219

IX. THE SEMINOLES HOLD THEIR OWN 223

X. OSCEOLA AND GENERAL JESUP 228

XI. THE IMPRISONMENT OSCEOLA 233

XII. THE END 238

THE STORY OF
KING PHILIP

BY
EDSON L. WHITNEY

THE STORY OF KING PHILIP

I. PHILIP'S PEOPLE

Philip, ruler of the Wampanoags, was the only Indian in our country to
whom the English colonists gave the title of king. Why no other Indian
ever received this title I cannot tell, neither is it known how it
happened to be given to Philip.

The Wampanoags were a tribe of Indians whose homes were in what is now
southeastern Massachusetts and in Rhode Island east of Narragansett Bay.
A few of them, also, lived on the large islands farther south, Nantucket
and Martha's Vineyard.

[Illustration: A GRAND SACHEM]

Three centuries ago Massasoit, Philip's father, was the grand sachem, or
ruler, of the Wampanoags. His people did not form one united tribe. They
had no states, cities, and villages, with governors, mayors, and
aldermen, as we have. Nor did they live in close relations with one
another and vote for common officers.

On the other hand, they lived in very small villages. A few families
pitched their wigwams together and lived in much the same way as people
do now when they camp out in the summer.

Generally, among the Wampanoags, only one family lived in a wigwam. The
fathers, or heads of the families in the different wigwams, came
together occasionally and consulted about such matters as seemed
important to them.

[Illustration: WIGWAMS]

Every one present at the meeting had a right to express his opinion on
the question under consideration, and as often as he wished. All spoke
calmly, without eloquence, and without set speeches. They talked upon
any subject they pleased, as long as they pleased, and when they
pleased.

The most prominent person in a village was called the sagamore. His
advice and opinion were generally followed, and he governed the people
in a very slight manner.

The Indians of several villages were sometimes united together in a
petty tribe and were ruled by a sachem, or chief.

The chief did not rule over a very large tract of country. Generally
none of his subjects lived more than eight or ten miles away from him.

He