Part 4: Chapter 13, Kindling the Flame Summary and Analysis

By June 1675, hundreds of warriors had gathered and were participating in a war dance. According to the powwows, the English had to strike first if Philip and his men were to be successful. Philip decided that on June 20, his warriors could pillage houses and livestock, hoping to incite the English to draw first blood. Several houses were burned.

Governor Winslow ordered towns to get their militia ready and meet in Taunton. He requested help from Boston, knowing that those in Massachusetts Bay were critical of how Plymouth was handling the Indians in the region. However, they decided to support Plymouth in this fight. Winslow believed the troubles were happening because the colony was not right with God. He made June 24th a day of fasting and humiliation. However, the colony did not believe...