 A defining characteristic of Standish 's military leadership was his proclivity for preemptive action which resulted in at least two attacks ( or small skirmishes ) on different groups of Native Americans — the Nemasket raid and the conflict at Wessagusset Colony . During these actions , Standish exhibited considerable courage and skill as a soldier , but also demonstrated a brutality that angered Native Americans and disturbed more moderate members of the Colony . 
