In 1634, a group of English colonists arrived in Maryland. They went to Piscataway Creek to meet the tayac (leader) of the Piscataway people, Wannas. Wannas was very careful. When the English arrived at his village, he had men standing by with bows and arrows ready. He wanted to make sure his people were safe.
The English leader, Leonard Calvert, asked Wannas where the colonists could start their own farms and take up land. Wannas told Calvert that "he would not bid him go, neither would he bid him stay, but that he might use his own discretion." In simpler words, Wannas was saying: "I am not telling you to leave, and I am not telling you to stay. You must decide for yourself what to do, but you are responsible for your own choices."
This was a tactful strategy. The Piscataway were a strong group, but they were already worried about other enemies to the north and south. They did not want to start a fight with a new group like the English. However, they had also had bad experiences with other colonists from Virginia in the past. Because of this, Wannas had to be extremely cautious. By not giving a simple “yes” or “no,” he was protecting his people while watching to see if the new English neighbors could be trusted.