He took risks.

He made enemies.

He made himself useful.

And he tried to survive the collapse of the world into which he had been born.

The Threat From Ousamequin

The seriousness of Tisquantum’s conflict with Ousamequin is easy to miss in abbreviated retellings.

According to Edward Winslow’s account, Ousamequin demanded that Plymouth allow Tisquantum to be punished according to Wampanoag authority.

A messenger came carrying the sachem’s knife, symbolizing the expected execution.

Bradford refused.

He acknowledged the gravity of Tisquantum’s behavior but argued that Plymouth could not spare him because of his usefulness as an interpreter.