The Scalp Hunters: Abenaki Ambush at Lovewell Pond?1725

by Alfred E. Kayworth

Traffic in human scalps was part of the Colonial economy, an activity that was avidly pursued by Indians, by the French and by the English, whether in New England, in New York or Canada. Parisians were especially intrigued by scalps produced by Chief Escumbuit, who claimed more than one hundred of them—mostly English; he was the only American Indian to have been knighted by the French King over that feat. Ironically, these hunters of human hair were considered Noble Savages by many enlightened Europeans who memorialized them for their pristine and advanced civilized humanity. For, they “were born free, and the Europeans bound them in chains.”

278 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2002

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of the Battle of Lovewell Pond in 1725. It was fought on the New England frontier between the Pigwacket band of Abenakis and English colonial settlers. Eighty Pigwacket warriors led by a Chief named Paugus ambushed 34 colonial militia that were part of a scalp hunting party. This battle is the nucleus around which the book is written. The first few chapters were devoted to a perspective on English, French, and Abenaki political and military issues up to the time of the battle. I found this to be the most informative and interesting part of the book. This was followed by a discussion of the battle itself including blunders made by both sides.

The last quarter of the book had me a bit perplexed. It contained ballads and poems about the battle, and a discussion of the Rogers Raid on Odanak during an entirely different war. While the material was of interest to me, it did not seem to have a place in the book. It seemed a bit like filler. I also take issue with the editing. On one page the author refers repeatedly to the Pequot War in 1775 when it was actually 100 years earlier in 1675. Elsewhere in the book the correct date for the war is given.

I recommend this book because it is a very good discussion of the warfare between the Abenaki and the French and the English. I have read a lot of colonial history and the competing interests are usually not presented in such a clear, relatively unbiased manner. Mr. Kayworth's narrative is easy to follow and well balanced. The last quarter of the book really has very little to do with the tale. It can be skipped or read as the reader pleases.