An Algonquian family of the
New England Indians which occupied the territory now comprised in the
State of Rhode Island.
Industrious and hardy, they were numerous, and had twelve towns within a distance of 20 miles. Their chief,
Canonicus, sent a bundle of arrows tied with a snake-skin to
Governor Bradford, of
Plymouth, indicating his hostility.
Bradford returned the skin filled with gunpowder.
Canonicus was alarmed, and remained peaceable, especially after banished
Roger Williams won their good — will by his kindness.
They accompanied
Massachusetts troops against the Pequods in 1637, and in 1644 ceded their lands to the
British King.
The
Narragansets having violated the terms of a treaty made in 1644, the New England Congress, under the provisions of the union or confederation, sent messengers to the offending
Indians requiring their appearance at
Boston.
At first they treated the messengers kindly, but finally declared that they would not have peace until they received the head of
Uncas.
Roger Williams warned the congress that the Narragansets would suddenly break out against the
English, whereupon that body drew up a declaration justifying them in making war on the recusant
Indians.
They determined to raise 300 men at once.
The news of this preparation alarmed the Indians, and they sued for peace.
They were required to pay in instalments 2,000 fathoms of wampum; to
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Attack on the Narraganset Indians at South Kingston. |
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restore to
Uncas all the captives and canoes they had taken from him; to submit all matters of controversy between
Uncas and them to the congress; keep perpetual peace with the
English; and give hostages for the performance of the treaty.
This compact was signed Aug. 30, 1645.
The
Narragansets engaged in King Philip's War, and had a strong fort in a swamp in South Kingston, R. I. Against this fort marched about 1,000 New-Englanders in the middle of December, 1675.
With these troops were about 150
Mohegan Indians, and
Governor Winslow, of
Plymouth, was the
commander-in-chief.
They marched through deep snow, and at 4 P. M. on Dec. 16 they attacked the fort.
There was but one entrance, which had to be reached in the face of a fire from a blockhouse.
The
Massachusetts men, who first attacked, were repulsed, and several of the captains were killed.
There was a desperate hand-to-hand fight, and the Indians were finally driven out into the open country.
The 600 wigwams were set on fire, and the winter store of corn was destroyed.
About 700 of the Indians were killed, including several chiefs, and of a large number wounded about 300 died.
Many old men, women, and children perished, some of them in the flames.
In this encounter
Connecticut alone lost eighty men.
Captains Johnson,
Davenport, and
Gardiner, of
Massachusetts, and Gallop,
Seely, and
Marshall, of
Connecticut, were slain.
The
Narragansets were almost exterminated in that war. The remnant settled at
Charlestown, R. I., and were prosperous for a while, but the tribe is now extinct.
See
King Philip's War.
