[3] Historian Georges Cerbelaud Salagnac writes, that Castine and the Abenaki “displayed consummate skill at it, holding in check at every point, from the Penobscot River to Salmon Falls, N.H., and even beyond, 700 regular troops, and even inflicting humiliating defeats upon them.”[4] These raids were part of continuing warfare as the French and British fought for control in North America into the 18th century, as part of their rivalry in Europe.
Jean-Vincent d'Abbadie de Saint-Castin was sent from Quebec at the outset of the war with the Governors orders to organize all the natives "throughout the whole colony of Acadia to adopt the interests of the king of France.”[5] After Saint-Castin had settled among the Abenaki, King Philip (also known as Pometacom or Metacomet) and his Wampanoag and allied warriors ravaged New England in the winter of 1675-1676.
Historian Georges Salagnac writes that, “One may reasonably suppose that Saint-Castin began to exercise his talents as a military counsellor on the occasion of this war.”[4] The people of Boston thought Castine was influencing the Wabanaki strategy and supplying them with superior arms.
[6] Shortly after, the Androsconggin, Saco, and other Wabanaki warriors attacked various settlements along Casco Bay and farther south.
[7] When they attacked Major William Phillips's garrison at present-day Biddeford, six Abenaki were killed in the siege and 15 wounded.