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In 1675 the Nipmuc Indians were controlled by Philip. Philip was the successor of Massasoit, and acknowledged as chief of the Eastern Massachusetts Indians. Philip was acknowledged as chief of the Wamponoags. Philip did not like seeing the land taken over by English settlements. Philip conceived a plan a plan to exterminate the English or drive them from the country. Philip and his men traveled from Marshpee to Wachusett and from Paugatuck to Chicopee looking to for anyone would join them to fight the English. Awashonks, the squaw Sachem for the Sogkonate Indians got a visit from Philip. Philip told her that the English were plotting against the Indians. Delegates from many tribes were meeting at Mount Hope. Awashonks organized a great dance, which was customary. She ask two of her tribe members to ask Benjiman Church to come and walk with her. Church along with a friend, who spoke the Indian language, traveled to the tribe area. Awashonks asked Church if the English were plotting against the Indians. Church insisted that the English were not planning war with the English. On June 24, 1675, of Nipmuc's in the area of Philip's territory, young braves prmaturely attacked Swansey. Capt. Moseley with his troop and dogs, showed up only four days later. Moseley killed two of Philips chief captains on July 1st. Killed was Nimrod, a great captain and chief counselor of Phillip and fourteen more of his principle men along with many warriors. One June 13, 1675, messengers were sent by the government to ascertain the disposition of the Nipmucs and Quaboags. These messengers visited the Indian towns of Hassanamesit, Manchage, Pakachooge, Maanexit, Chabonokingkomun, Quantisset, and Wabaquasset. A treaty was made with each of their rulers. When the messengers arrived at Quaboag, they received this Subscription:
It was then discovered that they did not want to join the confederacy for the destruction of the English. At least four of these Rulers; Black James of Chabonokongkomun, Keehood of Wabaquasset, John of Pakachooge and Conkganasco of Quaboag were found among the enemy at Menameset, the middle of July. The settlers confidently expected to adopt and observe this treaty. A place for the meeting was agreed upon, at the north end of Wickaboag Pond. Captain Hutchinson was appointed by the governor and council to form the treaty and arrive with twenty horsemen. On the 2nd of August, some of the principle unarmed settlers rode with Captain Huthinson and his men, to meet the Indians, to which the Indians did not appear. They rode up the valley towards the area in which the Indians lived. As they were passing between a steep hill on one side and a swamp on the other, they were attacked by the Indians. Eight of the company were killed and three mortally wounded. Those who survived, rode back towards town by way of an alternate route. They were informed by friendly Indians not to return by which they came, as the Indians were waiting for them. Three men killed from Brookfield were, Capt John Ayres, John Coye and Joseph Pritchard. The settlers collected into the fortified house which stood on Foster's Hill. When the Indians arrived in town, they set fire to most of the buildings. They next attached the fortified house. The Indians almost constantly attacked the house for three days. Numerous attempts were made to set it on fire. At one point they loaded a cart with hemp, flax and other combustible items, attached long poles and rolled it into the fortified house. However, just then a thunderstorm kicked up and poured rain down on the fire and extinguished it. Major Willard learned of the incident and with 48 horsemen hastened to their relief. Late at night on the 4th of August he arrived. The noise of the men arriving was great and the Indians quickly set fire to the meeting house and the only other house and barn, and bolted. As soon as others heard of the distress, soldiers from all quarters arrived. A company under Captain Watts from Hartford, a band under Lieutenant Cooper of Springfield, and others from county of Essex under Captains Lathrop and Beers, marched together as far as Meminimesset, but found no trace of Indians. A garrison was maintained until winter when the Court ordered the people to leave. Two of the principal Indians who devised and directed the attach were apprehended, tried for violation of the agreement with the English.
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