Thus fell, in the prime of his manhood, the last Chief-Sachem of the Narraghansetts, the grand-nephew of Canonicus, and the son of Miantonomo. The English historians of his own period may be excused for the prejudice with which they regarded him (as they did all who fought for the same cause with the same courage,) and which nevertheless affords to the reader of these days the most satisfactory proof of his high reputation and formidable talents. "This," says one writer, "was the confusion of a damned wretch, that had often opened his mouth to blaspheme." Again:--"as a just reward of his wickedness he was adjudged by those who took him to die." It were useless to dispute these positions, for every reader of history possesses the means of forming a just opinion whether or not they are sound. But at all events, (as an author of a more liberal period has observed,) [FN] we may surely at _this_ day be permitted to lament the unhappy fate of this noble Indian, without incurring any imputation for want of patriotism. In the entire compass of Indian, and we might perhaps add, civilized history, there is no finer instance of that generous and chivalrous character, which--whatever it might be termed under other circumstances--in the situation of Canonchet, and with his sincere and strict principles, can only be approved and admired, as humanity to the suffering who sought his protection; as fidelity to his own and his father's friends; as a proud and lofty sacrifice of royalty, liberty and life itself to honor; as patriotism to his country, and as religion to his gods. * * * * * [FN] Baylies' Memoir of Plymouth Colony. CHAPTER XVI. Account of the Pawtucket confederacy in New Hampshire--Passaconaway, their Chief Sachem--He is disarmed by order of the Massachusetts Government. His residence, age and authority--He maintains a good understanding with the English--Visits Boston--The Apostle Elliot's acquaintance with, and notice of him--His views of Christianity--Festival, and Farewell speech to his tribe in 1660--Death and character--His son and successor, Wonolanset.--Anecdotes of the family--Legend of Passaconaway's feats as a Powah. Turning our attention to a part of the country and to a people which have not yet been the subject of special notice, we shall now introduce, with the following passage from Winthrop's Journal, an individual of far too much distinction to be wholly over-looked. The date is of July, 1642:--