| Your ancestor, Chief Assacumbuit, is the principal character of this work. Many of the
events are taken from history books that chronicle the long war between the Abenaki
Indians and the Europeans. The historical footnotes are important to the narrative, since
they examine and confirm the Sachem's leading role in the border wars with the English
from 1688 to 1708. Those of us with European heritage count ourselves lucky if we are able
to trace our ancestry back 100 years, yet 300 years ago your ancestor, Assacumbuit, blazed
a spectacular trail across history with his deeds. He was a War Chief and Sachem of the
Pigwacket Tribe when his name first began to appear in English and French accounts. His
boyhood exploits with his tribe at the headwaters of The Saco River represent what he
might have been like as a young brave. The highlights of his spectacular career were
examined by both French and English historians. Some of his actions, as well as his
thoughts and motives, are my creation and were added to provide a sense of human interest.
But, the details of the principal exploits that brought him fame are all true.
Your ancestors roamed the mountains, valleys, rivers, and seacoasts of New England long
before the arrival of the Europeans. It has been 271 years since the spirit of Chief
Assacumbuit began his journey to the special place created for the Indians by the Great
Spirit, yet the history of the Abenaki people reaches far back into the dim mist of time -
perhaps as far back as 12,000 years. Thousands of lesser men have had their life story
recorded for posterity. It is appropriate then that the famous Abenaki warrior and patriot
- Assacumbuit - now assume his rightful place in history. May his spirit take comfort from
this overdue recognition of his fame.
The former Attorney General of the State of Massachusetts, Francis X. Bellotti,
rendered the following opinion: I believe this book will stand as a magnificent
memorial to Chief Escumbuit and the Abenaki Indian Nation.
It is also my wish that it be so.
Alfred E. Kayworth |