But the Narragansets and Mohegans were naturally
enemies. The latter were of the Pequot race, and Uncas himself, having
married the daughter of Sassacus, was but a revolted subject of that
great chief. It is said that one of Uncas' dependent sachems attacked
Miantonomo, who referred the matter to the English and was told to take
his own course, and invaded the Mohegan country with a thousand
warriors. The fortunes of war were against him and he fell into the
hands of Uncas. The victor now referred the fate of his victim to the
English. They decided that the rules of war permitted, and the safety
of Uncas required, the death of Miantonomo. They were careful,
however, not to permit his execution within their jurisdiction. The
colonies were responsible for the death of this chief. Uncas was
nominally their ally, but really their subject. From first to last
he did their bidding with a spirit so craven and a manner so
treacherous that he was neither trusted nor respected by them. But
the English in their death-warrant voluntarily offered to protect
Uncas from the consequences of Miantonomo's death. This was in 1643,
and thus did the English observe the treaty of peace made seven years
before under circumstances of extraordinary solemnity. Miantonomo died
the victim of rivalry, jealousy and fear, yet with a spirit so heroic
that he scorned to ask the precious boon of life from those whom he had
served rather than wronged.
Pages:
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256