Help from a Native

Gustavo Quintero
Enlgish 48A
October 5, 2007
Journal #9 Bradford Pg 123-124

Quote:
"...but Squanto continued with them, and was their interpreter, and was a special instrument of God for their good beyond their expectation. He directed them how to set their corn, where to take fish, and to procure other commodities..."

Summary:
The Colony that Bradford lived with was only able to survive due to a very helpful Native by the name of Squanto. If it was not for the knowledge and helpfulness of Squanto these Pilgrims surely would have perished. Squanto was a powerful chief who found it in his heart to help the Pilgrims with planting corn and the gathering of other commodities. Of course the Pilgrims see him as a gift sent from God.

Response:
Squanto was a great man who was able to overcome extremely great hurdles throughout his life. As a very young boy he was captures by Spanish slave traders and sent back to Spain. Here he learned English while he worked as a slave. After several years he was able to escape from slavery and make it back to his homeland of Massachusetts. This just adds to the legend of Squanto. Squanto was a great man because he was able to find it in his heart to help the struggling Pilgrims survive, even after what had happened to him. Squanto taught these early Pilgrims how to plant corn and other crops. He also taught them how to fish. All of these skills were essential to survival. If Squanto had never come along these Pilgrims surely would have perished.

It fascinates me how the attitude of the Native Americans is so positive considering what they have been through. Here Squanto helps out the Europeans who have basically invaded the Natives land and who kill millions of Natives in the process. It also reminds me of how De Vaca was helped along his journey by several Native Tribes. The story of Squanto and the Pilgrims is surly a story of inspiration. On one hand you have the Native Americans who have been living in peace and prosperity for thousands of years and on the other you have the Pilgrims who are diseased and in search of land. It begs the question; What if the Natives had not helped the Pilgrims, would the Pilgrims have been able to successfully settle like they did? Squanto went so far as to show the Pilgrims unknown places where they could find precious metals. As Bradford says in his journal, Squanto helped these people until the day he died. This heralding account really makes you appreciate just how vital the Native Americans were during the beginnings of what we now call The United States.





Squanto