Attack
Groton, MA came under attack by local Indians in August 1704. Capt. Jerathmel Bowers sent Samuel Butterfield of Chelmsford to help Col. Taylor in Groton. He put up a good fight, but after he killed an Indian Sagamore, his enemies captured him. The enraged Indians vowed the utmost revenge. Some wanted him whipped to death while others wanted him burned alive. Unable to settle their differences, they submitted the issue to the sagamore’s widow to determine a dreadful fate for Butterfield.
Revenge Decision
Her response of “Fortune L’guare” confused the Indians. She clarified the response. “If by killing him, you can bring my husband to life again, I beg you to study what death you please; but if not, let him be my servant.” He became her servant, remaining a captive for more than a year. “No one knows how he regained his freedom.
He resided at 96 North Road.
Note: Fortune L’guare is a misinterpretation or misspelling of the French phrase
“Fortune lui gare” (Fortune guards him).
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