The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1912-03-30

MIANToNoMoA

. ~ MINNl0INOtWSEt
into theggoyernor's o&n3pew'cf the
old Boston church, one sundaSin 1922,
stalked gigantic Indian-causing ssi
much excitement and general cotirno-
ton as a hawk in a dove cote. From
mouth to mouth was whispered the
news that the strange visitor was ME-
antonomoh, the famous sAGsem, who,
with his uncle, Canonicus, ruled the
mighty Narragansett nation"
He had come to Boston on mission
Of peace, and was the honored guest!
OF Governor Winthrop. In fact, all
the authorities put themselves to vast
trouble to make the visit pleasant for
this grim; wise, silent young Indian.
For 1t was needful just then to court
the friendship of the Narrasansettss.
Mlantonomoh, being only q savage,
believed. in all the Purttans protesta.
tions Of friendship. To his uncorrupt-
cd Indian mind a pledge of friendship
was sacred, and friends should stick
together through good and evil. for
tune. alike. He swore brotherhood to-
the English colonists-and kept his
oath. They pledged loyal aud lasting
friendship to him-and in few years
treacherously sacrificed him to their
own interests. '3 'i FIJI
A Trust That Was BETRAYED.
Miantonomoh, when Canonicus died
in 1886, became sole ruler Of the Mar
'ragansetts, Rhode Island being his
headquarters, and his own palace
wigwam being 'perehed on what is now
known as Tonomy hill, just north Of
Newport. When the gentle clergy.
man, Roger Williams, was driven from
Massachusetts by the PurItans he was
yarmIv welcomed by Nliantonomnh,
who gave him land and provisions.
In 1887, when the PeQuot war began,
AIiantonomoh sent the governor Ut
Massachusetts the hand Of slain Pc
quot and 240 feet Of wamputn as an
evidence of his own peoples friend
illness. When the colonfsts that year
marched against the Pequots, Mian-
tonomoh and Ills braves Joined the
militia. This action made the Pequots
hate Nliantonomoh. They sent him
word that II ever he should fall into
their hands they would punish his
treachery toward them and his friend
ship for the settlers by boiling him in
Il caldron OF oil. To show how little
he feared the threat, NIlantonomoh
went at once on a journey through the
Pequot country and back again, un-
harmed. Roger Williams strongly adj
yised him not togo, but Miantonomoh
replied "A brave man cannot shun
danger"
Uncas, the Mohegan chief was
looming up more and more important
in Indian politics. The Puritans saw
the urgent need of securing the friend
ship OF 80 powerful leader. But MI
antonomoh and Uncas were sworn en-
cmies. The colonists' rulers urged
the two foes 10 make peace, but Mi
ontonomoh, rs ever. followed the ad'
vice Of his white friends. In 1888 he
cnd Uncas signed treaty OF friend
ship dictated by the colontstst, which
included a promise to leave all dis
putes to the English for settlement.
The same year Miantonomoh was ca
joled into selling Rhode Island to the
white man for 24O feet OF white bead
work.
Soon after this, Miantonomoh began
TO learn new phase of the Colonists'
nature. A rumor-apparently with no
foundatlon-reached the NIassachu-
sets colony that he was conspiring
against the English. He went alone
10 Boston to answer the charges. Six
FEARS earlier when he had visited that
city, he had been treated like a king.
Now he was neglected and even
looked upon as an enemy. When he
entered the trial room he was actu'
ally forbidden 10 sit at the same table
as the English. Nevertheless, as no
,accuscrs dared face him, and as he
ehowed a wisdom and dignity that
Impressed even the Puritan councillors,
he was acquitted. .it-f
The Penalty Of Friendship.
In 1643 Uncas made war on one OF
the Narragansett sub-chiefs, Seqtias'
son. Mlantonomoh, faithful to the
terms of his treaty, asked leaTe'or the
governor of Hartford to avenge theh
attack. Permission was granted, and
with 1000 Narragansetts lie marched
against Uncas anu 500 Mohegaus. The
armies met near Norwich. MIanto'
nomoh wore coat Of malta gift
from the English. OF which he was
very proud, but which hampered Ills
movements. Uncas challenged him ia
single combat. Miantonomoh hatgh
tily refused, saying Ills followers were
there to fight. While the parleS was
going on Uncas gave sudden sign
and the Mohegans fell upon their pn
prepared foes, defeating them and TAX
ing Miantonomoh prisoner. The lat
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