The colonial discovery of Tisquantum’s political maneuvering was connected to this broader environment of competing information.

Hobbamock also represented a different relationship to Ousamequin.

Where Tisquantum increasingly appeared to pursue independent influence, Hobbamock remained more closely aligned with the sachem.

The contrast shows why “interpreter” is an inadequate description of these men.

They were political actors.

Their loyalties mattered.

Their messages carried consequences.

Their presence around Plymouth influenced how the colony understood the Native world.

For Tisquantum, the emergence of another trusted intermediary may have made his position less secure.

Again, the sources do not provide a private confession of motive.