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Commonwealth Museum   Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin
Commonwealth Museum Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin

Downward Spiral

As reflected in Plimoth court records, relations with native people became harsher over time as more English settlers arrived in both the Plimoth and Massachusetts Bay colonies


A photograph of Plymouth Plantation today

Seeking Justice

Murder of Penowanyanquis, 1638
In 1638 Arthur Peach and two English companions were convicted and hanged for the robbery and murder of Penowanyanquis, a Nipmuck Indian. The case illustrates respect for native lives combined with fear that upsetting neighbors would be dangerous for the small colony.

Punishing Adultery, 1639

A photograph of a Judge's Gavel
 
In 1639 Mary Mendame of “Duxburrow” and Tinsin, an Indian, were convicted of adultery. She was sentenced to being whipped through the town’s streets and forced to wear a badge. If seen without the badge, she would be branded on the face. Tinsin received a lesser sentence of whipping at the post, perhaps reflecting caution in provoking native people.

The Case of Hoken, 1674
In 1674, after the population balance had shifted in Massachusetts, Hoken, an Indian that “hath bin a notorious theife” was sold into slavery in Barbados. Selling Indians into slavery and substituting harsh physical punishments for fines became more common over time.

Fathers and Sons

Edward Winslow was the pre-eminent diplomat in the Plimoth Colony. At one point Massasoit was near death and Winslow attempted to save him. He used his fingers to clear Massasoit’s mouth and nursed him to health with fruit preserves and chicken soup. In the 1670’s Edward Winslow’s son Josiah was governor of the Plimoth Colony during King Philip’s War when Massasoit’s son King Philip was killed by colonial soldiers.

Early Troubles
 Feeling insulted in a previous encounter, and responding to rumors of Indian plots, Myles Standish invited several Indians to dinner at Wessagusset (present day Weymouth) in 1623. By prearrangement he suddenly barred the door and stabbed three to death, then killed several more before returning to Plimoth. His violent actions troubled many colonists and created lingering distrust toward the Pilgrims.

An illustration of Miles Standish ambushing the Massachusetts Chiefs
Miles Standish and the Massachusetts Chiefs.  - Alamy
An oil painting of Edward Winslow
Edward Winslow
This oil painting of Edward Winslow is believed to be the only portrait of a Mayflower Pilgrim. It is displayed at Plymouth’s Pilgrim Hall Museum.
An illustration of King Philip - Paul Revere created this image.
King Philip is also known as Metacomet, Metacom, and Pometacom.
There is no accurate likeness of the Wampanoag leader King Philip. Paul Revere created this image.
- Yale University Art Gallery
A photograph of a letter from 1675.

A 1675 Letter . . .