Political intrigue in the 17th century

Dear Editor,

Most of us know the story of the Pilgrims and their settlement at Plymouth, Mass.

However, we probably are not aware of all the adventures of Captain Myles Standish, a military leader of the Plymouth colony.

He never joined the Separatists or Pilgrims’ church. His build was short and stocky, and he had red hair. When he became agitated, he turned very red in the face. He was like a chimney that was set on fire. His bravery was never questioned.

The Pilgrims convinced him to come with them for military protection. He was in his 30s and very strong. Officially designated as captain of the Plymouth colony’s militia. An exploratory party of Cape Cod was organized by Standish.

He had training in military engineering and decided what the defensive layout would be for the Plymouth settlement. Able-bodies men were organized into military units in February of 1621.

Standish led two military raids. This was done to find and punish a native American known as Corbitant for his attempted coup and killing at Wesuguesset, which became Weymouth, Mass.

This provided the spark that changed the political landscape between the local native tribes and the Pilgrims.

Under the leadership of Miles Standish, a party of 10 men set out to find Corbitant from the Narragansett tribe. This Indian chief had caused the troubles with Massasoit, chief of the Wampanoags, who befriended the Pilgrims. Luckily Massasoit and Squanto, who helped the Pilgrims had escaped capture by Corbitant.

The political landscape between the local tribes was complicated. Standish and his men failed to find and execute Corbitant. Fortunately, Massasoit was safe and back in power.

Standish and his men had injured several native Americans while hunting for Corbitant, so they gave them medical attention.

As a result, the Pilgrims signed a peace treaty with Massasoit and Corbitant pledging loyalty to King Himes of England.

This was like a modern-day soap opera.

Helen Ruth Arnold,

Trenton, Neb.