Moxus, Abenaki Chief

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Moxus

     Moxus, or as he was sometimes called Agamagus, was also a noted chief.  We can add little concerning him to what has already been said.  After Madokawando was dead, and the war between the French and English nations had ceased, the eastern chiefs were ready to submit to terms.  Moxus seems the successor of Madokawando, and when delegates were sent into the eastern country to make peace with the Indians, in 1699, his name stood first among the signers of the treaty.¹  He concluded another treaty with Governor Dudley, in 1702.  The next year, in company with Wanungonet, Assacambuit, and a number of French, he invested Captain March in the fort at Casco.  After using every endeavor to take it by assault, they had recourse to the following stratagem.  They began at the water's edge to undermine it by digging, but were prevented by the timely arrival of the armed vessel under Captain Southack.  They had taken a vessel and a great quantity of plunder.  About 200 canoes were destroyed, and the vessel retaken. From which circumstances it may be inferred that their number was great. 
     Moxus was at Casco in 1713, to treat with the English, and at Georgetown, upon Arowsike Island, in 1717.  There were seven other chiefs who attended also at the time and place last mentioned.

Whenever was commenced between the English and French in Europe, their colonies n America were involved in its calamities, to an unknown and fearful extent.  This was the aspect which affairs were in 1703.  With the first news, therefore, of its flame, the New Englanders' thoughts were turned towards the Indians.  Governor Dudley immediately dispatched messengers to most of the Eastern tribes, inviting them to meet him in council upon the peninsula in Falmouth, on the 20 of June.  His object was so to attach them to the English, that , in the event of hostilities between the rival powers on this side of the Atlantic, they would not take arms against them.  Agreeably to the wishes of the English, a vast multitude assembled at the time appointed:  the chiefs Adiwando and Hegan for the Pennakooks, Wattenummon for the Pequakets, Mesombomett and Wezar for the Androscoggins, Moxus and Hopehood (perhaps son of him killed by the Mohawks) for the Nerigwoks, Bomazeen and Captain Samuel for the Kennebecks, and Warrungunt and Wandugunbuent ofr the Penobscots.  After a short speech to them in which the governor expressed brotherly affection, and a desire to settle every difficulty "which had happened since the last treaty," Captain Simmo replied as follows:
     "We thank you, good brother, for coming so far to talk with us.  It is a great favor.  The clouds fly and darken, but we still sing with love the songs of peace.  Believe my words.  So far as the sun is above the earth are our thoughts from war, or the least rupture between us."²

1. Hubbard, Ind. Wars, ii.46
2. This is Mr. Williamson's version of the speech, Hist. Maine, ii. 36.

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