The Execution of Tom Wuttasacomponom

Though he had been loyal to the English during the course of King Philip’s War, in mid-late June, 1676, Wuttasacomponom, a Christian Indian of Hassanamesit, (also known as Captain Tom and Tom Wuttasacomponom) was captured by the English and accused of treason. Specifically, Wuttasacomponom was accused of conspiring with Metacom, appearing in Pokanoket camps, and commanding members of Metacom’s troops.

Despite the testimony and petitions made on his behalf by other Christian Indians and English allies, who stated that he had not been allied to Metacom but rather a captive of him, Wuttasacomponom was found guilty by the Massachusetts General Court. On or around June 26, 1676, he was taken to Boston and executed by hanging.

(1) There is disagreement as to when, exactly, Wuttasacomponom was executed. Some sources, such as the Society of Colonial Connecticut, state that he was executed on June 22, 1676. Others, such as Edward Lodi, in his Who, When, Where in King Philip’s War, state that the execution was held on June 26. For a brief biography of Wuttasacomponom, see https://nativenortheastportal.com/bio/bibliography/wuttasacomponom-1676