The next day, Samoset returned with five other Native Americans, who brought with them several furs as well as tools that they had previously stolen from the colonists. The two parties behaved amicably, and after the Indians’ departure, Samoset remained with the Englishmen for several more days. After spending his last night with the settlers, Samoset left them, later returning with another Indian, Squanto, who could translate much more easily. Later that day, the chief Massasoit also made an appearance, exchanging gifts and entertainment after some initial hesitation on both sides. The meeting was the start of a long, somewhat tumultuous but primarily peaceful relationship between the two peoples.
Recognizing the need for Indians and Europeans to live in harmony, Samoset continued to serve as a diplomat throughout his life. In 1624, he made a pact with the English trader Christopher Levett, assuring him that only Englishmen would be allowed to purchase the fur his tribe provided. This agreement angered competing fur traders, even leading to an attack on Samoset and later resulting in the bloody wars that would encompass much of the late 17th century. Regardless, Samoset continued to live peacefully with the white settlers, and in 1625 he conducted the first property sale between an eastern coastal Native American and the colonists, selling 1200 acres to John Brown. He signed another land deed in 1653, but afterward little is known about him, and he presumably passed away that same year.
Born. | |
Strolled into the Plymouth settlement and greeted the Pilgrims in English. | |
Agreed to trade fur only with Englishmen, angering competing fur traders. | |
Became the first Native American to sell land to the Pilgrims. | |
Sold another land deed to the European settlers. | |
Died. |
New England Indians in | Indian History for Young Folks by Francis S. Drake |
Indian Troubles in | American History Stories, Volume I by Mara L. Pratt |
Samoset in | Stories of the Pilgrims by Margaret B. Pumphrey |
Image Links | ||
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Samoset, the Indian Visitor in King Philip |
The women and the children were all afraid of him in Stories of the Pilgrims |
New England Indian who helped the pilgrims their first year in Plymouth Colony. | |
Governor of the Plymouth Colony of Pilgrims. Wrote the Mayflower Compact. | |
Military advisor to the Plymouth colony. Arrived on the Mayflower. |