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

34 History of Swansea
Adventures and Fate of Weetamoe
The death of Totoson was followed by that of Weetamoe,
the queen or female sachem of Pocasset. Few events have
elicited more sympathy from modern historians of the war,
than the fate of this unfortunate woman.
Weetamoe, as has been elsewhere narrated was the wife
of Alexander, Philip's brother; and the death of that prince
made her, as it made Philip suspicious of the English, who she
believed had poisoned her husband. She was considered "a8
potent a prince as any around her, and had as much corn land
and men at her command." After Alexander's death she
married one Peter Nannuit an Indian over whom she appears
to have exercised much control. His name appears only
occasionally in the records of the colony, so that of his character
or actions little is known ; but one fact seems well established,
which is, that at the commencement of Philip's war he
deserted his wife, and joined the English. When hostilities
ceased, he was rewarded with some slight command over the
prisoners.
A few days before the war broke out. Church obtained an
interview with Weetamoe, by means of her husband. The
details of this meeting have been given in a previous chapter.
Church repaired to Plymouth, fully satisfied that he had
secured both the queen of Pocasset and the queen of Saconet
to the colonists. Weetamoe was at this time nearly alone,
her warriors having left her to join Philip. She is described as
appearing melancholy and taciturn; nor can there be any
doubt but that she was at this time in great perplexity as to
her future course. Church, however, deceived himself when
he supposed that he could induce her to take up arms against
her friends, as did the fickle Awashonks.
Ascertaining the condition of his kinswoman, Philip sent
an embassy to her, which had the desired effect. The Plymouth
authorities, as she supposed, not content with killing her
first husband, had seduced her second one, so that no
friend was left her but Philip. No longer able to remain
neutral, she joined her relative, and accompanied him in his
wanderings abut Pocasset, until his escape from that place
July 30, 1675. From this time her movements are so identified
with those of Philip, as to render the tracing of them
extremely difficult. During that summer she became separated
from the main body of the Indians, and was received
by Ninigret as his guest. For the crime of harbouring her,
this chief was called to account by the Plymouth court, but
he eluded their demands, and Weetamoe soon after escaped to