The Gorton Party Attacked at Shawomet

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library

The Gorton Party Attacked at Shawomet

The Gorton party attacked at Shawomet; a line of soldiers from Massachusetts fire towards a block-house, at Shawomet, in order to capture and bring Samuel Gorton to court in Boston. A group of men in the foreground take more weapons out of a box. Gorton and his religious followers had had a complaint filed against them to the Massachusetts authority, by two minor Sachems who accused Gorton of unjust dealing in purchasing land from them. He refused the summons, was arrested and brought to Boston, where the charges against him were for his extreme religious view and conduct, not land misdealing. Date: 1643

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 23090150

© Mary Evans Picture Library

Attacked Authority Block Boston Bring Capture Complaint Followers Foreground Gorton Massachusetts Minor Order Samuel Filed Weapons

FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Mary Evans Prints Online > New Images August 2021

> North America > United States of America > Massachusetts > Boston

EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the tense moment during the "Gorton Party Attacked at Shawomet" incident in 1643. The photograph depicts a line of determined Massachusetts soldiers, their muskets at the ready, aiming towards a fortified block-house at Shawomet. In the foreground, a group of men hastily retrieve weapons from a box, preparing for the imminent confrontation. At the heart of this conflict was Samuel Gorton, a religious leader and landowner, who had been summoned by Massachusetts authorities to answer charges of unjust dealing in the purchase of land from two minor Native American sachems. Gorton, a non-conformist and a follower of the Brownist faith, had refused to comply with the summons. As a result, a party of soldiers was dispatched to bring Gorton to Boston for trial. However, the true motivation behind the arrest went beyond the initial land dispute. Massachusetts authorities were deeply concerned about Gorton's extreme religious views and conduct, which deviated significantly from the established Puritan orthodoxy. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the religious and political tensions that characterized early New England society. The soldiers' unwavering resolve to bring Gorton to justice stands in stark contrast to the determination of the religious leader and his followers to uphold their beliefs, even in the face of adversity.

MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.