Outdoor Life and Indian Stories / Making open air life attractive to young Americans by telling them all about woodcraft, signs and signaling, the stars, fishing, camping, camp cooking, how to tie knots and how to make fire without matches, and many other fascinating open air pursuits. Also, stories of noted hunters and scouts, great indians and warriors, including Daniel Boone, Kit Carson, General Custer, Pontiac, Tecumseh, King Philip, Black Hawk, Brandt, Sitting Bull, and a host of others whose names are famous; all of them true and interesting

by Edward Sylvester Ellis

MEDICINE MAN

When Massasoit, the friend "tried and true," of the English, died, he left two sons,—possibly more, but only two figure on the pages of history. The oldest was Moanam, or Wamsutta, and the second Metacomet, the former being heir to the chieftaincy of the Wampanoags. Before the father died, he brought his two sons into the open court at Plymouth, and asked that each be given a Christian name, in token of his wish that the good understanding with the colonists should continue unbroken. The elder was, therefore, called Alexander, and the second Philip. You will note the classical character of these names, as they were thus given in memory of the famous heroes of ancient times.

It was not long before Alexander was in trouble with the English. Rumors reached the governor and council that he was plotting with the Narragansetts for a war against the whites. The record says that such good proof of the truth of these reports reached the authorities that they ordered Alexander to appear before them and make explanation.

Because he did not do so at once, an armed force was sent in July, 1662, to bring him to Plymouth. He was arrested with a number of his armed followers, and being ill, asked leave to visit his home. He was allowed to do so, and died on the way. One of our leading historians says the suspicions of the English had no real cause, and their course toward Alexander was unjust to the last degree. He may have been innocent, or he may have been guilty.

Be that as it may, the death of Alexander, on the threshold of his reign, was bad from every aspect. Philip declared that his brother had been poisoned at the hands of the English. Many of his people believed the charge, and it was whispered by more than one white man. Possibly it was true, though we cannot think so.

The result of the elder brother's death was to bring Philip to the "throne" of the Wampanoags. He ranks as one of the greatest Indians in history. He was wise, eloquent, far-seeing, brave, resourceful, chivalrous at times, merciless at others, and a leader of remarkable ability. Resentful as he felt towards the English, he saw the madness of a war against them, by his tribe alone, though they welcomed him with ardor to the chieftaincy. Following the example of his father and brother, he went before the court at Plymouth, and renewed the league that had lasted for so many years.

DEATH OF KING PHILIP.