The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1900-04-28
FOR RECITATION
Or Defamation By the Pupils In the
Schools.
LA IOL

Canonchet was the son of Miantonomi
and his Indian Queen Wawawloam. He
was one OF the children mentioned by
Roger Williams in this paragraph, II
once travelled, in place considered dan
gerous with Great Prince, and his
Queen, and children" This child when
a young man was known as, Nanunteno,
and when he became a sachem his name
became .Canonchet. He is believed to
have been in command OF the Indians at
Pierce's Fight near Central Falls, or what
we now call by that name. This was OH
March 26, 1876. Alter that massacre he
He'd but two or three weeks later he
seems To have been wandering again In
that neighborhood when he was discov-
cred and again fled; but In attempting TO
ford the Blackstone river he lost his foot
ing and filed his powder horn with water.
He was taken and presently shot at
Westerly as we now call the place. There
Is so much confusion In the early ac-
counts written by the English concern
ing the Indians that one knows rarely
what TO believe. IL will be well therefore
that the remainder of this note should be
regarded as legendary Canonchet was
near Paw.ucket river secure in his tent
relating his exploits against the English,
when n company of English under Capt
George Denison came upon him. He fled,
but in crossing the river. a misstep
brought his gun under water: he was
soon overtaken. but made no resistance.
although he was a man Of great strength.
A young man, Robert stanton, came first
up Of the English and asked Canonchet
make no reply to HIM; at length cast
ing a look OF contempt on the young fell
lows face. he said In broken English:
You too much child.
No understand matters OF war,
Let your captain come
Him will l answer
lie was offered his life on the condition
OF his betrayal of his friends, the Wam-
panoags; lbut he would not accept, upon
such terms; thereupon he was told that
he should die He said: 81 like it well
that shall die before my heart Is soft.
or spoken anytning unworthy Of myself"
Acting therein. as Mr. Hubbard ex-
presses II. "as II by Pythagorean met
empsychosis some old Roman ghost had
possessed nth the body Of this western
poem on the Death of Canonchet."
which was published bv Mr.. Updike I'm
his History of the Narragansett Church.
The following stanzas are parts of this
poem, into which Mr.. Green has woven
the legend of wnich we have spoken:
CANoNCHET,
The Last Great Sachem of the Nara
gansetts
With firm set foot and folded arms
He views his coming foes:
All Needless sees the gathering crowd
That fast around him close.
Now yield, the Narragansett, cried
The youngest of the band,
The captive slowly turned his head
And proudly waved his hand.
You are child: for war
You are too young and weak.
Go! let your chief or father come,
And To him j Will speak.
IT IS Canonchet that You see.
Let every one come near
! And listen that you all may know
What brought the sachem here.
| Unhurt 7 passed your warriors through,
Your crowded warpaths passed,
Until you tracked me To- the banks
OF this deep stream, at last.
| sprang among the hidden rocks
To gain the other side:
| sipped-and with my gun I fell
And sunk beneath the tide.
| Canonchets aim IL ever true.
lie can outrun the deer;
And To the Narragansett chief,
Who ever spoke OF fear?
But when he found that II was wet.
The powder i'm his horn.
| His heart WAS like n rotten stick.
| For all It's strength was gone. y
| He had no hatchet In his belt,
| lie could not fire his gun;
| Then he stood still--because hc knew
| That his last fight was done.
| The Narraeansetts bow Is broke,
| The nations power is dust
| The sachcm stands n captive here,
| And now then do your worst.
lie threw glance ~ bitter scorn
| l'pon the throng around
| And Stillcd was every motion then
| And hushcd was every sound
'ris well--the sachem then will die,
Tie understands II all.
Ills spirit hears ". and Is glad
He's ready AT the call.
| He's glad-because he sure will die
| Before his heart grows soft and weak:
Before he speaks single word
Which he ought not to speak.
Around his tall and manly form
| lie wrapped his mantle then
| And with proud aud silent step
lie went with those armed men.
The third day when the sun had ssts
rhe deed ~ guilt was Ger.