History of Swansea, Massachusetts, 1667-1917; - citizen hylbom blog

The Indians 29
possible manner, until, after nearly two days from their
arrival, they were sped on their way with the warmest thanks
of both sovereign and people. Before their departure Massasoit,
in a secret council with his pineses, charged Hobomok
with a message to be delivered to Winslow during the journey.
The sachem Corbitant, who had remained in close attendance
on his chief, accompanied the messengers, and insisted on their
spending that night at his home. He proved a genial host and
a witty entertainer, who, more sensible than many white men,
was highly pleased when any of his many jokes were "returned
again upon him." His conversation with Winslow showed
much intelligence and shrewdness. Inquiring the meaning
of the "blessing" which Winslow asked on the food, he and
his followers patiently received a long lecture on divine matters
and religious observances, taking exception only to the
seventh commandment. As to the moral theology and reason
for asking the blessing, and giving thanks for the food after its
consumption, the Indians, according to Winslow, "said they
believed almost all the same things, and that the same power
we called God, they called Kiehtan. " This pleasant scene is
the last in which Corbitant appears. He probably continued to
rule his tribe for a long term of years, and be friendly to the
EngHsh; for if an enemy, he would have been occasionally
criticised.
The fifth night after leaving Plymouth the messengers
spent with their native friends at Namasket, and the sixth
night found them once more at home, weU but weary. Hampden's
desire to "see the country" and its people had been
gratified in an extraordinary manner. On the road Hobomok had
astonished Winslow by delivering Massasoit's parting message.
From The Pilgrim Republic.
"Massasoit" was a title, signifying: "great chief." His
proper name was Woosamequin, meaning, "Yellow Feather."
He was the principal chief of the Wampanoags. He was introduced
by Samoset an Indian who had been with white men who
came to trade and fish along the coast of Maine, and was able
to speak some broken English. It was this Indian who greeted
the settlers at Plymouth with those memorable words:
" Welcome, Englishmen. " Massasoit had no doubt met other
English adventurers, before the coming of the Pilgrims. The
white man may have been known to the Indians for a long
period preceding the "Swarming of the English." Capt.
Thomas Dermer visited Patuxet, (Plymouth), in May 1619,
and he received kind treatment at the hands of Squanto, who
probably knew the English to some extent. The Dutch had