John Sassamon - Position in Society

Position in Society

As a Massachuset who could speak and write English, Sassmon had a unique role in 17th-century New England society. He had close relations with both Puritans and Indians and was considered elite in both societies. He was powerful in each settlement where his positions as teacher and secretary were highly valued. Because of his intimate knowledge and relations with both colonial and Algonquian society, he became distrusted by each, as he became an outsider. From his dual position he ceased to be fully accepted by either community.

First, he was a Massachuset Indian who spoke the language of the colonial invaders; secondly, the surviving Pokanoket and the Massachuset were traditional competitors and sometimes enemies. For instance, Massasoit, Metcomet's father, ordered the execution of Peksuit and Wittawamit, Massachuset leaders in the Weymouth area. He also caused the death of Yanough, the Nauset chief whose area was initially invaded by the Pilgrims. Massasoit was working to strengthen his power and influence in southeastern New England.

At one time, Sassamon served as an aide to Metacomet, because of his skills in interpreting and his knowledge of English colonial society. Historians have not established why their relations deteriorated.