Attacks at Lancaster

In the beginning of June 1676, in the wake of increased aggressions from both the English and the Indigenous, Captain Daniel Henchman led troops consisting of Englishman and Indigenous allies through Massachusetts. As they marched, they approached a group of unexpecting Indigenous who were fishing near Lancaster and launched an attack that resulted in the English taking 29 captive and killing seven.

While it is unclear whether it was the same raid, in late May/early June, Henchman and his troops also attacked and took captives at Washacum Pond, in what is now Sterling, MA, a mere thirteen miles from the modern boundaries of Lancaster. Among those taken captive was the wife of Muttawmp, the Quabaug Sachem, ally to the Wampanoag, and war leader. According to the Native Northeast Portal, Muttawmp’s wife was sold into slavery in the West Indies. (1)

1. https://www.nativenortheastportal.com/bio/bibliography/muttaump-1676 -- His name has been recorded across sources as Muttawmp, Mattaump, and Mattamp.