Page:Massasoit's town Sowams in Pokanoket, its history, legends and traditions (IA massasoitstownso00bake).pdf/18

12 certain Master John Hamden, "a gentleman of London" (supposed by some to be the famous parliamentarian of that name) and for a guide, the friendly native Hobbamock. The party followed the ancient Indian trail, and, upon nearing Mattapoiset, were informed that Massasoit was "dead and buried." Hobbamock desired the Englishmen to "return with all speed" to Plymouth, but Winslow being anxious, if the king was indeed dead, to enter into friendly relations with his successor, decided to continue the journey. At Mattapoiset, the wife of Corbitant, sachem of the Pocassets, gave the travellers "friendly entertainment," and, as no definite information regarding Massasoit's condition was obtainable, Winslow dispatched a messenger to Pokanoket to ascertain the truth. The messenger returning in a few hours, brought the welcome intelligence that the chief was still living though critically ill. "Much revived" at these tidings, Winslow and his companions "set forward with all speed" and arrived at their destination "late within night." They found Massasoit yet alive, though apparently very near his end. The Dutch ship, however, had departed "about two of the clock that afternoon," so that, as regarded one of its intents, their "journey was frustrate."

This Dutch ship probably visited Sowams for trading purposes. The fact that it grounded " right before " Massasoit's dwelling proves that the sachimo comaro (sachem's house) was situated on the shore of Sowams (Warren) River. Probably it stood not far from the spring still known as Massasoit's Spring. This is located at the foot of Baker Street in the compact part of Warren. In its natural state it was a powerful spring, bubbling from a bed of pure white sand. Many years ago it was excavated to the depth of about eight feet and walled up like a well. At a distance of five feet from the bottom a sluice-way was left, through which a small stream flows during the greater part of the