Politics and Coexistence

POLITICS AND COEXISTENCE

The weakened group of colonists worked hard to build houses and gather food. While they occasionally saw Native People from a distance, it was not until March 1 of 1621 that one, Samoset, approached. "He came very boldly all alone... He saluted us in English and bade us ‘Welcome!’ for he had learned some broken English among the Englishmen that came to fish at Monhegan [Maine]. "

Samoset brought local Wampanoag people to meet the colonists :
" Samoset came again and Squanto, the only native of Patuxet, where we now inhabit, who was one of the twenty captives that by Hunt were carried away..."

Interview with Massasoit by Eastman

Soon after, Massasoit and his brother Quadequina, the leaders of the Pokanoket Wampanoag, came to Plymouth. The Pokanoket community of Wampanoag lived west of Patuxet. The two groups approached each other cautiously, exchanging hostages to ensure safety. After offering gifts and food, Governor Carver made an agreement with the two. Click HERE for the text of the Treaty with Massasoit.

Treaty with the Indians by Botkin

Massasoit of the Pokanoket was one of several sachems (leaders) among the local Native groups. Over the summer of 1621, tension among other Native leaders led to expanding treaty relations with other Native communities from Massachusetts Bay to Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. The Pilgrims saw the alliance as an opportunity to ensure security for their fledgling settlement The Pokanoket initiated the alliance because it released them from the dominance of the powerful Narragansetts to their southwest.