William Bradfords Relationship with the Indians Essay

William Bradfords Relationship with the Indians - Essay Example o would later come to the New World and interact with the Native Americans, the Pilgrim’s relationship with them was â€Å"largely peaceful, despite profound cultural misunderstandings† (â€Å"Plymouth Colony†). Bradford and his followers became friends with Native American leaders and established a policy of tolerance and trust between their cultures. Native Americans in the area had previously interacted with English traders and fisherman before Bradford’s arrival. Relations were not positive and 20 Indians were kidnapped by Thomas Hunt, who tried to sell them as slaves. In 1621, the Indian, Somoset, came to the Plymouth colony and began speaking with the Pilgrims; he had previously learned some of the English language from those earlier traders and fisherman. He returned a few days later with the famous Indian, Squanto, who was one of the Indians kidnapped by Thomas Hunt. Squanto and Somoset talked with Bradford and other Pilgrim leaders and arranged a meeting with their Chief, Massasoit. The Pilgrims then established a peace treaty with the Indians that, under the Governorship of Bradford, would last for over 50 years. Later in 1621, when Bradford became Governor of the Plymouth colony, he invited Massasoit to what would later become known as one of the most famous events in American history, called Thanksgiving ( "Plymouth Colony†). Before the plentiful harvest of that first Thanksgiving, Plymouth was struggling to survive. The Indians played a significant role in saving the colony from starvation. Because of his ability to speak fluent English and his willingness to help the Pilgrims, Squanto was revered by the people of the Plymouth colony. He taught the Pilgrims how to plant their corn, where to fish, and led them to places where they could more easily live off the land. In his History of Plymouth Plantation, Bradford explains his belief that the Indian, Squanto, was sent as an â€Å"instrument of God† to help them (95). Bradford was a devoted friend