 The first challenge to the treaty came in August 1621 when a sachem named Corbitant began to undermine Massasoit 's leadership . Corbitant worked to turn the people of Nemasket against Massasoit in the Pokanoket village of Nemasket , now the site of Middleborough , Massachusetts , about 14 miles ( 23 km ) west of Plymouth . Bradford sent two trusted interpreters to determine what was happening in Nemasket : Tisquantum ( known to the English as Squanto ) and Hobbamock . Tisquantum had been pivotal in providing counsel and aid to the Pilgrims , ensuring the survival of the colony . Hobbamock , another influential ally , was a pniese — a high @-@ ranking advisor to Massasoit — and a warrior who commanded particular respect and fear among Native Americans . When Tisquantum and Hobbamock arrived in Nemasket , Corbitant took Tisquantum captive and threatened to kill him . Hobbamock escaped to warn Plymouth . 
