The Paugussett did not side with more easterly tribes such as the Narragansett and the Wampanoag in King Philip's War (1675-78), which devastated the colonies of Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, Providence Plantation and Rhode Island. The conflict largely spared Connecticut, whose Governor, John Winthrop, had pursued a policy of more equitable relations with the natives as well as of military deterrence. The Potatuck in northwest Connecticut had even less incentive than other Paugussett groups to become embroiled in the war because European presence in their territory was so limited -- and would be for almost another half century.