Bradford described the arrival of Samoset, “a certain Indian [who] came boldly amongst them and spoke to them in broken English, which they could well understand but marveled at it.”
Samoset was a lesser chief of the Eastern Abenaki tribe. He had learned some English from fisherman in the area which would become Maine.
Samoset was visiting the local Wampanoag chief Massasoit and introduced the Pilgrims to Massasoit.
Samoset would introduce the Native Americans to Chief Massasoit, as well as to Squanto, who would become their interpreter and translator. Bradford defined him through the same providential lens, calling him “a special instrument sent of God for their good beyond their expectation.”