In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

163 Sopiel Soctomah (1755–1820) Sopiel (or Selmore) Soctomah was appointed to serve as a scout for the Maine Militia during the American Revolution, and in this capacity he and fifty other Passamaquoddy men captured a British military ship. Also a wampum reader, he traveled to Quebec every four years to meet with the Iroquois at the Great Fire Council. Soctomah’s son, Sopiel Selmore (below), carried on the tradition of wampum reading. Wampum Reading The first string of wampum beads were read, “We sent you this to open your eyes.” The second string is read, “That you may see a great way.” Then the third string is read, “That your ears may be opened to hear and fix yours hearts that you may have a right understanding to what I am going to tell you.” (1805) ...

Share