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176 well beyond David’s understanding, for not only did he speak the native language, but  he used many words having no place in the  Nipmuck tongue. Nevertheless, the boy comprehended the tenor of what he said.

The spokesman’s name was Wissataumkin, and he proclaimed himself a Narragansett and one who stood close to his sachem, Quananchett, son of Miantunnomoh. With him, he said, were Tamanso, son of Nowapowett, and nephew of King Philip, and  Wompatannawa, a Niantic captain. At the latter name he indicated Monapikot. The Great Sachem, King Philip, had sent them  to tell his brothers, the Wachoosett people,  how went his war against the English and  for what reasons that war was being waged. Thereupon Wissataumkin told of Philip’s grievances against the colonists, and a very  strong case indeed did he make. He accused the English of disregarding written treaties  and of violating spoken promises. He referred to the execution of Poggapanossoo, otherwise Tobias, Philip’s counselor, and  two others for the killing of John Sassamon. He said that since Philip had made war the English had preyed on women and children,  arresting all they could lay hands on and