Samoset, (1590?–1655?), the Abnaki Indian chief who befriended the Pilgrims. In March, 1621, he appeared at Plymouth Colony, greeting the startled Pilgrims with “Welcome, Englishmen.” (He had learned a little of the language from English fishermen.) Samoset introduced the colonists to Massasoit, chief of the Wampanoags, and to an English-speaking Indian named Squanto. In 1625 Samoset concluded the first land transfer between the Indians and the English, deeding some land in Maine to a settler.