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

72 History of Swansea
long and honorable history, and to sketch, though it can only
be in outline, the course of events which have given it
celebrity, and which merit more elaborate record than they
have received, or than can now be given.
Its ancient territory included the home of that justly
celebrated and honored Indian chief, Massasoit, who became
the fast and inalienable friend of the English of Plymouth
Colony, and whose home was at Sowams, within the territory
now covered by the village of Warren. Its soil was probably
first trodden by Englishmen when a visit was paid to Massasoit
in the summer following the Pilgrim's landing, by Edward
Winslow, afterwards Governor of Plymouth Colony, and
Stephen Hopkins. The object of the visit was to explore the
country, ascertain the strength and power of the sachem, procure
corn, and strengthen the mutual good understanding.
They reached Massasoit's residence July 4th, having crossed
the Titicut or Taunton River about three miles from Taunton
Green, and passed through what is now the town of Swansea
from east to west.
The next visit of the colonists was that of Capt. Miles
Standish and fourteen of the Enghsh to the home of Corbitant,
a petty sachem under Massasoit, who lived " at the head of the
Neck, " called by the Indians Metapoiset, formerly Gardner's
Neck, South Swansea. Corbitant's residence could not have
been far from Swansea Village. Some historians locate it in
this village. Capt. Standish and his party came to take vengeance
on Corbitant, in case a rumor that he had taken the life
of Squanto, a friendly Indian, was true. They attacked his
wigwam in the dead of night, badly wounding three of its inmates.
As it was found that Squanto had not been slain, no
harm was inflicted on Corbitant. The wounded were taken to
Plymouth for treatment and afterwards returned with their
wounds healed.
In March, 1623, Winslow accompanied by John Hampden
paid his second visit to Massasoit, having been informed of his
serious illness. They came down the east side of Taunton river
to what is now Slade's Ferry ; where they were told that Massasoit
was dead. Anxious, in that case, to conciliate Corbitant,
Winslow decided to visit him at Metapoiset. Finding on their
arrival that he had gone to visit Massasoit, and being assured
that there was no certain news of the death of the chief, Winslow
sent a messenger to Sowams who brought back word that
he was still alive. Winslow then hastened to Sowams and
found Massasoit apparently near death, but by the judicious
use of remedies he was able to save his Hfe. This humane act
determined the long and effective friendship of Massasoit for