Wamsutta, known also by the British-bestowed name of Alexander,(from Alexander the Great), succeeded his legendary father,Massasoit, as sachem of the Wampanoag in 1662. Wamsutta's goalwas to maintain friendly relations with the English, but indoing he found the allegiance of his own people split. Suspectedby Colonists of plotting an uprising, Wamsutta was summoned toPlymouth, Massachusetts to answer charges. It was a long andarduous trip in severe heat, and Wamsutta fell mortally ill. Henever reached Plymouth, and upon his death, a forty year peacewas broken.Even Massasoit fell in with the adoption of English customs andbefore his death in 1661, petitioned the General Court atPlymouth to give English names to his two sons. The eldestWamsutta was renamed Alexander, and his younger brotherMetacomet became Philip. Married to Queen Weetamoo of Pocasset,Alexander became grand sachem of the Wampanoag upon the death ofhis father. The English were not pleased with his independentattitude, and invited him to Plymouth for "talks." After eatinga meal in Duxbury, Alexander became violently ill and died. TheWampanoag were told he died of a fever, but the records from thePlymouth Council at the time make note of an expense for poison"to rid ourselves of a pest."