Sassacus
Sassacus
William Holmes Crosby, Jr.
SASSACUS, Pequot chief, born near Oroton, Connecticut, about 1560 died in the Mohawk settlement in June, 1637. He was chief of the Pequot Indians, a brave warrior, and thought by the other tribes to be endowed with Supernatural powers, in consequence, he was the terror of the New England coast, and a dreaded foe to the settlers. His domain comprised the present towns of Waterville, New London, Stonington, North Stonington, and Groton, and his tribe numbered 700 warriors, besides women and children. In 1637 they attacked a small English fort at Saybrook, murdered several women at Wethersfield, and carried two girls into captivity. The colonists then mustered all their able men, and, under command of John Mason (q. v.), attacked the Pequot settlement at Porter's rocks on Mystic river, 5 June, 1637. The colonists were aided by several Indian tribes, inclulding the Narragansetts, who were so alarmed by the fact that Sassaeus was in command of the Pequots that, when the hour of the attack came, they fell back in terror, exclaiming'"Sassacus in the fort! Sassacus in the fort ! Sassacus all one god! Nobody can kill him !" The whites were finally victorious; but the chief escaped to the Mohawks. Sassacus was later murdered by the Mohawks and his scalp sent to the English.