Ninigret (also known as Juanemo according to Roger Williams) (c. 1610[1]-1677[2]) was a sachem of the eastern Niantic Indian tribe in New England at the time of colonization, based in Rhode Island.
Ninigret is credited with keeping the Niantics out of King Philip's War, in which the colonists fought to prevent their homes and settlements from being destroyed by certain Indian tribes.
About a year after the death of Miantonomo, he formed a plan for expelling the colonists and sent a messenger to Long Island sachem Waiandance to engage him in it.
Willard's instructions were to go to Ninigret's quarters, demand the tribute, and insist that he end the war against the Long Island Indians.
On the approach of the troops, Ninigret fled to a distant swamp and was not pursued,[4] but the Pequots who had been under his control were transferred to Harmon Garrett to oversee.
At her death, she was succeeded by her half-brother Ninigret, who granted a large portion of his people's lands to the colony of Rhode Island in 1709.
They appealed for relief to Sir William Johnson, the colonial superintendent of the Indians in the Northeast (he was based in upstate New York).
They made the case that the Niantic lands which Thomas Ninegret had sold were needed to support the families of men who had died serving the English king in the French and Indian War.