MASSASOIT AND PLYMOUTH COLONY

MASSASOIT

A GOOD INDIAN

Early colonists of America were generally able to protect themselves with great vigilance against the dangers of the Indians. One exception of this was the Plymouth Colony and the chief Native American of the New England territory, Massasoit.

Shortly after the founding of this colony, Massasoit sent repentativesto the Pilgrams to assure them of his friendly disposition and to make a treaty between them. This treaty is known to be the oldest act of diplomacy recorded in New England and it was sacredly kept for 54 years, never being relaxed

Massasoit's village was rather far distance west of Plymouth Colony, on the Bristol peninsula's Warren River, at the springs which carry his name and feed the river. Massasoit often used this location to entertain distinguished guest. The town of Warren, Rhode Island, now sits there.

A delegation from Plymouth Colony was sent to his village to pay a visit to show him their appreciation, and on the second day of their trip were informed that he had died., but upon reaching his residence, they found him alive but seriously ill. The Plymouth Colony governor Winslow says “When we came thither were found his home full of men so that we could not get in at once, which were making disturbing noise that bothered both us and the sick man”. The white men administered to him and he soon recovered.

Massasoit, upon recovery said “ I see the that the English are my friends and love me, I will never forget the kindness they have shown me”.

The Massasoit family , was his wife, two brothers, three sons, two sons' wives and a grandson.

One son was named Mooanum, another was Pernetcom. Soon after their father died they both went to Plymouth Colony an request that they be given English names. The English Court named them Alexander and Phillip. Alexander became Chief Sachem on the death of his father, but soon died and Phillip assumed the sachemship and became well known and waged the “King Phillip War”. He did not possess the peaceful disposition of his father.

It was well that Massasoit lived between the Pilgrims and the powerful Narragansetts Tribe under Camonicut who had shown a determination to attack and dispel Plymouth Colony, prevented only by Massasoit. He was just, humane, beneficent, true to his word and in every respect and honest person. His personal appearance was noble and majestic and exceedingly dignified. Physically he was a large man, strong and well proportioned .

Massasoit died in the autumn of 1661, about the age of 80 and all who knew him mourned his death, knowing they had lost a true and valued friend.

HE IS TO BE HONORED AS ONE WHO CONTRIBUTED LARGELY TOWARD THE SETTLEMENT AND PROSPERITY OF THIS GREAT REPUBLIC OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Abstract: Harrison Howeth, 2017, Pittsburgh Daily News, Friday November 3, 1916.