of his allies.

edition of

The

Winthrop's Jour-

208

INDIAN

oal,calls

BIOGRAPHY.

both."
or
perfidyor cruelty,
He also expresses
an
opinion, that the argument
(vhich reallythough secretlydecided
the minds
of
his enthe commissioners
was
couragement
againstthe sach-era,
it

of

case

"

of the s"le of Shaomet

Gorton

and

his associates.

and

Without

Patuxet

going as

far

to
as

quires
permitted to say, that the case reapology which can be derived from the
of the times, occasioned
especially
great excitement
Indians.
the
and
the
of
movements
by
power
Such
been the opinionof Governor
to have
seems
Hopkins,*who, it will be observed, also intimates a
of the colonies,
towards
new
explanationof the conduct
His
the Narraghansettchief.
eloquentand
of the latter,
ti-ibute to the menioi-y
do
we
generous
ourselves at Ubertyto omit or abridge.
not think
"
"
was
This," says that eminent scholar,and patriot,
ihe end of Myantinomo, the most
potent Indian prince
the people of New-England had ever
any concern
we
this,

with

be

may
all the

; and

them

this

seven

was

the reward

years

before,in

for assisting

he received
their

with

war

the Pe-

Surelya Rhode- Island man

may be permitted
his unhappy fate,
and drop a tear on the ashes
to mourn
of Myantinomo ; who, with his uncle Conanicus, were
the colony
the best friends and
greatest benefactors
[ofR. I.]ever had.
They kindly received,fed,and
in
protectedthe first settlers of it,when they were
and were
kind
distress,
strangers and exiles,and all manand
this
else were
kindness
their enemies
by
;
quots.

to

them, drew

upon

themselves

and hastened
neighboringcolonies,
of the young
king."
Nothing of great interest can be
of Canonicus, subsequent to
sent
colleague. Messengers were
*

of the

the resentment
the

untimely end

added
the
to

to

the history

death

him,

the

of his
same

See his Account

in
Colony, firstpublished
of Providence
the Providence
Gazette
of 1765, and preserved in the Mass.
His. Coll.
for nine years,
He was
of Rhode-Island
governor
but is better known
of the signersof the Declart^fion
as
one

of Independence.

2l0

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHT.

CHAPTER

XI.

MeIham
Ninigret
succeeded by Pessacds
of the Nianticks
Sachem
Proposalsmade by them to the
tilities
hosthe
They commence
Englishin return
English,and by
Uncas
The English resolve to make
war
against"
Their visitsto Boston
They make concessions
upon them
An
armed party
Subsequent movements
againstUncas.
Pessacus
and
sent
They are accused of a
againstNinijrret
leaguewitli the Dutch againstthe English.

Canonicus

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

speaking,there

Strictly

the

in

was

of

government

hneage, talents and age of

given him a peculiarinfluence

the

which
At

other

none

among
the
his death, therefore,

monopolized at
Miautonomo
dominion
and
which

is

one

no

the

them

his countrymen,
could
command

authoritywhich

time, and

nonicus
Ca-

Narraghansetts,
sachem
having

that
over

to

successor

afterwards

he

shared

haa
with

others,reverted into that form of

racy,
(halfway between
oligarchyand democvibratingto each extreme,)
occasionally
and

common

among

the Indian

tribes.

Narraghansettchiefs,after that period,

called Mexamo,
his son,
was
Mexham, otherwise
and
by Roger Wilhams
Mixamo, Meihammoh,
and
titude
also Mriksah
Mejhsah. Consideringthe mulof his names,
he is rather less distinguished
however
Mr. Williams
than might be supposed.
gives him the credit of inheriting'his father's spirit'
of friendliness for the English. In another
passage,
questionably
unthey were
speaking of the Nipmucks, he says
subjectto ye Narrhigansettsachims,
of Caunand in a special
to Mejhsah,ye son
manner
One

of the

'

onnicus, and

late husband

to

this old

Squa-Sachim

only surviving.'*This letter bearing date of

have died previous
must
May 7th, 1668, Mexaham

aow

to tJiattime.

The

name

*MS.

of his widow

Letters.

and

succe*-

for,

and

frequently
of great energy, figures
We
war.
King-Philip's

called Quaiapen,
(sometimes
who

Magnus,)
not

211

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

was

woman

littlein the historyof

occasion
hereafter have

may

and
A

more

mention

to

both

band
hus-

wife,

character
distinguished

more

generallybelieved

to

have

been

Pessacus,

was

the brother

of Mian-

^a
nephew of Canonicus
better authenticated
theory than that of Johnson's,
who
Providence,) calls
(in his Wonder-Working

tonomo,*

him

therefore

and

He

son.

"

born

was

about

at Plymouth,
Englishsettling

and

the

time

of

therefore

was

the
not

his brother
was
twenty
years old when
His name
killed.
being associated with that of
in the
of 1644, alluded
to
in the deed
Canonicus
fer

from

preceding chapter,it
mantle

of Miantonomo,

the shoulders
he

much

may

brother,in

the revenge

after

presumed, that the

his death, fell upon

It will

soon

himself, both

as

of Pessacus.

interested

be

appear,
sachem

how
and

of that outrage.
the career
pursue

of either of
impossibleto
of them
in history^ some
eminent
these chieftains,
not
only with each
connecting them
are, without
stillremains
to be
but with a foreign party who
othei-,
of
We
refer to Ninigret,! chief sachem
named.
the Nianticks,generallyconsidered
a
Narraghansett
of all
considerable
tribe,and certainlythe most
those which
profitedby tjiealliance of that people.
Miantonomo
Winthrop,
spoke of them to Governor
"
allied
in 1642, as his own
by continual
flesh,being
;"and the governor consequentlyhad
intermarriages
It is

"

Winthi-op.
entitled by various writers.
"{"Variously
by Hutchinson.
g. NiNiGRATE,
Nynigrett,
NiNiCRiTE,
NiNicRAFT,
NiNEGRAD,
Nennegratt

Nanekunat,

Mason's Pequot war

Hubbard.
and others.
Same
Prince.
"c. Hazard.
Nennegrate,
and others.
"c. R. Williams
NiNiGLno,
and

212

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY

to
bring him to
difficulty
rather confederates
fact,they were
Canonicus
to
during his hfe, and

"some

of

with

blood,

sufficed

to

after his death.

connexion

gret

bonds

no

abundantly

have

other

uncle

the

was

represent him

desert them"
than

relationship
sympathy, would
keep up an intimate
of

Prince

that

states

; but

brother

the

tributariea

the

of Miantonomo
as

In

Nini-

other

ters
wri-

brother-in-law

or

of the

the age
the
partiesespecially,
considei-ing
the more
ther
latter supposition
is much
plausible.Eihe will be found
will explainthe regard which
and

have

to

and

for

of the dead

for the memory

cherished
the

person

of

Pessacus, the

tain,
chief-

living

brother.
first hear

We
time

1635

Ninigret in

violent

war

Narraghansettsand

the
to

to

of

have

he

was

taken
not

from

similar

from
on

which
between

this he is said

In

the fair inference

his relation

and
any necessity,
assist them.

carried

was

Pequots.

part ; and

no

1632,

probablynot

former

the

to

under

is,that
under

obhgation,to

the vision
dithe close of the war
of

might be

conclusion

of

from

drawn

at
captivesmade
services
were
1637,when
acknowledged
Ninigret's
the
of
compliment
by
twenty Pequots in the same
with those
though not in the same
measure,
manner,
of Uncas and Miantonomo.
Like the lattej-,
er,
howevNinigret took no personalor active part in that
like him, he permittedhis subjectsto go
war
: and
"

volunteers

him

on

under

Mason.

of Underbill's

the occasion
on

his way

Mr. Wolcott

to

the

thus mentions

an-ival in his territory,*

Pequots :

And
The

marching through that country soon they met

Pn'nce,proud Niuigrett,
JVarraghansett
the Engnsn say, we
lead these bands,
To whom
Armed
in this manner,
thus into your lands,
*

The

and the centie

residence of Ninigret,
principal
at
dominion, was
Wekapaug, now Westerly,R. I.

Conn
a part of Stonington,
formerly

of hit
It wan

Without

designto

But

to

only

do you

injury,

invade

the enemy
of
the expense

You,

who

Have

long time born their

bid us welcome, and

Will

That

we

If what
had

quots

to

this way

have

is here
been

they certainlyhad
matter

no

of

wonder

neighborhood,

will well
our

to

that

the

excuse

rendezvouz, fee."*
true, that the

was

neighbors
been

blood

much

so

evil

took

intimated

bad

213

BIOGRAPHY,

INDIAN

to

the

Pe-

Nianticks, as

Narraghansetts,it

numbers

of

those

is

tribes

engaged in the Englishexpedition; and it indicates

the pi-ide,
if not
magnanimity, of their two young
sent
conchiefs,on the other hand, that neither would
of both.
to
fightagainst the common
enemy
From
of the aifair,
it would
Major Mason's account
that the English took
this independence of
appear
the Wednesday
Ninigret rather in dudgeon. "On
"
from thence
morning,"says that writer, we marched
called Nayanticke,it being about eighteen
LO a Place
of those
miles
another
or
distant,where
twenty
lived in a Fort; it being a Frontier
to
Narraghansetts
the Pequots, They carryed veiy
proudly towards
into their Fort."
us ; not
permittingany of us to come
ding
Upon which Mason set a guard about them, forbidthe Indians
in or out, and quartered in
to go
this 'Sathe neighborhood over
chem
night. Whether
'
the conwas
duct
Ninigretor one of his subjects,
of Mason
could
hardly have left a very gratifying
mind
of
that
sibly,
Poschiefl:ain.
impression on the
if borne in mind
by the reader,it may throw
some
lightupon subsequent events.
From
the time of Miantonomo's
chems
death, all the sahave
inentioned
we
as
succeeding to his
came
prominently into intercourse with the
power,
were
Enghsh. Ninigretand Pessacus, particularly,
*

Brief Account
Winof the Agency of the Hon. John
throp Esq. in the Court of King Charles the second. Anno
Doin.
1632; when he obtained a charter for the Colony of
Coonecticut."
His. Coll.
Vol. IV. Mass.
"

214

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

distinguished
by a continual series of controversies
with that people,and
the ]Mohegans,and
alternately
often
with
both.
They inherited the strong
veiy
prejudice of the slaughteredNarraghansett against
and
his tribe ; and
Uncas
that
most
bitterlywas
prejudiceexasperatedby the slaughteritself.
such an excitement,the commission
Anticipating
of the sentence,
ers, immediatelyafter the execution
rected
dito
were
Pessacus, who
despatched messengers
him that they had heard of the quarto inform
rel
betiveen
he should

himself

and

Uncas

; and

to

that
propose
these should

delegatesto Hartford :
meet
delegatesfrom Uncas, and thus all differences
be adjusted. A conference
accordinglywas
agreed
and
result
it took
place as proposed. The
upon,
"
was
stated,in the commissioners
Report :
They
did requirethat neither
themselves
[theNarraghanthe
make
should
nor
warr
or
Nayanticks
setts]
any
Vncus
assault vpon
or
injurious
any of his company
vntil theymake
proofsof the ransome
charged "c"
that Uncas
had
embezzled
alludingto the allegation
demption.
redepositedin his hands for Miantonomo's
money,
send

"

subscribed
followingagreement was
by the
called in
four
as they are
NarrohiggansetDeputies,"
the Report. It should
be observed, that although
the Nayantick sachems
here repreare
ostensibly
sented,
such
the only evidence
a
going to justify
far as we know, is in a previous statement
so
phraseology,
gers
(inthe Report,)that when the English messenThe

"

"

"

had

been

sent

to

propose

Narraghansettsagamores
with Kienemo

and
had

sent

sagamore

this

conference, ths

selves
them"consultingamong
one
ofthe.JVayanticksachims

fee."

We

copy

literatim and

:
punctuatim

Narrohiggansettsachims
and Pawpianet two
of the NarrohiggansetCaptainesbeing sent with two
of the NaiTohiggansettIndians
as
Deputiesfrom the
make
and
Nayantick sacliinis to
JVarrohicrganset
of the
Weetowisse
one
Pummumsh
(ahas)Pumumshe
"

proole of

the

they pretendedwas

ransome

their late sachim's

215

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

Hfe

as

also

make

to

given

knotine

for

some

sachira of
againstVncus
the Mohiggins did in conclusion
promise and engage
themselves
to the poiver committed
to them)
{according
be no
that there should
war
begun by any of the
Indians
with the Moor
Narrohiggansets
JSTayantick
tillafter the next
hegan sachim or his men
planting
and that after that, before they begin warr, or
^me,
towards
vse
them, they will give thirty
any hostility
of the
dayes warneing thereof to the Government
other

they had

greevances

Massachusetts
Hartford

Conectacutt.

or

the

XVIIjth of September, 1644

(Signedwith the marks of) Weetowissk
Pawpianet
Chimough
pummumshe."

This, consideringit

authorised

agreement

an

by

be reasonaas much
as could
bly
Pessacus,was
certainly
his eagerness
to
expected of him ; for such was
the death of his brother,that he had himself
revenge
the subject
with the
sent messengers
to confer
upon
Massachusetts
Government.
Only a month or two
after that event, they cai-ried a present from him, of
an

otter

pounds.
tendei-ed

coat, with
; but

should

eraor

intended

to

wampum
Proposals of peace
a

not

the

value

of

and

friendshipwere
added, that the Govrequest was
assist Uncas, whom
he (Pessacus)

shortlyto

make

The
Governor
upon.
but wished
that all the

war

that he desired peace,

replied,
Indian tribes,
includingthe Mohegans, might
of it ; and
to

these

The
this
with

terms,

messengers

that unless

his

; and

would

Pessacus

present could

said,they had

point; they would

Pessacus

fifteen

however
meanwhile

no

not

be

consent

received.

instructions

return, and
the

be partakers

Governor

upon
consult
was

requestedto retain the present, which he did.

After
this,(in April, 1644) and previous to the
Hartford conference,the Governor
sent
messengers
his own
the
on
to
probably to
Narraghansetts,
part

216

INDIAN

sound
to

BIOGRAPHY.

the

the

of Pessacus.
disposition
They went first
Canonicus, whom
wigwam of the old sachem

that he did not admit

they found in such ill humor
them, (as they stated)for two hours, during which
time they were
not
at ease, being obliged
altogether
endure
the peltingof a rain-storm.
On entering,
to
He
noticed
they found him lying upon his couch.
for the purpose
of referring
them, not very coi-dially,
them
for him
to Pessacus
they waited four
; and
hours

he

When

more.

shabby wigwam, and

of the night. On
most
to

the

wage
of

he
came,
kept them

into

talkingwith him
termined
whole, he appeared de-

the

war

them

took

forthwith

Uncas

on

in

; not

but

Miantonomo,

by sending out
small
war-parties,to cut off the stragglingMohegans, and to interfere with their hunting and fishing.
that he either had taken,
There
is reason
to believe,
about
in pursuance
was
measures
or
taking some
manner

of this scheme

; and

therefore

was

in

as

that

April,messengers
(a chief,hereafter
that the

sent

him

noticed

On

the 23d.

from
length,who

Pomham,

acts.

Boston

at

had

put

with intelligenc
pi-otection,)
Narraghansetts had captured and

Mohegan
two

to

came

his

the Massachusetts

under

killed six

of the commissioners
message
in conserather as much
quence

anticipationof

of

himself

the

and

men

hands

and

If this statement
for
reason
particular
war.

five

foot,to

was

true

"

doubtingit
"

; and

women

had

him
in the
engage
and
know
we
no
the commissioners

fortunate
themselves
in
might certainlyconsider
far as they did in September.
so
checking hostilities,
They convened
again, at Boston, early in 1645 ;
and messengers
were
again sent to the Narraghan-

setts, with

directions

afterwards

invitingall the sachems

adjustment of difficulties.
to these men*
imply,that the

gans,

Pessacus
*

to

be

in

state

to

The

to

visit the

meet

for

new

instructions

commissioners

of warfare

See records of the Unlled

them

Mohe-

Colonies.

with

given
supposed
Uncas

Hazard.

at

218

BIOGRAPHY

INDIAN

(accordingto

con, but

such

covenants

the

considered

engagements

or

of

acceptacon

common

with

thereof)so to ayde him aa

hee might be preserved in his hberty and
estate.
be speedy least he might
3dly,That this ayde must
the fi-aude

or

svv^allowed

bee

occasion

vp

in the

engagement

here

tyme

meane

and

so

was

made

come

late."

too

The

in these words

Hartford

alluded
"

That

the

English are engaged to

they had assaulted him or not
it

under

was

to

if they assualt Vncus

assist him."

Whether

whether, if they had,

"

v/hich

circumstances

at

started

such

the English interference

to justify
as
foederis
and
whether, under any circumstances,the latter
could justify
sending an expeditiondesigned not
onely to ayde the Mohegans but to offend the Narrates"*
rohiggansets Nyanticks and other their confedecasus

"

"

need

"

not

be

now

discussed.

Nor

shall

we

the
was
on
iiKiuirewhether
chargeable,
any blame
other hand, to Uncas, as having himself secretly
provoked
hostilities
it
be
which,
observed, is a
may
that
in
its nature
mined.
matter
cannot
easilybe deter"

Preparations were
suggestion of some
it
of
at the

wampum

from

was

of

concluded

the
to

war

but,

Massachusetts
make

at

the

ment,
Govern-

still another

fer
of-

compromise to the Narraghansetts,

returning
of
the
same
time,by way
manifesto,
present of
'long since sent and left by messengers
Piscus
[Pessacus].'A conference took place

between

of the messengers
which
Mr. Williams

some

and

some

of the Sachems,

as
officiated
interpreter,
the result was
almost
ral
necessarily
pacific. Seveof the allegations
of the English ('which
dict
Beneoath had formerlycertified'!)
were
denied,
upon

at

and

for

made

*"

Instructions for Serjeant3IajorEdward

Gibbons,
in chief of our
maunder
and
for
such
forces
as
military
Hazard.
joyned to him as a counsel! of warr."
Benedict
i Report
of Commissioners, 1645.
here referred to, a person employed as messenger

coinare

Arnold
is
for a long

219

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

Report,and others excused

says the commissioners'
and as the English desired further conference,it was
agreed "that
ghansettsand
and

others

treat

with

Pissicus
Mixano
should

chiefe-sachem

Canownacus
forthwith
come

the commissioners

for the

of the Narrahis eldest

to

sonn

Bostone

to

restoreingand

of peace."
settleing
This
kept. The sachems
promise was
faithfully
their
just named, with a Niantick
deputy, made
within
few
at Boston
a
days, followed
appearance
altercation
by a long train of attendants. Some
took place between
them and the commissioners, in
the course
of which
the latter charged them
(asthe
Report shows,) that,notwithstanding the Hartford
(1645)at severall tymes
treaty, "they had this summer
invaded
Vncus
"c."
tance,
At length, with
great relucand
after long debate and some
privateconferrence
they had with
Sergeant CuUicutt they
nant
acknowledged they had brooken promise or coveaforemenconed
warrs."
in the
They then
offered to make
another
ing
truce, but that not satisfythe commissioners, they wished
what
to know
loould.
Upon which the commissioners, "to show
their morleracon
sand
thourequired of them but twoo
"

fathome

of

faccon,"beside

white

wampon

for their

oune

satis-

their

ers'
restoringthe boats and prisontaken from Uncas, and
making reparationfor all
damages. A treaty, containing these and other
of
and
stipulations,
providing that the payment
instalment
should
be made
in twenty days, was
one
drawn
subscribed
by all the deputies.
up and finally
Four
hostages were
given for security,
includinga
of Pessacus
disbanded
son
was
; the English army
;
the sachems
returned
home
and
the
4th
of
ber,
Septem;
which
had
been
for
was
now
a fast,
appointed
ordered
to be observed
as
a day of thanksgiving.
He seems
the onlj
series of years.
to have been in this case
and what his testimonyamount*
witness againstthe Sachems;

ed

to, we

have

already

seen

220

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

specify

have thought it the less nece?saiy

to
We
'
inasmuch
all the provisionsof this
treaty,'
under

circumstances

which

made,

it was

the

as

ant,

amo

as

duress
not
as
to us, to such
a
appears
have
greatlyexasperatedthe Sachems,
the

invalidated

shall leave

we

will trouble

become

to

the

who

familiar

with

those

stated.

cient
It is suffi-

to

never

indeed,

have

to

The

existed.

the

like

the commissioners

founded,

was

'

have

failed,

ments,'
acknowledge-

vmder

agreements,

which

the

cumstances
cir-

these,as
nothing; but even
them, only intimate that the

count

we

cited,

the

that

transaction

rather

x-eader

be

here

cannot

every

by

above
as
Report itself,
considei-ation
(so to speak) upon

the whole
or

This

decided

himself

add,

to

be

to

which

minutiae
shows

treaty itself

only must
but clearly
point,however,

state

' this
Uncas
summer
Narraghansetts had invaded
that is,(for
subsequent to ' plantaught we are told)
the former treaty expired and not
ing-iyme,'when
then without
to
previous and repeated declarations
of their intended
have
tne
English, as we
seen,
"

"

No

movements.

of

invasion

English,

or

made

the

upon

the

upon

requisitions

Boston.

the

on

the

be

need

remarks

deputiesat
provisionof

One

should
which

they

the

meet

failed

to

treaty was,

Uncas

at

that

Haven

New

do, though

the

Uncas

ghansetts
Narrain

1646,

himself

tended
at-

that
at
meeting of the commissioners
pum
place. Nor did they make tlieir payments of waminstalments,to
according to promise. Three
of one
thousand
three hundred
the amount
fathoms,
hundred
due, they sent into Boston one
being now
'
'
fathoms
excusing
mostly,it is said in old kettles
the

"

"

themselves

the

on

of the Nianticks

small

sum

to

of poverty
their
contribute

score

the commissioners

and

the

failure

proportion.

would

not

So

accept ;

who
the messengers
brought it therefore sold
their kettles to a Boston
brazier,and deposited the
when
in his hands, to be paid over
they
money
should
bring the residue of the debt. Messengers
and

sent,

were

for

Pessacus, but

appearance.
The
summons
31st

of

he failed

Stanton

"Thomas

these

years,
of
griefe
my

constant

why

he

hath

bene

doth

not

sicke

pretty well,said
He

also

and

two

and

is

he, I

stated,that

tho

returned

with

being

was,

have

it is and

he

at

New

had

broken
hath

no

my
been

spirit.2dly,The reason
this time is, because

at

come

his

on

as

charged for not

Haven
the last yeare, his answere
warninge. It is true, said he, I
the

make

foUowinge. Pessack
meeting the commissioners

answere

covenant

to

being repeated in 1647,

July,

Pessacks

221

BIOGRAPHY,

INDIAN

now

would

sicke ; had
have
come

I bene
to

he
but

them."

he ivhen the last

treatywas made,
he had acted in fear of the English army ;* and
he
with
proposed to send Ninigret to Boston forthwith,
full authorityto treat in his own
name.
the 3d of August.
on
Ninigretaccordinglycame
When
the commissioners
demanded
an
explanation
of his past defaults,
he at first affected ignorance of
what
by the Narraghan
agreements had been made
He
then
setts.
argued the matter, and inquired
what
originally
pretence the allegeddebt was
upon
founded.
He
reminded
of all the old subjects
was
of complaint,includinghis owti
tility
declarations of hostowards
the English. In respect to the latter,
he said that the messengers
had given him
cation.
provoAs to the money,
he considered
it impossible
wished
how
to know
to pay it,but nevertheless
ever
stood.
It appeared,on
nation,
examithe reckoning now
that Pessacus
had
paid seventy fathoms of
wampum

the

first year.

As

for the

kettles

sold

to

"
for 1647.
He doth say when
he
his covenant
he did it in feare of the army
made
that he did
their
tho'
the
with him there
covenant
Englishkept
see, and
and let him go from tliera,
to
yet the army was
goe to Narragensett ymmediately and kill him there, therefore said the

Report of the

comm.

and such tilings

els
commissioners
to such
or
sett your hands
the army
shall goe fortli to the Narragensetts." Excelleutlj
well stated!

222
the

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

braziers,that property

been

since

had

attached

Woddy, a Boston man, for goods stolen from

him by a NarraghansettIndian.
Ninigret excepted
neither
the property of
to this procedure. It was
deposited
Pessacus, he said,nor of the thief;it was
be received.
as
part payment of the debt, and ouglitso to
Having gained this point,he next proposed
and
hundred
for one
be given him
that credit should
five fathoms, sent
by the hand of an Indian named
refer
that the sum
Cutchamaquin.* It was rejoined,

by

one

red

had

to

been

intended

as

present

to

the Governor.

Ninigret," being pressedto chare the questione

he answered, his tounge should not belyehis
himselfe,
it may
he intended it
as
heart,let the debt be satisfied
fathoms
to
had
sent
ten
for the Governoure.'" He
trouble ; but that covetous
Cutchamaquin for his own
Indian, unsatisfied with so liberal a commission, had
his own
fathoms
to
all but forty-five
appropriated
"

use

and

The facts
cross-examination, instituted by
the residue.

'lied'about

a
upon
in presence

of the

out

came

Ninigret

commissioners.f

of Braintree, (near
to be the Sachem
suppose
liot's
violent
known
for
his
well
oppositionto Mr. ElBoston), so
half
preaching,and called also Kitchinakin and some
the Massachusetts
He
submitted
to
other names.
dozen
that
after his appearin 1643.
Neal says,
Government
soon
ing
*Whom

we

Elliot's lecture,and protesting

againstthe building
for the Christian Indians in what he considered his
of a town
dominions, ' he himself turned Christian.' But that reverend
In that old
missionary does not himself state quiteso much.
at

Mr.

Appearing
"c.
he says, that after a
Light
tract. The
certain pungent discourse whicii he took occasion to level at the
justmentioned,
Sachem, and not long after his remonstrance
"

Elder

Heath

his observation

of him

great change in him, his spiritwas

it much
he

hath

glad to

appeared both
carried
leave him

thus

"

very

he died

soon

that there

much
and

in his countenance

things fairly

all

was,

and
lightned,
carriage,and

We
after his reformation.
ever

since."

Vol. II. p. 80 (quarto 3d. Phil. 1794) "

for and before Ninegrate
sent
Cutchamaquin was
but
first
and added to liislyes,
He at
"c.
persisted,

t Hazard

was

are

Hereupon

questioned
weis

at

las-

He

then asked

time

to

give in

allowed

the commissioners

223

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

him

his final answer,

and

sulted
day. Having conhis companions, he appearwith
meanwhile
ed
He
the next
was
morning again.
sorry to find,
of the business
had
been
said,that the burden

he

shifted from

the shoulders

but

determined

he

he

had

would

therefore

collect the

due

arrears

of three

days he
thought the

he

would

himself

do

some

what

his ovm,
upon
he could ; and

of his

home

men

to

to the

English. In the course

know
the result,
and in ten
He
might be forwarded.

should

Avampum
remain

of Pessacus
to

send

at

Boston

till that

time, and

Narraghansettsof the arrangement.

" But
if the collection,"
fall short
he added, " should
of the sum
forbearance,being
due, he desired some
that the residue would
be shortly
sui-e
paid, and that
the English would
at all events
perceive his gi-eat
desire to give them
entire satisfaction." The
missioners
comaccepted these proposals,and Ninigret
despatched his messenger.
of the month, but
the 16th
on
They returned
The
brought only two hundred fathom of wampum.
commissoners
default,and
complained of this new
He said,it must
Ninigretwas a littleembarrassed.
be owing to his own
absence
he
it was,
; but as
wished
that the wampum
ceived,
intended, but not yet reas a present to the Governor, should
go in part
of the debt.
For the remainder, he desired
payment
tillthe next
not
a respite
spring,when, if it were
fully
paid,the English should have his country and his
The
commissioners
head.*
accordinglygave him
send

word

convinced

to

the

A good illustrationof
by Ninegrate"c."
credit
in such cases.
givingimplicit

tlieimpropriety

of

The
now
account, which may be considered a curiosity,
Btood thus.
received allmost two yeares since,"
Mr. Pelham
fathome
above what was
given Vncus 5
in Mr. Shrimpton's )
Left by the Narraghansetts
-q r^thoma
*

""

hands, in kettles and wampum

by Ninegrett

In Cutcliameqvin'shands

5
105

do

224

INDIAN

leave to return
for sending in

home,

suffer

must

could, and

and

sachems

men,

women

to

be

ceived
re-

of Pessacus

of the

disturbance

were

commissioners

movements

new

said

sistance.
Ninigret'sas-

expect

1648, the

common

peace.
their
old
withdrawing

children

into swamps,
hidingtheir
preparingfor the receptionof the Mohawk,
and

they had engaged

was

army

had

Mohawks

powder

whether

and

punish him,

Both

of

; if he

fathoms

days
he
failed,

twenty

If he did what
he
consequences.
Pessacus
he had done,
as heretofore
failed,

their meeting in
of
information

and

him

allowed

thousand

one

in
Ninigret,

corn,
whom

and

the

they should
At

BIOGRAPHY.

to

to

consist of

four
a

assist them.

to

eighthundred

hundred

gun.

The

guns,

and

Ninigret had

The

men.

three
made

ding
inva-

pounds
inquiry
Uncas,

probably defend
English would
and seemed
in that case, upon
the neto calculate,
cessity
of fighting
them.
The
Pocomtock
ti'ibe were
also engaged to assist him.
But both these and the
Mohawks
taking
were
finallydiscouraged fi-om underthe expedition,
by the prospect of having to
contend
with the English.
But
afi;er committed
soon
depredationswere
by
of the Nan-aghansetts upon
the English ; and
some
for Uncas, the hostility
as
againsthim was carried so
near
far,that he came
losing his life by an
very
hired
Indian
to assassinate
him, having been run
through the breast with a sword, as he was
going
on

board

the

vessel in the river Thames.

At

the

missioners'
com-

meeting in 1649, he appeared, laid his

the protection
complaintsbefore them, and demanded
of his ally. Ninigretalso presentedhimself
As to
hiringthe Indian to assassinate Uncas, he observed,
the confession of the criminal
the only
himself was
evidence

in the case, and

Received

of

The

being

sum

that

Ninegrett16. Aug.

was

1647.

forced

fi-om

him

243.^do
448i

IffZG

BIOGRAPHT.

INDIAN

often been

hath

satisfaccon

tiinepounds, for which

re-

then to demand
payment
qiiired.""c.They were
and
also
as
of all chargesdue the English,
categorical
to a certain list of questions.
answers
in pursuance
The party sent out by Massachusetts
commanded
of these orders was
by Major Atherton.
On
ses
meeting with Pessacus, and statingthe purpoensued.
the
altercation
As
of his visit,
some
meanwhile
appeared to be
Narraghansett warriors
marched
to
around him, Atherton
directly
collecting
the door of his wigwam, posted a guard there,entered
Pessacus
in hand, seized
himself with his pistol
his
by his hau*,and drawing him out from among
attendants,declared he would despatch him instantly
This
on
perceivingthe least attempt for his rescue.
that all arrearabold stroke made
such an impression,
ges
were
paidon the spot. Atherton then visited Ninand
igi'et,
having stated the accusations,suspicions
and threats of the commissioners
though without
obtainingany farther satisfaction returned home,*
"

"

In

1653,

demand

the

commissioners

sent

messengers

to

of

Pessacus
and Mexhara, answers
Ninigret,
to the followingquestions.They
are
givenin full,
mer
illustration both of the policyof the foras a curious
and the character of the latter. The objectand
manifest on the face of them.
occasion
are
sufficiently
hath engaged him
the Duch
Governor
1. Whether
[Nini^et]and others to healp them to fightagainst
the English,and how jnany ?
the Duch

2. Whether
such

any

hath not
[Ninigret]
powder bullets
guns

hee

Governor
ammunition

end; and
provisionfor warr?
to

that

of the said
many
4. What
other sachems

idg that
*

did

not

attempt

Conspiracy?

3. Whether

Duch

Governor

are

Trumbull's

so

engaged

or

Indians

received of the
and

swords

or

how

much

or

to

his Knowl-

manner
expression is " Having in this spirited
Accomplished his business,he returned in safety." Hi$
Vol. I.
tory of Conn.
"

himselfe

5. Whether

theire

to

EngHsh

the

engagement

Rest
to

Resolved

are

cording
ac-

fightagainstthe

true

do ?

it bee

7. Whether

the

to

he thinks

of his -way what

Resolved

bee

English will

to be

or

6. If hee

the

227

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

not

and

safest for him

his

men

English?

engaged to healp him

the English?
and the Rest of the Indians -against
9. If hee haue
engaged againstus to aske vpon
what
gi-oundsand what wrong wee haue donn him ?
hee

10. Whether
his messengers

to

queries
11. Whether
him

hath

the Duch

8. Whether

thinks

it

meet

to

send

or

com

give satisfaction concerning these

hee hath hiered the Mohakes

to

healp

?
of Mexham,
The answer
as
sengers,
importedby the mesthus.
"I speak
the first question,
was
to
that
Dessimulation
from my hart without
vnfeignedly

againstus

plottthat is intended or ploted

Governour
against the English my
by the Duch
frinds.
Though I bee poor it is not goods guns
powder nor shott that shall draw mee to such a plott."
to these
Pessacus
two
said,"I am
veiy thankfuU
I know

of

that

men

Thomas
come

are

message,
not

such

noe

from

came

the

Massachusetts

and

to

you

that
Mr. Smith
to you
you Poll and
fai-e as from the Bay to bring vs this
soe
knew
and to enformevs of these thingswee

and

to

of before."
the second,Mexham

To

answered
of the

'

No.'

Pessacus

Duch, tvee are

bee
loth to Inuerd any falsehood
of him.,though we
far off fi'om him, to pleasethe English or any other
did
Duch
Governor
that bring these Reports. The
never
propound such a thing." He also represented
with a remote
of his leagueing
the evident folly
people
neighbors. He gave a negative
againsthis nearest
sixth he supposed to
the fifth question. The
to
be already answered.
To
the
seventh, he said,
desire to keepe it [peace]feirmlyto our
"wee
said,"that

for the

Govei-nor

223

dicingday

as

ninth, both
answered
that

BIOGRAPHY.

IJTDIAN

neare

Mexham

and
As

ah-eady.

Pessacus

eighth and
Pessacus
thought they had
the tenth, they replied,
to

too

was

can."

we

as

old*

to

The

"trauell

daiea

two

send
into the
some
men
together,but they would
the Sachems
that
3Iassachusetts to speak with
[tell]
to
they had sent to 3Ir. Smith and Voll his man
that they loved
the English
speake to Mr. Browne
sachems
and all English in the Bay." The
charge
denied.
in
the
last
implied
they absolutely
query
of Ninigret,
which
The
were
answers
given separately,
of
he
notice
that
the more
are
was
worthy
visited
the
known
have
New
York during
to
previous
winter, and had been accused
by various Indians,
of the Mohegans, of having form'ed
includingsome
alliance with the Dutch
an
againstthe English. He
"
^ch
conduct.
But," he added,
utterlydisclaimed
"
there
whiles I was
there att the Indian Wigwames
there was
that told mee
Indians
a
cam
som
shipp
did report the English
in from Holland, which
com
and
Duch
were
fightingtogether in theire owne
theire were
severall other shippes
countrey, and
to fight
cominge with amunition
againstthe English
heer,and that there would bee a great blow given to
them, but this (saidhe,)I had from the Indians,and I
tell how
it is." Next, four querieswere
cannot
true
answered
in the negative. As
the sixth," What
to
shall I answare
these thingsover
and
over
again ?
What
doe the Englishthinke that I thinke
they bee
?
Doe we
to do them
asleepand suffer mee
wronge
know
not
they are not a sleepypeople ? The English
make
queriesfor gunpowder, and shot and swords
Do they thinke wee
mad
lieus and the
to sell our
are
hues

of all
and

wiues

our

to

haue

our

and

and

all

dred,
kin-

our

countrey
destroyed for a
What
and
Avill
swords?

powder shott
vs
wee
good when
ninth,and eleventh,were
guns
doe

children

are

dead

denied.

Probablymeant

?
To

"

The

they
eighth,

the seventh

for too ill-

few

he

INDIAN

replied,tliat he knew
league with his old
should he allyhimself
when

lived

he

next

229

BIOGRAPHY.

for

breaking hia
fi-iends the English ; and why
far off,
so
to a few Dutchmen,
reason

no

door

them ?

to

The

answer

to

the tenth would

puzzlethe most
of modern
tiroes. " It being

mystifyingpolitician
spoken
indifferently
hee
send
whether
or
yet hee knowing
may
goe
hee hath wronged the
nothing by himselfe wherein
English but that hee may goe yet being Indifferently
spoken hee would send to speak with the English."*
Letters
having been also sent to the sachems
from the commissioners, Pessacus
and Mexham
sent
word
in return, that they wished
for a good understanding,
and
hoped it might be preserved. They
that the English would
make
requested,furthermoi-e,
known
the names
of their accusers, and the other
of their information
their alleged
sources
respecting
league with the Dutch.
Ninigretrepliedas follows :
You
I kindly thanke
to vs and
are
kindly welcom
the Sachems
of the Massachusetts
that
[magistrates]
the other
Name
they would Nominate
amongst
my
to require my
to the propositions
answare
: had
any
"

of the

other

feared

have

Sachems

been

att

the

Duch

I shoula

theire

hurt
follymight have donn some
1
one
or
other, but they have not been there.
way
the Man
that haue bene there myselfc,
therefore I
am
for what I haue doun.
I doe utterley
must
answare
deney and protest againstany such acteingsdoun by
to
or
mee
knowlidge att or with the Duch.
my
What

is the story of these great Rumers

that I hear att
Pocatocke,that I should bee cut offand that the English

had

of noe
such cause
I know
mee.
quart ellagainst
att all for my
parte. Is it because I went thither to take
Or what
I
Phisicke for my
healthe ?
is the cause
a

found
ernour,
*

We

such

noe

when

was

there to

punctuatim, from
preserved in Hazard's

copy

Colonies,as

from

entertainment

Icterpreter
was

to

blame

for this

giue

the Duch
any

Incor-

of ihe

Unitei

mee

the Records

Gov-

Perhaps thi

Collections.

problematical

sentence

230

to

rageraent
the

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

sturr

English

stood

others

such

it

open

carriage

to

accordingly.
but

lett

fi-om

The
ascertained

in.

the
to

sent

English
nothing

at

my

by

suffer

nor

to

fririds."

Pessacus

exammed
new

or's
Govern-

wont

not

was

and

the
it

open

English
be

against

winter-time,

was

neither

mee

league

knocking

day

would

promised

messenger

clodely

he

and

dore,

It

of

parte

such

to

upp

friends.

my

great

mee

The
was

him

find

sent

very

231

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

CHAPTER

XII.

and Pessacus, from 1653^

Ninigret.
Various
and hostile movements
accusations, deputations,
Ninibetween
them and tlie Englisli Controversybetween
for justicein 1675
Garrett
Application
gi-etand Harmon
War
Conduct of Ninigretin Philip's
Consequences of it"
Some
of the chargesagainst
Death of Pessacus
His deatii
His
considered
to
the former
Uncas, and tlie
hostility
and
on
League with tlieDutch'" Remarks
Long Islanders,

Sequel

of the lives of

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

'

his character.

made
complaints were
September, ]653,new
Sachems.
and
Niantick
against the Narragliansett
It was
reportedto the commissioners, that they had
tlie Long
Island
attacked
Indians, and slain two
deemed
and thirtyothers.
This was
Sachems
a case
were
requiring their interference ; and messengers
forthwith despatched as usual,to demand
explanation
and
on
satisfaction,
penaltythat the commissioners
would
otherwise
proceed as theyshould find cause."

In

"

These
the

men

executed
of the

their

errand, and

returned

on

their

month.

own
According to
not
received,as
account, they were
very graciously
indeed it was
hardlyto be expected they should be.
They declared upon oath that,on entering the
about
Niantick
forty or fifty
country, they saw
as
came
they
Indians,all in arms, who
up to them
in his hand,
rode by ; and the leader having a gun
of Thomas
Staunton
did, in the presence
Serjeant
back
Waite
and VallentyneWhitman, put his hand

19th

"

as

if hee

this

would
will

man

some

rode

vp
doe

of them

the
particularly

said

to

the said
and

bedd

Waite

said

the

English men
Indians,asked what
them
goe before,

did but others

would

not

; and

Captaine Refused. The English

towards
but coming vp
Ninigrett,

in the way
into the Woods, the former
on

it ; Richard

shoote; whervpon

faced about.Rode
they intended to
which

cocked

have

company

of Indians

first

Z335

fell

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

shouting in a triumphing way.

to a greater
EnglishMessengers came

After

on

Indians

all

alightand
which

armed,

to

whoe

tj-e there

them

comaund
horses

to

compjiny
to stand

showed

tree

the
of
to

them,

the

The Indiana
Messengers refused to doe.
then strove
to
becompase the English,which
they
would
but being Informed
that Ninnigrett
not
suffer,
would
thither they stayedawhile,but Ninnigrett
come
not
coming the English tould the Indians that if they
then they
might neither passe nor Ninnigrett come
would

home.

return

would

The

answared

Indians

hee

but hee not coming the English

presently,
rode forward and mett
ning
Ninnigrett; the Indians runboth
sides hollowing,the EnglisliMessengers
on
made
a stand,when
they mett Ninnigretthavewith him and him setfea pistoll
ing many armed men
in his hand.
and desir-^d them
sat doune
Ninnigi-ett
Indians
then
to alightwhich
rounded
surthey did. The
them
of them
and som
charged their guns
with powder and bullets and som
primed their guns.
The English in the meen
time deliveringtheir message
his men
Tumultus
in
to
so
were
Ninnigi-ett
Mo
whoe
one
a
speaking especially
they said was
hauke that they were
much
desturbed."*
The
afterwards informed
were
by one
messengers
" that
of Ninigret's
chief men,
the aforementioned
Mohauke
what news,
for iheyheard thai
to see
came
the English icere
coming to icarr
againstthe JVarracom

which
ghanseits,
doun

if

true

the Mohaukes

take

what

is

against the

against
Narraghansettsas doun
themselues."
After leavingNinigret,two
Indians,
M'ith bows
and ari'ows
in their hands, came
running
of
the
demanded
of
Staunton
and
out
woods,
roughly
whither
he was
he was
going, when
coming back,
and which
he should
come.
Upon this report,
way
"

the
with

commissioners
the

"This

decided

exception

of

Mr.

to

'

VoU,' and another

at

war

Bradstreet

Valentyne is apparently tlie

called
fiuniliui'ly

make

alone, (iJie
whom

same

chief,

'

once,

Poll

'

Ninigret

434

INDIAN

3. In

to

respect

BIOGRAPHY.

the

Long-Islandershe

answered

"
Wherfore
manner:
following remarkable
when
therewith
should he acquaintthe commissioners
and
had slayne a sachem's
the long-islanders
son
therefore
he will not
sixty otlier of his men
; and
with the long-islandei-s,
but doth desire
make
peace
lett him
the English would
alone,and doth desire
would
that the commissioners
not
Request him to

ui

the

goe to
should

hartford
he

doe

for hee

had

doun

there ; hee
when
was

had

bene

Bay, and
[themessenger] asked

the

of his

three

two

or

and

steed if hee w^ould

what

should
if youer

erall other

Nation

men

Uncas

him
that

whether

might

hurt

noe

many

what

times

in

there ; Jonathan
he
act

would

send

in his Rome

goe him selfe hee answared

hee
his men
doe att hartford ; Adding
or
Governor's
were
sonne
slayne and seu-

men

how

not

er
[you] aske counsell of anothwhen
to
Right yourselves; and

would
and

againe said hee would not goe nor send to Hartford."

"4. "Concerning tlie vpland Indians his answare
frinds and
to
came
was
healp mee
they are
my
which
had killed seuerall
against the long-islanders
should
of my
I acquaint the commen
; wherfore
missionei-s with it; I doe but Right my owne
qnarell
with
mee."
tlie long-islandei-s
which
began
This spirited
reply,alone sufficient to immortalize
A body of troops
Ninigret,brought on open war.
united
raised in the three
was
colonies,and sent
into the Niantick
Major Willai-d of
country, under
of Ninigretthe
Massachusetts,with orders to demand
Pequots subject to his control, the tribute already
of hostihties
fi-om them, and
also a cessation
due
On
reflisalto
against the Indians of Long Island.
him
to reduce
comply with these terms, they were
and ti-ibuteby force,and take hostages
to submission
for security. The
was
place of generalrendezvous
house
in the Narraghansett
appointed at Stanton's
found
On
arrivingthere. Major Willard
country.
fifteen
that Ninigrethad fled into a swamp
ten
or
miles distant fi-om the army,

leavmg his

country,

com.

INDIAN

235

BIOGRAPHY

wigwams, at the invader's mercy.

Messengers
to him, invitinghim
to a conference,and
sent
were
He
returned
anpledging the safetyof his person.
that
had
been
made
aggressions
ew.er
already
upon
his territory
and
and
he
did
think
it
not
property,
safe for him to visit the Major. He wished
to know,
and

had
occasioned
the
too, what
present invasion.
had lie done
Wiiat
the English,that they beset
to
in this manner
him
Whatever
the difficulty
?
was,
"

he

settle it

ready to

was

person.
A day

quarters, six

messengers,

he

afterwards,as

two

or

by

but

in

not

stillin close

was

him, two
of whom,
debate with his guards
and scouts, were
admitted
to his own
They
presence.
with
the
which
he
to
began
demanding
Pequots ;
replied,that most of that people had left him already
hundred
had deserted to the English
(nearlyone
were
hunting
); and the few that remained
army
and stragglingup and down
the country.
ever
He howdated
set his mark
to the followingagreement,
Oct. 18, 1654.
new

sent

were

messengers
much
after
only,

to

"

"

"

Wheras

demaund

the commissioners

by

of the vnited coUonies

theire Messengers that I deliuer vp to the

English all the captiue Pequotes in my countrey I

heerby ingage myselfe to surrender the said Pequotes
within
dales
Mi*. Winthrope or Captain
to
seuen
Mason

Witnesse

Witnesse

my
Thomas

hand.
Stanton

Witnesse
Interpreters
The

next

messengers

and

Vallentine

alsoe Thomas
demanded

man
Whit-

Bligh."

the

tribute due

for the
to
or

me

of

that he never
Pequots. He replied,
engaged
"
"
Why then," said they, did you pay it,
pay it.
"
Haven
?"
ly
Because," he readi])artof it,at New
be taken
from
answered, "I feared they would
if I did not, and therefore made
a
gratuityout
to please you.'^^
own
Being now
my
wampum

forbidden

in

hostilities

against the

the

stood silent for

commissioners'

sojne

Indians

time,and

name,

of
then

to

pui-sue

Long-Island,
asked

he

if it was

236

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

bis

right that
lives and

men

their

such

"

men

blood, and

should

"

be

not

theit

lose

The

revenged.

English obsen^ed, that he should have offered his

complaintsto the commissioners
; but to this he made
if not
no
reply ; nor
yet to the unceremonious
declaration

of the messengers,
that ui
trouble to any of the friends

uncivil

anj^ farther
English,they should
gave

his head

forthwith

take the

case

he

of the

libertyto

set

ended
with
pole. The conference
of the
the expenses
then- requestinghim
to
pay
Hee
not
was
expedition,which he refused to do :
of it,but longe-IslandIndians
killed him a
the cause
a

upon

"

att

man

Connecticott."

commander

Thus

censured

the aflFairended.

The
the commissioners, for

by
neglectinga good opportunityof humbling a
was

but

enemy,

contented

They
vessel

in

the

Island,with
the

of

farther

no

themselves
road

ordei-s

with

between
to

strictures

ensued.*

an
stationing

Neanticut

prevent hostile

and
Ninigi-et,

some
trouble-

and

movements

with

armed

Longoq_

his

encouraging
Indian
adversaries
by pronnses
Englishassistance.
The next
year, Ninigretcontinuing his attacks,they
under
thought themseh^es
obligationto furnish it.
this time forward, there is little of interest
From
in the life either of Pessacus
hear
or
Ninigi-et.We
but not much
farther than
is
of them
occasionally,
sufficient to indicate their existence.
Whether
they
to be complained of than
before,or
gave less reason
whether
the English at length gi-ew weary
-of sending
be ascertained
to them, cannot
messages
; but
there is probably some
truth in both suppositions.
One
of the last deputationsto Ninigret,
in 1656, was
occasioned
by complaintswhich he made to the Eng
part

of

*A

Mss.

privateletter of Major Willurd

of 3Ir.
possession
of

Concord, which

Shattuck,

author

of

is extant,
very vaituible

published,)in

(in the

History

which,
hope maybe soon
he rather mysteriously
to tliisexpedition,
speaks of his
alluding
this alludes to his general in
hands being tied.'
Whether
or
to somethingmore
Etructions,
secret, every reader will judge
'

for himself.

we

ish of
He

grievancesrecieved

failed

prove them
that occasion

to

took
duties

and

lesson

in
defaults,

having
bringon

meanwhile

tribes.

The

of the

from

Long- Islanders.
and the commissioners
alleged,

as

to

their

the

remind

occurred,

serious

more

most

which

n\vu

The

manner.

and
affrays

troubles

remarkable

of his

him

wonted

repeatedin 1657,some

was

with

237

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

assaults

threatened

between

the

circumstance

to

Indian
ed
connect-

deputationof this season, is the dissent

of Massachusetts,who
commissioners
ly
frequent-

had

the

occasion

to

differ with

their

associates

in

The
terms
regard to intercourse with the Indians.
of tliisopinion,expressed in the recoi'ds,
are
woi-thy
of notice,as throwing a casual lighton
the charges
brought againstNinigret.
"
There
hauingbine,"say they,"many messengers
to this purpose
formerlysent from the commissioners
to the Indian
Sachems, but seldom obserued by them,
which
to Renew
now
againe lohen many complaints
have bine made againstVncas by seuerall Sachems
and
other Indians
of his proud Insolent and prouocking
and with much prebaspeechesand Trecherous actions,
bilitieof truth,hesides
his hostile attempts at Potunck
"c.

seems

"

vnseasonable

other attendance

no

lo and

; and

in conclusion

in the
contemptable

in Reason

can

than

have
to Render
vs

of the Indians,or engage

honer in a dangerouseand vnesseto vindecate our
vs
sarie warr
the grounds ivhereof
vpon Indian quarrells,
wee
can
vnderstand,".c."
hardlyeuer
satisfactorybj
There
is manifestlygreat truth, as
well
as
some
We
in this declaration.
hereafter allude
severity,
may
again to what is said respectingVncas.
We

now

refer

to

the

years after the

illustrate the styleof

eyes

instructions

of messengera

embassy last named, merely

to
tinued
diplomacy which still con"
be used.
directed
to
to Repaire
They were
to Ninnigrett,
Pessicus,Woqnocanoote, and the Rest
of the NarraghansettSachems, and
and
distinctly
deiiuer to them the following
message." One
clearly
article o^ complaintruns
thus:
jent

two

238
"

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

falh
require ninety-five
ordered by them
to bee payed the last
att mistress
Insolencyes committed
and stealing
to her great affrightment

of wampam
for the
yeare
om

feet

Brewster's
"c.

corne

doe

comissioners

The

Again

other affronts."
comissioners
The

and
"

doe

charge Ninnihigh neglectof

and
theire order sent them by Major Willard six yeares since
doe
Indians ; and
the longe Hand
not
to Inuade
Indians
the longe-Iland
att
this surprising
accoTint
Gull

of

breach

grett with

murtheringof
English and

and

Hand

carriageto

the

maine

; therefore

acte

for

couenant

the

his entertainment

them
a

to

be

barbarous

an

insolent

and

comissioners

haue

if hee
longe-Iland

at

inhuvided
proshall

before hee hath

them
vpon
of the justnes
of his rel),
satisfied the comissionei-s
quarthe
Indians
there
assist
the
to
English
ordering
dare

further

to

attempt

It will be

recollected,
the right of the
had always disclaimed
that Ninigi-et
his neighwith
bors,
English to interfere in this contest
far
to justify
as
though he explainedto them, so
himself on the ground of having been firstaggrieved
More
and attacked
recentlyhe had
by his enemy.
chosen
probablyfor the sake of keeping peace with
the English
make
to
complaints to them ; but
because
he had failed to prove them
( and no doubt
mostlyincapableof beingproved,in their
they were
had taken no other
)the commissioners
very nature
and

him

driue

from

thence."

"

"

"

"

notice

of his suit than

others

to

to

reprimand him

and

send
at

once

Stanton

Thomas
for his

solence
present in-

his old sins.

he was
not
Still,
utterlydiscouraged,for he
him.
fail of having justicedone
not
invariably
1662, the commissioners
being informed of his
to

and

sell

certain

tract

of land

did
In
tention
in-

in his actual

claimed
nevertheless
by one
possession,which was
of
Harmon
not
a message
Garrett,
they sent to him
but " a writing vnder
Stanton
threats by Thomas
Garrett's
the said Harmon
theire hands
sertifying
the
to Ninnigrett,
claime,which being made knowne
"

"

1i3^

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

Ninnigrettby his Messengersto

theire last meeting att Plymouth

said
att

the comissioners

made

claime

to

therof
Refered the Determination
to the next
meeting of the court att Boston, desireing
Garrett
that notice might bee given to the said harmon
att the said Meetingof the comissioners to appeer.
the said land, and

This
made
to

honorable
propositionwas adopted. Garrett
and Ninigretsent his attorney
his appearance,
him

meet

Boston.

at

stated, that

Garrett

his

possessed of
the
the lands in controversy, and
that Ninigretwas
said Sachem's
brother.
On the other side,
younger
Comman
that hia
in behalf
of Ninigret, showed
master
was
possessedof said lands according to the
Indian custom, beingallowed to be the chief sachem,
and having married
the sister of Harmon
Garrett ;
and that said Harmon
of the whole
not
was
[Nianbecause
his
mother
was
a
blood,
tick]
stranger.
]"iarraThis evidence
furnished
divers
was
orallyby
ghansettand Pequot Indians,as also by Uncas and
others in writing. The
commissioners
decided,that
it was
the title of Ninnigrett,
not meet
to pi-ejudice
being in posession by any acte of theires,and that
the writinggiuen vnder theire hand
att New-hauen
harmon
GaiTett
bee not
vnderstood
nor
consei-ning
of
made
titleand
to prejudice
vse
Ninnigrett's
sion,
posesbut aduise all the Englishto forbeare to disturbs
Ninnigrett."*
The
good effect of this decision is to be seen in
the almost total silence of historyin regardto Ninigret
father

was

great sachem, and

was

"

for the
find
in

him

we
yeai-s, when
and amicably,
forward, confidently

twelve

next

coming

or

thirteen

be best
particulars
may
gathered fi-om a letter written by Mr. John Easton,
(probablya magistratelivingnear the sachem,)to the
thus :
Governor
of Plymouth Colony. It runs
of the
Ninigret,one of the two chief sachems
Narraghansettsin our colony,importuned me thus
a

similar

case.

The

"

Records

of the Colonies.

Hazard, Vol. II.

240
to

INDIAN

vn-ite

custom

and

cast

sachem's

sachem's

that,as

you,

law,

or

driven
other

to

BIOGRAPHY.

that

he

saith,it is

the

men
any sachem's
their
ashore, or
goods, upon
taken up by any
or
jurisdiction,

that

Indian

when

are

any
other

the

goods are to be restored to

the sachem
whose
this spring,
men
they were
; and
twelve
drowned
in the sea,
Indians,at a time, were
of their goods
coming from an Island, and some
drove up in your jurisdiction
at Dartmouth
; and he
desireth you to inform
those Indians
[atDartmouth]
that they should
all the goods of those
restore
to him
drowned
that they have got."*
This letter was
written in March, 1675, juston the
of the great war
of King Philip. The
eve
fi-iendly
The
of Ninigret
was
now
disposition
put to the test
Nipmucks, Nashaways, Pocontocks, the Hadley and
of Philip,the
SpringfieldIndians,the Pokanokets
the Narraghantribes of Maine, and stillnearer
home
men,

involved

setts, were

in the

controversy of

common

faitliful to tlie
Ninigret remained
English; and though he took no personalpart in
themselves
the war,
of his warrioi'S distinguished
some
than once
more
by their zealous cooperation
of the signers
with
their allies. Ninigi-et
was
one
the Narraghansetts
of tJie treaty of July, wherein
neutral ; and in October,
thomselves
oound
to remain
of
his counsellor,Cornman,
signed a confirmation
the same
instrument, in his name,
(atBoston,)with
the

an

But

times.

additional

agi-eement

to

surrender

such
Poup
in his territories.

refugeesas might be found

of the Narraghansett
sachems
Several
have
but Ninigret,alone, seems
to
fidelity.At all events, he alone had
kanoket

and

the

consequent

benefit

did the same,

maintained
his
the credit of

it,

The
Narraghansetts
their countrj"^ overrun

completelysubdued, and
of Ninigret
and subjected. The
tribe and territory
were
were
spared; and several of their descendants
livingon the premises so late as 1738,when few, if
were

"Sixth

volume

of the Mass.

His

Coll

1st Series

242

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

merit, to protect those

rightto

do

such

Indians,might not imply a

regarded other parties but granting

as

so

"

rightas consequent

it still remains

lay

the

asserted
such

blame
that
his

was

to

of the

sufficient provocation,
which
partyupon

upon

prove

first attack.

Ninigretalways
and no doubt
he acted in self-defence,
real opinion. The
English only reprimanded

he laid his
old scores, when
upon
grievances before them ; and then sent an armed

him

of troops to fightfor his enemies.

The
Long Islanders told a different story ; but this
er
Indian
at best but one
was
testimonyagainst anothcould
be retheirs in particular
how
much
; and
that within
the fact,
hed upon, appears from
a
year
themselves
after this same
mitted
comtwo
or
afiair,
they
vessel and

the

body

the
1657, "afl;er all

flagrantdepredationsupon

most

says, that in
the
expense which

English. Trumbull

the trouble and

at for their defence,

Englishhad

been

tumultuous, and

they became

did gi-eatdamage to the inhabitants of Southampton."

introduce some
tliis discussion,we
To
conclude
of a manuscript letter from Roger Williams
passages
to

the

alreadybeen
written

was

of

government
cited.
to

of the

one

It bears date

which
has
colonies,
of Oct. 5, 1654,and

prevent war.*

The Cause and Roote of all y^ present mischief

is J" Pride of 2 Barbarians,Ascassassotick,
y" Long
"

Island

The

Sachim,
former

is

and

fierce.

not

scene

men

Narigansett.

The

foolish.

and

proud

I have
years, yet fi-om their sober

proud and

of the

Nenekunat,

him

I hear

latter is

these
he

many

pleads.

Inferior Sachim
a
First,y' Ascassassotick,
very
(bearinghimself upon
y^ English)hath slain 3 or
and
4 of his people and since y' sent him challenges

daringsto fightand mend

2dly. He, Nenekunat,

himself.
consulted

mes
by Solemn
sengers wi:h the cbiefe of the English Governors,
Major Endicott then Gov'' of y^ Massachusetts,who
to right himselfe.
him
sent
an
Impliciteconsent

*Col.

Rec. ofR.

I.

243

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

taken
3. After he had
y^ Long
upon
revenge,
14 Captives,yet
Islanders and brought away
about
he restored
them
all again upon
and
y" mediation

desire of y^ English.
4. After this peace made, the
visit Nenekunat

to

of his

Long

at

Block

Narigansettsneere

30

2 of them

Islanders

tending
pre-

Island,slaughtered
at

persons

night,
mid-

of great note, especially

Wepiteam
whom
Nenekunat
uncle."
was

mock's sonn, to
afterwards
Mr. Williams
says ;
"
L I know
jects
subit is said y" Long Islanders
are
I have heard this greatly
: But
questioned,and
indeed

try,
questionwhether
any Indians in this Counwith
remayning Barbai'ous and Pagan, may
truth or honor
be cald y^ English subjects.
2. But
what capacitie
hath
subjects,
graunt them
of y"=Narigansetts(with whom
their late massacre
they had made peace) without y* English consent,
though stillunder y"=English name, put them into ?"
As to a league between
Ninigret and ' the Duch
Governor,' his own
reply to the charge has been
at least,
to
given. It will furnish some
amusement,
review

which
it was
upon
founded.
Pessacus
Indian
sent
an
Ninigret and
named
Awashaw
to the commissioners,in pursuance
of

parts of

their

the evidence

give what satisfaction they

could in regardto this subject; " ivhoe beingdemanded
why Ninigretwent to the Monhatoes the last lointer,
that Ninigret told
that
hee
answared
him
went
thether to bee cured of his disease,hearing there
was

agreement

to

there that could

Frenchman
of his
lohn
Winthorpe knew

Mr.

him

; that
going; that he

cure

carried thirty
fathom of wampam,
whereof
he
ten
and fifteen to the governor
gave the Doctor
; and the
him
in Lieue
thereof sleived coates
governor
gave
but not one
there gave Ninigun, but the Indians

guns." This
long before, it

grett two
Not

whose

man

all
"

had

was

in 1653.

seems

evidence
should
called on
Governor

that

Uncas

have

been

Haynes

"

the

noticed
at

last
at

Hartford,

244
and

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

informed

visit to the Dutch

Ninigret's
also that he had made
a league with
as
them, bought
and
of
ammunition,
negotiated
up a large quantity
Indians
with
the
New
York
for a war
against
and
the Enghsh.
said
Uncas
Furthermore, it was
that Ninigrethad sent to a neighboringSachem, to
skilful in poisoning,and had proma
man
ised
procure

him
The

one

him

of

hundred

sent

was

wampum

with
intercepted,

fathoms

by

of wampum
a

canoe,

in return.
which
Uncas

of
aboard, one
whom
his men
had
killed,(accordingto his ovpn
others
had
confessed
two
Ninigi-et's
story,)and
inclined
that
this testiwhole
We
mony
to
are
hold,
plot.
should
be received
only so far as it goes
against Uncas himself, showing that he took the
liberty,on the strength of his suspicion alone, to
and to murder
assault a canoe
belongingto Ninigret,
of his subjects. When
these accusations
one
were
stated by the commissioners
the mesto Awashaw,
senger
he
was
just mentioned, and
particularly
who
and
what
in
the
was
questioned
canoe, he rethat was
back which
sent
pUed, " that in the canoe
his men,
hee
taken
in it sixty
sent
was
by Vncas
fathom
he had

of wampam

there."

Being

seven

Indians

pay for the two

guns which
of the Indians
hee was
whiles
att the Monof the Phissicke
he had
hatoes,and the Remainder
to

asked

what

Ninigretsent to the
in the Vessel taken by the English [another
Dutch
tended
aggressionit would
seem,] he said, that hee Into send
not
to the Duch
Governor,
any cornc
aboard
the
Duch
vessel
but what
come
was
was
for
the hier of the vessel that brought him home."
It appears,
he had returned
while
of
his
some
by water,
had walked
he paid for his passage in corn.
men
: and
corn

"

Awashaw

on

with
means

him,

named

had

Newcom

an

Indian

one

in

Matuxes.

resorted to for obtaining

proof of the
farther illustrated by the information
are

ly given
with

this occasion

pany
com-

The
tion,
accusa-

gi-ave-

in the Records, that this fellow

spake
lohn lightfoot
of Boston, an Englishman,

us

"

whoe

Englishon Long-island.
that Ninnigrett said that
also confesseth
fi-om liolto
that some
come
shippswere
off the English ; and
the Monhatoes
to
cutt
would

Duchmen
Newcom
hee heard
land

to

that when

that the Duch

children

and

Southhold

att

would

an

against

come

they would

of, but

them

cutt

and

weemen

lived

Newcom

said

the

off the

cutt

Indian tould him

the English and
the

that the

in Duch

him

told
Lightfootsaith,

as

245

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

saue

for themselves

guns

doe both
CaptaineSimkins and the said Lightfoot
tould them that the Duch
that the said JVewcome
qffeirme
tho' he now
tould him as before,
men
puts it of and

But

saith

that

tould

Indian

an

afeirmeth)that

if he

hee

Further

would

goe to
hundred

the

dently
confi-

(ashee

captaine Simkins

tould

said Newcom

him.

the

serue

pounds
giue him an
but little,
we
conceive, whether
a yeare." It matters
recollected coi-rectly
or
not, his
Captain Simkins
reminiscences
amounting to nothing in any case.
expounded the transaction,
Ninigret had himself
much
more
completely than all these witnesses
together.
still pursued, " Thomas
But the examination
was
Stanton [Interpreter]
being there alsoe to charge it
said Newcom
The
not
him.
being able to
vpon
the guilt of the charge, the
from
himselfe
cleare
then

comissioners
Newcom
/)ee

would

the Duch

Duch

bine

not

should

not

and

tould
a

have

therfore

that had

Awashaw

said

the

Messenger sent by Ninnigrett

ment,
punishescaped without some
tell
to
they willed Awashaw

the said
send
well
doe
to
Ninnigrett hee would
Newcom
againe to vs, the better to cleare himselfe
has a little too
from all suspition."This manoeuvre
the air of a pretext for gettinga farther oppormuch
tunity
to

he had

and

cross-examine

thus

fai- been

able

to

confuse
make

out

clear statement.
Before
leavingto^vn, Awashaw
the

commissioners

for

another

who
beinggranted,he inquii-ed

poor

request

interview;
had

respectably

sent

Newcom

informed

to

which

them

246

INDIAN

of these

BIOGRAPHY.

againstNinigret. They mentioned

in reply severall Indians,and more
the
particularly
taken
Monheage Indian, and the JVarraghansett
by
then
Vncas his men."
Awashaw
requestedrestitution
of the wampum
taken by these men.
The commissioners
only said, that they had not yet ascertained
the truth of that affair ; but when
they had thought
matters

"

of it more, he should
know
their decision.
The
is a fair
followingamusing document

specimen
testimony
againstNinigretby
other Indians.
It is the depositiontaken in May,
1653
of one
Adam, of whom
nothing farther is
known.
After mentioning what the Dutch Governor
had done
the Indians, which
is not to our
among
of the

furnished

"

"

purpose,

"Further

hee

saith

and
[Treasurer]
dales in
there

was

the

close

they came

much

sewam

on

; further

longe

hee

Island

other

were

any
of fier

was

the

or

bid him

was

descovered

the

flyfor
:

none

time

before

in

with

Sagamore

hee

the

sends

for
dayly that they had as good appear now
hee is cutt of the English ^villcut them
all of.
aboard
Tuson
the
This
near
was
testifyed
stone

and

that the Duch

his life; for that

besides

except

away
a

said Addam

and

; and

like

that

at

saith that Ronessocke

tould

two

vp

of them

seen

carried

he

Fiscall

Sagamores

with

cole

and

Governor
now

with

[wampum]

Ninuegret'shand
him

Governor

speaking
for

Ninnegrettthe

Duch

Roome

noe

when

that

John

plott
word
when

white

Leverett

William

Davis."

relied irpon, was

an
evidence,considerably
Indian
squaw's relation to a person in Wethersfield,
(Conn.) being an assertion,in generalterms, that
the Dutch
and the Indians
were
leagued against the
"
heart
wee
English. In fine,the commissioners
say,

Other

"

that

some

tell the

of the

Duch

att

or

about

the

Monhatoeg

Englishthey shall shortlyhave an East

in which
it is conceived
breakfast,
they Refer

India
to

that

horrid Treachervs
*

Amboina.

which

we

can

Hue

about

any

Motion

And
from

or

Duch

plottand execution att

monies
Testimultiply Indian

crewill
not

to

all parts of the

countrey

presse

ment
[we quote the onlydefinite statefind] nine Indian Sagamores whoe
without
Monhatoes
did voullentarily
theire
Reward
from the English send
Stanford
declaringand afeirming that
solissited them
by promising them
"

"

the

Messengers
the

and

the colonies

vpon

247

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

to

had

and coates
war-coates
ponder swords
weapons
It is of no consequence,
of theEnghsh " "c.
to cutt
whether
these Sagamores
far as regardsNinigret,
8o
truth.
to tell the
or
conspiredto tell a falsehood
Nor do we
intend to enter at length into tMs ancient
guns

and

the

Dutch.
It is sufficient to observe, that the charges of the
denied
and
former
were
officially
distinctly
by the

controversy

latter.

between

the order

Stuyvesant.in a letter to
dated
May 26, 1658, and written
of

of the Counsel

touching what

"As

busines

in

neither

hath

sease

selues

colonies

Governor

commissioners

wee

the

or

to
vs

the

East

there

in

happened

to

any

the

the

of

same

vs
or

by

says

"

Amboyua

is unknown

Indies

been

answare

New-Netherlands,

the

vnto

vs,

there,therefore
trouble your-

to

therem.

It is in parte

as

youer

Worships

conclude

that

from
the
a strange Indian
January there came
of the NarraNorth called Ninnigrett,
Commaunder
hither iv'itha passe from
ghansetts. But hee came
Mr. John
which
member
reWinthropevpon
passe as wee
of his coming was
the occasion
expressed
"c.
On
the
viz : to be cured
and
healed,"
whole,
the reader of our
times, on perusing these records,
than
can
hardly go farther with the commissioners
their harshness
towards
to
extenuate
Ninigret,like
of their
their treatment
of Miantonomo, on the score
exaggeratedfears.
no
Upon the quarrelwith Uncas, we shall waste
words.
Ninigretand Pessacus no doubt considered
about

the circumstances

of Miantonomo's

case

sufficient

248

BIOGRAPHY

INDIAN

foi

English. But this they

waived ; and even
bear
engaged,at their instance,to forfor some
hostilities against Uncas
pressing
months, ex-

cause

at

war

the

same

with

friendlyterms
left

the

upon

time
the

pui-sue their own

It is neither necessary

which
sachems

the

and

took

many
called him

to

strong desire

nor

in their

It has been
Uncas.
liberties for which
as

be

upon
could
be
own

possibleto determine

provocation began

account,

to

English,if they
business

to

side

well

as

between

way.
upon
these

seen, that the latter

the English never
some

for which

they

did ; but of stillmore

have remained
they must necessarily
in ignorance. The
truth seems
to be most
forth

by Hutchmson, who
says, it would
been good policynot to interposein
to have
appear
this Indian quarrel; but the English were
afraidof
the
and
the success
of
JVarraghansetts, as they had
of the Mohegans, it was
generally
espousedthe cause
that as soon
as
feai-ed,
subdued, if not in
theywere
the course
of the war, the Narraghansettsand their
allies would
fall upon
of the English,
the plantations
then in a peculiar
manner
againstwhom
they were
The
same
enraged for the death of Miantonomo.
with great reluchistorian acknowledges,that it was
tance
the Narraghansetts
submitted
to the hard
terms
of the treaty of 1645,and only in consequence
of the
force which
had alreadyinvaded
their country.
armed
ing,
They must have considered the tribute a most insultforcible imposition.
of the chargeswhich
NiniWaiving a statement
gret made, or might have made, on the other hand,
shall only observe
in conclusion
againstthe English, we
that whatever
be thoughtof his political
may
pointsin his personalcharacter not
course, there are
and even
of admiration.
It was
unworthy of esteem
of a warrior
noble in him, accordingto the principles
and king, to revenge,
far as he was
as
able,the coolblooded
of his relative and predecessor
massacre
he pursued with
undaunted
That
courage
purpose
and
He
would
indefatigable
gladly have
energy.
plainlyset

250

BIOGRAPHY

INDIAN

CHAPTER

XIII.

known
the
Their
first chief-sachem
to
sy
An embassucceeded by Sassacus
of
in 1631
Residence and strong-holds
to Boston
sent
der
His earliest intercourse with tlie English MurSassacus
He
of
Justification
it
Sassacus
of Captain Stone
by
Sends deputies
to Boston
proposes a treaty of peace in 1634
with
the
Anecdotes
His
twice
wars
Treaty concluded

Pequot tribe
English,Pekoath

The

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

controversy with the

Narraghansetts Fresh
"

send

an

armed

party, and
1636

"

"

party

consequences

Political

"

demand
of it

to

"

of

movements

"

with

Sassacus

in 1637

"

"

the

of the
Pequots in

English expedition

"

^He is defeated
The
couutry^Killedby the Mohawks
his case
considered.
briefly

againsthim

"

Conduct

damages
War

English They

"

his
English policyin
'Driven

from

The
Pequots, or Pequods, inhabited that part of
is now
the southern coast of New
England, which
comprehended within the Hmits of Connecticut.
inland tribe,
an
originally
force of arms
and to have gainedpossession
by mere
of the fine territorywhich
they occupied at the
the English.
date of their first acquaintance with
in the meridian
of their glory and power
They were
and
about fortyyears picvious to tnat period,
were
considerable
tribe
in
New
then the most
England,
Their
musteringas many as four thousand bovonen.
about
New
London
now
principalsettlements were

They

and

said

are

Groton
and

have

to

been

; the former

called

Indians,on

by

their

So also were
of the Indians

the

their chief harbor,

The

Connecticut

river.

o%vn

part of the
on

was

name.

their

north, were

Nipmuck
still tributarj'
them.
to
and most
Long Islanders,
The

raghansett
Nar-

neighboring tribes had

with
success, and against
0]"pose them
they waged an implacableand almost
alone

been able to
that nation

of which

of

the

perpetualwar.
The

the

first great sachem

Englishwas

Pekoath,

of the
from

to
Pequots known
whom
they proba-

INDIAN

bly derived
been
and

to

the national

great warrior.
w^hen

conquer,

2dl

BIOGRAPHY.

He

name.

He

going on

was

the

settlements
Massachusetts

Tribe

made

were

till his terrible

themselves

to locate

soil, and

myrmidons

beneath

the

were

at
most

at

their

have

conquering

earUest

the
upon
after tribe retreated before him

English

to

appears

of the
coast.

he

advanced,
tion
lengthin a situaas

the best
genial skies,of New
ease

on

England,
As earlyas 1631,Waghinacut, a sachem
of one
of
tribes justmentioned, travthe expelledor subjected
elled
across

the wilderness

to

Boston

; and

attended

Straw
Jack
Sagamore, and one
by a Massachusetts
(an Indian who had formerlylived with Sir Walter
for the alliance
Raleighin England,)made
application
assistance

of the

Massachusetts

government
He
Pekoath.
of
a
against
glowing description
gave
of the English
his native land ; and promised,if some
or

that he would
settle,
supply
them
eighty beaver-skins
corn, and
pay them
he desired
yearly. This proposition
being rejected,
that at least two
men
pany
might be permitted to accomhim, with the view of examining the country.
He showed
great anxietyto effect that object,but
to no
gem,
stratasuspectedsome
5 the governor
purpose
dismissed
his visiter with the comand politely
pliment
of a good dinner at his own
table.*
of Pekoath, and the last as well as
The successor
of his tribe known
first great sachem
to
personally
of
the whites,was
Sassacus, a warrior
high renown,
the English commenced
their settlements
who, when
after the transaction
in Connecticut,soon
last mentioned,
had
fewer
than
sachems
no
or
twenty-six
war-captainsunder his dominion, and could at that
time muster, at the smallest calculation,
huuseven
would

go
with

there

and

however,
IVtnihrop's Journal.
Waghinacut persevered,
WinsGovernor
and succeeded.
He went
to Plymouth,and
low seijt out a party, at his suggestion,
who are understood to
have been the firstdiscoverers of Connecticut river and the
*

adjacentparts.

252

INDIAN

dred

bowmen.

The

BIOGRAPHY.

site of his

fortress and
principal

beautiful
on
a most
residence,was
of Groton, commanding
town
one
of the Sound

and

eminence
of the

best

the

in the
pects
proswhich

adjacentcountry
the coast.
Another
be found
can
strong-hold
upon
was
a little farther
eastward,near Mystic river ; and
this also was
finelysituated upon a verdant swell of
the south
and
land, graduallydescending towards
southeast.

Sassacus,and
only American
of history,
seetn

his warlike

chieftain and
to

have

Pequots, are
tribe who,

been

from

almost

the

in the

light

the outset

posed
dis-

hostility
against all foreigners.
of great and
observes,men
They were, as Trumbull
independentspirits
ed
; and had conquered and governthe natiops around
them
without
control.
They
viewed
the English especially,
as
not
only strangers
but mere
intruders,without rightor pretence of right
had nevertheless
taken the liberty
to the coimtry, who
inveterate

to

to

make

settlements

and

build

without

forts

in

their

very

and
asking their consent
the Indian
even
to restore
kings whom
they had
lands and
der
to their former
subjected,
authority.Unthese circumstances, it is no
of wonder,
matter
that the whites
had
themselves
scai-celylocated
within the bounds
of Connecticut,when
"that great,
spiritedand warlike nation,the Pequots, began to
and
and
murder
kill
plunder them, and to wound

neighborhood,

"

their cattle."*

And

ted,
settingaside the generaloffence commitunderstood
ted,
at least by Sassacus
to be commitor
in the act of making settlements
without leave
it does not clearlyappear whether
the first particular
provocationwas
given on the one side or the other.
of 1633, one
It is only known, that in the summer
to Virginia,
Captain Stone, on a voyage from Maine
of the Connecticut
river,and
put into the mouth
there murdered
was
by the natives,with all his crew

yet

"

"

Trumbull

Three
first

them, who
surprised and
of

ashore

went

of his men,
Captain Stone in his cabin
his

fowl, were
sachem, with

kill

to

despatched. A
then
came
aboard,and

some

The

253

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

sachem

being at

crew

Indians

took

fell upon
board

cook's

in the

this time

room,

the

as
they found charged, and
gtms
all the powder on
At this moment,

such

them.

the

until the latter fell asleep.

the head; and
him
on

knocked

then

staid with

alarm, was

vessel,in the huiTy of sudden

The

but

ed
escaping,returned,complet-

most

of the Indians

the massacre,
Such
the
was

and

deck

blown

accidentallyexploded.

bmned

English

was

up;

the wreck.
of the

account

proceeding.

Pequots had a different story to tell. In October

of
to the Governor
1634, Sassacus sent a messenger
alliance.
Massachusetts,to desire friendshipand
of sticks with
This man
brought two bundles
him,
how
he signified
beaver and
otter
by which
many
would
skins his master
give, besides a large quantity
of wampum.
He
brought also a small present.
returned
Governor
The
received it,and
a
moose
The

coat

of the

withal,that
he would

value

same

; but

treaty could

send

men

proper

word

sent

not

to

to

Sassacus

be

negotiated,unless
and
enough
negotiate,

of them.*

fortnightafterwards,(though
the distance
to the
Pequot country was a five-days'
arrived
at
two
more
Boston,
messengers
of
They were
)ringinganother present
wampum.
that the
to their renewed
told,in answer
application,
amicable
to
terms
English would
willinglycome
with
having murdered
Sassacus,but that his men
ers
("aptainStone, he must first surrender up the offendthat
to justice.The
readilyreplied,
messengers
Accordingly,but

iouniey,)

the sachem
been

concerned

killed

offenders

had

by

the

died

in that

Dutch
of the

These, they presumed

*

transaction

; and

small

Sassacus

Winthrop

that
pox,
would

Vol. I.

had

since

all the

other

excepting twq
surrender,if

254

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

the

that
guiltwere proved upon them. They asserted,
Captain Stone,after enteringthen- river,had taken
of their men,
and
detained
two
them
and
by foi-ce,
made
them pilotthe vessel up the river.
The
tain
capand two
of his crew
then landed, taking the
behind
guideson shore,with their hands stillbound
them.
The natives there fell upon
and killed them.
The vessel,
with the remainder
of the crew
on
board,
blown

was

This

"

they knew not how or wherefore.

up
Avho givesthe
in the words
of the journalist
"

much
confidence
related with
so
particulars was
inclined to believe
and gravity,
that the English were
of proving its
it,especiallyas they had no means
concluded
the following
on
falsity.A treaty was
"

terms.

English to have as much land in Connecti

make
cut
a
as
they needed, provided they would
settlement
there : and the Pequots to render them
all
the assistance they could.
2. The
Pequots to give the English four hundred
fathoms of wampum,
and fortybeaver and thirtyotter
1. The

skins ; and
they should
3. The

be
with

and

the

the two

whenever

murderers

for.

sent

EngUsh

'to trade

them,"

sun-ender

to

were

them

to

send

vessel

immediately,

tho' not
friends,
give them
Pequots would
as

to

defend
all their

'custom.'
The

by

the

chief

agreement
two

was

messengers

put in writing,and subscribed

with

their

marks.

The

objectproposed by Sassacus in effectingit,

have
to
been, not the assistance of the
appears
in peace.
English in his ware, but dieir commerce
He thought himself competent
tles
batto fighthis own
made
have
no
attempt to
; and perhaps would
conciliate even
the English,
but for having quarrelled
with the Dutch
of New
York, who had hitherto supplied
trade
well
and
lost
their
as
as
him,
thereby
inclined
their hostility.
Rleanwhile, he was at deadly war, as usual, with
tlie Nan-aghansetts.The
morning after
very next

INDIAN

the treaty Avas

stilltarried in
or

three

255

BIOGRAPHV.

concluded, and while the messengers

Boston, news
came, that aparty of two

hundred

of the tribe last named

had

come

as

and
Milton
Neponsett,(theboundary between
for the purpose
of layingwait and killing
Dorchester)
their way
the Pequots on
The
home.
mediately
English imdespatched a small armed force,to request
the Nai-raghansetts
two
a visit from
sachems,
; and
with about
obeyed the sum
twenty of their men,
mons.
They said they had been hunting round

far

as

about

the country, and

to

came

visit the

Indians

at

However
this
Neponsett,according to old custom.
themselves
might be, they showed
quite ready to
the English in their requests ; and the Pequots
gratify
were
permittedto return home unmolested.
A passage in the Journal
of Winthrop, relatingto
this occasion, illustrates the spiritof Sassacus
and
his subjects. The
Narraghausetts were
privately
told by the Governor, that if they should
happen to
receive
make
a
peace with the Pequots,they should
"For
just sent.
goodly proportionof the wampum
the Pequots held it dishonorable
to offer them
any
of
would
were
we
as
themselves,
willing
thing
yet
and
did
offer
much
it
indeed
to that
us
so
give them,
"

end."

Thus
season

matters
one

tradingin
Block-Island

remained

until 1636.

Oldham, an Englishman
murdered
Connecticut,was
Indians

; several

of whom

During
who

had

by

are

that
been

party of
said

to

the Pequots,and to have

refuge among
been
On
the strengthof this
protectedby them.
the Governor
of Massachusetts
fact and this supposition,
resident
Mr. Oldham
being a Dorchester
despatched a force of ninety men, under Captain
Endecott, commissioned
(asMr. Winthrop tells us,)
of Block- Island,but to sptu-e
the men
to put to death
and
them
the women
and children,and bi-ing
away,
take possessionof the Island.
Thence
to
they were
"
of
the murderers
go to the Pequots, to demand
Captain Stone and other English,and one thousand

have

taken

"

"

256

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

of their
of wampum
fatJtom
fordamages "c. and some
children
if they should
as
hostages,which
refiise,
obtain
force."
it
to
they were
by
which
ensued
The
the attempt
proceedings
upon
these orders
to execute
ought not to be overlooked.
From
Block-Island,the English sailed to Pequot
Here

harbor.
and

demanded

have

in the

that he

Indian

an

they were, and

country of the Pequots.
fi-om

came

speak with
answering that

the

he

to

directed

another

to

the

Sassacus

was

sachem.

He

canoe,

they would
Endecott replied,
of Massachusetts,

sachems.

The

Indian

Long-Island,

to

gone

communicate

in

what

Governor

Pequot

them

to

who

to

was

out

came

Endecott's

returned

to

message
shore,and

the

the

made
a
senger
English meanwhile
landing. The mescame
back,and the Indians began to gather
about the English. Several hours passedin desultory
conference,until Endecott, growing impatient,
his commission

announced

and

him,

sachem, that
his demands,

unless

their arms,
arrows

at

Endecott

the
a

same

he would

had

the

which

crowd

time
come

try forcible

been

word

sent

to

him

measures.

or

rounded
sur-

to

the

satisfy
The

several

times running to
parties,said that the sachem

the

forward

come

the

he should

who
messenger,
and
fro between
would

at

to

if the

Englishwould
lay down
also leavingtheir bows
and

Indians

distance.
incensed

considering
by the proposal,
it a pretext for gaining time.
He therefore bade
the Pequots begone, and
take care
of themselves
;
had
dared
the
and
with
to
come
they
English
fight
he
and
he
for
the battle.
now
was
them,
said,
ready
The
Pequots withdrew
peaceably to a distance.
When
beyond musket-shot, he marched
they were
after them, supposingthey would
have stood it awhile,
as
they did to the Dutch,"* ^but they all fled,letting
the English,which
did no
flya few arrows
among
number
killed and
were
damage. Two of their own
was

"

"

Winthrop.

258

INDIAN

reach of their guns.

BIOGRAPHY.

Their
burned

razed,and

were

of the cattle
hay
; and so many
in at night with
the
not
were
as
killed,often came
of the enemy
In March,
arrows
stickingin them.
and at the same
time
they killed four of the garrison,
surrounding the fort on all sides, challenged the
and
with
them
out
Englishto come
fight,mocked
the groans and prayers
of their dying fiiends whom
kill
they had
captured, and boasted
they could
"
Englishmen all one flies."Nothing but a cannon
loaded with grape-shot,
could
keep them fi-om beat
ing the very gates do^^Ti with then* clubs.
their stacks

of

out-houses

killed
next
were
persons
No
river,and nine at Wethersfield.
Three

pass
and

up or
fields

down

the

river

with

Connecticut

on

boat

could

now

safety. The

roada

The
settlers
everywhere beset.
could neither hunt, fish,nor
cultivate the land, nor
travel at home
or
abroad, but at the perilof life. A
watch
constant
was
kept night and day. People
armed
went
to their dailylabors,and
to public worship
the church
was
guai-dedduring divine
; and
service.
Probably no portion of the first colonists
of New
suffered
so
England ever
horriblyfrom an
Indian
settlers at thia
warfare, as the Connecticut
gloomy and fearfiil period.
Nor
the employment of his own
was
subjectsthe
ized
only measure
adopted by Sassacus
against his civilHe
knew
them
well
too
to despise,
enemy.
were

much

however
was

need

well

as

he

of all the

the

detested

them.

He

there

saw

ingenuity of the pohtician,as

of the warrior,to be exercised

prowess
his
part ; and he therefore entered
upon
of the arts of diplomacy with
the same

trial
cunning and
of his followers
upon

which
the confidence
v/ere
courage
in the field of battle.
The proposalof alliance ofiensive and
and

defensive

which

he made

to

his ancient

rival

of the Narraghausetts,
was
foe,the chief sachem
noble soul.
And
a conceptionworthy of a gi-eat and
Buch was
the profound skill with which he supported
the reasonableness
of that policy,that,(aswe
have

259

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

himself wavered
in his
seen,)Miantonomo
But for
to the English cause.
high-minded fidelity
the presence
and
influence of Roger Williams,*the
have carried
address of the Pequot must
consummate
his point.
in cou
taken by the other colonies,
The
measures
of the state of things we
have been describ
sequence
ing,and the minutiae of the famous expeditionof Ma
well known
too
to be repeated at length
son, are
The
contest
not
was
long continued, but it required
the most
serious efforts on the part of the English ;
and Plymouth feel
and not
only did Massachusetts
of aidingConnecticut
themselves
under
the necessity
and terrible foe,
in the suppression of this common
called on
but many
of the Narraghansettsalso were
the Nianticks,the Mohegans and
other
to aid, with
heretofore

tribes upon
Sassacus
and

the river.
must

reparationwas

have

that
felt,

indeed

come

the

of restitution

day

him

upon

for all his

spoils.Every people in his

fer,
neighborhood who had suffered,or expected to sufed
from his prideor his power,
now
gladlywitnessthe onset
of a new
againsthim ; and large
enemy
numbers
of the opportunityto do
availed themselves
Indians
personalservice. Not less than five hundred
of various
in his march
tribes accompanied Mason
againstthe great Pequot fortress. Not a few of them,
ancient

victories

and

without

doubt, remembered

old times

himself,though they acted

in consequence.
These
gallantallies
the

were

Pequots, that nothing but

could satisfy
them for tJieirown

so

well

as

very

eager
the van
station.

as

antonomo
Mi-

differently

go against
of the army

to

"

We

hope,"

of hia letters preservedon the

That
gentleman,in one
"
it pleased
That in ye Pequt Wars
Mass. Records, writes
in
hazardous
and
Government
to employ me
ye
your honoured
a
League bet^veea Yourselves
waighty Service of negotiating
*

"

(who
Narigansetts: lohen ye. Pequt messengers
sought ye Narigansett's league against the English) had
and lifetogether "
almost ended yt my worck

and

the

260

INDIAN

said
"

We

"

they,(--or something,no doubt, to

)
hope it will offend not you nor yours
chiefest post of honor

The

Upon
*

Mason

And

to

Hold
I'm

BIOGRAPHY.

harangues them
confirm

But,

"

Had

Felt the great power

dreadful sound
Seemed
every moment

And
That

fiU'd them

with

This

than

leaves
in

the wind

")
"

had

but a few
gone
of them fell in the rear, and
distance that not one
could

enemy's country, and

often,to

their

harm,

of Sassacus's

arm.
the same.
of great Sassacus'
name,
attack
their
to
ears,
endure

such

suddenlythey run

Swifter

you've began ;

abide

not

in the

so

consents.

always by experiencefind.

again justto

The

as

veterans

miles,when every man

that unluckilyto such
be found.
They were
the truth was, they
"

high compliments

shall take the van."

will

formidable

now

he,

("as we

"

with

he to them

them

Frost-bitten leaves

That

be ours."

which

on, bold men, says

free and easy ; you

These

should

that purpose

heart-amazingfears.

and

seek

in the autumnal

to

hide,
tide."*

the

evening. As the English approached

the fortress about
day-light,
they halted at
foot
the
of a largehill,
and
word
Mason
for his
sent
allies
to come
up." After a long time, Uncas and
is
Where
VVequashf alone made their appeai-ance.
was

"

"

Wolcott's

fVide

"A

Account.
Brief

History
War:
of
the
Pz^uot
of the memorable
Especially
Taking of their Fort at Mystic
in Connecticut
in 1637, wiitteu by Major John
Mason,
Actor therein,as the chief captainand commander
a Principal
of Connecticut
Forces: Boston:
Printed
and Soi,^ by S.
Kneeland
and T. Green
in Queen St. 1736."
The follwving
"
is the motto
of this tract.
We
have heard v\ith our
ears, O
*
*
*
how
thou didst drive out the heathen
God.
with thy
and
them
how
hand,
thou didst afflictthe peopleand
:
plantedst
them out," "c.
cast
The author of New
England's
First
Fruits
calls thin
"

INDIAN

the

fort?"

inquiredMason.
hill,"answered
they. And

"On

?"

Uncas

"

are

said, they were

"

"

afraid ;
and
them
to do, was

induce

the

where

"

the Indians

261

BIOGRAPHY.

the

most

to

form

top of
the

of

rest

behind,

that Mason

ceedingly
ex-

could

semi-circle

that

at

of
particulai-ly
respectfuldistance,for the purpose
my's
witnessingthe attack of the Enghsh upon the enefort, and waylaying such of the Pequots as
might escape thdr hands.
The
resistance was
manly and desperate,but the
whole
of destruction
work
was
completed in little
than

more

hour.

an

The

extent

and

violence

of the

kindled
the reflection
conflagi-ation
by the assailants,
of this pyramid of flames
the forest around,
upon
the flashingand roar
of arms, the shrieks and
yelof
and
children
within,and the
lings men, women
shouts
of the allies without, exhibited
of the
one
which
the pens of the earlyhistoawftil scenes
rians
most
have
described.
Seventy wig^vams were
rent
burnt,and five or six hundred
Pequots killed. Paand child aUke, the sanop and squaw,
the grayhaired

and

man

the

babe

were

buried

in

one

miscuous
pro-

ruin.
It had

been

Mason's

intention

to

the

fall upon
both
; and finding

at once
principalforts of the enemy
"
it impossible,he says,
much
we
were
grieved,
the greatest and
bloodiest
sachem
chieflybecause
there
The
Sassacus."
was
resided, ivhose name
execution
of this design would
have saved him much
subsequent loss and labor. That great warrior was

of person, and of very

captain,a proper man
after the Pequot
religious
grave and sober spirit.He became
sometime
the
and
then
lived
whites,
war,
preached'to
among
until his death, which
his countrymen
occasioned
was
by a
famous

man

dose

of

poison wherewith

s(

me

of them

repaid him

bors.
for his la-

"
He
him, in 1643:
loved Christ,he preached Christ up and down, and then suffered

Massachusetts

martyrdom
Christ,and

clergymansays

of

for Christ ; and wlien he dyed, gave his soule to

in thir bry".
his only child to the English,
rejoycing

ihat the child should

did."
Iher ever

know

more

of Christ

than

its pco^o

*""

262
SO

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

little discouragedby the

horrible

havoc

already

nade

his subjects,
that immediatelyon receiv
among
the intelligence
he despatched,perhaps led on in

mg

of three hundred
person, a reinforcement
wlio pursued the English very closelyfor

warriors,
a

distance

of six

miles,on their march towards Pequot harboi*.

this body met
with from
which
But the reception
whole
the English,drove them
to desperation.The
remaining force of the nation repairedto the stronghold
of Sassacus, and
vented
all their complaints
In their fury they
and
grievances upon his head.
tlireatened to destroyhim
his family: and
and
even
sellors,
perhaps nothingbut the entreaties of his chief counwho
still adhered
in his misfortunes,
to him
prevented his being massacred
by his o^vn subjects
fort. A largenumber
in his own
deserted
him, as it
and
took
the Indians
of New
refuge among
was,
fort was
York.
The
then
destroyed,and Sassacus
himself,with seventy or eightyof his best men, reti'eated towards
To
of

kill

the

or

the river Hudson.

capture him,
and

was

the

now

main

object

the

ward,
Pequots were
pursued westtwo
capturedsachems
having had their lives
spared on condition of guiding the Enghsh in the
The enemy
were
at
surprisalof their royal master.
last overtaken, and
battle
took
in
a
a
place
great
in Fairfield,
where
quots
Penearly two hundred
swamp
taken
killed
and
were
prisoners,besides
wounded.
Seven
hundred, it was
computed, had
been destroyedin the course
of the war.
As
now
"
Mason
a prey
himself,they wei-e become
expresses
to all Indians ; and happy were
they that could bring
of which
in their heads to the Enghsh
there came
almost dailyto Windsor
So Winthrop
Hartford."
or

war;

"

writes

late in

about

still send

from
But

Long

the

summer

of 1637

"

"The

in many
Pequots'heads
Island and other places.""c.*

Sassacus

not

was

destined

Journal, Vol.

to

'

Indians
and hands

fall by the bands

263

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

of the

English,althoughthirteen of his war-captains

himself
had alreadybeen
driven
slain,and he was
from
to swamp,
by night and day,until life
swamp
was
hardlyworthy of an effort to preserve it. Even
his own
ties
extremito such
were
men
seeking his life,
were
they compelled by fear of the English,
One
dition
Pequot, whose libertywas granted him on conof findingand betrayingSassacus,finally
succeeded
in the search.

up with him in one

of his solitary
retreats
ed,
; but findinghis designsuspectand wanting the courage
for
attacking
necessary
He

came

had
enemies
Nari'aghansett
described as
all one
God,"* he left him in the night,
and returned
to the English.
The
his
last obliged to abandon
sachem
at
was
pounds of
Taking with him five hundred
country.
attended
and
by several of his best warwampum,
captainsand bravest men, he sought a refuge among
a

warrior

whom

his

even

"

the

Mohawks.

shelter,or

to
now

He
most

his
the
sent

These

the magnawanted
nimity
formidable
a
rival,
spare,

savages
even

brought within their power

by his misfortunes.
was
surprisedand slain by a party of them, and
of the faithful companions who
still followed
solitary
wanderings, were
partakerswith him of
miserable
fate. The
same
scalpof Sassacus was
to

Connecticut

after carried
and
mortal

Boston,

to
a

in the fall ; and

'

as

rare

bull,)
sight,'
(saysTrumof

demonstration

sure

of it soon

lock

the

of

death

enemy.

Thus

of the Pelast great sachem

that proud and
warlike nation

perishedthe

quots ; and

thus

with
itself,

the

from the face

brief comment.

exceptionof

small

remnant,

swept

but
requu-es
tain
this tribe and their chiefHowever
glish,
been
predisposed to treat the En-

of the earth.

have
however

might
and

was

they

The

did

treat

their
they commenced
in
at least,
whites, ostensibly
*

Mason's

case

their Indian

with

intercoui'se
a

manner

History.

bors,
neigh-

as

the

friendly

^64

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

independent. Previous to
the treatj% indeed,complaints had grown
out of the
murder
of Stone ; but the English had no evidence
of the Pequots
the evidence
at all in that case, whUe
acknowledgement,cogent
was, accordingto their own
in
if not
conclusive,
support of their innocence.
confirmed
We
by what is
add, that it was
may
ernor
Govof Stone.
of the character
kuo^\^l incidentally
Winthrop, speakingof his arrival at Boston in
June
1633, on board a small vessel loaded with
of Plymand salt,"
the governor
com
outh
adds, that
sent
Captain Standish to prosecide againsthim
of the accusation need
for piracy." The particulars
after this,we
months
be stated,
for only a few
not
mentioned
find the same
other
as
charged with anperson
and though it appeared he
infamous
crime ;
in drink,and
act to be proved, yet it was
was
no
"c.
He
was
thoughtfit he should abide his trial,"
fined
hundred
a
pounds, and expelled fi-om the
Massachusetts
jurisdiction.
the expediAs to the next
tion
proceedingrecorded
have
of the English in 1635
mark,
^we
only to reand

honorable

it

as

was

"

"

"

"

"

of

the demand

1. That
of

with

wampum,
for
reason

nor
justifiable
impositionand

no

fathoms

thousand

one

alleged

even

insult. 2.
an
it,was an
The
English should at least have taken time to
Sassacus
Bee
himself,his subjectshaving no more
3.
without
him.
treat
to
authoritythan disposition
not
The
only
English,with no apparent provocation,
if
insulted but assaulted the Pequots,merely to see
they would ' show fight;'and then burnt their towns
and boats ; not a hair of their o"\ti heads being meanwhile
injured,and Sassacus himself being stillabsent.
With such
inducement, the chieftain began a war
of extermination
eary that

; and

of

one

the

as
was

have

to

two

indeed

nations

at

it became
issue

neces-

should

be

civilized reader entertains a

such an
tive,
alternathe result which, under

completelydisabled.
doubt

then
No

he may
the moral
his opinion,
respecting

most

to

be desired.

But

less
neverthe-

propriety

""R6

INDIAN

BIOtJRAPHY

XIV.

CHAPTER

His tribe, family,

claimed by Uncas
Pequot territory
re
and early history Services in the Petjuotexpedition

The

"

"

warded
by the English Effect of their favor His contesl
and quarrels
with Miantonomo, and result Subsequent wars
rendered him by
Assistance
with various tribes and chiefs
His
the English Complaintsbroughtagainsthim to them
of
his
Evidence
considered
His morality
Christianity
Hie services,
fraud,falsehood,violence,tyranny, ambition
in which lie
and those of his tribe to the English Manner
him
the accusations made against
met
Cunning and servility
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

His

"

of neighboringsachems

treatment

with tlie English

"

the conquest of the

On

death

His

"

"

Fate

Pequots,the

^Various

tions
negotia-

of his tribe.

whole

of their

claimed
nbout thirty
miles square, was
by the
territory,
Mohegans. The best opinion is,that this tribe was
a part of the Pequot nation
originally
; and that their
derived from the placeof their
was
subsequent name
of
The
first chief sachem
subsequent residence.
known
the Mohegans personally
to the English,was
and of the royal
a Pequot by birth,
Uncas,* who was
His wife was
line,both by his father and mother.
of the Pequot sachems.
one
a daughter of Tatobam,
Probably he had been himself a war-captainunder
ments
But when
the Enghsh began their settleSassacus.
in a state of rebellion
in Connecticut,he was
of some
ing
misunderstandagainsthim, in consequence
between
them, for which either he had expatriated
minions.
from his dohad expelledhim
himself,or Sassacus
ble
inconsideraAt this time, his influence was
; but

him

the

"

his great address

leadingSagamore

Onkos.

Mason's

Uncass.

Wolcott.

Okace.

Roger
and

and

ambition

of the

Mohegans,

"s

Pequot Expedition.
Williams.

Okoko.

IVinthrop.
"c.
Uncus, Unq,uas,Unkowah,
Onkus

made

soon

Hazard.

they

INDIAN

afterwards

that tribe the

mado

[See Appendix
more
English were

The

267

BIOGRAPHY.

No.

leadingone
I.]

indebted

in Connecticut."

for
Uncas
than to all the
to

services in the Pequot war,

other Indians together,
ed
though they at firstentertaindoubts of his fidelity.
Wolcott
Governor
says :
ins zealous

'

'

"'^^

'^^""^f^*

ith many
He to the
U

He

stout

Hartford]that Uncass

Molieagans

at

did the army

meet,

his feet.

general [Mason] goes, and dotli declare.

for

assistance in the war.

He ^yaH that Sagamore, whom
great Sassacus' rat^e
"
Had hitherto kept under vassalage.
But weary of his great severity.
He now
revolts and to the Englishfly.
With cheerful air our captainhim embraces.
And
him and his chief men
with titlesgraces;
But over
them preserveda jealouseye.
Lest all this might be done in ire'achery.'
came

our

convinced,that his suspicions

with Mason's
were
unjust. The Mohegans embarked
nmety men, on board a pink or pinnace and a shallop,
both which, the water
being low in the river,fell
But

he

aground
new

of
was

was

several

soon

times.

The

Indians

disliked

this

and
much
so
speciesof navigation,
especially
it as pertained to the flats and sands ; and Uncas
himself by
still more
impatientto recommend

active commencement
requested,that he and

of the

an

his

war.

He

therefore

might be set on shore,

again at Saybrook. His
promising to join Mason
his
gi-anted; and he not only redeemed
request was
pledge,but,meeting a considerable party of Pequots
with great spirit,
the route, he attacked them
and
on
of theu- number""
killed seven
which,"says Captain
"
looked at as a special Providence ; for
Mason, we
before we
doubtful of his fidelity."
somewhat
were
This good opinion was
by the
dailyconfirmed
"
Sachem's
conversation and conduct.
Indeed," our
wi-iter elsewhere
a
adds, "he was
great friend and
At
did
I shall never
forget him."
great service"
of the campaign, the various
the commencement
men

268

INDIAN

Indians

BIOGRAPHT.

in highglee. They
engaged in it,were
made
solemn
gathered into a ring,and one by one
demean
gallantlythey would
protestationshow
men
themselves,and how
they would kill.
many
But Uncas
until Mason
said very little,
inquired of
what
he
would
do.
hun
thought these Indians
Narrahe, gravely; The
Nothing," answered
I can
ghansettsAvill leave you to a man.
only say
for mj'self,
that I never
he never
did.
will." And
The
themselves
who had vaunted
on
Narraghansetts,
the example they should be obligedto set the English,
who

"

"

fell into

soon

returned

in their attack

them

to encourage

the enemy,
upon
of them
ground,and many

back

the

home.

on
through the woods
English marched
by
doned
abanfindingthemselves altogether
moonlight,until,
allies,
they halted,and sent
by these spirited

The

what

know

to

messengers

had

become

of

them.

A-tlast,
'
"

After

longwaitingfor

die same.

Up trusty Uncass and stout Wequash came,

Of whom
the generalin strict terms demands,
Where
stands the fort,and how their judgementstands
About
and what's the cause
the Enterprisel
rhey lefttheir post [thevan] againstall martial laws

'

it would
given to these questions,
it might be with the Sachems,
appear that,however
in hon-ible fear of the
the Indians
generallywere
"
was
Pequots. The apologyhowever
cogent ; when
once
engaged,"said they,
they were
From

the

answer

'

"

A
But
or

the

no

from
dispensation
such

fidehtyof

which

t is hai-d to

them

get
to retreat."

reasoning influenced
Uncas.

after the

resolution

great

cess
suc-

of the Indiana
most
assault,
of
deserted,or at least disappeared,in consequence
an
apprehension of fallingin -*\ith the wandering
also
steadfast.
He
Pequots. But Uncas remained
did active service afterwards,
againsta band of the
attended

the

Even

the

had

who

enemy

settled themselves

the

to

contrary

A
of

hundred

one

their

friend

of his

harbor

small

of

terms

English; joininghis
with

269

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

in the

submission

Mason,
and

men

southern

has
Guilford,(in Connecticut)

derived

from

with

on

few

that

to this

occasion,

day
He

the

to

twenty canoes.
part of the

of his achievements.

one

Pawcatuck,

at

town
name

and

his

taken,
English,having underthe enemy
when
fled westward, to scour
the
shores
the sea
of cuttingoff
for the purpose
near
and a few
came
stragglers,
up with a Pequot sachem
far from this harbor, and pursued them.
not
men,
is formed
As the south side of the harbor
by a long
neck
of land, the Pequots went
out
narrow
upon
that point,
would
hoping that their pursuers
pass by
them.
But Uncas, perceivingthe stratagem, ordered
the enemy
of his men
to
some
give chase, which
the mouth
of the harbor.
over
observing,swam
There
waylaid,and taken as they landed.
they were
sentenced
A council being held,and the sachem
to
himself
is said to have shot him
with
death,Uncas
an
arrow, cut off his head, and set it up in the crotch
of a largeoak-tree
the water.
skull reThe
near
mained

Mohegans,

there

Sachem's-Head
harbor.*
The

many
has

remuneration

of the

years,

been
to

and

ever

Uncas

the

of

name

since attached
for the

took

in this war, was

the
a portion of
(which he afterwards sold to the

four

or

the

to the

part which

he

tory,
Pequot terriEnglish,)and
hundred
with the
one
captivesof that ti-ibe; and this,
of having subdued
his great Pequot rival,
and
honor
and
the reputationof being upon
the most
flattering
of intercourse with the English,
made
favorable terms
character
of high dignity
of no
and
him at once
a
him
littleinfluence.
Indians began to collect around
and
he could
from neighboringtribes,
muster
now
five

hundred

treated

with

warriors.

him, and

The
made

Historyof Guilford,Mass.

state

him

His. Coll.

of Connecticut

presents,

270

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY

and

and to give
permittedhim to exercise dominion
deeds of territory,
in all respects like an independent
and
sovereign authority,while he enjoyed at the
the benefit of their personal patronage
time
same
and
the protectionof his tribe from
their enemies.
In July, 1638, Uncas visited in person
the authorities
of Massachusetts
the only visit of
Boston
at
which
is recorded
of him in history.
mere
ceremony
Ostensible
should
we
perhaps say ; for
ceremony,
and
considering the time, the company,
especially
the deportment on
that occasion,there can
be little
doubt that the Sachem
had
an
objectin view which
lightenedthe weariness of his long journey.
He
attended
and
came
companied
acby thirty-seven
men,
he
had
by Governor
Haynes, whom
called upon
He
offered the Governor
by the way.
"

of

Massachusetts

of

present

twenty

fathoms

of

which

cil
being in open com-t, the Countion
thought fit to refijse it," tillhe had given satisfacabout
the Pequods he kept,""c.*
Upon this
he
affected to
appeared much
dejected,and even
in danger. But
he was
apprehend that his hfe was
not
was
long at a loss. Evidence
produced which
counteracted
the main
suspicionsthat rested upon
him ; and
he promised to submit
his controversy
and
with the Nan-aghansettsto English arbitration,
to follow any
to
as
arrangement they should make
his Pequots.
The
now
accepted,and about half an
present was
hour
dressed
adto the Governor, and
afterwards,he went
"
"
him in the followingterms
This heart
:
" is
he said,laying his hand on his breast
not mine,
I have
but yours.
no
men.
They are all yours.
Command
me
any hard thing I will do it. I ivillnot
believe any Indian^s words
againstthe English. If
shall kill an
Englishman,I will put him to
any man

wampmn,

"

"

"

death
gave

were

he

him

never

so

handsome

The Governor
dear to me."
red coat, defrayed the ex-

Winthrop.

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

27J

and furnished him with provisions

visit,
and
for his return-journey,
a
generalletter of protection
" he
and so
departed very joyful."
throws
This trausactioft
some
lightupon what is
far the most
singularpoint in the history of the
cunning Sachem, viz : that he invariablymaintained
with his civilized allyand the
at o|Ace the best terms
stance
with his Indian jeighbors. The latter circumworst
indeed
naturallyensued from the former ; on
of which, as well as from other causes
account
tially
parhatred
the
inveterate
explained heretofore,
the Mohegans
had so long existed between
which
and the Narraghansetts,
previous to their union with
the
English for the suppression of the common
after the treaty
of all,
broke
out
again soon
enemy
until
from that time forward
of 1638, and continued
fell beneath
the proud Narraghansetts
in their turn
the power
of the English. Ostensibly,
(as we have
in the life of Miantonomo,) the war
was
seen
brought
of
with
of
the
Uncas
on
Sequassen, whose
by
quarrel
and Court of
outrage he complained to the Governor
the Colony. The
high estimate he set upon his own
dignityappears from his demanding six of Sequassen's men
of his subject. With
for the murder
great
he was
finally
difficulty
persuaded to accept of the
offender alone. But Sequassen objected
to these
even
do nothing but fight. A conterms
test
; for he would
and
the victor.
Uncas was
ensued,
His
with
Miantonomo, and the
subsequent war
proceedingswhich ensued upon his triumph over that
formidable
detailed.
From
this
have been
chieftain,
able
period,so long as the Narraghansetts remained
into the field,
there was
to send
rest for
an
no
army
his people,day nor
and
Uncas
or
night. Truces
the
promises were
negotiatedand passed between
partiesby the English : but the power which imposed,
the influence which
induced
these obligations
or
was
scarcelywithdi-awn,when the unextinguishable
flame blazed
forth,the more
furiouslyfor its brief
invaded
suspension. The Narraghansetts
repeatedly
of his

penscs

"

272
the

INDIAN

Mohegan country

assaulted

Uncas

in his

BIOGRAPHY.

in the
own

of the year 1645,

fort,killed and captured
coui-se

of his men,
and
Connecticut
and
New

numbers

finallyso pressed him, that

both
Haven
were
obliged to
send troops to his assistance,
had
Hartford
done
as
from
duing
before, to prevent the enemy
completely subhim
In

and

1648,

the

his country.

Mohawks,

Pocomtocks, and other

tribes were
induced
Nine
to take part againsthim.
he was
again beset in his fortress,
years aftei-wards,
and again rescued
forces ; and so
by the Connecticut
led to the same
late as 1660, the same
emergency
On that occasion, he was
measures.
besieged until
his provisions were
nearly exhausted, and he saw
he and his men
must
soon
that,without speedy relief,
In this crisis,
he found
perishby famine or sword.
of communicating his danger to the scouts
of
means
the English,who
had
from
been sent
out
Saybrook
fort.
The
case
being urgent, one
LefEngwell, an
ensign of the garrison,and a bold enterprisingman,
loaded a canoe
with beef,corn
and pease, and paddled
it under
of the night from
cover
Saybrook into the
Thames
river,where he had the address to get the
whole
into the besieged fort,
which
stood
the
near
water's
that
ascertained
soon
edge. The
enemy
Uncas
was
relieved,and raised the siege. The
is said to have rewarded
Sachem
Leffingwellfor his
services by a deed of the town
of Norwich.*
And
honorable
and
not
(as civilized
open
arms,
foes would
consider
employed
them,) alone, were
One
of the Pequots, in 1643, shot
against Uncas.
him through the arm, at the instigation,
as
was
ally
generthe war
with
supposed, of Miantonomo
; and
that chieftain was
brought on by similar attempts on
the pai-tof Sequassen. The
Narraghansettsachems
Indian
hired an
him
in 1649, and he
assassinate
to
far as to give him
wound
in the
Bucceeded
so
a
breast with a sword, which
for some
time was
thought
mortal.
also tried
Sorcery and poison were

274

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY

of reasonable
faccon, and in case
complyance endeauor
a
Composure thereof: but if no satisfaccon
will bee giuen for Iniuries,
proceed then to lett him
know
and
theygive the Englishjust cause of offence,
will bringtrouble vpon theinselues^*
of his giving false testimonyagainst
The
possibility
and rivals,
his enemies
seems
scarcelyto have entei*ed the Commissioners'
minds.
of fi-esh
Upon rumors
assaults
the
Longby the Nan-aghansetts upon
the
mer,
forin
sent
to
Islanders, 1653, they
messengers
at Boston, for the
requiring their attendance
of compromising the quarrel. These
sengers
mespurpose
farther instructed to notify,
not
were
only to
the Long-Islanders,
but to Vncas, that if they or any
of them
had any
thing "to enforme charge or propound
either in the foremencioned
or
other,"
any
send
witnesses
to
were
they
accordingly " and by
Thomas
Staunton
or otherwise
you are to giue notice
"c. that there may
bee noe
to Captaine Mason, Vncus
It is not
faylingfor want of fVitnesse or Euidence."
on
wonderful, that Ninigret asked the messengers,
"
this occasion,after beingtold of their errand
Why
doe
the English slightmee, and respect the LongeIslanders and
the Mohegins, seeing all around
mee
do love mee
and are my
frinds ? "f
In 1654,great complaintswere
made
againstUncas
On
that occasion, the same
himself
messenger
sachem
also
to the Mohegan
gret
sent
was
sent
to Ninithe accused
; but althoughthe former was
pai'ty,
it will be observed, that a peculiarprovision was
made
to accommodate
him, while the only one made
in relation to Ninigret's
visit was, that " hee may
not
bringwith him aboue
twenty or thirty men
; nor
Newcome, or as the Indians call him, Mattackist,
may
"

"

Avith him

last yeare gaue offence att Boston."

It is clear, that the plaintiff
in this suit was
no
favorite ; and it is further remarkable,that the mea-

come

Records

of

whoe

the

t Ibid for 1653.

Colonies:

1649.

275

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

directed to take the present occasion

and
reminding him of his old debts and defaults,
if

to

to be

prevent

his

given at

the

"

Wovveque

that

uiformation

of

of

time

the

of his

visit.

his brother
not

haue

of theires

purpose

his

betwixt

willingto

receive

therefore

and

them

sent

due

all other
fore

and

They
enquiiy;

the
Ninnigrett,

better to
heare
what

longe-IslandIndians, and to
to allegeagainst the JMohegens,and

hath

differences.

desire

and

doe

brother

expect

forthwith

the

alsoe heard

the

secure

invade

Vncus
theiremen.

reports without
for

brother
receiued

to

or

and

they haue
hee

and

following

Ninnigrett; they haue

betwixt
differences latelygroune

some

are

The

Commissioners

some

Narraghansetts

(as

appearance) requiring satisfaction

the messengers
instructions :
You
both
Vncus
to informe
are

are

of

was

senger

The
that

Come

pose
com-

therCommissioners
both Vncus
and
his
to

hartford,"c.

You

informeboth V7icus and his brother* ana

theire men, that the Englishdoe oune
Vncus so longe as
hee carrieth himself
and
shall bee loth hee suffer
e well,
wrong." "c.
alsoe

are

to

follow the

Next

"

for John

Instruccons

John

sent to continue
Bailytvhoe were
forttduringhis absence.
shall Repaire to Mohegen,
"You

Vncus

all other

and

att his fortt

by the

Indians

Commisioners

and
to the Intent that Vncus
the realitie of the English to
whiles

hee

because

continueth

the Commissioners

Vncus

att
and

acquaint

that you
are
of all the
all others
continue

faithful! to the
have

now

to

reside

Collouies,

may
his

know

frinds

English;
sent

his

and

for Vncus

affaires of concernment
concerning some
himselfe
to
relating
Ninnigrettand Woand being Informed
arise in
sturrs
some
weque,
may
his absence
his prejudiceyou
shall vse
to
youer
and
informe
the
Indeauors
to keep all things quiett

to

speak

with

Gilbert and

him

*WowEq,UE,
ijader some

ten

a
or

very troublesome
fifteenother names.

fellow,elsewhere noticed

276

INDIAN

Indians

that

EngHsl."
*

attempts wil bee oflfenciue

such

to

seem

sturrs' would

have

been

the

Niantick

arise in

him

upon
Mason

had

Fort
the

enemie,

by

some

when

lest hee

Indian

multitude

of

be

the

cited

to

Uncas

party.

other

to

an

the

than

stratageme
decisions

and

enemie."

directions

might

same

the latter part of his life than

which
will soon
be mentioned.
come

against
occasion,

force,on a former
advise
particularlythat Vncus
is sent forth against
any strength
and
recieue more
wee
damage

purpose.
in less favor with

was

march

to

armed
"to

be secured

an

commissioned

an

ordered

was

other

been

with

of

rumor

the

by

Ninigret
he

the

upon

entertained,that
country during

itself was
message
attack
made
to be
So, when
Captain

absence, although the

Niuigret's
founded

the

to

"c.

fears

No

BIOGRAPHY.

open

rupture with

the

tow"u-ds

English
formerly,for
did

He
them

at

not

any

reasons

however
time

; and

his

were
never
subjects,
though frequentlyinsolent,
hostile. On the contrary, they assisted their allyon
never
occasions,the Commissioners
hesitating
many
when
be acceptatheir services would
to notifythem
ble,
and theynever
attend
For
to
a
summons.
hesitating
this zeal,directed
it invariablywas
as
against their
and generallytheir old enemies, it
Indian neighbors,

would

be

easy

to

suggest

more

reasons

than

one.

fortunate in these secure

They thought themselves
and sanctioned
of revenge
and
der,
plunopportunities
had
also
been
even
they not
richlyrepaidby the
protectionof the English,reciprocatedto them in all
Their last services during
emergencies of their own.
the life of Uncas were
a parduringPhilip's
ty
war, when
of
of them
commanded
Un
was
son
a
by Onecho,
father was
then too
The
cas, and by other sachems.
old

man

to

It has been

of the truth
faith ; but

we

endure

much

more

that Uncas
was
stated,
of Christianity,
and

labor and
at

that

fear this information

weai-iness

least convinced
he died
can

in the

hardly be

relied upon.

277

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

The

have seen
is
only proof of it we
derived from the followinganecdote.
In the summer
of 1676,a great drought prevailed
was
throughout New
extremely
England, which
in
the
sevei-e
3Iohegan country. The corn was dried
leaves fell from the
up in August, and the fruit and
The Indians were
alarmed, but
trees, as in autumn.
knew
what
do.
not
to
According to custom, they
intercede with the Great
to
appliedto their Powahs
but these men
Spiritfor rain, after their manner;
labored to no purpose.
to the EngThey then went
lisli settlement
with
at
Norwich, and Uncas went
them.
He
told Mr. Fitch, the clergyman at that
the Powahs
place,that it was a hard case with them
could
do them
service
no
apply to the
they must
Mr. Fitch appointeda fast-day
at these
EnglishGod.
and
weather
that occaother suggestions.The
sion
on
proved to be clear ; but about sunset, at the
close of the religiousservices,
clouds
arose.
some
The next
went
to
day also was cloudy. Uncas now
the house of Mr. Fitch, with
Indians, and
many
"If God
the great want
of rain.
again lamented
"

"

shall send

it
"

to

your

have

we

it,"said

Mr.

Powahs

done

clergyman then
would

two

feet.

do

"

will you

answered

No,"

but

utmost,

our

the

Uncas

sachem

all in vain."

him, that if he would

the Indians, they should

for them.

attribute

not

told

declai-ation before
God

Fitch, "

make
see

then made

The
this
Avhat

speech
to the Indians,confessingwith
particularemphasis,
that if God
should
grant this favor,it could not be
be
in consequence
of their powawing, but
must
ascribed to the clergyman'sprayers.
Of the sequel
we
only know, that upon the day following there
than
was
so
copious a rain that the river rose more
This

testimony proves

but

hand, Mr. Fitch hin^^ if in

givesa very clear opmion as
"
"

among

little. On
letter cited

follows

the

by

other

Gookin

God hath called me

to labor in this work
time
the Indians nearer
to me, the firstof my

Since

278

spent among

was

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

them

at

Wanuho
his son, and
firstcarried it teachably
and

and

Moheek,
are

where

sachems.

Unkas,
These

at

tractably
; until at length
would
the sachems
did discern that religion
not
sist
congion
with
a
mere
receiving,and that practicalrelidown
tlieir heathenish
will throw
idols,and the
sachems'
tyrannicalauthority. Discerningthis,they
did not only fo away, but drew
off tlieir people,and
much
would
suffer them
ward
outnot
as
an
to give so
of
the ministry of the word
attendance
to
God.

At

if they would

this time
come

Unkas

on

again.

and

his

But

seem

sons

it is

no

as

other but

against these [the converts]and to promote

some
presentself-design."
visited
Mr. Gookin, with the ApostleElliot,
When
the towns
of the Massachusetts
Praying Indians,in
occasion, a large part of
1674,he says, that on one
the night was
spent at Sagamore'swigwam, in com
ment,
Indians
then at the settlepany with the principal
in prayer,
singing psalms and exhortation.
There
sat mute
was
one
during
present, who
person
and
he
all these exercises.
At length
arose
said,that
he was
an
agent for Uncas, the Mohegan sachem, and
ion
dominthat in his name
he challenged
a rightto, and
is not
this people of Wabquissit.* "Uncas
over
well pleased,"added
he, that the English should
Mohegan river,to call his Indians to pray
pass over
that Wabquissit was
Mr. Gookin
to God."
replied,
that no
and
within
the Massachusetts
jurisdiction,
harm need be feared at all events
; the English only
of
wished
to the knowledge
to bring the Indians
enness,
Christ,and to suppress among them the sins of drunkmurder, and
idolatry,
powowing, witchcraft,
in envy

"

the like.
This
of Uncas

for the benefit

plainlya lecture meant
himself,and his agent was specially
requested

was

to inform

him

of the

answer

made

to his

protest.

still called
of Woodstock, and
Soutli-East corner
cut,
Wabequasset. It was in truth,as it stillis,part of Connectic
laimed
bv
well
Massachusetts, as
as
tliough
by Uncas.

*The

INDIAN

279

BIOGRAPHY.

In anothei*

connexion,we find Mr. Gookin's opinion

the same
cumlocuti
cirwithout
expressed to the same
effect,
"I am
apt to fear,"is his language,*
"
that a gi-eatobstruction
his [Mr.Fitch's]
unto
labors,
is in the sachem
of those Indians,whose
is
name
Unkas ; an old wicked
and wilful man
; a drunkard,
and otherwise very vicious ; who
hath always been
of praying vc
'^od
and
underminer
an
opposer
"

hints whereof

some

I have

of

given in the narrative

my journey to Wabquissit,before mentioned."

Sachem
took the trouble to visit Hartford
once

The
foi

the

of complaining to the Colonial

express
purpose
authorities of the attempts made
his subjects
to convert

Christianity.
His piety,then, will hardly bear rigid examination.
Whether
his moralitywas
quiteso objectionable
Mr.
whether
Gookin
that
as
supposed,or
good man
for
his opposition
was
unduly prejudicedagainsthim
be easilydecided.
There
to the ministry,may
not
for believing,
is but too much
reason
however, that
there was
of the charges,and a
great truth in most
most
pertinentapplicationfor the lecture referred to
to

above.
to

pay

when,
written

The

but
so

sorry compliment to his

late as 1672, they directed
a

him,
Minnestrey."
What

themselves

UnitedCommissioners

to

is

"to

incurrage him

to

to the

seem

previous habits
letter to be
attende on
the
a

find a
we
purpose,
before them, in 1647,

complaint
entered against
him
by one of
his Pequot subjects,
named
ance
Obechiquod. The grievof
and
had
taken
possession
was, that Uncas
detained
wife ; and
the man's
though Foxon, the
deputy of the Mohegan sachem, ingeniouslyargued,
that this accident
had happened only in consequence
of Obechiquod's having unlawfullywithdrawn
from
the jurisdiction
of Uncas, and
left his wife behind
him, to be of course
accordingto Indian
appropriated,
law, by any other person who desii-ed such a connexmore

His.

Coll.

Chapter

X.

280

BIOGRAPHT.

INDIAN

hearingof

their abhorrence

"

He

of Vncus."

adjudged

vv^as

allow

condition

chose, on

the vi^hole case, to express

of that lustfuU adulterous

and
w^ife,
he

felt themselves

Commissioners

the

ion; yet oven

obliged,upon

the

of his

to

husband

carriage
the

restore

made

Connecticut

by Sanops, a

time

the

"

evidence

sufficient

charged
dis-

was

nature

the

Indian,at

being

not

in his

Uncas
assisting

the English desii'ed.

He
whenever
of the same
accusation
fi-om another

wars

plainant's
com-

to live where

to

same

convict

him.

proofsof

The

fraud

Miantonomo

abundant,

of foul

m
play,even
given by Roger

one

hesitated
the

Pequot

Williams

not
war

still more
him
to accuse

are

; and

the

count
ac-

of the reports which

of the Pequot
English authorities,
captiveswho fell into his hands, goes very far
he had taken at
establish the charge. Six, whom
time,he representedto be Mohegans, although
in to the

he rendered

to

falsehood

and

who

Indian

an

information
of the fact to Mr.
gave
them
and
as
Pequots personally,

Williams, knew
well,and
perfectly
His

conduct

at

mentioned

of all.
in 1637,
conference

the

the Hartford

names

Some
subjectof comment.
had
been
time
after Miantonomo's
an-ival,who
gers
delayed by his machinations, he sent in messenthat he was
to the court
lame, and could not
visit them.
Governor
Haynes observed, that this
patched
lame
at best,and
was
a
immediately desexcuse,

has

alreadybeen

fail or
then
and

cogent request for him

delay.
accused

his

Betts.

the

He
him

came

of

subjectshad
Some

to

attend

without

length,and the Governor

he
the flagrant
outrages which
the Narraghancommitted
on
at

altercation ensued

between

the

rival

but,by the persuasionof the English,they

chieftains,
induced
Miantonomo
to shake hands.
were
finally
then
invited
with him, his
Uncas
to sup
cordially
venison : but he would
men
having justkilled some
not

The sachems
were
of their Pequot
returns

consent.

to make

now

called

upon
Miantoprisoners.

282
a

he

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

the next
morning
they were, with a body
; and

of their movements

hint

to

came

the fort where

apparentlybent upon kilhng

of their number.
some
They however
escaped safe
that they
Connecticut.
It was
farther alleged,
to
had
Twentygiven Uucas wampum
forty times.
five times they had sent
the
it by him
to
English,
in payment
that any
of tribute ; but they knew
not
favored
that Uncas
delivered.
^Also,
part of it was
the Mohegans to their prejudice. If they won
any
be collected.
thingof one of them in play,it could never
Also, that he had cut all their fishingnets
for not aiding hun
bound
to do"
not
as
they were
in certain of his foraysagainstthe Indians
of Long
of

warriors,armed,

and

"

"

"

Island.

reply of

doubt
Foxon
to these charges no
is full of his usual
from his master

The

"

by instruction
"he
belieueth
ingenuity. 1. As to the wampum
the Pequats haue for tribute and
other occasions
vpon
at
to Vncus, but
sundry times paid wampam
denyeth that they in particularhad giuen him any
for the English; but the Moyhegens and they had
sometimes
joyned togeitherto giue in wampam,
"

"

which

had

been

sent

as

presente

twice

into the

Mr.
to
Mattachusets,and sometimes
Haynes at
of twenty-fiue
Hartford,but he thinckes the nomber
times to be altogeither
false."
2.
that the Pequats being an vnder
He concieues
fi-om the Mohegens
people might haue some
wrong
in play and
durst
for their right,but
not
presse
denyeth that Vncus had any hand therein."
3.
He acknowledgeth that the Pequats did bring
"

"

in

100

fathome

child, and

of wampam

at

the death

of Vncus

promised favoure as is expressed,

but the latier was
only a treacherous plottof Vncus
brother perswading the Pequats to withdraw
fi-om
Vncus
into theire oune
Country,and there he would
he
come
vnto
them, and to prouoke them thereunto
tould
mined
deterthem
had
(though falsly)that Vncus
to

were

kill some

of them."

4.

"

Though

283

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

Vncus

convenien
infirst apprehended noe
present to the Enghsh, yet

at

in such

plotton a fruite of
crooked
Sascounsell giuen them
by Tassaquanott,
that
his brother,who
had suggestedvnto them
sacus
Vncus
of the cheife Sachems
to
cutt off,
most
were
them
but a sti-anger,
or
giue
why should they serue
offended."
was
to him,herewithVncus
justly
wampam
5.
had
heard
of the Mohegans tooke
He
some
theire
fish from them, but knoweth
that hee cutt
not
deny it."
netts, though he cannot
Tlie Commissioners
decreed, that the Pequots
of Uncas, who
should
should
return
to the dominion
recieve them
without
ner
charge or i-evenge for the manin which
they deserted him ; and on the other
hand, that he should himself be reproved for his
tyranny, and seriouslyinformed, that the English
much
less
in any unlawfull,
would
not
support him
being

after informed

it

was

"

"

treacherous

and

this
Unquestionably,
troublesome

as

courses."

outrageous
to

'

brother' of Uncas

himself

he

as

to

was

was

the

quite
white

people. Mr. Winthrop complained, at this very

meeting, that he had fallen upon the Nopnet Indians
hundred
with one
and
entirelywithout provocation,
thirtyMohegans, and carried off wampum,
copper
deer-skins
kettles,
great hempen baskets,bear-skins,
These
facts
and many
other thingsto a great value.
that
admitted
also asserted
were
by Foxon, who
Uncas had no part either in the assault or the spoil,
he being at New
when
the affair happened.
Haven
Other
complaintsbeing broughtforward and proved,
that Uncas

the Commissioners

directed

disown

his brother

or
entirely,

suitable

more

manner

It is clear

correct.

flagrantoutrages, or
sufferance.
he

He

was

for the

that he

of amusement,

either

regulatehim

future.

This

in
was

either

instigatedthese
at them
at least connived
by
able to prevent them, as far as

thoughtproper.
It would
be tedious,though

matter

else

should

wholly without
all the acculai-ge

not

to detail at

284

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

by
brought against the Mohegan Sachem
setts
Massachuvarious
complainants at various times.
The
and Connecticut
English
arraigned him.
sations

settlements

nearest

and

assaults.

violent

to

him

accused

The

Mohawks

him

of insolence

quarrelledwith

ged
Nan-aghansettsand Nianticks charhim
repeatedlywith inroads and insults upon
Necwash
them,
Cooke, a Pequot under English
complained of beingplundered with open
protection,
force.
was
heretofore,
Sanops,an Indian mentioned
robbed
of his corn
and beans, (perhaps hardly less
valuable to him than his wife.)Mr. Winthrop stated,
in behalf of a Long Island Sachem, that he had sent
sachusetts
of Masto the Governor
sixtyfathoms of wampum
the
by Uncas; and though he made
bearer himself a present of twenty at the same
time,
his tribe.

he

The

embezzled

had

Apumps

Again, one
that about

the whole.

sixe

complained againstVncus,

"

since

weekes

people at Quinnapauge,

hee

killed

tooke

sixe

and

one,

of his

wounded

another."
"

PoMHAM
the

fore
[a Massacusetts Sachem] appearingbeCommissioners
meeting]said
[atthe same

that about
killed

month
and

man

agone
two

Vncus

wemen

at

or

of his

some

Cawesett, the

men

one

of

belongingto himselfe,the other vnto Tupayaboth without

provocation."
men,
the
desire
the
"Wee
wrote
English Sachims"
of
to
an
English message
Pocomptocks in answer
inquh-y "not to perswade vs to a peace- with
Vncus
yett will hee
; for though hee promiseth much
have
experience of hia
performe nothinge. We
them

"

"

falcenes"
In

"c.

1656, he, or his brother,invaded

tucks ; and he
of
a Sachem

even

Long

joinedarms
Island.

with
About

the Norwoo-

Ninnigretagainst
two

years before
his conquests

this,he had taken occasion to push

and then
by quarrelling
Deyond the river Connecticut
of Mussauco
Sachem
fighting with Arrhamamet,
ihow Simsbury,near
Hartford.) He sent one of his

INDIAN

warriors

to

take and

286

BIOGRAPHY.

burn

in the outskirts

wigwam

of th"i

few of the inhabitants,

and
a
village,
killing
then leaving mai-ks
His
orders
of the Mohawks.
were
executed,and the stratagem took effect. Arrhamamet
the mischief
ascribed
the
to
Mohawks,
and, burning with resentment, fitted out a war-party,
and
in pursuit of them
the Northwest.
went
to
thus gained time
Uncas
and
fall
to equip his men,
the enemy's town
in his absence.
Ari-hamamet
upon
was
subjugated and his tribe,the Podunks, were
afterwards
ever
tributaryto Uncas.
The
before this,Meeksaw
season
[probablyMexcas
ham] a Narraghansett Sachem, complained that Unhad
"

killed

afronted

one

of his

men,

and

also that

he

had

him

by abusiuelynaming and jeeringhis

dead
sending him a challenge this
ancestors, and
Commissioners
to fight." The
summer
inquired of
Foxon
hee not giuinga
the truth of the charge, "and
into consideration."
satisfactory
they tooke the matter
answare,
"c.

Soon

afterwards

the

same

person

of a gun
taken
from
a
complained
Narraghansett
his son, which
of Vncus
Indian by Vncus
his
some
ers'
men
acknowlidged to bee true." The Commissionthat
judgment in this case
substantially,
was,
sufficient
not
had
although Mexham
proof, yet,
knowing that Uncas out of his pride and follywas
send
him
suitable
a
apt to insult people,they would
other
far
so
reprimand. In some
cases, they went
as to adjudge, and
perhaps enforce restitution.
the records
Not to examine
cessary
farther,it is only neto
observe,that though all these accusations
of them, and
not
were
strictly
correct, many
many
and
of
the
tithe
others, were
proved ;
perhaps a
truth never
appearedafter all. Some of the sufferers
too
were
proud to complain. Others had no evidence
to offer but their own.
cable
Many supposed it impractiof
the
fair hearing or decision
to obtain
a
Commissioners,againsta chieftain regarded as their
"

ward

; and

many

more

were

too

much

irritated not

586

INDIAN

rightthemselves

to

manner

mary
The

in

customary

more

the spot.
of this

upon

secret

BIOGRAPHY.

source

that of the

Sachem's
his

in

was

sum*

of

series
extraordinary

robberies
forays,
challenges,

wars,

and

and

lik^
adulteries,

tianity,
oppositionto Chrisappetitesand passions;

inveterate
lawless

but

tion.
ambiespeciallyan inordinate and uncontrolled
It might be with justicethat Miantonomo
was
of a design to make
accused
himself Universal
the phrase was
of New
Sagamore
as
England.
for the
But
the Naraghansett took
no
measures
attainment
of his objectwhich
in his own
view
were
either mean
malicious.
He neither kept back part
or
of the captives,nor
embezzled
the tribute which
they deposited in his hands, nor
plundered his
self
neighbors in time of peace, nor unduly availed himof foreignassistance
for the annihilation
of his
"

rivals.
in the

He

"

sent

few

of his

Pequot expedition

or

"

could

not

prevent

them

from

it is true, to aid
men,
rather did not, perhaps
^but these

going
"

were

he
thousand
hundi-ed, out of two
; and
neither
headed
them
even
himself,like Uncas, nor
Indeed,
engaged personally at all in the contest.
he at most
tilities
only continued,on this occasion, the hos-

only

two

which
for

long

that he

had

series

existed
of years

between

the

two

all historians

; and

nations

admit,

time
at one
joining Sassacus
Uncas, on the other
againstthe English themselves.
to revenge
hand, made the most of the opportunity,
himself upon
Sassacus, and to exalt his reputation
and power
of the Pequots.
the wreck
upon
was

Miantonomo

very

near

became

in

his turn

victim

to

the

deed
over-reachingspirit.He began the war, inrather the campaign
and
or
Uncas, on the
other hand, was
encouraged in his course
by his
allies ; but a magnanimous
soul would
have
never
to affect the treatment
permittedeither circumstance
of a sovereign like himself,who
had fallen into his
of battle.
bands by the chances
same

"

"

"

287

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

the grand object of his

Ninigretnext became
scrutiny. He went forward as often as practicable
of that chieftain in the
to prejudicethe character
his rewell as to reduce
sources
eyes of the English,as
zealous
was
so
by direct attacks. No man
he in furnishing
such as it was
evidence
vict
to conas
him of a conspiracywith the Dutch
againstthe
colonies ; and though he is understood
been
to have
he carried
ostensiblyat peace with him at that pei-iod,
his interference to such a lengthas to lay wait
and intercept
Niantick
a
canoe
which, as he pretended
laden with certain palpable
to suspect, was
"

evidences

of the hostile

"

coalition.

So

we

find

him

fallingupon Mexham, Necwash, Cooke, Woosamequin,and last of all.King Philip. No doubt, he had
must
sagacityenough to perceive,tliat such a course
if not fatal to his race ; but patriotism,
prove unfavorable,
honor, friendship,generosity,
truth,every
nobler feeling
of his nature
rous,
was
merged in a barbaferocious ambition.
There
is a curious illustration of this weakness
on
up"
record:
Vncas complainedthat SEQUASSONSom
is well knoune
as
began hostile actes
yeares sence
"

him

the desturbance

of the

publicke peace.
in the
ocationed to fight and
was
Whervpon
Issue ouercame
him
and
conquared his Country,
which
though hee gaue to the English and did not
the fauor they were
pleased to shew him in
oppose
sparinghis life,
yet hee cannot but look vpon himselfe
in that Scquasson,
is set
as loronged,
as hee is informed,
to bee made
withstanding
a
great Sachem, notup and endeauoured
vpon

to

hee

hee

hath

idgment of Wampam
Of

this

the Sachem's

refused to pay an
acknoulto him
accordingto engagements."

acknowledgement, no
own

assertion ; and

proof appears
whether

true

but
or

complaintcan be gatheredfrom
the whole
The
context.
Commissioners, with their
of
usual complaisance, disclaimed
any Endeauors
tlieirs to make Sequassongreatsand are
ignorant of
not,

no

real

cause

of

"

288

INDIAN

what

hee

afeirmes

edgetnent]yet

BIOGRAPHY

concerning the

recommended

of Conecticot

examine

to

due proofe Vncas

vpon
be justand
and
equall,
to

promote

in the
is made

It

the same."

Records

it

for

to

other
the

[acknowl

Gouernmem

the

case, and tc provide

be owned
in what may

may
Mr.

Ludlow

This

1651.

will be found

passage

No

entreated

was

subsequent

mention

of the suit.
be

what
subjectof some
speculation,
the causes
of the extraordinarypartiality
of
were
the English for Uncas; and
what
were
especially
the means
he
counteracted
the
rent
whereby
strong curof reproach which
from all other
set againsthim
quarters. Different opinionshave been entertained
this point. We
missioners
however, the Comupon
suppose,
considered it good policj^,
to select some
the principal
uncivilized
and
one
unsubjectamong
ed Indian
be
made
channel
of
intercourse
a
to
chiefs,
and

might

influence

with

and

all.

over

This

naturallybe the most ambitious, and

time least scrupulous of the number.
Uncas

; and
found
no

it was,

hence

that with

would

one

the

at

Such

same
was

his

shrewdness,
he
in maintaining a tolerably
difficulty
under
all circumstances.
good understandingwith them
the
The
'Proud
Ninigret' disdained
English interference. Massassoit protectedrather
courted
them.
Sassacus
than
fought them at the
first provocation. Philiphated them and kept aloof:
and Aliantonomo,
though he met them and treated
them
as
friends,yet forgot not a soul of his own,
But Uncas
more
sovereign than his royal blood.
was

He
with

neither

more

nor

their humble

less than

servant.

for them,
fought for them, and gave evidence
and
the same
about the same
ence
indifferalacrity,
ant.
to subject
as
or
occasion,antagonistor defend-

Wlienever
he of course

complaints were
had

something in
bringforward

resources

the

made

againstbimsell^

for defence.

testimony

in his favor ; and

he

could

stUl

more

There

was

generally
in the in-

290

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

acknowledge his fault to that plantation,

(ashe did to
and by promise to secure
them
from any
themselves)
such
For

Uncas

it was

But
who

for the future.

disturbance

decreed

an

easy

if it was

as

matter

make

to

harsh

thoughttoo

it,they took

occasion

such

the

at

faction.
satis-

by

same

those
time

dispensationwith promises of protection

and professionsof respect. After all,
so
strong
the additional
advanced
was
testimony
against him
tl"e same
on
session,that they
matters, at the next
induced
follows :
to modify their decision
were
as
"All which
being duly considered the insolencyand
and his men
more
appeared much
outrage of Vncus
heinous
than the complaintsat Newhaven
the last
Commissioners
imported. The
(having the
yeere
last yeere
ordered
that Vncus
should
acknowledge
which
his fault to the Englishplantation,
they heare
he performed in Captain Mason's
presence)thought
the return
of the Pequots
that vpon
fittnow
to add
foorthwith
his subjectionVncus
into the
to
pay
hands
of Mr. Jo. Winthrop, to be by him divided
to
the English and
ould Pequots and
other innocent
Indians,towai-ds the repaireof theire losses in proportion
the

to sweeten

"

as

of

he shall finde cause,

one

hundred

fathome

wamparn."
We

conclude

these

expositionswith

from

Hazard, of one of
complaint sent
by the
togetherwith his answer.

the last formal

literal copy
of
messages

Commissioners
The

Uncas,

to

date is 1661

"Vncus

We
from

have

Receiued

the Generall

hostile

Court

Information

and

of Massachusetts

Complaint
of youer

Invading of Wosamequin and the Indians of

and
Quabakutt whoe
are
longe haue bine Subjects
the English killingsome
and
to
Carrying away
others captiuesspoyling theire goods to the valine
of 331b. as they alledge,
and all this contraiy to youer
and
couenant
promise to the Comissionei-s seuerall
times Renewed, not to make
wai-r
against
any of our

INDIAN

Tributaries without
ers

the allowance

vnderstand

alsoe

wee

Massachusetts

291

BIOGRAPHY.

of the Comission-

that the Generall

Court of
Indians are,

subjectsthe said
theire offence vnto
formerlysignified
the Returne
of youer Captiues and

haue

whose

for the wronge

haue

returned

not

Insolent and

haue

you
any

proud

done

quiring
Re-

Satisfaction
which
you

to

ivhich

answare

you

to

seemes

bee

cannot
of yoners wee
must'beare witnes against it
but wonder
att it and
and doe heerby will and require you
forthwith
to
the said Captiues with
due Satisfaction for
returne
an

other

done

them or to make
sufficient
out
Reesons
for youer
Invadingthe said

wrongs
grounds and

Indians

the

Governor
haue

carnage

which

of the Massachusetts

done

shall take

you

any
that

vnto

bee

make

in which

you :
assist our

The

and

tion
Injunc-

the

chusetts
Massa-

formerlysignifyed

must

wee

Confederates

as

satisfaction

leaue

must

wee

case

you
order

our

theraselues

Right

to

the

if it appeer
they
^'pon di"e proofe wee

wronge

if you shall
herein contained

to

and

they may
neglectto obserue

care

send

speedilyto

are

you

and

oune

if need

Coraisioners

of the Vnited

Collonies

;'

(Signed)
Samuel

Plymouth the
of September

Then
Uncas

13th.
1661.

follows

Willi

Willis

Leete
Fen

ame

Benjamin

the

answer

by Major Mason.
it may
be
of the affair,
considered
allegedwere

Thomas
Simon

Daniel
Thomas

Prence
Presedeiit
Bradstreet
Denison
Socthworth.'''

given in on
As nothingmore
presumed that

behalf

of

is heard

the

reasons

sufficient.

there
Whereas
from
the
was
a
warrant
sent
Court of Boston
dated in May last to Vncus
wherein
it was
declai-ed upon
the Complaint of Wosamequen
that the said Vncus
had
offered a great violence
to
"

theire
others
aboue

some
Subjectsat quabauk killing
came
capiiue; which warrant

20 daies before

by Major

and
not

to

taking
Vncua

these presents whoe

moned
being sumMason
in the full scope of tho
John

292

BIOGRAFHT.

INDIAN

chardged if hee did i/ot

age
pounds damCaptiuesand thirty-three
would
Recouer
then the Massachusetts
it by
force of arrnes
him
which
was
to
grieuous;
very
hee ivas
jects
professing
altogether
ignoranttheywere subbelongingto the Massachusetts and further said
but belongof Wesamequen's men
none
ing
they were
whoe
thei-e
to Onopeqyin his deadly enemie
was
said warrant
the
Returne

wherin

hee

borne

of the

men

one

Cousin,who

yett

oune

sett

him

Captiues were

Wesamequin's son
againsthim diuers
returned

then

taken

was

his

formerlyfoughtagainst him

had

person ; and
saith that all the

was

and
times

diuers

at

home

of his

men

desired

further
alsoe that

had

fought
might bee

his answare
to the Commissioners."
of this nature
it was
which
Concessions
no
submitted
Indian Sachem
of equal power
ever
as

"

that

in his

libertie and

sent

this hee

oune

farther tlian

went

anythingelse

other
to

"

keep Uucas
actual services,
to

English favor. His

which
have been alluded to.
His
were
considerable,
tribe were
necticut.
an
out-guard for the settlements in Conof Norwich, that
After sellingthe town
citement
place being first colonized in a periodof generalexthe Mohegans
and hostility
the tribes,
among
to give the inhabitants
kept out spies and runners
and
of their enemies'
were
intelligence
movements,
defence againstthem.
In times of greater
a continual
danger,they often moved, and pitchedtheir wigwams
in

secure

near

the

the

town.

On

one

occasion, a hostile party of

the Sabbath,
on
approached the outskirts,
the village
with a design to make
descent
a
upon
;
but viewingit from an eminence, and seeingthe Mointimidated,and retreated
hegan huts, they were
without
doing the least damage.
sale just mentioned
The
but one
of a large
was
with
which
number
Uncas
was
always ready to
constituted
oblige his civilized friends,and which
claim to their good will.
In 1648,on receivanother
ing
he conveyed to the
presents to his satisfaction,
Governor
and Magistrates
of the Englishon
Con

savages

293

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

by whatever name,
reservingonly the ground then plantedby him for
himself and his tribe. In 1641,he grantedto Heniy
and
Whitefield
others,certain lands near
Guilford,
four fathoms
in consideration of four coats, two
kettles,
and
of wampum,
four hatchets,
three hoes.
In
1659, he granted all his lands,with all his corn, to
his old comrade
and friend,
Major John Mason, who
the next
it to the Colony of Connecticut.
year surrendered
river all his lands,called

necticut

Trumbull

the individual

says, that

in

tliis great tract were

very
either of him or his successors,
It is remarkable,that a very

Uncas

in
for

an
"

generallypurchased,
a

second

or

late mention

imputationupon
It is suggestedby

third time.
made

of

his friendship
them

who

in his Narrative
best "
says Hubbai'd
that in his heart he is no better affected to the English,

know
"

casts
history,
the English.

towns

him

or

"

"

their

than
religion,

and

that it hath

him

be this

been

the

his

own

rest

of his countrymen,
advantage hath led

written in 1677.
This was
time,""c.
of
at the commencement
Only two years previous,
Winslow
Philip's
reportedto governor
war, it was
of Plymouth, that the Mohegan
Sachem
had
sent
to join his Pokanoket
brother,with a
twenty men
send
him
that if Philin would
six English
message
heads,all the Indians m his territories would go for
him.*
he must
Uncas is last heai-d of in 1680,when
have been a very old man, though stilllikely,
we
are
told,to survive all his enemies.f
The
best comment
the Sachem's
on
husbandry of
his own
in the fact that a
interest is perhaps,after all,
of his tribe exists to this day, (on a reservaremnant
tion
of about
three thousand
of land,)in the
acres
the only nativea
neighborhood of Norwich
; and are
within the Umits of the state.
The last
yet lingering
of the tribe was
Isaiah Uncas, once
sachem
a
pupil
in the famous school of Dr. Wheelock, at Lebanon.

to

Sixth

Vol. Mass.
General

t Hubbard's

Coll. First Series,

History.

294

epitaph,

foHowing

The
from

the

Own

son

to

Who

were

But

now

The
or

Uucas,
the

they

the

to

dead,

for
same

the

genealogy

All
who

Oneko,
of

sachems

term

is

of

Stiles

burial-gi'ound

Indian

end

grandson

all

are

old

the

President

by

Sdnseeto,

famous

Mohegan
Onecho,

of

body

copied

the

indicates

Ues

Here

in

grave-stone

Mohegan,

at

bo,

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

I think

is

well

commanded

Moheagan
it

or

is

;
*

Werheegen

Good-news.
in

One.

Philip's

war

INDIAN

CHAPTER
Irdians who

29,'"

BIOGRAPHY.

submitted

XV

Massachusetts

to

"

The

Gortonists"

Sachem

of Shaoinet, andSACONOCO
complainof
Submit
them
to the Government
Their examination
and
of
Massachusetts
in
the
of
entertainment
Pomcase
Policy
ham
He and Saconoco
much
harassed by their neighbors
takes part in Philip's
war
Subsequent history Pomham
and IS killed
His
CANONCHETjSonofMiantononio"
ment
agreeof October, 1675
Weetamore,
Squaw-Sachem of
Pocasset
Canonchet's
ulars
Particcareer
war
during Philip's
and death
of his surprisal
His character
Anecdotes
with die English Defence of his condua
His reputation
Pom

HAM,

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

Among
submitted
several

considerable

to

whose

and

in

which

territoryv^as
most

with

within

cases

some

The
connected

Massachusetts

the

that

the notorious

of chieftains who

number

notorious

Government, were
without
their jurisdiction,
tliat of other
of

case

much-discussed
Gorton

engaged ; and by which

collision
a disagreeable

and

ments.
Govern-

this

kind

transaction

his associates

they brought tliemselves

with

civil and

is
in

were

into

mai'tial authorities

in all directions.
that affair very briefly, Gorton, having
To explain
the founder of a new
become
obnoxious
as
rehgious
"

for Plymouth.
jurisdiction
sect, left the Massachusetts
with
much
the same
He
Here he met
treatment.
was
whipped for disturbingthe Church, and required
sureties for his good behavior; which
to find
not
driven to
or
was
being able to do, he either removed

Rhode

Island.

There

he treated the Court

with

tempt,
con-

Coddington was
by order of Governor
He
then took refuge
imprisonedand again whipped.
in Providence, where
Roger Williams, though
But
he disliked his principles,
yet gave him shelter.
located himselfjand
he had iiardly
begun to gather
of disciples
around
a company
him, when the neigh
boringEnglish settlers complained of him to Massaand

296

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

about
apprehensionthat he was
to supplanttlieir own
possessionsby purchasingthe
Patuxet
territoryfrom the Narragansett original
the

under
chusetts,

Providence
people
denied their
Gorton
his company,
this opinion in

for

of the reach

of

to

of

land

consideration
of wampum,
[asthe deed

fathoms

inhabitants,being
dated
bow

the

sake

of

Gortonists

called

by

an-ow

as

soon

Indians

the

in

removed

Shaomet

Rhode

Island,)

Miantonomo, for
of one
and
hundred
forty-four
"
with
the free and jointconsent,
itself is expressed]of the present
natives."

the mai-k

of

instrument

The

January 12,1642-3,and
and

jurisdiction.

interfere with him

and signified
were,

Showamet,

the

the

letter.

(since Warwick
having pre\'iouslypurchased it

or

their

to

to

being still farther

Massachusetts,or from discord
the

themselves,
tract

submit

contemptuous

But, perhaps
among

to

warrant

to
authority
where
they now

or

out

issued

Massachusetts

owners.

subscribed

was

of the

was

with

gi-antor, and

of

of
hatchet,a gun, "c., as the marks of " the Sachem
Possession
Shaomet, Pomham," and other Indians.
time.
was
given upon the premises,at the same
this moment,
From
who, though he
Pomham,
offered
and
was
a
signed the deed of conveyance,
rfiare of the consideration,(which he would
not
accept,)affected to consider himself aggrieved,
found
neither gave rest to his neighbors,nor
any for
relation which
himself
to the
AVhether, according
himself and Miantonomo, and the
existed between
he had
attached to it,
customary degree of subjection
chieftain in the present
to complain of that
reason
be safely
But it may
well be decided.
case, cannot
taken
afterwards
said,that the part soon
by 31assaunusual
stretch of authority,
at least an
chusetts,was
it might correspondwith the generalpolicy
however
"

"

wherever
the formidable
Narraof that government
concerned.
was
ghansettSachem
Whether
at his own
suggestionor that of others,

Pomham,

and

Sacoxoco,

Sachem

equallyinterest-

298

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

As to

the Christian
on
working unnecessarily
Sabbath, "It is a small thing,"answered
they,"for
that day, for we have not much
to rest on
us
to do any
will forbearon that day^
we
day,and therefore
In regard to honoring parents and seniors,they
was.

"

said,"

It is

to

have
bear

to

the Governor

if
wrong,
it." The

report

do so, for when

if we
plain
comof the Massachusetts
that we

custom

our

we
they tell us ive lie,
followingarticles are

kill any
authority,",c.

desire

patiently

also part of the

5. Not

good

shall

to

to do

6. Not

Though

but

man

Answer.

and
just cause
upon
It is good, and we

so.

commit
fornication,
stealing"c.
they be committed
us, we
among
to

Ansivet.
allow

it

not, but

judge it evil.
8. For lying,they say it is an evil,and shall not
allow it. And
to being christianized,
as
they
finally,
said, as opportunityserveth by the English coming
"

us,
among
Whatever

we

desire

to

learn their manners."

be thought of the right of Massachusetts

may
this case, and
of
to interfere m
especially
the policyof interfering
as
regarded the Narraghanbe admitted,that
it must
colonies,
the submission
the applifar as concerned
so
itself,
cants,
conducted
with
the honesty,as well as
was
characteristic of the intercourse
of
civility,
generally
setts

the other

and

that Government
The

Governor

Boston

with

the natives.

having
the

sent

22d

for

of

the

Sachems

to

April, (1643)they
submission
interpreter.The
then explained
to their entii-esatisfaction.
was
They
also expresslyinformed,that they were
not
to
were
be considered
confederates,but subjects,to which
they manifested their assent.
So, adds the historian,
with the Governor, at
room
they dined in the same
a table by themselves, and
having much countenance
them
shown
by all present, and being told that they
and their men
should
the
to
always be welcome
English,providedtheybroughta note fi-om Benedict
appear

at

attended, with

on

their

INDIAN

299

BIOGRAPHY.

and
small
(theirinterpreter,)
having some
thingsbestowed upon them by the Governor, they
departedjoyfuland well satisfied. The submission

Arnolil

was

as

follows

that we,
Pomham,
writing is to testify,
Sachem
of
Sachem
of Showamet, and Sachonocho,
Patuxet,have and by these presents do voluntarily
and without
but of our
any constraint or persuasion,
fi-ee motion, put ourselves, our
own
subjects,lands
and estates
and jurisdiction
of
under
the government
Massachusetts, to be governed and protected by
them
according to their justlaws and orders,so far
shall be made
as
we
capableof understandingthem;
and we
do promise, for ourselves,
our
subjects,and
faithful to the Govall our
and
ernment
to be true
posterity,
thereof to
and
aiding to the maintenance
best ability
our
; and from time to givespeedy notice
of any conspiracy,
attempt, or evil intentions of any
shall know
and
do
hear of against the same,
we
or
structed
promise to be willingfrom time to time to be inin the knowledge of the worship of God.
have hereunto
In witness whereof, we
put our hands
the 22d of the 4th month, 1643.
"

This

The

mark

The

of SaCONOCO.
Thus
to

the

of
jurisdiction

this very

time, as
and

Plymouth,
that
alleged,

mark

of POMHAM."

the title of Massachusetts

consummated

was

well

the
as

Rhode

Shaomet

land.

It

afterwards,claimed
Island.*

Gorton

II. pp. 231. md

317.

was

at

also

by
always

by
it belonged to Miantonomo,
and
that
Pomham
was
secretlyinfluenced by Massachusetts
fi-om him and seek protection
under their
to withdraw
suflScientwas
authority.No doubt that Government
of the interest they liad,not only in humbling
ly aware
the Gortonists,but in extendingtheir jurisdiction
into the territory
far as possibletowards
as
or
of the Narraghansettchieftain,
then, as Hutchinson
*Winthrop, Vol.

300

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

and most
him, the gi-eatest
powerfulsachem of
England. Speaking of the petitionof certain
in 1645,for permissionto begin a plantation,
settlers,

calls
New
where

or

his company
had
four small houses " on the land of

had

Gorton

submitted

states, that the

and

that

concernment

three

Pomham, who
Mr. Winthrop himself
himself,""c.
Court
readilygranted their petition,
"c.

promising all encouragement,

great

erected

"
"

for it

was

aU the English in these

to

should
strongplantation

be

there,as

of

parts,

bulwark

It may
the JVarraghanselts."
"fc.against
be, that this
consideration assumed, in the view of the Massachusetts

Government, the imperious interest of what is

commonly called State-necessity.
Hence
the measures
occasionally
adopted subse
the
quent to the submission,for affordingPomham
accorded
promised relief;a policywhich certainly
better with their stipulations
with
their
to him, than
relations
other
Gortonists
to
some
parties. The
but they were
him
harassed
at
beyond measure,
The
Narraghansetts,
(afterMianlength subdued.
and frightened
still
tonomo's
threatened
him
death,)
" that
it might really
In April 1645,
more.
appear
that the

Massachusetts

did

own

and

would

protect

been
would
heretofore
to have
seem
him," which
and an
doubted, an order was taken for sending men
officer to Shaomet, to stay there a few days,and act
the defensive against
the Narraghansetts.*These
on
men
however, refused to go, unless
being volunteers,
each paid ten shillings
a
week, liirnished
they were
with arms
and ammunition, and allowed such booty
of fighting.
as
they might be able to collect in case
Whereupon the Court,not choosingto establish such
word
that the required
sent
to Pomham,
a precedent,
he should
force would
be at his disposal,
whenever
forward
sufficient funds to enable them to perform.
On the earnest
importunityof the Sachem, earlyin
May, his request was
finally
granted; and, with the
"k' of the English,he erected a fort upon
his lands
*

Winthrop.

INDIAN

This

But

in

W.1S

301

BIOGRAPHY.

1646.
destined

and

Pomham

Sacono-

quietlyto enjoy their possessions,

the
detail
from
Mr.
as
Winthrop's
following
for 1647, will abundantly illustrate. The
records
Gortonists had at that period returned
to Shaomet,
which" they now
named
the
Warwick
; and, as
of the
Sachems
allegedbefore the Commissioners
decided
United
a
Colonies, manifested
disposition
"for eating up all their corn, with
their cattle,"
"c.
These functionaries
to certain perhereupon wrote
sons
the
in the vicinityof the premises,to view
damages, and requiresatisfaction ; which
process,
had
when
been
tice
Jushowever,
commenced,
scarcely
Coggleshalland others from Rhode Island came
for that colony over
to Shaomet, claimed
jurisdiction
the land in question,and
forbade the appraisers
to
home.
proceed. Upon this, the latter returned
Another
result.
warrant
was
issued,with the same
co

not

were

Pomham

was

couraged,

he

reduced

extremities

to

renewed

stillundis-

; but

his

more.
complaints once
three special
messengers,

Massachusetts
to
sent
now
demand
satisfaction of the trespassers, and to warn
did no
them to leave the territory.
The
application

good: and therefore,"as we could

present,"writes Mr. Winthrop, "we
Indians

some

corn

in the

mean

taken

for

subsequently
alike tedious
As

and

needless

to

do

no

more

at

procured the

time."

The
sures
meabe
redress,it would

enumerate.

have chiefly
to do,
we
Pomham, with whom
it must
be confessed,
that his character
but
assumes
little dignity throughout this proceeding. In after
more
was
times,his career
independent
occasionally
it gave evidence that his early
while at the sametitne
of
attachment
to the English was
one
by no means
of principle
indissoluble affection,
sacred in his
or
little remarkable, that afler
It is not
own
a
eyes.
all the trouble and
and incurred
taken
by
expense
and between
Massa
the colonies,and
by
especially
for his protection
chusetts,
; and notwithstandingthe
authorities of the latter government
fondlyand we
to

302

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY.

sincerely
representedhis

trust

of their prayers,

and

submission

as

tJiefruit

the first fruit of their

hopes,in
the great process
of civilizing
and
christianizing
the natives ;* this incorrigible
ed
savage not onlyloosenwith
the English,but engaged
his connexion
againstthem, with his whole force and influence,in
the great war
of King Philip.
That

fatal as it was
the whole
upon

course,
was

and

himself

to

the

most

his

terests,
in-

creditable

adopted, he pursued
altogethersets aside any
course
might suggest, in
and
regard to his real temperament
genius. Even
Pomhara.
than
feared
Philip was
scarcelymore
call him
Historians
a
universally,while they now
to
Narraghansett,as evidently he had determined
consider
in the highest rank
himself, place him
the Sachems
and powerfiil
of that warlike
among
ti-ibe. He did not even
in the
pretendto neutrality
early part of the war, as they did. He did not sign
either the treaty of July,(1675)
at the point
negotiated
of the Englishbayonet in his own
the
or
territory,
submission
executed
in October
followingat Boston,
althoughupon the latter occasion one of his fellowchieftains affected to sign for him.
This,at best,like
of his hfe.
And
passage
It ^vith an
energj' that
doubts
which
his former

other

every

mise, was

part and

once

circumstance

meant
artifice,

mere

to

of the

compro
divert the Govern

by a show of satisfaction and amity.

was
Daring Philip'swar the temtory of Poraham
and
hundred
ravaged far and wide, and one
fifty
ber,
wigwams destroyedby fire at one time, in Decemment

1675.
and

bloody battle

engagements
determine.

not
a

few

the

weeks

he

the

of the

was

19th,or

in

the

in what

sive
deci-

other

during the war, historydoes

He
slain iu July, 1676,
was
finally
previous to the death of Philip,and
was

close

consequent
and

this chief

Whether

most

of that

furious

ever

contest, the most

waged betweeh

Winthiop

ical
crit-

the

red

and

man

white.

the

of the conquerors

over

themselves,

to

Great

Poniham,

with

the

was

this first success,

and
disastrous
so

and
terrible foes.
The
savage
the neighborhood of Dedham,
where

303

BIOGRAPHY,

INDIAN

small

exultation
so

aging
encour-

their

to

place in
(in Massachusetts)

event

band

tooK

of faithful

riors,
war-

half-starved and
the woods

in
About

Sachem

seems

who

company
which
"

was

the

still roaming
were
desperate,
ments.
of the Englishsettlethe close vicinity
Indians
were
fifty
captured ; and the
have
been
the only man
of the
to
would

increased

not

the

be

taken

victory,"
says

alive. "That
Mr.
Hubbard,

of
was
one
slaughterof Pomham, which
Stoutest Sachems
that belonged
to the J^arraghanthe

setts."*
and strengthwere
such, that after being
spirit
in the fight,
that he could
not
so
mortallywounded
stand, he caught hold of an English soldier who
near
came
him, and had nearly destroyed him by
fellow was
rescued
his violence,when
the poor
by
his comrades, and the dying chieftain relieved
at
His

from

his agony
and
live for,had there been

once

His

was
territoi-y
by his own
power
His subjects were
grandson had been

months

his

foes.

He

had

little to

dispositionto spare him

long since subjected to a foreign

; and

act, and

afterwards

dispersedand
slain in the

desolated.

destroyed. His

field within

few

captivesat the time of his

notice
of his
own
one
particularly
"
whose
a
one
nance
countesons,
very likelyyouth, and
would
have bespoke favor for him, had he not
belonged to so bloody and barbarous an Indian as his
father was."
unfortunate
lad was
This
probably
executed, by order of the Plymouth government,
togetherwith the other principal
captivesof the last
months
of the war.
At
best, he was
spared,like
of Philip,
:he son
only to be enslaved in a foreign
among
h
istorians
fall,

the

land.
*

"erms

Narrative

tlietrue

It will be observed in what

is mentioned.
allegianceof the Sachem
of Indian

Wars.

304

INDIAN

BIOGRAPHY

chieftains of
Among other distinguished
in
raghansetttribe,who
perishedmuch
manner,
was

and

about

Nanujjtenoo

the
or

time

same

with

Quananshett,

the Narthe

same

the last named,

commonly

call

ed

He was
the son
of
by the EngUsh Caaoxchet.
Miantonomo, and probably,after the death of Mexand
ham
his father's high
to
Pessacus, succeeded
entitled by historians the Chiefrank, beinggenerally
both with
Sachem
of his tribe. His reputation,
his
and
his foes,was
worthy of the noble
countrymen
blood in his veins.
Mr. Trumbull
observes,that he
inherited all his father's pride,and all his insolence
and hatred towards the English. What
is stillmore
conclusive
calls him
in his favor, Mr. Hubbard
a
'damned
his cruelty and
\vretch,'enlargesupon
his final destruction.
blasphemy, and exults over
This
the facts alleged,
out
not
(which are wholly withbut the assertion
modem
as
a
flu'nishes,
proof,)
writer has aptly remai-ked,irresistible evidence
of
"

"

"

his heroic character.

There
is abundant
the same
efifect. The

other

only

evidence,however,
ostensible

deference

to

of

which
he ever
paid to an English
description
he did,their
as unquestionably
authority detesting,
of subscribingthe celethe act
brated
^was
name
very
treaty of October 1675, negotiatedat Boston.
The
objectof it Avas to quiet the jealousyof the
English,who
suspectedhim of having contracted
with Philip. One
went
to
pro-vision
engagements
at Hartford
ratifya treaty executed
during the
month
of July previous,
(by four of the Narraghansett Sachems, nominallyin behalf of all.)Another
and the principal
expressedthus : *
one, was
^ And
of people
wheras
considerable
Number
a
and
both men
Children
weomen
appertainingto

any

"

"

those

Indians

who

afiainst the
setts

Englishare
Countrey ; and are
*

bin in actuall hostillitie

fled to the Narraghannow
the Custody of the
vnder

haue

Records

of the Colonies.

306

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

It is well

of
speedilythe execution
this instrument
followed
was
up by sending a strong
English force to invade the Narraghansettterritory,
and
subdue
that spiritedpeople at the point of the
is supposed to have been engabayonet. Canonchet
ged
in the gi-eatswamp-fight,
fatal to the Indians,
the most
and they most
desperatelyfought upon their

known,

part, of the

whole

how

war.

the utmost
violence
of assault,
until the

It continued

for three

rage with
the moment

to

houi-s from

enemy's wigwams, to the number

of five or six hundred, were
fired,and the field of
immense
became
almost
contest
an
instantaneously
of terrific conflagration.The Savages,inspiritmass
ed
by their leaders,defended
post
evei-y wall and
with the fury of maniacs
and
when
at
they
length
;
lefl;the
behind
them
slowly retreated,tliey
gi-ound
with
encumbered
heaps of the slain. Quarter was
neither
of the
asked
hundred
nor
given. Three
least estimate,are
at the
Narraghansetts,
supposed
been killed,
than
double
besides
that
to have
more
number
multitude
of
wounded, and an unknown
children and old men
burnt in the wigwams.
women,
But the victorywas
dearlybought. Of the one
the civilized
thousand
English soldiers of which
portionof the invading army consisted,according
killed and
to their owTi
one
statement, eighty were
and
wounded.
hundred
fifly
Abandoning the captured
retreated
sixteen
miles
the
same
fort,they
leavingthe
night and that in the depth of winter
the next day to their former position.
to return
enemy
It is not our intention to discuss at lengththe propriety
of the summary
nies
coui'se
adopted by the coloin this case.
The principaloffence of the Nar
their
set forth in the
was
as
INIanifesto,
raghansetts,
evasion
and delay in surrendering
the hostile Indians
"

"

and for the part she took in Philip's

the English
war, firstagainst
and then with them.
who
effected
thia
Church,
Captain
of his inhas given a minute account
terviews
change in her politics,
with
aa

late

as

her.

1S03.

Ten

of her tribe

were

livingin ComptoB,

INDIAN

307

BIOGRAPHY.

took

refugein their country. This lefusal was

of July
inconsistent
with the stipulations
certainly
and October
were
preceding ; but these stipulations
of an
enforced
in the first instance
by the presence
English army, which had alreadyinvaded the Narraghansettterritory.
Those
of the tribe who
made
proposals of peace,
immediately after the swamp-fight, imputed the
of hostilities wholly to Canonchet.
blame
He
had
made
them
believe,that by the foi-mer treaty they
not
were
until
obligedto surrender Philip'sfollowers,
of
his brother,(who, with three other Indians
detained
as
a
rank, was
hostage at Hartford,)had
did not
been released.
self
himProbably, Canonchet
the plain provisionsof that instrument
misunderstand
although, as he does not appear to have
of it,it might be misbeen present at the execution
represente
that he conIt is more
to him.
sidered
likely,
it an absolute nullity,
as
having been obtain
ed by force,unjustlyand insultingly
imposed. The
referred
he coimteconstruction
to by his subjects,
nanced
of overcoming
with the view
scruples on
their part in the
protection of Philip'sIndians.
that protection independentlyof the forcWhether
ed
the refugees was
or
was
promise to surrender
who

"

"

not

suflScient
be

must

allowed

cause

for the

him

which

ensued,

it

least to do no
dishonor
to the
honor
of Canonchet, and
the other
at

humanity and
in
Sachems, who persisted
and

war

hazard
almost in the very face of their enemy.
With
of
and
them
it was
unquestionablya measure

sacred

that

policyat

every

chieftain upon
principle. No noble-minded
chieftain althe Continent, educated
Indian
ways
an
as
have given up men
who
is,would
appealedto
their hospitality their own
brethren,in distress and
nakedness, driven before the bayonet of a mortal
of a distinct race
and of vastlysuperiorpower
enemy
and least of all,
when, if surrendered, they were
surrendered
certain
alternative of slavery or
to
a
death.
of his tribe would
have comproraitted
Some
"

"

308

INDIAN

their

dignitythrough fear,but
DeUver

"

tonoino.

Sachem

haughty

will I

panoag
a

BIOGRAPHY.

the Indians
time

at one

nail !

the

"

Never

No

of Mian-

son

Phihp !"

of

"

give up.

ever

Wampanoag's

not

! Not

said

the

Warn^Not the paring of

!
"

"

historyof the
will recollect,
that the most
critical period of it
war
was
immediately subsequent to the swamp-fight.
This
was
owing to the desperate exertions of the
and
and
their
Canonchet
Nari'aghansetts,
especially
other Sachems.
about the
indeed
driven
They were
Those

who

far and

country
for

wide,

food, that

but their

familiar

are

and
sold

corn

with

the

reduced

to

for

only made
sufferings

and

the

bold.

more

such

ties
extremi-

a pint;
shillings

two

them
"That

the

cious,
fero-

more

young

insolent

Canonchet, (writesMr. Hubbard, in his

usual complimentary style,)
said they would
fightit
become
rather than they would
out
to the last man,
servants
to the English."
The
destruction
of Lancaster
took place earlyin
wards
desolated ten days afterw^as
February. Medfield
in March
happened that memorable
; and
Sachem,

far fi-om Providence

not

engagement,

and

upon

cient
an-

Narraghansettground, in which Captain Pierce

of fifty
with his detachment, to the number
English
off
Canonchet
cut
to a man.
manded
comsoldiers,were
in this affair. The
of his warriors,as
spirit
of the English skill in the use
well as the superiority
of their arms, appears
lost between
and
one
and

Seekonk,

ravaged by
and

hundred

two

the victorious

eleven

the fact that the

Providence
of the

another

party had

ravages

within

the

eleven

killed.
next

were

Indians

Warwick,
successively

foe.

ed,
Plymouth was assaultinhabitants
slaughtered; and
horrible
commit
to
courage
itself. The
miles
of Boston

self
to himflattering
and so disastrous to the English,as at this memorable
juncture,when the exasperatedand fearless son
Miantonomo
was
supportinghim with the whole

prospects of

of

from

Philipwere

force of his dominions.

never

so

The

NarraghansettSachems
amid
all the
this period,

the

in which

manner

309

BIOGRAPHY

INDIAN

treated

Roger WilUams, at
side and success
the one
of suffering
excitement
on
remembrance.
the other,is worthy of everlasting
on
of the few
That
one
English who
gentleman was
remained
at Providence, exposed to the full torrent
he
as
of war, and with no other securitythan such
and good
attributed to long acquaintance,friendship,
ate
the inveterbecome
with those who
now
were
faith,
the
enemies, and were
openly calculatingupon
of his

extermination

utter

hardihood

reproach

to

frequentlycame
cruelties ; and
It might be

to
to

He

race.

with

converse

lingeringvengeance
"Massachusetts,"said he, can

this moment
of England will
fall."
"

Well

"

let them

for you,

"

come.

Brother

"

supply

kill

if you

; and

at

men

their

answered
are

King
as
ihey
chieftains,

fast

the

for them.
are

But

"

good

a
"

the

with

war

the

most

was

sacred

as

man,
Not
hair
a

kind to us
years.
many
you have been
This noble
of your- head shall be touched."
bearingupon the face of it the mark of the

spiritof Canonchet,

of

the

them,

of

ready
Williams," you
We

thousands

place as

one

their

the sure, though

of the English.

raise

"

who

for

him,

with

them

the

even

Sachems

of the

some

threaten

had

"

pledge,
rous
chival-

regarded throughout
fidelity.It was not in

the warm
remembered
Sachem
that the young
entertained for his
his father had
affection which
English neighbor and confidant.

vain

But
sea

soon

about
water

to

resume

the

narrative

affairs,"
Philip's
says

with

"

"

It

Mi*.

tide of his successes

made way for
the coast, which
up higher in the country." The

after

the

was

now

full

Hubbard, "for
began to turn
of the
the falling
disasters of the

with
less a miscommenced
Sachem
no
Pokanoket
And
a matter
foitune than the death of Canonchet.
of the
the Colonies
it was
of rejoicingindeed
to
English if we may credit the historian last cited
"

"

"that

ring-leaderof almost
great incendiarybetwixt

the

and the

mischief,
Narraghansetta

all this

the

310
and

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

which
by that sword of war
he
last assertion
The
against others."
might perhaps have been spared to advantage,but
the epithets
furnish the best evidence in favor of the
subjectof them which the case could be supposed to
us, died
had drawn

himself

present.

Early in April, it
desolatingthe to^\Tis
himself

to

rivei-.

Here

in

war

the

the

seems,
of the

Indian

haunts

he continued

to

of
Canonchet, weary
English,had betaken
the

on

take

Connecticut
active

most

part

body of the savages to the

Westward
self,)
trusting,
(as our eulogistexpresses himunder
the shadow
of that aspiring bramble.
Nor was
it in battle only that they placed reliance on
his courage
and genius. It was
it was
as
necessary,
of sustenance,
from
to
difficult,
provide the means
thousand
five
day to day, for something like one
hundred

; the

whole

warriors, wth

their

women

children.

and

Canonchet

suggestedthe plan of plantingthe lands

the West
of the river,recentlytaken from
bank
on
the English. But how
should
the means
of
even
to
plantingbe obtained ? A council was summoned
could
be found
solve this question; but not a man
who
in that
would
hazard
his life,
at this season,
section of the country where
be procured.
must
corn
Sachem
himself
The
went
forward, and proposed,
with
the assistance
of thirtyvolunteers,who
soon
found courage
to second
him, to undertake a journey
to Seekonk, in the immediate
vicinityof Montaup,
the old i-esidence of Philip.
On
the 27th
The
adventure
proved fatal to him.
of March, Captain Dennison, of Connecticut, had
commenced
volunteer
a
emy,
expeditionagainstthe enand
with
about fifty
English soldiers,
eighty
and
Niantick,Pequot
Mohegan Indians, severally
and Oneco.*
commanded
by Catapazet,Casasinamon
reached
Seekonk, where
By the time Canonchet
*

The

son

of Uncas.

note.
particular

The

Pequot Sachem

Catapazetwas

subordinate

was

to

man

of

Ninigret.

nc

river

Blackstone

encamped on
Dennison's
fells,
he

311

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

Jiear

the Pawtucket
sea-coast, had

party, following the

neighborhood. The former was

all
that he dismissed
littleapprehensive of danger,
so
The
but seven.
his thirtyattendants
EngUsh, on
of his
the other hand, received the first intimation
them, fi-om two old straggling
squaws,
being near
that
Canonchet
who
was
confessed,on being captured,
life into the
The
not far off.
intelligence
put new
till they
soldiers,and they pressed forward
weary
in
fresh tracks, and these brought them
came
upon
of the
the bsmk
view
of a cluster of wigwams
on
in the

arrived

river.
In one
moment

His

seven

he

same

of those

wigwams

reposing from the

remaining followers
them

entertained

Canonchet
was
fatiguesof his
around

sat

this

journey.
; and

him

the recital of

with

at

the

bloody

had

which

taken
detachment,
victoryover
before.*
two
or
Suddenly the
place but a week
His silent audience
speaker suspended his narrative.
trained
started to their feet,and stood aghast. The
had alreadydetected
the approach
of the savage
ear
Pierce's

of

an

Two

enemy.

of the

company
the summit
of the

were

ately
immedi-

at the foot
hill,
despatchedto
situated.
of which
the wigwam
These
was
men,
of
the
the
near
approach
English,who
by
frightened
were
now
(saysHubbard,)mounting with great speed
the other side of the hill,
on
over
a fair champagna
ran
by, as if they Avanted time to tell what they saw.

third

was

of

two

But

sent, who
others
retui-n

courage

to

*So

writes

his

Mr.

executed

who
and

his errand

were

sent

inform

the

Hubbard,

and

up,

Sachem,

Trumbull

authority.Baylies (Memoir

one

and

better.

no

had
in

the

great

low
others fol-

of

Plymouth Colony,)
chet
allegingtliat Canonuntil April,whereas

of tlie statement,
doubts the correctness
Connecticut river
leave
the
did not
do not
We
Pierce's defeat happened on
the 26th of March.
however
conceive that the distance was
so
great, but it might
have been traversed more
after tlie battle and before
than once
the Burprisal

312

BIOGRAPHY

INDIAN

fiaste and

that
trepidation,

upon him.
had
Canonchet
for deliberation.

the

whole

English army

was

defence,and no time
He
could
only attempt an escape
by running round the hill oppositehis pui-suers ; and
he had not gone far in that direction,
when
Catapazet,
with twenty of his followers,
and a few of the English
who
of foot,nearlyintercepted
him
were
lightest
the hill,and
as
menced
they descended
immediately coma
vigoi-ousand close pursait. Canonchet
but the swiftest
of Catapazet's
fleet runner,
a
was
threw
off his
him.
He
men
began to gain upon
had been
and then a silver-laced coat which
blanket,
of his league at Boston.
given him on the renewal
His wampum
belt was
finallyabandoned
; and this
betrayinghis rank to his pursuers, they redoubled
their efforts,
until they forced him to betake himself
he plunged forward
with gi-eat
to the river,in which
haste.
Unluckily,his foot slipedupon a stone, and
this not onlydelayedhim, but brought him
down
so
no

means

far at to wet
the gun
"
hand ;
which
upon
after

which

of

he

are

Thenceforth

he submitted

his bowels

and

to his

like

rotten

in

one
soon

turn

stick,

destinywithout

and
aa
large,muscular
man;
of mind,"
Hubbard
himself allows,of" great courage
well as strengthof body ; but the foremost of the
as
hostile party, one
Monopoide, a Pequot, laid hold
of him
his making the slightest
resistance.
without
The
first Englishman who
Robert
was
came
up
of some
Stanton,a young man
twenty years old ; yet
adventuringto ask him a question or two, (continues
the historian,
does
of feelingwhich
with a touch
him
somewhat
the manly Sachem
looked
credit,)
in
his youthfulface,and i*eplied
disdainfully
upon
broken
understand
child
^no
English,"you much

struggle.

He

confessed

accident, he

that his heart

told,)
ed within
him, so as he became
void of strength."*

(we

stillcarried

was

"

Hubbard's

Narrative, p. 129.

314

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

fell,in

Thus

the

Chief-Sachem

of

prime
the

his

of

manhood,

Nairaghan

nephew of Canonicus, and the son

The
of his
own
English historians
excused
for the prejudice with
which
him
(as they did all who
fought for
with
the same
courage,) and which
the

of

last

grandsetts, the
of Miantonomo
period

be

may

they regarded
the

same

cause

fords
af-

nevertheless

tory
satisfacdays the most
formidable
proof of his high reputation and
"
talents.
the
sion
confuThis," says
one
writer, " was
of a damned
often
wretch, that had
opened his
mouth
to
blaspheme."
Again : " as a just reward
of his
wickedness
he
who
was
adjudged
by those
to

reader

the

these

"

took

him

It

useless

were

reader

die."

to

to

dispute

of

history possesses
not
or
just opinion whether

all events,

(as an
observed,)* we
to

of

the

without
In

that

they

the

in

"

may

entire

the

his

sincere

and

admired, as
protection ;

his

friends

liberal

of

compass

Indian,

and

as

liberty and
countrj'^, and
*

situation

is

no

But

at

period has
permitted
of

and
finer

character,
under

every

forming

sound.

are

more

and
chivalrous
generous
it might
be
termed

whatever

of

means

perhaps add,civilized history, there

of

positions,for

surely at this day be

the
fate
of this
noble
unhappy
incurring any imputation for want

lament

ism.

author

these

other

we

Indian,
pati'iotmight
instance

which

"

stances
circum-

of

and
with
Canonchet,
strict principles, can
only be approved
sought
humanity to the sufferingwho

his father's
and
fidelityto his own
of royalty,
a
proud and lofl;ysacrifice
life itself to
honor
patriotism to ius
; as
as
reUgion to his gods.
as

Baylies'

Memoir

of

Plymouth Colony.

INDIAN

CHAPTER

Account

of the Pawtucket

order

of

with

confederacyin
Sachem

Visits

English
"

Boston"

The

and

as

"

His

"

of the

and

son

Wonolan-

successor,

family Legend

of

"

"

Passaconaway's

Powah.

Turning

attention

our

people which
specialnotice,we
to

quaintance
ac-

"

character

Anecdotes

SET.

Apostle Elliot's

notice of him
His views of Christianity
Farewell
his
to
tribe in 1660
speech

Festival, and

feats

by

"

with, and
Death

"

is disarmed

He

"

Hampshire

Massachusetts
His residence,
Government.
He
maintains
a
authority
good understanding

the

"

New

the

and

age

XVI.

tlieir Chief

Passaconaway,

315

BIOGRAPHY.

have

to

yet been

not

shall

part of the country and

the

subjectof

lowing
introduce,with the folfrom
vidual
Winthrop's Journal, an indipassage
of far too much
distinction to be wholly overlooked.
The
date is of July,1642 :"
letters from the court
"There
came
at Connecticut,
and from two
of the magistratesthere,and from Mr.
Ludlow
the dutch, certifying
that the Indiana
near
us
all

now

the country had combined

themselves
to cut
all the English that the time
was
appointed

over

off

"

after

harvest

"

the

small

the chief

companies
trading"c, and

of

also

manner

to

should

seize their weapons,

the
hand
to prosecute

at

Governor

lettei'sthe

houses

kill them

in

then

and

so

by

Upon

by

way

house

should

of the

many

being

go,

the

others

massacre.

called

should

men's

and

and

they

be

these

trates
magis-

tlieysent out
for a general court
to be kept six daya
summons
and in the meantime
it was
after,
thought fit,for our
into the Indians, to
terror
safety,and to strike some
such as were
disarm
within
cordingly
our
jurisdiction.Acas

to

fetch

were

near,

we

sent

men

him

and

his

done, aud
night when

he

to

met

Cutshamkin

guns,

bows

"c.

at

Brantree

which

and
willingly,
being late
to Boston, he was
they came
put
came

was

in the

in the

31b

INDIAN

the

but
prison,

BIOGRAPHY.

morning, findingupon exarai

nation of him and
divers of his men,
no
ground of
suspicionof his partaking in any such conspiracy,
he was
dismissed.
which
went
Upon the warrant
and
to Ipswich,Rowlye
Newberry to disarm Paswho
livcd by Merrimack, they sent forth
SACONAMT,
armed
the next
fortymen
day, being the Lord's-day,
but it rained all the day, as it had done
divers days
before and also after,
so
as
they could not go to his
and
took him,
to his son's
wigwam, but they came
which
for, and a squa and her
they had warrant
child,which
for,and therefore
they had no warrant
order was
of it,to send
he heard
as
given so soon
home
them
again. They fearinghis son's escape,
led him in a line,but he takingan opportunity,
ped
sliphis line and escaped from
them, but one
very
made
and
shot
missed
him
at
a
indiscreetly
him,
narrowly."
The
ed
Sachem
here mentioned, and commonly callPassaconawat,* was
generally known
among
the Indians
of
the
Great
as
Pannuhog, or
Sagamore
in
Penacook
that being the name
of a tribe who
habited Concord, (New Hampshire) and the country
for many
river.
miles above and below, on 3Ierrimac
next

"

The

and

Mohawks,
into

war

sometimes

their territories.

alone, seem
inroads

obstinate

an

which

to

this

forts,built
invasions,was

occurred

on

time

the

between

engagement

the banks

of the

of their

One

purposely for defence against these

Sugar-BallHill,in Concord; and
upon
preserves

to

carried the

have

to

even

of the

warlike

the most
Penacooks
were
among
northern
Indians ; and they, almost
have resisted the occasional
ancient

tradition

recollection
the

two

of the Merrimac

distinctl
in-

of

tribes,
in that

vicinity.
The
*

Hubbard

away:
00

Penacooks

were

one

writes Passaconnawa

member
:

Mr.

of

largecon-

Elliot,Papastacon.

New
Wood, in that most
singular curiosity.
has pointed out Pissaconawa's
Prospect,

hie map,

by

cluster of marks

land's
Eng-

location

wigwama.
representing

INDIAN

317

BIOGRAPHY.

less under
more
or
Passaconaway's control,
(federacy,
which, beside comprising several small tribes in
Massachusetts,extended
nearly or quiteas far in the
opposite direction as the northern extremity of Lake
who
those
acknowledged
Winepissiogee. Among
the Agawams
subjectionto him were
(atIpswich,)
the Naamkeeks
(atSalem,)the Pascataquas,the Acof Squainscot,Newichcomintas, and the Sachems
wannock
and
Pawtucket, the latter being also the
"

National
is

way
what

of all the

name

supposed

is

Haverhill

now

lived among
He must

have

to

confederates.

Passacona-

at
resided,occasionally,
(Mass.)bat he afterwards

the Penacooks.
have

been

quite advanced

date of the earliest

in life at the
the coast,
on

English settlements
for he is said to have
died, about 1665, at the great
hundred
and
twenty years, though that
age of one
has an
indeed
air of exaggeration. TIm
statement
of him is in the celebrated Wheelwright
firstmention
deed of 1629
the authenticity
of which
it is not necessary
In 1642, Passato discuss in this connexion.
of Haverhill
(Mass.)
quo and Saggahew, the Sachems
that
the
conveyed
township to
originalsettlers,
by
deed
sealed
and
signed, the consideration
being
three pounds ten
the
and
shillings,
negotiationex
pressly" w^''-y' consent of Passaconaivay."*
"

"

It

about

of this conveyance
taken for
were
alreadymentioned

was

measures
'

the

time

the old chieftain.

That

that the
'

ing
disarm-

exampled
unclearlya most
stretch of prerogative,
Passaas
especially
had hitherto
maintained
his independence
conaway
equallywith his apparent good will for the English.
is some
There
apology for the outrage in the exciteof the period,which
so
ment
was
powerful,it appears,
with the well-informed
and
zens
even
well-meaning citiof Boston, that they hesitated
not
to entertain

the

Braintree

"The

Sachem,

originalis

Haverhill.

was

their most

obedient

stillin the possessionof

See Mirick's History of that town.

servant

gentleman in

318

all occasions,in the

on

of

town-jail.Even the report

in the night-time,in the neighborhood of
sufficient to rouse
the good citizens
was
now

gun,
the town,
far and

at

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

; and

wide

the

shouts

Watertown, who, having lost

cried

poor
in the

himself

for help!
lustily

somewhat

out

of

help!

"

"

fellow

woods,
against

apprehended assault of the wild-cats round about

him, produced an alarm hardly less serious than
would
probably have followed an actual forayof the
an

Mohawks.
This

the

excitement,

harsh

treatment

we

say, furnishes an apology for

Gi-and-Sachem.
The
of the

cool

to have
reflection,
appears
been
is
having gone too far,and what
creditable to them, they were
ashamed
to make
not
such explanationsof the matter, promptly and politely,
their own
true
to the injuredparty, as were
fitting
dignityas well as his. Governor
Winthrop, speaking
'
of the treatment
of the Squaw and
the Son
as
an
"
and
unwarranted
conceiving that Pasproceeding,'
would
look at it as
manifest
a
injury,"
saconamy
called the court
of
together,and proposed measures
reparation. Cutcharaequin was
accordinglysent to
the old Sachem, to disclaim any order for kidnapping
the woman
and
at
child,and discharginga musket
the boy, and to explain to him
the real purpose
and
principleof the warrant.
Passaconaway listened

government,

upon
sensible of

with

and
returned
that whenever
answer
composure,
of his familyshould
the two absent members
be

of his own
accord
returned,he would
itwould
requiredartillery,(and this,

render

seem,
the
on

"

in the

the

war-

from Boston
went
out
Sabbath,
party which
had not
after all been able to effect.)
One of them
stillin custody,and the other had taken refuge
was
in the
"

about

woods.
a

adds
^^Accordingly,'"
after,he sent his
fortnight

his guns,
delivered up
made
tliatthe conditions
to

At

"

"c.

by

authority,

eldest son, who

fair inference is,

The
the

our

Sachem

were

formed
per-

his satisfaction.

all events,

he

r""nsidered

it

good policyto

319

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

excited
relations with his much
i)eaceable
of his near
too
old, as most
neighbors; he was
relatives
children or grand-children seem
to have
been
the other hand, the English
On
too
young.
dicate
in this case, taken
movements
certainlyintogether,

maintain

"

"

resoectful

estimate

fact the
much
one

policyby
valued, that

"At

this
"

in and

came

ham

"c.

times

many

1644,

had

"

before."

done

again,in 1645
month, Passaconamy,

"At

"

and

his sons,
their people and

Pumham

and

One

of the

others

the

and

came

lands
had

Court, in
Sachem

submitted

under

done

of

most

the

third

of Merrimack,
themselves

as
jurisdiction,

our

before."
of the

distinct notices

most

".C."

this
Chief

in that ancient

occurs

was

Court," says the Journal,for the spring

Passaconamy, the Merrimack
Sachem,
submitted
to our
Government, as Pum-

And

and

he

in

so
gained over, was
either Mr. Winthrop alludes to hia
else the Government
act of submission
or
repeatedly,
troubled
itself to have
the scene
hearsed
actuallyreas

of

which

; and

character

of his

tract,

which

"

more
Saga-

Light

The

was

old

written

by

pearing
Apthe

in 1649.
He preached about that time
apostleElliot,
at Pautucket,that being " a fishing
placewhere from
all parts they met
together."
"
The
Chief Sachem
at this place,"says Mr. Elliot,
"
and
of all Mermak,
is Papassaconaway, whom
1
mentioned
and

unto

his

this yeere
the Word

you

sonnes

show

the last yeere, tvho gave up

God ; this man
to pray unto

very

of God."

great affection
The

writer

self
himdid

me, and to
adds,that the Sagamore
to

urged his solicitations importunately using

"
withal many
elegantarguments, with much gi'avity,
and affection."
He observed,among
other
wisdome
that the preacher'scoming there once
" year
things,
"
did them
but little good,
because
had
they soonc
forgottenwhat he taught,it being so seldome, and so
long betwixt the times." Another sound suggestion
that the Sagamore had
subjects who
was,
many
even

320
**

INDIAN

would

BIOGRAPHY.

beleeve him
good," whereas as no

praying to God vvaa

doubt
vinced
they might be conby the preaching itself. Nor did Mr. Elliot,
thought, allow himself leisure enough to explain

BO

he

that

not

and

he

what

prove
should
come

asserted.

throw

and

It

fine

"

was

if

as

one

them,
among
like it well,because

thing

they earnestlycatch at it,and

it looks finely,
w'hat
but could not look into it,to see
is within, whether
something or nothing, stock,
with praying ;
stone
or
precious jewel." So it was
but on the other
it seemed,
it might be excellent,
as
and
he wished
hand
it might be hollow
to
empty,
it opened.
see
and

"

"

"

"

this sensible

Whether

advice

followed

was

as

far

as

be littledoubt
; but there can
himself
became, if not almost a

be,is uncertain

it could
that the

Sagamore
Christian,yet stronglyprepossessed in favor of the
Enghsh. In 1660, an English gentleman, who had
the Indians, was
vited
inbeen much
conversant
among
and
to a
feast,at which
great dance
among
other
old,
ceremonies, Passaconaway, now
very
made
a farewell
speech to his people. He cautioned
them especially,
as
a
dying man, to take heed how
they quarrelled with the English. He said, that
though they might do the whites some
damage, it
would

prove

and

that, as

by

utmost

and
It is

sure

for

the

means

himself,he

of sorcery
increase,but all to
afi;erthis

the

son

Sagamore's
and
he
of

instance

to
no

his

hinder

their settlement

Philip'sWar

broke

transaction,Wonolajvset,

and

the

withdrew
and

was

both

place,

remote

disasters

wholly escaped
the times.
Probably there
among

no

ment
exciteother

all the tribes.

by Passaconaway to the arts

should
be explained,by observing that
sorcery
of years, one
had formerlybeen, for a long term
heard
the most
noted Powahs, or Conjurors,ever
The

allusion

made

purpose.

successor,
people into some

of the kind

destruction

o^vn

formerly tried his

had

arts

out, fifteen years

where

of their

remarkable, that when

himself
"

the

of
he

of
of

"322

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

couple to the dwelling

When
they had arrived
there,
for
the
several days of feasting
ment
entertainfollowed,
of his friends,
who
could not be present at the
well as for the esin the fii-stinstance,
as
cort
ceremony
this was
ended, returned to Penn; who, when
the
accompany
of the husband.

married

new

akook.

time

Some
desire

to

and

go,
she

When

took

Manataqua expressing
house
and
friends,was

choice

wished

instead of
her father,
Sachem
to the young
He

wife of

father's

visit her

to

permitted
her.

the
after,

to

husband,
before,sent

as

take

and

come

her

to

retui-n

conveying her
to

conducted

company

her

away.

high dudgeon, and sent his father-in"When

she departed from
law this answer:
me, I
her to your
caused
to
escort
men
dwelling,as
my
became
She
chief.
a
now
having an intention to
return

this in

to

I did

me,

Sachem

in

was

is believed

that thus

husband

new

his

terminated

Voliune

Collections,
may
of

1682,at
where

Mount

elder

returned

difference

an

; and

it

of the

the connexion

of Farmer
be

seen

called Sai"t

Indian

an

and

turn

The

wife.*

and

In the Thii-d
death

same."

angiy,
only increased the

which

answer

the

expect

Agamenticus

his tombstone

is said

on

to

and
an

Moore's

torical
Hisof the

account

AspirfquiD, May 1st,

the

coast

of

Maine,

be still visible.

It is

born
in 15S8, and of course
stated,that he was
died aged about ninety-four
over
forty
; that he was
he was
converted
to
Christianity
years old when
that fi-om that time he employed himself in preaching
the gospelamong
the Indians ; and that his funeral
attended by many
Sachems
of^'arious
obsequieswere
riors.}
tribes,and celebrated by a grand hunt of the waralso

Manuscriptdocuments,

tAt

'vhich

eighty-two
other

animals

were

wild

cats,

cited in Drake's

Indian

phy.
Biogra-

moose,
"ninety-nine bears, thirtj'-aix
a'
and
list
lon"
thirty-eightporcupines,"

slain

o*" various

names.

of

We

inclined

are

Saint

was

menticus
of his

the

was

hazard

to

other

no

323

BIOGRAPHY

INDIAN

than

retreat

father,
during and

that this
this hypothesis,

Sagamore ; that Agaof Wonolanset, or at least

subsequent to Philip'swar ;
our

from
his
his new
that the latter obtained
name
new
friends,and the title attached to it from an
be remarkable,
would
It certainly
English source.
of
that so many
should
and such particulars
appear
the death of a man
And
before
heard of
on
never
and

the other

and the age

hand, the reputation
to Aspinquid,agree
strikinglywith those
be
By his 'preaching' must
conaway.

saci'ed character

and

the

great exertions

attributed
of Passahia

meant

he made

keep peace with the English; and the date of

been
to have
we
alleged'conversion,'
suppose
with that of his first acquaintancewith
same
whites

to

the
the
the

in 1629.

fitlyconcluded with one of

popular traditions concerning the old ChiefJ
which
happens still to be in such preservationas to
form now
sections of the country,
and then,in some
the burden
of a fireside tale. It is probably a fair
illustration of the opinionentertained
of his abilities
era.
by the credulous of his own
Our
those

sketch

be

may

He said,that Sachem
to Dover
once
came,
From
Penacook, when eve was setting
in.
With plumes his locks were
his
dressed,
eyes shot
He struck his massy ciub with dreadful din,
That oft had made the ranks of battle thin;

flame;

Around

his copper neck terrifichung

A tied-together,
skin ;
bear and catamount
The curious fishbones o'er his bosom swung,
And thrice the Sachem
danced, and tliricethe Sachem

Strangeman

he ! 'T was
said, he oft pursued
The sable bear, and slew him in his den ;
That oft he howled throughmany
a
wood.
pathless
And many
and
a
tangledwild,
poisonousfen,

That
The
And

ne'er

craggy
choked

was

was

trod

by

ledgefor
them

one

other mortal

men.

rattlesnakes he sought.
by one, and then

suog.

324

the

O'ertook

And

With

brindled

High

seated

sledge,

on

mount

Agiocochook,*

He

lashed

and

And

once

upon

The

dreadful

The

king

of

of

veneration

considered

They

ventured

never

whole

the

except

to

country
Indian

one

these

once

with

his

mountains,
F.

of

places

who,

preserved,

were

of

had
with

drowned,
wife,

and

M.

His.

OP

VOt.

all

afterwards

and

1.

the

beings,

and

tradition,

that

invisible
also

is

of

mountains.

these

foreseeing

Coll.

Cf.*t"

England,

New

summits

They

There

Mountains.

"d.

country."
t See

was

higher.f

mountain

any

Josselyn's
the

them.

ascend

see

sire.

White

dwelling

the

to

his

than

the

for

Indians
them

fear,

chief,

in

preserved

the

fire.

with

to

right jollily ;

sung

heaven,

applied

name

hickory,

his

towards

up

of

shook

three.

and

trice.

in

flaming

Penacook,

tradition,

curious

of

car

Indian

Indian

The

reeled,

ice,

three

made

and

caught

chasing

'Siogee's

harnessed

all

wolves,

thought,

as

and

chased,

o'er

For

On

flaming

he

cat

quick

as

moose,

gray

wight!

wondrous

Ride

the

tall

mountain

the

then

to

BIOGRAPHY.

INDIAN

its
the

inhabitants,
flood, fled
re-peopled