Great Events in the History of North and South AmericaGoodrich, Charles A. (Charles Augustus)
History
Great Events in the History of North and South America
Goodrich, Charles A. (Charles Augustus)
North America -- History; South America -- History; United States -- History
Of Caunbitant, as one of the Indian chiefs in that region, something
deserves to be said. He was one of the most renowned captains within the
dominions of Massasoit. The place of his residence was Mettapoiset, in
the present town of Swansey. He ever looked upon the English with a
jealous eye, considering them as enemies and intruders on the soil, and
his plans appeared to be shaped for the destruction of the strangers, as
soon as he could find a fitting occasion. In the summer of 1621, he was
supposed to be in the interests of the Narragansets, and plotting with
them to overthrow Massasoit. He had much also to say against the
English, and the peace concluded between Nauset, Cummaquid, and the
latter. Against Squanto and Hobomok he indulged a deadly enmity.
Discovering, on one occasion, the house where Squanto was, he set a
guard around it, and secured him. Hobomok, seeing that Squanto was
taken, and Caunbitant holding a knife to his throat, being a strong man
broke away from them, and came to Plymouth, with the news of Squanto's
probable death. Upon this, the people sent an expedition of fourteen
men, under Standish, to rectify matters. After much toil, this small
handful of men arrived at the place where they expected to find
Caunbitant. They beset the house, and demanded of the chief if he were
there. The savages seemed to be struck dumb with fear. Upon being
assured that they sought only Caunbitant, and that every Indian was safe
who would be still, they at length, though a few of them endeavored to
escape, told the assailants that Caunbitant was returned home with his
whole train, and that Squanto was yet living, and in the town. The
attack being made in the night, carried terror to the hearts of the
Indians, as in the affray a couple of guns were discharged, some of them
never having heard the report of fire-arms before. While the English
were searching the house, Hobomok got on the top of it, and called
Squanto and another Indian, Tokamahamon, whom they sought. They both
appeared in a short time, together with several others, some armed and
others naked. The captured wigwam was held until daylight, when the
prisoners were released, and the little army marched into the town of
the Namaskets. Here it seems Squanto had a house to which they went, and
where they took breakfast. The issue of the whole was, the giving out of
a decree from the court that they held, in which they warned Caunbitant
of the consequences of offering violence to Tisquantum, Hobomok, or any
of Massasoit's subjects. Caunbitant seemed from this time to lay aside
his enmity to the English, or at least his open opposition, as on the
13th of September following he went to Plymouth, and signed a treaty of
amity, together with others. The English nevertheless always doubted his
sincerity.
What became of this sachem is not known to history. His name appears
no more on record after 1623, and it is supposed that he either fled
his country, or died about that time.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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