But passing by all the occasions or causes of war to which I have
referred, we may presume from our knowledge of Philip's character,
that he considered his personal injuries a sufficient ground for
hostilities. Massasoit, his father, had been the firm friend but never
the subject of the English. He was rather their protector, and the
colonists ever maintained towards him the kindest feelings.
His son Alexander succeeded him. A suspicion was early entertained by
the English that he was plotting with the Narragansets. He was
summoned to appear at Plymouth, but he avoided the summons upon some
pretence, which probably had no real foundation. The Governor of
Plymouth with about ten men proceeded to compel his attendance.
Alexander was then upon a hunting excursion with a small party of
warriors. He was found in Middleboro', refreshing himself in a tent
after the fatigues of the chase. His arms, having been left outside,
were seized by the English. Some accounts state that Alexander went
voluntarily towards Plymouth, others say that the Governor told him
that if he did not go he was a dead man. But all accounts agree that
he was soon violently sick, and that the efforts to relieve him were
unavailing. He was allowed to return home and was borne away upon the
shoulders of his faithful warriors. Hubbard says, "Such was the pride
and height of his spirit, that the very surprisal of him so raised his
choler and indignation, that it put him into a fever, which,
notwithstanding all possible means that could be used, seemed mortal.
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