Ninigret retaliated after the death of his warrior by launching a series of raids on the Montauketts.[3] Many Montaukett warriors allegedly died after being sent to retaliate against the Niantic on Block Island and again after this action triggered a reprisal attack against a Montaukett fort at Fort Pond Bay that led to a great battle.[4][5]
In 1653, Narragansetts under Ninigret attacked and burned the Montaukett village to demand they pay tribute, killing 30 and capturing 14 prisoners, including Chief Wyandanch's daughter.[6] The daughter was recovered with the aid of Lion Gardiner (who in turn was given a large portion of Smithtown, New York in appreciation). The Montauketts, ravaged by smallpox and fearing extermination by the Narragansetts, were provided temporary refuge by white settlers in East Hampton, setting up their wigwams alongside the townhouses.[7]
As the Montauketts had placed themselves under the protection of the New England colonists. The colonists sent military supplies to the towns of Easthampton and Southampton. They also stationed an armed vessel in the sound under the command of John Youngs, with orders to wreck Ninigret's canoes and destroy his forces if he attempted to land on the Island.[8]
In September 1654, the Connecticut colonists demanded that Ninigret appear in Hartford and deliver tribute which had been long overdue. Ninigret refused to appear. The Massachusetts Bay Colony then declared war against him and sent 270 infantry and 40 horsemen under the command of Major Simon Willard to confront Ninigret. 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, but the Pequots who had been under his command were apprehended and given to Harmon Garrett to oversee.[9]