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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/7465-h.zip b/7465-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..161761f --- /dev/null +++ b/7465-h.zip diff --git a/7465-h/7465-h.htm b/7465-h/7465-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a35c9af --- /dev/null +++ b/7465-h/7465-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,5098 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Richard of Jamestown, by James Otis + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Richard of Jamestown, by James Otis + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Richard of Jamestown + A Story of the Virginia Colony + +Author: James Otis + +Release Date: July 25, 2009 [EBook #7465] +Last Updated: February 4, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RICHARD OF JAMESTOWN *** + + + + +Produced by Martin Robb, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + RICHARD OF JAMESTOWN + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + by James Otis + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_FORE"> FOREWORD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> WHO I AM </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH COMES TO LONDON </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> THE PLANS OF THE LONDON COMPANY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> THE VESSELS OF THE FLEET </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> HOW I EARNED MY PASSAGE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> NATHANIEL'S STORY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> WE MAKE SAIL AGAIN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> THE FIRST ISLAND </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> CAPTAIN SMITH A PRISONER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> I ATTEND MY MASTER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> SEVERAL ISLANDS VISITED </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> A VARIETY OF WILD GAME </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> THE TEMPEST </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> THE NEW COUNTRY SIGHTED </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> THE LEADER NOT KNOWN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> ARRIVAL AT CHESAPEAKE BAY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> AN ATTACK BY THE SAVAGES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> READING THE LONDON COMPANY'S ORDERS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> EXPLORING THE COUNTRY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> THE PEOPLE LAND FROM THE SHIPS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> CAPTAIN SMITH PROVEN INNOCENT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> WE WHO WERE LEFT BEHIND </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> BAKING BREAD WITHOUT OVENS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> AN UNEQUAL DIVISION OF LABOR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> BUILDING A HOUSE OF LOGS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> KEEPING HOUSE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> LACK OF CLEANLINESS IN THE VILLAGE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0029"> CAVE HOMES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0030"> THE GOLDEN FEVER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> DUCKS AND OYSTERS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0032"> ROASTING OYSTERS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0033"> LEARNING TO COOK OTHER THINGS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0034"> THE SWEET POTATO ROOT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0035"> A TOUCH OF HOMESICKNESS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0036"> MASTER HUNT'S PREACHING </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0037"> NEGLECTING TO PROVIDE FOR THE FUTURE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0038"> SURPRISED BY SAVAGES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0039"> STRENGTHENING THE FORT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0040"> A TIME OF SICKNESS AND DEATH </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0041"> CAPTAIN SMITH GAINS AUTHORITY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0042"> DISAGREEABLE MEASURES OF DISCIPLINE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0043"> SIGNS OF REBELLION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0044"> THE SECOND PROCLAMATION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0045"> BUILDING A FORTIFIED VILLAGE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0046"> TRAPPING TURKEYS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0047"> A CRUDE KIND OF CHIMNEY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0048"> COOKING A TURKEY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0049"> CANDLES OR RUSHLIGHTS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0050"> THE VISIT OF POCAHONTAS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0051"> CAPTAIN KENDALL'S PLOT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0052"> THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN KENDALL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0053"> CAPTAIN SMITH'S EXPEDITION AND RETURN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0054"> AN EXCITING ADVENTURE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0055"> TAKEN BEFORE POWHATAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0056"> POCAHONTAS BEGS FOR SMITH'S LIFE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0057"> THE EFFECT OF CAPTAIN SMITH'S RETURN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0058"> A NEW CHURCH </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0059"> CAPTAIN NEWPORT'S RETURN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0060"> GOLD SEEKERS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0061"> A WORTHLESS CARGO </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0062"> THE CONDITION OF THE COLONY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0063"> TOBACCO </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0064"> CAPTAIN NEWPORT'S RETURN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0065"> MASTER HUNT BRINGS GREAT NEWS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0066"> CAPTAIN NEWPORT'S INSTRUCTIONS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0067"> THE STORY OF ROANOKE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0068"> THE CROWNING OF POWHATAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0069"> PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0070"> STEALING THE COMPANY'S GOODS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0071"> WHAT THE THIEVING LED TO </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0072"> FEAR OF FAMINE IN A LAND OF PLENTY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0073"> THE UNHEALTHFUL LOCATION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0074"> GATHERING OYSTERS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0075"> PREPARING STURGEON FOR FOOD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0076"> TURPENTINE AND TAR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0077"> THE MAKING OF CLAPBOARDS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0078"> PROVIDING FOR THE CHILDREN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0079"> DREAMS OF THE FUTURE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0080"> A PLAGUE OF RATS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0081"> TREACHERY DURING CAPTAIN SMITH'S ABSENCE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0082"> CAPTAIN SMITH'S SPEECH </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0083"> THE NEW LAWS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0084"> THE ACCIDENT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0085"> CAPTAIN SMITH'S DEPARTURE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0086"> THE "STARVING TIME" </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0087"> OUR COURAGE GIVES OUT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0088"> ABANDONING JAMESTOWN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0089"> LORD DE LA WARR'S ARRIVAL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0090"> THE YOUNG PLANTERS </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_FORE" id="link2H_FORE"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + FOREWORD + </h2> + <p> + The purpose of this series of stories is to show the children, and even + those who have already taken up the study of history, the home life of the + colonists with whom they meet in their books. To this end every effort has + been made to avoid anything savoring of romance, and to deal only with + facts, so far as that is possible, while describing the daily life of + those people who conquered the wilderness whether for conscience sake or + for gain. + </p> + <p> + That the stories may appeal more directly to the children, they are told + from the viewpoint of a child, and purport to have been related by a + child. Should any criticism be made regarding the seeming neglect to + mention important historical facts, the answer would be that these books + are not sent out as histories—although it is believed that they will + awaken a desire to learn more of the building of the nation—and only + such incidents as would be particularly noted by a child are used. + </p> + <p> + Surely it is entertaining as well as instructive for young people to read + of the toil and privations in the homes of those who came into a new world + to build up a country for themselves, and such homely facts are not to be + found in the real histories of our land. + </p> + <p> + JAMES OTIS. <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + WHO I AM + </h2> + <p> + Yes, my name is Richard Mutton. Sounds rather queer, doesn't it? The lads + in London town used to vex me sorely by calling, "Baa, baa, black sheep," + whenever I passed them, and yet he who will may find the name Richard + Mutton written in the list of those who were sent to Virginia, in the new + world, by the London Company, on the nineteenth day of December, in the + year of Our Lord, 1606. + </p> + <p> + Whosoever may chance to read what I am here setting down, will, perhaps, + ask how it happened that a lad only ten years of age was allowed to sail + for that new world in company with such a band of adventurous men as + headed the enterprise. + </p> + <p> + Therefore it is that I must tell a certain portion of the story of my + life, for the better understanding of how I came to be in this fair, wild, + savage beset land of Virginia. + </p> + <p> + Yet I was not the only boy who sailed in the Susan Constant, as you may + see by turning to the list of names, which is under the care, even to this + day, of the London Company, for there you will find written in clerkly + hand the names Samuel Collier, Nathaniel Peacock, James Brumfield, and + Richard Mutton. Nathaniel Peacock has declared more than once that my name + comes last in the company at the very end of all, because I was not a full + grown mutton; but only large enough to be called a sheep's tail, and + therefore should be hung on behind, as is shown by the list. + </p> + <p> + The reason of my being in this country of Virginia at so young an age, is + directly concerned with that brave soldier and wondrous adventurer, + Captain John Smith, of whom I make no doubt the people in this new world, + when the land has been covered with towns and villages, will come to know + right well, for of a truth he is a wonderful man. In the sixth month of + Grace, 1606, I Was living as best I might in that great city of London, + which is as much a wilderness of houses, as this country is a wilderness + of trees. My father was a soldier of fortune, which means that he stood + ready to do battle in behalf of whatsoever nation he believed was in the + right, or, perhaps, on the side of those people who would pay him the most + money for risking his life. + </p> + <p> + He had fought with the Dutch soldiers under command of one Captain Miles + Standish, an Englishman of renown among men of arms, and had been killed. + My mother died less than a week before the news was brought that my father + had been shot to death. Not then fully understanding how great a disaster + it is to a young lad when he loses father or mother, and how yet more sad + is his lot when he has lost both parents, I made shift to live as best I + might with a sore heart; but yet not so sore as if I had known the full + extent of the misfortune which had overtaken me. + </p> + <p> + At first it was an easy matter for me to get food at the home of this lad, + or of that, among my acquaintances, sleeping wherever night overtook me; + but, finally, when mayhap three months had gone by, my welcome was worn + threadbare, and I was told by more than one, that a hulking lad of ten + years should have more pride than to beg his way from door to door. + </p> + <p> + It is with shame I here set down the fact, that many weeks passed before I + came to understand, in ever so slight a degree, what a milksop I must be, + thus eating the bread of idleness when I should have won the right, by + labor, to a livelihood in this world. + </p> + <p> + This last thought had just begun to take root in my heart when Nathaniel + Peacock, whose mother had been a good friend of mine during a certain time + after I was made an orphan, and I, heard that a remarkably brave soldier + was in the city of London, making ready to go into the new world, with the + intent to build there a town for the king. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH COMES TO LONDON + </h2> + <p> + This man was no other than Captain John Smith, who, although at this time + not above six and twenty years of age, had already served in the French, + in the Dutch, and in the Transylvanian armies, where he had met and + overcome many dangers. + </p> + <p> + He had been robbed and beaten and thrown into the sea because of not + believing in the religion of the men who attacked him; he had been a slave + among the Turks; he had fought, one after another, three of the bravest in + the Turkish army, and had cut off the head of each in turn. + </p> + <p> + Can it be wondered at that Nathaniel Peacock and I were filled to + overflowing with admiration for this wonderful soldier, or that we desired + above all things to see him? + </p> + <p> + We loitered about the streets of London town from daylight until night had + come again, hoping to feast our eyes upon this same John Smith, who was to + us one of the wonders of the world, because in so short a time he had made + his name as a soldier famous in all countries, and yet we saw him not. + </p> + <p> + We had searched London town over and over for mayhap a full month, doing + nothing else save hunt for the man whose life had been so filled with + adventure, and each time we returned home, Mistress Peacock reproached me + with being an idle good for nothing, and Nathaniel but little better. + </p> + <p> + I believe it was her harsh words which caused to spring up in my heart a + desire to venture into the new world, where it was said gold could be + found in abundance, and even the smallest lad might pick up whatsoever of + wealth he desired, if so be his heart was strong enough to brave the + journey across the great ocean. + </p> + <p> + The more I thought of what could be found in that land, which was called + Virginia, the stronger grew my desire, until the time came when it was a + fixed purpose in my mind, and not until then did I breathe to Nathaniel a + word of that which had been growing within me. + </p> + <p> + He took fire straightway I spoke of what it might be possible for us lads + to do, and declared that whether his mother were willing or no, he would + brave all the dangers of that terrible journey overseas, if so be we found + an opportunity. To him it seemed a simple matter that, having once found a + ship which was to sail for the far off land, we might hide ourselves + within her, having gathered sufficient of food to keep us alive during the + journey. But how this last might be done, his plans had not been made. + </p> + <p> + Lest I should set down too many words, and therefore bring upon myself the + charge of being one who can work with his tongue better than with his + hands, I will pass over all that which Nathaniel and I did during the long + time we roamed the streets, in the hope of coming face to face with + Captain Smith. + </p> + <p> + It is enough if I set it down at once that we finally succeeded in our + purpose, having come upon him one certain morning on Cheapside, when there + was a fight on among some apprentices, and the way so blocked that neither + he nor any other could pass through the street, until the quarrelsome + fellows were done playing upon each other's heads with sticks and stones. + </p> + <p> + It seemed much as if fortune had at last consented to smile upon us, for + we were standing directly in front of the great man. + </p> + <p> + I know not how it chanced that I, a lad whose apparel was far from being + either cleanly or whole, should have dared to raise my voice in speech + with one who was said to have talked even with a king. Yet so I did, + coming without many words to that matter which had been growing these many + days in my mind, and mayhap it was the very suddenness of the words that + caught his fancy. + </p> + <p> + "Nathaniel Peacock and I are minded to go with you into that new world, + Captain John Smith, if so be you permit us," I said, "and there we will + serve you with honesty and industry." + </p> + <p> + There was a smile come upon his face as I spoke, and he looked down upon + Nathaniel and me, who were wedged among that throng which watched the + apprentices quarrel, until we were like to be squeezed flat, and said in + what I took to be a friendly tone: + </p> + <p> + "So, my master, you would journey into Virginia with the hope of making + yourself rich, and you not out from under your mother's apron as yet?" + </p> + <p> + "I have no mother to wear an apron, Captain Smith, nor father to say I may + go there or shall come here; but yet would serve you as keenly as might + any man, save mayhap my strength, which will increase, be not so great as + would be found in those older." + </p> + <p> + Whether this valiant soldier was pleased with my words, or if in good + truth boys were needed in the enterprise, I cannot say; but certain it is + he spoke me fairly, writing down upon a piece of paper, which he tore from + his tablets, the name of the street in which he had lodgings, and asking, + as he handed it to me, if I could read. + </p> + <p> + Now it was that I gave silent thanks, because of what had seemed to me a + hardship when my mother forced me to spend so many hours each day in + learning to use a quill, until I was able to write a clerkly hand. + </p> + <p> + It seemed to please this great soldier that I could do what few of the + lads in that day had been taught to master, and, without further ado, he + said to me boldly: + </p> + <p> + "You shall journey into Virginia with me, an' it please you, lad. What is + more, I will take upon myself the charge of outfitting you, and time shall + tell whether you have enough of manliness in you to repay me the cost." + </p> + <p> + Then it was that Nathaniel raised his voice; but the captain gave him no + satisfaction, declaring it was the duty of a true lad to stand by his + mother, and that he would lend his aid to none who had a home, and in it + those who cared for him. + </p> + <p> + I could have talked with this brave soldier until the night had come, and + would never have wearied of asking concerning what might be found in that + new world of Virginia; but it so chanced that when the business was thus + far advanced, the apprentices were done with striving to break each + other's heads, and Captain Smith, bidding me come to his house next + morning, went his way. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE PLANS OF THE LONDON COMPANY + </h2> + <p> + Then it was that Nathaniel declared he also would go on the voyage to + Virginia, whether it pleased Captain Smith or no, and I, who should have + set my face against his running away from home, spoke no word to oppose + him, because it would please me to have him as comrade. + </p> + <p> + After this I went more than once to the house where Captain Smith lodged, + and learned very much concerning what it was proposed to do toward + building a town in the new world. + </p> + <p> + Both Nathaniel and I had believed it was the king who counted to send all + these people overseas; but I learned from my new master that a company of + London merchants was in charge of the enterprise, these merchants + believing much profit might come to them in the way of getting gold. + </p> + <p> + The whole business was to be under the control of Captain Bartholomew + Gosnold, who, it was said, had already made one voyage to the new world, + and had brought back word that it was a goodly place in which to settle + and to build up towns. The one chosen to act as admiral of the fleet, for + there were to be three ships instead of one, as I had fancied, was Captain + Christopher Newport, a man who had no little fame as a seaman. + </p> + <p> + In due time, as the preparations for the voyage were being forwarded, I + was sent by my master into lodgings at Blackwall, just below London town, + for the fleet lay nearby, and because it was understood by those in charge + of the adventure that I was in Captain Smith's service, no hindrance was + made to my going on board the vessels. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE VESSELS OF THE FLEET + </h2> + <p> + These were three in number, as I have already said: the Constant, a ship + of near to one hundred tons in size; the Goodspeed, of forty tons, and the + Discovery, which was a pinnace of only twenty tons. + </p> + <p> + And now, lest some who read what I have set down may not be acquainted + with the words used by seamen, let me explain that the measurement of a + vessel by tons, means that she will fill so much space in the water. Now, + in measuring a vessel, a ton is reckoned as forty cubic feet of space, + therefore when I say the Susan Constant was one hundred tons in size, it + is the same as if I had set down that she would carry four thousand cubic + feet of cargo. + </p> + <p> + That he who reads may know what I mean by a pinnace, as differing from a + ship, I can best make it plain by saying that such a craft is an open + boat, wherein may be used sails or oars, and, as in the case of the + Discovery, may have a deck over a certain portion of her length. That our + pinnace was a vessel able to withstand such waves as would be met with in + the ocean, can be believed when you remember that she was one half the + size of the Goodspeed, which we counted a ship. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HOW I EARNED MY PASSAGE + </h2> + <p> + Captain Smith, my master, found plenty of work for me during the weeks + before the fleet sailed. He had many matters to be set down in writing, + and because of my mother's care in teaching me to use the quill, I was + able, or so it seemed to me, to be of no little aid to him in those busy + days, when it was as if he must do two or three things at the same time in + order to bring his business to an end. I learned during that time to care + very dearly for this valiant soldier, who could, when the fit was on him, + be as tender and kind as a girl, and again, when he was crossed, as stern + a man as one might find in all London town. + </p> + <p> + Because of my labors, and it pleased me greatly that I could do somewhat + toward forwarding the adventure, I had no time in which to search for my + friend, Nathaniel Peacock, although I did not cease to hope that he would + try to find me. + </p> + <p> + I had parted with him in the city, and he knew right well where I was + going; yet, so far as I could learn, he had never come to Blackwall. + </p> + <p> + I had no doubt but that I could find him in the city, and it was in my + mind, at the first opportunity, to seek him out, if for no other reason + than that we might part as comrades should, for he had been a true friend + to me when my heart was sore; but from the moment the sailors began to put + the cargo on board the Susan Constant and the Goodspeed, I had no chance + to wander around Blackwall, let alone journeying to London. + </p> + <p> + Then came the twentieth of December, when we were to set sail, and great + was the rejoicing among the people, who believed that we would soon build + up a city in the new world, which would be of great wealth and advantage + to those in England. + </p> + <p> + I heard it said, although I myself was not on shore to see what was done, + that in all the churches prayers were made for our safe journeying, and + there was much marching to and fro of soldiers, as if some great + merrymaking were afoot. + </p> + <p> + The shore was lined with people; booths were set up where showmen + displayed for pay many curious things, and food and sweetmeats were on + sale here and there, for so large a throng stood in need of refreshment as + well as amusement. + </p> + <p> + It was a wondrous spectacle to see all these people nearby on the shore, + knowing they had come for no other purpose than to look at us, and I took + no little pride to myself because of being numbered among the adventurers, + even vainly fancying that many wondered what part a boy could have in such + an undertaking. + </p> + <p> + Then we set sail, I watching in vain for a glimpse of Nathaniel Peacock as + the ships got under way. Finally, sadly disappointed, and with the + sickness of home already in my heart, I went into the forward part of the + ship, where was my sleeping place, thinking that very shortly we should be + tossing and tumbling on the mighty waves of the ocean. + </p> + <p> + In this I was mistaken, for the wind was contrary to our purpose, and we + lay in the Downs near six weeks, while Master Hunt, the preacher, who had + joined the company that he might labor for the good of our souls; lay so + nigh unto death in the cabin of the Susan Constant, that I listened during + all the waking hours of the night, fearing to hear the tolling of the + ship's bell, which would tell that he had gone from among the living. + </p> + <p> + It was on the second night, after we were come to anchor in the Downs + awaiting a favorable wind, that I, having fallen asleep while wishing + Nathaniel Peacock might have been with us, was awakened by the pressure of + a cold hand upon my cheek. I was near to crying aloud with fear, for the + first thought that came was that Master Hunt had gone from this world, and + was summoning me; but before the cry could escape my lips, I heard the + whispered words: "It is me, Nate Peacock!" + </p> + <p> + It can well be guessed that I was sitting bolt upright in the narrow bed, + which sailors call a bunk, by the time this had been said, and in the + gloom of the seamen's living place I saw a head close to mine. + </p> + <p> + Not until I had passed my hands over the face could I believe it was + indeed my comrade, and it goes without saying that straightway I insisted + on knowing how he came there, when he should have been in London town. + </p> + <p> + I cannot set the story down as Nathaniel Peacock told it to me on that + night, because his words were many; but the tale ran much like this: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NATHANIEL'S STORY + </h2> + <p> + When Captain John Smith had promised on Cheapside that I should be one of + the company of adventurers, because of such labor as it might be possible + for me to perform, and had refused to listen to my comrade, Nathaniel, + without acquainting me with the fact, had made up his mind that he also + would go into the new world of Virginia. + </p> + <p> + Fearing lest I would believe it my duty to tell Captain Smith of his + purpose, he kept far from me, doing whatsoever he might in London town to + earn as much as would provide him with food during a certain time. + </p> + <p> + In this he succeeded so far as then seemed necessary, and when it was + known that the fleet was nearly ready to make sail, he came to Blackwall + with all his belongings tied in his doublet. + </p> + <p> + To get on board the Susan Constant without attracting much attention while + she was being visited by so many curious people, was not a hard task for + Nathaniel Peacock, and three days before the fleet was got under way, my + comrade had hidden himself in the very foremost part of the ship, where + were stored the ropes and chains. + </p> + <p> + There he had remained until thirst, or hunger, drove him out, on this + night of which I am telling you, and he begged that I go on deck, where + were the scuttle butts, to get him a pannikin of water. + </p> + <p> + For those of you who may not know what a scuttle butt is, I will explain + that it is a large cask in which fresh water is kept on shipboard. When + Nathaniel's burning thirst had been soothed, he began to fear that I might + give information to Captain John Smith concerning him; but after all that + had been done in the way of hiding himself, and remembering his suffering, + I had not the heart so to do. + </p> + <p> + During four days more he spent all the hours of sunshine, and the greater + portion of the night, in my bed, closely covered so that the sailors might + not see him, and then came the discovery, when he was dragged out with + many a blow and harsh word to give an account of himself. I fear it would + have gone harder still with Nathaniel, if I had not happened to be there + at that very moment. + </p> + <p> + As it was, I went directly to Captain John Smith, my master, telling him + all Nathaniel's story, and asking if the lad had not shown himself made of + the proper stuff to be counted on as one of the adventurers. + </p> + <p> + Although hoping to succeed in my pleading, I was surprised when the + captain gave a quick consent to number the lad among those who were to go + into the new land of Virginia, and was even astonished when his name was + written down among others as if he had been pledged to the voyage in due + form. + </p> + <p> + But for the sickness of Master Hunt, and the fear we had lest he should + die, Nathaniel and I might have made exceeding merry while we lay at + anchor in the Downs, for food was plentiful; there was little of work to + be done, and we lads could have passed the time skylarking with such of + the sailors as were disposed to sport, except orders had been given that + no undue noise be made on deck. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WE MAKE SAIL AGAIN + </h2> + <p> + It seemed to me almost as if we spent an entire lifetime within sight of + the country we were minded to leave behind us, and indeed six weeks, with + no change of scene, and while one is held to the narrow limits of a ship, + is an exceeding long time. + </p> + <p> + However, as I have heard Captain Smith say again and again, everything + comes to him who waits, and so also came that day when the winds were + favoring; when Captain Newport, the admiral of our fleet, gave the word to + make sail, and we sped softly away from England's shores, little dreaming + of that time of suffering, of sickness, and of sadness which was before + us. + </p> + <p> + To Nathaniel and me, who had never strayed far from London town, and knew + no more of the sea than might have been gained in a boatman's wherry, the + ocean was exceeding unkind, and for eight and forty hours did we lie in + that narrow bed, believing death was very near at hand. + </p> + <p> + There is no reason why I should make any attempt at describing the + sickness which was upon us, for I have since heard that it comes to all + who go out on the sea for the first time. When we recovered, it was + suddenly, like as a flower lifts up its head after a refreshing shower + that has pelted it to the ground. + </p> + <p> + I would I might set down here all which came to us during the voyage, for + it was filled with wondrous happenings; but because I would tell of what + we did in the land of Virginia, I must be sparing of words now. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE FIRST ISLAND + </h2> + <p> + It is to be remembered that our fleet left London on the twentieth day of + December, and, as I have since heard Captain Smith read from the pages + which he wrote concerning the voyage, it was on the twenty-third of March + that we were come to the island of Martinique, where for the first time + Nathaniel Peacock and I saw living savages. + </p> + <p> + When we were come to anchor, they paddled out to our ships in frail boats + called canoes, bringing many kinds of most delicious fruits, which we + bought for such trumpery things as glass beads and ornaments of copper. + </p> + <p> + It was while we lay off this island that we saw a whale attacked and + killed by a thresher and a swordfish, which was a wondrous sight. + </p> + <p> + And now was a most wicked deed done by those who claimed to be in command + of our company, for they declared that my master had laid a plot with some + of the men in each vessel of the fleet, whereby the principal members of + the company were to be murdered, to the end that Captain Smith might set + himself up as king after we were come to the new world. + </p> + <p> + All this was untrue, as I knew full well, having aided him in such work as + a real clerk would have done, and had there been a plot, I must have found + some inkling of it in one of the many papers I read aloud to him, or + copied down on other sheets that the work of the quill might be more + pleasing to the eye. + </p> + <p> + Besides that, I had been with the captain a goodly portion of the time + while the ships were being made ready for the voyage, and if he had + harbored so much of wickedness, surely must some word of it have come to + me, who sat or stood near at hand, listening attentively whenever he had + speech with others of the company of adventurers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CAPTAIN SMITH A PRISONER + </h2> + <p> + When the voyage was begun, and the captain no longer had need of me, I was + sent into the forward part of the ship to live, as has already been set + down, and therefore it was I knew nothing of what was being done in the + great cabin, where the leaders of the company were quartered, until after + my master was made a prisoner. Then it was told me by the seaman who had + been called by Captain Kendall, as if it was feared my master, being such + a great soldier, might strive to harm those who miscalled him a traitor to + that which he had sworn. + </p> + <p> + It seems, so the seaman said, that Captain John Martin was the one who + made the charges against my master, on the night after we set sail from + Martinique, when all the chief men of the company were met in the great + cabin, and he declared that, when it was possible to do so, meaning after + we had come to the land of Virginia, witnesses should be brought from the + other ships to prove the wicked intent. Then it was that Captain George + Kendall declared my master must be kept a close prisoner until the matter + could be disposed of, and all the others, save Captain Bartholomew + Gosnold, agreeing, heavy irons were put upon him. He was shut up in his + sleeping place, having made no outcry nor attempt to do any harm, save + that he declared himself innocent of wrong doing. + </p> + <p> + But for Captain Gosnold and Master Hunt, the preacher, I should not have + been permitted to go in and learn if I might do anything for his comfort. + The other leaders declared that my master was a dangerous man, who should + not be allowed to have speech with any person save themselves, lest he + send some message to those who were said to be concerned with him in the + plot. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I ATTEND MY MASTER + </h2> + <p> + Master Hunt spoke up right manfully in behalf of Captain Smith, with the + result that I was given free entrance to that small room which had been + made his prison, save that I must at all times leave the door open, so + those who were in the great cabin could hear if I was charged with any + message to the seamen. + </p> + <p> + My eyes were filled with tears when my master told me that he had no + thought save that of benefiting those who were with him in the adventure, + and that he would not lend his countenance to any wicked plot. + </p> + <p> + I begged him to understand that I knew right well he would do no manner of + wrong to any man, and asked the privilege of being with him all the time, + to serve him when he could not serve himself because of the irons that + fettered his legs. + </p> + <p> + And so it was that I had opportunity to do that which made my master as + true a friend as ever lad had, for in the later days when we were come to + Virginia and beset by savages more cruel than wild beasts, he ventured his + own life again and again to save mine, which was so worthless as compared + with his. + </p> + <p> + Only that I might tell how the voyage progressed, did I go on deck, or + have speech with Nathaniel Peacock, and only through me did my master know + when we were come to this island or that, together with what was to be + seen in such places. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SEVERAL ISLANDS VISITED + </h2> + <p> + Therefore it was that when, on the next day after he was made a prisoner, + we were come to anchor off that island which the savages called + Gaudaloupe, and Nathaniel had been permitted to go on shore in one of the + boats, I could tell my master of the wondrous waters which were found + there. + </p> + <p> + Nathaniel told me that water spouted up out of the earth so hot, that when + Captain Newport threw into it a piece of pork tied to a rope, the meat was + cooked in half an hour, even as if it had been over a roaring hot fire. + </p> + <p> + After that we passed many islands, the names of which I could not + discover, until we came to anchor within half a musket shot from the shore + of that land which is known as Nevis. Here we lay six days, and the chief + men of the company went on shore for sport and to hunt, save always either + Captain Martin or Captain Kendall, who remained on board to watch the poor + prisoner, while he, my master, lay in his narrow bed sweltering under the + great heat. + </p> + <p> + During all this while, the seamen and our gentlemen got much profit and + sport from hunting and fishing, adding in no small degree to our store of + food. Had Captain Smith not been kept from going on shore by the + wickedness of those who were jealous because of his great fame as a + soldier, I dare venture to say our stay at this island of Nevis would have + been far more to our advantage. + </p> + <p> + From this place we went to what Master Hunt told me were the Virgin + islands, and here the men went ashore again to hunt; but my master, + speaking no harsh words against those who were wronging him, lay in the + small, stinging hot room, unable to get for himself even a cup of water, + though I took good care he should not suffer from lack of kindly care. + </p> + <p> + Then on a certain day we sailed past that land which Captain Gosnold told + me was Porto Rico, and next morning came to anchor off the island of Mona, + where the seamen were sent ashore to get fresh water, for our supply was + running low. + </p> + <p> + Captain Newport, and many of the other gentlemen, went on shore to hunt, + and so great was the heat that Master Edward Brookes fell down dead, one + of the sailors telling Nathaniel that the poor man's fat was melted until + he could no longer live; but Captain Smith, who knows more concerning such + matters than all this company rolled into one, save I might except Master + Hunt, declared that the fat of a live person does not melt, however great + the heat. It is the sun shining too fiercely on one's head that brings + about death, and thus it was that Master Brookes died. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A VARIETY OF WILD GAME + </h2> + <p> + Our gentlemen who had the heart to make prisoner of so honest, upright a + man as my master, did not cease their sport because of what had befallen + Master Brookes, but continued at the hunting until they had brought down + two wild boars and also an animal fashioned like unto nothing I had ever + seen before. It was something after the manner of a serpent, but speckled + on the stomach as is a toad, and Captain Smith believed the true name of + it to be Iguana, the like of which he says that he has often seen in other + countries and that its flesh makes very good eating. + </p> + <p> + If any one save Captain Smith had said this, I should have found it hard + to believe him, and as it was I was glad my belief was not put to the + test. Two days afterward we were come to an island which Master Hunt says + is known to seamen as Monica, and there it was that Nathaniel went on + shore in one of the boats, coming back at night to tell me a most wondrous + story. + </p> + <p> + He declared that the birds and their eggs were so plentiful that the whole + island was covered with them; that one could not set down his foot, save + upon eggs, or birds sitting on their nests, some of which could hardly be + driven away even with blows, and when they rose in the air, the noise made + by their wings was so great as to deafen a person. + </p> + <p> + Our seamen loaded two boats full of the eggs in three hours, and all in + the fleet feasted for several days on such as had not yet been spoiled by + the warmth of the birds' bodies. + </p> + <p> + It was on the next day that we left behind us those islands which Captain + Smith told me were the West Indies, and the seaman who stood at the helm + when I came on deck to get water for my master, said we were steering a + northerly course, which would soon bring us to the land of Virginia. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TEMPEST + </h2> + <p> + On that very night, however, such a tempest of wind and of rain came upon + us that I was not the only one who believed the Susan Constant must be + crushed like an eggshell under the great mountains of water which at times + rolled completely over her, so flooding the decks that but few could + venture out to do whatsoever of work was needed to keep the ship afloat. + After this fierce tempest, when the Lord permitted that even our pinnace + should ride in safety, it was believed that we were come near to the new + world, and by day and by night the seamen stood at the rail, throwing the + lead every few minutes in order to discover if we were venturing into + shoal water. + </p> + <p> + Nathaniel and I used to stand by watching them, and wishing that we might + be allowed to throw the line, but never quite getting up our courage to + say so, knowing full well we should probably make a tangle of it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE NEW COUNTRY SIGHTED + </h2> + <p> + As Master George Percy has set down in the writings which I have copied + for him since we came to Virginia, it was on the twenty-sixth day of + April, in the year of our Lord 1607, at about four o'clock in the morning, + when we were come within sight of that land where were to be built homes, + not only for our company of one hundred and five, counting the boys, but + for all who should come after us. + </p> + <p> + It was while the ship lay off the land, her decks crowded with our company + who fain would get the first clear view of that country in which they were + to live, if the savages permitted, that I asked my master who among the + gentlemen of the cabin was the leader in this adventure. + </p> + <p> + To my surprise, he told me that it was not yet known. The London Company + had made an election of those among the gentlemen who should form the new + government, and had written down the names, together with instructions as + to what should be done; but this writing was enclosed in a box which was + not to be opened until we had come to the end of our voyage. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE LEADER NOT KNOWN + </h2> + <p> + There could be no doubt but that Captain Kendall and Captain Martin both + believed that when the will of the London Company was made known, it would + be found they stood in high command; but there was in my heart a great + hope that my master might have been named. Yet when I put the matter to + him in so many words, he treated the matter lightly, saying it could + hardly be, else they had not dared to treat him thus shamefully. + </p> + <p> + However, it was soon to be known, if the commands of the London Company + were obeyed, for now we had come to this new land of Virginia, and the + time was near at hand when would be opened the box containing the names of + those who were to be officers in the town we hoped soon to build. + </p> + <p> + As for myself, I was so excited it seemed impossible to remain quiet many + seconds in one place, and I fear that my duties, which consisted only in + waiting upon the prisoner, my master, were sadly neglected because of the + anxiety in my mind to know who the merchants in London had named as rulers + of the settlement about to be made in the new world. + </p> + <p> + One would have believed from Captain Smith's manner that he had no concern + whatsoever as to the result of all this wickedness and scheming, for it + was neither more nor less than such, as I looked at the matter, on the + part of Captain Kendall and Captain Martin. + </p> + <p> + Here we were in sight of the new world, at a place where we were to live + all the remainder of our lives, and he a prisoner in chains; but yet never + a word of complaint came from his lips. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ARRIVAL AT CHESAPEAKE BAY + </h2> + <p> + When the day had fully dawned, and the fleet stood in toward the noble + bay, between two capes, which were afterward named Cape Henry and Cape + Comfort, Captain Smith directed me to go on deck, in order to keep him + informed of what might be happening. + </p> + <p> + He told me there was no question in his mind but that we were come to the + mouth of Chesapeake Bay, where it had been agreed with the London + merchants we were to go on shore. + </p> + <p> + Standing at the head of the companionway, but not venturing out on deck + lest I should be sent to some other part of the ship, and thus be unable + to give my master the information which he desired, I looked out upon what + seemed to me the most goodly land that could be found in all the wide + world. + </p> + <p> + Trees there were of size fit for masts to the king's ships; flowers + bordered the shore until there were seemingly great waves of this color, + or of that, as far as eye could reach, and set within this dazzling array + of green and gold, and of red and yellow, was a great sea, which Captain + Smith said was called the Chesapeake Bay. + </p> + <p> + We entered for some distance, mayhap three or four miles, before coming to + anchor, and then Master Wingfield, Captain Gosnold, and Captain Newport + went on shore with a party of thirty, made up of seamen and gentlemen, and + my master, who had not so much as stretched his legs since we sailed from + Martinique, was left in his narrow cabin with none but me to care for him! + </p> + <p> + I had thought they would open the box containing the instructions from + London, before doing anything else; but Captain Smith was of the mind that + such business could wait until they had explored sufficiently to find a + place where the new town might be built. + </p> + <p> + It was a long, weary, anxious day for me. The party had left the ship in + the morning, remaining absent until nightfall, and at least four or five + times every hour did I run up from the cabin to gaze shoreward in the hope + of seeing them return, for I was most eager to have the business pushed + forward, and to know whether my master's enemies were given, by the London + Company, permission to do whatsoever they pleased. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + AN ATTACK BY THE SAVAGES + </h2> + <p> + Just after sunset, and before the darkness of night closed in, those who + had been on shore came back very hurriedly and in disorder, bringing with + them in the foremost boat, two wounded men. + </p> + <p> + "They have had a battle with some one, Master," I reported, before yet the + boats were come alongside, and for the first time that day did Captain + Smith appear to be deeply concerned. I heard him say as if to himself, not + intending that the words should reach me: + </p> + <p> + "Lack of caution in dealing with the savages is like to cost us dearly." + </p> + <p> + Half an hour later I heard all the story from Nathaniel Peacock, who had + believed himself fortunate when he was allowed to accompany the party on + shore. + </p> + <p> + According to his account, the company from the fleet roamed over much of + the land during the day, finding fair meadows and goodly trees, with + streams of fresh water here and there bespeaking fish in abundance. + </p> + <p> + Nothing was seen or heard to disturb our people until the signal had been + given for all to go on board the boats, that they might return to the + ships, and then it was that a number of naked, brown men, creeping upon + their hands and knees like animals, with bows and arrows held between + their teeth, came out suddenly from amid the foliage to the number, as + Nathaniel declared, of not less than an hundred. + </p> + <p> + While the white men stood dismayed, awaiting some order from those who + chose to call themselves leaders, the savages shot a multitude of arrows + into the midst of the company, wounding Captain Gabriel Archer in both his + hands, and dangerously hurting one of the seamen. + </p> + <p> + Captain Gosnold gave command for the firearms to be discharged, whereupon + the savages disappeared suddenly, and without delay our people returned to + the fleet. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + READING THE LONDON COMPANY'S ORDERS + </h2> + <p> + An hour later, when those who had just come from the shore had been + refreshed with food, I noted with much of anxiety that all the gentlemen + of the company, not only such as belonged on board the Susan Constant, but + those from the Speedwell, gathered in the great cabin of our ship, and, + looking out ever so cautiously, while the door of Captain Smith's room was + ajar, I saw them gather around the big table on which, as if it were + something of greatest value, was placed a box made of some dark colored + wood. + </p> + <p> + It was Master Hunt who opened this, and, taking out a paper, he read in a + voice so loud that even my master, as he lay in his narrow bed, could hear + the names of those who were chosen by the London Company to form the + Council for the government of the new land of Virginia. + </p> + <p> + These are the names as he read them: Bartholomew Gosnold, Edward + Wingfield, Christopher Newport, John Smith, John Ratcliffe, John Martin + and George Kendall. + </p> + <p> + My heart seemingly leaped into my throat with triumph when I thus heard + the name of my master among those who were to stand as leaders of the + company, and so excited had I become that that which Master Hunt read from + the remainder of the paper failed to attract my attention. + </p> + <p> + I learned afterward, however, that among the rules governing the actions + of this Council, was one that a President should be chosen each year, and + that matters of moment were to be determined by vote of the Council, in + which the President might cast two ballots. + </p> + <p> + It was when Master Hunt ceased reading that I believed my master would be + set free without delay, for of a verity he had the same right to take part + in the deliberations as any other, since it was the will of the London + Company that he should be one of the leaders; but much to my surprise + nothing of the kind was done. Captain Kendall, seeing the door of my + master's room slightly open, arose from the table and closed it, as if he + were about to say something which should not be heard by Captain Smith. + </p> + <p> + I would have opened the door again, but that my master bade me leave it + closed, and when an hour or more had passed, Master Hunt came in to us, + stating that it had not yet been decided by the other members of the + Council whether Captain Smith should be allowed to take part in the + affairs, as the London Company had decided, or whether he should be sent + home for judgment when the fleet returned. But meanwhile he was to have + his liberty. + </p> + <p> + Then it was that Master Hunt, talking like the true man he ever showed + himself to be, advised Captain Smith to do in all things, so far as the + other members of the Council permitted, as if nothing had gone awry, + claiming that before we had been many days in this land, those who had + brought charges against him would fail of making them good. + </p> + <p> + Had I been the one thus so grievously injured, the whole company might + have shipwrecked themselves before I would have raised a hand, all of + which goes to show that I had not learned to rule my temper. + </p> + <p> + Captain Smith, however, agreed with all Master Hunt said, and then it was + that I was sent forward once more. My master went on deck for the first + time since we had left Martinique, walking to and fro swiftly, as if it + pleased him to have command of his legs once more. + </p> + <p> + If Master Hunt and Master Wingfield had been able to bring the others + around to their way of thinking, Captain Smith would have taken his + rightful place in the Council without delay. Instead of which, however, he + remained on board the ship idle, when there was much that he could have + done better than any other, from the day on which we came in sight of + Virginia, which was the fifteenth day of April, until the twenty-sixth day + of June. + </p> + <p> + During all this time, those of the Council who were his enemies claimed + that they could prove he had laid plans to murder all the chief men, and + take his place as king; but yet they did not do so, and my master refused + to hold any parley with them, except that he claimed he was innocent of + all wrong in thought or in act. + </p> + <p> + When the others of the fleet set off to spy out the land, my master + remained aboard the ship, still being a prisoner, except so far that he + wore no fetters, and I would not have left him save he had commanded me + sharply, for at that time, so sore was his heart, that even a lad like me + could now and then say some word which might have in it somewhat of cheer. + </p> + <p> + During this time that Captain Smith was with the company and yet not + numbered as one of them, the other gentlemen explored the country, and + more than once was Nathaniel Peacock allowed to accompany them, therefore + did I hear much which otherwise would not have been told me. + </p> + <p> + And what happened during these two months when the gentlemen were much the + same as quarreling among themselves, I shall set down in as few words as + possible, to the end that I may the sooner come to that story of our life + in the new village, which some called James Fort, and others James Town, + after King James of England. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EXPLORING THE COUNTRY + </h2> + <p> + When the shallop had been taken out of the hold of the Susan Constant, and + put together by the Carpenters, our people explored the shores of the bay + and the broad streams running into it, meeting with savages here and + there, and holding some little converse with them. A few were found to be + friendly, while others appeared to think we were stealing their land by + thus coming among them. + </p> + <p> + One of the most friendly of the savages, so Nathaniel said, having shown + by making marks on the ground with his foot that he wished to tell our + people about the country, and having been given a pen and paper, drew a + map of the river with great care, putting in the islands and waterfalls + and mountains that our men would come to, and afterward he even brought + food to our people such as wheat and little sweet nuts and berries. + </p> + <p> + I myself would have been pleased to go on shore and see these strange + people, but not being able to do so save at the cost of leaving my master, + I can only repeat some of the curious things which Nathaniel Peacock told + me. It must be known that there was more than one nation, or tribe, of + savages in this new land of Virginia, and each had its king or chief, who + was called the werowance. I might set down the names of these tribes, and + yet it would be so much labor lost, because they are more like fanciful + than real words. As, for example, there were the Paspaheghes, whose + werowance was seemingly more friendly to our people than were the others. + </p> + <p> + Again, there were the Rapahannas, who wore the legs of birds through holes + in their ears, and had all the hair on the right side of their heads + shaven closely. + </p> + <p> + It gives them much pleasure to dance, so Nathaniel said, he having seen + them jumping around more like so many wolves, rather than human beings, + for the space of half an hour, shouting and singing all the while. + </p> + <p> + All the Indians smoked an herb called tobacco, which grows abundantly in + this land, and I have Nathaniel's word for it that one savage had a + tobacco pipe nearly a yard long, with the device of a deer carved at the + great end of it big enough to dash out one's brains with. + </p> + <p> + There is very much more which might be said about these savages that would + be of interest; but I am minded now to leave such stories for others to + tell, and come to the day when Captain Newport was ready to sail with the + Susan Constant and the Goodspeed back to England, for his share in the + adventure was only to bring us over from England, after which he had + agreed to return. + </p> + <p> + The pinnace was to be left behind for the use of us who remained in the + strange land. Before this time, meaning the thirteenth day of May, the + members of the Council had decided upon the place where we were to build + our village. It was to be in the country of the Paspahegh Indians, at a + certain spot near the shore where the water runs so deep that our ships + can lie moored to the trees in six fathoms. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE PEOPLE LAND FROM THE SHIPS + </h2> + <p> + Then it was that all the people went on shore, some to set up the tents of + cloth which we had brought with us to serve as shelters before houses + could be built; others to lay out a fort, which it was needed should be + made as early as possible because of the savages, and yet a certain other + number being told off to stand guard against the brown men, who had + already shown that they could be most dangerous enemies. + </p> + <p> + My master went ashore, as a matter of course, with the others, I sticking + close to his side; but neither of us taking any part in the work which had + been begun, because the charges of wickedness were still hanging over his + head. + </p> + <p> + Had Captain Smith been allowed a voice in the Council, certain it is he + never would have chosen this place in which to make the town, for he + pointed out to me that the land lay so low that when the river was at its + height the dampness must be great, and, therefore, exceeding unhealthful, + while there was back of it such an extent of forest, as made it most + difficult to defend, in case the savages came against us. + </p> + <p> + Captain Smith aided me in building for ourselves a hut in front of an + overhanging rock, with the branches of trees. It was a poor shelter at the + best; but he declared it would serve us until such time as he was given + his rightful place among the people, or had been sent back a prisoner to + England. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CAPTAIN SMITH PROVEN INNOCENT + </h2> + <p> + This served us as a living place for many days, or until my master was + come into his own, as he did before the fort was finished, when, on one + certain morning, he demanded of the other members of the Council that they + put him on trial to learn whether the charges could be proven or not, and + this was done on the day before Captain Newport was to take the ships back + to England. + </p> + <p> + There is little need for me to say that Captain Kendall's stories of the + plot, in which he said my master was concerned, came to naught. There were + none to prove that he had ever spoken of such a matter, and the result of + the trial was that they gave him his rightful place at the head of the + company. Before many months were passed, all came to know that but for him + the white people in Jamestown would have come to their deaths. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WE WHO WERE LEFT BEHIND + </h2> + <p> + It was on the fifteenth day of June when the ships sailed out of the + Chesapeake Bay, leaving on the banks of the river we called the James, a + hundred men and boys, all told, to hold their lives and their liberty + against thousands upon thousands of naked savages, who had already shown + that they desired to be enemies rather than friends. Even in the eyes of a + boy, it was an odd company to battle with the savages and the wilderness, + for the greater number were those who called themselves gentlemen, and who + believed it beneath their station to do any labor whatsoever, therefore + did it seem to me that this new town would be burdened sorely with so many + drones. + </p> + <p> + Master Hunt, the preacher, could in good truth call himself a gentleman, + and yet I myself saw him, within two hours after we were landed, nailing a + piece of timber between two trees that he might stretch a square of + sailcloth over it, thus making what served as the first church in the + country of Virginia. Yet Captain Smith has said again and again, that the + discourses of Master Hunt under that poor shelter of cloth, were, to his + mind, more like the real praising of God, than any he had ever heard in + the costly buildings of the old world. + </p> + <p> + For the better understanding of certain things which happened to us after + we had begun to build the village of Jamestown, it should be remembered + that of all the savages in the country roundabout, the most friendly were + those who lived in the same settlement with Powhatan, who was, so Captain + Smith said, the true head and king of all the Indians in Virginia. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BAKING BREAD WITHOUT OVENS + </h2> + <p> + It was in this town of Powhatan's that I discovered how to bake bread + without an oven or other fire than what might be built on the open ground, + and it was well I had my eyes open at that time, otherwise Captain Smith + and I had gone supperless to bed again and again, for there were many days + when our stomachs cried painfully because of emptiness. + </p> + <p> + While my master was talking with the king, Powhatan, on matters concerning + affairs at Jamestown, I saw an Indian girl, whose name I afterward came to + know was Pocahontas, making bread, and observed her carefully. She had + white meal, but whether of barley, or the wheat called Indian corn, or + Guinny wheat I could not say, and this she mixed into a paste with hot + water; making it of such thickness that it could easily be rolled into + little balls or cakes. + </p> + <p> + After the mixture had been thus shaped, she dropped the balls into a pot + of boiling water, letting them stay there until well soaked, when she laid + them on a smooth stone in front of the fire until they had hardened and + browned like unto bread that has been cooked in the oven. + </p> + <p> + But I have set myself to the task of telling how we of Jamestown lived + during that time when my master was much the same as the head of the + government, and it is not well to begin the story with bread making. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + AN UNEQUAL DIVISION OF LABOR + </h2> + <p> + First I must explain upon what terms these people, the greater number of + whom called themselves gentlemen, and therefore claimed to be ashamed to + labor with their hands, had come together under control of those merchants + in London, who were known as the London Company. + </p> + <p> + No person in the town of James was allowed to own any land except as he + had his share of the whole. Every one was expected to work for the good of + the village, and whatsoever of crops was raised, belonged to all the + people. It was not permitted that the more industrious should plant the + land and claim that which grew under their toil. + </p> + <p> + Ours was supposed to be one big family, with each laboring to help the + others at the same time he helped himself, and the result was that those + who worked only a single hour each day, had as much of the general stores + as he who remained in the field from morning until night. + </p> + <p> + Although my master had agreed to this plan before the fleet sailed from + England, he soon came to understand that it was not the best for a new + land, where it was needed that each person should labor to the utmost of + his powers. + </p> + <p> + The London Company had provided a certain number of tents made of cloth, + which were supposed to be enough to give shelter to all the people, and + yet, because those who had charge of the matter had made a mistake, + through ignorance or for the sake of gain, there were no more than would + provide for the members of the Council, who appeared to think they should + be lodged in better fashion than those who were not in authority. + </p> + <p> + My master could well have laid claim to one of these cloth houses; but + because of the charges which had been made against him by Captain Kendall + and Captain Martin, the sting of which yet remained, he chose to live by + himself. Thus it was that he and I threw up the roof of branches + concerning which I have spoken; but it was only to shelter us until better + could be built. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BUILDING A HOUSE OF LOGS + </h2> + <p> + While the others were hunting here and there for the gold which it had + been said could be picked up in Virginia as one gathers acorns in the old + world, Captain Smith set about making a house of logs such as would + protect him from the storms of winter as well as from the summer sun. + </p> + <p> + This he did by laying four logs on the ground in the form of a square, and + so cutting notches in the ends of each that when it was placed on the top + of another, and at right angles with it, the hewn portions would + interlock, one with the other, holding all firmly in place. On top of + these, other huge tree trunks were laid with the same notching of the + ends. It was a vast amount of labor, thus to roll up the heavy logs in the + form of a square until a pen or box had been made as high as a man's head, + and then over that was built a roof of logs fastened together with wooden + pins, or pegs, for iron nails were all too scarce and costly to be used + for such purpose. + </p> + <p> + When the house had been built thus far, the roof was formed of no more + than four or five logs on which a thatching of grass was to be laid later, + and the ends, in what might be called the "peak of the roof," were open to + the weather. Then it was that roughly hewn planks, or logs split into + three or four strips, called puncheons, were pegged with wooden nails on + the sides, or ends, where doors or windows were to be made. + </p> + <p> + Then the space inside this framework was sawed out, and behold you had a + doorway, or the opening for a window, to be filled in afterward as time + and material with which to work might permit. + </p> + <p> + After this had been done, the ends under the roof were covered with yet + more logs, sawn to the proper length and pegged together, until, save for + the crevices between the timbers, the whole gave protection against the + weather. + </p> + <p> + Then came the work of thatching the roof, which was done by the branches + of trees, dried grass, or bark. My master put on first a layer of branches + from which the leaves had been stripped, and over that we laid coarse + grass to the depth of six or eight inches, binding the same down with + small saplings running from one side to the other, to the number of ten on + each slope of the roof. To me was given the task of closing up the + crevices between the logs with mud and grass mixed, and this I did the + better because Nathaniel Peacock worked with me, doing his full share of + the labor. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0027" id="link2H_4_0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + KEEPING HOUSE + </h2> + <p> + When we came ashore from the ships, no one claimed Nathaniel as servant, + and he, burning to be in my company, asked Captain Smith's permission to + enter his employ. My master replied that it had not been in his mind there + should be servants and lords in this new world of Virginia, where one was + supposed to be on the same footing as another; but if Nathaniel were + minded to live under the same roof with us, and would cheerfully perform + his full share of the labor, it might be as he desired. + </p> + <p> + Because our house was the first to be put up in the new village, and, + being made of logs, was by far the best shelter, even in comparison with + the tents of cloth, Nathaniel and I decided that it should be the most + homelike, if indeed that could be compassed where were no women to keep + things cleanly. I am in doubt as to whether Captain Smith, great traveler + and brave adventurer though he was, had even realized that with only men + to perform the household duties, there would be much lack of comfort. + </p> + <p> + The floor of the house was only the bare earth beaten down hard. We lads + made brooms, by tying the twigs of trees to a stick, which was not what + might be called a good makeshift, and yet with such we kept the inside of + our home far more cleanly than were some of the tents. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0028" id="link2H_4_0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LACK OF CLEANLINESS IN THE VILLAGE + </h2> + <p> + There were many who believed, because there were no women in our midst, we + should spare our labor in the way of keeping cleanly, and before we had + been in the new village a week, the floors of many of the dwellings were + littered with dirt of various kinds, until that which should have been a + home, looked more like a place in which swine are kept. + </p> + <p> + From the very first day we came ashore, good Master Hunt went about urging + that great effort be made to keep the houses, and the paths around them, + cleanly, saying that unless we did so, there was like to be a sickness + come among us. With some his preaching did good, but by far the greater + number, and these chiefly to be found among the self called gentlemen, + gave no heed. + </p> + <p> + It was as if these lazy ones delighted in filth. Again and again have I + seen one or another throw the scrapings of the trencher bowls just outside + the door of the tent or hut, where those who came or went must of a + necessity tread upon them, and one need not struggle hard to realize what + soon was the condition of the village. + </p> + <p> + After a heavy shower many of the paths were covered ankle deep with filth + of all kinds, and when the sun shone warm and bright, the stench was too + horrible to be described by ordinary words. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0029" id="link2H_4_0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CAVE HOMES + </h2> + <p> + There were other kinds of homes, and quite a number of them, that were + made neither of cloth nor of logs. These were holes dug in the side of + small hillocks until a sleeping room had been made, when the front part + was covered with brush or logs, built outward from the hill to form a + kitchen. + </p> + <p> + During a storm these cave homes were damp, often times actually muddy, and + those who slept therein were but inviting the mortal sickness that came + all too soon among us, until it was as if the Angel of Death had taken + possession of Jamestown. + </p> + <p> + Captain Smith said everything he could to persuade these people, who were + content to live in a hole in the ground, that they were little better than + beasts of the field. + </p> + <p> + But so long as the foolish ones continued to believe this new world was + much the same as filled with gold and silver, so long they wasted their + time searching. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0030" id="link2H_4_0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE GOLDEN FEVER + </h2> + <p> + But for this golden fever, which attacked the gentlemen more fiercely than + it did the common people, the story of Jamestown would not have been one + of disaster brought about by willful heedlessness and stupidity. + </p> + <p> + Again and again did Captain Smith urge that crops be planted, while it was + yet time, in order that there might be food at hand when the winter came; + but he had not yet been allowed to take his place in the Council, and + those who had the thirst for gold strong upon them, taunted him with the + fact that he had no right to raise his voice above the meanest of the + company. They refused to listen when he would have spoken with them as a + friend, and laughed him to scorn when he begged that they take heed to + their own lives. + </p> + <p> + I cannot understand why our people were so crazy. Even though Nathaniel + and I were but lads, with no experience of adventure such as was before + us, we could realize that unless a man plants he may not reap, and because + we had been hungry many a time in London town, we knew full well that when + the season had passed there was like to be a famine among us. + </p> + <p> + I can well understand, now that I am a man grown, why our people were so + careless regarding the future, for everywhere around us was food in + plenty. Huge flocks of wild swans circled above our heads, trumpeting the + warning that winter would come before gold could be found. Wild geese, + cleaving the air in wedge shaped line, honked harshly that the season for + gathering stores of food was passing, while at times, on a dull morning, + it was as if the waters of the bay were covered completely with ducks of + many kinds. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DUCKS AND OYSTERS + </h2> + <p> + I have heard Captain Smith say more than once, that he had seen flocks of + ducks a full mile wide and five or six miles long, wherein canvasbacks, + mallard, widgeon, redheads, dottrel, sheldrake, and teal swam wing to + wing, actually crowding each other. When such flocks rose in the air, the + noise made by their wings was like unto the roaring of a tempest at sea. + </p> + <p> + Then there was bed after bed of oysters, many of which were uncovered at + ebb tide, when a hungry man might stand and eat his fill of shellfish, + never one of them less than six inches long, and many twice that size. It + is little wonder that the gold crazed men refused to listen while my + master warned them that the day might come when they would be hungry to + the verge of starvation. + </p> + <p> + Now perhaps you will like to hear how we two lads, bred in London town, + with never a care as to how our food had been cooked, so that we had + enough with which to fill our stomachs, made shift to prepare meals that + could be eaten by Captain Smith, for so we did after taking counsel with + the girl Pocahontas from Powhatan's village. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0032" id="link2H_4_0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ROASTING OYSTERS + </h2> + <p> + In the first place, the shell fish called oysters are readily cooked, or + may be eaten raw with great satisfaction. I know not what our people of + Virginia would have done without them, and yet it was only by chance or + accident that we came to learn how nourishing they are. + </p> + <p> + A company of our gentlemen had set off to explore the country very shortly + after we came ashore from the fleet, and while going through that portion + of the forest which borders upon the bay, happened upon four savages who + were cooking something over the fire. + </p> + <p> + The Indians ran away in alarm, and, on coming up to discover what the + brown men had which was good to eat, the explorers found a large number of + oysters roasting on the coals. Through curiosity, one of our gentlemen + tasted of the fish, and, much to his surprise, found it very agreeable to + the stomach. + </p> + <p> + Before telling his companions the result of his experiment, he ate all the + oysters that had been cooked, which were more than two dozen large ones, + and then, instead of exploring the land any further on that day, our + gentlemen spent their time gathering and roasting the very agreeable fish. + </p> + <p> + As a matter of course, the news of this discovery spread throughout the + settlement, and straightway every person was eating oysters; but they soon + tired of them, hankering after wheat of some kind. + </p> + <p> + Among those who served some of the gentlemen even as Nathaniel and I aimed + to serve Captain Smith, was James Brumfield, a lazy, shiftless lad near to + seventeen years old. Being hungry, and not inclined to build a fire, + because it would be necessary to gather fuel, he ventured to taste of a + raw oyster. Finding it pleasant to the mouth, he actually gorged himself + until sickness put an end to the gluttonous meal. + </p> + <p> + It can thus be seen that even though Nathaniel and I had never been + apprenticed to a cook, it was not difficult for us to serve our master + with oysters roasted or raw, laid on that which answered in the stead of a + table, in their own shells. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0033" id="link2H_4_0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LEARNING TO COOK OTHER THINGS + </h2> + <p> + Then again the Indian girl had shown us how to boil beans, peas, Indian + corn, and pumpkins together, making a kind of porridge which is most + pleasant, and affords a welcome change from oysters; but the great + drawback is that we are not able to come at the various things needed for + the making of it, except when our gentlemen have been fortunate in trading + with the brown men, which is not often. + </p> + <p> + This Indian corn, pounded and boiled until soft, is a dish Captain Smith + eats of with an appetite, provided it is well salted, and one does not + need to be a king's cook in order to make it ready for the table. The + pounding is the hardest and most difficult portion of the task, for the + kernels are exceeding flinty, and fly off at a great distance when struck + a glancing blow. + </p> + <p> + Nathaniel and I have brought inside our house a large, flat rock, on which + we pound the corn, and one of us is kept busy picking up the grains that + fly here and there as if possessed of an evil spirit. Newsamp is the name + which the savages give to this cooking of wheat. + </p> + <p> + I have an idea that when we get a mill for grinding, it will be possible + to break the kernels easily and quickly between the millstones, without + crushing a goodly portion of them to meal. + </p> + <p> + When the Indian corn is young, that is to say, before it has grown hard, + the ears as plucked from the stalks may be roasted before the coals with + great profit, and when we would give our master something unusually + pleasing, Nathaniel and I go abroad in search of the gardens made by the + savages, where we may get, by bargaining, a supply of roasting ears. + </p> + <p> + With a trencher of porridge, and a dozen roasting ears, together with a + half score of the bread balls such as I have already written about, + Captain Smith can satisfy his hunger with great pleasure, and then it is + that he declares he has the most comfortable home in all Virginia, thanks + to his "houseboys," as he is pleased to call us. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0034" id="link2H_4_0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE SWEET POTATO ROOT + </h2> + <p> + The Indians have roots, which some of our gentlemen call sweet potatoes, + which are by no means unpleasant to the taste, the only difficulty being + that we cannot get any great quantity of them. Our master declares that + when we make a garden, this root shall be the first thing planted, and + after it has ripened, we will have some cooked every day. + </p> + <p> + Nathaniel and I have no trouble in preparing the root, for it may be + roasted in the ashes, boiled into a pudding which should be well salted, + or mixed with the meal of Indian corn and made into a kind of sweet cake. + </p> + <p> + However, we lads have not had good success in baking this last dish, + because of the ashes which fly out of the fire when the wind blows ever so + slightly. Captain Smith declares that he would rather have the ashes + without the meal and sweet potato, if indeed he must eat any, but of + course when he speaks thus, it is only in the way of making sport. + </p> + <p> + Captain Kendall, who, because he has made two voyages to the Indies, + believes himself a wondrously wise man, says that he who eats sweet + potatoes at least once each day will not live above seven years, and he + who eats them twice every day will become blind, after which all his teeth + will drop out. + </p> + <p> + Because of this prediction, many of our gentlemen are not willing even so + much as to taste of the root, but Captain Smith says that wise men may + grow fat where fools starve, therefore he gathers up all the sweet + potatoes which the others have thrown away, for they please him exceeding + well. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0035" id="link2H_4_0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A TOUCH OF HOMESICKNESS + </h2> + <p> + There is no need for me to say that it makes both Nathaniel and me glad to + be praised by our master, because we keep the house cleanly and strive to + serve the food in such a manner as not to offend the eye; but we would + willingly dispense with such welcome words if thereby it would be possible + to see a woman messing around the place. + </p> + <p> + Strive as boys may, they cannot attend to household matters as do girls or + women, who have been brought into the world knowing how to perform such + tasks, and it is more homelike to see them around. + </p> + <p> + Nathaniel and I often picture to each other what this village of Jamestown + would be if in each camp, cave, or log hut a woman was in command, and + ever when we talk thus comes into my heart a sickness for the old homes of + England, even though after my mother died there was none for me; but yet + it would do me a world of good even to look upon a housewife. A most + friendly gentleman is Master Hunt, and even though he is so far above me + in station, I never fail of getting a kindly greeting when I am so + fortunate as to meet him. He comes often to see Captain Smith, for the two + talk long and earnestly over the matter of the Council, and at such times + it is as if he went out of his way to give me a good word. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0036" id="link2H_4_0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MASTER HUNT'S PREACHING + </h2> + <p> + Therefore it is that I go to hear him preach whenever the people are + summoned to a meeting beneath the square of canvas in the wood, and more + than once I have heard from him that which has taken the sickness for home + out of my heart. Our people are not inclined to listen to him in great + numbers, however. I have never seen above twenty at one time, the others + being busy in the search for gold, or trying to decide among themselves as + to how it may best be found. + </p> + <p> + More than once have I heard Master Hunt say, while talking privately with + my master, that there would be greater hope for this village of ours if we + had more laborers and less gentlemen, for in a new land it is only work + that can win in the battle against the savages and the wilderness. + </p> + <p> + Four carpenters, one blacksmith, two bricklayers, a mason, a sailor, a + barber, a tailor, and a drummer make up the list of skilled workmen, if, + indeed, one who can do nothing save drum may be called a laborer. To these + may be added twelve serving men and four boys. All the others are + gentlemen, or, as Master Hunt puts it, drones expecting to live through + the mercy of God whom they turn their backs upon. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0037" id="link2H_4_0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NEGLECTING TO PROVIDE FOR THE FUTURE + </h2> + <p> + The one thing which seemed most surprising to us lads, after Captain Smith + had called it to our notice, was that these people, who knew there could + be no question but that the winter would find them in Jamestown, when + there could be neither roasting ears, peas, beans, nor fowls of the air to + be come at, made no provision for a harvest. + </p> + <p> + Captain Smith, not being allowed to raise his voice in the Council, could + only speak as one whose words have little weight, since he was not in + authority; but he lost no opportunity of telling these gold seekers that + only those who sowed might reap, and unless seed was put into the ground, + there would be no crops to serve as food during the winter. + </p> + <p> + Even Master Wingfield, the President of the Council, refused to listen + when my master would have spoken to him as a friend. He gave more heed to + exploring the land, than to what might be our fate in the future. He would + not even allow the gentlemen to make such a fort as might withstand an + assault by the savages, seeming to think it of more importance to know + what was to be found on the banks of this river or of that, than to guard + against those brown people who daily gave token of being unfriendly. + </p> + <p> + The serving men and laborers were employed in making clapboards that we + might have a cargo with which to fill one of Captain Newport's ships when + he returned from England, according to the plans of the London Company. + The gentlemen roamed here or there, seeking the yellow metal which had + much the same as caused a madness among them; and, save in the case of + Master Hunt and Captain Smith, none planted even the smallest garden. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0038" id="link2H_4_0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SURPRISED BY SAVAGES + </h2> + <p> + The fort, as it was called, had been built only of the branches of trees, + and might easily have been overrun by savages bent on doing us harm. + </p> + <p> + It was while Master Wingfield, with thirty of the gentlemen, was gone to + visit Powhatan's village, and the others were hunting for gold, leaving + only my master and the preacher to look after the serving men and the + laborers, that upward of an hundred naked savages suddenly came down upon + us, counting to make an end of all who were in the town. + </p> + <p> + It was a most fearsome sight to see the brown men, their bodies painted + with many colors, carrying bows and arrows, dash out from among the trees + bent on taking our lives, and for what seemed a very long while our people + ran here and there like ants whose nest has been broken in upon. + </p> + <p> + Captain Smith gave no heed to his own safety; but shouted for all to take + refuge in our house of logs, while Master Hunt did what he might to aid in + the defence; yet, because there had been no exercise at arms, nor + training, that each should know what was his part at such a time, + seventeen of the people were wounded, some grievously, and one boy, James + Brumfield of whom I have already spoken, was killed by an arrow piercing + his eye. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0039" id="link2H_4_0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + STRENGTHENING THE FORT + </h2> + <p> + Next day, when Master Wingfield and his following came in, none the better + for having gone to Powhatan's village, all understood that it would have + been wiser had they listened to my master when he counseled them to take + exercise at arms, and straightway all the men were set about making a fort + with a palisade, which last is the name for a fence built of logs set on + end, side by side, in the ground, and rising so high that the enemy may + not climb over it. This work took all the time of the laborers until the + summer was gone, and in the meanwhile the gentlemen made use of the stores + left us by the fleet, until there remained no more than one half pint of + wheat to each man for a day's food. + </p> + <p> + The savages strove by day and by night to murder us, till it was no longer + safe to go in search of oysters or wildfowl, and from wheat which had lain + so long in the holds of the ships that nearly every grain in it had a + worm, did we get our only nourishment. + </p> + <p> + The labor of building the palisade was most grievous, and it was not + within the power of man to continue it while eating such food; therefore + the sickness came upon us, when it was as if all had been condemned to + die. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0040" id="link2H_4_0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A TIME OF SICKNESS AND DEATH + </h2> + <p> + The first who went out from among us, was John Asbie, on the sixth of + August. Three days later George Flowers followed him. On the tenth of the + same month William Bruster, one of the gentlemen, died of a wound given by + the savages while he was searching for gold, and two others laid down + their lives within the next eight and forty hours. + </p> + <p> + Then the deaths came rapidly, gentlemen as well as serving men or + laborers, until near eighty of our company were either in the grave, or + unable to move out of such shelters as served as houses. + </p> + <p> + A great fear came upon all, save that my master held his head as high as + ever, and went here and there with Master Hunt to do what he might toward + soothing the sick and comforting the dying. + </p> + <p> + It was on the twentieth day of August when Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, + one of the Council, died, and then Master Wingfield forgot all else save + his own safety. More than one in our village declared that he was making + ready the pinnace that he might run away from us, as if the Angel of Death + could be escaped from by flight. + </p> + <p> + It was starvation brought about by sheer neglect, together with lying upon + the bare ground and drinking of the river water, which by this time was + very muddy, that had brought us to such a pass. + </p> + <p> + Save for the king, Powhatan, and some few of the other savages in + authority, we must all have died; but when there were only five in all our + company able to stand without aid, God touched the hearts of these + Indians. They, who had lately been trying to kill us, suddenly came to do + what they might toward saving our lives after a full half of the company + were in the grave. + </p> + <p> + They brought food such as was needed to nourish us, and within a short + time the greater number of us who were left alive, could go about, but + only with difficulty. It was a time of terror, of suffering, and of close + acquaintance with death such as I cannot set down in words, for even at + this late day the thought of what we then endured chills my heart. + </p> + <p> + When we had been restored to health and strength, and were no longer + hungry, thanks to those who had been our bitter enemies, the chief men of + the village began to realize that my master had not only given good advice + on all occasions, but stood among them bravely when the President of the + Council was making preparations to run away. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0041" id="link2H_4_0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CAPTAIN SMITH GAINS AUTHORITY + </h2> + <p> + There was but little idle talk made by the members of the Council in + deciding that Master Wingfield should be deprived of his office, and + Master Ratcliffe set in his place. Captain Smith was called upon to take + his proper position in the government, and, what was more, to him they + gave the direction of all matters outside the town, which was much the + same as putting him in authority over even the President himself. + </p> + <p> + It was greatly to my pleasure that Captain Smith lost no time in + exercising the power which had been given him. Nor was he at all gentle in + dealing with those men who disdained to soil their hands by working, yet + were willing to spend one day, and every day, searching for gold, without + raising a finger toward adding to the general store, but at the same time + claiming the right to have so much of food as would not only satisfy their + hunger, but minister to their gluttony. + </p> + <p> + Nathaniel and I heard our master talking over the matter with the + preacher, on the night the Council had given him full charge of everything + save the dealings which might be had later with the London Company, + therefore it was that we knew there would be different doings on the + morrow. + </p> + <p> + Greatly did we rejoice thereat, for Jamestown had become as slovenly and + ill kempt a village as ever the sun shone upon. + </p> + <p> + Now it must be set down that these gentlemen of ours, when not searching + for gold, were wont to play at bowls in the lanes and paths, that they + might have amusement while the others were working, and woe betide the + serving man or laborer, who by accident interfered with their sports. + </p> + <p> + On this day, after the conversation with Master Hunt, all was changed. + Captain Smith began his duties as guardian and director of the village by + causing it to be proclaimed through the mouth of Nicholas Skot, our + drummer, that there would be no more playing at bowls in the streets of + Jamestown while it was necessary that very much work should be performed, + and this spoken notice also stated, that whosoever dared to disobey the + command should straightway be clapped into the stocks. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0042" id="link2H_4_0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DISAGREEABLE MEASURES OF DISCIPLINE + </h2> + <p> + Lest there should be any question as to whether my master intended to + carry out this threat or no, William Laxon, one of the carpenters, was + forthwith set to work building stocks in front of the tent where lived + Master Ratcliffe, the new President of the Council. Nor was this the only + change disagreeable to our gentlemen, which Captain Smith brought about. + No sooner had Nicholas Skot proclaimed the order that whosoever played at + bowls should be set in the stocks, than he was commanded to turn about and + announce with all the strength of his lungs, so that every one in the + village might hear and understand, that those who would not work should + not have whatsoever to eat. + </p> + <p> + Verily this was a hard blow to the gentlemen of our company, who prided + themselves upon never having done with their hands that which was useful. + One would have thought my master had made this rule for his own particular + pleasure, for straightway those of the gentlemen who could least hold + their tempers in check, gathered in the tent which Master Wingfield had + taken for his own, and there agreed among themselves that if Captain Smith + persisted in such brutal rule, they would overturn all the authority in + the town, and end by setting the Captain himself in the stocks which + William Laxon was then making. It so chanced that Master Hunt overheard + these threats at the time they were made, and, like a true friend and good + citizen, reported the same to Captain Smith. + </p> + <p> + Whereupon my master chose a certain number from among those of the + gentlemen who had become convinced that sharp measures were necessary if + we of Jamestown would live throughout the winter, commanding that they + make careful search of every tent, cave, hut or house in the village, + taking therefrom all that was eatable, and storing it in the log house + which had been put up for the common use. + </p> + <p> + Then he appointed Kellam Throgmorton, a gentleman who was well able to + hold his own against any who might attempt to oppose him, to the office of + guardian of the food, giving strict orders that nothing whatsoever which + could be eaten, should be given to those who did not present good proof of + having done a full day's labor. + </p> + <p> + Of course the people who lay sick were excused from such order, and Master + Hunt was chosen to make up a list of those who must be fed, yet who were + not able to work by reason of illness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0043" id="link2H_4_0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SIGNS OF REBELLION + </h2> + <p> + Now it can well be understood that such measures as these caused no little + in the way of rebellion, and during the two hours Nicholas Skot cried the + proclamation through the streets and lanes of the village, the gentlemen + who had determined to resist Captain Smith were in a fine state of + ferment. + </p> + <p> + It was as if a company of crazy men had been suddenly let loose among us. + Not content with plotting secretly against my master, they must needs + swagger about, advising others to join them in their rebellion, and + everywhere could be heard oaths and threats, in such language as was like + to cause honest men's hair to stand on end. + </p> + <p> + For a short time Nathaniel Peacock and I actually trembled with fear, + believing the house of logs would be pulled down over our heads, for no + less than a dozen of the so called gentlemen were raging and storming + outside; but disturbing Captain Smith not one whit. He sat there, + furbishing his matchlock as if having nothing better with which to occupy + the time; but, as can well be fancied, drinking in every word of mutiny + which was uttered. + </p> + <p> + Then, as if he would saunter out for a stroll, the captain left the house, + which was much the same as inviting these disorderly ones to attack him; + but they lacked the courage, for he went to the fort without being + molested. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0044" id="link2H_4_0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE SECOND PROCLAMATION + </h2> + <p> + It seemed to me as if no more than half an hour had passed before Nicholas + Skot was making another proclamation, and this time to the effect that + whosoever, after that moment, was heard uttering profane words, should + have a can full of cold water poured down his sleeve. + </p> + <p> + On hearing this, the unruly ones laughed in derision and straightway began + to shout forth such a volley of oaths as I had never heard during a + drunken brawl in the streets of London. + </p> + <p> + It was not long, however, that they were thus allowed to shame decent + people. Down from the fort came Captain Smith, with six stout men behind + him, and in a twinkling there was as hot a fight within twenty paces of + Master Ratcliffe's tent, as could be well imagined. + </p> + <p> + And the result of it all was, much to the satisfaction of Nathaniel and + myself, that every one of these men who had amused themselves by uttering + the vilest of oaths, had a full can of the coldest water that could be + procured, poured down the sleeve of his doublet. + </p> + <p> + The method of doing it was comical, if one could forget how serious was + the situation. Two of my master's followers would pounce upon the fellow + who was making the air blue with oaths, and, throwing him to the ground, + hold him there firmly while the third raised his arm and carefully poured + the water down the sleeve. + </p> + <p> + Now you may fancy that this was not very harsh treatment; but I afterward + heard those who had been thus punished, say that they would choose five or + six stout lashes on their backs, rather than take again such a dose as was + dealt out on that day after John Smith was made captain and commander, or + whatsoever you choose to call his office, in the village of Jamestown. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0045" id="link2H_4_0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BUILDING A FORTIFIED VILLAGE + </h2> + <p> + There is little need for me to say that these were not the only reforms + which my master brought about, after having waited long enough for our + lazy gentlemen to understand that unless they set their hands to labor + they could not eat from the general store. + </p> + <p> + He straightway set these idle ones to work building houses, declaring that + if the sickness which had come among us was to be checked, our people must + no longer sleep upon the ground, or in caves where the moisture gathered + all around them. + </p> + <p> + He marked out places whereon log dwellings should be placed, in such + manner that when the houses had been set up, they would form a square, + and, as I heard him tell Master Hunt, it was his intention to have all the + buildings surrounded by a palisade in which should be many gates. + </p> + <p> + Thus, when all was finished, he would have a fort-like village, wherein + the people could rest without fear of what the savages might be able to + do. + </p> + <p> + By the time such work was well under way, and our gentlemen laboring as + honest men should, after learning that it was necessary so to do unless + they were willing to go hungry, Captain Smith set about adding to our + store of food, for it was not to be supposed that we could depend for any + length of time upon what the Indians might give us, and the winter would + be long. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0046" id="link2H_4_0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TRAPPING TURKEYS + </h2> + <p> + The wild turkeys had appeared in the forest in great numbers, but few had + been killed by our people because of the savages, many of whom were not to + be trusted, even though the chiefs of three tribes professed to be + friendly. It was this fact which had prevented us from doing much in the + way of hunting. + </p> + <p> + Now that we were in such stress for food, and since all had turned + laborers, whether willingly or no, much in the way of provisions was + needed. Captain Smith set about taking the turkeys as he did about most + other matters, which is to say, that it was done in a thorough manner. + </p> + <p> + Instead of being forced to spend at least one charge of powder for each + fowl killed, he proposed that we trap them, and showed how it might be + done, according to his belief. + </p> + <p> + Four men were told off to do the work, and they were kept busy cutting + saplings and trimming them down until there was nothing left save poles + from fifteen to twenty feet long. Then, with these poles laid one above + the other, a square pen was made, and at the top was a thatching of + branches, so that no fowl larger than a pigeon might go through. + </p> + <p> + From one side of this trap, or turkey pen, was dug a ditch perhaps two + feet deep, and the same in width, running straightway into the thicket + where the turkeys were in the custom of roosting, for a distance of twenty + feet or more. This ditch was carried underneath the side of the pen, where + was an opening hardly more than large enough for one turkey to pass + through. Corn was scattered along the whole length of the ditch, and thus + was the trap set. + </p> + <p> + The turkeys, on finding the trail of corn, would follow hurriedly along, + like the gluttons they are, with the idea of coming upon a larger hoard, + and thus pass through into the pen. Once inside they were trapped + securely, for the wild turkey holds his head so high that he can never see + the way out through a hole which is at a level with his feet. + </p> + <p> + It was a most ingenious contrivance, and on the first morning after it had + been set at night, we had fifty plump fellows securely caged, when it was + only necessary to enter the trap by crawling through the top, and kill + them at our leisure. + </p> + <p> + It may be asked how we made shift to cook such a thing as a turkey, other + than by boiling it in a kettle, and this can be told in very few words, + for it was a simple matter after once you had become accustomed to it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0047" id="link2H_4_0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A CRUDE KIND OF CHIMNEY + </h2> + <p> + First you must know, however, that when our houses of logs had been built, + we had nothing with which to make a chimney such as one finds in London. + We had no bricks, and although, mayhap, flat rocks might have been found + enough for two or three, there was no mortar in the whole land of Virginia + with which to fasten them together. + </p> + <p> + Therefore it was we were forced to build a chimney of logs, laying it up + on the outside much as we had the house, but plentifully besmearing it + with mud on the inside, and chinking the crevices with moss and clay. + </p> + <p> + When this had been done, a hole was cut for the smoke, directly through + the side of the house. The danger of setting the building on fire was + great; but we strove to guard against it so much as possible by plastering + a layer of mud over the wood, and by keeping careful watch when we had a + roaring fire. Oftentimes were we forced to stop in the task of cooking, + take all the vessels from the coals, and throw water upon the blazing + logs. + </p> + <p> + The chimney was a rude affair, of course, and perhaps if we had had women + among us, they would have claimed that no cooking could be done, when all + the utensils were placed directly on the burning wood, or hung above it + with chains fastened to the top of the fireplace; but when lads like + Nathaniel and me, who had never had any experience in cooking with proper + tools, set about the task, it did not seem difficult, for we were + accustomed to nothing else. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0048" id="link2H_4_0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + COOKING A TURKEY + </h2> + <p> + And this is how we could roast a turkey: after drawing the entrails from + the bird, we filled him full of chinquapin nuts, which grow profusely in + this land, and are, perhaps, of some relation to the chestnut. An oaken + stick, sufficiently long to reach from one side of the fireplace to the + other, and trimmed with knives until it was no larger around than the + ramrod of a matchlock, forms our spit, and this we thrust through the body + of the bird from end to end. A pile of rocks on either side of the + fireplace, at a proper distance from the burning wood, serves as rests for + the ends of the wooden spit, and when thus placed the bird will be cooked + in front of the fire, if whosoever is attending to the labor turns the + carcass from time to time, so that each portion may receive an equal + amount of heat. + </p> + <p> + I am not pretending to say that this is a skillful method of cooking; but + if you had been with us in Jamestown, and were as hungry as we often were, + a wild turkey filled with chinquapin nuts, and roasted in such fashion, + would make a very agreeable dinner. + </p> + <p> + We were put to it for a table; but yet a sort of shelf made from a plank + roughly split out of the trunk of a tree, and furnished with two legs on + either end, was not as awkward as one may fancy, for we had no chairs on + which to sit while eating; but squatted on the ground, and this low bench + served our purpose as well as a better piece of furniture would have done. + </p> + <p> + When the captain was at home, he carved the bird with his hunting knife, + and one such fowl would fill the largest trencher bowl we had among us. + </p> + <p> + Nor could we be overly nice while eating, and since we had no napkins on + which to wipe our fingers, a plentiful supply of water was necessary to + cleanse one's hands, for these wild turkeys are overly fat in the months + of September and October, and he who holds as much of the cooked flesh in + his hand as is needed for a hearty dinner, squeezes therefrom a + considerable amount in the way of grease. + </p> + <p> + We were better off for vessels in which to put our food, than in many + other respects, for we had of trencher bowls an abundance, and the London + Company had outfitted us with ware of iron, or of brass, or of copper, + until our poor table seemed laden with an exceeding rich store. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0049" id="link2H_4_0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CANDLES OR RUSHLIGHTS + </h2> + <p> + To provide lights for ourselves, now that the evenings were grown longer, + was a much more difficult task than to cook without proper conveniences, + for it cost considerable labor. We had our choice between the candle wood, + as the pitch pine is called, or rushlights, which last are made by + stripping the outer bark from common rushes, thus leaving the pith bare; + then dipping these in tallow, or grease, and allowing them to harden. In + such manner did we get makeshifts for candles, neither pleasing to the eye + nor affording very much in the way of light; yet they served in a certain + degree to dispel the darkness when by reason of storm we were shut in the + dwellings, and made the inside of the house very nearly cheerful in + appearance. + </p> + <p> + To get the tallow or grease with which to make these rushlights, we saved + the fat of the deer, or the bear, or even a portion of the grease from + turkeys, and, having gathered sufficient for the candle making, mixed them + all in one pot for melting. + </p> + <p> + The task of gathering the candle wood was more pleasing, and yet + oftentimes had in it more of work, for it was the knots of the trees which + gave the better light, and we might readily fasten them upon an iron + skewer, or rod, which was driven into the side of the house for such + purpose. + </p> + <p> + Some of our people, who were too lazy to search for knots, split the wood + into small sticks, each about the size of a goose quill, and, standing + three or four in a vessel filled with sand, gained as much in the way of + light as might be had from one pine knot. + </p> + <p> + Of course, those who were overly particular, would find fault with the + smoke from this candle wood, and complain of the tar which oozed from it; + but one who lives in the wilderness must not expect to have all the + luxuries that can be procured in London. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0050" id="link2H_4_0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE VISIT OF POCAHONTAS + </h2> + <p> + We had a visitor from the village of Powhatan very soon after Captain + Smith took command of Jamestown to such an extent that the gentlemen were + forced to work and to speak without oaths, through fear of getting too + much cold water inside the sleeves of their doublets. + </p> + <p> + This visitor was the same Indian girl I had seen making bread, and quite + by chance our house was the first she looked into, which caused me much + pride, for I believed she was attracted to it because it was more cleanly + than many of the others. + </p> + <p> + We were all at home when she came, being about to partake of the noonday + meal, which was neither more nor less than a big turkey weighing more than + two score pounds, and roasted to a brownness which would cause a hungry + person's mouth to water. + </p> + <p> + Although she who had halted to look in at our door was only a girl, + Captain Smith treated her as if she were the greatest lady in the world, + himself leading her inside to his own place at the trencher board, while + she, in noways shy, began to help herself to the fattest pieces of meat, + thereby besmearing herself with grease until there was enough running down + her chin to have made no less than two rushlights, so Nathaniel Peacock + declared. + </p> + <p> + Of course, being a savage, she could not speak in our language, but the + master, who had studied diligently since coming to this world of Virginia + to learn the speech of the Indians, made shift to get from her some little + information, she being the daughter of Powhatan, the king concerning whom + I have already set down many things. + </p> + <p> + At first Captain Smith was of the belief that she had come on some errand; + but after much questioning, more by signs than words, it came out, as we + understood the matter, that the girl was in Jamestown for no other purpose + than to see what we white people were like. + </p> + <p> + Captain Smith was minded that she should be satisfied, so far as her + curiosity was concerned, for when the dinner had come to an end, and I had + given this king's daughter some dry, sweet grass on which to wipe her + hands and mouth, he conducted her around the village, allowing that she + look in upon the tents and houses at her pleasure. + </p> + <p> + She stayed with us until the sun was within an hour of setting, and then + darted off into the forest as does a startled pheasant, stopping for a + single minute when she had got among the trees, to wave her hand, as if + bidding us goodbye, or in plain mischief. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0051" id="link2H_4_0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CAPTAIN KENDALL'S PLOT + </h2> + <p> + It is not possible my memory will serve me to tell of all that was done by + us in Jamestown after we were come to our senses through the efforts of my + master; but the killing of Captain Kendall is one of the many terrible + happenings in Virginia, which will never be forgotten so long as I shall + live. + </p> + <p> + After our people were relieved from the famine through the gifts from the + Indians and the coming of wild fowl, Captain Smith set about making some + plans to provide us with food during the winter, and to that end he set + off in the shallop to trade with the savages, taking with him six men. He + had a goodly store of beads and trinkets with which to make payment for + what he might be able to buy, for these brown men are overly fond of what + among English people would be little more than toys. + </p> + <p> + While he was gone, Master Wingfield and Captain Kendall were much + together, for both were in a certain way under disgrace since the plot + with which they charged my master had been shown to have been of their own + evil imaginings. They at once set about making friends with some of the + serving men, and this in itself was so strange that Nathaniel and I kept + our eyes and ears open wide to discover the cause. + </p> + <p> + It was not many days before we came to know that there was a plan on foot, + laid by these two men who should have been working for the good of the + colony instead of to further their own base ends, to seize upon our + pinnace, which lay moored to the shore, and to sail in her to England. + </p> + <p> + How that would have advantaged them I cannot even so much as guess; but + certain it was that they carried on board the pinnace a great store of + wild fowl, which had been cooked with much labor, and had filled two casks + with water, as if believing such amount would serve to save them from + thirst during the long voyage. + </p> + <p> + These wicked ones had hardly gone on board the vessel when Captain Smith + came home in the shallop, which was loaded deep with Indian corn he had + bought from the savages, and, seeing the pinnace being got under way, had + little trouble in guessing what was afoot. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0052" id="link2H_4_0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN KENDALL + </h2> + <p> + If ever a man moved swiftly, and with purpose, it was our master when he + thus came to understand what Master Wingfield and Captain Kendall would + do. He was on shore before those in the pinnace could hoist the sails, + and, calling upon all who remained true to the London Company to give him + aid, had three of our small cannon, which were already loaded with shot, + aimed at the crew of mutineers. + </p> + <p> + Five men, each with a matchlock in his hand, stood ready to fire upon + those who would at the same time desert and steal from us, and Captain + Smith gave the order for Captain Kendall and Master Wingfield to come on + shore without delay. + </p> + <p> + For reply Captain Kendall discharged his firearm, hoping to kill my + master, and then those on the bank emptied their matchlocks with such + effect that Captain Kendall was killed by the first volley, causing Master + Wingfield to scuttle on shore in a twinkling lest he suffer a like fate. + </p> + <p> + The whole bloody business was at an end in less than a quarter hour; but + the effect of it was not so soon wiped away, for from that time each man + had suspicion of his neighbor, fearing lest another attempt be made to + take from us the pinnace, which we looked upon as an ark of refuge, in + case the savages should come against us in such numbers that they could + not be resisted. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0053" id="link2H_4_0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CAPTAIN SMITH'S EXPEDITION AND RETURN + </h2> + <p> + Until winter was come we had food in plenty, for one could hardly send a + charge of shot toward the river without bringing down swans, ducks, or + cranes, while from the savages we got sufficient for our daily wants, meal + made from the corn, pumpkins, peas, and beans. + </p> + <p> + But this did not cause Captain Smith to give over trying to buy from the + Indians a store of corn for the winter, and shortly after Captain + Kendall's death, he set off with nine white men and two Indian guides in a + barge, counting to go as far as the head of the Chickahominy River. + </p> + <p> + This time twenty-two long, dreary days went by without his return, and we + mourned him as dead, believing the savages had murdered him. + </p> + <p> + The discontented ones were in high glee because of thinking the man who + had forced them to do that which they should, had gone out from their + world forever, and we two lads were plunged in deepest grief, for in all + the great land of Virginia, Captain Smith was our only true friend. + </p> + <p> + Then arrived that day when he suddenly appeared before us, having come to + no harm, and as Master Hunt lifted up his hands in a prayer of + thanksgiving because the man who was so sadly needed in Jamestown had + returned, I fell on my knees, understanding for the first time in my life + how good God could be to us in that wilderness. + </p> + <p> + I would that I might describe the scene in our house that night, when + Master Hunt was come to hear what all knew would be a story of wildest + adventure, for it went without saying that my master never would have + remained so long absent from Jamestown had it been within his power to + return sooner. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0054" id="link2H_4_0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + AN EXCITING ADVENTURE + </h2> + <p> + We waited to hear the tale until he had refreshed himself after the long + journey, and then what Captain Smith told us was like unto this, as I + remember it: + </p> + <p> + After leaving the village, he had sailed up the river until there was no + longer water enough to float the barge, when, with two white men and the + two Indians, he embarked in a canoe, continuing the voyage for a distance + of twelve miles or more. There, in the wilderness, they made ready to + spend the night, and with one of the savage guides my master went on shore + on an island to shoot some wild fowls for supper. He had traveled a short + distance from the boat, when he heard cries of the savages in the + distance, and, looking back, saw that one of the men had been taken + prisoner, while the other was fighting for his life. + </p> + <p> + At almost the very minute when he saw this terrible thing, he was suddenly + beset by more than two hundred yelling, dancing savages, who were sweeping + down upon him as if believing he was in their power beyond any chance. The + Indian guide, who appeared to be terribly frightened, although it might + have been that he was in the plot to murder my master, would have run + away; but that Captain Smith held him fast while he fired one of his + pistols to keep the enemy in check. + </p> + <p> + Understanding that he must do battle for his life, my master first took + the precaution to bind the Indian guide to his left arm, by means of his + belt, in such fashion that the fellow would serve as a shield against the + shower of arrows the savages were sending through the air. + </p> + <p> + Protected in this manner, Captain Smith fought bravely, as he always does, + and had succeeded in killing two of the Indians with his matchlock, when + suddenly he sank knee deep into a mire. It seems that he had been + retreating toward the canoe, hoping to get on board her where would be + some chance for shelter, and was so engaged with the savages in front of + him as to give little heed to his steps. + </p> + <p> + Once he was held prisoner by the mud, the enemy quickly surrounded him, + and he could do no better than surrender. Instead of treating him cruelly, + as might have been expected, these brown men carried him from village to + village, as if exhibiting some strange animal. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0055" id="link2H_4_0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TAKEN BEFORE POWHATAN + </h2> + <p> + When he was first made captive, the Indians found his compass, and were + stricken with wonder, because, however the instrument might be turned, the + needle always pointed in the same direction. The glass which protected the + needle caused even more amazement, and, believing him to be a magician, + they took him to Powhatan. + </p> + <p> + After many days of traveling, the savages were come with their prisoner to + Powhatan's village, where Captain Smith was held close prisoner in one of + the huts, being fairly well treated and fed in abundance, until the king, + who had been out with a hunting party, came home. + </p> + <p> + Twice while he was thus captive did Captain Smith see the girl Pocahontas, + who had visited him in Jamestown; but she gave no especial heed to him, + save as a child who was minded to be amused, until on the day when some of + the savages gave him to understand that he was to be killed for having + come into this land of theirs, and also for having shot to death some of + their tribe. + </p> + <p> + When he was led out of Powhatan's tent of skins, with his feet and hands + bound, he had no hope of being able to save his own life, for there was no + longer any chance for him to struggle against those who had him in their + power. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0056" id="link2H_4_0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + POCAHONTAS BEGS FOR SMITH'S LIFE + </h2> + <p> + He was forced down on the earth, with his head upon a great rock, while + two half naked savages came forward with heavy stones bound to wooden + handles, with which to beat out his brains, and these weapons were already + raised to strike, when the girl Pocahontas ran forward, throwing herself + upon my master, as she asked that Powhatan give him to her. + </p> + <p> + Now, as we afterward came to know, it is the custom among savages, that + when one of their women begs for the life of a prisoner, to grant the + prayer, and so it was done in this case, else we had never seen my master + again. + </p> + <p> + It is also the custom, when a prisoner has thus been given to one who + begged for his life, that the captive shall always be held as slave by + her; but Pocahontas desired only to let him go back to Jamestown. Then it + was she told her father how she had been treated when visiting us, and + Powhatan, after keeping Captain Smith prisoner until he could tell of what + he had seen in other countries of the world, set him free. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0057" id="link2H_4_0057"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE EFFECT OF CAPTAIN SMITH'S RETURN + </h2> + <p> + It was well for us of Jamestown that my master returned just when he did, + for already had our gentlemen, believing him dead, refused longer to work, + and even neglected the hunting, when game of all kinds was so plentiful. + They had spent the time roaming around searching for gold, until we were + once more in need of food. + </p> + <p> + The sickness had come among us again, and of all our company, which + numbered an hundred when Captain Newport sailed for England, only + thirty-eight remained alive. + </p> + <p> + Within four and twenty hours after Captain Smith came back, matters had so + far mended that every man who could move about at will, was working for + the common good, although from that time, until Captain Newport came + again, we had much of suffering. + </p> + <p> + With the coming of winter Nathaniel and I were put to it to do our work in + anything like a seemly manner. What with the making of candles, or of + rushlights; tanning deer hides in such fashion as Captain Smith had taught + us; mending his doublets of leather, as well as our own; keeping the house + and ground around it fairly clean, in addition to cooking meals which + might tempt the appetite of our master, we were busy from sunrise to + sunset. + </p> + <p> + Nor were we without our reward. On rare occasions Captain Smith would + commend us for attending to our duties in better fashion than he had + fancied lads would ever be able to do, and very often did Master Hunt + whisper words of praise in our ears, saying again and again that he would + there were in his house two boys like us. + </p> + <p> + This you may be sure was more of payment than we had a reasonable right to + expect, for certain it is that even at our best the work was but fairly + done, as it ever must be when there are houseboys instead of housewives at + home. + </p> + <p> + Master Hunt had a serving man, William Rods, and he was not one well + fitted to do a woman's work, for in addition to being clumsy, even at the + expense of breaking now and then a wooden trencher bowl, he had no thought + that cleanliness was, as the preacher often told us, next to godliness. + </p> + <p> + It was he, and such as he, that caused Captain Smith and those others of + the Council who were minded to work for the common good, very much of + trouble. + </p> + <p> + The rule, as laid down by my master, was that those living in a dwelling + should keep cleanly the land roundabout the outside for a space of five + yards, and yet again and again have I seen William Rods throw the refuse + from the table just outside the door, meaning to take it away at a future + time, and always forgetting so to do until reminded by some one in + authority. + </p> + <p> + However, it is not for me to speak of such trifling things as these, + although had you heard Captain Smith and Master Hunt in conversation, you + would not have set them down as being of little importance. Those two + claimed that only by strict regard to cleanliness, both of person and + house, would it be possible for us, when another summer came, to ward off + that sickness which had already carried away so many of our company. + </p> + <p> + After Captain Smith had brought matters to rights in the village, setting + this company of men to building more houses, and that company to hewing + down trees for firewood, which would be needed when the winter had come, + Master Hunt made mention of a matter which I knew must have been very near + his heart many a day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0058" id="link2H_4_0058"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A NEW CHURCH + </h2> + <p> + During all the time we had been on shore, the only church in Jamestown was + the shelter beneath that square of canvas which he himself had put up. + When it stormed, he had called such of the people as were inclined to + worship into one or another of the houses; but now he asked that a log + building be put together, while it was yet so warm that the men could work + out of doors without suffering, and to this, much to my pleasure, for I + had an exceedingly friendly feeling toward Master Hunt, Captain Smith + agreed. + </p> + <p> + Therefore it was that when the storms of October came, Master Hunt had a + place in which to receive those whom he would lead to a better life, and I + believe that all our people, the men who were careless regarding the + future life, and those who followed the preacher's teachings, felt the + better in mind because there was at last in our village a place which + would be used for no other purpose than that of leading us into, and + helping us to remain in, the straight path. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0059" id="link2H_4_0059"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CAPTAIN NEWPORT'S RETURN + </h2> + <p> + It was at the beginning of the new year, two days after my master was set + free by the savages, that Captain Newport came back to us, this time in + the ship John and Francis, and with him were fifty men who had been sent + to join our colony. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately for us there were but few gentlemen among them, therefore did + the work of building the village go on much more rapidly, because there + were laborers in plenty. + </p> + <p> + A larger building, which was called the fort, and would indeed have been a + safe place for refuge had the savages made an attack, was but just + completed at the beginning of the third month, meaning March. + </p> + <p> + There Captain Smith had stored the supply of provisions and seed brought + in the John and Francis, and we were already saying to ourselves that by + the close of the summer we should reap a bountiful harvest. + </p> + <p> + All these plans and hopes went for naught, however, for on a certain night—and + no man can say how it happened, save him who was the careless one—fire + fastened upon the inside of the fort, having so much headway when it was + discovered, that our people could do little toward checking it. + </p> + <p> + The flames burst out through the roof, which was thatched with dried + grass, as were all the houses in the town, and leaped from one building to + another until it seemed as if the entire village would be destroyed. + </p> + <p> + It is true that even the palisade, which was near to forty feet distant + from the fort, was seized upon by the flames, and a goodly portion of that + which had cost us so much labor was entirely destroyed. + </p> + <p> + Out of all our houses only four remained standing when the flames had died + away. The seed which we had counted on for reaping a harvest, the store of + provisions, and a large amount of clothing and other necessaries, were + thus consumed. + </p> + <p> + Good Master Hunt lost all his books, in fact, everything he owned save the + clothes upon his back, and yet never once did I, who was with him very + much, for he came to live at our house while the village was being + rebuilt, hear him utter one word of complaint, or of sorrow. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0060" id="link2H_4_0060"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GOLD SEEKERS + </h2> + <p> + It was while all the people, gentlemen as well as laborers, were doing + their best to repair the loss, and to put Jamestown into such shape that + we might be able to withstand an attack from the savages, if so be they + made one, that even a worse misfortune than the fire came upon us. + </p> + <p> + Some of those whom Captain Newport had lately brought to Virginia, while + roaming along the shores of the river in order to learn what this new land + was like, came upon a spot where the waters had washed the earth away for + a distance of five or six feet, leaving exposed to view a vast amount of + sand, so yellow and so heavy that straightway the foolish ones believed + they were come upon that gold which our people had been seeking almost + from the very day we first landed. + </p> + <p> + From this moment there was no talk of anything save the wealth which would + come to us and the London Company. + </p> + <p> + Even Captain Newport was persuaded that this sand was gold, and + straightway nearly every person in the village was hard at work digging + and carrying it in baskets on board the John and Francis as carefully as + if each grain counted for a guinea. + </p> + <p> + Of all the people of Jamestown, Captain Smith and Master Hunt were the + only ones who refused to believe the golden dream. They held themselves + aloof from this mad race to gather up the yellow sand, and strove + earnestly to persuade the others that it would be a simple matter to prove + by fire whether this supposed treasure were metal. + </p> + <p> + In the center of the village, where all might see him, Master Hunt set a + pannikin, in which was a pint or more of the sand, over a roaring fire + which he kept burning not less than two hours. + </p> + <p> + When he was done, the sand remained the same as before, which, so he and + my master claimed, was good proof that our people of Jamestown were, in + truth, making fools of themselves, as they had many a time before since we + came into this land of Virginia. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0061" id="link2H_4_0061"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A WORTHLESS CARGO + </h2> + <p> + When we should have been striving to build up the town once more, we spent + all our time loading the ship with this worthless cargo, and indeed I felt + the better in my mind when finally Captain Newport set sail, the John and + Francis loaded deeply with sand, because of believing that we were come to + an end of hearing about treasure which lay at hand ready for whosoever + would carry it away. + </p> + <p> + In this, however, I was disappointed. Although there was no longer any + reason for our people to labor at what was called the gold mine, since + there was no ship at hand in which to put the sand, they still talked, + hour by hour, of the day when all the men in Virginia would go back to + England richer than kings. + </p> + <p> + Because of such thoughts was it well nigh impossible to force them to + labor once more. Yet Captain Smith and Master Hunt did all they could, + even going so far as to threaten bodily harm if the people did not rebuild + the storehouse, plant such seed as had been saved from the flames, and + replace those portions of the palisade which had been burned. + </p> + <p> + It was while our people were thus working half heartedly, that Captain + Nelson arrived in the ship Phoenix, having been so long delayed on the + voyage, because of tempests and contrary winds, that his passengers and + crew had eaten nearly all the stores which the London Company sent over + for our benefit, and bringing seventy more mouths to be fed. + </p> + <p> + Save that she brought to us skilled workmen, the coming of the Phoenix did + not advantage us greatly, while there were added to our number, seventy + men, and of oatmeal, pickled beef and pork, as much as would serve for, + perhaps, three or four weeks. + </p> + <p> + Through her, however, as Master Hunt said in my hearing, came some little + good, for on seeing the yellow sand, Captain Nelson declared without a + question that it was worthless, and, being accustomed to working in metal, + speedily proved to our people who were yet suffering with the gold fever, + that there was nothing whatsoever of value in it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0062" id="link2H_4_0062"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE CONDITION OF THE COLONY + </h2> + <p> + That he might have something to carry back to England, and not being + minded to take on board a load of sand, Captain Nelson asked that the + Phoenix be laden with cedar logs and such clapboards as our people had + made. Therefore was it that we sent to England the first cargo of value + since having come to Virginia. + </p> + <p> + Among those who had come over in the Phoenix were workmen who understood + the making of turpentine, tar and soap ashes. There was also a pipe maker, + a gunsmith, and a number of other skilled workmen, so that had the Council + advanced the interest of the colony one half as much as my master was + doing, all would have gone well with us in Jamestown. + </p> + <p> + As it was, however, the President of the Council, so Master Hunt has + declared many times, and of a verity he would not bear false witness, + often countenanced the men in rebellion against my master's orders, until, + but for the preacher's example, we might never have put into the earth our + first seed. + </p> + <p> + Because of lack of food, and it seems strange to say so when there were of + oysters near at hand more than a thousand men could have eaten, and fish + in the rivers without number, Captain Smith set off once more in the + pinnace to trade with the Indians, as well as to explore further the bay + and the river. + </p> + <p> + Master Hunt lived in our house, while he was gone, therefore Nathaniel and + I were not idle, and though we had each had a dozen pair of hands, we + could have kept them properly employed, what with making a garden for our + own use, tending the plants, and keeping house. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0063" id="link2H_4_0063"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TOBACCO + </h2> + <p> + Just here I am minded to set down that which the girl Pocahontas told us + concerning the raising of tobacco, and it is well she spent the time + needed to instruct us, for since then I have seen the people in this new + world of Virginia getting more money from the tobacco plant, than they + could have gained even though Captain Newport's yellow sand had been + veritable gold. + </p> + <p> + You must know that the seed of tobacco is even smaller than grains of + powder, and the Indians usually plant it in April. Within a month it + springs up, each tiny plant having two or four leaves, and one month later + it is transplanted in little hillocks, set about the same distance apart + as are our hills of Indian corn. + </p> + <p> + Two or three times during the season the plants have to be hoed and + weeded, while the sickly leaves, which peep out from the body of the + stock, must be plucked off. + </p> + <p> + If the plant grows too fast, which is to say, if it is like to get its + full size before harvest time, the tops are cut to make it more backward. + </p> + <p> + About the middle of September it is reaped, stripped of its leaves, and + tied in small bunches; these are hung under a shelter so that the dew may + not come to them, until they are cured the same as hay. + </p> + <p> + Having thus been dried, and there must be no suspicion of moisture about, + else they will mold, the whole is packed into hogsheads. + </p> + <p> + I have lived to see the days go by since the girl Pocahontas showed + Nathaniel and me how to cultivate the weed, until the greatest wealth + which Virginia can produce comes from this same tobacco, which, Master + Hunt says, not only induces filthiness in those who use it, but works + grievous injury to the body. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0064" id="link2H_4_0064"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CAPTAIN NEWPORT'S RETURN + </h2> + <p> + When Captain Newport came back to Virginia, at about the time we were + gathering our scanty harvest, his dreams of sudden wealth, through the + digging of gold in Virginia, had burst as does a bubble when one pricks + it. + </p> + <p> + He had not been more than four and twenty hours in England before learning + that his ship was laden only with valueless sand, and, mayhap, if the + London Company had not demanded that he return to Virginia at once, with + certain orders concerning us at Jamestown, he might have been too much + ashamed to show his face among us again. + </p> + <p> + My master had come in long since from trading with the Indians, having had + fairly good success at times, and again failing utterly to gather food. + The king Powhatan was grown so lofty in his bearing, because of the honor + some of our foolish people had shown him, that it was well nigh impossible + to pay the price he asked, even in trinkets, for so small an amount as a + single peck of corn. + </p> + <p> + However, that which Powhatan did or did not do, concerned me very little + when Captain Newport had arrived, for he brought with him such tidings as + made my heart rejoice, and caused Master Hunt to say that now indeed would + our village of Jamestown grow as it should have grown had our leaders + shown themselves of half as much spirit as had my master. + </p> + <p> + But for the greater things which followed Captain Newport's arrival in + September of the year 1608, I would have set it down as of the utmost + importance to us in Jamestown, that he brought with him the first two + women, other than the girl Pocahontas, who had ever come into our town. + </p> + <p> + These were Mistress Forest, and her maid, Anne Burras, and if the king + himself had so far done us the honor as to come, his arrival would have + caused no greater excitement. + </p> + <p> + Every man and boy in the settlement pressed forward eager even to touch + the garments of these two women as they came ashore in the ship's small + boat, and I dare venture to say that we stared at them, Nathaniel and I + among the number, even as the savages stared at us when first we landed. + </p> + <p> + It would have been more to my satisfaction had there been two maids, + instead of only one and her mistress, for it was more than likely servants + could tell Nathaniel and me many things about our care of the house, which + a great lady would not well know. Therefore, as I viewed the matter, we + could well spare fine women, so that we had maids who would understand of + what we as houseboys stood mostly in need. + </p> + <p> + However, it was not with these women, who were only two among seventy, + that had come with Captain Newport on this his third voyage, that I was + most deeply concerned, and how I learned that which pleased me so greatly + shall be set down exactly as it happened. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0065" id="link2H_4_0065"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MASTER HUNT BRINGS GREAT NEWS + </h2> + <p> + I had been down at the landing place, feasting my eyes upon the ship which + had so lately come from the country I might never see again, and was + trying to cheer myself by working around the house in the hope of pleasing + Captain Smith, when Master Hunt came in with a look upon his face such as + I had not seen since the sickness first came among us, and, without + thinking to be rude, I asked him if it was the arrival of the women which + pleased him so greatly. + </p> + <p> + "It is nothing of such fanciful nature, Richard Mutton," the good man + replied with a smile, "though I must confess that it is pleasing to see + women with white faces, when our eyes have beheld none save bearded men + for so long a time. What think you has been done in the Council this day, + since Captain Newport had speech with President Ratcliffe?" + </p> + <p> + Verily I could not so much as guess what might have happened, for those + worshipful gentlemen were prone at times to behave more like foolish + children, than men upon whom the fate of a new country depended, and I + said to Master Hunt much of the same purport. + </p> + <p> + "They have elected your master, Captain John Smith, President of the + Council, Richard Mutton, and now for the first time will matters in + Jamestown progress as they should." + </p> + <p> + "My master President of the Council at last!" I cried, and the good + preacher added: + </p> + <p> + "So it is, lad, as I know full well, having just come from there." + </p> + <p> + "But how did they chance suddenly to gather their wits?" I cried with a + laugh, in which Master Hunt joined. + </p> + <p> + "It was done after Captain Newport had speech with Master Ratcliffe, and + while I know nothing for a certainty, there is in my mind a strong belief + that he brought word from the London Company for such an election to be + made. At all events, it is done, and now we shall see Jamestown increase + in size, even as she would have done from the first month we landed here + had Captain John Smith been at the head of affairs." + </p> + <p> + The good preacher was so delighted with this change in the government that + he unfolded all his budget of news, forgetting for the time being, most + like, that he was not speaking to his equal, and thus it was I learned + what were Captain Newport's instructions from the London Company. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0066" id="link2H_4_0066"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CAPTAIN NEWPORT'S INSTRUCTIONS + </h2> + <p> + He was ordered, if you please, not to return to England without bringing + back a lump of gold, exploring the passageway to the South Sea, or finding + some of Sir Walter Raleigh's lost colony, of which I will tell you later. + </p> + <p> + But whether he did the one or the other, he had been commanded to crown as + a king, Powhatan, and had brought with him mock jewels and red robes for + such a purpose. + </p> + <p> + To find a lump of gold, after he had brought to England a shipload of + yellow sand! + </p> + <p> + To crown Powhatan king, when, to our sorrow, he was already showing + himself far more of a king than was pleasing or well for our town of + James! + </p> + <p> + Forgetting I was but a lad, and had no right to put blame on the shoulders + of my leaders and betters, or even to address Master Hunt as if I were a + man grown, I cried out against the foolishness of those people in London + for whom we were striving to build up a city, saying very much that had + better been left unsaid, until the good preacher cried with a laugh: + </p> + <p> + "We can forgive them almost anything, Dicky Mutton, since they have made + our Captain Smith the head of the government in this land of Virginia." + </p> + <p> + And now I will tell you, as Master Hunt told me, the story of this lost + colony of Roanoke, which the London Company had commanded Captain Newport + to find. + </p> + <p> + You must know that English people had lived in this land of Virginia + before we came here in 1606, and while it does not concern us of + Jamestown, except as we are interested in knowing the fate of our + countrymen, it should be set down, lest we so far forget as to say that + those of us who have built this village are the first settlers in the + land. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0067" id="link2H_4_0067"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE STORY OF ROANOKE + </h2> + <p> + Twenty-one years before we sailed from London, Sir Walter Raleigh sent out + a fleet of seven ships, carrying one hundred and seven persons, to + Virginia, and Master Ralph Lane was named as the governor. They landed on + Roanoke Island; but because the Indians threatened them, and because just + at that time when they were most frightened, Sir Francis Drake came by + with his fleet, they all went home, not daring to stay any longer. + </p> + <p> + Two years after that, which is to say nineteen years before we of + Jamestown came here, Sir Walter Raleigh sent over one hundred and sixteen + people, among whom were men, women and children, and they also began to + build a town on Roanoke Island. + </p> + <p> + John White was their governor, and very shortly after they came to + Roanoke, his daughter, Mistress Ananias Dare, had a little baby girl, the + first white child to be born in the new world, so they named her Virginia. + </p> + <p> + Now these people, like ourselves, were soon sorely in need of food, and + they coaxed Governor John White to go back to England, to get what would + be needed until they could gather a harvest. + </p> + <p> + At the time he arrived at London, England was at war with the Spanish + people, and it was two years before he found a chance to get back. When he + finally arrived at Roanoke Island, there were no signs of any of his + people to be found, except that on the tree was cut the word "Croatan," + which is the name of an Indian village on the island nearby. + </p> + <p> + That was the last ever heard of all those hundred and sixteen people. Five + different times Sir Walter Raleigh sent out men for the missing ones; but + no traces could be found, not even at Croatan, and no one knows whether + they were killed by the Indians, or wandered off into the wilderness where + they were lost forever. + </p> + <p> + You can see by the story, that the London Company had set for Captain + Newport a very great task when they commanded him to do what so many + people had failed in before him. + </p> + <p> + And now out of that story of the lost colony, as Master Hunt told + Nathaniel and me, grows another which also concerns us in this new land of + Virginia. + </p> + <p> + You will remember I have said that Master Ralph Lane was the governor of + the first company of people who went to Roanoke Island, and, afterward, + getting discouraged, returned to England. Now this Master Lane, and the + other men who were with him, learned from the Indians to smoke the weed + called tobacco, and carried quite a large amount of it home with them. + </p> + <p> + Not only Sir Walter Raleigh, who knew Master Lane very well, but many + other people in England also learned to smoke, and therefore it was that + when we of Jamestown began to raise tobacco, it found a more ready sale in + London than any other thing we could send over. Once this was known, our + people gave the greater portion of their time to cultivating the Indian + weed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0068" id="link2H_4_0068"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE CROWNING OF POWHATAN + </h2> + <p> + Very nearly the first thing which my master did after having been made + President of the Council, was to obey the orders of the London Company, by + going with Captain Newport to Powhatan's village in order to crown him + like a king. + </p> + <p> + This was not at all to the pleasure of the savage, who failed of + understanding what my master and Captain Newport meant, when they wanted + him to kneel down so they might put the crown upon his head. If all the + stories which I have heard regarding the matter are true, they must have + had quite a scrimmage before succeeding in getting him into what they + believed was a proper position to receive the gifts of the London Company. + </p> + <p> + Our people, so Master Hunt told me, were obliged to take him by the + shoulders and force him to his knees, after which they clapped the crown + on his head, and threw the red robe around his shoulders in a mighty hurry + lest he show fight and overcome them. + </p> + <p> + It was some time before Captain Smith could make him understand that it + was a great honor which was being done him, but when he did get it through + his head, he took off his old moccasins and brought from the hut his + raccoon skin coat, with orders that my master and Captain Newport send + them all to King James in London, as a present from the great Powhatan of + Virginia. + </p> + <p> + After this had been done, Captain Newport sailed up the James River in + search of the passage to the South Sea, and my master set about putting + Jamestown into proper order. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0069" id="link2H_4_0069"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE + </h2> + <p> + Once more Captain Smith made the rule that those who would not work should + not eat, and this time, with all the Council at his back, together with + such men as Captain Newport had just brought with him, you can well fancy + his orders were obeyed. + </p> + <p> + In addition to the stocks which had been built, he had a pillory set up, + and those gentlemen who were not inclined to labor with their hands as + well as they might, were forced to stand in it to their discomfort. + </p> + <p> + The next thing which he did was to have a large, deep well dug, so that we + might have sweet water from it for drinking purposes, rather than be + forced to use that from the river, for it was to his mind that through + this muddy water did the sickness come to us. + </p> + <p> + When the winter was well begun, and Captain Newport ceased to search for + the South Sea passage, because of having come to the falls of the James + River, Captain Smith forced our people to build twenty stout houses such + as would serve to withstand an attack from the savages, and again was the + palisade stretched from one to the other, until the village stood in the + form of a square. + </p> + <p> + After the cold season had passed, some of the people were set about + shingling the church, and others were ordered to make clapboards that we + might have a cargo when Captain Newport returned. It was the duty of some + few to keep the streets and lanes of the village clear of filth, lest we + invite the sickness again, and the remainder of the company were employed + in planting Indian corn, forty acres of which were seeded down. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0070" id="link2H_4_0070"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + STEALING THE COMPANY'S GOODS + </h2> + <p> + If I have made it appear that during all this time we lived in the most + friendly manner with the savages, then have I blundered in the setting + down of that which happened. + </p> + <p> + Although it shames one to write such things concerning those who called + themselves Englishmen, yet it must be said that the savages were no longer + in any degree friendly, and all because of what our own people had done. + </p> + <p> + From the time when Captain Smith had declared that he who would not work + should not eat, some of our fine gentlemen who were willing to believe + that labor was the greatest crime which could be committed, began stealing + from the common store iron and copper goods of every kind which might be + come at, in order to trade with the savages for food they themselves were + too lazy to get otherwise. + </p> + <p> + They even went so far, some of those who thought it more the part of a man + to wear silks than build himself a house, as to steal matchlocks, pistols, + and weapons of any kind, standing ready to teach the savages how to use + these things, if thereby they were given so much additional in the way of + food. + </p> + <p> + As our numbers increased, by reason of the companies which were brought + over by Captain Newport and Captain Nelson, so did the thievery become the + more serious until on one day I heard Master Hunt tell my master, that of + forty axes which had been brought ashore from the Phoenix and left outside + the storehouse during the night, but eight were remaining when morning + came. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0071" id="link2H_4_0071"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WHAT THE THIEVING LED TO + </h2> + <p> + Now there was more of mischief to this than the crime of stealing, or of + indolence. The savages came to understand they could drive hard bargains, + and so increased the price of their corn that Captain Smith set it down in + his report to the London Company, that the same amount of copper, or of + beads, which had, one year before, paid for five bushels of wheat, would, + within a week after Captain Newport came in search of the lost colony, pay + for no more than one peck. + </p> + <p> + Nor was this the entire sum of the wrong done by our gentlemen who stole + rather than worked with their hands. The savages, grown bold now that they + had firearms and knew how to use them, no longer had the same fear of + white people as when Captain Smith, single handed, was able to hold two + hundred in check, and strove to kill us of Jamestown whenever they found + opportunity. + </p> + <p> + On four different times did they plot to murder my master, believing that + when he had been done to death, it would be more easy for them to kill off + all in our town; but on each occasion, so keen was his watchfulness, he + outwitted them all. + </p> + <p> + The putting of a crown on Powhatan's head, and bowing before him as if he + had been a real king, also did much mischief. It caused that brown savage + to believe we feared him, which was much the same as inviting him to be + less of a friend, until on a certain day he boldly declared that one + basket of his corn was worth more than all our copper and beads, because + he could eat his corn, while our trinkets gave a hungry man no + satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + And thus, by the wicked and unwise acts of our own people, did we prepare + the way for another time of famine and sickness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0072" id="link2H_4_0072"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FEAR OF FAMINE IN A LAND OF PLENTY + </h2> + <p> + However, I must set this much down as counting in our favor: when we + landed in this country we had three pigs, and a cock and six hens, all of + which we turned loose in the wilderness to shift for themselves, giving + shelter to such as came back to us when winter was near at hand. + </p> + <p> + Within two years we had of pigs more than sixty, in addition to many which + were yet running wild in the forest. Of hens and cocks we had upward of + five hundred, the greater number being kept in pens to the end that we + might profit by their eggs. + </p> + <p> + I have heard Master Hunt declare more than once, that had we followed + Captain Smith's advice, giving all our labor to the raising of crops, our + storehouse would have been too small for the food on hand, and we might + have held ourselves free from the whims of the savages, having corn to + sell, rather than spending near to half our time trying to buy. + </p> + <p> + As Master Hunt said again and again when talking over the situation with + Captain Smith, it seemed strange even to us who were there, that we could + be looking forward to a famine, when in the sea and on the land was food + in abundance to feed half the people in all this wide world. + </p> + <p> + To show how readily one might get himself a dinner, if so be his taste + were not too nice, I have seen Captain Smith, when told what we had in the + larder for the next meal, go to the river with only his naked sword, and + there spear fish enough with the weapon to provide us with as much as + could be eaten in a full day. But yet some of our gentlemen claimed that + it was not good for their blood to eat this food of the sea; others + declared that oysters, when partaken of regularly, were as poisonous as + the sweet potatoes which we bought of the Indians. + </p> + <p> + Thus it was that day by day did we who were in the land of plenty, overrun + with that which would serve as food, fear that another time of famine was + nigh. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0073" id="link2H_4_0073"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE UNHEALTHFUL LOCATION + </h2> + <p> + I have often spoken of the unwillingness of some of our people to labor; + but Captain Smith, who is not overly eager to find excuses for those who + are indolent, has said that there was much reason why many of our men + hugged their cabins, counting it a most arduous task to go even so far up + the river as were the oyster beds. + </p> + <p> + He believes, and Master Hunt is of the same opinion, that this town of + ours has been built on that portion of the shore where the people are most + liable to sickness. The land is low lying, almost on a level with the + river; the country roundabout is made up of swamps and bogs, and the air + which comes to us at night is filled with a fever, which causes those upon + whom it fastens, first to shake as if they were beset with bitterest cold, + and then again to burn as if likely to be reduced to ashes. Some call it + the ague, and others, the shakes; but whatsoever it may be, there is + nothing more distressing, or better calculated to hinder a man from taking + so much of exercise as is necessary for his well being. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0074" id="link2H_4_0074"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GATHERING OYSTERS + </h2> + <p> + That Nathaniel and I may gather oysters without too great labor of walking + and carrying heavy burdens, Captain Smith has bought from the savages a + small boat made of the bark of birch trees, stretched over a framework of + splints, and sewn together with the entrails of deer. On the seams, and + wherever the water might find entrance, it is well gummed with pitch taken + from the pine tree, and withal the lightest craft that can well be made. + </p> + <p> + Either Nathaniel or I can take this vessel, which the savages call a + canoe, on our shoulders, carrying it without difficulty, and when the two + of us are inside, resting upon our knees, for we may not sit in it as in a + ship's boat, we can send it along with paddles at a rate so rapid as to + cause one to think it moved by magic. + </p> + <p> + With this canoe Nathaniel and I may go to the oyster beds, and in half an + hour put on board as large a cargo of shellfish as she will carry, in + addition to our own weight, coming back in a short time with as much food + as would serve a dozen men for two days. + </p> + <p> + If these oysters could be kept fresh for any length of time, then would we + have a most valuable store near at hand; but, like other fish, a few hours + in the sun serves to spoil them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0075" id="link2H_4_0075"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREPARING STURGEON FOR FOOD + </h2> + <p> + Of the fish called the sturgeon, we have more than can be consumed by all + our company; but one cannot endure the flavor day after day, and therefore + is it that we use it for food only when we cannot get any other. + </p> + <p> + Master Hunt has shown Nathaniel and me how we may prepare it in such a + manner as to change the flavor. It must first be dried in the sun until so + hard that it can be pounded to the fineness of meal. This is then mixed + with caviare, by which I mean the eggs, or roe, of the sturgeon, with + sorrel leaves, and with other wholesome herbs. The whole is made into + small balls, or cakes, which are fried over the fire with a plentiful + amount of fat. + </p> + <p> + Such a dish serves us for either bread or meat, or for both on a pinch, + therefore if we lads are careful not to waste our time, Captain Smith may + never come without finding in the larder something that can be eaten. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0076" id="link2H_4_0076"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TURPENTINE AND TAR + </h2> + <p> + To us in Jamestown the making of anything which we may send back to + England for sale, is of such great importance that we are more curious + regarding the manner in which the work is done, than would be others who + are less eager to see piled up that which will bring money to the people. + </p> + <p> + Therefore it was that Nathaniel and I watched eagerly the making of + turpentine, and found it not unlike the method by which the Indians gain + sugar from maple trees. A strip of bark is taken from the pine, perhaps + eight or ten inches long, and at the lower end of the wound thus made, a + deep notch is cut in the wood. + </p> + <p> + Into this the sap flows, and is scraped out as fast as the cavity is + filled. It is a labor in which all may join, and so plentiful are the pine + trees that if our people of Jamestown set about making turpentine only, + they might load four or five ships in a year. + </p> + <p> + From the making of tar much money can be earned, and it is a simple + process such as I believe I myself might compass, were it not that I have + sufficient of other work to occupy all my time. + </p> + <p> + The pine tree is cut into short pieces, even the roots being used, for, if + I mistake not, more tar may be had from the roots than from the trunks of + the tree. Our people here dig a hollow, much like unto the shape of a + funnel, on the side of a hill, or bank, fill it in with the wood and the + roots, and cover the whole closely with turf. + </p> + <p> + An iron pot is placed at the bottom of this hollow in the earth, and a + fire is built at the top of the pile. While the fuel smolders, the tar + stews out of the wood, falling into the iron pot, and from there is put + into whatsoever vessels may be most convenient in which to carry it over + seas. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0077" id="link2H_4_0077"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE MAKING OF CLAPBOARDS + </h2> + <p> + There is far greater labor required in the making of clapboards, and it is + of a wearisome kind; but Captain Newport declares that clapboards made of + our Virginia cedar are far better in quality than any to be found in + England. Therefore it is Captain Smith keeps as many men as he may, + employed in this work, which is more tiring than difficult. + </p> + <p> + The trunks of the trees are cut into lengths of four feet, and trimmed + both as to branches and bark. An iron tool called a frow, which is not + unlike a butcher's cleaver, is then used to split the log into thin + strips, one edge of which is four or five times thicker than the other. + </p> + <p> + You will understand better the method by picturing to yourself the end of + a round log which has been stood upright for convenience of the workmen. + Now, if you place a frow in such a position that it will split the + thicknesses of an inch or less from the outer side, you will find that the + point of the instrument, which is at the heart of the tree, must come in + such manner as to make the splint very thin on the inner edge. The frow is + driven through the wood by a wooden mallet, to the end that the sides of + the clapboard may be fairly smooth. + </p> + <p> + Master Hunt has told me that if we were to put on board a ship the size of + the John and Francis, as many clapboards as she could swim under, the + value of the cargo would be no less than five hundred pounds, and they + would have a ready sale in London, or in other English ports. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0078" id="link2H_4_0078"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PROVIDING FOR THE CHILDREN + </h2> + <p> + And now before I am come to the most terrible time in the history of our + town of James, let me set down that which the London Company has decreed, + for it is of great importance to all those who, like Nathaniel and me, + came over into this land of Virginia before they were men and women grown. + </p> + <p> + Master Hunt has written the facts out fairly, to the end that I may + understand them well, he having had the information from Captain Newport, + for it was the last decree made by the London Company before the John and + Francis sailed. + </p> + <p> + I must say, however, that the reason why this decree, or order, whichever + it may be called, has been made, was to the end that men and women, who + had large families of children, might be induced to join us here in + Jamestown, as if we had not already mouths enough to feed. + </p> + <p> + The Council of the Company has decided to allow the use of twenty-five + acres of land for each and every child that comes into Virginia, and all + who are now here, or may come to live at the expense of the Company, are + to be educated in some good trade or profession, in order that they may be + able to support themselves when they have come to the age of four and + twenty years, or have served the time of their apprenticeship, which is to + be no less than seven years. + </p> + <p> + It is further decreed that all of those children when they become of age + or marry, whichever shall happen first, are to have freely given and made + over to them fifty acres of land apiece, which same shall be in Virginia + within the limits of the English plantation. But, these children must be + placed as apprentices under honest and good masters within the grant made + to the London Company, and shall serve for seven years, or until they come + to the age of twenty-four, during which time their masters must bring them + up in some trade or business. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0079" id="link2H_4_0079"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DREAMS OF THE FUTURE + </h2> + <p> + On hearing this, the question came into my mind as to whether Nathaniel + and I could be called apprentices, inasmuch as we were only houseboys, + according to the name Captain Smith gave us. + </p> + <p> + Master Hunt declared that being apprentices to care for the family, was of + as much service as if we were learned in the trade of making tar, + clapboards, or of building ships, and he assured me that if peradventure + he was living when we had been in this land of Virginia seven years, it + should be his duty to see to it that we were given our fifty acres of land + apiece. + </p> + <p> + Thus understanding that we might ourselves in turn one day become + planters, Nathaniel and I had much to say, one with the other, concerning + what should be done in the future. We decided that when the time came for + us to have the land set off to our own use, we would strive that the two + lots of fifty acres each be in one piece. Then would we set about raising + tobacco, as the Indian girl Pocahontas taught us, and who can say that we + might not come to be of some consequence, even as are Captain Smith and + Master Hunt, in this new world. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0080" id="link2H_4_0080"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A PLAGUE OF RATS + </h2> + <p> + And now am I come to the spring of 1609, when befell us that disaster + which marked the beginning of the time of suffering, of trouble, and of + danger which was so near to wiping out the settlement of Jamestown that + the people had already started on their way to England. + </p> + <p> + The day had come when we should put into the ground our Indian corn that a + harvest might follow. The supply, which was to be used as seed, had been + stored in casks and piled up in the big house wherein were kept our goods. + </p> + <p> + When those who had been chosen to do the planting went for the seed, it + was found to have been destroyed by rats, and not only the corn, but many + other things which were in the storehouse, had been eaten by the same + animals. + </p> + <p> + Master Hunt maintained, and Captain Smith was of the same opinion, that + when the Phoenix was unloaded, the rats came ashore from her, finding + lodging in that building which represented the vital spot of our town. + </p> + <p> + Howsoever the pests came there, certain it was we should reap no harvest + that year, unless the savages became more friendly than they had lately + shown themselves, and as to this we speedily learned. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0081" id="link2H_4_0081"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TREACHERY DURING CAPTAIN SMITH'S ABSENCE + </h2> + <p> + When Captain Smith set off in the pinnace in order to buy what might serve + us as seed, he found himself threatened by all the brown men living near + about the shores of the bay, as if they had suddenly made up a plot to + kill us, and never one of them would speak him fairly. It was while my + master was away that two Dutchmen, who came over in the Phoenix and had + gone with Captain Smith in the pinnace, returned to Jamestown, saying to + Captain Winne, who was in command at the fort, that Captain Smith had use + for more weapons because of going into the country in the hope of finding + Indians who would supply him with corn. + </p> + <p> + Not doubting their story, the captain supplied them with what they + demanded, and, as was afterward learned, before leaving town that night + they stole many swords, pike heads, shot and powder, all of which these + Dutch thieves carried to Powhatan. + </p> + <p> + If these two had been the only white men who did us wrong, then might our + plight not have become so desperate; but many there were, upwards of + sixteen so Master Hunt declared, who from day to day carried away secretly + such weapons and tools, or powder and shot, as they could come upon, + thereby trusting to the word of the savages that they might live with them + in their villages always, without doing any manner of work. + </p> + <p> + Others sold kettles, hoes, or even swords and guns, that they might buy + fruit, or corn, or meat from the Indians without doing so much of labor as + was necessary in order to gather these things for themselves. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0082" id="link2H_4_0082"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CAPTAIN SMITH'S SPEECH + </h2> + <p> + Jamestown was a scene of turmoil and confusion when Captain Smith came + back from his journey having on board only two baskets of corn for seed. + After understanding what had been done by the idle ones during his + absence, he called all the people together and said unto them, speaking + earnestly, as if pleading for his very life: + </p> + <p> + "Never did I believe white men who were come together in a new world, and + should stand shoulder to shoulder against all the enemies that surround + them, could be so reckless and malicious. It is vain to hope for more help + from Powhatan, and the time has come when I will no longer bear with you + in your idleness; but punish severely if you do not set about the work + which must be done, without further plotting. You cannot deny but that I + have risked my life many a time in order to save yours, when, if you had + been allowed to go your own way, all would have starved. Now I swear + solemnly that you shall not only gather for yourselves the fruits which + the earth doth yield, but for those who are sick. Every one that gathers + not each day as much as I do, shall on the next day be set beyond the + river, forever banished from the fort, to live or starve as God wills." + </p> + <p> + This caused the lazy ones to bestir themselves for the time, and perhaps + all might have gone well with us had not the London Company sent out nine + more vessels, in which were five hundred persons, to join us people in + Jamestown. One of the ships, as we afterward learned, was wrecked in a + hurricane; seven arrived safely, and the ninth vessel we had not heard + from. + </p> + <p> + All these people had expected to find food in plenty, servants to wait + upon them, and everything furnished to hand without being obliged to raise + a finger in their own behalf. What was yet worse, they had among them many + men who believed they were to be made officers of the government. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0083" id="link2H_4_0083"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE NEW LAWS + </h2> + <p> + Now you must understand that with the coming of this fleet we of Jamestown + were told that the London Company had changed all the laws for us in + Virginia, and that Lord De la Warr, who sailed on the ship from which + nothing had been heard, was to be our governor. + </p> + <p> + From that hour did it seem as if all the men in Jamestown, save only half + a dozen, among whom were Captain Smith, Master Hunt and Master Percy, + strove their best to wreck the settlement. + </p> + <p> + Because Lord De la Warr, the new governor, had not arrived, many of the + new comers refused to obey my master, and they were so strong in numbers + that it was not possible for him to force them to his will. + </p> + <p> + Each man strove for himself, regardless of the sick, or of the women and + children. Some banded themselves together in companies, falling upon such + Indian villages as they could easily overcome, and murdered and robbed + until all the brown men of Virginia stood ready to shed the blood of every + white man who crossed their path. + </p> + <p> + Then came that which plunged Nathaniel and me into deepest grief. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0084" id="link2H_4_0084"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE ACCIDENT + </h2> + <p> + Captain Smith had gone up the bay in the hope of soothing the trouble + among the savages, and, failing in this effort, was returning, having got + within four and twenty hours' journey of Jamestown, when the pinnace was + anchored for the night. + </p> + <p> + The boat's company lay down to sleep, and then came that accident, if + accident it may be called, the cause of which no man has ever been able to + explain to the satisfaction of Master Hunt or myself. + </p> + <p> + Captain Smith was asleep, with his powder bag by his side, when in some + manner it was set on fire, and the powder, exploding, tore the flesh from + his body and thighs for the space of nine or ten inches square, even down + to the bones. + </p> + <p> + In his agony, and being thus horribly aroused from sleep, hardly knowing + what he did, he plunged overboard as the quickest way to soothe the pain. + There he was like to have drowned but for Samuel White, who came near to + losing his own life in saving him. + </p> + <p> + He was brought back to the town on the day before the ships of the fleet, + which had brought so many quarrelsome people, were to sail for England. + With no surgeon to dress his wounds, what could he do but depart in one of + these ships with the poor hope of living in agony until he arrived on the + other side of the ocean. + </p> + <p> + Nathaniel and I would have gone with him, willing, because of his + friendship for us, to have served him so long as we lived. He refused to + listen to our prayers, insisting that we were lads well fitted to live in + a new land like Virginia, and that if we would but remain with Master + Hunt, working out our time of apprenticeship, which would be but five + years longer, then might we find ourselves men of importance in the + colony. He doubted not, so he said, but that we would continue, after he + had gone, as we had while he was with us. + </p> + <p> + What could we lads do other than obey, when his commands were laid upon + us, even though our hearts were so sore that it seemed as if it would no + longer be possible to live when he had departed? + </p> + <p> + Even amid his suffering, when one might well have believed that he could + give no heed to anything save his own plight, he spoke to us of what we + should do for the bettering of our own condition. He promised that as soon + as he was come to London, and able to walk around, if so be God permitted + him to live, he would seek out Nathaniel's parents to tell them that the + lad who had run away from his home was rapidly making a man of himself in + Virginia, and would one day come back to gladden their hearts. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0085" id="link2H_4_0085"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CAPTAIN SMITH'S DEPARTURE + </h2> + <p> + It is not well for me to dwell upon our parting with the master whom we + had served more than two years, and who had ever been the most friendly + friend and the most manly man one could ask to meet. + </p> + <p> + Our hearts were sore, when, after having done what little we might toward + carrying him on board the ship, we came back to his house, which he had + said in the presence of witnesses should be ours, and there took up our + lives with Master Hunt. + </p> + <p> + But for that good man's prayers, on this first night we would have + abandoned ourselves entirely to grief; but he devoted his time to soothing + us, showing why we had no right to do other than continue in the course on + which we had been started by the man who was gone from us, until it was, + to my mind at least, as if I should be doing some grievous wrong to my + master, if I failed to carry on the work while he was away, as it would + have been done had I known we were to see him again within the week. + </p> + <p> + With Captain Smith gone, perhaps to his death; with half a dozen men who + claimed the right to stand at the head of the government until Lord De la + Warr should come; and with the savages menacing us on every hand, sore + indeed was our plight. + </p> + <p> + With so many in the town, for there were now four hundred and ninety + persons, and while the savages, because of having been so sorely wronged, + were in arms against us, it was no longer possible to go abroad for food, + and as the winter came on we were put to it even in that land of plenty, + for enough to keep ourselves alive. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0086" id="link2H_4_0086"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE "STARVING TIME" + </h2> + <p> + We came to know what starvation meant during that winter, and were I to + set down here all of the suffering, of the hunger weakness, and of the + selfishness we saw during the six months after Captain Smith sailed for + home, there would not be days enough left in my life to complete the tale. + </p> + <p> + As I look back on it now, it seems more like some wonderful dream than a + reality, wherein men strove with women and children for food to keep life + in their own worthless bodies. + </p> + <p> + It is enough if I say that of the four hundred and ninety persons whom + Captain Smith left behind him, there were, in the month of May of the year + 1610, but fifty-eight left alive. That God should have spared among those, + Nathaniel Peacock and myself, is something which passeth understanding, + for verily there were scores of better than we whose lives would have + advantaged Jamestown more than ours ever can, who died and were buried as + best they could be by the few who had sufficient strength remaining to dig + the graves. + </p> + <p> + I set it down in all truth that, through God's mercy, our lives were saved + by Master Hunt, for he counseled us wisely as to the care we should take + of our bodies when our stomachs were crying out for food, and it was he + who showed us how we might prepare this herb or the bark from that tree + for the sustaining of life, when we had nothing else to put into our + mouths. + </p> + <p> + We had forgotten that Lord De la Warr was the new governor; we had heard + nothing of the ship in which it was said Sir Thomas Gates and Sir George + Somers had sailed. We were come to that pass where we cared neither for + governor nor nobleman. We strove only to keep within our bodies the life + which had become painful. + </p> + <p> + Then it was, when the few of us who yet lived, feared each moment lest the + savages would put an end to us, that we saw sailing up into the bay two + small ships, and I doubt if there was any among us who did not fall upon + his knees and give thanks aloud to God for the help which had come at the + very moment when it had seemed that we were past all aid. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0087" id="link2H_4_0087"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + OUR COURAGE GIVES OUT + </h2> + <p> + But our time of rejoicing was short. Although these two ships were brought + by Sir Thomas Gates and Sir George Somers, having in them not less than + one hundred and fifty men, they did not have among them food sufficient to + provide for the wants of our company until another harvest should come. + </p> + <p> + The vessel in which these new comers had sailed was, as I have said, + wrecked in a hurricane near the Bermuda Isles, where, after much labor, + they had contrived to build these two small ships. + </p> + <p> + It needed not that we, who of all our people in Jamestown remained alive, + should tell the story of what we had suffered, for that could be read on + our faces. + </p> + <p> + Neither was it required that these new comers should study long in order + to decide upon the course to be pursued, for the answer to all their + speculations could be found in the empty storehouse, and in the numberless + graves 'twixt there and the river bank. + </p> + <p> + Of provisions, they had so much as might serve for a voyage to England, if + peradventure the winds were favorable; and ere the ships had been at + anchor four and twenty hours, it was resolved that we should abandon this + town of James, which we had hoped might one day grow into a city fair to + look upon. + </p> + <p> + An attempt to build up a nation in this new land of Virginia, of which + ours was the third, had cost of money and of blood more than man could + well set down, and now, after all this brave effort on the part of such + men as Captain Smith, Master Hunt and Master Percy, it was to go for + naught. + </p> + <p> + Once more were the savages to hold undisputed possession of the land which + they claimed as their own. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0088" id="link2H_4_0088"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ABANDONING JAMESTOWN + </h2> + <p> + Now even though Nathaniel Peacock and I had known more of suffering and of + sorrow, than of pleasure, in Jamestown, our hearts were sore at leaving + it. + </p> + <p> + It seemed to me as if we were running contrary to that which my master + would have commanded, and there were tears in my eyes, of which I was not + ashamed, when Nathaniel and I, hand in hand, followed Master Hunt out of + the house we had helped to build. + </p> + <p> + Those who had come from the shipwreck amid the Bermudas, were rejoicing + because they had failed to arrive in time to share with us the starvation + and the sickness, therefore to them this turning back upon the enterprise + was but a piece of good fortune. Yet were they silent and sad, + understanding our sorrow. + </p> + <p> + It was the eighth day of June, in the year 1610, when we set sail from + Jamestown, believing we were done with the new world forever, and yet + within less than three hours was all our grief changed to rejoicing, all + our sorrow to thankfulness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0089" id="link2H_4_0089"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LORD DE LA WARR'S ARRIVAL + </h2> + <p> + At the mouth of the river, sailing toward us bravely as if having come + from some glorious victory, were three ships laden with men, and, as we + afterward came to know, an ample store of provisions. + </p> + <p> + It was Lord De la Warr who had come to take up his governorship, and + verily he was arrived in the very point of time, for had he been delayed + four and twenty hours, we would have been on the ocean, where was little + likelihood of seeing him. + </p> + <p> + It needs not I should say that our ships were turned back, and before + nightfall Master Hunt was sitting in Captain Smith's house, with Nathaniel + Peacock and me cooking for him such a dinner as we three had not known + these six months past. + </p> + <p> + I have finished my story of Jamestown, having set myself to tell only of + what was done there while we were with Captain John Smith. + </p> + <p> + And it is well I should bring this story to an end here, for if I make any + attempt at telling what came to Nathaniel Peacock and myself after that, + then am I like to keep on until he who has begun to read will lay down the + story because of weariness. + </p> + <p> + For the satisfaction of myself, and the better pleasing of Nathaniel + Peacock, however, I will add, concerning our two selves, that we remained + in the land of Virginia until our time of apprenticeship was ended, and + then it was, that Master Hunt did for us as Captain Smith had promised to + do. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0090" id="link2H_4_0090"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE YOUNG PLANTERS + </h2> + <p> + We found ourselves, in the year 1614, the owners of an hundred acres of + land which Nathaniel and I had chosen some distance back from the river, + so that we might stand in no danger of the shaking sickness, and built + ourselves a house like unto the one we had helped make for Captain Smith. + </p> + <p> + With the coming of Lord De la Warr all things were changed. The governing + of the people was done as my old master, who never saw Virginia again, I + grieve to say, would have had it. We became a law abiding people, save + when a few hotheads stirred up trouble and got the worst of it. + </p> + <p> + When Nathaniel Peacock and I settled down as planters on our own account, + there were eleven villages in the land of Virginia, and, living in them, + more than four thousand men, women, and children. + </p> + <p> + It was no longer a country over which the savages ruled without check, + though sad to relate, the brown men of the land shed the blood of white + men like water, ere they were driven out from among us. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Richard of Jamestown, by James Otis + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RICHARD OF JAMESTOWN *** + +***** This file should be named 7465-h.htm or 7465-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/7/4/6/7465/ + +Produced by Martin Robb, and David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Richard of Jamestown + A Story of the Virginia Colony + +Author: James Otis + +Release Date: February, 2005 [EBook #7465] +Posting Date: July 25, 2009 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RICHARD OF JAMESTOWN *** + + + + +Produced by Martin Robb + + + + + +RICHARD OF JAMESTOWN + + +by James Otis + + + + +FOREWORD + + +The purpose of this series of stories is to show the children, and even +those who have already taken up the study of history, the home life +of the colonists with whom they meet in their books. To this end every +effort has been made to avoid anything savoring of romance, and to deal +only with facts, so far as that is possible, while describing the daily +life of those people who conquered the wilderness whether for conscience +sake or for gain. + +That the stories may appeal more directly to the children, they are told +from the viewpoint of a child, and purport to have been related by a +child. Should any criticism be made regarding the seeming neglect to +mention important historical facts, the answer would be that these books +are not sent out as histories--although it is believed that they will +awaken a desire to learn more of the building of the nation--and only +such incidents as would be particularly noted by a child are used. + +Surely it is entertaining as well as instructive for young people to +read of the toil and privations in the homes of those who came into a +new world to build up a country for themselves, and such homely facts +are not to be found in the real histories of our land. + +JAMES OTIS. + + + + +WHO I AM + + +Yes, my name is Richard Mutton. Sounds rather queer, doesn't it? The +lads in London town used to vex me sorely by calling, "Baa, baa, black +sheep," whenever I passed them, and yet he who will may find the name +Richard Mutton written in the list of those who were sent to Virginia, +in the new world, by the London Company, on the nineteenth day of +December, in the year of Our Lord, 1606. + +Whosoever may chance to read what I am here setting down, will, perhaps, +ask how it happened that a lad only ten years of age was allowed to sail +for that new world in company with such a band of adventurous men as +headed the enterprise. + +Therefore it is that I must tell a certain portion of the story of my +life, for the better understanding of how I came to be in this fair, +wild, savage beset land of Virginia. + +Yet I was not the only boy who sailed in the Susan Constant, as you may +see by turning to the list of names, which is under the care, even to +this day, of the London Company, for there you will find written +in clerkly hand the names Samuel Collier, Nathaniel Peacock, James +Brumfield, and Richard Mutton. Nathaniel Peacock has declared more than +once that my name comes last in the company at the very end of all, +because I was not a full grown mutton; but only large enough to be +called a sheep's tail, and therefore should be hung on behind, as is +shown by the list. + +The reason of my being in this country of Virginia at so young an age, +is directly concerned with that brave soldier and wondrous adventurer, +Captain John Smith, of whom I make no doubt the people in this new +world, when the land has been covered with towns and villages, will come +to know right well, for of a truth he is a wonderful man. In the sixth +month of Grace, 1606, I Was living as best I might in that great city +of London, which is as much a wilderness of houses, as this country is +a wilderness of trees. My father was a soldier of fortune, which means +that he stood ready to do battle in behalf of whatsoever nation he +believed was in the right, or, perhaps, on the side of those people who +would pay him the most money for risking his life. + +He had fought with the Dutch soldiers under command of one Captain +Miles Standish, an Englishman of renown among men of arms, and had been +killed. My mother died less than a week before the news was brought that +my father had been shot to death. Not then fully understanding how great +a disaster it is to a young lad when he loses father or mother, and how +yet more sad is his lot when he has lost both parents, I made shift to +live as best I might with a sore heart; but yet not so sore as if I had +known the full extent of the misfortune which had overtaken me. + +At first it was an easy matter for me to get food at the home of +this lad, or of that, among my acquaintances, sleeping wherever night +overtook me; but, finally, when mayhap three months had gone by, my +welcome was worn threadbare, and I was told by more than one, that a +hulking lad of ten years should have more pride than to beg his way from +door to door. + +It is with shame I here set down the fact, that many weeks passed before +I came to understand, in ever so slight a degree, what a milksop I must +be, thus eating the bread of idleness when I should have won the right, +by labor, to a livelihood in this world. + +This last thought had just begun to take root in my heart when Nathaniel +Peacock, whose mother had been a good friend of mine during a certain +time after I was made an orphan, and I, heard that a remarkably brave +soldier was in the city of London, making ready to go into the new +world, with the intent to build there a town for the king. + + + + +CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH COMES TO LONDON + + +This man was no other than Captain John Smith, who, although at this +time not above six and twenty years of age, had already served in the +French, in the Dutch, and in the Transylvanian armies, where he had met +and overcome many dangers. + +He had been robbed and beaten and thrown into the sea because of not +believing in the religion of the men who attacked him; he had been a +slave among the Turks; he had fought, one after another, three of the +bravest in the Turkish army, and had cut off the head of each in turn. + +Can it be wondered at that Nathaniel Peacock and I were filled to +overflowing with admiration for this wonderful soldier, or that we +desired above all things to see him? + +We loitered about the streets of London town from daylight until night +had come again, hoping to feast our eyes upon this same John Smith, who +was to us one of the wonders of the world, because in so short a time he +had made his name as a soldier famous in all countries, and yet we saw +him not. + +We had searched London town over and over for mayhap a full month, doing +nothing else save hunt for the man whose life had been so filled with +adventure, and each time we returned home, Mistress Peacock reproached +me with being an idle good for nothing, and Nathaniel but little better. + +I believe it was her harsh words which caused to spring up in my heart +a desire to venture into the new world, where it was said gold could be +found in abundance, and even the smallest lad might pick up whatsoever +of wealth he desired, if so be his heart was strong enough to brave the +journey across the great ocean. + +The more I thought of what could be found in that land, which was called +Virginia, the stronger grew my desire, until the time came when it was a +fixed purpose in my mind, and not until then did I breathe to Nathaniel +a word of that which had been growing within me. + +He took fire straightway I spoke of what it might be possible for us +lads to do, and declared that whether his mother were willing or no, he +would brave all the dangers of that terrible journey overseas, if so be +we found an opportunity. To him it seemed a simple matter that, having +once found a ship which was to sail for the far off land, we might hide +ourselves within her, having gathered sufficient of food to keep us +alive during the journey. But how this last might be done, his plans had +not been made. + +Lest I should set down too many words, and therefore bring upon myself +the charge of being one who can work with his tongue better than with +his hands, I will pass over all that which Nathaniel and I did during +the long time we roamed the streets, in the hope of coming face to face +with Captain Smith. + +It is enough if I set it down at once that we finally succeeded in our +purpose, having come upon him one certain morning on Cheapside, when +there was a fight on among some apprentices, and the way so blocked +that neither he nor any other could pass through the street, until +the quarrelsome fellows were done playing upon each other's heads with +sticks and stones. + +It seemed much as if fortune had at last consented to smile upon us, for +we were standing directly in front of the great man. + +I know not how it chanced that I, a lad whose apparel was far from being +either cleanly or whole, should have dared to raise my voice in speech +with one who was said to have talked even with a king. Yet so I did, +coming without many words to that matter which had been growing these +many days in my mind, and mayhap it was the very suddenness of the words +that caught his fancy. + +"Nathaniel Peacock and I are minded to go with you into that new world, +Captain John Smith, if so be you permit us," I said, "and there we will +serve you with honesty and industry." + +There was a smile come upon his face as I spoke, and he looked down upon +Nathaniel and me, who were wedged among that throng which watched the +apprentices quarrel, until we were like to be squeezed flat, and said in +what I took to be a friendly tone: + +"So, my master, you would journey into Virginia with the hope of making +yourself rich, and you not out from under your mother's apron as yet?" + +"I have no mother to wear an apron, Captain Smith, nor father to say I +may go there or shall come here; but yet would serve you as keenly as +might any man, save mayhap my strength, which will increase, be not so +great as would be found in those older." + +Whether this valiant soldier was pleased with my words, or if in good +truth boys were needed in the enterprise, I cannot say; but certain it +is he spoke me fairly, writing down upon a piece of paper, which he tore +from his tablets, the name of the street in which he had lodgings, and +asking, as he handed it to me, if I could read. + +Now it was that I gave silent thanks, because of what had seemed to me +a hardship when my mother forced me to spend so many hours each day in +learning to use a quill, until I was able to write a clerkly hand. + +It seemed to please this great soldier that I could do what few of the +lads in that day had been taught to master, and, without further ado, he +said to me boldly: + +"You shall journey into Virginia with me, an' it please you, lad. What +is more, I will take upon myself the charge of outfitting you, and time +shall tell whether you have enough of manliness in you to repay me the +cost." + +Then it was that Nathaniel raised his voice; but the captain gave him +no satisfaction, declaring it was the duty of a true lad to stand by his +mother, and that he would lend his aid to none who had a home, and in it +those who cared for him. + +I could have talked with this brave soldier until the night had come, +and would never have wearied of asking concerning what might be found in +that new world of Virginia; but it so chanced that when the business was +thus far advanced, the apprentices were done with striving to break +each other's heads, and Captain Smith, bidding me come to his house next +morning, went his way. + + + + +THE PLANS OF THE LONDON COMPANY + + +Then it was that Nathaniel declared he also would go on the voyage to +Virginia, whether it pleased Captain Smith or no, and I, who should have +set my face against his running away from home, spoke no word to oppose +him, because it would please me to have him as comrade. + +After this I went more than once to the house where Captain Smith +lodged, and learned very much concerning what it was proposed to do +toward building a town in the new world. + +Both Nathaniel and I had believed it was the king who counted to send +all these people overseas; but I learned from my new master that a +company of London merchants was in charge of the enterprise, these +merchants believing much profit might come to them in the way of getting +gold. + +The whole business was to be under the control of Captain Bartholomew +Gosnold, who, it was said, had already made one voyage to the new world, +and had brought back word that it was a goodly place in which to settle +and to build up towns. The one chosen to act as admiral of the fleet, +for there were to be three ships instead of one, as I had fancied, was +Captain Christopher Newport, a man who had no little fame as a seaman. + +In due time, as the preparations for the voyage were being forwarded, +I was sent by my master into lodgings at Blackwall, just below London +town, for the fleet lay nearby, and because it was understood by those +in charge of the adventure that I was in Captain Smith's service, no +hindrance was made to my going on board the vessels. + + + + +THE VESSELS OF THE FLEET + + +These were three in number, as I have already said: the Constant, a ship +of near to one hundred tons in size; the Goodspeed, of forty tons, and +the Discovery, which was a pinnace of only twenty tons. + +And now, lest some who read what I have set down may not be acquainted +with the words used by seamen, let me explain that the measurement of +a vessel by tons, means that she will fill so much space in the water. +Now, in measuring a vessel, a ton is reckoned as forty cubic feet of +space, therefore when I say the Susan Constant was one hundred tons +in size, it is the same as if I had set down that she would carry four +thousand cubic feet of cargo. + +That he who reads may know what I mean by a pinnace, as differing from +a ship, I can best make it plain by saying that such a craft is an open +boat, wherein may be used sails or oars, and, as in the case of the +Discovery, may have a deck over a certain portion of her length. That +our pinnace was a vessel able to withstand such waves as would be met +with in the ocean, can be believed when you remember that she was one +half the size of the Goodspeed, which we counted a ship. + + + + +HOW I EARNED MY PASSAGE + + +Captain Smith, my master, found plenty of work for me during the weeks +before the fleet sailed. He had many matters to be set down in writing, +and because of my mother's care in teaching me to use the quill, I was +able, or so it seemed to me, to be of no little aid to him in those busy +days, when it was as if he must do two or three things at the same time +in order to bring his business to an end. I learned during that time to +care very dearly for this valiant soldier, who could, when the fit was +on him, be as tender and kind as a girl, and again, when he was crossed, +as stern a man as one might find in all London town. + +Because of my labors, and it pleased me greatly that I could do somewhat +toward forwarding the adventure, I had no time in which to search for +my friend, Nathaniel Peacock, although I did not cease to hope that he +would try to find me. + +I had parted with him in the city, and he knew right well where I was +going; yet, so far as I could learn, he had never come to Blackwall. + +I had no doubt but that I could find him in the city, and it was in my +mind, at the first opportunity, to seek him out, if for no other reason +than that we might part as comrades should, for he had been a true +friend to me when my heart was sore; but from the moment the sailors +began to put the cargo on board the Susan Constant and the Goodspeed, +I had no chance to wander around Blackwall, let alone journeying to +London. + +Then came the twentieth of December, when we were to set sail, and great +was the rejoicing among the people, who believed that we would soon +build up a city in the new world, which would be of great wealth and +advantage to those in England. + +I heard it said, although I myself was not on shore to see what +was done, that in all the churches prayers were made for our safe +journeying, and there was much marching to and fro of soldiers, as if +some great merrymaking were afoot. + +The shore was lined with people; booths were set up where showmen +displayed for pay many curious things, and food and sweetmeats were on +sale here and there, for so large a throng stood in need of refreshment +as well as amusement. + +It was a wondrous spectacle to see all these people nearby on the shore, +knowing they had come for no other purpose than to look at us, and +I took no little pride to myself because of being numbered among the +adventurers, even vainly fancying that many wondered what part a boy +could have in such an undertaking. + +Then we set sail, I watching in vain for a glimpse of Nathaniel Peacock +as the ships got under way. Finally, sadly disappointed, and with the +sickness of home already in my heart, I went into the forward part of +the ship, where was my sleeping place, thinking that very shortly we +should be tossing and tumbling on the mighty waves of the ocean. + +In this I was mistaken, for the wind was contrary to our purpose, and +we lay in the Downs near six weeks, while Master Hunt, the preacher, who +had joined the company that he might labor for the good of our souls; +lay so nigh unto death in the cabin of the Susan Constant, that I +listened during all the waking hours of the night, fearing to hear the +tolling of the ship's bell, which would tell that he had gone from among +the living. + +It was on the second night, after we were come to anchor in the Downs +awaiting a favorable wind, that I, having fallen asleep while wishing +Nathaniel Peacock might have been with us, was awakened by the pressure +of a cold hand upon my cheek. I was near to crying aloud with fear, +for the first thought that came was that Master Hunt had gone from this +world, and was summoning me; but before the cry could escape my lips, I +heard the whispered words: "It is me, Nate Peacock!" + +It can well be guessed that I was sitting bolt upright in the narrow +bed, which sailors call a bunk, by the time this had been said, and in +the gloom of the seamen's living place I saw a head close to mine. + +Not until I had passed my hands over the face could I believe it +was indeed my comrade, and it goes without saying that straightway +I insisted on knowing how he came there, when he should have been in +London town. + +I cannot set the story down as Nathaniel Peacock told it to me on that +night, because his words were many; but the tale ran much like this: + + + + +NATHANIEL'S STORY + + +When Captain John Smith had promised on Cheapside that I should be one +of the company of adventurers, because of such labor as it might be +possible for me to perform, and had refused to listen to my comrade, +Nathaniel, without acquainting me with the fact, had made up his mind +that he also would go into the new world of Virginia. + +Fearing lest I would believe it my duty to tell Captain Smith of his +purpose, he kept far from me, doing whatsoever he might in London town +to earn as much as would provide him with food during a certain time. + +In this he succeeded so far as then seemed necessary, and when it was +known that the fleet was nearly ready to make sail, he came to Blackwall +with all his belongings tied in his doublet. + +To get on board the Susan Constant without attracting much attention +while she was being visited by so many curious people, was not a hard +task for Nathaniel Peacock, and three days before the fleet was got +under way, my comrade had hidden himself in the very foremost part of +the ship, where were stored the ropes and chains. + +There he had remained until thirst, or hunger, drove him out, on this +night of which I am telling you, and he begged that I go on deck, where +were the scuttle butts, to get him a pannikin of water. + +For those of you who may not know what a scuttle butt is, I will explain +that it is a large cask in which fresh water is kept on shipboard. When +Nathaniel's burning thirst had been soothed, he began to fear that I +might give information to Captain John Smith concerning him; but after +all that had been done in the way of hiding himself, and remembering his +suffering, I had not the heart so to do. + +During four days more he spent all the hours of sunshine, and the +greater portion of the night, in my bed, closely covered so that the +sailors might not see him, and then came the discovery, when he was +dragged out with many a blow and harsh word to give an account of +himself. I fear it would have gone harder still with Nathaniel, if I had +not happened to be there at that very moment. + +As it was, I went directly to Captain John Smith, my master, telling him +all Nathaniel's story, and asking if the lad had not shown himself made +of the proper stuff to be counted on as one of the adventurers. + +Although hoping to succeed in my pleading, I was surprised when the +captain gave a quick consent to number the lad among those who were to +go into the new land of Virginia, and was even astonished when his name +was written down among others as if he had been pledged to the voyage in +due form. + +But for the sickness of Master Hunt, and the fear we had lest he should +die, Nathaniel and I might have made exceeding merry while we lay at +anchor in the Downs, for food was plentiful; there was little of work to +be done, and we lads could have passed the time skylarking with such of +the sailors as were disposed to sport, except orders had been given that +no undue noise be made on deck. + + + + +WE MAKE SAIL AGAIN + + +It seemed to me almost as if we spent an entire lifetime within sight +of the country we were minded to leave behind us, and indeed six weeks, +with no change of scene, and while one is held to the narrow limits of a +ship, is an exceeding long time. + +However, as I have heard Captain Smith say again and again, everything +comes to him who waits, and so also came that day when the winds were +favoring; when Captain Newport, the admiral of our fleet, gave the word +to make sail, and we sped softly away from England's shores, little +dreaming of that time of suffering, of sickness, and of sadness which +was before us. + +To Nathaniel and me, who had never strayed far from London town, and +knew no more of the sea than might have been gained in a boatman's +wherry, the ocean was exceeding unkind, and for eight and forty hours +did we lie in that narrow bed, believing death was very near at hand. + +There is no reason why I should make any attempt at describing the +sickness which was upon us, for I have since heard that it comes to +all who go out on the sea for the first time. When we recovered, it was +suddenly, like as a flower lifts up its head after a refreshing shower +that has pelted it to the ground. + +I would I might set down here all which came to us during the voyage, +for it was filled with wondrous happenings; but because I would tell of +what we did in the land of Virginia, I must be sparing of words now. + + + + +THE FIRST ISLAND + + +It is to be remembered that our fleet left London on the twentieth day +of December, and, as I have since heard Captain Smith read from the +pages which he wrote concerning the voyage, it was on the twenty-third +of March that we were come to the island of Martinique, where for the +first time Nathaniel Peacock and I saw living savages. + +When we were come to anchor, they paddled out to our ships in frail +boats called canoes, bringing many kinds of most delicious fruits, +which we bought for such trumpery things as glass beads and ornaments of +copper. + +It was while we lay off this island that we saw a whale attacked and +killed by a thresher and a swordfish, which was a wondrous sight. + +And now was a most wicked deed done by those who claimed to be in +command of our company, for they declared that my master had laid a plot +with some of the men in each vessel of the fleet, whereby the principal +members of the company were to be murdered, to the end that Captain +Smith might set himself up as king after we were come to the new world. + +All this was untrue, as I knew full well, having aided him in such work +as a real clerk would have done, and had there been a plot, I must have +found some inkling of it in one of the many papers I read aloud to him, +or copied down on other sheets that the work of the quill might be more +pleasing to the eye. + +Besides that, I had been with the captain a goodly portion of the time +while the ships were being made ready for the voyage, and if he had +harbored so much of wickedness, surely must some word of it have come to +me, who sat or stood near at hand, listening attentively whenever he had +speech with others of the company of adventurers. + + + + +CAPTAIN SMITH A PRISONER + + +When the voyage was begun, and the captain no longer had need of me, I +was sent into the forward part of the ship to live, as has already been +set down, and therefore it was I knew nothing of what was being done in +the great cabin, where the leaders of the company were quartered, until +after my master was made a prisoner. Then it was told me by the seaman +who had been called by Captain Kendall, as if it was feared my master, +being such a great soldier, might strive to harm those who miscalled him +a traitor to that which he had sworn. + +It seems, so the seaman said, that Captain John Martin was the one who +made the charges against my master, on the night after we set sail from +Martinique, when all the chief men of the company were met in the great +cabin, and he declared that, when it was possible to do so, meaning +after we had come to the land of Virginia, witnesses should be brought +from the other ships to prove the wicked intent. Then it was that +Captain George Kendall declared my master must be kept a close prisoner +until the matter could be disposed of, and all the others, save Captain +Bartholomew Gosnold, agreeing, heavy irons were put upon him. He was +shut up in his sleeping place, having made no outcry nor attempt to do +any harm, save that he declared himself innocent of wrong doing. + +But for Captain Gosnold and Master Hunt, the preacher, I should not +have been permitted to go in and learn if I might do anything for his +comfort. The other leaders declared that my master was a dangerous +man, who should not be allowed to have speech with any person save +themselves, lest he send some message to those who were said to be +concerned with him in the plot. + + + + +I ATTEND MY MASTER + + +Master Hunt spoke up right manfully in behalf of Captain Smith, with the +result that I was given free entrance to that small room which had been +made his prison, save that I must at all times leave the door open, so +those who were in the great cabin could hear if I was charged with any +message to the seamen. + +My eyes were filled with tears when my master told me that he had +no thought save that of benefiting those who were with him in the +adventure, and that he would not lend his countenance to any wicked +plot. + +I begged him to understand that I knew right well he would do no manner +of wrong to any man, and asked the privilege of being with him all the +time, to serve him when he could not serve himself because of the irons +that fettered his legs. + +And so it was that I had opportunity to do that which made my master as +true a friend as ever lad had, for in the later days when we were +come to Virginia and beset by savages more cruel than wild beasts, +he ventured his own life again and again to save mine, which was so +worthless as compared with his. + +Only that I might tell how the voyage progressed, did I go on deck, or +have speech with Nathaniel Peacock, and only through me did my master +know when we were come to this island or that, together with what was to +be seen in such places. + + + + +SEVERAL ISLANDS VISITED + + +Therefore it was that when, on the next day after he was made a +prisoner, we were come to anchor off that island which the savages +called Gaudaloupe, and Nathaniel had been permitted to go on shore in +one of the boats, I could tell my master of the wondrous waters which +were found there. + +Nathaniel told me that water spouted up out of the earth so hot, that +when Captain Newport threw into it a piece of pork tied to a rope, the +meat was cooked in half an hour, even as if it had been over a roaring +hot fire. + +After that we passed many islands, the names of which I could not +discover, until we came to anchor within half a musket shot from the +shore of that land which is known as Nevis. Here we lay six days, and +the chief men of the company went on shore for sport and to hunt, save +always either Captain Martin or Captain Kendall, who remained on board +to watch the poor prisoner, while he, my master, lay in his narrow bed +sweltering under the great heat. + +During all this while, the seamen and our gentlemen got much profit and +sport from hunting and fishing, adding in no small degree to our store +of food. Had Captain Smith not been kept from going on shore by the +wickedness of those who were jealous because of his great fame as a +soldier, I dare venture to say our stay at this island of Nevis would +have been far more to our advantage. + +From this place we went to what Master Hunt told me were the Virgin +islands, and here the men went ashore again to hunt; but my master, +speaking no harsh words against those who were wronging him, lay in the +small, stinging hot room, unable to get for himself even a cup of water, +though I took good care he should not suffer from lack of kindly care. + +Then on a certain day we sailed past that land which Captain Gosnold +told me was Porto Rico, and next morning came to anchor off the island +of Mona, where the seamen were sent ashore to get fresh water, for our +supply was running low. + +Captain Newport, and many of the other gentlemen, went on shore to hunt, +and so great was the heat that Master Edward Brookes fell down dead, +one of the sailors telling Nathaniel that the poor man's fat was +melted until he could no longer live; but Captain Smith, who knows more +concerning such matters than all this company rolled into one, save I +might except Master Hunt, declared that the fat of a live person does +not melt, however great the heat. It is the sun shining too fiercely on +one's head that brings about death, and thus it was that Master Brookes +died. + + + + +A VARIETY OF WILD GAME + + +Our gentlemen who had the heart to make prisoner of so honest, upright a +man as my master, did not cease their sport because of what had befallen +Master Brookes, but continued at the hunting until they had brought down +two wild boars and also an animal fashioned like unto nothing I had +ever seen before. It was something after the manner of a serpent, but +speckled on the stomach as is a toad, and Captain Smith believed the +true name of it to be Iguana, the like of which he says that he has +often seen in other countries and that its flesh makes very good eating. + +If any one save Captain Smith had said this, I should have found it hard +to believe him, and as it was I was glad my belief was not put to the +test. Two days afterward we were come to an island which Master Hunt +says is known to seamen as Monica, and there it was that Nathaniel went +on shore in one of the boats, coming back at night to tell me a most +wondrous story. + +He declared that the birds and their eggs were so plentiful that the +whole island was covered with them; that one could not set down his +foot, save upon eggs, or birds sitting on their nests, some of which +could hardly be driven away even with blows, and when they rose in the +air, the noise made by their wings was so great as to deafen a person. + +Our seamen loaded two boats full of the eggs in three hours, and all in +the fleet feasted for several days on such as had not yet been spoiled +by the warmth of the birds' bodies. + +It was on the next day that we left behind us those islands which +Captain Smith told me were the West Indies, and the seaman who stood at +the helm when I came on deck to get water for my master, said we were +steering a northerly course, which would soon bring us to the land of +Virginia. + + + + +THE TEMPEST + + +On that very night, however, such a tempest of wind and of rain came +upon us that I was not the only one who believed the Susan Constant must +be crushed like an eggshell under the great mountains of water which +at times rolled completely over her, so flooding the decks that but few +could venture out to do whatsoever of work was needed to keep the ship +afloat. After this fierce tempest, when the Lord permitted that even our +pinnace should ride in safety, it was believed that we were come near +to the new world, and by day and by night the seamen stood at the rail, +throwing the lead every few minutes in order to discover if we were +venturing into shoal water. + +Nathaniel and I used to stand by watching them, and wishing that we +might be allowed to throw the line, but never quite getting up our +courage to say so, knowing full well we should probably make a tangle of +it. + + + + +THE NEW COUNTRY SIGHTED + + +As Master George Percy has set down in the writings which I have copied +for him since we came to Virginia, it was on the twenty-sixth day +of April, in the year of our Lord 1607, at about four o'clock in the +morning, when we were come within sight of that land where were to be +built homes, not only for our company of one hundred and five, counting +the boys, but for all who should come after us. + +It was while the ship lay off the land, her decks crowded with our +company who fain would get the first clear view of that country in which +they were to live, if the savages permitted, that I asked my master who +among the gentlemen of the cabin was the leader in this adventure. + +To my surprise, he told me that it was not yet known. The London Company +had made an election of those among the gentlemen who should form +the new government, and had written down the names, together with +instructions as to what should be done; but this writing was enclosed +in a box which was not to be opened until we had come to the end of our +voyage. + + + + +THE LEADER NOT KNOWN + + +There could be no doubt but that Captain Kendall and Captain Martin both +believed that when the will of the London Company was made known, it +would be found they stood in high command; but there was in my heart +a great hope that my master might have been named. Yet when I put the +matter to him in so many words, he treated the matter lightly, saying it +could hardly be, else they had not dared to treat him thus shamefully. + +However, it was soon to be known, if the commands of the London Company +were obeyed, for now we had come to this new land of Virginia, and the +time was near at hand when would be opened the box containing the names +of those who were to be officers in the town we hoped soon to build. + +As for myself, I was so excited it seemed impossible to remain quiet +many seconds in one place, and I fear that my duties, which consisted +only in waiting upon the prisoner, my master, were sadly neglected +because of the anxiety in my mind to know who the merchants in London +had named as rulers of the settlement about to be made in the new world. + +One would have believed from Captain Smith's manner that he had no +concern whatsoever as to the result of all this wickedness and scheming, +for it was neither more nor less than such, as I looked at the matter, +on the part of Captain Kendall and Captain Martin. + +Here we were in sight of the new world, at a place where we were to live +all the remainder of our lives, and he a prisoner in chains; but yet +never a word of complaint came from his lips. + + + + +ARRIVAL AT CHESAPEAKE BAY + + +When the day had fully dawned, and the fleet stood in toward the noble +bay, between two capes, which were afterward named Cape Henry and Cape +Comfort, Captain Smith directed me to go on deck, in order to keep him +informed of what might be happening. + +He told me there was no question in his mind but that we were come to +the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, where it had been agreed with the London +merchants we were to go on shore. + +Standing at the head of the companionway, but not venturing out on deck +lest I should be sent to some other part of the ship, and thus be unable +to give my master the information which he desired, I looked out upon +what seemed to me the most goodly land that could be found in all the +wide world. + +Trees there were of size fit for masts to the king's ships; flowers +bordered the shore until there were seemingly great waves of this color, +or of that, as far as eye could reach, and set within this dazzling +array of green and gold, and of red and yellow, was a great sea, which +Captain Smith said was called the Chesapeake Bay. + +We entered for some distance, mayhap three or four miles, before coming +to anchor, and then Master Wingfield, Captain Gosnold, and Captain +Newport went on shore with a party of thirty, made up of seamen and +gentlemen, and my master, who had not so much as stretched his legs +since we sailed from Martinique, was left in his narrow cabin with none +but me to care for him! + +I had thought they would open the box containing the instructions from +London, before doing anything else; but Captain Smith was of the mind +that such business could wait until they had explored sufficiently to +find a place where the new town might be built. + +It was a long, weary, anxious day for me. The party had left the ship in +the morning, remaining absent until nightfall, and at least four or five +times every hour did I run up from the cabin to gaze shoreward in the +hope of seeing them return, for I was most eager to have the business +pushed forward, and to know whether my master's enemies were given, by +the London Company, permission to do whatsoever they pleased. + + + + +AN ATTACK BY THE SAVAGES + + +Just after sunset, and before the darkness of night closed in, those +who had been on shore came back very hurriedly and in disorder, bringing +with them in the foremost boat, two wounded men. + +"They have had a battle with some one, Master," I reported, before +yet the boats were come alongside, and for the first time that day did +Captain Smith appear to be deeply concerned. I heard him say as if to +himself, not intending that the words should reach me: + +"Lack of caution in dealing with the savages is like to cost us dearly." + +Half an hour later I heard all the story from Nathaniel Peacock, who had +believed himself fortunate when he was allowed to accompany the party on +shore. + +According to his account, the company from the fleet roamed over much +of the land during the day, finding fair meadows and goodly trees, with +streams of fresh water here and there bespeaking fish in abundance. + +Nothing was seen or heard to disturb our people until the signal had +been given for all to go on board the boats, that they might return to +the ships, and then it was that a number of naked, brown men, creeping +upon their hands and knees like animals, with bows and arrows held +between their teeth, came out suddenly from amid the foliage to the +number, as Nathaniel declared, of not less than an hundred. + +While the white men stood dismayed, awaiting some order from those who +chose to call themselves leaders, the savages shot a multitude of arrows +into the midst of the company, wounding Captain Gabriel Archer in both +his hands, and dangerously hurting one of the seamen. + +Captain Gosnold gave command for the firearms to be discharged, +whereupon the savages disappeared suddenly, and without delay our people +returned to the fleet. + + + + +READING THE LONDON COMPANY'S ORDERS + + +An hour later, when those who had just come from the shore had been +refreshed with food, I noted with much of anxiety that all the gentlemen +of the company, not only such as belonged on board the Susan Constant, +but those from the Speedwell, gathered in the great cabin of our ship, +and, looking out ever so cautiously, while the door of Captain Smith's +room was ajar, I saw them gather around the big table on which, as if +it were something of greatest value, was placed a box made of some dark +colored wood. + +It was Master Hunt who opened this, and, taking out a paper, he read in +a voice so loud that even my master, as he lay in his narrow bed, could +hear the names of those who were chosen by the London Company to form +the Council for the government of the new land of Virginia. + +These are the names as he read them: Bartholomew Gosnold, Edward +Wingfield, Christopher Newport, John Smith, John Ratcliffe, John Martin +and George Kendall. + +My heart seemingly leaped into my throat with triumph when I thus heard +the name of my master among those who were to stand as leaders of the +company, and so excited had I become that that which Master Hunt read +from the remainder of the paper failed to attract my attention. + +I learned afterward, however, that among the rules governing the actions +of this Council, was one that a President should be chosen each year, +and that matters of moment were to be determined by vote of the Council, +in which the President might cast two ballots. + +It was when Master Hunt ceased reading that I believed my master would +be set free without delay, for of a verity he had the same right to take +part in the deliberations as any other, since it was the will of the +London Company that he should be one of the leaders; but much to my +surprise nothing of the kind was done. Captain Kendall, seeing the door +of my master's room slightly open, arose from the table and closed +it, as if he were about to say something which should not be heard by +Captain Smith. + +I would have opened the door again, but that my master bade me leave it +closed, and when an hour or more had passed, Master Hunt came in to us, +stating that it had not yet been decided by the other members of the +Council whether Captain Smith should be allowed to take part in the +affairs, as the London Company had decided, or whether he should be sent +home for judgment when the fleet returned. But meanwhile he was to have +his liberty. + +Then it was that Master Hunt, talking like the true man he ever showed +himself to be, advised Captain Smith to do in all things, so far as the +other members of the Council permitted, as if nothing had gone awry, +claiming that before we had been many days in this land, those who had +brought charges against him would fail of making them good. + +Had I been the one thus so grievously injured, the whole company might +have shipwrecked themselves before I would have raised a hand, all of +which goes to show that I had not learned to rule my temper. + +Captain Smith, however, agreed with all Master Hunt said, and then it +was that I was sent forward once more. My master went on deck for the +first time since we had left Martinique, walking to and fro swiftly, as +if it pleased him to have command of his legs once more. + +If Master Hunt and Master Wingfield had been able to bring the others +around to their way of thinking, Captain Smith would have taken his +rightful place in the Council without delay. Instead of which, however, +he remained on board the ship idle, when there was much that he could +have done better than any other, from the day on which we came in +sight of Virginia, which was the fifteenth day of April, until the +twenty-sixth day of June. + +During all this time, those of the Council who were his enemies claimed +that they could prove he had laid plans to murder all the chief men, +and take his place as king; but yet they did not do so, and my master +refused to hold any parley with them, except that he claimed he was +innocent of all wrong in thought or in act. + +When the others of the fleet set off to spy out the land, my master +remained aboard the ship, still being a prisoner, except so far that he +wore no fetters, and I would not have left him save he had commanded me +sharply, for at that time, so sore was his heart, that even a lad like +me could now and then say some word which might have in it somewhat of +cheer. + +During this time that Captain Smith was with the company and yet not +numbered as one of them, the other gentlemen explored the country, +and more than once was Nathaniel Peacock allowed to accompany them, +therefore did I hear much which otherwise would not have been told me. + +And what happened during these two months when the gentlemen were much +the same as quarreling among themselves, I shall set down in as few +words as possible, to the end that I may the sooner come to that story +of our life in the new village, which some called James Fort, and others +James Town, after King James of England. + + + + +EXPLORING THE COUNTRY + + +When the shallop had been taken out of the hold of the Susan Constant, +and put together by the Carpenters, our people explored the shores of +the bay and the broad streams running into it, meeting with savages here +and there, and holding some little converse with them. A few were found +to be friendly, while others appeared to think we were stealing their +land by thus coming among them. + +One of the most friendly of the savages, so Nathaniel said, having shown +by making marks on the ground with his foot that he wished to tell our +people about the country, and having been given a pen and paper, drew a +map of the river with great care, putting in the islands and waterfalls +and mountains that our men would come to, and afterward he even brought +food to our people such as wheat and little sweet nuts and berries. + +I myself would have been pleased to go on shore and see these strange +people, but not being able to do so save at the cost of leaving my +master, I can only repeat some of the curious things which Nathaniel +Peacock told me. It must be known that there was more than one nation, +or tribe, of savages in this new land of Virginia, and each had its king +or chief, who was called the werowance. I might set down the names of +these tribes, and yet it would be so much labor lost, because they are +more like fanciful than real words. As, for example, there were the +Paspaheghes, whose werowance was seemingly more friendly to our people +than were the others. + +Again, there were the Rapahannas, who wore the legs of birds through +holes in their ears, and had all the hair on the right side of their +heads shaven closely. + +It gives them much pleasure to dance, so Nathaniel said, he having seen +them jumping around more like so many wolves, rather than human beings, +for the space of half an hour, shouting and singing all the while. + +All the Indians smoked an herb called tobacco, which grows abundantly +in this land, and I have Nathaniel's word for it that one savage had a +tobacco pipe nearly a yard long, with the device of a deer carved at the +great end of it big enough to dash out one's brains with. + +There is very much more which might be said about these savages that +would be of interest; but I am minded now to leave such stories for +others to tell, and come to the day when Captain Newport was ready to +sail with the Susan Constant and the Goodspeed back to England, for his +share in the adventure was only to bring us over from England, after +which he had agreed to return. + +The pinnace was to be left behind for the use of us who remained in the +strange land. Before this time, meaning the thirteenth day of May, the +members of the Council had decided upon the place where we were to build +our village. It was to be in the country of the Paspahegh Indians, at a +certain spot near the shore where the water runs so deep that our ships +can lie moored to the trees in six fathoms. + + + + +THE PEOPLE LAND FROM THE SHIPS + + +Then it was that all the people went on shore, some to set up the tents +of cloth which we had brought with us to serve as shelters before houses +could be built; others to lay out a fort, which it was needed should +be made as early as possible because of the savages, and yet a certain +other number being told off to stand guard against the brown men, who +had already shown that they could be most dangerous enemies. + +My master went ashore, as a matter of course, with the others, I +sticking close to his side; but neither of us taking any part in the +work which had been begun, because the charges of wickedness were still +hanging over his head. + +Had Captain Smith been allowed a voice in the Council, certain it is +he never would have chosen this place in which to make the town, for he +pointed out to me that the land lay so low that when the river was +at its height the dampness must be great, and, therefore, exceeding +unhealthful, while there was back of it such an extent of forest, as +made it most difficult to defend, in case the savages came against us. + +Captain Smith aided me in building for ourselves a hut in front of an +overhanging rock, with the branches of trees. It was a poor shelter at +the best; but he declared it would serve us until such time as he was +given his rightful place among the people, or had been sent back a +prisoner to England. + + + + +CAPTAIN SMITH PROVEN INNOCENT + + +This served us as a living place for many days, or until my master was +come into his own, as he did before the fort was finished, when, on one +certain morning, he demanded of the other members of the Council that +they put him on trial to learn whether the charges could be proven or +not, and this was done on the day before Captain Newport was to take the +ships back to England. + +There is little need for me to say that Captain Kendall's stories of the +plot, in which he said my master was concerned, came to naught. There +were none to prove that he had ever spoken of such a matter, and the +result of the trial was that they gave him his rightful place at the +head of the company. Before many months were passed, all came to know +that but for him the white people in Jamestown would have come to their +deaths. + + + + +WE WHO WERE LEFT BEHIND + + +It was on the fifteenth day of June when the ships sailed out of the +Chesapeake Bay, leaving on the banks of the river we called the James, +a hundred men and boys, all told, to hold their lives and their liberty +against thousands upon thousands of naked savages, who had already shown +that they desired to be enemies rather than friends. Even in the eyes +of a boy, it was an odd company to battle with the savages and the +wilderness, for the greater number were those who called themselves +gentlemen, and who believed it beneath their station to do any labor +whatsoever, therefore did it seem to me that this new town would be +burdened sorely with so many drones. + +Master Hunt, the preacher, could in good truth call himself a gentleman, +and yet I myself saw him, within two hours after we were landed, nailing +a piece of timber between two trees that he might stretch a square of +sailcloth over it, thus making what served as the first church in the +country of Virginia. Yet Captain Smith has said again and again, that +the discourses of Master Hunt under that poor shelter of cloth, were, to +his mind, more like the real praising of God, than any he had ever heard +in the costly buildings of the old world. + +For the better understanding of certain things which happened to us +after we had begun to build the village of Jamestown, it should be +remembered that of all the savages in the country roundabout, the most +friendly were those who lived in the same settlement with Powhatan, who +was, so Captain Smith said, the true head and king of all the Indians in +Virginia. + + + + +BAKING BREAD WITHOUT OVENS + + +It was in this town of Powhatan's that I discovered how to bake bread +without an oven or other fire than what might be built on the open +ground, and it was well I had my eyes open at that time, otherwise +Captain Smith and I had gone supperless to bed again and again, for +there were many days when our stomachs cried painfully because of +emptiness. + +While my master was talking with the king, Powhatan, on matters +concerning affairs at Jamestown, I saw an Indian girl, whose name I +afterward came to know was Pocahontas, making bread, and observed her +carefully. She had white meal, but whether of barley, or the wheat +called Indian corn, or Guinny wheat I could not say, and this she mixed +into a paste with hot water; making it of such thickness that it could +easily be rolled into little balls or cakes. + +After the mixture had been thus shaped, she dropped the balls into a pot +of boiling water, letting them stay there until well soaked, when she +laid them on a smooth stone in front of the fire until they had hardened +and browned like unto bread that has been cooked in the oven. + +But I have set myself to the task of telling how we of Jamestown lived +during that time when my master was much the same as the head of the +government, and it is not well to begin the story with bread making. + + + + +AN UNEQUAL DIVISION OF LABOR + + +First I must explain upon what terms these people, the greater number of +whom called themselves gentlemen, and therefore claimed to be ashamed +to labor with their hands, had come together under control of those +merchants in London, who were known as the London Company. + +No person in the town of James was allowed to own any land except as he +had his share of the whole. Every one was expected to work for the good +of the village, and whatsoever of crops was raised, belonged to all the +people. It was not permitted that the more industrious should plant the +land and claim that which grew under their toil. + +Ours was supposed to be one big family, with each laboring to help the +others at the same time he helped himself, and the result was that +those who worked only a single hour each day, had as much of the general +stores as he who remained in the field from morning until night. + +Although my master had agreed to this plan before the fleet sailed from +England, he soon came to understand that it was not the best for a new +land, where it was needed that each person should labor to the utmost of +his powers. + +The London Company had provided a certain number of tents made of cloth, +which were supposed to be enough to give shelter to all the people, +and yet, because those who had charge of the matter had made a mistake, +through ignorance or for the sake of gain, there were no more than +would provide for the members of the Council, who appeared to think they +should be lodged in better fashion than those who were not in authority. + +My master could well have laid claim to one of these cloth houses; +but because of the charges which had been made against him by Captain +Kendall and Captain Martin, the sting of which yet remained, he chose to +live by himself. Thus it was that he and I threw up the roof of branches +concerning which I have spoken; but it was only to shelter us until +better could be built. + + + + +BUILDING A HOUSE OF LOGS + + +While the others were hunting here and there for the gold which it had +been said could be picked up in Virginia as one gathers acorns in the +old world, Captain Smith set about making a house of logs such as would +protect him from the storms of winter as well as from the summer sun. + +This he did by laying four logs on the ground in the form of a square, +and so cutting notches in the ends of each that when it was placed on +the top of another, and at right angles with it, the hewn portions would +interlock, one with the other, holding all firmly in place. On top of +these, other huge tree trunks were laid with the same notching of the +ends. It was a vast amount of labor, thus to roll up the heavy logs in +the form of a square until a pen or box had been made as high as a man's +head, and then over that was built a roof of logs fastened together with +wooden pins, or pegs, for iron nails were all too scarce and costly to +be used for such purpose. + +When the house had been built thus far, the roof was formed of no more +than four or five logs on which a thatching of grass was to be laid +later, and the ends, in what might be called the "peak of the roof," +were open to the weather. Then it was that roughly hewn planks, or logs +split into three or four strips, called puncheons, were pegged with +wooden nails on the sides, or ends, where doors or windows were to be +made. + +Then the space inside this framework was sawed out, and behold you had a +doorway, or the opening for a window, to be filled in afterward as time +and material with which to work might permit. + +After this had been done, the ends under the roof were covered with yet +more logs, sawn to the proper length and pegged together, until, save +for the crevices between the timbers, the whole gave protection against +the weather. + +Then came the work of thatching the roof, which was done by the branches +of trees, dried grass, or bark. My master put on first a layer of +branches from which the leaves had been stripped, and over that we laid +coarse grass to the depth of six or eight inches, binding the same down +with small saplings running from one side to the other, to the number +of ten on each slope of the roof. To me was given the task of closing up +the crevices between the logs with mud and grass mixed, and this I did +the better because Nathaniel Peacock worked with me, doing his full +share of the labor. + + + + +KEEPING HOUSE + + +When we came ashore from the ships, no one claimed Nathaniel as servant, +and he, burning to be in my company, asked Captain Smith's permission +to enter his employ. My master replied that it had not been in his mind +there should be servants and lords in this new world of Virginia, where +one was supposed to be on the same footing as another; but if Nathaniel +were minded to live under the same roof with us, and would cheerfully +perform his full share of the labor, it might be as he desired. + +Because our house was the first to be put up in the new village, and, +being made of logs, was by far the best shelter, even in comparison with +the tents of cloth, Nathaniel and I decided that it should be the most +homelike, if indeed that could be compassed where were no women to +keep things cleanly. I am in doubt as to whether Captain Smith, great +traveler and brave adventurer though he was, had even realized that with +only men to perform the household duties, there would be much lack of +comfort. + +The floor of the house was only the bare earth beaten down hard. We lads +made brooms, by tying the twigs of trees to a stick, which was not what +might be called a good makeshift, and yet with such we kept the inside +of our home far more cleanly than were some of the tents. + + + + +LACK OF CLEANLINESS IN THE VILLAGE + + +There were many who believed, because there were no women in our midst, +we should spare our labor in the way of keeping cleanly, and before we +had been in the new village a week, the floors of many of the dwellings +were littered with dirt of various kinds, until that which should have +been a home, looked more like a place in which swine are kept. + +From the very first day we came ashore, good Master Hunt went about +urging that great effort be made to keep the houses, and the paths +around them, cleanly, saying that unless we did so, there was like to be +a sickness come among us. With some his preaching did good, but by far +the greater number, and these chiefly to be found among the self called +gentlemen, gave no heed. + +It was as if these lazy ones delighted in filth. Again and again have +I seen one or another throw the scrapings of the trencher bowls just +outside the door of the tent or hut, where those who came or went +must of a necessity tread upon them, and one need not struggle hard to +realize what soon was the condition of the village. + +After a heavy shower many of the paths were covered ankle deep with +filth of all kinds, and when the sun shone warm and bright, the stench +was too horrible to be described by ordinary words. + + + + +CAVE HOMES + + +There were other kinds of homes, and quite a number of them, that were +made neither of cloth nor of logs. These were holes dug in the side of +small hillocks until a sleeping room had been made, when the front part +was covered with brush or logs, built outward from the hill to form a +kitchen. + +During a storm these cave homes were damp, often times actually muddy, +and those who slept therein were but inviting the mortal sickness that +came all too soon among us, until it was as if the Angel of Death had +taken possession of Jamestown. + +Captain Smith said everything he could to persuade these people, who +were content to live in a hole in the ground, that they were little +better than beasts of the field. + +But so long as the foolish ones continued to believe this new world was +much the same as filled with gold and silver, so long they wasted their +time searching. + + + + +THE GOLDEN FEVER + + +But for this golden fever, which attacked the gentlemen more fiercely +than it did the common people, the story of Jamestown would not +have been one of disaster brought about by willful heedlessness and +stupidity. + +Again and again did Captain Smith urge that crops be planted, while it +was yet time, in order that there might be food at hand when the winter +came; but he had not yet been allowed to take his place in the Council, +and those who had the thirst for gold strong upon them, taunted him with +the fact that he had no right to raise his voice above the meanest of +the company. They refused to listen when he would have spoken with them +as a friend, and laughed him to scorn when he begged that they take heed +to their own lives. + +I cannot understand why our people were so crazy. Even though Nathaniel +and I were but lads, with no experience of adventure such as was before +us, we could realize that unless a man plants he may not reap, and +because we had been hungry many a time in London town, we knew full well +that when the season had passed there was like to be a famine among us. + +I can well understand, now that I am a man grown, why our people were +so careless regarding the future, for everywhere around us was food in +plenty. Huge flocks of wild swans circled above our heads, trumpeting +the warning that winter would come before gold could be found. Wild +geese, cleaving the air in wedge shaped line, honked harshly that the +season for gathering stores of food was passing, while at times, on a +dull morning, it was as if the waters of the bay were covered completely +with ducks of many kinds. + + + + +DUCKS AND OYSTERS + + +I have heard Captain Smith say more than once, that he had seen +flocks of ducks a full mile wide and five or six miles long, wherein +canvasbacks, mallard, widgeon, redheads, dottrel, sheldrake, and teal +swam wing to wing, actually crowding each other. When such flocks rose +in the air, the noise made by their wings was like unto the roaring of a +tempest at sea. + +Then there was bed after bed of oysters, many of which were uncovered at +ebb tide, when a hungry man might stand and eat his fill of shellfish, +never one of them less than six inches long, and many twice that size. +It is little wonder that the gold crazed men refused to listen while my +master warned them that the day might come when they would be hungry to +the verge of starvation. + +Now perhaps you will like to hear how we two lads, bred in London town, +with never a care as to how our food had been cooked, so that we had +enough with which to fill our stomachs, made shift to prepare meals that +could be eaten by Captain Smith, for so we did after taking counsel with +the girl Pocahontas from Powhatan's village. + + + + +ROASTING OYSTERS + + +In the first place, the shell fish called oysters are readily cooked, or +may be eaten raw with great satisfaction. I know not what our people of +Virginia would have done without them, and yet it was only by chance or +accident that we came to learn how nourishing they are. + +A company of our gentlemen had set off to explore the country very +shortly after we came ashore from the fleet, and while going through +that portion of the forest which borders upon the bay, happened upon +four savages who were cooking something over the fire. + +The Indians ran away in alarm, and, on coming up to discover what the +brown men had which was good to eat, the explorers found a large +number of oysters roasting on the coals. Through curiosity, one of our +gentlemen tasted of the fish, and, much to his surprise, found it very +agreeable to the stomach. + +Before telling his companions the result of his experiment, he ate all +the oysters that had been cooked, which were more than two dozen large +ones, and then, instead of exploring the land any further on that day, +our gentlemen spent their time gathering and roasting the very agreeable +fish. + +As a matter of course, the news of this discovery spread throughout the +settlement, and straightway every person was eating oysters; but they +soon tired of them, hankering after wheat of some kind. + +Among those who served some of the gentlemen even as Nathaniel and I +aimed to serve Captain Smith, was James Brumfield, a lazy, shiftless lad +near to seventeen years old. Being hungry, and not inclined to build a +fire, because it would be necessary to gather fuel, he ventured to taste +of a raw oyster. Finding it pleasant to the mouth, he actually gorged +himself until sickness put an end to the gluttonous meal. + +It can thus be seen that even though Nathaniel and I had never been +apprenticed to a cook, it was not difficult for us to serve our master +with oysters roasted or raw, laid on that which answered in the stead of +a table, in their own shells. + + + + +LEARNING TO COOK OTHER THINGS + + +Then again the Indian girl had shown us how to boil beans, peas, Indian +corn, and pumpkins together, making a kind of porridge which is most +pleasant, and affords a welcome change from oysters; but the great +drawback is that we are not able to come at the various things needed +for the making of it, except when our gentlemen have been fortunate in +trading with the brown men, which is not often. + +This Indian corn, pounded and boiled until soft, is a dish Captain Smith +eats of with an appetite, provided it is well salted, and one does not +need to be a king's cook in order to make it ready for the table. The +pounding is the hardest and most difficult portion of the task, for +the kernels are exceeding flinty, and fly off at a great distance when +struck a glancing blow. + +Nathaniel and I have brought inside our house a large, flat rock, on +which we pound the corn, and one of us is kept busy picking up the +grains that fly here and there as if possessed of an evil spirit. +Newsamp is the name which the savages give to this cooking of wheat. + +I have an idea that when we get a mill for grinding, it will be possible +to break the kernels easily and quickly between the millstones, without +crushing a goodly portion of them to meal. + +When the Indian corn is young, that is to say, before it has grown hard, +the ears as plucked from the stalks may be roasted before the coals +with great profit, and when we would give our master something unusually +pleasing, Nathaniel and I go abroad in search of the gardens made by the +savages, where we may get, by bargaining, a supply of roasting ears. + +With a trencher of porridge, and a dozen roasting ears, together with +a half score of the bread balls such as I have already written about, +Captain Smith can satisfy his hunger with great pleasure, and then it +is that he declares he has the most comfortable home in all Virginia, +thanks to his "houseboys," as he is pleased to call us. + + + + +THE SWEET POTATO ROOT + + +The Indians have roots, which some of our gentlemen call sweet potatoes, +which are by no means unpleasant to the taste, the only difficulty being +that we cannot get any great quantity of them. Our master declares that +when we make a garden, this root shall be the first thing planted, and +after it has ripened, we will have some cooked every day. + +Nathaniel and I have no trouble in preparing the root, for it may be +roasted in the ashes, boiled into a pudding which should be well salted, +or mixed with the meal of Indian corn and made into a kind of sweet +cake. + +However, we lads have not had good success in baking this last dish, +because of the ashes which fly out of the fire when the wind blows ever +so slightly. Captain Smith declares that he would rather have the ashes +without the meal and sweet potato, if indeed he must eat any, but of +course when he speaks thus, it is only in the way of making sport. + +Captain Kendall, who, because he has made two voyages to the Indies, +believes himself a wondrously wise man, says that he who eats sweet +potatoes at least once each day will not live above seven years, and +he who eats them twice every day will become blind, after which all his +teeth will drop out. + +Because of this prediction, many of our gentlemen are not willing even +so much as to taste of the root, but Captain Smith says that wise men +may grow fat where fools starve, therefore he gathers up all the +sweet potatoes which the others have thrown away, for they please him +exceeding well. + + + + +A TOUCH OF HOMESICKNESS + + +There is no need for me to say that it makes both Nathaniel and me +glad to be praised by our master, because we keep the house cleanly and +strive to serve the food in such a manner as not to offend the eye; but +we would willingly dispense with such welcome words if thereby it would +be possible to see a woman messing around the place. + +Strive as boys may, they cannot attend to household matters as do girls +or women, who have been brought into the world knowing how to perform +such tasks, and it is more homelike to see them around. + +Nathaniel and I often picture to each other what this village of +Jamestown would be if in each camp, cave, or log hut a woman was in +command, and ever when we talk thus comes into my heart a sickness for +the old homes of England, even though after my mother died there was +none for me; but yet it would do me a world of good even to look upon a +housewife. A most friendly gentleman is Master Hunt, and even though he +is so far above me in station, I never fail of getting a kindly greeting +when I am so fortunate as to meet him. He comes often to see Captain +Smith, for the two talk long and earnestly over the matter of the +Council, and at such times it is as if he went out of his way to give me +a good word. + + + + +MASTER HUNT'S PREACHING + + +Therefore it is that I go to hear him preach whenever the people are +summoned to a meeting beneath the square of canvas in the wood, and more +than once I have heard from him that which has taken the sickness for +home out of my heart. Our people are not inclined to listen to him in +great numbers, however. I have never seen above twenty at one time, +the others being busy in the search for gold, or trying to decide among +themselves as to how it may best be found. + +More than once have I heard Master Hunt say, while talking privately +with my master, that there would be greater hope for this village of +ours if we had more laborers and less gentlemen, for in a new land it +is only work that can win in the battle against the savages and the +wilderness. + +Four carpenters, one blacksmith, two bricklayers, a mason, a sailor, a +barber, a tailor, and a drummer make up the list of skilled workmen, +if, indeed, one who can do nothing save drum may be called a laborer. To +these may be added twelve serving men and four boys. All the others are +gentlemen, or, as Master Hunt puts it, drones expecting to live through +the mercy of God whom they turn their backs upon. + + + + +NEGLECTING TO PROVIDE FOR THE FUTURE + + +The one thing which seemed most surprising to us lads, after Captain +Smith had called it to our notice, was that these people, who knew there +could be no question but that the winter would find them in Jamestown, +when there could be neither roasting ears, peas, beans, nor fowls of the +air to be come at, made no provision for a harvest. + +Captain Smith, not being allowed to raise his voice in the Council, +could only speak as one whose words have little weight, since he was not +in authority; but he lost no opportunity of telling these gold seekers +that only those who sowed might reap, and unless seed was put into the +ground, there would be no crops to serve as food during the winter. + +Even Master Wingfield, the President of the Council, refused to listen +when my master would have spoken to him as a friend. He gave more heed +to exploring the land, than to what might be our fate in the future. +He would not even allow the gentlemen to make such a fort as might +withstand an assault by the savages, seeming to think it of more +importance to know what was to be found on the banks of this river or of +that, than to guard against those brown people who daily gave token of +being unfriendly. + +The serving men and laborers were employed in making clapboards that +we might have a cargo with which to fill one of Captain Newport's ships +when he returned from England, according to the plans of the London +Company. The gentlemen roamed here or there, seeking the yellow metal +which had much the same as caused a madness among them; and, save in the +case of Master Hunt and Captain Smith, none planted even the smallest +garden. + + + + +SURPRISED BY SAVAGES + + +The fort, as it was called, had been built only of the branches of +trees, and might easily have been overrun by savages bent on doing us +harm. + +It was while Master Wingfield, with thirty of the gentlemen, was gone to +visit Powhatan's village, and the others were hunting for gold, leaving +only my master and the preacher to look after the serving men and the +laborers, that upward of an hundred naked savages suddenly came down +upon us, counting to make an end of all who were in the town. + +It was a most fearsome sight to see the brown men, their bodies painted +with many colors, carrying bows and arrows, dash out from among the +trees bent on taking our lives, and for what seemed a very long while +our people ran here and there like ants whose nest has been broken in +upon. + +Captain Smith gave no heed to his own safety; but shouted for all to +take refuge in our house of logs, while Master Hunt did what he might to +aid in the defence; yet, because there had been no exercise at arms, +nor training, that each should know what was his part at such a time, +seventeen of the people were wounded, some grievously, and one boy, +James Brumfield of whom I have already spoken, was killed by an arrow +piercing his eye. + + + + +STRENGTHENING THE FORT + + +Next day, when Master Wingfield and his following came in, none the +better for having gone to Powhatan's village, all understood that it +would have been wiser had they listened to my master when he counseled +them to take exercise at arms, and straightway all the men were set +about making a fort with a palisade, which last is the name for a fence +built of logs set on end, side by side, in the ground, and rising so +high that the enemy may not climb over it. This work took all the time +of the laborers until the summer was gone, and in the meanwhile the +gentlemen made use of the stores left us by the fleet, until there +remained no more than one half pint of wheat to each man for a day's +food. + +The savages strove by day and by night to murder us, till it was no +longer safe to go in search of oysters or wildfowl, and from wheat which +had lain so long in the holds of the ships that nearly every grain in it +had a worm, did we get our only nourishment. + +The labor of building the palisade was most grievous, and it was not +within the power of man to continue it while eating such food; therefore +the sickness came upon us, when it was as if all had been condemned to +die. + + + + +A TIME OF SICKNESS AND DEATH + + +The first who went out from among us, was John Asbie, on the sixth of +August. Three days later George Flowers followed him. On the tenth of +the same month William Bruster, one of the gentlemen, died of a wound +given by the savages while he was searching for gold, and two others +laid down their lives within the next eight and forty hours. + +Then the deaths came rapidly, gentlemen as well as serving men or +laborers, until near eighty of our company were either in the grave, or +unable to move out of such shelters as served as houses. + +A great fear came upon all, save that my master held his head as high +as ever, and went here and there with Master Hunt to do what he might +toward soothing the sick and comforting the dying. + +It was on the twentieth day of August when Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, +one of the Council, died, and then Master Wingfield forgot all else save +his own safety. More than one in our village declared that he was making +ready the pinnace that he might run away from us, as if the Angel of +Death could be escaped from by flight. + +It was starvation brought about by sheer neglect, together with lying +upon the bare ground and drinking of the river water, which by this time +was very muddy, that had brought us to such a pass. + +Save for the king, Powhatan, and some few of the other savages in +authority, we must all have died; but when there were only five in all +our company able to stand without aid, God touched the hearts of these +Indians. They, who had lately been trying to kill us, suddenly came +to do what they might toward saving our lives after a full half of the +company were in the grave. + +They brought food such as was needed to nourish us, and within a short +time the greater number of us who were left alive, could go about, but +only with difficulty. It was a time of terror, of suffering, and of +close acquaintance with death such as I cannot set down in words, for +even at this late day the thought of what we then endured chills my +heart. + +When we had been restored to health and strength, and were no longer +hungry, thanks to those who had been our bitter enemies, the chief men +of the village began to realize that my master had not only given good +advice on all occasions, but stood among them bravely when the President +of the Council was making preparations to run away. + + + + +CAPTAIN SMITH GAINS AUTHORITY + + +There was but little idle talk made by the members of the Council in +deciding that Master Wingfield should be deprived of his office, and +Master Ratcliffe set in his place. Captain Smith was called upon to take +his proper position in the government, and, what was more, to him they +gave the direction of all matters outside the town, which was much the +same as putting him in authority over even the President himself. + +It was greatly to my pleasure that Captain Smith lost no time in +exercising the power which had been given him. Nor was he at all gentle +in dealing with those men who disdained to soil their hands by working, +yet were willing to spend one day, and every day, searching for gold, +without raising a finger toward adding to the general store, but at the +same time claiming the right to have so much of food as would not only +satisfy their hunger, but minister to their gluttony. + +Nathaniel and I heard our master talking over the matter with the +preacher, on the night the Council had given him full charge of +everything save the dealings which might be had later with the London +Company, therefore it was that we knew there would be different doings +on the morrow. + +Greatly did we rejoice thereat, for Jamestown had become as slovenly and +ill kempt a village as ever the sun shone upon. + +Now it must be set down that these gentlemen of ours, when not searching +for gold, were wont to play at bowls in the lanes and paths, that they +might have amusement while the others were working, and woe betide the +serving man or laborer, who by accident interfered with their sports. + +On this day, after the conversation with Master Hunt, all was changed. +Captain Smith began his duties as guardian and director of the village +by causing it to be proclaimed through the mouth of Nicholas Skot, our +drummer, that there would be no more playing at bowls in the streets +of Jamestown while it was necessary that very much work should be +performed, and this spoken notice also stated, that whosoever dared to +disobey the command should straightway be clapped into the stocks. + + + + +DISAGREEABLE MEASURES OF DISCIPLINE + + +Lest there should be any question as to whether my master intended to +carry out this threat or no, William Laxon, one of the carpenters, was +forthwith set to work building stocks in front of the tent where lived +Master Ratcliffe, the new President of the Council. Nor was this the +only change disagreeable to our gentlemen, which Captain Smith brought +about. No sooner had Nicholas Skot proclaimed the order that whosoever +played at bowls should be set in the stocks, than he was commanded to +turn about and announce with all the strength of his lungs, so that +every one in the village might hear and understand, that those who would +not work should not have whatsoever to eat. + +Verily this was a hard blow to the gentlemen of our company, who prided +themselves upon never having done with their hands that which was +useful. One would have thought my master had made this rule for his own +particular pleasure, for straightway those of the gentlemen who could +least hold their tempers in check, gathered in the tent which Master +Wingfield had taken for his own, and there agreed among themselves that +if Captain Smith persisted in such brutal rule, they would overturn all +the authority in the town, and end by setting the Captain himself in the +stocks which William Laxon was then making. It so chanced that Master +Hunt overheard these threats at the time they were made, and, like a +true friend and good citizen, reported the same to Captain Smith. + +Whereupon my master chose a certain number from among those of the +gentlemen who had become convinced that sharp measures were necessary if +we of Jamestown would live throughout the winter, commanding that they +make careful search of every tent, cave, hut or house in the village, +taking therefrom all that was eatable, and storing it in the log house +which had been put up for the common use. + +Then he appointed Kellam Throgmorton, a gentleman who was well able to +hold his own against any who might attempt to oppose him, to the office +of guardian of the food, giving strict orders that nothing whatsoever +which could be eaten, should be given to those who did not present good +proof of having done a full day's labor. + +Of course the people who lay sick were excused from such order, and +Master Hunt was chosen to make up a list of those who must be fed, yet +who were not able to work by reason of illness. + + + + +SIGNS OF REBELLION + + +Now it can well be understood that such measures as these caused no +little in the way of rebellion, and during the two hours Nicholas Skot +cried the proclamation through the streets and lanes of the village, +the gentlemen who had determined to resist Captain Smith were in a fine +state of ferment. + +It was as if a company of crazy men had been suddenly let loose among +us. Not content with plotting secretly against my master, they must +needs swagger about, advising others to join them in their rebellion, +and everywhere could be heard oaths and threats, in such language as was +like to cause honest men's hair to stand on end. + +For a short time Nathaniel Peacock and I actually trembled with fear, +believing the house of logs would be pulled down over our heads, for no +less than a dozen of the so called gentlemen were raging and storming +outside; but disturbing Captain Smith not one whit. He sat there, +furbishing his matchlock as if having nothing better with which to +occupy the time; but, as can well be fancied, drinking in every word of +mutiny which was uttered. + +Then, as if he would saunter out for a stroll, the captain left the +house, which was much the same as inviting these disorderly ones to +attack him; but they lacked the courage, for he went to the fort without +being molested. + + + + +THE SECOND PROCLAMATION + + +It seemed to me as if no more than half an hour had passed before +Nicholas Skot was making another proclamation, and this time to the +effect that whosoever, after that moment, was heard uttering profane +words, should have a can full of cold water poured down his sleeve. + +On hearing this, the unruly ones laughed in derision and straightway +began to shout forth such a volley of oaths as I had never heard during +a drunken brawl in the streets of London. + +It was not long, however, that they were thus allowed to shame decent +people. Down from the fort came Captain Smith, with six stout men behind +him, and in a twinkling there was as hot a fight within twenty paces of +Master Ratcliffe's tent, as could be well imagined. + +And the result of it all was, much to the satisfaction of Nathaniel +and myself, that every one of these men who had amused themselves by +uttering the vilest of oaths, had a full can of the coldest water that +could be procured, poured down the sleeve of his doublet. + +The method of doing it was comical, if one could forget how serious was +the situation. Two of my master's followers would pounce upon the fellow +who was making the air blue with oaths, and, throwing him to the ground, +hold him there firmly while the third raised his arm and carefully +poured the water down the sleeve. + +Now you may fancy that this was not very harsh treatment; but I +afterward heard those who had been thus punished, say that they would +choose five or six stout lashes on their backs, rather than take again +such a dose as was dealt out on that day after John Smith was made +captain and commander, or whatsoever you choose to call his office, in +the village of Jamestown. + + + + +BUILDING A FORTIFIED VILLAGE + + +There is little need for me to say that these were not the only reforms +which my master brought about, after having waited long enough for our +lazy gentlemen to understand that unless they set their hands to labor +they could not eat from the general store. + +He straightway set these idle ones to work building houses, declaring +that if the sickness which had come among us was to be checked, our +people must no longer sleep upon the ground, or in caves where the +moisture gathered all around them. + +He marked out places whereon log dwellings should be placed, in such +manner that when the houses had been set up, they would form a square, +and, as I heard him tell Master Hunt, it was his intention to have all +the buildings surrounded by a palisade in which should be many gates. + +Thus, when all was finished, he would have a fort-like village, wherein +the people could rest without fear of what the savages might be able to +do. + +By the time such work was well under way, and our gentlemen laboring as +honest men should, after learning that it was necessary so to do unless +they were willing to go hungry, Captain Smith set about adding to our +store of food, for it was not to be supposed that we could depend for +any length of time upon what the Indians might give us, and the winter +would be long. + + + + +TRAPPING TURKEYS + + +The wild turkeys had appeared in the forest in great numbers, but few +had been killed by our people because of the savages, many of whom were +not to be trusted, even though the chiefs of three tribes professed to +be friendly. It was this fact which had prevented us from doing much in +the way of hunting. + +Now that we were in such stress for food, and since all had turned +laborers, whether willingly or no, much in the way of provisions was +needed. Captain Smith set about taking the turkeys as he did about most +other matters, which is to say, that it was done in a thorough manner. + +Instead of being forced to spend at least one charge of powder for each +fowl killed, he proposed that we trap them, and showed how it might be +done, according to his belief. + +Four men were told off to do the work, and they were kept busy cutting +saplings and trimming them down until there was nothing left save poles +from fifteen to twenty feet long. Then, with these poles laid one above +the other, a square pen was made, and at the top was a thatching of +branches, so that no fowl larger than a pigeon might go through. + +From one side of this trap, or turkey pen, was dug a ditch perhaps two +feet deep, and the same in width, running straightway into the thicket +where the turkeys were in the custom of roosting, for a distance of +twenty feet or more. This ditch was carried underneath the side of the +pen, where was an opening hardly more than large enough for one turkey +to pass through. Corn was scattered along the whole length of the ditch, +and thus was the trap set. + +The turkeys, on finding the trail of corn, would follow hurriedly along, +like the gluttons they are, with the idea of coming upon a larger +hoard, and thus pass through into the pen. Once inside they were trapped +securely, for the wild turkey holds his head so high that he can never +see the way out through a hole which is at a level with his feet. + +It was a most ingenious contrivance, and on the first morning after it +had been set at night, we had fifty plump fellows securely caged, when +it was only necessary to enter the trap by crawling through the top, and +kill them at our leisure. + +It may be asked how we made shift to cook such a thing as a turkey, +other than by boiling it in a kettle, and this can be told in very few +words, for it was a simple matter after once you had become accustomed +to it. + + + + +A CRUDE KIND OF CHIMNEY + + +First you must know, however, that when our houses of logs had been +built, we had nothing with which to make a chimney such as one finds in +London. We had no bricks, and although, mayhap, flat rocks might have +been found enough for two or three, there was no mortar in the whole +land of Virginia with which to fasten them together. + +Therefore it was we were forced to build a chimney of logs, laying it up +on the outside much as we had the house, but plentifully besmearing it +with mud on the inside, and chinking the crevices with moss and clay. + +When this had been done, a hole was cut for the smoke, directly through +the side of the house. The danger of setting the building on fire +was great; but we strove to guard against it so much as possible by +plastering a layer of mud over the wood, and by keeping careful watch +when we had a roaring fire. Oftentimes were we forced to stop in the +task of cooking, take all the vessels from the coals, and throw water +upon the blazing logs. + +The chimney was a rude affair, of course, and perhaps if we had had +women among us, they would have claimed that no cooking could be done, +when all the utensils were placed directly on the burning wood, or hung +above it with chains fastened to the top of the fireplace; but when lads +like Nathaniel and me, who had never had any experience in cooking with +proper tools, set about the task, it did not seem difficult, for we were +accustomed to nothing else. + + + + +COOKING A TURKEY + + +And this is how we could roast a turkey: after drawing the entrails from +the bird, we filled him full of chinquapin nuts, which grow profusely in +this land, and are, perhaps, of some relation to the chestnut. An oaken +stick, sufficiently long to reach from one side of the fireplace to the +other, and trimmed with knives until it was no larger around than the +ramrod of a matchlock, forms our spit, and this we thrust through the +body of the bird from end to end. A pile of rocks on either side of the +fireplace, at a proper distance from the burning wood, serves as rests +for the ends of the wooden spit, and when thus placed the bird will +be cooked in front of the fire, if whosoever is attending to the labor +turns the carcass from time to time, so that each portion may receive an +equal amount of heat. + +I am not pretending to say that this is a skillful method of cooking; +but if you had been with us in Jamestown, and were as hungry as we often +were, a wild turkey filled with chinquapin nuts, and roasted in such +fashion, would make a very agreeable dinner. + +We were put to it for a table; but yet a sort of shelf made from a plank +roughly split out of the trunk of a tree, and furnished with two legs on +either end, was not as awkward as one may fancy, for we had no chairs +on which to sit while eating; but squatted on the ground, and this low +bench served our purpose as well as a better piece of furniture would +have done. + +When the captain was at home, he carved the bird with his hunting knife, +and one such fowl would fill the largest trencher bowl we had among us. + +Nor could we be overly nice while eating, and since we had no napkins on +which to wipe our fingers, a plentiful supply of water was necessary to +cleanse one's hands, for these wild turkeys are overly fat in the months +of September and October, and he who holds as much of the cooked flesh +in his hand as is needed for a hearty dinner, squeezes therefrom a +considerable amount in the way of grease. + +We were better off for vessels in which to put our food, than in many +other respects, for we had of trencher bowls an abundance, and the +London Company had outfitted us with ware of iron, or of brass, or of +copper, until our poor table seemed laden with an exceeding rich store. + + + + +CANDLES OR RUSHLIGHTS + + +To provide lights for ourselves, now that the evenings were grown +longer, was a much more difficult task than to cook without proper +conveniences, for it cost considerable labor. We had our choice between +the candle wood, as the pitch pine is called, or rushlights, which last +are made by stripping the outer bark from common rushes, thus leaving +the pith bare; then dipping these in tallow, or grease, and allowing +them to harden. In such manner did we get makeshifts for candles, +neither pleasing to the eye nor affording very much in the way of light; +yet they served in a certain degree to dispel the darkness when by +reason of storm we were shut in the dwellings, and made the inside of +the house very nearly cheerful in appearance. + +To get the tallow or grease with which to make these rushlights, we +saved the fat of the deer, or the bear, or even a portion of the grease +from turkeys, and, having gathered sufficient for the candle making, +mixed them all in one pot for melting. + +The task of gathering the candle wood was more pleasing, and yet +oftentimes had in it more of work, for it was the knots of the trees +which gave the better light, and we might readily fasten them upon an +iron skewer, or rod, which was driven into the side of the house for +such purpose. + +Some of our people, who were too lazy to search for knots, split the +wood into small sticks, each about the size of a goose quill, and, +standing three or four in a vessel filled with sand, gained as much in +the way of light as might be had from one pine knot. + +Of course, those who were overly particular, would find fault with the +smoke from this candle wood, and complain of the tar which oozed from +it; but one who lives in the wilderness must not expect to have all the +luxuries that can be procured in London. + + + + +THE VISIT OF POCAHONTAS + + +We had a visitor from the village of Powhatan very soon after Captain +Smith took command of Jamestown to such an extent that the gentlemen +were forced to work and to speak without oaths, through fear of getting +too much cold water inside the sleeves of their doublets. + +This visitor was the same Indian girl I had seen making bread, and quite +by chance our house was the first she looked into, which caused me +much pride, for I believed she was attracted to it because it was more +cleanly than many of the others. + +We were all at home when she came, being about to partake of the noonday +meal, which was neither more nor less than a big turkey weighing more +than two score pounds, and roasted to a brownness which would cause a +hungry person's mouth to water. + +Although she who had halted to look in at our door was only a girl, +Captain Smith treated her as if she were the greatest lady in the world, +himself leading her inside to his own place at the trencher board, while +she, in noways shy, began to help herself to the fattest pieces of meat, +thereby besmearing herself with grease until there was enough running +down her chin to have made no less than two rushlights, so Nathaniel +Peacock declared. + +Of course, being a savage, she could not speak in our language, but +the master, who had studied diligently since coming to this world of +Virginia to learn the speech of the Indians, made shift to get from her +some little information, she being the daughter of Powhatan, the king +concerning whom I have already set down many things. + +At first Captain Smith was of the belief that she had come on some +errand; but after much questioning, more by signs than words, it came +out, as we understood the matter, that the girl was in Jamestown for no +other purpose than to see what we white people were like. + +Captain Smith was minded that she should be satisfied, so far as her +curiosity was concerned, for when the dinner had come to an end, and I +had given this king's daughter some dry, sweet grass on which to wipe +her hands and mouth, he conducted her around the village, allowing that +she look in upon the tents and houses at her pleasure. + +She stayed with us until the sun was within an hour of setting, and then +darted off into the forest as does a startled pheasant, stopping for a +single minute when she had got among the trees, to wave her hand, as if +bidding us goodbye, or in plain mischief. + + + + +CAPTAIN KENDALL'S PLOT + + +It is not possible my memory will serve me to tell of all that was done +by us in Jamestown after we were come to our senses through the efforts +of my master; but the killing of Captain Kendall is one of the many +terrible happenings in Virginia, which will never be forgotten so long +as I shall live. + +After our people were relieved from the famine through the gifts from +the Indians and the coming of wild fowl, Captain Smith set about making +some plans to provide us with food during the winter, and to that end +he set off in the shallop to trade with the savages, taking with him +six men. He had a goodly store of beads and trinkets with which to make +payment for what he might be able to buy, for these brown men are overly +fond of what among English people would be little more than toys. + +While he was gone, Master Wingfield and Captain Kendall were much +together, for both were in a certain way under disgrace since the plot +with which they charged my master had been shown to have been of their +own evil imaginings. They at once set about making friends with some of +the serving men, and this in itself was so strange that Nathaniel and I +kept our eyes and ears open wide to discover the cause. + +It was not many days before we came to know that there was a plan on +foot, laid by these two men who should have been working for the good of +the colony instead of to further their own base ends, to seize upon our +pinnace, which lay moored to the shore, and to sail in her to England. + +How that would have advantaged them I cannot even so much as guess; but +certain it was that they carried on board the pinnace a great store of +wild fowl, which had been cooked with much labor, and had filled two +casks with water, as if believing such amount would serve to save them +from thirst during the long voyage. + +These wicked ones had hardly gone on board the vessel when Captain Smith +came home in the shallop, which was loaded deep with Indian corn he had +bought from the savages, and, seeing the pinnace being got under way, +had little trouble in guessing what was afoot. + + + + +THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN KENDALL + + +If ever a man moved swiftly, and with purpose, it was our master when he +thus came to understand what Master Wingfield and Captain Kendall would +do. He was on shore before those in the pinnace could hoist the sails, +and, calling upon all who remained true to the London Company to give +him aid, had three of our small cannon, which were already loaded with +shot, aimed at the crew of mutineers. + +Five men, each with a matchlock in his hand, stood ready to fire upon +those who would at the same time desert and steal from us, and Captain +Smith gave the order for Captain Kendall and Master Wingfield to come on +shore without delay. + +For reply Captain Kendall discharged his firearm, hoping to kill my +master, and then those on the bank emptied their matchlocks with such +effect that Captain Kendall was killed by the first volley, causing +Master Wingfield to scuttle on shore in a twinkling lest he suffer a +like fate. + +The whole bloody business was at an end in less than a quarter hour; but +the effect of it was not so soon wiped away, for from that time each man +had suspicion of his neighbor, fearing lest another attempt be made to +take from us the pinnace, which we looked upon as an ark of refuge, in +case the savages should come against us in such numbers that they could +not be resisted. + + + + +CAPTAIN SMITH'S EXPEDITION AND RETURN + + +Until winter was come we had food in plenty, for one could hardly send +a charge of shot toward the river without bringing down swans, ducks, +or cranes, while from the savages we got sufficient for our daily wants, +meal made from the corn, pumpkins, peas, and beans. + +But this did not cause Captain Smith to give over trying to buy from +the Indians a store of corn for the winter, and shortly after Captain +Kendall's death, he set off with nine white men and two Indian guides in +a barge, counting to go as far as the head of the Chickahominy River. + +This time twenty-two long, dreary days went by without his return, and +we mourned him as dead, believing the savages had murdered him. + +The discontented ones were in high glee because of thinking the man who +had forced them to do that which they should, had gone out from their +world forever, and we two lads were plunged in deepest grief, for in all +the great land of Virginia, Captain Smith was our only true friend. + +Then arrived that day when he suddenly appeared before us, having +come to no harm, and as Master Hunt lifted up his hands in a prayer of +thanksgiving because the man who was so sadly needed in Jamestown had +returned, I fell on my knees, understanding for the first time in my +life how good God could be to us in that wilderness. + +I would that I might describe the scene in our house that night, when +Master Hunt was come to hear what all knew would be a story of wildest +adventure, for it went without saying that my master never would have +remained so long absent from Jamestown had it been within his power to +return sooner. + + + + +AN EXCITING ADVENTURE + + +We waited to hear the tale until he had refreshed himself after the long +journey, and then what Captain Smith told us was like unto this, as I +remember it: + +After leaving the village, he had sailed up the river until there was no +longer water enough to float the barge, when, with two white men and +the two Indians, he embarked in a canoe, continuing the voyage for a +distance of twelve miles or more. There, in the wilderness, they made +ready to spend the night, and with one of the savage guides my master +went on shore on an island to shoot some wild fowls for supper. He had +traveled a short distance from the boat, when he heard cries of the +savages in the distance, and, looking back, saw that one of the men had +been taken prisoner, while the other was fighting for his life. + +At almost the very minute when he saw this terrible thing, he was +suddenly beset by more than two hundred yelling, dancing savages, who +were sweeping down upon him as if believing he was in their power beyond +any chance. The Indian guide, who appeared to be terribly frightened, +although it might have been that he was in the plot to murder my master, +would have run away; but that Captain Smith held him fast while he fired +one of his pistols to keep the enemy in check. + +Understanding that he must do battle for his life, my master first took +the precaution to bind the Indian guide to his left arm, by means of his +belt, in such fashion that the fellow would serve as a shield against +the shower of arrows the savages were sending through the air. + +Protected in this manner, Captain Smith fought bravely, as he always +does, and had succeeded in killing two of the Indians with his +matchlock, when suddenly he sank knee deep into a mire. It seems that he +had been retreating toward the canoe, hoping to get on board her where +would be some chance for shelter, and was so engaged with the savages in +front of him as to give little heed to his steps. + +Once he was held prisoner by the mud, the enemy quickly surrounded +him, and he could do no better than surrender. Instead of treating him +cruelly, as might have been expected, these brown men carried him from +village to village, as if exhibiting some strange animal. + + + + +TAKEN BEFORE POWHATAN + + +When he was first made captive, the Indians found his compass, and were +stricken with wonder, because, however the instrument might be turned, +the needle always pointed in the same direction. The glass which +protected the needle caused even more amazement, and, believing him to +be a magician, they took him to Powhatan. + +After many days of traveling, the savages were come with their prisoner +to Powhatan's village, where Captain Smith was held close prisoner in +one of the huts, being fairly well treated and fed in abundance, until +the king, who had been out with a hunting party, came home. + +Twice while he was thus captive did Captain Smith see the girl +Pocahontas, who had visited him in Jamestown; but she gave no especial +heed to him, save as a child who was minded to be amused, until on the +day when some of the savages gave him to understand that he was to be +killed for having come into this land of theirs, and also for having +shot to death some of their tribe. + +When he was led out of Powhatan's tent of skins, with his feet and hands +bound, he had no hope of being able to save his own life, for there was +no longer any chance for him to struggle against those who had him in +their power. + + + + +POCAHONTAS BEGS FOR SMITH'S LIFE + + +He was forced down on the earth, with his head upon a great rock, while +two half naked savages came forward with heavy stones bound to wooden +handles, with which to beat out his brains, and these weapons were +already raised to strike, when the girl Pocahontas ran forward, throwing +herself upon my master, as she asked that Powhatan give him to her. + +Now, as we afterward came to know, it is the custom among savages, that +when one of their women begs for the life of a prisoner, to grant the +prayer, and so it was done in this case, else we had never seen my +master again. + +It is also the custom, when a prisoner has thus been given to one who +begged for his life, that the captive shall always be held as slave by +her; but Pocahontas desired only to let him go back to Jamestown. Then +it was she told her father how she had been treated when visiting us, +and Powhatan, after keeping Captain Smith prisoner until he could tell +of what he had seen in other countries of the world, set him free. + + + + +THE EFFECT OF CAPTAIN SMITH'S RETURN + + +It was well for us of Jamestown that my master returned just when he +did, for already had our gentlemen, believing him dead, refused longer +to work, and even neglected the hunting, when game of all kinds was so +plentiful. They had spent the time roaming around searching for gold, +until we were once more in need of food. + +The sickness had come among us again, and of all our company, which +numbered an hundred when Captain Newport sailed for England, only +thirty-eight remained alive. + +Within four and twenty hours after Captain Smith came back, matters had +so far mended that every man who could move about at will, was working +for the common good, although from that time, until Captain Newport came +again, we had much of suffering. + +With the coming of winter Nathaniel and I were put to it to do our work +in anything like a seemly manner. What with the making of candles, or +of rushlights; tanning deer hides in such fashion as Captain Smith had +taught us; mending his doublets of leather, as well as our own; keeping +the house and ground around it fairly clean, in addition to cooking +meals which might tempt the appetite of our master, we were busy from +sunrise to sunset. + +Nor were we without our reward. On rare occasions Captain Smith would +commend us for attending to our duties in better fashion than he had +fancied lads would ever be able to do, and very often did Master Hunt +whisper words of praise in our ears, saying again and again that he +would there were in his house two boys like us. + +This you may be sure was more of payment than we had a reasonable right +to expect, for certain it is that even at our best the work was but +fairly done, as it ever must be when there are houseboys instead of +housewives at home. + +Master Hunt had a serving man, William Rods, and he was not one well +fitted to do a woman's work, for in addition to being clumsy, even at +the expense of breaking now and then a wooden trencher bowl, he had no +thought that cleanliness was, as the preacher often told us, next to +godliness. + +It was he, and such as he, that caused Captain Smith and those others +of the Council who were minded to work for the common good, very much of +trouble. + +The rule, as laid down by my master, was that those living in a dwelling +should keep cleanly the land roundabout the outside for a space of five +yards, and yet again and again have I seen William Rods throw the refuse +from the table just outside the door, meaning to take it away at a +future time, and always forgetting so to do until reminded by some one +in authority. + +However, it is not for me to speak of such trifling things as these, +although had you heard Captain Smith and Master Hunt in conversation, +you would not have set them down as being of little importance. Those +two claimed that only by strict regard to cleanliness, both of person +and house, would it be possible for us, when another summer came, to +ward off that sickness which had already carried away so many of our +company. + +After Captain Smith had brought matters to rights in the village, +setting this company of men to building more houses, and that company +to hewing down trees for firewood, which would be needed when the winter +had come, Master Hunt made mention of a matter which I knew must have +been very near his heart many a day. + + + + +A NEW CHURCH + + +During all the time we had been on shore, the only church in Jamestown +was the shelter beneath that square of canvas which he himself had put +up. When it stormed, he had called such of the people as were inclined +to worship into one or another of the houses; but now he asked that +a log building be put together, while it was yet so warm that the men +could work out of doors without suffering, and to this, much to my +pleasure, for I had an exceedingly friendly feeling toward Master Hunt, +Captain Smith agreed. + +Therefore it was that when the storms of October came, Master Hunt had a +place in which to receive those whom he would lead to a better life, and +I believe that all our people, the men who were careless regarding the +future life, and those who followed the preacher's teachings, felt the +better in mind because there was at last in our village a place which +would be used for no other purpose than that of leading us into, and +helping us to remain in, the straight path. + + + + +CAPTAIN NEWPORT'S RETURN + + +It was at the beginning of the new year, two days after my master was +set free by the savages, that Captain Newport came back to us, this time +in the ship John and Francis, and with him were fifty men who had been +sent to join our colony. + +Fortunately for us there were but few gentlemen among them, therefore +did the work of building the village go on much more rapidly, because +there were laborers in plenty. + +A larger building, which was called the fort, and would indeed have been +a safe place for refuge had the savages made an attack, was but just +completed at the beginning of the third month, meaning March. + +There Captain Smith had stored the supply of provisions and seed brought +in the John and Francis, and we were already saying to ourselves that by +the close of the summer we should reap a bountiful harvest. + +All these plans and hopes went for naught, however, for on a certain +night--and no man can say how it happened, save him who was the careless +one--fire fastened upon the inside of the fort, having so much headway +when it was discovered, that our people could do little toward checking +it. + +The flames burst out through the roof, which was thatched with dried +grass, as were all the houses in the town, and leaped from one building +to another until it seemed as if the entire village would be destroyed. + +It is true that even the palisade, which was near to forty feet distant +from the fort, was seized upon by the flames, and a goodly portion of +that which had cost us so much labor was entirely destroyed. + +Out of all our houses only four remained standing when the flames had +died away. The seed which we had counted on for reaping a harvest, +the store of provisions, and a large amount of clothing and other +necessaries, were thus consumed. + +Good Master Hunt lost all his books, in fact, everything he owned save +the clothes upon his back, and yet never once did I, who was with him +very much, for he came to live at our house while the village was being +rebuilt, hear him utter one word of complaint, or of sorrow. + + + + +GOLD SEEKERS + + +It was while all the people, gentlemen as well as laborers, were doing +their best to repair the loss, and to put Jamestown into such shape +that we might be able to withstand an attack from the savages, if so be +they made one, that even a worse misfortune than the fire came upon us. + +Some of those whom Captain Newport had lately brought to Virginia, while +roaming along the shores of the river in order to learn what this new +land was like, came upon a spot where the waters had washed the earth +away for a distance of five or six feet, leaving exposed to view a vast +amount of sand, so yellow and so heavy that straightway the foolish ones +believed they were come upon that gold which our people had been seeking +almost from the very day we first landed. + +From this moment there was no talk of anything save the wealth which +would come to us and the London Company. + +Even Captain Newport was persuaded that this sand was gold, and +straightway nearly every person in the village was hard at work digging +and carrying it in baskets on board the John and Francis as carefully as +if each grain counted for a guinea. + +Of all the people of Jamestown, Captain Smith and Master Hunt were the +only ones who refused to believe the golden dream. They held themselves +aloof from this mad race to gather up the yellow sand, and strove +earnestly to persuade the others that it would be a simple matter to +prove by fire whether this supposed treasure were metal. + +In the center of the village, where all might see him, Master Hunt set +a pannikin, in which was a pint or more of the sand, over a roaring fire +which he kept burning not less than two hours. + +When he was done, the sand remained the same as before, which, so he and +my master claimed, was good proof that our people of Jamestown were, in +truth, making fools of themselves, as they had many a time before since +we came into this land of Virginia. + + + + +A WORTHLESS CARGO + + +When we should have been striving to build up the town once more, we +spent all our time loading the ship with this worthless cargo, and +indeed I felt the better in my mind when finally Captain Newport set +sail, the John and Francis loaded deeply with sand, because of believing +that we were come to an end of hearing about treasure which lay at hand +ready for whosoever would carry it away. + +In this, however, I was disappointed. Although there was no longer any +reason for our people to labor at what was called the gold mine, since +there was no ship at hand in which to put the sand, they still talked, +hour by hour, of the day when all the men in Virginia would go back to +England richer than kings. + +Because of such thoughts was it well nigh impossible to force them to +labor once more. Yet Captain Smith and Master Hunt did all they could, +even going so far as to threaten bodily harm if the people did not +rebuild the storehouse, plant such seed as had been saved from the +flames, and replace those portions of the palisade which had been +burned. + +It was while our people were thus working half heartedly, that Captain +Nelson arrived in the ship Phoenix, having been so long delayed on the +voyage, because of tempests and contrary winds, that his passengers and +crew had eaten nearly all the stores which the London Company sent over +for our benefit, and bringing seventy more mouths to be fed. + +Save that she brought to us skilled workmen, the coming of the Phoenix +did not advantage us greatly, while there were added to our number, +seventy men, and of oatmeal, pickled beef and pork, as much as would +serve for, perhaps, three or four weeks. + +Through her, however, as Master Hunt said in my hearing, came some +little good, for on seeing the yellow sand, Captain Nelson declared +without a question that it was worthless, and, being accustomed to +working in metal, speedily proved to our people who were yet suffering +with the gold fever, that there was nothing whatsoever of value in it. + + + + +THE CONDITION OF THE COLONY + + +That he might have something to carry back to England, and not being +minded to take on board a load of sand, Captain Nelson asked that the +Phoenix be laden with cedar logs and such clapboards as our people had +made. Therefore was it that we sent to England the first cargo of value +since having come to Virginia. + +Among those who had come over in the Phoenix were workmen who understood +the making of turpentine, tar and soap ashes. There was also a pipe +maker, a gunsmith, and a number of other skilled workmen, so that had +the Council advanced the interest of the colony one half as much as my +master was doing, all would have gone well with us in Jamestown. + +As it was, however, the President of the Council, so Master Hunt has +declared many times, and of a verity he would not bear false witness, +often countenanced the men in rebellion against my master's orders, +until, but for the preacher's example, we might never have put into the +earth our first seed. + +Because of lack of food, and it seems strange to say so when there were +of oysters near at hand more than a thousand men could have eaten, and +fish in the rivers without number, Captain Smith set off once more in +the pinnace to trade with the Indians, as well as to explore further the +bay and the river. + +Master Hunt lived in our house, while he was gone, therefore Nathaniel +and I were not idle, and though we had each had a dozen pair of hands, +we could have kept them properly employed, what with making a garden for +our own use, tending the plants, and keeping house. + + + + +TOBACCO + + +Just here I am minded to set down that which the girl Pocahontas told +us concerning the raising of tobacco, and it is well she spent the time +needed to instruct us, for since then I have seen the people in this new +world of Virginia getting more money from the tobacco plant, than they +could have gained even though Captain Newport's yellow sand had been +veritable gold. + +You must know that the seed of tobacco is even smaller than grains of +powder, and the Indians usually plant it in April. Within a month it +springs up, each tiny plant having two or four leaves, and one month +later it is transplanted in little hillocks, set about the same distance +apart as are our hills of Indian corn. + +Two or three times during the season the plants have to be hoed and +weeded, while the sickly leaves, which peep out from the body of the +stock, must be plucked off. + +If the plant grows too fast, which is to say, if it is like to get +its full size before harvest time, the tops are cut to make it more +backward. + +About the middle of September it is reaped, stripped of its leaves, and +tied in small bunches; these are hung under a shelter so that the dew +may not come to them, until they are cured the same as hay. + +Having thus been dried, and there must be no suspicion of moisture +about, else they will mold, the whole is packed into hogsheads. + +I have lived to see the days go by since the girl Pocahontas showed +Nathaniel and me how to cultivate the weed, until the greatest wealth +which Virginia can produce comes from this same tobacco, which, Master +Hunt says, not only induces filthiness in those who use it, but works +grievous injury to the body. + + + + +CAPTAIN NEWPORT'S RETURN + + +When Captain Newport came back to Virginia, at about the time we were +gathering our scanty harvest, his dreams of sudden wealth, through the +digging of gold in Virginia, had burst as does a bubble when one pricks +it. + +He had not been more than four and twenty hours in England before +learning that his ship was laden only with valueless sand, and, mayhap, +if the London Company had not demanded that he return to Virginia at +once, with certain orders concerning us at Jamestown, he might have been +too much ashamed to show his face among us again. + +My master had come in long since from trading with the Indians, having +had fairly good success at times, and again failing utterly to gather +food. The king Powhatan was grown so lofty in his bearing, because of +the honor some of our foolish people had shown him, that it was well +nigh impossible to pay the price he asked, even in trinkets, for so +small an amount as a single peck of corn. + +However, that which Powhatan did or did not do, concerned me very little +when Captain Newport had arrived, for he brought with him such tidings +as made my heart rejoice, and caused Master Hunt to say that now indeed +would our village of Jamestown grow as it should have grown had our +leaders shown themselves of half as much spirit as had my master. + +But for the greater things which followed Captain Newport's arrival in +September of the year 1608, I would have set it down as of the utmost +importance to us in Jamestown, that he brought with him the first two +women, other than the girl Pocahontas, who had ever come into our town. + +These were Mistress Forest, and her maid, Anne Burras, and if the king +himself had so far done us the honor as to come, his arrival would have +caused no greater excitement. + +Every man and boy in the settlement pressed forward eager even to touch +the garments of these two women as they came ashore in the ship's small +boat, and I dare venture to say that we stared at them, Nathaniel and I +among the number, even as the savages stared at us when first we landed. + +It would have been more to my satisfaction had there been two maids, +instead of only one and her mistress, for it was more than likely +servants could tell Nathaniel and me many things about our care of the +house, which a great lady would not well know. Therefore, as I viewed +the matter, we could well spare fine women, so that we had maids who +would understand of what we as houseboys stood mostly in need. + +However, it was not with these women, who were only two among seventy, +that had come with Captain Newport on this his third voyage, that I +was most deeply concerned, and how I learned that which pleased me so +greatly shall be set down exactly as it happened. + + + + +MASTER HUNT BRINGS GREAT NEWS + + +I had been down at the landing place, feasting my eyes upon the ship +which had so lately come from the country I might never see again, and +was trying to cheer myself by working around the house in the hope of +pleasing Captain Smith, when Master Hunt came in with a look upon his +face such as I had not seen since the sickness first came among us, and, +without thinking to be rude, I asked him if it was the arrival of the +women which pleased him so greatly. + +"It is nothing of such fanciful nature, Richard Mutton," the good man +replied with a smile, "though I must confess that it is pleasing to see +women with white faces, when our eyes have beheld none save bearded men +for so long a time. What think you has been done in the Council this +day, since Captain Newport had speech with President Ratcliffe?" + +Verily I could not so much as guess what might have happened, for those +worshipful gentlemen were prone at times to behave more like foolish +children, than men upon whom the fate of a new country depended, and I +said to Master Hunt much of the same purport. + +"They have elected your master, Captain John Smith, President of the +Council, Richard Mutton, and now for the first time will matters in +Jamestown progress as they should." + +"My master President of the Council at last!" I cried, and the good +preacher added: + +"So it is, lad, as I know full well, having just come from there." + +"But how did they chance suddenly to gather their wits?" I cried with a +laugh, in which Master Hunt joined. + +"It was done after Captain Newport had speech with Master Ratcliffe, +and while I know nothing for a certainty, there is in my mind a strong +belief that he brought word from the London Company for such an election +to be made. At all events, it is done, and now we shall see Jamestown +increase in size, even as she would have done from the first month we +landed here had Captain John Smith been at the head of affairs." + +The good preacher was so delighted with this change in the government +that he unfolded all his budget of news, forgetting for the time being, +most like, that he was not speaking to his equal, and thus it was +I learned what were Captain Newport's instructions from the London +Company. + + + + +CAPTAIN NEWPORT'S INSTRUCTIONS + + +He was ordered, if you please, not to return to England without bringing +back a lump of gold, exploring the passageway to the South Sea, or +finding some of Sir Walter Raleigh's lost colony, of which I will tell +you later. + +But whether he did the one or the other, he had been commanded to crown +as a king, Powhatan, and had brought with him mock jewels and red robes +for such a purpose. + +To find a lump of gold, after he had brought to England a shipload of +yellow sand! + +To crown Powhatan king, when, to our sorrow, he was already showing +himself far more of a king than was pleasing or well for our town of +James! + +Forgetting I was but a lad, and had no right to put blame on the +shoulders of my leaders and betters, or even to address Master Hunt +as if I were a man grown, I cried out against the foolishness of those +people in London for whom we were striving to build up a city, saying +very much that had better been left unsaid, until the good preacher +cried with a laugh: + +"We can forgive them almost anything, Dicky Mutton, since they have made +our Captain Smith the head of the government in this land of Virginia." + +And now I will tell you, as Master Hunt told me, the story of this +lost colony of Roanoke, which the London Company had commanded Captain +Newport to find. + +You must know that English people had lived in this land of Virginia +before we came here in 1606, and while it does not concern us of +Jamestown, except as we are interested in knowing the fate of our +countrymen, it should be set down, lest we so far forget as to say that +those of us who have built this village are the first settlers in the +land. + + + + +THE STORY OF ROANOKE + + +Twenty-one years before we sailed from London, Sir Walter Raleigh sent +out a fleet of seven ships, carrying one hundred and seven persons, to +Virginia, and Master Ralph Lane was named as the governor. They landed +on Roanoke Island; but because the Indians threatened them, and because +just at that time when they were most frightened, Sir Francis Drake came +by with his fleet, they all went home, not daring to stay any longer. + +Two years after that, which is to say nineteen years before we of +Jamestown came here, Sir Walter Raleigh sent over one hundred and +sixteen people, among whom were men, women and children, and they also +began to build a town on Roanoke Island. + +John White was their governor, and very shortly after they came to +Roanoke, his daughter, Mistress Ananias Dare, had a little baby girl, +the first white child to be born in the new world, so they named her +Virginia. + +Now these people, like ourselves, were soon sorely in need of food, and +they coaxed Governor John White to go back to England, to get what would +be needed until they could gather a harvest. + +At the time he arrived at London, England was at war with the Spanish +people, and it was two years before he found a chance to get back. When +he finally arrived at Roanoke Island, there were no signs of any of his +people to be found, except that on the tree was cut the word "Croatan," +which is the name of an Indian village on the island nearby. + +That was the last ever heard of all those hundred and sixteen people. +Five different times Sir Walter Raleigh sent out men for the missing +ones; but no traces could be found, not even at Croatan, and no one +knows whether they were killed by the Indians, or wandered off into the +wilderness where they were lost forever. + +You can see by the story, that the London Company had set for Captain +Newport a very great task when they commanded him to do what so many +people had failed in before him. + +And now out of that story of the lost colony, as Master Hunt told +Nathaniel and me, grows another which also concerns us in this new land +of Virginia. + +You will remember I have said that Master Ralph Lane was the governor of +the first company of people who went to Roanoke Island, and, afterward, +getting discouraged, returned to England. Now this Master Lane, and the +other men who were with him, learned from the Indians to smoke the weed +called tobacco, and carried quite a large amount of it home with them. + +Not only Sir Walter Raleigh, who knew Master Lane very well, but many +other people in England also learned to smoke, and therefore it was that +when we of Jamestown began to raise tobacco, it found a more ready sale +in London than any other thing we could send over. Once this was known, +our people gave the greater portion of their time to cultivating the +Indian weed. + + + + +THE CROWNING OF POWHATAN + + +Very nearly the first thing which my master did after having been made +President of the Council, was to obey the orders of the London Company, +by going with Captain Newport to Powhatan's village in order to crown +him like a king. + +This was not at all to the pleasure of the savage, who failed of +understanding what my master and Captain Newport meant, when they wanted +him to kneel down so they might put the crown upon his head. If all the +stories which I have heard regarding the matter are true, they must have +had quite a scrimmage before succeeding in getting him into what they +believed was a proper position to receive the gifts of the London +Company. + +Our people, so Master Hunt told me, were obliged to take him by the +shoulders and force him to his knees, after which they clapped the crown +on his head, and threw the red robe around his shoulders in a mighty +hurry lest he show fight and overcome them. + +It was some time before Captain Smith could make him understand that +it was a great honor which was being done him, but when he did get it +through his head, he took off his old moccasins and brought from the hut +his raccoon skin coat, with orders that my master and Captain Newport +send them all to King James in London, as a present from the great +Powhatan of Virginia. + +After this had been done, Captain Newport sailed up the James River in +search of the passage to the South Sea, and my master set about putting +Jamestown into proper order. + + + + +PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE + + +Once more Captain Smith made the rule that those who would not work +should not eat, and this time, with all the Council at his back, +together with such men as Captain Newport had just brought with him, you +can well fancy his orders were obeyed. + +In addition to the stocks which had been built, he had a pillory set up, +and those gentlemen who were not inclined to labor with their hands as +well as they might, were forced to stand in it to their discomfort. + +The next thing which he did was to have a large, deep well dug, so that +we might have sweet water from it for drinking purposes, rather than be +forced to use that from the river, for it was to his mind that through +this muddy water did the sickness come to us. + +When the winter was well begun, and Captain Newport ceased to search for +the South Sea passage, because of having come to the falls of the James +River, Captain Smith forced our people to build twenty stout houses such +as would serve to withstand an attack from the savages, and again was +the palisade stretched from one to the other, until the village stood in +the form of a square. + +After the cold season had passed, some of the people were set about +shingling the church, and others were ordered to make clapboards that +we might have a cargo when Captain Newport returned. It was the duty of +some few to keep the streets and lanes of the village clear of filth, +lest we invite the sickness again, and the remainder of the company were +employed in planting Indian corn, forty acres of which were seeded down. + + + + +STEALING THE COMPANY'S GOODS + + +If I have made it appear that during all this time we lived in the most +friendly manner with the savages, then have I blundered in the setting +down of that which happened. + +Although it shames one to write such things concerning those who called +themselves Englishmen, yet it must be said that the savages were no +longer in any degree friendly, and all because of what our own people +had done. + +From the time when Captain Smith had declared that he who would not work +should not eat, some of our fine gentlemen who were willing to believe +that labor was the greatest crime which could be committed, began +stealing from the common store iron and copper goods of every kind +which might be come at, in order to trade with the savages for food they +themselves were too lazy to get otherwise. + +They even went so far, some of those who thought it more the part of a +man to wear silks than build himself a house, as to steal matchlocks, +pistols, and weapons of any kind, standing ready to teach the savages +how to use these things, if thereby they were given so much additional +in the way of food. + +As our numbers increased, by reason of the companies which were brought +over by Captain Newport and Captain Nelson, so did the thievery become +the more serious until on one day I heard Master Hunt tell my master, +that of forty axes which had been brought ashore from the Phoenix and +left outside the storehouse during the night, but eight were remaining +when morning came. + + + + +WHAT THE THIEVING LED TO + + +Now there was more of mischief to this than the crime of stealing, or +of indolence. The savages came to understand they could drive hard +bargains, and so increased the price of their corn that Captain Smith +set it down in his report to the London Company, that the same amount of +copper, or of beads, which had, one year before, paid for five bushels +of wheat, would, within a week after Captain Newport came in search of +the lost colony, pay for no more than one peck. + +Nor was this the entire sum of the wrong done by our gentlemen who stole +rather than worked with their hands. The savages, grown bold now that +they had firearms and knew how to use them, no longer had the same fear +of white people as when Captain Smith, single handed, was able to hold +two hundred in check, and strove to kill us of Jamestown whenever they +found opportunity. + +On four different times did they plot to murder my master, believing +that when he had been done to death, it would be more easy for them +to kill off all in our town; but on each occasion, so keen was his +watchfulness, he outwitted them all. + +The putting of a crown on Powhatan's head, and bowing before him as if +he had been a real king, also did much mischief. It caused that brown +savage to believe we feared him, which was much the same as inviting him +to be less of a friend, until on a certain day he boldly declared that +one basket of his corn was worth more than all our copper and beads, +because he could eat his corn, while our trinkets gave a hungry man no +satisfaction. + +And thus, by the wicked and unwise acts of our own people, did we +prepare the way for another time of famine and sickness. + + + + +FEAR OF FAMINE IN A LAND OF PLENTY + + +However, I must set this much down as counting in our favor: when we +landed in this country we had three pigs, and a cock and six hens, all +of which we turned loose in the wilderness to shift for themselves, +giving shelter to such as came back to us when winter was near at hand. + +Within two years we had of pigs more than sixty, in addition to many +which were yet running wild in the forest. Of hens and cocks we had +upward of five hundred, the greater number being kept in pens to the end +that we might profit by their eggs. + +I have heard Master Hunt declare more than once, that had we followed +Captain Smith's advice, giving all our labor to the raising of crops, +our storehouse would have been too small for the food on hand, and we +might have held ourselves free from the whims of the savages, having +corn to sell, rather than spending near to half our time trying to buy. + +As Master Hunt said again and again when talking over the situation +with Captain Smith, it seemed strange even to us who were there, that +we could be looking forward to a famine, when in the sea and on the land +was food in abundance to feed half the people in all this wide world. + +To show how readily one might get himself a dinner, if so be his taste +were not too nice, I have seen Captain Smith, when told what we had in +the larder for the next meal, go to the river with only his naked sword, +and there spear fish enough with the weapon to provide us with as much +as could be eaten in a full day. But yet some of our gentlemen claimed +that it was not good for their blood to eat this food of the sea; others +declared that oysters, when partaken of regularly, were as poisonous as +the sweet potatoes which we bought of the Indians. + +Thus it was that day by day did we who were in the land of plenty, +overrun with that which would serve as food, fear that another time of +famine was nigh. + + + + +THE UNHEALTHFUL LOCATION + + +I have often spoken of the unwillingness of some of our people to labor; +but Captain Smith, who is not overly eager to find excuses for those who +are indolent, has said that there was much reason why many of our men +hugged their cabins, counting it a most arduous task to go even so far +up the river as were the oyster beds. + +He believes, and Master Hunt is of the same opinion, that this town of +ours has been built on that portion of the shore where the people are +most liable to sickness. The land is low lying, almost on a level with +the river; the country roundabout is made up of swamps and bogs, and +the air which comes to us at night is filled with a fever, which causes +those upon whom it fastens, first to shake as if they were beset with +bitterest cold, and then again to burn as if likely to be reduced to +ashes. Some call it the ague, and others, the shakes; but whatsoever +it may be, there is nothing more distressing, or better calculated to +hinder a man from taking so much of exercise as is necessary for his +well being. + + + + +GATHERING OYSTERS + + +That Nathaniel and I may gather oysters without too great labor of +walking and carrying heavy burdens, Captain Smith has bought from the +savages a small boat made of the bark of birch trees, stretched over a +framework of splints, and sewn together with the entrails of deer. On +the seams, and wherever the water might find entrance, it is well gummed +with pitch taken from the pine tree, and withal the lightest craft that +can well be made. + +Either Nathaniel or I can take this vessel, which the savages call a +canoe, on our shoulders, carrying it without difficulty, and when the +two of us are inside, resting upon our knees, for we may not sit in +it as in a ship's boat, we can send it along with paddles at a rate so +rapid as to cause one to think it moved by magic. + +With this canoe Nathaniel and I may go to the oyster beds, and in half +an hour put on board as large a cargo of shellfish as she will carry, +in addition to our own weight, coming back in a short time with as much +food as would serve a dozen men for two days. + +If these oysters could be kept fresh for any length of time, then would +we have a most valuable store near at hand; but, like other fish, a few +hours in the sun serves to spoil them. + + + + +PREPARING STURGEON FOR FOOD + + +Of the fish called the sturgeon, we have more than can be consumed by +all our company; but one cannot endure the flavor day after day, and +therefore is it that we use it for food only when we cannot get any +other. + +Master Hunt has shown Nathaniel and me how we may prepare it in such a +manner as to change the flavor. It must first be dried in the sun until +so hard that it can be pounded to the fineness of meal. This is then +mixed with caviare, by which I mean the eggs, or roe, of the sturgeon, +with sorrel leaves, and with other wholesome herbs. The whole is +made into small balls, or cakes, which are fried over the fire with a +plentiful amount of fat. + +Such a dish serves us for either bread or meat, or for both on a pinch, +therefore if we lads are careful not to waste our time, Captain Smith +may never come without finding in the larder something that can be +eaten. + + + + +TURPENTINE AND TAR + + +To us in Jamestown the making of anything which we may send back to +England for sale, is of such great importance that we are more curious +regarding the manner in which the work is done, than would be others +who are less eager to see piled up that which will bring money to the +people. + +Therefore it was that Nathaniel and I watched eagerly the making of +turpentine, and found it not unlike the method by which the Indians gain +sugar from maple trees. A strip of bark is taken from the pine, perhaps +eight or ten inches long, and at the lower end of the wound thus made, a +deep notch is cut in the wood. + +Into this the sap flows, and is scraped out as fast as the cavity is +filled. It is a labor in which all may join, and so plentiful are the +pine trees that if our people of Jamestown set about making turpentine +only, they might load four or five ships in a year. + +From the making of tar much money can be earned, and it is a simple +process such as I believe I myself might compass, were it not that I +have sufficient of other work to occupy all my time. + +The pine tree is cut into short pieces, even the roots being used, +for, if I mistake not, more tar may be had from the roots than from the +trunks of the tree. Our people here dig a hollow, much like unto the +shape of a funnel, on the side of a hill, or bank, fill it in with the +wood and the roots, and cover the whole closely with turf. + +An iron pot is placed at the bottom of this hollow in the earth, and a +fire is built at the top of the pile. While the fuel smolders, the tar +stews out of the wood, falling into the iron pot, and from there is put +into whatsoever vessels may be most convenient in which to carry it over +seas. + + + + +THE MAKING OF CLAPBOARDS + + +There is far greater labor required in the making of clapboards, and +it is of a wearisome kind; but Captain Newport declares that clapboards +made of our Virginia cedar are far better in quality than any to be +found in England. Therefore it is Captain Smith keeps as many men as he +may, employed in this work, which is more tiring than difficult. + +The trunks of the trees are cut into lengths of four feet, and trimmed +both as to branches and bark. An iron tool called a frow, which is not +unlike a butcher's cleaver, is then used to split the log into thin +strips, one edge of which is four or five times thicker than the other. + +You will understand better the method by picturing to yourself the +end of a round log which has been stood upright for convenience of the +workmen. Now, if you place a frow in such a position that it will split +the thicknesses of an inch or less from the outer side, you will find +that the point of the instrument, which is at the heart of the tree, +must come in such manner as to make the splint very thin on the inner +edge. The frow is driven through the wood by a wooden mallet, to the end +that the sides of the clapboard may be fairly smooth. + +Master Hunt has told me that if we were to put on board a ship the size +of the John and Francis, as many clapboards as she could swim under, the +value of the cargo would be no less than five hundred pounds, and they +would have a ready sale in London, or in other English ports. + + + + +PROVIDING FOR THE CHILDREN + + +And now before I am come to the most terrible time in the history of +our town of James, let me set down that which the London Company has +decreed, for it is of great importance to all those who, like Nathaniel +and me, came over into this land of Virginia before they were men and +women grown. + +Master Hunt has written the facts out fairly, to the end that I may +understand them well, he having had the information from Captain +Newport, for it was the last decree made by the London Company before +the John and Francis sailed. + +I must say, however, that the reason why this decree, or order, +whichever it may be called, has been made, was to the end that men and +women, who had large families of children, might be induced to join us +here in Jamestown, as if we had not already mouths enough to feed. + +The Council of the Company has decided to allow the use of twenty-five +acres of land for each and every child that comes into Virginia, and all +who are now here, or may come to live at the expense of the Company, are +to be educated in some good trade or profession, in order that they may +be able to support themselves when they have come to the age of four and +twenty years, or have served the time of their apprenticeship, which is +to be no less than seven years. + +It is further decreed that all of those children when they become of +age or marry, whichever shall happen first, are to have freely given +and made over to them fifty acres of land apiece, which same shall be +in Virginia within the limits of the English plantation. But, these +children must be placed as apprentices under honest and good masters +within the grant made to the London Company, and shall serve for seven +years, or until they come to the age of twenty-four, during which time +their masters must bring them up in some trade or business. + + + + +DREAMS OF THE FUTURE + + +On hearing this, the question came into my mind as to whether Nathaniel +and I could be called apprentices, inasmuch as we were only houseboys, +according to the name Captain Smith gave us. + +Master Hunt declared that being apprentices to care for the family, was +of as much service as if we were learned in the trade of making tar, +clapboards, or of building ships, and he assured me that if peradventure +he was living when we had been in this land of Virginia seven years, it +should be his duty to see to it that we were given our fifty acres of +land apiece. + +Thus understanding that we might ourselves in turn one day become +planters, Nathaniel and I had much to say, one with the other, +concerning what should be done in the future. We decided that when +the time came for us to have the land set off to our own use, we would +strive that the two lots of fifty acres each be in one piece. Then would +we set about raising tobacco, as the Indian girl Pocahontas taught us, +and who can say that we might not come to be of some consequence, even +as are Captain Smith and Master Hunt, in this new world. + + + + +A PLAGUE OF RATS + + +And now am I come to the spring of 1609, when befell us that disaster +which marked the beginning of the time of suffering, of trouble, and of +danger which was so near to wiping out the settlement of Jamestown that +the people had already started on their way to England. + +The day had come when we should put into the ground our Indian corn that +a harvest might follow. The supply, which was to be used as seed, had +been stored in casks and piled up in the big house wherein were kept our +goods. + +When those who had been chosen to do the planting went for the seed, +it was found to have been destroyed by rats, and not only the corn, but +many other things which were in the storehouse, had been eaten by the +same animals. + +Master Hunt maintained, and Captain Smith was of the same opinion, that +when the Phoenix was unloaded, the rats came ashore from her, finding +lodging in that building which represented the vital spot of our town. + +Howsoever the pests came there, certain it was we should reap no harvest +that year, unless the savages became more friendly than they had lately +shown themselves, and as to this we speedily learned. + + + + +TREACHERY DURING CAPTAIN SMITH'S ABSENCE + + +When Captain Smith set off in the pinnace in order to buy what might +serve us as seed, he found himself threatened by all the brown men +living near about the shores of the bay, as if they had suddenly made up +a plot to kill us, and never one of them would speak him fairly. It was +while my master was away that two Dutchmen, who came over in the Phoenix +and had gone with Captain Smith in the pinnace, returned to Jamestown, +saying to Captain Winne, who was in command at the fort, that Captain +Smith had use for more weapons because of going into the country in the +hope of finding Indians who would supply him with corn. + +Not doubting their story, the captain supplied them with what they +demanded, and, as was afterward learned, before leaving town that night +they stole many swords, pike heads, shot and powder, all of which these +Dutch thieves carried to Powhatan. + +If these two had been the only white men who did us wrong, then might +our plight not have become so desperate; but many there were, upwards +of sixteen so Master Hunt declared, who from day to day carried away +secretly such weapons and tools, or powder and shot, as they could come +upon, thereby trusting to the word of the savages that they might live +with them in their villages always, without doing any manner of work. + +Others sold kettles, hoes, or even swords and guns, that they might buy +fruit, or corn, or meat from the Indians without doing so much of labor +as was necessary in order to gather these things for themselves. + + + + +CAPTAIN SMITH'S SPEECH + + +Jamestown was a scene of turmoil and confusion when Captain Smith came +back from his journey having on board only two baskets of corn for +seed. After understanding what had been done by the idle ones during his +absence, he called all the people together and said unto them, speaking +earnestly, as if pleading for his very life: + +"Never did I believe white men who were come together in a new world, +and should stand shoulder to shoulder against all the enemies that +surround them, could be so reckless and malicious. It is vain to hope +for more help from Powhatan, and the time has come when I will no longer +bear with you in your idleness; but punish severely if you do not set +about the work which must be done, without further plotting. You cannot +deny but that I have risked my life many a time in order to save +yours, when, if you had been allowed to go your own way, all would +have starved. Now I swear solemnly that you shall not only gather for +yourselves the fruits which the earth doth yield, but for those who are +sick. Every one that gathers not each day as much as I do, shall on the +next day be set beyond the river, forever banished from the fort, to +live or starve as God wills." + +This caused the lazy ones to bestir themselves for the time, and perhaps +all might have gone well with us had not the London Company sent out +nine more vessels, in which were five hundred persons, to join us people +in Jamestown. One of the ships, as we afterward learned, was wrecked in +a hurricane; seven arrived safely, and the ninth vessel we had not heard +from. + +All these people had expected to find food in plenty, servants to wait +upon them, and everything furnished to hand without being obliged to +raise a finger in their own behalf. What was yet worse, they had +among them many men who believed they were to be made officers of the +government. + + + + +THE NEW LAWS + + +Now you must understand that with the coming of this fleet we of +Jamestown were told that the London Company had changed all the laws for +us in Virginia, and that Lord De la Warr, who sailed on the ship from +which nothing had been heard, was to be our governor. + +From that hour did it seem as if all the men in Jamestown, save only +half a dozen, among whom were Captain Smith, Master Hunt and Master +Percy, strove their best to wreck the settlement. + +Because Lord De la Warr, the new governor, had not arrived, many of the +new comers refused to obey my master, and they were so strong in numbers +that it was not possible for him to force them to his will. + +Each man strove for himself, regardless of the sick, or of the women +and children. Some banded themselves together in companies, falling upon +such Indian villages as they could easily overcome, and murdered and +robbed until all the brown men of Virginia stood ready to shed the blood +of every white man who crossed their path. + +Then came that which plunged Nathaniel and me into deepest grief. + + + + +THE ACCIDENT + + +Captain Smith had gone up the bay in the hope of soothing the trouble +among the savages, and, failing in this effort, was returning, having +got within four and twenty hours' journey of Jamestown, when the pinnace +was anchored for the night. + +The boat's company lay down to sleep, and then came that accident, if +accident it may be called, the cause of which no man has ever been able +to explain to the satisfaction of Master Hunt or myself. + +Captain Smith was asleep, with his powder bag by his side, when in some +manner it was set on fire, and the powder, exploding, tore the flesh +from his body and thighs for the space of nine or ten inches square, +even down to the bones. + +In his agony, and being thus horribly aroused from sleep, hardly knowing +what he did, he plunged overboard as the quickest way to soothe the +pain. There he was like to have drowned but for Samuel White, who came +near to losing his own life in saving him. + +He was brought back to the town on the day before the ships of the +fleet, which had brought so many quarrelsome people, were to sail for +England. With no surgeon to dress his wounds, what could he do but +depart in one of these ships with the poor hope of living in agony until +he arrived on the other side of the ocean. + +Nathaniel and I would have gone with him, willing, because of his +friendship for us, to have served him so long as we lived. He refused to +listen to our prayers, insisting that we were lads well fitted to live +in a new land like Virginia, and that if we would but remain with Master +Hunt, working out our time of apprenticeship, which would be but five +years longer, then might we find ourselves men of importance in the +colony. He doubted not, so he said, but that we would continue, after he +had gone, as we had while he was with us. + +What could we lads do other than obey, when his commands were laid upon +us, even though our hearts were so sore that it seemed as if it would no +longer be possible to live when he had departed? + +Even amid his suffering, when one might well have believed that he could +give no heed to anything save his own plight, he spoke to us of what we +should do for the bettering of our own condition. He promised that as +soon as he was come to London, and able to walk around, if so be God +permitted him to live, he would seek out Nathaniel's parents to tell +them that the lad who had run away from his home was rapidly making a +man of himself in Virginia, and would one day come back to gladden their +hearts. + + + + +CAPTAIN SMITH'S DEPARTURE + + +It is not well for me to dwell upon our parting with the master whom we +had served more than two years, and who had ever been the most friendly +friend and the most manly man one could ask to meet. + +Our hearts were sore, when, after having done what little we might +toward carrying him on board the ship, we came back to his house, which +he had said in the presence of witnesses should be ours, and there took +up our lives with Master Hunt. + +But for that good man's prayers, on this first night we would have +abandoned ourselves entirely to grief; but he devoted his time to +soothing us, showing why we had no right to do other than continue in +the course on which we had been started by the man who was gone from us, +until it was, to my mind at least, as if I should be doing some grievous +wrong to my master, if I failed to carry on the work while he was away, +as it would have been done had I known we were to see him again within +the week. + +With Captain Smith gone, perhaps to his death; with half a dozen men who +claimed the right to stand at the head of the government until Lord De +la Warr should come; and with the savages menacing us on every hand, +sore indeed was our plight. + +With so many in the town, for there were now four hundred and ninety +persons, and while the savages, because of having been so sorely +wronged, were in arms against us, it was no longer possible to go abroad +for food, and as the winter came on we were put to it even in that land +of plenty, for enough to keep ourselves alive. + + + + +THE "STARVING TIME" + + +We came to know what starvation meant during that winter, and were I to +set down here all of the suffering, of the hunger weakness, and of the +selfishness we saw during the six months after Captain Smith sailed for +home, there would not be days enough left in my life to complete the +tale. + +As I look back on it now, it seems more like some wonderful dream than +a reality, wherein men strove with women and children for food to keep +life in their own worthless bodies. + +It is enough if I say that of the four hundred and ninety persons whom +Captain Smith left behind him, there were, in the month of May of the +year 1610, but fifty-eight left alive. That God should have spared +among those, Nathaniel Peacock and myself, is something which passeth +understanding, for verily there were scores of better than we whose +lives would have advantaged Jamestown more than ours ever can, who died +and were buried as best they could be by the few who had sufficient +strength remaining to dig the graves. + +I set it down in all truth that, through God's mercy, our lives were +saved by Master Hunt, for he counseled us wisely as to the care we +should take of our bodies when our stomachs were crying out for food, +and it was he who showed us how we might prepare this herb or the bark +from that tree for the sustaining of life, when we had nothing else to +put into our mouths. + +We had forgotten that Lord De la Warr was the new governor; we had heard +nothing of the ship in which it was said Sir Thomas Gates and Sir George +Somers had sailed. We were come to that pass where we cared neither for +governor nor nobleman. We strove only to keep within our bodies the life +which had become painful. + +Then it was, when the few of us who yet lived, feared each moment lest +the savages would put an end to us, that we saw sailing up into the bay +two small ships, and I doubt if there was any among us who did not fall +upon his knees and give thanks aloud to God for the help which had come +at the very moment when it had seemed that we were past all aid. + + + + +OUR COURAGE GIVES OUT + + +But our time of rejoicing was short. Although these two ships were +brought by Sir Thomas Gates and Sir George Somers, having in them not +less than one hundred and fifty men, they did not have among them food +sufficient to provide for the wants of our company until another harvest +should come. + +The vessel in which these new comers had sailed was, as I have said, +wrecked in a hurricane near the Bermuda Isles, where, after much labor, +they had contrived to build these two small ships. + +It needed not that we, who of all our people in Jamestown remained +alive, should tell the story of what we had suffered, for that could be +read on our faces. + +Neither was it required that these new comers should study long in order +to decide upon the course to be pursued, for the answer to all their +speculations could be found in the empty storehouse, and in the +numberless graves 'twixt there and the river bank. + +Of provisions, they had so much as might serve for a voyage to England, +if peradventure the winds were favorable; and ere the ships had been +at anchor four and twenty hours, it was resolved that we should abandon +this town of James, which we had hoped might one day grow into a city +fair to look upon. + +An attempt to build up a nation in this new land of Virginia, of which +ours was the third, had cost of money and of blood more than man could +well set down, and now, after all this brave effort on the part of such +men as Captain Smith, Master Hunt and Master Percy, it was to go for +naught. + +Once more were the savages to hold undisputed possession of the land +which they claimed as their own. + + + + +ABANDONING JAMESTOWN + + +Now even though Nathaniel Peacock and I had known more of suffering +and of sorrow, than of pleasure, in Jamestown, our hearts were sore at +leaving it. + +It seemed to me as if we were running contrary to that which my master +would have commanded, and there were tears in my eyes, of which I was +not ashamed, when Nathaniel and I, hand in hand, followed Master Hunt +out of the house we had helped to build. + +Those who had come from the shipwreck amid the Bermudas, were rejoicing +because they had failed to arrive in time to share with us the +starvation and the sickness, therefore to them this turning back upon +the enterprise was but a piece of good fortune. Yet were they silent and +sad, understanding our sorrow. + +It was the eighth day of June, in the year 1610, when we set sail from +Jamestown, believing we were done with the new world forever, and yet +within less than three hours was all our grief changed to rejoicing, all +our sorrow to thankfulness. + + + + +LORD DE LA WARR'S ARRIVAL + + +At the mouth of the river, sailing toward us bravely as if having come +from some glorious victory, were three ships laden with men, and, as we +afterward came to know, an ample store of provisions. + +It was Lord De la Warr who had come to take up his governorship, and +verily he was arrived in the very point of time, for had he been delayed +four and twenty hours, we would have been on the ocean, where was little +likelihood of seeing him. + +It needs not I should say that our ships were turned back, and before +nightfall Master Hunt was sitting in Captain Smith's house, with +Nathaniel Peacock and me cooking for him such a dinner as we three had +not known these six months past. + +I have finished my story of Jamestown, having set myself to tell only of +what was done there while we were with Captain John Smith. + +And it is well I should bring this story to an end here, for if I make +any attempt at telling what came to Nathaniel Peacock and myself after +that, then am I like to keep on until he who has begun to read will lay +down the story because of weariness. + +For the satisfaction of myself, and the better pleasing of Nathaniel +Peacock, however, I will add, concerning our two selves, that we +remained in the land of Virginia until our time of apprenticeship was +ended, and then it was, that Master Hunt did for us as Captain Smith had +promised to do. + + + + +THE YOUNG PLANTERS + + +We found ourselves, in the year 1614, the owners of an hundred acres of +land which Nathaniel and I had chosen some distance back from the river, +so that we might stand in no danger of the shaking sickness, and built +ourselves a house like unto the one we had helped make for Captain +Smith. + +With the coming of Lord De la Warr all things were changed. The +governing of the people was done as my old master, who never saw +Virginia again, I grieve to say, would have had it. We became a law +abiding people, save when a few hotheads stirred up trouble and got the +worst of it. + +When Nathaniel Peacock and I settled down as planters on our own +account, there were eleven villages in the land of Virginia, and, living +in them, more than four thousand men, women, and children. + +It was no longer a country over which the savages ruled without check, +though sad to relate, the brown men of the land shed the blood of white +men like water, ere they were driven out from among us. + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Richard of Jamestown, by James Otis + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RICHARD OF JAMESTOWN *** + +***** This file should be named 7465.txt or 7465.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/7/4/6/7465/ + +Produced by Martin Robb + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: Richard of Jamestown + A Story of the Virginia Colony + +Author: James Otis + +Release Date: February, 2005 [EBook #7465] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on May 4, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RICHARD OF JAMESTOWN *** + + + + +Produced by Martin Robb + + + + +RICHARD OF JAMESTOWN +by James Otis. + + + +FOREWORD + + +The purpose of this series of stories is to show the children, +and even those who have already taken up the study of history, the +home life of the colonists with whom they meet in their books. To +this end every effort has been made to avoid anything savoring of +romance, and to deal only with facts, so far as that is possible, +while describing the daily life of those people who conquered the +wilderness whether for conscience sake or for gain. + +That the stories may appeal more directly to the children, they +are told from the viewpoint of a child, and purport to have been +related by a child. Should any criticism be made regarding the +seeming neglect to mention important historical facts, the answer +would be that these books are not sent out as histories--although +it is believed that they will awaken a desire to learn more of +the building of the nation--and only such incidents as would be +particularly noted by a child are used. + +Surely it is entertaining as well as instructive for young people +to read of the toil and privations in the homes of those who came +into a new world to build up a country for themselves, and such +homely facts are not to be found in the real histories of our land. + +JAMES OTIS. + + + +WHO I AM + + +Yes, my name is Richard Mutton. Sounds rather queer, doesn't it? +The lads in London town used to vex me sorely by calling, "Baa, +baa, black sheep," whenever I passed them, and yet he who will may +find the name Richard Mutton written in the list of those who were +sent to Virginia, in the new world, by the London Company, on the +nineteenth day of December, in the year of Our Lord, 1606. + +Whosoever may chance to read what I am here setting down, will, +perhaps, ask how it happened that a lad only ten years of age was +allowed to sail for that new world in company with such a band of +adventurous men as headed the enterprise. + +Therefore it is that I must tell a certain portion of the story of +my life, for the better understanding of how I came to be in this +fair, wild, savage beset land of Virginia. + +Yet I was not the only boy who sailed in the Susan Constant, as you +may see by turning to the list of names, which is under the care, +even to this day, of the London Company, for there you will find +written in clerkly hand the names Samuel Collier, Nathaniel Peacock, +James Brumfield, and Richard Mutton. Nathaniel Peacock has declared +more than once that my name comes last in the company at the very +end of all, because I was not a full grown mutton; but only large +enough to be called a sheep's tail, and therefore should be hung +on behind, as is shown by the list. + +The reason of my being in this country of Virginia at so young an +age, is directly concerned with that brave soldier and wondrous +adventurer, Captain John Smith, of whom I make no doubt the people +in this new world, when the land has been covered with towns +and villages, will come to know right well, for of a truth he is +a wonderful man. In the sixth month of Grace, 1606, I Was living +as best I might in that great city of London, which is as much a +wilderness of houses, as this country is a wilderness of trees. My +father was a soldier of fortune, which means that he stood ready +to do battle in behalf of whatsoever nation he believed was in the +right, or, perhaps, on the side of those people who would pay him +the most money for risking his life. + +He had fought with the Dutch soldiers under command of one Captain +Miles Standish, an Englishman of renown among men of arms, and +had been killed. My mother died less than a week before the news +was brought that my father had been shot to death. Not then fully +understanding how great a disaster it is to a young lad when he +loses father or mother, and how yet more sad is his lot when he +has lost both parents, I made shift to live as best I might with a +sore heart; but yet not so sore as if I had known the full extent +of the misfortune which had overtaken me. + +At first it was an easy matter for me to get food at the home of +this lad, or of that, among my acquaintances, sleeping wherever +night overtook me; but, finally, when mayhap three months had gone +by, my welcome was worn threadbare, and I was told by more than +one, that a hulking lad of ten years should have more pride than +to beg his way from door to door. + +It is with shame I here set down the fact, that many weeks passed +before I came to understand, in ever so slight a degree, what a +milksop I must be, thus eating the bread of idleness when I should +have won the right, by labor, to a livelihood in this world. + +This last thought had just begun to take root in my heart when +Nathaniel Peacock, whose mother had been a good friend of mine +during a certain time after I was made an orphan, and I, heard +that a remarkably brave soldier was in the city of London, making +ready to go into the new world, with the intent to build there a +town for the king. + + + +CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH COMES TO LONDON + + +This man was no other than Captain John Smith, who, although at this +time not above six and twenty years of age, had already served in +the French, in the Dutch, and in the Transylvanian armies, where +he had met and overcome many dangers. + +He had been robbed and beaten and thrown into the sea because of +not believing in the religion of the men who attacked him; he had +been a slave among the Turks; he had fought, one after another, +three of the bravest in the Turkish army, and had cut off the head +of each in turn. + +Can it be wondered at that Nathaniel Peacock and I were filled to +overflowing with admiration for this wonderful soldier, or that we +desired above all things to see him? + +We loitered about the streets of London town from daylight until +night had come again, hoping to feast our eyes upon this same John +Smith, who was to us one of the wonders of the world, because in +so short a time he had made his name as a soldier famous in all +countries, and yet we saw him not. + +We had searched London town over and over for mayhap a full month, +doing nothing else save hunt for the man whose life had been so +filled with adventure, and each time we returned home, Mistress +Peacock reproached me with being an idle good for nothing, and +Nathaniel but little better. + +I believe it was her harsh words which caused to spring up in my +heart a desire to venture into the new world, where it was said +gold could be found in abundance, and even the smallest lad might +pick up whatsoever of wealth he desired, if so be his heart was +strong enough to brave the journey across the great ocean. + +The more I thought of what could be found in that land, which was +called Virginia, the stronger grew my desire, until the time came +when it was a fixed purpose in my mind, and not until then did I +breathe to Nathaniel a word of that which had been growing within +me. + +He took fire straightway I spoke of what it might be possible for +us lads to do, and declared that whether his mother were willing +or no, he would brave all the dangers of that terrible journey +overseas, if so be we found an opportunity. To him it seemed +a simple matter that, having once found a ship which was to sail +for the far off land, we might hide ourselves within her, having +gathered sufficient of food to keep us alive during the journey. +But how this last might be done, his plans had not been made. + +Lest I should set down too many words, and therefore bring upon +myself the charge of being one who can work with his tongue better +than with his hands, I will pass over all that which Nathaniel and +I did during the long time we roamed the streets, in the hope of +coming face to face with Captain Smith. + +It is enough if I set it down at once that we finally succeeded in +our purpose, having come upon him one certain morning on Cheapside, +when there was a fight on among some apprentices, and the way so +blocked that neither he nor any other could pass through the street, +until the quarrelsome fellows were done playing upon each other's +heads with sticks and stones. + +It seemed much as if fortune had at last consented to smile upon +us, for we were standing directly in front of the great man. + +I know not how it chanced that I, a lad whose apparel was far from +being either cleanly or whole, should have dared to raise my voice +in speech with one who was said to have talked even with a king. +Yet so I did, coming without many words to that matter which had +been growing these many days in my mind, and mayhap it was the very +suddenness of the words that caught his fancy. + +"Nathaniel Peacock and I are minded to go with you into that new +world, Captain John Smith, if so be you permit us," I said, "and +there we will serve you with honesty and industry." + +There was a smile come upon his face as I spoke, and he looked +down upon Nathaniel and me, who were wedged among that throng which +watched the apprentices quarrel, until we were like to be squeezed +flat, and said in what I took to be a friendly tone: + +"So, my master, you would journey into Virginia with the hope +of making yourself rich, and you not out from under your mother's +apron as yet?" + +"I have no mother to wear an apron, Captain Smith, nor father +to say I may go there or shall come here; but yet would serve you +as keenly as might any man, save mayhap my strength, which will +increase, be not so great as would be found in those older." + +Whether this valiant soldier was pleased with my words, or if in +good truth boys were needed in the enterprise, I cannot say; but +certain it is he spoke me fairly, writing down upon a piece of paper, +which he tore from his tablets, the name of the street in which he +had lodgings, and asking, as he handed it to me, if I could read. + +Now it was that I gave silent thanks, because of what had seemed +to me a hardship when my mother forced me to spend so many hours +each day in learning to use a quill, until I was able to write a +clerkly hand. + +It seemed to please this great soldier that I could do what few +of the lads in that day had been taught to master, and, without +further ado, he said to me boldly: + +"You shall journey into Virginia with me, an' it please you, lad. +What is more, I will take upon myself the charge of outfitting you, +and time shall tell whether you have enough of manliness in you to +repay me the cost." + +Then it was that Nathaniel raised his voice; but the captain gave +him no satisfaction, declaring it was the duty of a true lad to +stand by his mother, and that he would lend his aid to none who +had a home, and in it those who cared for him. + +I could have talked with this brave soldier until the night had +come, and would never have wearied of asking concerning what might +be found in that new world of Virginia; but it so chanced that when +the business was thus far advanced, the apprentices were done with +striving to break each other's heads, and Captain Smith, bidding +me come to his house next morning, went his way. + + + +THE PLANS OF THE LONDON COMPANY + + +Then it was that Nathaniel declared he also would go on the voyage +to Virginia, whether it pleased Captain Smith or no, and I, who +should have set my face against his running away from home, spoke +no word to oppose him, because it would please me to have him as +comrade. + +After this I went more than once to the house where Captain Smith +lodged, and learned very much concerning what it was proposed to +do toward building a town in the new world. + +Both Nathaniel and I had believed it was the king who counted to +send all these people overseas; but I learned from my new master +that a company of London merchants was in charge of the enterprise, +these merchants believing much profit might come to them in the +way of getting gold. + +The whole business was to be under the control of Captain Bartholomew +Gosnold, who, it was said, had already made one voyage to the new +world, and had brought back word that it was a goodly place in which +to settle and to build up towns. The one chosen to act as admiral +of the fleet, for there were to be three ships instead of one, as +I had fancied, was Captain Christopher Newport, a man who had no +little fame as a seaman. + +In due time, as the preparations for the voyage were being forwarded, +I was sent by my master into lodgings at Blackwall, just below +London town, for the fleet lay nearby, and because it was understood +by those in charge of the adventure that I was in Captain Smith's +service, no hindrance was made to my going on board the vessels. + + + +THE VESSELS OF THE FLEET + + +These were three in number, as I have already said: the Constant, +a ship of near to one hundred tons in size; the Goodspeed, of forty +tons, and the Discovery, which was a pinnace of only twenty tons. + +And now, lest some who read what I have set down may not be +acquainted with the words used by seamen, let me explain that the +measurement of a vessel by tons, means that she will fill so much +space in the water. Now, in measuring a vessel, a ton is reckoned +as forty cubic feet of space, therefore when I say the Susan Constant +was one hundred tons in size, it is the same as if I had set down +that she would carry four thousand cubic feet of cargo. + +That he who reads may know what I mean by a pinnace, as differing +from a ship, I can best make it plain by saying that such a craft +is an open boat, wherein may be used sails or oars, and, as in the +case of the Discovery, may have a deck over a certain portion of +her length. That our pinnace was a vessel able to withstand such +waves as would be met with in the ocean, can be believed when you +remember that she was one half the size of the Goodspeed, which we +counted a ship. + + + +HOW I EARNED MY PASSAGE + + +Captain Smith, my master, found plenty of work for me during the +weeks before the fleet sailed. He had many matters to be set down +in writing, and because of my mother's care in teaching me to use +the quill, I was able, or so it seemed to me, to be of no little +aid to him in those busy days, when it was as if he must do two or +three things at the same time in order to bring his business to +an end. I learned during that time to care very dearly for this +valiant soldier, who could, when the fit was on him, be as tender +and kind as a girl, and again, when he was crossed, as stern a man +as one might find in all London town. + +Because of my labors, and it pleased me greatly that I could do +somewhat toward forwarding the adventure, I had no time in which to +search for my friend, Nathaniel Peacock, although I did not cease +to hope that he would try to find me. + +I had parted with him in the city, and he knew right well where +I was going; yet, so far as I could learn, he had never come to +Blackwall. + +I had no doubt but that I could find him in the city, and it was +in my mind, at the first opportunity, to seek him out, if for no +other reason than that we might part as comrades should, for he +had been a true friend to me when my heart was sore; but from the +moment the sailors began to put the cargo on board the Susan Constant +and the Goodspeed, I had no chance to wander around Blackwall, let +alone journeying to London. + +Then came the twentieth of December, when we were to set sail, +and great was the rejoicing among the people, who believed that +we would soon build up a city in the new world, which would be of +great wealth and advantage to those in England. + +I heard it said, although I myself was not on shore to see what +was done, that in all the churches prayers were made for our safe +journeying, and there was much marching to and fro of soldiers, as +if some great merrymaking were afoot. + +The shore was lined with people; booths were set up where showmen +displayed for pay many curious things, and food and sweetmeats +were on sale here and there, for so large a throng stood in need +of refreshment as well as amusement. + +It was a wondrous spectacle to see all these people nearby on the +shore, knowing they had come for no other purpose than to look at +us, and I took no little pride to myself because of being numbered +among the adventurers, even vainly fancying that many wondered what +part a boy could have in such an undertaking. + +Then we set sail, I watching in vain for a glimpse of Nathaniel +Peacock as the ships got under way. Finally, sadly disappointed, +and with the sickness of home already in my heart, I went into the +forward part of the ship, where was my sleeping place, thinking +that very shortly we should be tossing and tumbling on the mighty +waves of the ocean. + +In this I was mistaken, for the wind was contrary to our purpose, +and we lay in the Downs near six weeks, while Master Hunt, the +preacher, who had joined the company that he might labor for the +good of our souls; lay so nigh unto death in the cabin of the Susan +Constant, that I listened during all the waking hours of the night, +fearing to hear the tolling of the ship's bell, which would tell +that he had gone from among the living. + +It was on the second night, after we were come to anchor in the +Downs awaiting a favorable wind, that I, having fallen asleep while +wishing Nathaniel Peacock might have been with us, was awakened +by the pressure of a cold hand upon my cheek. I was near to crying +aloud with fear, for the first thought that came was that Master +Hunt had gone from this world, and was summoning me; but before +the cry could escape my lips, I heard the whispered words: "It is +me, Nate Peacock!" + +It can well be guessed that I was sitting bolt upright in the +narrow bed, which sailors call a bunk, by the time this had been +said, and in the gloom of the seamen's living place I saw a head +close to mine. + +Not until I had passed my hands over the face could I believe it +was indeed my comrade, and it goes without saying that straightway +I insisted on knowing how he came there, when he should have been +in London town. + +I cannot set the story down as Nathaniel Peacock told it to me on +that night, because his words were many; but the tale ran much like +this: + + + +NATHANIEL'S STORY + + +When Captain John Smith had promised on Cheapside that I should +be one of the company of adventurers, because of such labor as it +might be possible for me to perform, and had refused to listen to +my comrade, Nathaniel, without acquainting me with the fact, had made +up his mind that he also would go into the new world of Virginia. + +Fearing lest I would believe it my duty to tell Captain Smith of his +purpose, he kept far from me, doing whatsoever he might in London +town to earn as much as would provide him with food during a certain +time. + +In this he succeeded so far as then seemed necessary, and when it +was known that the fleet was nearly ready to make sail, he came to +Blackwall with all his belongings tied in his doublet. + +To get on board the Susan Constant without attracting much attention +while she was being visited by so many curious people, was not +a hard task for Nathaniel Peacock, and three days before the fleet +was got under way, my comrade had hidden himself in the very foremost +part of the ship, where were stored the ropes and chains. + +There he had remained until thirst, or hunger, drove him out, on +this night of which I am telling you, and he begged that I go on +deck, where were the scuttle butts, to get him a pannikin of water. + +For those of you who may not know what a scuttle butt is, I will +explain that it is a large cask in which fresh water is kept on +shipboard. When Nathaniel's burning thirst had been soothed, he +began to fear that I might give information to Captain John Smith +concerning him; but after all that had been done in the way of +hiding himself, and remembering his suffering, I had not the heart +so to do. + +During four days more he spent all the hours of sunshine, and the +greater portion of the night, in my bed, closely covered so that +the sailors might not see him, and then came the discovery, when he +was dragged out with many a blow and harsh word to give an account +of himself. I fear it would have gone harder still with Nathaniel, +if I had not happened to be there at that very moment. + +As it was, I went directly to Captain John Smith, my master, +telling him all Nathaniel's story, and asking if the lad had not +shown himself made of the proper stuff to be counted on as one of +the adventurers. + +Although hoping to succeed in my pleading, I was surprised when +the captain gave a quick consent to number the lad among those who +were to go into the new land of Virginia, and was even astonished +when his name was written down among others as if he had been +pledged to the voyage in due form. + +But for the sickness of Master Hunt, and the fear we had lest he +should die, Nathaniel and I might have made exceeding merry while +we lay at anchor in the Downs, for food was plentiful; there was +little of work to be done, and we lads could have passed the time +skylarking with such of the sailors as were disposed to sport, +except orders had been given that no undue noise be made on deck. + + + +WE MAKE SAIL AGAIN + + +It seemed to me almost as if we spent an entire lifetime within +sight of the country we were minded to leave behind us, and indeed +six weeks, with no change of scene, and while one is held to the +narrow limits of a ship, is an exceeding long time. + +However, as I have heard Captain Smith say again and again, +everything comes to him who waits, and so also came that day when +the winds were favoring; when Captain Newport, the admiral of our +fleet, gave the word to make sail, and we sped softly away from +England's shores, little dreaming of that time of suffering, of +sickness, and of sadness which was before us. + +To Nathaniel and me, who had never strayed far from London town, and +knew no more of the sea than might have been gained in a boatman's +wherry, the ocean was exceeding unkind, and for eight and forty +hours did we lie in that narrow bed, believing death was very near +at hand. + +There is no reason why I should make any attempt at describing the +sickness which was upon us, for I have since heard that it comes +to all who go out on the sea for the first time. When we recovered, +it was suddenly, like as a flower lifts up its head after a refreshing +shower that has pelted it to the ground. + +I would I might set down here all which came to us during the +voyage, for it was filled with wondrous happenings; but because I +would tell of what we did in the land of Virginia, I must be sparing +of words now. + + + +THE FIRST ISLAND + + +It is to be remembered that our fleet left London on the twentieth +day of December, and, as I have since heard Captain Smith read +from the pages which he wrote concerning the voyage, it was on the +twenty-third of March that we were come to the island of Martinique, +where for the first time Nathaniel Peacock and I saw living savages. + +When we were come to anchor, they paddled out to our ships in frail +boats called canoes, bringing many kinds of most delicious fruits, +which we bought for such trumpery things as glass beads and ornaments +of copper. + +It was while we lay off this island that we saw a whale attacked and +killed by a thresher and a swordfish, which was a wondrous sight. + +And now was a most wicked deed done by those who claimed to be in +command of our company, for they declared that my master had laid +a plot with some of the men in each vessel of the fleet, whereby +the principal members of the company were to be murdered, to the +end that Captain Smith might set himself up as king after we were +come to the new world. + +All this was untrue, as I knew full well, having aided him in such +work as a real clerk would have done, and had there been a plot, +I must have found some inkling of it in one of the many papers I +read aloud to him, or copied down on other sheets that the work of +the quill might be more pleasing to the eye. + +Besides that, I had been with the captain a goodly portion of the +time while the ships were being made ready for the voyage, and if +he had harbored so much of wickedness, surely must some word of it +have come to me, who sat or stood near at hand, listening attentively +whenever he had speech with others of the company of adventurers. + + + +CAPTAIN SMITH A PRISONER + + +When the voyage was begun, and the captain no longer had need of +me, I was sent into the forward part of the ship to live, as has +already been set down, and therefore it was I knew nothing of what +was being done in the great cabin, where the leaders of the company +were quartered, until after my master was made a prisoner. Then it +was told me by the seaman who had been called by Captain Kendall, +as if it was feared my master, being such a great soldier, might +strive to harm those who miscalled him a traitor to that which he +had sworn. + +It seems, so the seaman said, that Captain John Martin was the one +who made the charges against my master, on the night after we set +sail from Martinique, when all the chief men of the company were +met in the great cabin, and he declared that, when it was possible +to do so, meaning after we had come to the land of Virginia, witnesses +should be brought from the other ships to prove the wicked intent. +Then it was that Captain George Kendall declared my master must be +kept a close prisoner until the matter could be disposed of, and +all the others, save Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, agreeing, heavy +irons were put upon him. He was shut up in his sleeping place, having +made no outcry nor attempt to do any harm, save that he declared +himself innocent of wrong doing. + +But for Captain Gosnold and Master Hunt, the preacher, I should +not have been permitted to go in and learn if I might do anything +for his comfort. The other leaders declared that my master was a +dangerous man, who should not be allowed to have speech with any +person save themselves, lest he send some message to those who were +said to be concerned with him in the plot. + + + +I ATTEND MY MASTER + + +Master Hunt spoke up right manfully in behalf of Captain Smith, +with the result that I was given free entrance to that small room +which had been made his prison, save that I must at all times leave +the door open, so those who were in the great cabin could hear if +I was charged with any message to the seamen. + +My eyes were filled with tears when my master told me that he had +no thought save that of benefiting those who were with him in the +adventure, and that he would not lend his countenance to any wicked +plot. + +I begged him to understand that I knew right well he would do no +manner of wrong to any man, and asked the privilege of being with +him all the time, to serve him when he could not serve himself +because of the irons that fettered his legs. + +And so it was that I had opportunity to do that which made my master +as true a friend as ever lad had, for in the later days when we +were come to Virginia and beset by savages more cruel than wild +beasts, he ventured his own life again and again to save mine, +which was so worthless as compared with his. + +Only that I might tell how the voyage progressed, did I go on deck, +or have speech with Nathaniel Peacock, and only through me did my +master know when we were come to this island or that, together with +what was to be seen in such places. + + + +SEVERAL ISLANDS VISITED + + +Therefore it was that when, on the next day after he was made a +prisoner, we were come to anchor off that island which the savages +called Gaudaloupe, and Nathaniel had been permitted to go on shore +in one of the boats, I could tell my master of the wondrous waters +which were found there. + +Nathaniel told me that water spouted up out of the earth so hot, +that when Captain Newport threw into it a piece of pork tied to a +rope, the meat was cooked in half an hour, even as if it had been +over a roaring hot fire. + +After that we passed many islands, the names of which I could not +discover, until we came to anchor within half a musket shot from +the shore of that land which is known as Nevis. Here we lay six +days, and the chief men of the company went on shore for sport and +to hunt, save always either Captain Martin or Captain Kendall, who +remained on board to watch the poor prisoner, while he, my master, +lay in his narrow bed sweltering under the great heat. + +During all this while, the seamen and our gentlemen got much profit +and sport from hunting and fishing, adding in no small degree to +our store of food. Had Captain Smith not been kept from going on +shore by the wickedness of those who were jealous because of his +great fame as a soldier, I dare venture to say our stay at this +island of Nevis would have been far more to our advantage. + +From this place we went to what Master Hunt told me were the Virgin +islands, and here the men went ashore again to hunt; but my master, +speaking no harsh words against those who were wronging him, lay +in the small, stinging hot room, unable to get for himself even +a cup of water, though I took good care he should not suffer from +lack of kindly care. + +Then on a certain day we sailed past that land which Captain Gosnold +told me was Porto Rico, and next morning came to anchor off the +island of Mona, where the seamen were sent ashore to get fresh +water, for our supply was running low. + +Captain Newport, and many of the other gentlemen, went on shore +to hunt, and so great was the heat that Master Edward Brookes fell +down dead, one of the sailors telling Nathaniel that the poor man's +fat was melted until he could no longer live; but Captain Smith, +who knows more concerning such matters than all this company rolled +into one, save I might except Master Hunt, declared that the fat +of a live person does not melt, however great the heat. It is the +sun shining too fiercely on one's head that brings about death, +and thus it was that Master Brookes died. + + + +A VARIETY OF WILD GAME + + +Our gentlemen who had the heart to make prisoner of so honest, upright +a man as my master, did not cease their sport because of what had +befallen Master Brookes, but continued at the hunting until they +had brought down two wild boars and also an animal fashioned like +unto nothing I had ever seen before. It was something after the +manner of a serpent, but speckled on the stomach as is a toad, and +Captain Smith believed the true name of it to be Iguana, the like +of which he says that he has often seen in other countries and that +its flesh makes very good eating. + +If any one save Captain Smith had said this, I should have found +it hard to believe him, and as it was I was glad my belief was +not put to the test. Two days afterward we were come to an island +which Master Hunt says is known to seamen as Monica, and there it +was that Nathaniel went on shore in one of the boats, coming back +at night to tell me a most wondrous story. + +He declared that the birds and their eggs were so plentiful that +the whole island was covered with them; that one could not set down +his foot, save upon eggs, or birds sitting on their nests, some of +which could hardly be driven away even with blows, and when they +rose in the air, the noise made by their wings was so great as to +deafen a person. + +Our seamen loaded two boats full of the eggs in three hours, and +all in the fleet feasted for several days on such as had not yet +been spoiled by the warmth of the birds' bodies. + +It was on the next day that we left behind us those islands which +Captain Smith told me were the West Indies, and the seaman who +stood at the helm when I came on deck to get water for my master, +said we were steering a northerly course, which would soon bring +us to the land of Virginia. + + + +THE TEMPEST + + +On that very night, however, such a tempest of wind and of rain +came upon us that I was not the only one who believed the Susan +Constant must be crushed like an eggshell under the great mountains +of water which at times rolled completely over her, so flooding +the decks that but few could venture out to do whatsoever of work +was needed to keep the ship afloat. After this fierce tempest, when +the Lord permitted that even our pinnace should ride in safety, it +was believed that we were come near to the new world, and by day +and by night the seamen stood at the rail, throwing the lead every +few minutes in order to discover if we were venturing into shoal +water. + +Nathaniel and I used to stand by watching them, and wishing that +we might be allowed to throw the line, but never quite getting up +our courage to say so, knowing full well we should probably make +a tangle of it. + + + +THE NEW COUNTRY SIGHTED + + +As Master George Percy has set down in the writings which I have +copied for him since we came to Virginia, it was on the twenty-sixth +day of April, in the year of our Lord 1607, at about four o'clock +in the morning, when we were come within sight of that land where +were to be built homes, not only for our company of one hundred +and five, counting the boys, but for all who should come after us. + +It was while the ship lay off the land, her decks crowded with our +company who fain would get the first clear view of that country in +which they were to live, if the savages permitted, that I asked my +master who among the gentlemen of the cabin was the leader in this +adventure. + +To my surprise, he told me that it was not yet known. The London +Company had made an election of those among the gentlemen who should +form the new government, and had written down the names, together +with instructions as to what should be done; but this writing was +enclosed in a box which was not to be opened until we had come to +the end of our voyage. + + + +THE LEADER NOT KNOWN + + +There could be no doubt but that Captain Kendall and Captain Martin +both believed that when the will of the London Company was made +known, it would be found they stood in high command; but there +was in my heart a great hope that my master might have been named. +Yet when I put the matter to him in so many words, he treated the +matter lightly, saying it could hardly be, else they had not dared +to treat him thus shamefully. + +However, it was soon to be known, if the commands of the London +Company were obeyed, for now we had come to this new land of +Virginia, and the time was near at hand when would be opened the +box containing the names of those who were to be officers in the +town we hoped soon to build. + +As for myself, I was so excited it seemed impossible to remain +quiet many seconds in one place, and I fear that my duties, which +consisted only in waiting upon the prisoner, my master, were +sadly neglected because of the anxiety in my mind to know who the +merchants in London had named as rulers of the settlement about to +be made in the new world. + +One would have believed from Captain Smith's manner that he had +no concern whatsoever as to the result of all this wickedness and +scheming, for it was neither more nor less than such, as I looked +at the matter, on the part of Captain Kendall and Captain Martin. + +Here we were in sight of the new world, at a place where we were to +live all the remainder of our lives, and he a prisoner in chains; +but yet never a word of complaint came from his lips. + + + +ARRIVAL AT CHESAPEAKE BAY + + +When the day had fully dawned, and the fleet stood in toward the +noble bay, between two capes, which were afterward named Cape Henry +and Cape Comfort, Captain Smith directed me to go on deck, in order +to keep him informed of what might be happening. + +He told me there was no question in his mind but that we were come +to the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, where it had been agreed with the +London merchants we were to go on shore. + +Standing at the head of the companionway, but not venturing out +on deck lest I should be sent to some other part of the ship, and +thus be unable to give my master the information which he desired, +I looked out upon what seemed to me the most goodly land that could +be found in all the wide world. + +Trees there were of size fit for masts to the king's ships; flowers +bordered the shore until there were seemingly great waves of this +color, or of that, as far as eye could reach, and set within this +dazzling array of green and gold, and of red and yellow, was a +great sea, which Captain Smith said was called the Chesapeake Bay. + +We entered for some distance, mayhap three or four miles, before +coming to anchor, and then Master Wingfield, Captain Gosnold, and +Captain Newport went on shore with a party of thirty, made up of +seamen and gentlemen, and my master, who had not so much as stretched +his legs since we sailed from Martinique, was left in his narrow +cabin with none but me to care for him! + +I had thought they would open the box containing the instructions +from London, before doing anything else; but Captain Smith was +of the mind that such business could wait until they had explored +sufficiently to find a place where the new town might be built. + +It was a long, weary, anxious day for me. The party had left the +ship in the morning, remaining absent until nightfall, and at least +four or five times every hour did I run up from the cabin to gaze +shoreward in the hope of seeing them return, for I was most eager to +have the business pushed forward, and to know whether my master's +enemies were given, by the London Company, permission to do whatsoever +they pleased. + + + +AN ATTACK BY THE SAVAGES + + +Just after sunset, and before the darkness of night closed in, those +who had been on shore came back very hurriedly and in disorder, +bringing with them in the foremost boat, two wounded men. + +"They have had a battle with some one, Master," I reported, before +yet the boats were come alongside, and for the first time that day +did Captain Smith appear to be deeply concerned. I heard him say +as if to himself, not intending that the words should reach me: + +"Lack of caution in dealing with the savages is like to cost us +dearly." + +Half an hour later I heard all the story from Nathaniel Peacock, +who had believed himself fortunate when he was allowed to accompany +the party on shore. + +According to his account, the company from the fleet roamed over +much of the land during the day, finding fair meadows and goodly +trees, with streams of fresh water here and there bespeaking fish +in abundance. + +Nothing was seen or heard to disturb our people until the signal +had been given for all to go on board the boats, that they might +return to the ships, and then it was that a number of naked, brown +men, creeping upon their hands and knees like animals, with bows +and arrows held between their teeth, came out suddenly from amid +the foliage to the number, as Nathaniel declared, of not less than +an hundred. + +While the white men stood dismayed, awaiting some order from those +who chose to call themselves leaders, the savages shot a multitude +of arrows into the midst of the company, wounding Captain Gabriel +Archer in both his hands, and dangerously hurting one of the seamen. + +Captain Gosnold gave command for the firearms to be discharged, +whereupon the savages disappeared suddenly, and without delay our +people returned to the fleet. + + + +READING THE LONDON COMPANY'S ORDERS + + +An hour later, when those who had just come from the shore had +been refreshed with food, I noted with much of anxiety that all +the gentlemen of the company, not only such as belonged on board +the Susan Constant, but those from the Speedwell, gathered in the +great cabin of our ship, and, looking out ever so cautiously, while +the door of Captain Smith's room was ajar, I saw them gather around +the big table on which, as if it were something of greatest value, +was placed a box made of some dark colored wood. + +It was Master Hunt who opened this, and, taking out a paper, he +read in a voice so loud that even my master, as he lay in his narrow +bed, could hear the names of those who were chosen by the London +Company to form the Council for the government of the new land of +Virginia. + +These are the names as he read them: Bartholomew Gosnold, Edward +Wingfield, Christopher Newport, John Smith, John Ratcliffe, John +Martin and George Kendall. + +My heart seemingly leaped into my throat with triumph when I thus +heard the name of my master among those who were to stand as leaders +of the company, and so excited had I become that that which Master +Hunt read from the remainder of the paper failed to attract my +attention. + +I learned afterward, however, that among the rules governing the +actions of this Council, was one that a President should be chosen +each year, and that matters of moment were to be determined by vote +of the Council, in which the President might cast two ballots. + +It was when Master Hunt ceased reading that I believed my master +would be set free without delay, for of a verity he had the same +right to take part in the deliberations as any other, since it was +the will of the London Company that he should be one of the leaders; +but much to my surprise nothing of the kind was done. Captain +Kendall, seeing the door of my master's room slightly open, arose +from the table and closed it, as if he were about to say something +which should not be heard by Captain Smith. + +I would have opened the door again, but that my master bade me +leave it closed, and when an hour or more had passed, Master Hunt +came in to us, stating that it had not yet been decided by the other +members of the Council whether Captain Smith should be allowed to +take part in the affairs, as the London Company had decided, or +whether he should be sent home for judgment when the fleet returned. +But meanwhile he was to have his liberty. + +Then it was that Master Hunt, talking like the true man he ever +showed himself to be, advised Captain Smith to do in all things, +so far as the other members of the Council permitted, as if nothing +had gone awry, claiming that before we had been many days in this +land, those who had brought charges against him would fail of making +them good. + +Had I been the one thus so grievously injured, the whole company +might have shipwrecked themselves before I would have raised a +hand, all of which goes to show that I had not learned to rule my +temper. + +Captain Smith, however, agreed with all Master Hunt said, and then +it was that I was sent forward once more. My master went on deck +for the first time since we had left Martinique, walking to and +fro swiftly, as if it pleased him to have command of his legs once +more. + +If Master Hunt and Master Wingfield had been able to bring the +others around to their way of thinking, Captain Smith would have +taken his rightful place in the Council without delay. Instead of +which, however, he remained on board the ship idle, when there was +much that he could have done better than any other, from the day +on which we came in sight of Virginia, which was the fifteenth day +of April, until the twenty-sixth day of June. + +During all this time, those of the Council who were his enemies +claimed that they could prove he had laid plans to murder all the +chief men, and take his place as king; but yet they did not do so, +and my master refused to hold any parley with them, except that he +claimed he was innocent of all wrong in thought or in act. + +When the others of the fleet set off to spy out the land, my master +remained aboard the ship, still being a prisoner, except so far +that he wore no fetters, and I would not have left him save he had +commanded me sharply, for at that time, so sore was his heart, that +even a lad like me could now and then say some word which might +have in it somewhat of cheer. + +During this time that Captain Smith was with the company and yet not +numbered as one of them, the other gentlemen explored the country, +and more than once was Nathaniel Peacock allowed to accompany them, +therefore did I hear much which otherwise would not have been told +me. + +And what happened during these two months when the gentlemen were +much the same as quarreling among themselves, I shall set down in +as few words as possible, to the end that I may the sooner come to +that story of our life in the new village, which some called James +Fort, and others James Town, after King James of England. + + + +EXPLORING THE COUNTRY + + +When the shallop had been taken out of the hold of the Susan +Constant, and put together by the Carpenters, our people explored +the shores of the bay and the broad streams running into it, meeting +with savages here and there, and holding some little converse with +them. A few were found to be friendly, while others appeared to +think we were stealing their land by thus coming among them. + +One of the most friendly of the savages, so Nathaniel said, having +shown by making marks on the ground with his foot that he wished +to tell our people about the country, and having been given a pen +and paper, drew a map of the river with great care, putting in the +islands and waterfalls and mountains that our men would come to, +and afterward he even brought food to our people such as wheat and +little sweet nuts and berries. + +I myself would have been pleased to go on shore and see these strange +people, but not being able to do so save at the cost of leaving my +master, I can only repeat some of the curious things which Nathaniel +Peacock told me. It must be known that there was more than one +nation, or tribe, of savages in this new land of Virginia, and +each had its king or chief, who was called the werowance. I might +set down the names of these tribes, and yet it would be so much +labor lost, because they are more like fanciful than real words. +As, for example, there were the Paspaheghes, whose werowance was +seemingly more friendly to our people than were the others. + +Again, there were the Rapahannas, who wore the legs of birds through +holes in their ears, and had all the hair on the right side of +their heads shaven closely. + +It gives them much pleasure to dance, so Nathaniel said, he having +seen them jumping around more like so many wolves, rather than +human beings, for the space of half an hour, shouting and singing +all the while. + +All the Indians smoked an herb called tobacco, which grows abundantly +in this land, and I have Nathaniel's word for it that one savage +had a tobacco pipe nearly a yard long, with the device of a deer +carved at the great end of it big enough to dash out one's brains +with. + +There is very much more which might be said about these savages +that would be of interest; but I am minded now to leave such stories +for others to tell, and come to the day when Captain Newport was +ready to sail with the Susan Constant and the Goodspeed back to +England, for his share in the adventure was only to bring us over +from England, after which he had agreed to return. + +The pinnace was to be left behind for the use of us who remained in +the strange land. Before this time, meaning the thirteenth day of +May, the members of the Council had decided upon the place where +we were to build our village. It was to be in the country of +the Paspahegh Indians, at a certain spot near the shore where the +water runs so deep that our ships can lie moored to the trees in +six fathoms. + + + +THE PEOPLE LAND FROM THE SHIPS + + +Then it was that all the people went on shore, some to set up the +tents of cloth which we had brought with us to serve as shelters +before houses could be built; others to lay out a fort, which it was +needed should be made as early as possible because of the savages, +and yet a certain other number being told off to stand guard +against the brown men, who had already shown that they could be +most dangerous enemies. + +My master went ashore, as a matter of course, with the others, I +sticking close to his side; but neither of us taking any part in +the work which had been begun, because the charges of wickedness +were still hanging over his head. + +Had Captain Smith been allowed a voice in the Council, certain it +is he never would have chosen this place in which to make the town, +for he pointed out to me that the land lay so low that when the +river was at its height the dampness must be great, and, therefore, +exceeding unhealthful, while there was back of it such an extent +of forest, as made it most difficult to defend, in case the savages +came against us. + +Captain Smith aided me in building for ourselves a hut in front +of an overhanging rock, with the branches of trees. It was a poor +shelter at the best; but he declared it would serve us until such +time as he was given his rightful place among the people, or had +been sent back a prisoner to England. + + + +CAPTAIN SMITH PROVEN INNOCENT + + +This served us as a living place for many days, or until my master +was come into his own, as he did before the fort was finished, +when, on one certain morning, he demanded of the other members of +the Council that they put him on trial to learn whether the charges +could be proven or not, and this was done on the day before Captain +Newport was to take the ships back to England. + +There is little need for me to say that Captain Kendall's stories +of the plot, in which he said my master was concerned, came to naught. +There were none to prove that he had ever spoken of such a matter, +and the result of the trial was that they gave him his rightful +place at the head of the company. Before many months were passed, +all came to know that but for him the white people in Jamestown +would have come to their deaths. + + + +WE WHO WERE LEFT BEHIND + + +It was on the fifteenth day of June when the ships sailed out of +the Chesapeake Bay, leaving on the banks of the river we called +the James, a hundred men and boys, all told, to hold their lives +and their liberty against thousands upon thousands of naked savages, +who had already shown that they desired to be enemies rather than +friends. Even in the eyes of a boy, it was an odd company to battle +with the savages and the wilderness, for the greater number were +those who called themselves gentlemen, and who believed it beneath +their station to do any labor whatsoever, therefore did it seem to +me that this new town would be burdened sorely with so many drones. + +Master Hunt, the preacher, could in good truth call himself a +gentleman, and yet I myself saw him, within two hours after we were +landed, nailing a piece of timber between two trees that he might +stretch a square of sailcloth over it, thus making what served +as the first church in the country of Virginia. Yet Captain Smith +has said again and again, that the discourses of Master Hunt under +that poor shelter of cloth, were, to his mind, more like the real +praising of God, than any he had ever heard in the costly buildings +of the old world. + +For the better understanding of certain things which happened to +us after we had begun to build the village of Jamestown, it should +be remembered that of all the savages in the country roundabout, +the most friendly were those who lived in the same settlement with +Powhatan, who was, so Captain Smith said, the true head and king +of all the Indians in Virginia. + + + +BAKING BREAD WITHOUT OVENS + + +It was in this town of Powhatan's that I discovered how to bake +bread without an oven or other fire than what might be built on +the open ground, and it was well I had my eyes open at that time, +otherwise Captain Smith and I had gone supperless to bed again and +again, for there were many days when our stomachs cried painfully +because of emptiness. + +While my master was talking with the king, Powhatan, on matters +concerning affairs at Jamestown, I saw an Indian girl, whose name +I afterward came to know was Pocahontas, making bread, and observed +her carefully. She had white meal, but whether of barley, or the +wheat called Indian corn, or Guinny wheat I could not say, and this +she mixed into a paste with hot water; making it of such thickness +that it could easily be rolled into little balls or cakes. + +After the mixture had been thus shaped, she dropped the balls into +a pot of boiling water, letting them stay there until well soaked, +when she laid them on a smooth stone in front of the fire until +they had hardened and browned like unto bread that has been cooked +in the oven. + +But I have set myself to the task of telling how we of Jamestown +lived during that time when my master was much the same as the +head of the government, and it is not well to begin the story with +bread making. + + + +AN UNEQUAL DIVISION OF LABOR + + +First I must explain upon what terms these people, the greater +number of whom called themselves gentlemen, and therefore claimed +to be ashamed to labor with their hands, had come together under +control of those merchants in London, who were known as the London +Company. + +No person in the town of James was allowed to own any land except +as he had his share of the whole. Every one was expected to work +for the good of the village, and whatsoever of crops was raised, +belonged to all the people. It was not permitted that the more +industrious should plant the land and claim that which grew under +their toil. + +Ours was supposed to be one big family, with each laboring to help +the others at the same time he helped himself, and the result was +that those who worked only a single hour each day, had as much of +the general stores as he who remained in the field from morning +until night. + +Although my master had agreed to this plan before the fleet sailed +from England, he soon came to understand that it was not the best +for a new land, where it was needed that each person should labor +to the utmost of his powers. + +The London Company had provided a certain number of tents made of +cloth, which were supposed to be enough to give shelter to all the +people, and yet, because those who had charge of the matter had +made a mistake, through ignorance or for the sake of gain, there +were no more than would provide for the members of the Council, +who appeared to think they should be lodged in better fashion than +those who were not in authority. + +My master could well have laid claim to one of these cloth houses; +but because of the charges which had been made against him by Captain +Kendall and Captain Martin, the sting of which yet remained, he +chose to live by himself. Thus it was that he and I threw up the +roof of branches concerning which I have spoken; but it was only +to shelter us until better could be built. + + + +BUILDING A HOUSE OF LOGS + + +While the others were hunting here and there for the gold which it +had been said could be picked up in Virginia as one gathers acorns +in the old world, Captain Smith set about making a house of logs +such as would protect him from the storms of winter as well as from +the summer sun. + +This he did by laying four logs on the ground in the form of a +square, and so cutting notches in the ends of each that when it was +placed on the top of another, and at right angles with it, the hewn +portions would interlock, one with the other, holding all firmly +in place. On top of these, other huge tree trunks were laid with +the same notching of the ends. It was a vast amount of labor, thus +to roll up the heavy logs in the form of a square until a pen or +box had been made as high as a man's head, and then over that was +built a roof of logs fastened together with wooden pins, or pegs, +for iron nails were all too scarce and costly to be used for such +purpose. + +When the house had been built thus far, the roof was formed of no +more than four or five logs on which a thatching of grass was to +be laid later, and the ends, in what might be called the "peak of +the roof," were open to the weather. Then it was that roughly hewn +planks, or logs split into three or four strips, called puncheons, +were pegged with wooden nails on the sides, or ends, where doors +or windows were to be made. + +Then the space inside this framework was sawed out, and behold +you had a doorway, or the opening for a window, to be filled in +afterward as time and material with which to work might permit. + +After this had been done, the ends under the roof were covered +with yet more logs, sawn to the proper length and pegged together, +until, save for the crevices between the timbers, the whole gave +protection against the weather. + +Then came the work of thatching the roof, which was done by the +branches of trees, dried grass, or bark. My master put on first +a layer of branches from which the leaves had been stripped, and +over that we laid coarse grass to the depth of six or eight inches, +binding the same down with small saplings running from one side to +the other, to the number of ten on each slope of the roof. To me +was given the task of closing up the crevices between the logs with +mud and grass mixed, and this I did the better because Nathaniel +Peacock worked with me, doing his full share of the labor. + + + +KEEPING HOUSE + + +When we came ashore from the ships, no one claimed Nathaniel as +servant, and he, burning to be in my company, asked Captain Smith's +permission to enter his employ. My master replied that it had not +been in his mind there should be servants and lords in this new +world of Virginia, where one was supposed to be on the same footing +as another; but if Nathaniel were minded to live under the same +roof with us, and would cheerfully perform his full share of the +labor, it might be as he desired. + +Because our house was the first to be put up in the new village, +and, being made of logs, was by far the best shelter, even in +comparison with the tents of cloth, Nathaniel and I decided that +it should be the most homelike, if indeed that could be compassed +where were no women to keep things cleanly. I am in doubt as to +whether Captain Smith, great traveler and brave adventurer though +he was, had even realized that with only men to perform the household +duties, there would be much lack of comfort. + +The floor of the house was only the bare earth beaten down hard. +We lads made brooms, by tying the twigs of trees to a stick, which +was not what might be called a good makeshift, and yet with such +we kept the inside of our home far more cleanly than were some of +the tents. + + + +LACK OF CLEANLINESS IN THE VILLAGE + + +There were many who believed, because there were no women in our +midst, we should spare our labor in the way of keeping cleanly, and +before we had been in the new village a week, the floors of many +of the dwellings were littered with dirt of various kinds, until +that which should have been a home, looked more like a place in +which swine are kept. + +From the very first day we came ashore, good Master Hunt went about +urging that great effort be made to keep the houses, and the paths +around them, cleanly, saying that unless we did so, there was like +to be a sickness come among us. With some his preaching did good, +but by far the greater number, and these chiefly to be found among +the self called gentlemen, gave no heed. + +It was as if these lazy ones delighted in filth. Again and again +have I seen one or another throw the scrapings of the trencher bowls +just outside the door of the tent or hut, where those who came or +went must of a necessity tread upon them, and one need not struggle +hard to realize what soon was the condition of the village. + +After a heavy shower many of the paths were covered ankle deep +with filth of all kinds, and when the sun shone warm and bright, +the stench was too horrible to be described by ordinary words. + + + +CAVE HOMES + + +There were other kinds of homes, and quite a number of them, that +were made neither of cloth nor of logs. These were holes dug in the +side of small hillocks until a sleeping room had been made, when +the front part was covered with brush or logs, built outward from +the hill to form a kitchen. + +During a storm these cave homes were damp, often times actually +muddy, and those who slept therein were but inviting the mortal +sickness that came all too soon among us, until it was as if the +Angel of Death had taken possession of Jamestown. + +Captain Smith said everything he could to persuade these people, +who were content to live in a hole in the ground, that they were +little better than beasts of the field. + +But so long as the foolish ones continued to believe this new world +was much the same as filled with gold and silver, so long they +wasted their time searching. + + + +THE GOLDEN FEVER + + +But for this golden fever, which attacked the gentlemen more fiercely +than it did the common people, the story of Jamestown would not +have been one of disaster brought about by willful heedlessness +and stupidity. + +Again and again did Captain Smith urge that crops be planted, while +it was yet time, in order that there might be food at hand when +the winter came; but he had not yet been allowed to take his place +in the Council, and those who had the thirst for gold strong upon +them, taunted him with the fact that he had no right to raise his +voice above the meanest of the company. They refused to listen +when he would have spoken with them as a friend, and laughed him +to scorn when he begged that they take heed to their own lives. + +I cannot understand why our people were so crazy. Even though +Nathaniel and I were but lads, with no experience of adventure +such as was before us, we could realize that unless a man plants he +may not reap, and because we had been hungry many a time in London +town, we knew full well that when the season had passed there was +like to be a famine among us. + +I can well understand, now that I am a man grown, why our people +were so careless regarding the future, for everywhere around us was +food in plenty. Huge flocks of wild swans circled above our heads, +trumpeting the warning that winter would come before gold could be +found. Wild geese, cleaving the air in wedge shaped line, honked +harshly that the season for gathering stores of food was passing, +while at times, on a dull morning, it was as if the waters of the +bay were covered completely with ducks of many kinds. + + + +DUCKS AND OYSTERS + + +I have heard Captain Smith say more than once, that he had seen +flocks of ducks a full mile wide and five or six miles long, wherein +canvasbacks, mallard, widgeon, redheads, dottrel, sheldrake, and +teal swam wing to wing, actually crowding each other. When such +flocks rose in the air, the noise made by their wings was like unto +the roaring of a tempest at sea. + +Then there was bed after bed of oysters, many of which were +uncovered at ebb tide, when a hungry man might stand and eat his +fill of shellfish, never one of them less than six inches long, +and many twice that size. It is little wonder that the gold crazed +men refused to listen while my master warned them that the day +might come when they would be hungry to the verge of starvation. + +Now perhaps you will like to hear how we two lads, bred in London +town, with never a care as to how our food had been cooked, so that +we had enough with which to fill our stomachs, made shift to prepare +meals that could be eaten by Captain Smith, for so we did after +taking counsel with the girl Pocahontas from Powhatan's village. + + + +ROASTING OYSTERS + + +In the first place, the shell fish called oysters are readily cooked, +or may be eaten raw with great satisfaction. I know not what our +people of Virginia would have done without them, and yet it was +only by chance or accident that we came to learn how nourishing +they are. + +A company of our gentlemen had set off to explore the country +very shortly after we came ashore from the fleet, and while going +through that portion of the forest which borders upon the bay, +happened upon four savages who were cooking something over the +fire. + +The Indians ran away in alarm, and, on coming up to discover what +the brown men had which was good to eat, the explorers found a +large number of oysters roasting on the coals. Through curiosity, +one of our gentlemen tasted of the fish, and, much to his surprise, +found it very agreeable to the stomach. + +Before telling his companions the result of his experiment, he ate +all the oysters that had been cooked, which were more than two dozen +large ones, and then, instead of exploring the land any further +on that day, our gentlemen spent their time gathering and roasting +the very agreeable fish. + +As a matter of course, the news of this discovery spread throughout +the settlement, and straightway every person was eating oysters; +but they soon tired of them, hankering after wheat of some kind. + +Among those who served some of the gentlemen even as Nathaniel +and I aimed to serve Captain Smith, was James Brumfield, a lazy, +shiftless lad near to seventeen years old. Being hungry, and not +inclined to build a fire, because it would be necessary to gather +fuel, he ventured to taste of a raw oyster. Finding it pleasant to +the mouth, he actually gorged himself until sickness put an end to +the gluttonous meal. + +It can thus be seen that even though Nathaniel and I had never +been apprenticed to a cook, it was not difficult for us to serve +our master with oysters roasted or raw, laid on that which answered +in the stead of a table, in their own shells. + + + +LEARNING TO COOK OTHER THINGS + + +Then again the Indian girl had shown us how to boil beans, peas, +Indian corn, and pumpkins together, making a kind of porridge which +is most pleasant, and affords a welcome change from oysters; but +the great drawback is that we are not able to come at the various +things needed for the making of it, except when our gentlemen have +been fortunate in trading with the brown men, which is not often. + +This Indian corn, pounded and boiled until soft, is a dish Captain +Smith eats of with an appetite, provided it is well salted, and +one does not need to be a king's cook in order to make it ready for +the table. The pounding is the hardest and most difficult portion +of the task, for the kernels are exceeding flinty, and fly off at +a great distance when struck a glancing blow. + +Nathaniel and I have brought inside our house a large, flat rock, +on which we pound the corn, and one of us is kept busy picking +up the grains that fly here and there as if possessed of an evil +spirit. Newsamp is the name which the savages give to this cooking +of wheat. + +I have an idea that when we get a mill for grinding, it will +be possible to break the kernels easily and quickly between the +millstones, without crushing a goodly portion of them to meal. + +When the Indian corn is young, that is to say, before it has grown +hard, the ears as plucked from the stalks may be roasted before +the coals with great profit, and when we would give our master +something unusually pleasing, Nathaniel and I go abroad in search +of the gardens made by the savages, where we may get, by bargaining, +a supply of roasting ears. + +With a trencher of porridge, and a dozen roasting ears, together +with a half score of the bread balls such as I have already written +about, Captain Smith can satisfy his hunger with great pleasure, +and then it is that he declares he has the most comfortable home in +all Virginia, thanks to his "houseboys," as he is pleased to call +us. + + + +THE SWEET POTATO ROOT + + +The Indians have roots, which some of our gentlemen call sweet +potatoes, which are by no means unpleasant to the taste, the only +difficulty being that we cannot get any great quantity of them. Our +master declares that when we make a garden, this root shall be the +first thing planted, and after it has ripened, we will have some +cooked every day. + +Nathaniel and I have no trouble in preparing the root, for it may +be roasted in the ashes, boiled into a pudding which should be well +salted, or mixed with the meal of Indian corn and made into a kind +of sweet cake. + +However, we lads have not had good success in baking this last +dish, because of the ashes which fly out of the fire when the wind +blows ever so slightly. Captain Smith declares that he would rather +have the ashes without the meal and sweet potato, if indeed he must +eat any, but of course when he speaks thus, it is only in the way +of making sport. + +Captain Kendall, who, because he has made two voyages to the Indies, +believes himself a wondrously wise man, says that he who eats sweet +potatoes at least once each day will not live above seven years, +and he who eats them twice every day will become blind, after which +all his teeth will drop out. + +Because of this prediction, many of our gentlemen are not willing +even so much as to taste of the root, but Captain Smith says that +wise men may grow fat where fools starve, therefore he gathers up +all the sweet potatoes which the others have thrown away, for they +please him exceeding well. + + + +A TOUCH OF HOMESICKNESS + + +There is no need for me to say that it makes both Nathaniel and me +glad to be praised by our master, because we keep the house cleanly +and strive to serve the food in such a manner as not to offend +the eye; but we would willingly dispense with such welcome words +if thereby it would be possible to see a woman messing around the +place. + +Strive as boys may, they cannot attend to household matters as do +girls or women, who have been brought into the world knowing how +to perform such tasks, and it is more homelike to see them around. + +Nathaniel and I often picture to each other what this village of +Jamestown would be if in each camp, cave, or log hut a woman was in +command, and ever when we talk thus comes into my heart a sickness +for the old homes of England, even though after my mother died +there was none for me; but yet it would do me a world of good even +to look upon a housewife. A most friendly gentleman is Master Hunt, +and even though he is so far above me in station, I never fail of +getting a kindly greeting when I am so fortunate as to meet him. +He comes often to see Captain Smith, for the two talk long and +earnestly over the matter of the Council, and at such times it is +as if he went out of his way to give me a good word. + + + +MASTER HUNT'S PREACHING + + +Therefore it is that I go to hear him preach whenever the people +are summoned to a meeting beneath the square of canvas in the wood, +and more than once I have heard from him that which has taken the +sickness for home out of my heart. Our people are not inclined to +listen to him in great numbers, however. I have never seen above +twenty at one time, the others being busy in the search for gold, +or trying to decide among themselves as to how it may best be found. + +More than once have I heard Master Hunt say, while talking privately +with my master, that there would be greater hope for this village +of ours if we had more laborers and less gentlemen, for in a new +land it is only work that can win in the battle against the savages +and the wilderness. + +Four carpenters, one blacksmith, two bricklayers, a mason, a sailor, +a barber, a tailor, and a drummer make up the list of skilled +workmen, if, indeed, one who can do nothing save drum may be called +a laborer. To these may be added twelve serving men and four boys. +All the others are gentlemen, or, as Master Hunt puts it, drones +expecting to live through the mercy of God whom they turn their +backs upon. + + + +NEGLECTING TO PROVIDE FOR THE FUTURE + + +The one thing which seemed most surprising to us lads, after Captain +Smith had called it to our notice, was that these people, who knew +there could be no question but that the winter would find them in +Jamestown, when there could be neither roasting ears, peas, beans, +nor fowls of the air to be come at, made no provision for a harvest. + +Captain Smith, not being allowed to raise his voice in the Council, +could only speak as one whose words have little weight, since he +was not in authority; but he lost no opportunity of telling these +gold seekers that only those who sowed might reap, and unless seed +was put into the ground, there would be no crops to serve as food +during the winter. + +Even Master Wingfield, the President of the Council, refused to +listen when my master would have spoken to him as a friend. He gave +more heed to exploring the land, than to what might be our fate +in the future. He would not even allow the gentlemen to make such +a fort as might withstand an assault by the savages, seeming to +think it of more importance to know what was to be found on the +banks of this river or of that, than to guard against those brown +people who daily gave token of being unfriendly. + +The serving men and laborers were employed in making clapboards that +we might have a cargo with which to fill one of Captain Newport's +ships when he returned from England, according to the plans of the +London Company. The gentlemen roamed here or there, seeking the +yellow metal which had much the same as caused a madness among +them; and, save in the case of Master Hunt and Captain Smith, none +planted even the smallest garden. + + + +SURPRISED BY SAVAGES + + +The fort, as it was called, had been built only of the branches of +trees, and might easily have been overrun by savages bent on doing +us harm. + +It was while Master Wingfield, with thirty of the gentlemen, +was gone to visit Powhatan's village, and the others were hunting +for gold, leaving only my master and the preacher to look after +the serving men and the laborers, that upward of an hundred naked +savages suddenly came down upon us, counting to make an end of all +who were in the town. + +It was a most fearsome sight to see the brown men, their bodies +painted with many colors, carrying bows and arrows, dash out from +among the trees bent on taking our lives, and for what seemed a +very long while our people ran here and there like ants whose nest +has been broken in upon. + +Captain Smith gave no heed to his own safety; but shouted for all +to take refuge in our house of logs, while Master Hunt did what he +might to aid in the defence; yet, because there had been no exercise +at arms, nor training, that each should know what was his part at +such a time, seventeen of the people were wounded, some grievously, +and one boy, James Brumfield of whom I have already spoken, was +killed by an arrow piercing his eye. + + + +STRENGTHENING THE FORT + + +Next day, when Master Wingfield and his following came in, none the +better for having gone to Powhatan's village, all understood that +it would have been wiser had they listened to my master when he +counseled them to take exercise at arms, and straightway all the +men were set about making a fort with a palisade, which last is +the name for a fence built of logs set on end, side by side, in +the ground, and rising so high that the enemy may not climb over +it. This work took all the time of the laborers until the summer +was gone, and in the meanwhile the gentlemen made use of the stores +left us by the fleet, until there remained no more than one half +pint of wheat to each man for a day's food. + +The savages strove by day and by night to murder us, till it was +no longer safe to go in search of oysters or wildfowl, and from +wheat which had lain so long in the holds of the ships that nearly +every grain in it had a worm, did we get our only nourishment. + +The labor of building the palisade was most grievous, and it was +not within the power of man to continue it while eating such food; +therefore the sickness came upon us, when it was as if all had been +condemned to die. + + + +A TIME OF SICKNESS AND DEATH + + +The first who went out from among us, was John Asbie, on the sixth +of August. Three days later George Flowers followed him. On the +tenth of the same month William Bruster, one of the gentlemen, died +of a wound given by the savages while he was searching for gold, +and two others laid down their lives within the next eight and +forty hours. + +Then the deaths came rapidly, gentlemen as well as serving men or +laborers, until near eighty of our company were either in the grave, +or unable to move out of such shelters as served as houses. + +A great fear came upon all, save that my master held his head as +high as ever, and went here and there with Master Hunt to do what +he might toward soothing the sick and comforting the dying. + +It was on the twentieth day of August when Captain Bartholomew +Gosnold, one of the Council, died, and then Master Wingfield forgot +all else save his own safety. More than one in our village declared +that he was making ready the pinnace that he might run away from +us, as if the Angel of Death could be escaped from by flight. + +It was starvation brought about by sheer neglect, together with +lying upon the bare ground and drinking of the river water, which +by this time was very muddy, that had brought us to such a pass. + +Save for the king, Powhatan, and some few of the other savages in +authority, we must all have died; but when there were only five in +all our company able to stand without aid, God touched the hearts +of these Indians. They, who had lately been trying to kill us, +suddenly came to do what they might toward saving our lives after +a full half of the company were in the grave. + +They brought food such as was needed to nourish us, and within +a short time the greater number of us who were left alive, could +go about, but only with difficulty. It was a time of terror, of +suffering, and of close acquaintance with death such as I cannot +set down in words, for even at this late day the thought of what +we then endured chills my heart. + +When we had been restored to health and strength, and were no longer +hungry, thanks to those who had been our bitter enemies, the chief +men of the village began to realize that my master had not only +given good advice on all occasions, but stood among them bravely +when the President of the Council was making preparations to run +away. + + + +CAPTAIN SMITH GAINS AUTHORITY + + +There was but little idle talk made by the members of the Council +in deciding that Master Wingfield should be deprived of his office, +and Master Ratcliffe set in his place. Captain Smith was called +upon to take his proper position in the government, and, what was +more, to him they gave the direction of all matters outside the +town, which was much the same as putting him in authority over even +the President himself. + +It was greatly to my pleasure that Captain Smith lost no time in +exercising the power which had been given him. Nor was he at all +gentle in dealing with those men who disdained to soil their hands +by working, yet were willing to spend one day, and every day, +searching for gold, without raising a finger toward adding to the +general store, but at the same time claiming the right to have so +much of food as would not only satisfy their hunger, but minister +to their gluttony. + +Nathaniel and I heard our master talking over the matter with the +preacher, on the night the Council had given him full charge of +everything save the dealings which might be had later with the London +Company, therefore it was that we knew there would be different +doings on the morrow. + +Greatly did we rejoice thereat, for Jamestown had become as slovenly +and ill kempt a village as ever the sun shone upon. + +Now it must be set down that these gentlemen of ours, when not +searching for gold, were wont to play at bowls in the lanes and +paths, that they might have amusement while the others were working, +and woe betide the serving man or laborer, who by accident interfered +with their sports. + +On this day, after the conversation with Master Hunt, all was +changed. Captain Smith began his duties as guardian and director +of the village by causing it to be proclaimed through the mouth of +Nicholas Skot, our drummer, that there would be no more playing at +bowls in the streets of Jamestown while it was necessary that very +much work should be performed, and this spoken notice also stated, +that whosoever dared to disobey the command should straightway be +clapped into the stocks. + + + +DISAGREEABLE MEASURES OF DISCIPLINE + + +Lest there should be any question as to whether my master intended +to carry out this threat or no, William Laxon, one of the carpenters, +was forthwith set to work building stocks in front of the tent where +lived Master Ratcliffe, the new President of the Council. Nor was +this the only change disagreeable to our gentlemen, which Captain +Smith brought about. No sooner had Nicholas Skot proclaimed the order +that whosoever played at bowls should be set in the stocks, than +he was commanded to turn about and announce with all the strength +of his lungs, so that every one in the village might hear and +understand, that those who would not work should not have whatsoever +to eat. + +Verily this was a hard blow to the gentlemen of our company, who +prided themselves upon never having done with their hands that +which was useful. One would have thought my master had made this +rule for his own particular pleasure, for straightway those of the +gentlemen who could least hold their tempers in check, gathered in +the tent which Master Wingfield had taken for his own, and there +agreed among themselves that if Captain Smith persisted in such +brutal rule, they would overturn all the authority in the town, +and end by setting the Captain himself in the stocks which William +Laxon was then making. It so chanced that Master Hunt overheard +these threats at the time they were made, and, like a true friend +and good citizen, reported the same to Captain Smith. + +Whereupon my master chose a certain number from among those of +the gentlemen who had become convinced that sharp measures were +necessary if we of Jamestown would live throughout the winter, +commanding that they make careful search of every tent, cave, hut +or house in the village, taking therefrom all that was eatable, and +storing it in the log house which had been put up for the common +use. + +Then he appointed Kellam Throgmorton, a gentleman who was well +able to hold his own against any who might attempt to oppose him, +to the office of guardian of the food, giving strict orders that +nothing whatsoever which could be eaten, should be given to those +who did not present good proof of having done a full day's labor. + +Of course the people who lay sick were excused from such order, +and Master Hunt was chosen to make up a list of those who must be +fed, yet who were not able to work by reason of illness. + + + +SIGNS OF REBELLION + + +Now it can well be understood that such measures as these caused no +little in the way of rebellion, and during the two hours Nicholas +Skot cried the proclamation through the streets and lanes of the +village, the gentlemen who had determined to resist Captain Smith +were in a fine state of ferment. + +It was as if a company of crazy men had been suddenly let loose +among us. Not content with plotting secretly against my master, +they must needs swagger about, advising others to join them in +their rebellion, and everywhere could be heard oaths and threats, +in such language as was like to cause honest men's hair to stand +on end. + +For a short time Nathaniel Peacock and I actually trembled with +fear, believing the house of logs would be pulled down over our +heads, for no less than a dozen of the so called gentlemen were +raging and storming outside; but disturbing Captain Smith not one +whit. He sat there, furbishing his matchlock as if having nothing +better with which to occupy the time; but, as can well be fancied, +drinking in every word of mutiny which was uttered. + +Then, as if he would saunter out for a stroll, the captain left the +house, which was much the same as inviting these disorderly ones +to attack him; but they lacked the courage, for he went to the fort +without being molested. + + + +THE SECOND PROCLAMATION + + +It seemed to me as if no more than half an hour had passed before +Nicholas Skot was making another proclamation, and this time to +the effect that whosoever, after that moment, was heard uttering +profane words, should have a can full of cold water poured down +his sleeve. + +On hearing this, the unruly ones laughed in derision and straightway +began to shout forth such a volley of oaths as I had never heard +during a drunken brawl in the streets of London. + +It was not long, however, that they were thus allowed to shame decent +people. Down from the fort came Captain Smith, with six stout men +behind him, and in a twinkling there was as hot a fight within +twenty paces of Master Ratcliffe's tent, as could be well imagined. + +And the result of it all was, much to the satisfaction of Nathaniel +and myself, that every one of these men who had amused themselves +by uttering the vilest of oaths, had a full can of the coldest +water that could be procured, poured down the sleeve of his doublet. + +The method of doing it was comical, if one could forget how serious +was the situation. Two of my master's followers would pounce upon +the fellow who was making the air blue with oaths, and, throwing +him to the ground, hold him there firmly while the third raised +his arm and carefully poured the water down the sleeve. + +Now you may fancy that this was not very harsh treatment; but +I afterward heard those who had been thus punished, say that they +would choose five or six stout lashes on their backs, rather than +take again such a dose as was dealt out on that day after John +Smith was made captain and commander, or whatsoever you choose to +call his office, in the village of Jamestown. + + + +BUILDING A FORTIFIED VILLAGE + + +There is little need for me to say that these were not the only +reforms which my master brought about, after having waited long +enough for our lazy gentlemen to understand that unless they set +their hands to labor they could not eat from the general store. + +He straightway set these idle ones to work building houses, declaring +that if the sickness which had come among us was to be checked, +our people must no longer sleep upon the ground, or in caves where +the moisture gathered all around them. + +He marked out places whereon log dwellings should be placed, in +such manner that when the houses had been set up, they would form +a square, and, as I heard him tell Master Hunt, it was his intention +to have all the buildings surrounded by a palisade in which should +be many gates. + +Thus, when all was finished, he would have a fort-like village, +wherein the people could rest without fear of what the savages +might be able to do. + +By the time such work was well under way, and our gentlemen laboring +as honest men should, after learning that it was necessary so to +do unless they were willing to go hungry, Captain Smith set about +adding to our store of food, for it was not to be supposed that +we could depend for any length of time upon what the Indians might +give us, and the winter would be long. + + + +TRAPPING TURKEYS + + +The wild turkeys had appeared in the forest in great numbers, but +few had been killed by our people because of the savages, many of +whom were not to be trusted, even though the chiefs of three tribes +professed to be friendly. It was this fact which had prevented us +from doing much in the way of hunting. + +Now that we were in such stress for food, and since all had turned +laborers, whether willingly or no, much in the way of provisions +was needed. Captain Smith set about taking the turkeys as he did +about most other matters, which is to say, that it was done in a +thorough manner. + +Instead of being forced to spend at least one charge of powder for +each fowl killed, he proposed that we trap them, and showed how it +might be done, according to his belief. + +Four men were told off to do the work, and they were kept busy +cutting saplings and trimming them down until there was nothing +left save poles from fifteen to twenty feet long. Then, with these +poles laid one above the other, a square pen was made, and at the +top was a thatching of branches, so that no fowl larger than a +pigeon might go through. + +From one side of this trap, or turkey pen, was dug a ditch perhaps +two feet deep, and the same in width, running straightway into +the thicket where the turkeys were in the custom of roosting, for +a distance of twenty feet or more. This ditch was carried underneath +the side of the pen, where was an opening hardly more than large +enough for one turkey to pass through. Corn was scattered along +the whole length of the ditch, and thus was the trap set. + +The turkeys, on finding the trail of corn, would follow hurriedly +along, like the gluttons they are, with the idea of coming upon a +larger hoard, and thus pass through into the pen. Once inside they +were trapped securely, for the wild turkey holds his head so high +that he can never see the way out through a hole which is at a +level with his feet. + +It was a most ingenious contrivance, and on the first morning after +it had been set at night, we had fifty plump fellows securely caged, +when it was only necessary to enter the trap by crawling through +the top, and kill them at our leisure. + +It may be asked how we made shift to cook such a thing as a turkey, +other than by boiling it in a kettle, and this can be told in very +few words, for it was a simple matter after once you had become +accustomed to it. + + + +A CRUDE KIND OF CHIMNEY + + +First you must know, however, that when our houses of logs had +been built, we had nothing with which to make a chimney such as +one finds in London. We had no bricks, and although, mayhap, flat +rocks might have been found enough for two or three, there was +no mortar in the whole land of Virginia with which to fasten them +together. + +Therefore it was we were forced to build a chimney of logs, laying +it up on the outside much as we had the house, but plentifully +besmearing it with mud on the inside, and chinking the crevices +with moss and clay. + +When this had been done, a hole was cut for the smoke, directly +through the side of the house. The danger of setting the building +on fire was great; but we strove to guard against it so much as +possible by plastering a layer of mud over the wood, and by keeping +careful watch when we had a roaring fire. Oftentimes were we forced +to stop in the task of cooking, take all the vessels from the coals, +and throw water upon the blazing logs. + +The chimney was a rude affair, of course, and perhaps if we had +had women among us, they would have claimed that no cooking could +be done, when all the utensils were placed directly on the burning +wood, or hung above it with chains fastened to the top of the +fireplace; but when lads like Nathaniel and me, who had never had +any experience in cooking with proper tools, set about the task, +it did not seem difficult, for we were accustomed to nothing else. + + + +COOKING A TURKEY + + +And this is how we could roast a turkey: after drawing the entrails +from the bird, we filled him full of chinquapin nuts, which grow +profusely in this land, and are, perhaps, of some relation to the +chestnut. An oaken stick, sufficiently long to reach from one side +of the fireplace to the other, and trimmed with knives until it was +no larger around than the ramrod of a matchlock, forms our spit, +and this we thrust through the body of the bird from end to end. A +pile of rocks on either side of the fireplace, at a proper distance +from the burning wood, serves as rests for the ends of the wooden +spit, and when thus placed the bird will be cooked in front of the +fire, if whosoever is attending to the labor turns the carcass from +time to time, so that each portion may receive an equal amount of +heat. + +I am not pretending to say that this is a skillful method of cooking; +but if you had been with us in Jamestown, and were as hungry as we +often were, a wild turkey filled with chinquapin nuts, and roasted +in such fashion, would make a very agreeable dinner. + +We were put to it for a table; but yet a sort of shelf made from a +plank roughly split out of the trunk of a tree, and furnished with +two legs on either end, was not as awkward as one may fancy, for +we had no chairs on which to sit while eating; but squatted on the +ground, and this low bench served our purpose as well as a better +piece of furniture would have done. + +When the captain was at home, he carved the bird with his hunting +knife, and one such fowl would fill the largest trencher bowl we +had among us. + +Nor could we be overly nice while eating, and since we had no +napkins on which to wipe our fingers, a plentiful supply of water +was necessary to cleanse one's hands, for these wild turkeys are +overly fat in the months of September and October, and he who holds +as much of the cooked flesh in his hand as is needed for a hearty +dinner, squeezes therefrom a considerable amount in the way of +grease. + +We were better off for vessels in which to put our food, than in +many other respects, for we had of trencher bowls an abundance, and +the London Company had outfitted us with ware of iron, or of brass, +or of copper, until our poor table seemed laden with an exceeding +rich store. + + + +CANDLES OR RUSHLIGHTS + + +To provide lights for ourselves, now that the evenings were grown +longer, was a much more difficult task than to cook without proper +conveniences, for it cost considerable labor. We had our choice +between the candle wood, as the pitch pine is called, or rushlights, +which last are made by stripping the outer bark from common rushes, +thus leaving the pith bare; then dipping these in tallow, or grease, +and allowing them to harden. In such manner did we get makeshifts +for candles, neither pleasing to the eye nor affording very much +in the way of light; yet they served in a certain degree to dispel +the darkness when by reason of storm we were shut in the dwellings, +and made the inside of the house very nearly cheerful in appearance. + +To get the tallow or grease with which to make these rushlights, +we saved the fat of the deer, or the bear, or even a portion of +the grease from turkeys, and, having gathered sufficient for the +candle making, mixed them all in one pot for melting. + +The task of gathering the candle wood was more pleasing, and yet +oftentimes had in it more of work, for it was the knots of the trees +which gave the better light, and we might readily fasten them upon +an iron skewer, or rod, which was driven into the side of the house +for such purpose. + +Some of our people, who were too lazy to search for knots, split +the wood into small sticks, each about the size of a goose quill, +and, standing three or four in a vessel filled with sand, gained +as much in the way of light as might be had from one pine knot. + +Of course, those who were overly particular, would find fault with +the smoke from this candle wood, and complain of the tar which +oozed from it; but one who lives in the wilderness must not expect +to have all the luxuries that can be procured in London. + + + +THE VISIT OF POCAHONTAS + + +We had a visitor from the village of Powhatan very soon after +Captain Smith took command of Jamestown to such an extent that the +gentlemen were forced to work and to speak without oaths, through +fear of getting too much cold water inside the sleeves of their +doublets. + +This visitor was the same Indian girl I had seen making bread, +and quite by chance our house was the first she looked into, which +caused me much pride, for I believed she was attracted to it because +it was more cleanly than many of the others. + +We were all at home when she came, being about to partake of the +noonday meal, which was neither more nor less than a big turkey +weighing more than two score pounds, and roasted to a brownness +which would cause a hungry person's mouth to water. + +Although she who had halted to look in at our door was only a girl, +Captain Smith treated her as if she were the greatest lady in the +world, himself leading her inside to his own place at the trencher +board, while she, in noways shy, began to help herself to the fattest +pieces of meat, thereby besmearing herself with grease until there +was enough running down her chin to have made no less than two +rushlights, so Nathaniel Peacock declared. + +Of course, being a savage, she could not speak in our language, but +the master, who had studied diligently since coming to this world +of Virginia to learn the speech of the Indians, made shift to get +from her some little information, she being the daughter of Powhatan, +the king concerning whom I have already set down many things. + +At first Captain Smith was of the belief that she had come on some +errand; but after much questioning, more by signs than words, it +came out, as we understood the matter, that the girl was in Jamestown +for no other purpose than to see what we white people were like. + +Captain Smith was minded that she should be satisfied, so far as +her curiosity was concerned, for when the dinner had come to an +end, and I had given this king's daughter some dry, sweet grass +on which to wipe her hands and mouth, he conducted her around the +village, allowing that she look in upon the tents and houses at +her pleasure. + +She stayed with us until the sun was within an hour of setting, +and then darted off into the forest as does a startled pheasant, +stopping for a single minute when she had got among the trees, to +wave her hand, as if bidding us goodbye, or in plain mischief. + + + +CAPTAIN KENDALL'S PLOT + + +It is not possible my memory will serve me to tell of all that was +done by us in Jamestown after we were come to our senses through +the efforts of my master; but the killing of Captain Kendall is +one of the many terrible happenings in Virginia, which will never +be forgotten so long as I shall live. + +After our people were relieved from the famine through the gifts +from the Indians and the coming of wild fowl, Captain Smith set +about making some plans to provide us with food during the winter, +and to that end he set off in the shallop to trade with the savages, +taking with him six men. He had a goodly store of beads and trinkets +with which to make payment for what he might be able to buy, for +these brown men are overly fond of what among English people would +be little more than toys. + +While he was gone, Master Wingfield and Captain Kendall were much +together, for both were in a certain way under disgrace since the +plot with which they charged my master had been shown to have been +of their own evil imaginings. They at once set about making friends +with some of the serving men, and this in itself was so strange +that Nathaniel and I kept our eyes and ears open wide to discover +the cause. + +It was not many days before we came to know that there was a plan +on foot, laid by these two men who should have been working for +the good of the colony instead of to further their own base ends, +to seize upon our pinnace, which lay moored to the shore, and to +sail in her to England. + +How that would have advantaged them I cannot even so much as guess; +but certain it was that they carried on board the pinnace a great +store of wild fowl, which had been cooked with much labor, and +had filled two casks with water, as if believing such amount would +serve to save them from thirst during the long voyage. + +These wicked ones had hardly gone on board the vessel when Captain +Smith came home in the shallop, which was loaded deep with Indian +corn he had bought from the savages, and, seeing the pinnace being +got under way, had little trouble in guessing what was afoot. + + + +THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN KENDALL + + +If ever a man moved swiftly, and with purpose, it was our master +when he thus came to understand what Master Wingfield and Captain +Kendall would do. He was on shore before those in the pinnace +could hoist the sails, and, calling upon all who remained true to +the London Company to give him aid, had three of our small cannon, +which were already loaded with shot, aimed at the crew of mutineers. + +Five men, each with a matchlock in his hand, stood ready to fire +upon those who would at the same time desert and steal from us, +and Captain Smith gave the order for Captain Kendall and Master +Wingfield to come on shore without delay. + +For reply Captain Kendall discharged his firearm, hoping to kill +my master, and then those on the bank emptied their matchlocks with +such effect that Captain Kendall was killed by the first volley, +causing Master Wingfield to scuttle on shore in a twinkling lest +he suffer a like fate. + +The whole bloody business was at an end in less than a quarter +hour; but the effect of it was not so soon wiped away, for from that +time each man had suspicion of his neighbor, fearing lest another +attempt be made to take from us the pinnace, which we looked upon +as an ark of refuge, in case the savages should come against us in +such numbers that they could not be resisted. + + + +CAPTAIN SMITH'S EXPEDITION AND RETURN + + +Until winter was come we had food in plenty, for one could hardly +send a charge of shot toward the river without bringing down swans, +ducks, or cranes, while from the savages we got sufficient for our +daily wants, meal made from the corn, pumpkins, peas, and beans. + +But this did not cause Captain Smith to give over trying to buy +from the Indians a store of corn for the winter, and shortly after +Captain Kendall's death, he set off with nine white men and two +Indian guides in a barge, counting to go as far as the head of the +Chickahominy River. + +This time twenty-two long, dreary days went by without his return, +and we mourned him as dead, believing the savages had murdered him. + +The discontented ones were in high glee because of thinking the +man who had forced them to do that which they should, had gone out +from their world forever, and we two lads were plunged in deepest +grief, for in all the great land of Virginia, Captain Smith was +our only true friend. + +Then arrived that day when he suddenly appeared before us, having +come to no harm, and as Master Hunt lifted up his hands in a +prayer of thanksgiving because the man who was so sadly needed in +Jamestown had returned, I fell on my knees, understanding for the +first time in my life how good God could be to us in that wilderness. + +I would that I might describe the scene in our house that night, +when Master Hunt was come to hear what all knew would be a story +of wildest adventure, for it went without saying that my master +never would have remained so long absent from Jamestown had it been +within his power to return sooner. + + + +AN EXCITING ADVENTURE + + +We waited to hear the tale until he had refreshed himself after +the long journey, and then what Captain Smith told us was like unto +this, as I remember it: + +After leaving the village, he had sailed up the river until there +was no longer water enough to float the barge, when, with two +white men and the two Indians, he embarked in a canoe, continuing +the voyage for a distance of twelve miles or more. There, in the +wilderness, they made ready to spend the night, and with one of the +savage guides my master went on shore on an island to shoot some +wild fowls for supper. He had traveled a short distance from the +boat, when he heard cries of the savages in the distance, and, +looking back, saw that one of the men had been taken prisoner, +while the other was fighting for his life. + +At almost the very minute when he saw this terrible thing, he was +suddenly beset by more than two hundred yelling, dancing savages, +who were sweeping down upon him as if believing he was in their power +beyond any chance. The Indian guide, who appeared to be terribly +frightened, although it might have been that he was in the plot to +murder my master, would have run away; but that Captain Smith held +him fast while he fired one of his pistols to keep the enemy in +check. + +Understanding that he must do battle for his life, my master first +took the precaution to bind the Indian guide to his left arm, +by means of his belt, in such fashion that the fellow would serve +as a shield against the shower of arrows the savages were sending +through the air. + +Protected in this manner, Captain Smith fought bravely, as he +always does, and had succeeded in killing two of the Indians with +his matchlock, when suddenly he sank knee deep into a mire. It +seems that he had been retreating toward the canoe, hoping to get +on board her where would be some chance for shelter, and was so +engaged with the savages in front of him as to give little heed to +his steps. + +Once he was held prisoner by the mud, the enemy quickly surrounded +him, and he could do no better than surrender. Instead of treating +him cruelly, as might have been expected, these brown men carried +him from village to village, as if exhibiting some strange animal. + + + +TAKEN BEFORE POWHATAN + + +When he was first made captive, the Indians found his compass, and +were stricken with wonder, because, however the instrument might +be turned, the needle always pointed in the same direction. The +glass which protected the needle caused even more amazement, and, +believing him to be a magician, they took him to Powhatan. + +After many days of traveling, the savages were come with their +prisoner to Powhatan's village, where Captain Smith was held close +prisoner in one of the huts, being fairly well treated and fed in +abundance, until the king, who had been out with a hunting party, +came home. + +Twice while he was thus captive did Captain Smith see the girl +Pocahontas, who had visited him in Jamestown; but she gave no +especial heed to him, save as a child who was minded to be amused, +until on the day when some of the savages gave him to understand +that he was to be killed for having come into this land of theirs, +and also for having shot to death some of their tribe. + +When he was led out of Powhatan's tent of skins, with his feet and +hands bound, he had no hope of being able to save his own life, for +there was no longer any chance for him to struggle against those +who had him in their power. + + + +POCAHONTAS BEGS FOR SMITH'S LIFE + + +He was forced down on the earth, with his head upon a great rock, +while two half naked savages came forward with heavy stones bound +to wooden handles, with which to beat out his brains, and these +weapons were already raised to strike, when the girl Pocahontas +ran forward, throwing herself upon my master, as she asked that +Powhatan give him to her. + +Now, as we afterward came to know, it is the custom among savages, +that when one of their women begs for the life of a prisoner, +to grant the prayer, and so it was done in this case, else we had +never seen my master again. + +It is also the custom, when a prisoner has thus been given to one +who begged for his life, that the captive shall always be held as +slave by her; but Pocahontas desired only to let him go back to +Jamestown. Then it was she told her father how she had been treated +when visiting us, and Powhatan, after keeping Captain Smith prisoner +until he could tell of what he had seen in other countries of the +world, set him free. + + + +THE EFFECT OF CAPTAIN SMITH'S RETURN + + +It was well for us of Jamestown that my master returned just when +he did, for already had our gentlemen, believing him dead, refused +longer to work, and even neglected the hunting, when game of all +kinds was so plentiful. They had spent the time roaming around +searching for gold, until we were once more in need of food. + +The sickness had come among us again, and of all our company, which +numbered an hundred when Captain Newport sailed for England, only +thirty-eight remained alive. + +Within four and twenty hours after Captain Smith came back, matters +had so far mended that every man who could move about at will, was +working for the common good, although from that time, until Captain +Newport came again, we had much of suffering. + +With the coming of winter Nathaniel and I were put to it to do +our work in anything like a seemly manner. What with the making +of candles, or of rushlights; tanning deer hides in such fashion +as Captain Smith had taught us; mending his doublets of leather, +as well as our own; keeping the house and ground around it fairly +clean, in addition to cooking meals which might tempt the appetite +of our master, we were busy from sunrise to sunset. + +Nor were we without our reward. On rare occasions Captain Smith +would commend us for attending to our duties in better fashion +than he had fancied lads would ever be able to do, and very often +did Master Hunt whisper words of praise in our ears, saying again +and again that he would there were in his house two boys like us. + +This you may be sure was more of payment than we had a reasonable +right to expect, for certain it is that even at our best the work +was but fairly done, as it ever must be when there are houseboys +instead of housewives at home. + +Master Hunt had a serving man, William Rods, and he was not one +well fitted to do a woman's work, for in addition to being clumsy, +even at the expense of breaking now and then a wooden trencher bowl, +he had no thought that cleanliness was, as the preacher often told +us, next to godliness. + +It was he, and such as he, that caused Captain Smith and those +others of the Council who were minded to work for the common good, +very much of trouble. + +The rule, as laid down by my master, was that those living in a +dwelling should keep cleanly the land roundabout the outside for +a space of five yards, and yet again and again have I seen William +Rods throw the refuse from the table just outside the door, meaning +to take it away at a future time, and always forgetting so to do +until reminded by some one in authority. + +However, it is not for me to speak of such trifling things +as these, although had you heard Captain Smith and Master Hunt in +conversation, you would not have set them down as being of little +importance. Those two claimed that only by strict regard to +cleanliness, both of person and house, would it be possible for +us, when another summer came, to ward off that sickness which had +already carried away so many of our company. + +After Captain Smith had brought matters to rights in the village, +setting this company of men to building more houses, and that company +to hewing down trees for firewood, which would be needed when the +winter had come, Master Hunt made mention of a matter which I knew +must have been very near his heart many a day. + + + +A NEW CHURCH + + +During all the time we had been on shore, the only church in +Jamestown was the shelter beneath that square of canvas which he +himself had put up. When it stormed, he had called such of the people +as were inclined to worship into one or another of the houses; but +now he asked that a log building be put together, while it was yet +so warm that the men could work out of doors without suffering, +and to this, much to my pleasure, for I had an exceedingly friendly +feeling toward Master Hunt, Captain Smith agreed. + +Therefore it was that when the storms of October came, Master Hunt +had a place in which to receive those whom he would lead to a better +life, and I believe that all our people, the men who were careless +regarding the future life, and those who followed the preacher's +teachings, felt the better in mind because there was at last in +our village a place which would be used for no other purpose than +that of leading us into, and helping us to remain in, the straight +path. + + + +CAPTAIN NEWPORT'S RETURN + + +It was at the beginning of the new year, two days after my master +was set free by the savages, that Captain Newport came back to us, +this time in the ship John and Francis, and with him were fifty +men who had been sent to join our colony. + +Fortunately for us there were but few gentlemen among them, therefore +did the work of building the village go on much more rapidly, +because there were laborers in plenty. + +A larger building, which was called the fort, and would indeed +have been a safe place for refuge had the savages made an attack, +was but just completed at the beginning of the third month, meaning +March. + +There Captain Smith had stored the supply of provisions and seed +brought in the John and Francis, and we were already saying to +ourselves that by the close of the summer we should reap a bountiful +harvest. + +All these plans and hopes went for naught, however, for on a certain +night--and no man can say how it happened, save him who was the +careless one--fire fastened upon the inside of the fort, having +so much headway when it was discovered, that our people could do +little toward checking it. + +The flames burst out through the roof, which was thatched with +dried grass, as were all the houses in the town, and leaped from +one building to another until it seemed as if the entire village +would be destroyed. + +It is true that even the palisade, which was near to forty feet +distant from the fort, was seized upon by the flames, and a goodly +portion of that which had cost us so much labor was entirely +destroyed. + +Out of all our houses only four remained standing when the flames +had died away. The seed which we had counted on for reaping a +harvest, the store of provisions, and a large amount of clothing +and other necessaries, were thus consumed. + +Good Master Hunt lost all his books, in fact, everything he owned +save the clothes upon his back, and yet never once did I, who was +with him very much, for he came to live at our house while the +village was being rebuilt, hear him utter one word of complaint, +or of sorrow. + + + +GOLD SEEKERS + + +It was while all the people, gentlemen as well as laborers, were +doing their, best to repair the loss, and to put Jamestown into +such shape that we might be able to withstand an attack from the +savages, if so be they made one, that even a worse misfortune than +the fire came upon us. + +Some of those whom Captain Newport had lately brought to Virginia, +while roaming along the shores of the river in order to learn +what this new land was like, came upon a spot where the waters had +washed the earth away for a distance of five or six feet, leaving +exposed to view a vast amount of sand, so yellow and so heavy that +straightway the foolish ones believed they were come upon that +gold which our people had been seeking almost from the very day we +first landed. + +From this moment there was no talk of anything save the wealth +which would come to us and the London Company. + +Even Captain Newport was persuaded that this sand was gold, and +straightway nearly every person in the village was hard at work +digging and carrying it in baskets on board the John and Francis +as carefully as if each grain counted for a guinea. + +Of all the people of Jamestown, Captain Smith and Master Hunt were +the only ones who refused to believe the golden dream. They held +themselves aloof from this mad race to gather up the yellow sand, +and strove earnestly to persuade the others that it would be a +simple matter to prove by fire whether this supposed treasure were +metal. + +In the center of the village, where all might see him, Master Hunt +set a pannikin, in which was a pint or more of the sand, over a +roaring fire which he kept burning not less than two hours. + +When he was done, the sand remained the same as before, which, so he +and my master claimed, was good proof that our people of Jamestown +were, in truth, making fools of themselves, as they had many a time +before since we came into this land of Virginia. + + + +A WORTHLESS CARGO + + +When we should have been striving to build up the town once more, +we spent all our time loading the ship with this worthless cargo, +and indeed I felt the better in my mind when finally Captain Newport +set sail, the John and Francis loaded deeply with sand, because +of believing that we were come to an end of hearing about treasure +which lay at hand ready for whosoever would carry it away. + +In this, however, I was disappointed. Although there was no longer +any reason for our people to labor at what was called the gold +mine, since there was no ship at hand in which to put the sand, +they still talked, hour by hour, of the day when all the men in +Virginia would go back to England richer than kings. + +Because of such thoughts was it well nigh impossible to force them +to labor once more. Yet Captain Smith and Master Hunt did all they +could, even going so far as to threaten bodily harm if the people +did not rebuild the storehouse, plant such seed as had been saved +from the flames, and replace those portions of the palisade which +had been burned. + +It was while our people were thus working half heartedly, that +Captain Nelson arrived in the ship Phoenix, having been so long +delayed on the voyage, because of tempests and contrary winds, that +his passengers and crew had eaten nearly all the stores which the +London Company sent over for our benefit, and bringing seventy more +mouths to be fed. + +Save that she brought to us skilled workmen, the coming of the +Phoenix did not advantage us greatly, while there were added to +our number, seventy men, and of oatmeal, pickled beef and pork, as +much as would serve for, perhaps, three or four weeks. + +Through her, however, as Master Hunt said in my hearing, came some +little good, for on seeing the yellow sand, Captain Nelson declared +without a question that it was worthless, and, being accustomed +to working in metal, speedily proved to our people who were yet +suffering with the gold fever, that there was nothing whatsoever +of value in it. + + + +THE CONDITION OF THE COLONY + + +That he might have something to carry back to England, and not being +minded to take on board a load of sand, Captain Nelson asked that +the Phoenix be laden with cedar logs and such clapboards as our +people had made. Therefore was it that we sent to England the first +cargo of value since having come to Virginia. + +Among those who had come over in the Phoenix were workmen who +understood the making of turpentine, tar and soap ashes. There +was also a pipe maker, a gunsmith, and a number of other skilled +workmen, so that had the Council advanced the interest of the colony +one half as much as my master was doing, all would have gone well +with us in Jamestown. + +As it was, however, the President of the Council, so Master Hunt +has declared many times, and of a verity he would not bear false +witness, often countenanced the men in rebellion against my master's +orders, until, but for the preacher's example, we might never have +put into the earth our first seed. + +Because of lack of food, and it seems strange to say so when there +were of oysters near at hand more than a thousand men could have +eaten, and fish in the rivers without number, Captain Smith set off +once more in the pinnace to trade with the Indians, as well as to +explore further the bay and the river. + +Master Hunt lived in our house, while he was gone, therefore +Nathaniel and I were not idle, and though we had each had a dozen +pair of hands, we could have kept them properly employed, what with +making a garden for our own use, tending the plants, and keeping +house. + + + +TOBACCO + + +Just here I am minded to set down that which the girl Pocahontas +told us concerning the raising of tobacco, and it is well she +spent the time needed to instruct us, for since then I have seen +the people in this new world of Virginia getting more money from +the tobacco plant, than they could have gained even though Captain +Newport's yellow sand had been veritable gold. + +You must know that the seed of tobacco is even smaller than grains +of powder, and the Indians usually plant it in April. Within a month +it springs up, each tiny plant having two or four leaves, and one +month later it is transplanted in little hillocks, set about the +same distance apart as are our hills of Indian corn. + +Two or three times during the season the plants have to be hoed +and weeded, while the sickly leaves, which peep out from the body +of the stock, must be plucked off. + +If the plant grows too fast, which is to say, if it is like to get +its full size before harvest time, the tops are cut to make it more +backward. + +About the middle of September it is reaped, stripped of its leaves, +and tied in small bunches; these are hung under a shelter so that +the dew may not come to them, until they are cured the same as hay. + +Having thus been dried, and there must be no suspicion of moisture +about, else they will mold, the whole is packed into hogsheads. + +I have lived to see the days go by since the girl Pocahontas showed +Nathaniel and me how to cultivate the weed, until the greatest +wealth which Virginia can produce comes from this same tobacco, +which, Master Hunt says, not only induces filthiness in those who +use it, but works grievous injury to the body. + + + +CAPTAIN NEWPORT'S RETURN + + +When Captain Newport came back to Virginia, at about the time we +were gathering our scanty harvest, his dreams of sudden wealth, +through the digging of gold in Virginia, had burst as does a bubble +when one pricks it. + +He had not been more than four and twenty hours in England before +learning that his ship was laden only with valueless sand, and, +mayhap, if the London Company had not demanded that he return to +Virginia at once, with certain orders concerning us at Jamestown, +he might have been too much ashamed to show his face among us again. + +My master had come in long since from trading with the Indians, +having had fairly good success at times, and again failing utterly +to gather food. The king Powhatan was grown so lofty in his bearing, +because of the honor some of our foolish people had shown him, +that it was well nigh impossible to pay the price he asked, even +in trinkets, for so small an amount as a single peck of corn. + +However, that which Powhatan did or did not do, concerned me very +little when Captain Newport had arrived, for he brought with him +such tidings as made my heart rejoice, and caused Master Hunt to +say that now indeed would our village of Jamestown grow as it should +have grown had our leaders shown themselves of half as much spirit +as had my master. + +But for the greater things which followed Captain Newport's arrival +in September of the year 1608, I would have set it down as of the +utmost importance to us in Jamestown, that he brought with him the +first two women, other than the girl Pocahontas, who had ever come +into our town. + +These were Mistress Forest, and her maid, Anne Burras, and if the +king himself had so far done us the honor as to come, his arrival +would have caused no greater excitement. + +Every man and boy in the settlement pressed forward eager even to +touch the garments of these two women as they came ashore in the +ship's small boat, and I dare venture to say that we stared at +them, Nathaniel and I among the number, even as the savages stared +at us when first we landed. + +It would have been more to my satisfaction had there been two maids, +instead of only one and her mistress, for it was more than likely +servants could tell Nathaniel and me many things about our care of +the house, which a great lady would not well know. Therefore, as I +viewed the matter, we could well spare fine women, so that we had +maids who would understand of what we as houseboys stood mostly in +need. + +However, it was not with these women, who were only two among seventy, +that had come with Captain Newport on this his third voyage, that +I was most deeply concerned, and how I learned that which pleased +me so greatly shall be set down exactly as it happened. + + + +MASTER HUNT BRINGS GREAT NEWS + + +I had been down at the landing place, feasting my eyes upon the +ship which had so lately come from the country I might never see +again, and was trying to cheer myself by working around the house +in the hope of pleasing Captain Smith, when Master Hunt came in +with a look upon his face such as I had not seen since the sickness +first came among us, and, without thinking to be rude, I asked him +if it was the arrival of the women which pleased him so greatly. + +"It is nothing of such fanciful nature, Richard Mutton," the good +man replied with a smile, "though I must confess that it is pleasing +to see women with white faces, when our eyes have beheld none save +bearded men for so long a time. What think you has been done in the +Council this day, since Captain Newport had speech with President +Ratcliffe?" + +Verily I could not so much as guess what might have happened, for +those worshipful gentlemen were prone at times to behave more like +foolish children, than men upon whom the fate of a new country +depended, and I said to Master Hunt much of the same purport. + +"They have elected your master, Captain John Smith, President of +the Council, Richard Mutton, and now for the first time will matters +in Jamestown progress as they should." + +"My master President of the Council at last!" I cried, and the good +preacher added: + +"So it is, lad, as I know full well, having just come from there." + +"But how did they chance suddenly to gather their wits?" I cried +with a laugh, in which Master Hunt joined. + +"It was done after Captain Newport had speech with Master Ratcliffe, +and while I know nothing for a certainty, there is in my mind +a strong belief that he brought word from the London Company for +such an election to be made. At all events, it is done, and now we +shall see Jamestown increase in size, even as she would have done +from the first month we landed here had Captain John Smith been at +the head of affairs." + +The good preacher was so delighted with this change in the government +that he unfolded all his budget of news, forgetting for the time +being, most like, that he was not speaking to his equal, and thus +it was I learned what were Captain Newport's instructions from the +London Company. + + + +CAPTAIN NEWPORT'S INSTRUCTIONS + + +He was ordered, if you please, not to return to England without +bringing back a lump of gold, exploring the passageway to the South +Sea, or finding some of Sir Walter Raleigh's lost colony, of which +I will tell you later. + +But whether he did the one or the other, he had been commanded to +crown as a king, Powhatan, and had brought with him mock jewels +and red robes for such a purpose. + +To find a lump of gold, after he had brought to England a shipload +of yellow sand! + +To crown Powhatan king, when, to our sorrow, he was already showing +himself far more of a king than was pleasing or well for our town +of James! + +Forgetting I was but a lad, and had no right to put blame on the +shoulders of my leaders and betters, or even to address Master +Hunt as if I were a man grown, I cried out against the foolishness +of those people in London for whom we were striving to build up a +city, saying very much that had better been left unsaid, until the +good preacher cried with a laugh: + +"We can forgive them almost anything, Dicky Mutton, since they have +made our Captain Smith the head of the government in this land of +Virginia." + +And now I will tell you, as Master Hunt told me, the story of this +lost colony of Roanoke, which the London Company had commanded +Captain Newport to find. + +You must know that English people had lived in this land of Virginia +before we came here in 1606, and while it does not concern us of +Jamestown, except as we are interested in knowing the fate of our +countrymen, it should be set down, lest we so far forget as to say +that those of us who have built this village are the first settlers +in the land. + + + +THE STORY OF ROANOKE + + +Twenty-one years before we sailed from London, Sir Walter Raleigh +sent out a fleet of seven ships, carrying one hundred and seven +persons, to Virginia, and Master Ralph Lane was named as the governor. +They landed on Roanoke Island; but because the Indians threatened +them, and because just at that time when they were most frightened, +Sir Francis Drake came by with his fleet, they all went home, not +daring to stay any longer. + +Two years after that, which is to say nineteen years before we of +Jamestown came here, Sir Walter Raleigh sent over one hundred and +sixteen people, among whom were men, women and children, and they +also began to build a town on Roanoke Island. + +John White was their governor, and very shortly after they came +to Roanoke, his daughter, Mistress Ananias Dare, had a little baby +girl, the first white child to be born in the new world, so they +named her Virginia. + +Now these people, like ourselves, were soon sorely in need of food, +and they coaxed Governor John White to go back to England, to get +what would be needed until they could gather a harvest. + +At the time he arrived at London, England was at war with the +Spanish people, and it was two years before he found a chance to +get back. When he finally arrived at Roanoke Island, there were +no signs of any of his people to be found, except that on the tree +was cut the word "Croatan," which is the name of an Indian village +on the island nearby. + +That was the last ever heard of all those hundred and sixteen +people. Five different times Sir Walter Raleigh sent out men for the +missing ones; but no traces could be found, not even at Croatan, and +no one knows whether they were killed by the Indians, or wandered +off into the wilderness where they were lost forever. + +You can see by the story, that the London Company had set for +Captain Newport a very great task when they commanded him to do +what so many people had failed in before him. + +And now out of that story of the lost colony, as Master Hunt told +Nathaniel and me, grows another which also concerns us in this new +land of Virginia. + +You will remember I have said that Master Ralph Lane was the governor +of the first company of people who went to Roanoke Island, and, +afterward, getting discouraged, returned to England. Now this Master +Lane, and the other men who were with him, learned from the Indians +to smoke the weed called tobacco, and carried quite a large amount +of it home with them. + +Not only Sir Walter Raleigh, who knew Master Lane very well, but +many other people in England also learned to smoke, and therefore +it was that when we of Jamestown began to raise tobacco, it found +a more ready sale in London than any other thing we could send +over. Once this was known, our people gave the greater portion of +their time to cultivating the Indian weed. + + + +THE CROWNING OF POWHATAN + + +Very nearly the first thing which my master did after having been +made President of the Council, was to obey the orders of the London +Company, by going with Captain Newport to Powhatan's village in +order to crown him like a king. + +This was not at all to the pleasure of the savage, who failed of +understanding what my master and Captain Newport meant, when they +wanted him to kneel down so they might put the crown upon his +head. If all the stories which I have heard regarding the matter +are true, they must have had quite a scrimmage before succeeding +in getting him into what they believed was a proper position to +receive the gifts of the London Company. + +Our people, so Master Hunt told me, were obliged to take him by +the shoulders and force him to his knees, after which they clapped +the crown on his head, and threw the red robe around his shoulders +in a mighty hurry lest he show fight and overcome them. + +It was some time before Captain Smith could make him understand +that it was a great honor which was being done him, but when he did +get it through his head, he took off his old moccasins and brought +from the hut his raccoon skin coat, with orders that my master and +Captain Newport send them all to King James in London, as a present +from the great Powhatan of Virginia. + +After this had been done, Captain Newport sailed up the James River +in search of the passage to the South Sea, and my master set about +putting Jamestown into proper order. + + + +PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE + + +Once more Captain Smith made the rule that those who would not work +should not eat, and this time, with all the Council at his back, +together with such men as Captain Newport had just brought with +him, you can well fancy his orders were obeyed. + +In addition to the stocks which had been built, he had a pillory +set up, and those gentlemen who were not inclined to labor with +their hands as well as they might, were forced to stand in it to +their discomfort. + +The next thing which he did was to have a large, deep well dug, +so that we might have sweet water from it for drinking purposes, +rather than be forced to use that from the river, for it was to his +mind that through this muddy water did the sickness come to us. + +When the winter was well begun, and Captain Newport ceased to search +for the South Sea passage, because of having come to the falls of +the James River, Captain Smith forced our people to build twenty +stout houses such as would serve to withstand an attack from the +savages, and again was the palisade stretched from one to the other, +until the village stood in the form of a square. + +After the cold season had passed, some of the people were set about +shingling the church, and others were ordered to make clapboards +that we might have a cargo when Captain Newport returned. It was +the duty of some few to keep the streets and lanes of the village +clear of filth, lest we invite the sickness again, and the remainder +of the company were employed in planting Indian corn, forty acres +of which were seeded down. + + + +STEALING THE COMPANY'S GOODS + + +If I have made it appear that during all this time we lived in the +most friendly manner with the savages, then have I blundered in +the setting down of that which happened. + +Although it shames one to write such things concerning those who +called themselves Englishmen, yet it must be said that the savages +were no longer in any degree friendly, and all because of what our +own people had done. + +From the time when Captain Smith had declared that he who would not +work should not eat, some of our fine gentlemen who were willing to +believe that labor was the greatest crime which could be committed, +began stealing from the common store iron and copper goods of every +kind which might be come at, in order to trade with the savages +for food they themselves were too lazy to get otherwise. + +They even went so far, some of those who thought it more the part +of a man to wear silks than build himself a house, as to steal +matchlocks, pistols, and weapons of any kind, standing ready to +teach the savages how to use these things, if thereby they were +given so much additional in the way of food. + +As our numbers increased, by reason of the companies which were +brought over by Captain Newport and Captain Nelson, so did the +thievery become the more serious until on one day I heard Master +Hunt tell my master, that of forty axes which had been brought +ashore from the Phoenix and left outside the storehouse during the +night, but eight were remaining when morning came. + + + +WHAT THE THIEVING LED TO + + +Now there was more of mischief to this than the crime of stealing, +or of indolence. The savages came to understand they could drive +hard bargains, and so increased the price of their corn that Captain +Smith set it down in his report to the London Company, that the +same amount of copper, or of beads, which had, one year before, +paid for five bushels of wheat, would, within a week after Captain +Newport came in search of the lost colony, pay for no more than +one peck. + +Nor was this the entire sum of the wrong done by our gentlemen who +stole rather than worked with their hands. The savages, grown bold +now that they had firearms and knew how to use them, no longer had +the same fear of white people as when Captain Smith, single handed, +was able to hold two hundred in check, and strove to kill us of +Jamestown whenever they found opportunity. + +On four different times did they plot to murder my master, believing +that when he had been done to death, it would be more easy for them +to kill off all in our town; but on each occasion, so keen was his +watchfulness, he outwitted them all. + +The putting of a crown on Powhatan's head, and bowing before him +as if he had been a real king, also did much mischief. It caused +that brown savage to believe we feared him, which was much the same +as inviting him to be less of a friend, until on a certain day he +boldly declared that one basket of his corn was worth more than +all our copper and beads, because he could eat his corn, while our +trinkets gave a hungry man no satisfaction. + +And thus, by the wicked and unwise acts of our own people, did we +prepare the way for another time of famine and sickness. + + + +FEAR OF FAMINE IN A LAND OF PLENTY + + +However, I must set this much down as counting in our favor: when +we landed in this country we had three pigs, and a cock and six +hens, all of which we turned loose in the wilderness to shift for +themselves, giving shelter to such as came back to us when winter +was near at hand. + +Within two years we had of pigs more than sixty, in addition to +many which were yet running wild in the forest. Of hens and cocks +we had upward of five hundred, the greater number being kept in +pens to the end that we might profit by their eggs. + +I have heard Master Hunt declare more than once, that had we followed +Captain Smith's advice, giving all our labor to the raising of +crops, our storehouse would have been too small for the food on +hand, and we might have held ourselves free from the whims of the +savages, having corn to sell, rather than spending near to half +our time trying to buy. + +As Master Hunt said again and again when talking over the situation +with Captain Smith, it seemed strange even to us who were there, +that we could be looking forward to a famine, when in the sea and +on the land was food in abundance to feed half the people in all +this wide world. + +To show how readily one might get himself a dinner, if so be his +taste were not too nice, I have seen Captain Smith, when told what +we had in the larder for the next meal, go to the river with only +his naked sword, and there spear fish enough with the weapon to +provide us with as much as could be eaten in a full day. But yet +some of our gentlemen claimed that it was not good for their blood +to eat this food of the sea; others declared that oysters, when +partaken of regularly, were as poisonous as the sweet potatoes +which we bought of the Indians. + +Thus it was that day by day did we who were in the land of plenty, +overrun with that which would serve as food, fear that another time +of famine was nigh. + + + +THE UNHEALTHFUL LOCATION + + +I have often spoken of the unwillingness of some of our people to +labor; but Captain Smith, who is not overly eager to find excuses +for those who are indolent, has said that there was much reason +why many of our men hugged their cabins, counting it a most arduous +task to go even so far up the river as were the oyster beds. + +He believes, and Master Hunt is of the same opinion, that this +town of ours has been built on that portion of the shore where the +people are most liable to sickness. The land is low lying, almost +on a level with the river; the country roundabout is made up of +swamps and bogs, and the air which comes to us at night is filled +with a fever, which causes those upon whom it fastens, first to +shake as if they were beset with bitterest cold, and then again to +burn as if likely to be reduced to ashes. Some call it the ague, +and others, the shakes; but whatsoever it may be, there is nothing +more distressing, or better calculated to hinder a man from taking +so much of exercise as is necessary for his well being. + + + +GATHERING OYSTERS + + +That Nathaniel and I may gather oysters without too great labor of +walking and carrying heavy burdens, Captain Smith has bought from +the savages a small boat made of the bark of birch trees, stretched +over a framework of splints, and sewn together with the entrails +of deer. On the seams, and wherever the water might find entrance, +it is well gummed with pitch taken from the pine tree, and withal +the lightest craft that can well be made. + +Either Nathaniel or I can take this vessel, which the savages call a +canoe, on our shoulders, carrying it without difficulty, and when +the two of us are inside, resting upon our knees, for we may not +sit in it as in a ship's boat, we can send it along with paddles +at a rate so rapid as to cause one to think it moved by magic. + +With this canoe Nathaniel and I may go to the oyster beds, and in +half an hour put on board as large a cargo of shellfish as she will +carry, in addition to our own weight, coming back in a short time +with as much food as would serve a dozen men for two days. + +If these oysters could be kept fresh for any length of time, then +would we have a most valuable store near at hand; but, like other +fish, a few hours in the sun serves to spoil them. + + + +PREPARING STURGEON FOR FOOD + + +Of the fish called the sturgeon, we have more than can be consumed +by all our company; but one cannot endure the flavor day after day, +and therefore is it that we use it for food only when we cannot +get any other. + +Master Hunt has shown Nathaniel and me how we may prepare it in +such a manner as to change the flavor. It must first be dried in +the sun until so hard that it can be pounded to the fineness of +meal. This is then mixed with caviare, by which I mean the eggs, or +roe, of the sturgeon, with sorrel leaves, and with other wholesome +herbs. The whole is made into small balls, or cakes, which are +fried over the fire with a plentiful amount of fat. + +Such a dish serves us for either bread or meat, or for both on +a pinch, therefore if we lads are careful not to waste our time, +Captain Smith may never come without finding in the larder something +that can be eaten. + + + +TURPENTINE AND TAR + + +To us in Jamestown the making of anything which we may send back +to England for sale, is of such great importance that we are more +curious regarding the manner in which the work is done, than would +be others who are less eager to see piled up that which will bring +money to the people. + +Therefore it was that Nathaniel and I watched eagerly the making +of turpentine, and found it not unlike the method by which the +Indians gain sugar from maple trees. A strip of bark is taken from +the pine, perhaps eight or ten inches long, and at the lower end +of the wound thus made, a deep notch is cut in the wood. + +Into this the sap flows, and is scraped out as fast as the cavity +is filled. It is a labor in which all may join, and so plentiful +are the pine trees that if our people of Jamestown set about making +turpentine only, they might load four or five ships in a year. + +From the making of tar much money can be earned, and it is a simple +process such as I believe I myself might compass, were it not that +I have sufficient of other work to occupy all my time. + +The pine tree is cut into short pieces, even the roots being used, +for, if I mistake not, more tar may be had from the roots than from +the trunks of the tree. Our people here dig a hollow, much like +unto the shape of a funnel, on the side of a hill, or bank, fill +it in with the wood and the roots, and cover the whole closely with +turf. + +An iron pot is placed at the bottom of this hollow in the earth, +and a fire is built at the top of the pile. While the fuel smolders, +the tar stews out of the wood, falling into the iron pot, and from +there is put into whatsoever vessels may be most convenient in +which to carry it over seas. + + + +THE MAKING OF CLAPBOARDS + + +There is far greater labor required in the making of clapboards, +and it is of a wearisome kind; but Captain Newport declares that +clapboards made of our Virginia cedar are far better in quality +than any to be found in England. Therefore it is Captain Smith +keeps as many men as he may, employed in this work, which is more +tiring than difficult. + +The trunks of the trees are cut into lengths of four feet, and +trimmed both as to branches and bark. An iron tool called a frow, +which is not unlike a butcher's cleaver, is then used to split +the log into thin strips, one edge of which is four or five times +thicker than the other. + +You will understand better the method by picturing to yourself the +end of a round log which has been stood upright for convenience of +the workmen. Now, if you place a frow in such a position that it +will split the thicknesses of an inch or less from the outer side, +you will find that the point of the instrument, which is at the +heart of the tree, must come in such manner as to make the splint +very thin on the inner edge. The frow is driven through the wood +by a wooden mallet, to the end that the sides of the clapboard may +be fairly smooth. + +Master Hunt has told me that if we were to put on board a ship the +size of the John and Francis, as many clapboards as she could swim +under, the value of the cargo would be no less than five hundred +pounds, and they would have a ready sale in London, or in other +English ports. + + + +PROVIDING FOR THE CHILDREN + + +And now before I am come to the most terrible time in the history +of our town of James, let me set down that which the London Company +has decreed, for it is of great importance to all those who, like +Nathaniel and me, came over into this land of Virginia before they +were men and women grown. + +Master Hunt has written the facts out fairly, to the end that I may +understand them well, he having had the information from Captain +Newport, for it was the last decree made by the London Company +before the John and Francis sailed. + +I must say, however, that the reason why this decree, or order, +whichever it may be called, has been made, was to the end that men +and women, who had large families of children, might be induced to +join us here in Jamestown, as if we had not already mouths enough +to feed. + +The Council of the Company has decided to allow the use of twenty-five +acres of land for each and every child that comes into Virginia, +and all who are now here, or may come to live at the expense of +the Company, are to be educated in some good trade or profession, +in order that they may be able to support themselves when they have +come to the age of four and twenty years, or have served the time +of their apprenticeship, which is to be no less than seven years. + +It is further decreed that all of those children when they become +of age or marry, whichever shall happen first, are to have freely +given and made over to them fifty acres of land apiece, which same +shall be in Virginia within the limits of the English plantation. +But, these children must be placed as apprentices under honest and +good masters within the grant made to the London Company, and shall +serve for seven years, or until they come to the age of twenty-four, +during which time their masters must bring them up in some trade +or business. + + + +DREAMS OF THE FUTURE + + +On hearing this, the question came into my mind as to whether +Nathaniel and I could be called apprentices, inasmuch as we were +only houseboys, according to the name Captain Smith gave us. + +Master Hunt declared that being apprentices to care for the family, +was of as much service as if we were learned in the trade of making +tar, clapboards, or of building ships, and he assured me that if +peradventure he was living when we had been in this land of Virginia +seven years, it should be his duty to see to it that we were given +our fifty acres of land apiece. + +Thus understanding that we might ourselves in turn one day become +planters, Nathaniel and I had much to say, one with the other, +concerning what should be done in the future. We decided that +when the time came for us to have the land set off to our own use, +we would strive that the two lots of fifty acres each be in one +piece. Then would we set about raising tobacco, as the Indian girl +Pocahontas taught us, and who can say that we might not come to be +of some consequence, even as are Captain Smith and Master Hunt, in +this new world. + + + +A PLAGUE OF RATS + + +And now am I come to the spring of 1609, when befell us that disaster +which marked the beginning of the time of suffering, of trouble, +and of danger which was so near to wiping out the settlement +of Jamestown that the people had already started on their way to +England. + +The day had come when we should put into the ground our Indian corn +that a harvest might follow. The supply, which was to be used as +seed, had been stored in casks and piled up in the big house wherein +were kept our goods. + +When those who had been chosen to do the planting went for the +seed, it was found to have been destroyed by rats, and not only +the corn, but many other things which were in the storehouse, had +been eaten by the same animals. + +Master Hunt maintained, and Captain Smith was of the same opinion, +that when the Phoenix was unloaded, the rats came ashore from her, +finding lodging in that building which represented the vital spot +of our town. + +Howsoever the pests came there, certain it was we should reap no +harvest that year, unless the savages became more friendly than +they had lately shown themselves, and as to this we speedily learned. + + + +TREACHERY DURING CAPTAIN SMITH'S ABSENCE + + +When Captain Smith set off in the pinnace in order to buy what might +serve us as seed, he found himself threatened by all the brown men +living near about the shores of the bay, as if they had suddenly +made up a plot to kill us, and never one of them would speak him +fairly. It was while my master was away that two Dutchmen, who came +over in the Phoenix and had gone with Captain Smith in the pinnace, +returned to Jamestown, saying to Captain Winne, who was in command +at the fort, that Captain Smith had use for more weapons because +of going into the country in the hope of finding Indians who would +supply him with corn. + +Not doubting their story, the captain supplied them with what they +demanded, and, as was afterward learned, before leaving town that +night they stole many swords, pike heads, shot and powder, all of +which these Dutch thieves carried to Powhatan. + +If these two had been the only white men who did us wrong, then +might our plight not have become so desperate; but many there +were, upwards of sixteen so Master Hunt declared, who from day to +day carried away secretly such weapons and tools, or powder and +shot, as they could come upon, thereby trusting to the word of the +savages that they might live with them in their villages always, +without doing any manner of work. + +Others sold kettles, hoes, or even swords and guns, that they +might buy fruit, or corn, or meat from the Indians without doing +so much of labor as was necessary in order to gather these things +for themselves. + + + +CAPTAIN SMITH'S SPEECH + + +Jamestown was a scene of turmoil and confusion when Captain Smith +came back from his journey having on board only two baskets of corn +for seed. After understanding what had been done by the idle ones +during his absence, he called all the people together and said unto +them, speaking earnestly, as if pleading for his very life: + +"Never did I believe white men who were come together in a new world, +and should stand shoulder to shoulder against all the enemies that +surround them, could be so reckless and malicious. It is vain to +hope for more help from Powhatan, and the time has come when I will +no longer bear with you in your idleness; but punish severely if +you do not set about the work which must be done, without further +plotting. You cannot deny but that I have risked my life many a +time in order to save yours, when, if you had been allowed to go +your own way, all would have starved. Now I swear solemnly that +you shall not only gather for yourselves the fruits which the earth +doth yield, but for those who are sick. Every one that gathers not +each day as much as I do, shall on the next day be set beyond the +river, forever banished from the fort, to live or starve as God +wills." + +This caused the lazy ones to bestir themselves for the time, and +perhaps all might have gone well with us had not the London Company +sent out nine more vessels, in which were five hundred persons, +to join us people in Jamestown. One of the ships, as we afterward +learned, was wrecked in a hurricane; seven arrived safely, and the +ninth vessel we had not heard from. + +All these people had expected to find food in plenty, servants +to wait upon them, and everything furnished to hand without being +obliged to raise a finger in their own behalf. What was yet worse, +they had among them many men who believed they were to be made +officers of the government. + + + +THE NEW LAWS + + +Now you must understand that with the coming of this fleet we of +Jamestown were told that the London Company had changed all the +laws for us in Virginia, and that Lord De la Warr, who sailed on +the ship from which nothing had been heard, was to be our governor. + +From that hour did it seem as if all the men in Jamestown, save +only half a dozen, among whom were Captain Smith, Master Hunt and +Master Percy, strove their best to wreck the settlement. + +Because Lord De la Warr, the new governor, had not arrived, many of +the new comers refused to obey my master, and they were so strong +in numbers that it was not possible for him to force them to his +will. + +Each man strove for himself, regardless of the sick, or of the +women and children. Some banded themselves together in companies, +falling upon such Indian villages as they could easily overcome, +and murdered and robbed until all the brown men of Virginia stood +ready to shed the blood of every white man who crossed their path. + +Then came that which plunged Nathaniel and me into deepest grief. + + + +THE ACCIDENT + + +Captain Smith had gone up the bay in the hope of soothing the trouble +among the savages, and, failing in this effort, was returning, +having got within four and twenty hours' journey of Jamestown, when +the pinnace was anchored for the night. + +The boat's company lay down to sleep, and then came that accident, +if accident it may be called, the cause of which no man has ever +been able to explain to the satisfaction of Master Hunt or myself. + +Captain Smith was asleep, with his powder bag by his side, when +in some manner it was set on fire, and the powder, exploding, tore +the flesh from his body and thighs for the space of nine or ten +inches square, even down to the bones. + +In his agony, and being thus horribly aroused from sleep, hardly +knowing what he did, he plunged overboard as the quickest way to +soothe the pain. There he was like to have drowned but for Samuel +White, who came near to losing his own life in saving him. + +He was brought back to the town on the day before the ships of the +fleet, which had brought so many quarrelsome people, were to sail +for England. With no surgeon to dress his wounds, what could he do +but depart in one of these ships with the poor hope of living in +agony until he arrived on the other side of the ocean. + +Nathaniel and I would have gone with him, willing, because of +his friendship for us, to have served him so long as we lived. He +refused to listen to our prayers, insisting that we were lads well +fitted to live in a new land like Virginia, and that if we would +but remain with Master Hunt, working out our time of apprenticeship, +which would be but five years longer, then might we find ourselves +men of importance in the colony. He doubted not, so he said, but +that we would continue, after he had gone, as we had while he was +with us. + +What could we lads do other than obey, when his commands were laid +upon us, even though our hearts were so sore that it seemed as if +it would no longer be possible to live when he had departed? + +Even amid his suffering, when one might well have believed that +he could give no heed to anything save his own plight, he spoke to +us of what we should do for the bettering of our own condition. He +promised that as soon as he was come to London, and able to walk +around, if so be God permitted him to live, he would seek out +Nathaniel's parents to tell them that the lad who had run away +from his home was rapidly making a man of himself in Virginia, and +would one day come back to gladden their hearts. + + + +CAPTAIN SMITH'S DEPARTURE + + +It is not well for me to dwell upon our parting with the master +whom we had served more than two years, and who had ever been the +most friendly friend and the most manly man one could ask to meet. + +Our hearts were sore, when, after having done what little we might +toward carrying him on board the ship, we came back to his house, +which he had said in the presence of witnesses should be ours, and +there took up our lives with Master Hunt. + +But for that good man's prayers, on this first night we would have +abandoned ourselves entirely to grief; but he devoted his time to +soothing us, showing why we had no right to do other than continue +in the course on which we had been started by the man who was gone +from us, until it was, to my mind at least, as if I should be doing +some grievous wrong to my master, if I failed to carry on the work +while he was away, as it would have been done had I known we were +to see him again within the week. + +With Captain Smith gone, perhaps to his death; with half a dozen +men who claimed the right to stand at the head of the government +until Lord De la Warr should come; and with the savages menacing +us on every hand, sore indeed was our plight. + +With so many in the town, for there were now four hundred and ninety +persons, and while the savages, because of having been so sorely +wronged, were in arms against us, it was no longer possible to go +abroad for food, and as the winter came on we were put to it even +in that land of plenty, for enough to keep ourselves alive. + + + +THE "STARVING TIME" + + +We came to know what starvation meant during that winter, and were +I to set down here all of the suffering, of the hunger weakness, +and of the selfishness we saw during the six months after Captain +Smith sailed for home, there would not be days enough left in my +life to complete the tale. + +As I look back on it now, it seems more like some wonderful dream +than a reality, wherein men strove with women and children for food +to keep life in their own worthless bodies. + +It is enough if I say that of the four hundred and ninety persons +whom Captain Smith left behind him, there were, in the month of +May of the year 1610, but fifty-eight left alive. That God should +have spared among those, Nathaniel Peacock and myself, is something +which passeth understanding, for verily there were scores of better +than we whose lives would have advantaged Jamestown more than ours +ever can, who died and were buried as best they could be by the +few who had sufficient strength remaining to dig the graves. + +I set it down in all truth that, through God's mercy, our lives +were saved by Master Hunt, for he counseled us wisely as to the +care we should take of our bodies when our stomachs were crying +out for food, and it was he who showed us how we might prepare this +herb or the bark from that tree for the sustaining of life, when +we had nothing else to put into our mouths. + +We had forgotten that Lord De la Warr was the new governor; we had +heard nothing of the ship in which it was said Sir Thomas Gates +and Sir George Somers had sailed. We were come to that pass where +we cared neither for governor nor nobleman. We strove only to keep +within our bodies the life which had become painful. + +Then it was, when the few of us who yet lived, feared each moment +lest the savages would put an end to us, that we saw sailing up +into the bay two small ships, and I doubt if there was any among +us who did not fall upon his knees and give thanks aloud to God +for the help which had come at the very moment when it had seemed +that we were past all aid. + + + +OUR COURAGE GIVES OUT + + +But our time of rejoicing was short. Although these two ships were +brought by Sir Thomas Gates and Sir George Somers, having in them +not less than one hundred and fifty men, they did not have among +them food sufficient to provide for the wants of our company until +another harvest should come. + +The vessel in which these new comers had sailed was, as I have +said, wrecked in a hurricane near the Bermuda Isles, where, after +much labor, they had contrived to build these two small ships. + +It needed not that we, who of all our people in Jamestown remained +alive, should tell the story of what we had suffered, for that +could be read on our faces. + +Neither was it required that these new comers should study long in +order to decide upon the course to be pursued, for the answer to +all their speculations could be found in the empty storehouse, and +in the numberless graves 'twixt there and the river bank. + +Of provisions, they had so much as might serve for a voyage +to England, if peradventure the winds were favorable; and ere the +ships had been at anchor four and twenty hours, it was resolved +that we should abandon this town of James, which we had hoped might +one day grow into a city fair to look upon. + +An attempt to build up a nation in this new land of Virginia, of +which ours was the third, had cost of money and of blood more than +man could well set down, and now, after all this brave effort on +the part of such men as Captain Smith, Master Hunt and Master Percy, +it was to go for naught. + +Once more were the savages to hold undisputed possession of the +land which they claimed as their own. + + + +ABANDONING JAMESTOWN + + +Now even though Nathaniel Peacock and I had known more of suffering +and of sorrow, than of pleasure, in Jamestown, our hearts were sore +at leaving it. + +It seemed to me as if we were running contrary to that which my +master would have commanded, and there were tears in my eyes, of +which I was not ashamed, when Nathaniel and I, hand in hand, followed +Master Hunt out of the house we had helped to build. + +Those who had come from the shipwreck amid the Bermudas, were +rejoicing because they had failed to arrive in time to share with +us the starvation and the sickness, therefore to them this turning +back upon the enterprise was but a piece of good fortune. Yet were +they silent and sad, understanding our sorrow. + +It was the eighth day of June, in the year 1610, when we set sail +from Jamestown, believing we were done with the new world forever, +and yet within less than three hours was all our grief changed to +rejoicing, all our sorrow to thankfulness. + + + +LORD DE LA WARR'S ARRIVAL + + +At the mouth of the river, sailing toward us bravely as if having +come from some glorious victory, were three ships laden with men, +and, as we afterward came to know, an ample store of provisions. + +It was Lord De la Warr who had come to take up his governorship, +and verily he was arrived in the very point of time, for had he +been delayed four and twenty hours, we would have been on the ocean, +where was little likelihood of seeing him. + +It needs not I should say that our ships were turned back, and +before nightfall Master Hunt was sitting in Captain Smith's house, +with Nathaniel Peacock and me cooking for him such a dinner as we +three had not known these six months past. + +I have finished my story of Jamestown, having set myself to tell +only of what was done there while we were with Captain John Smith. + +And it is well I should bring this story to an end here, for if +I make any attempt at telling what came to Nathaniel Peacock and +myself after that, then am I like to keep on until he who has begun +to read will lay down the story because of weariness. + +For the satisfaction of myself, and the better pleasing of Nathaniel +Peacock, however, I will add, concerning our two selves, that we +remained in the land of Virginia until our time of apprenticeship +was ended, and then it was, that Master Hunt did for us as Captain +Smith had promised to do. + + + +THE YOUNG PLANTERS + + +We found ourselves, in the year 1614, the owners of an hundred +acres of land which Nathaniel and I had chosen some distance back +from the river, so that we might stand in no danger of the shaking +sickness, and built ourselves a house like unto the one we had +helped make for Captain Smith. + +With the coming of Lord De la Warr all things were changed. +The governing of the people was done as my old master, who never +saw Virginia again, I grieve to say, would have had it. We became +a law abiding people, save when a few hotheads stirred up trouble +and got the worst of it. + +When Nathaniel Peacock and I settled down as planters on our own +account, there were eleven villages in the land of Virginia, and, +living in them, more than four thousand men, women, and children. + +It was no longer a country over which the savages ruled without +check, though sad to relate, the brown men of the land shed the +blood of white men like water, ere they were driven out from among +us. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Richard of Jamestown, by James Otis + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RICHARD OF JAMESTOWN *** + +This file should be named rchjm10.txt or rchjm10.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, rchjm11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, rchjm10a.txt + +Produced by Martin Robb + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN EBOOKS*Ver.02/11/02*END* + diff --git a/old/rchjm10.zip b/old/rchjm10.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f8b766f --- /dev/null +++ b/old/rchjm10.zip diff --git a/old/rchjm10h.htm b/old/rchjm10h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..445ffc5 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/rchjm10h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,4162 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" +"http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content= +"text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> +<meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 97"> +<title>RICHARD OF JAMESTOWN</title> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Richard of Jamestown, by James Otis +#2 in our series by James Otis + +Copyright laws are changing all over the world. 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You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: Richard of Jamestown + A Story of the Virginia Colony + +Author: James Otis + +Release Date: February, 2005 [EBook #7465] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on May 4, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RICHARD OF JAMESTOWN *** + + + + +Produced by Martin Robb + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<h1>RICHARD OF JAMESTOWN</h1> +<br><br> +<h2>by James Otis.</h2> +<br><br> + +<h3><a href="#FOREWORD">FOREWORD</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#WHO_I_AM">WHO I AM</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH COMES TO LONDON">CAPTAIN JOHN +SMITH COMES TO LONDON</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_PLANS_OF_TH">THE PLANS OF THE LONDON +COMPANY</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_VESSELS_OF">THE VESSELS OF THE FLEET</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#HOW_I_EARNED_MY">HOW I EARNED MY PASSAGE</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#NATHANIEL_S_STO">NATHANIEL'S STORY</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#WE_MAKE_SAIL_AG">WE MAKE SAIL AGAIN</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_FIRST_ISLAN">THE FIRST ISLAND</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#CAPTAIN_SMITH_A">CAPTAIN SMITH A PRISONER</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#I_ATTEND_MY_MAS">I ATTEND MY MASTER</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#SEVERAL_ISLANDS">SEVERAL ISLANDS VISITED</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#A_VARIETY_OF_WI">A VARIETY OF WILD GAME</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_TEMPEST">THE TEMPEST</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_NEW_COUNTRY">THE NEW COUNTRY SIGHTED</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_LEADER_NOT">THE LEADER NOT KNOWN</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#ARRIVAL_AT_CHES">ARRIVAL AT CHESAPEAKE BAY</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#AN_ATTACK_BY_TH">AN ATTACK BY THE SAVAGES</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#READING_THE_LON">READING THE LONDON COMPANY'S +ORDERS</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#EXPLORING_THE_C">EXPLORING THE COUNTRY</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_PEOPLE_LAND">THE PEOPLE LAND FROM THE +SHIPS</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#CAPTAIN_SMITH_P">CAPTAIN SMITH PROVEN +INNOCENT</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#WE_WHO_WERE_LEF">WE WHO WERE LEFT BEHIND</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#BAKING_BREAD_WI">BAKING BREAD WITHOUT +OVENS</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#AN_UNEQUAL_DIVI">AN UNEQUAL DIVISION OF +LABOR</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#BUILDING_A_HOUS">BUILDING A HOUSE OF LOGS</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#KEEPING_HOUSE">KEEPING HOUSE</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#LACK_OF_CLEANLI">LACK OF CLEANLINESS IN THE +VILLAGE</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#CAVE_HOMES">CAVE HOMES</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_GOLDEN_FEVE">THE GOLDEN FEVER</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#DUCKS_AND_OYSTE">DUCKS AND OYSTERS</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#ROASTING_OYSTER">ROASTING OYSTERS</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#LEARNING_TO_COO">LEARNING TO COOK OTHER +THINGS</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_SWEET_POTAT">THE SWEET POTATO ROOT</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#A_TOUCH_OF_HOME">A TOUCH OF HOMESICKNESS</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#MASTER_HUNT_S_P">MASTER HUNT'S PREACHING</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#NEGLECTING_TO_P">NEGLECTING TO PROVIDE FOR THE +FUTURE</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#SURPRISED_BY_SA">SURPRISED BY SAVAGES</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#STRENGTHENING_T">STRENGTHENING THE FORT</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#A_TIME_OF_SICKN">A TIME OF SICKNESS AND +DEATH</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#CAPTAIN_SMITH_G">CAPTAIN SMITH GAINS +AUTHORITY</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#DISAGREEABLE_ME">DISAGREEABLE MEASURES OF +DISCIPLINE</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#SIGNS_OF_REBELL">SIGNS OF REBELLION</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_SECOND_PROC">THE SECOND PROCLAMATION</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#BUILDING_A_FORT">BUILDING A FORTIFIED +VILLAGE</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#TRAPPING_TURKEY">TRAPPING TURKEYS</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#A_CRUDE_KIND_OF">A CRUDE KIND OF CHIMNEY</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#COOKING_A_TURKE">COOKING A TURKEY</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#CANDLES_OR_RUSH">CANDLES OR RUSHLIGHTS</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_VISIT_OF_PO">THE VISIT OF POCAHONTAS</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#CAPTAIN_KENDALL">CAPTAIN KENDALL'S PLOT</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_DEATH_OF_CA">THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN +KENDALL</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#CAPTAIN SMITH'S EXPEDITION AND RETURN">CAPTAIN +SMITH'S EXPEDITION AND RETURN</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#AN_EXCITING_ADV">AN EXCITING ADVENTURE</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#TAKEN_BEFORE_PO">TAKEN BEFORE POWHATAN</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#POCAHONTAS_BEGS">POCAHONTAS BEGS FOR SMITH'S +LIFE</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_EFFECT_OF_C">THE EFFECT OF CAPTAIN SMITH'S +RETURN</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#A_NEW_CHURCH">A NEW CHURCH</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#CAPTAIN NEWPORT'S RETURN">CAPTAIN NEWPORT'S +RETURN</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#GOLD_SEEKERS">GOLD SEEKERS</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#A_WORTHLESS_CAR">A WORTHLESS CARGO</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_CONDITION_O">THE CONDITION OF THE +COLONY</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#TOBACCO">TOBACCO</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#CAPT NEWPORT">CAPTAIN NEWPORT'S RETURN</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#MASTER_HUNT_BRI">MASTER HUNT BRINGS GREAT +NEWS</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#CAPTAIN_NEWPORT">CAPTAIN NEWPORT'S +INSTRUCTIONS</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_STORY_OF_RO">THE STORY OF ROANOKE</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_CROWNING_OF">THE CROWNING OF POWHATAN</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#PREPARING_FOR_T">PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#STEALING_THE_CO">STEALING THE COMPANY'S +GOODS</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#WHAT_THE_THIEVI">WHAT THE THIEVING LED TO</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#FEAR_OF_FAMINE">FEAR OF FAMINE IN A LAND OF +PLENTY</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_UNHEALTHFUL">THE UNHEALTHFUL LOCATION</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#GATHERING_OYSTE">GATHERING OYSTERS</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#PREPARING_STURG">PREPARING STURGEON FOR +FOOD</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#TURPENTINE_AND">TURPENTINE AND TAR</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_MAKING_OF_C">THE MAKING OF CLAPBOARDS</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#PROVIDING_FOR_T">PROVIDING FOR THE +CHILDREN</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#DREAMS_OF_THE_F">DREAMS OF THE FUTURE</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#A_PLAGUE_OF_RAT">A PLAGUE OF RATS</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#TREACHERY_DURIN">TREACHERY DURING CAPTAIN SMITH'S +ABSENCE</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#CAPTAIN SMITH'S SPEECH">CAPTAIN SMITH'S +SPEECH</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_NEW_LAWS">THE NEW LAWS</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_ACCIDENT">THE ACCIDENT</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#CAPTAIN_SMITH_S">CAPTAIN SMITH'S DEPARTURE</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_STARVING">THE "STARVING TIME"</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#OUR_COURAGE_GIV">OUR COURAGE GIVES OUT</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#ABANDONING_JAME">ABANDONING JAMESTOWN</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#LORD_DE_LA_WARR">LORD DE LA WARR'S ARRIVAL</a></h3> + +<h3><a href="#THE_YOUNG_PLANT">THE YOUNG PLANTERS</a></h3> + +<h1><a name="FOREWORD"></a>FOREWORD</h1> + +<p>The purpose of this series of stories is to show the children, +and even those who have already taken up the study of history, +the home life of the colonists with whom they meet in their +books. To this end every effort has been made to avoid anything +savoring of romance, and to deal only with facts, so far as that +is possible, while describing the daily life of those people who +conquered the wilderness whether for conscience sake or for +gain.</p> + +<p>That the stories may appeal more directly to the children, +they are told from the viewpoint of a child, and purport to have +been related by a child. Should any criticism be made regarding +the seeming neglect to mention important historical facts, the +answer would be that these books are not sent out as histories -- +although it is believed that they will awaken a desire to learn +more of the building of the nation -- and only such incidents as +would be particularly noted by a child are used.</p> + +<p>Surely it is entertaining as well as instructive for young +people to read of the toil and privations in the homes of those +who came into a new world to build up a country for themselves, +and such homely facts are not to be found in the real histories +of our land.</p> + +<p>JAMES OTIS.</p> + +<h1><a name="WHO_I_AM"></a>WHO I AM</h1> + +<p>Yes, my name is Richard Mutton. Sounds rather queer, doesn't +it? The lads in London town used to vex me sorely by calling, +"Baa, baa, black sheep," whenever I passed them, and yet he who +will may find the name Richard Mutton written in the list of +those who were sent to Virginia, in the new world, by the London +Company, on the nineteenth day of December, in the year of Our +Lord, 1606.</p> + +<p>Whosoever may chance to read what I am here setting down, +will, perhaps, ask how it happened that a lad only ten years of +age was allowed to sail for that new world in company with such a +band of adventurous men as headed the enterprise.</p> + +<p>Therefore it is that I must tell a certain portion of the +story of my life, for the better understanding of how I came to +be in this fair, wild, savage beset land of Virginia.</p> + +<p>Yet I was not the only boy who sailed in the Susan Constant, +as you may see by turning to the list of names, which is under +the care, even to this day, of the London Company, for there you +will find written in clerkly hand the names Samuel Collier, +Nathaniel Peacock, James Brumfield, and Richard Mutton. Nathaniel +Peacock has declared more than once that my name comes last in +the company at the very end of all, because I was not a full +grown mutton; but only large enough to be called a sheep's tail, +and therefore should be hung on behind, as is shown by the +list.</p> + +<p>The reason of my being in this country of Virginia at so young +an age, is directly concerned with that brave soldier and +wondrous adventurer, Captain John Smith, of whom I make no doubt +the people in this new world, when the land has been covered with +towns and villages, will come to know right well, for of a truth +he is a wonderful man. In the sixth month of Grace, 1606, I Was +living as best I might in that great city of London, which is as +much a wilderness of houses, as this country is a wilderness of +trees. My father was a soldier of fortune, which means that he +stood ready to do battle in behalf of whatsoever nation he +believed was in the right, or, perhaps, on the side of those +people who would pay him the most money for risking his life.</p> + +<p>He had fought with the Dutch soldiers under command of one +Captain Miles Standish, an Englishman of renown among men of +arms, and had been killed. My mother died less than a week before +the news was brought that my father had been shot to death. Not +then fully understanding how great a disaster it is to a young +lad when he loses father or mother, and how yet more sad is his +lot when he has lost both parents, I made shift to live as best I +might with a sore heart; but yet not so sore as if I had known +the full extent of the misfortune which had overtaken me.</p> + +<p>At first it was an easy matter for me to get food at the home +of this lad, or of that, among my acquaintances, sleeping +wherever night overtook me; but, finally, when mayhap three +months had gone by, my welcome was worn threadbare, and I was +told by more than one, that a hulking lad of ten years should +have more pride than to beg his way from door to door.</p> + +<p>It is with shame I here set down the fact, that many weeks +passed before I came to understand, in ever so slight a degree, +what a milksop I must be, thus eating the bread of idleness when +I should have won the right, by labor, to a livelihood in this +world.</p> + +<p>This last thought had just begun to take root in my heart when +Nathaniel Peacock, whose mother had been a good friend of mine +during a certain time after I was made an orphan, and I, heard +that a remarkably brave soldier was in the city of London, making +ready to go into the new world, with the intent to build there a +town for the king.</p> + +<h1><a name="CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH COMES TO LONDON"></a>CAPTAIN JOHN +SMITH COMES TO LONDON</h1> + +<p>This man was no other than Captain John Smith, who, although +at this time not above six and twenty years of age, had already +served in the French, in the Dutch, and in the Transylvanian +armies, where he had met and overcome many dangers.</p> + +<p>He had been robbed and beaten and thrown into the sea because +of not believing in the religion of the men who attacked him; he +had been a slave among the Turks; he had fought, one after +another, three of the bravest in the Turkish army, and had cut +off the head of each in turn.</p> + +<p>Can it be wondered at that Nathaniel Peacock and I were filled +to overflowing with admiration for this wonderful soldier, or +that we desired above all things to see him?</p> + +<p>We loitered about the streets of London town from daylight +until night had come again, hoping to feast our eyes upon this +same John Smith, who was to us one of the wonders of the world, +because in so short a time he had made his name as a soldier +famous in all countries, and yet we saw him not.</p> + +<p>We had searched London town over and over for mayhap a full +month, doing nothing else save hunt for the man whose life had +been so filled with adventure, and each time we returned home, +Mistress Peacock reproached me with being an idle good for +nothing, and Nathaniel but little better.</p> + +<p>I believe it was her harsh words which caused to spring up in +my heart a desire to venture into the new world, where it was +said gold could be found in abundance, and even the smallest lad +might pick up whatsoever of wealth he desired, if so be his heart +was strong enough to brave the journey across the great +ocean.</p> + +<p>The more I thought of what could be found in that land, which +was called Virginia, the stronger grew my desire, until the time +came when it was a fixed purpose in my mind, and not until then +did I breathe to Nathaniel a word of that which had been growing +within me.</p> + +<p>He took fire straightway I spoke of what it might be possible +for us lads to do, and declared that whether his mother were +willing or no, he would brave all the dangers of that terrible +journey overseas, if so be we found an opportunity. To him it +seemed a simple matter that, having once found a ship which was +to sail for the far off land, we might hide ourselves within her, +having gathered sufficient of food to keep us alive during the +journey. But how this last might be done, his plans had not been +made.</p> + +<p>Lest I should set down too many words, and therefore bring +upon myself the charge of being one who can work with his tongue +better than with his hands, I will pass over all that which +Nathaniel and I did during the long time we roamed the streets, +in the hope of coming face to face with Captain Smith.</p> + +<p>It is enough if I set it down at once that we finally +succeeded in our purpose, having come upon him one certain +morning on Cheapside, when there was a fight on among some +apprentices, and the way so blocked that neither he nor any other +could pass through the street, until the quarrelsome fellows were +done playing upon each other's heads with sticks and stones.</p> + +<p>It seemed much as if fortune had at last consented to smile +upon us, for we were standing directly in front of the great +man.</p> + +<p>I know not how it chanced that I, a lad whose apparel was far +from being either cleanly or whole, should have dared to raise my +voice in speech with one who was said to have talked even with a +king. Yet so I did, coming without many words to that matter +which had been growing these many days in my mind, and mayhap it +was the very suddenness of the words that caught his fancy.</p> + +<p>"Nathaniel Peacock and I are minded to go with you into that +new world, Captain John Smith, if so be you permit us," I said, +"and there we will serve you with honesty and industry."</p> + +<p>There was a smile come upon his face as I spoke, and he looked +down upon Nathaniel and me, who were wedged among that throng +which watched the apprentices quarrel, until we were like to be +squeezed flat, and said in what I took to be a friendly tone:</p> + +<p>"So, my master, you would journey into Virginia with the hope +of making yourself rich, and you not out from under your mother's +apron as yet?"</p> + +<p>"I have no mother to wear an apron, Captain Smith, nor father +to say I may go there or shall come here; but yet would serve you +as keenly as might any man, save mayhap my strength, which will +increase, be not so great as would be found in those older."</p> + +<p>Whether this valiant soldier was pleased with my words, or if +in good truth boys were needed in the enterprise, I cannot say; +but certain it is he spoke me fairly, writing down upon a piece +of paper, which he tore from his tablets, the name of the street +in which he had lodgings, and asking, as he handed it to me, if I +could read.</p> + +<p>Now it was that I gave silent thanks, because of what had +seemed to me a hardship when my mother forced me to spend so many +hours each day in learning to use a quill, until I was able to +write a clerkly hand.</p> + +<p>It seemed to please this great soldier that I could do what +few of the lads in that day had been taught to master, and, +without further ado, he said to me boldly:</p> + +<p>"You shall journey into Virginia with me, an' it please you, +lad. What is more, I will take upon myself the charge of +outfitting you, and time shall tell whether you have enough of +manliness in you to repay me the cost."</p> + +<p>Then it was that Nathaniel raised his voice; but the captain +gave him no satisfaction, declaring it was the duty of a true lad +to stand by his mother, and that he would lend his aid to none +who had a home, and in it those who cared for him.</p> + +<p>I could have talked with this brave soldier until the night +had come, and would never have wearied of asking concerning what +might be found in that new world of Virginia; but it so chanced +that when the business was thus far advanced, the apprentices +were done with striving to break each other's heads, and Captain +Smith, bidding me come to his house next morning, went his +way.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_PLANS_OF_TH"></a>THE PLANS OF THE LONDON +COMPANY</h1> + +<p>Then it was that Nathaniel declared he also would go on the +voyage to Virginia, whether it pleased Captain Smith or no, and +I, who should have set my face against his running away from +home, spoke no word to oppose him, because it would please me to +have him as comrade.</p> + +<p>After this I went more than once to the house where Captain +Smith lodged, and learned very much concerning what it was +proposed to do toward building a town in the new world.</p> + +<p>Both Nathaniel and I had believed it was the king who counted +to send all these people overseas; but I learned from my new +master that a company of London merchants was in charge of the +enterprise, these merchants believing much profit might come to +them in the way of getting gold.</p> + +<p>The whole business was to be under the control of Captain +Bartholomew Gosnold, who, it was said, had already made one +voyage to the new world, and had brought back word that it was a +goodly place in which to settle and to build up towns. The one +chosen to act as admiral of the fleet, for there were to be three +ships instead of one, as I had fancied, was Captain Christopher +Newport, a man who had no little fame as a seaman.</p> + +<p>In due time, as the preparations for the voyage were being +forwarded, I was sent by my master into lodgings at Blackwall, +just below London town, for the fleet lay nearby, and because it +was understood by those in charge of the adventure that I was in +Captain Smith's service, no hindrance was made to my going on +board the vessels.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_VESSELS_OF"></a>THE VESSELS OF THE FLEET</h1> + +<p>These were three in number, as I have already said: the +Constant, a ship of near to one hundred tons in size; the +Goodspeed, of forty tons, and the Discovery, which was a pinnace +of only twenty tons.</p> + +<p>And now, lest some who read what I have set down may not be +acquainted with the words used by seamen, let me explain that the +measurement of a vessel by tons, means that she will fill so much +space in the water. Now, in measuring a vessel, a ton is reckoned +as forty cubic feet of space, therefore when I say the Susan +Constant was one hundred tons in size, it is the same as if I had +set down that she would carry four thousand cubic feet of +cargo.</p> + +<p>That he who reads may know what I mean by a pinnace, as +differing from a ship, I can best make it plain by saying that +such a craft is an open boat, wherein may be used sails or oars, +and, as in the case of the Discovery, may have a deck over a +certain portion of her length. That our pinnace was a vessel able +to withstand such waves as would be met with in the ocean, can be +believed when you remember that she was one half the size of the +Goodspeed, which we counted a ship.</p> + +<h1><a name="HOW_I_EARNED_MY"></a>HOW I EARNED MY PASSAGE</h1> + +<p>Captain Smith, my master, found plenty of work for me during +the weeks before the fleet sailed. He had many matters to be set +down in writing, and because of my mother's care in teaching me +to use the quill, I was able, or so it seemed to me, to be of no +little aid to him in those busy days, when it was as if he must +do two or three things at the same time in order to bring his +business to an end. I learned during that time to care very +dearly for this valiant soldier, who could, when the fit was on +him, be as tender and kind as a girl, and again, when he was +crossed, as stern a man as one might find in all London town.</p> + +<p>Because of my labors, and it pleased me greatly that I could +do somewhat toward forwarding the adventure, I had no time in +which to search for my friend, Nathaniel Peacock, although I did +not cease to hope that he would try to find me.</p> + +<p>I had parted with him in the city, and he knew right well +where I was going; yet, so far as I could learn, he had never +come to Blackwall.</p> + +<p>I had no doubt but that I could find him in the city, and it +was in my mind, at the first opportunity, to seek him out, if for +no other reason than that we might part as comrades should, for +he had been a true friend to me when my heart was sore; but from +the moment the sailors began to put the cargo on board the Susan +Constant and the Goodspeed, I had no chance to wander around +Blackwall, let alone journeying to London.</p> + +<p>Then came the twentieth of December, when we were to set sail, +and great was the rejoicing among the people, who believed that +we would soon build up a city in the new world, which would be of +great wealth and advantage to those in England.</p> + +<p>I heard it said, although I myself was not on shore to see +what was done, that in all the churches prayers were made for our +safe journeying, and there was much marching to and fro of +soldiers, as if some great merrymaking were afoot.</p> + +<p>The shore was lined with people; booths were set up where +showmen displayed for pay many curious things, and food and +sweetmeats were on sale here and there, for so large a throng +stood in need of refreshment as well as amusement.</p> + +<p>It was a wondrous spectacle to see all these people nearby on +the shore, knowing they had come for no other purpose than to +look at us, and I took no little pride to myself because of being +numbered among the adventurers, even vainly fancying that many +wondered what part a boy could have in such an undertaking.</p> + +<p>Then we set sail, I watching in vain for a glimpse of +Nathaniel Peacock as the ships got under way. Finally, sadly +disappointed, and with the sickness of home already in my heart, +I went into the forward part of the ship, where was my sleeping +place, thinking that very shortly we should be tossing and +tumbling on the mighty waves of the ocean.</p> + +<p>In this I was mistaken, for the wind was contrary to our +purpose, and we lay in the Downs near six weeks, while Master +Hunt, the preacher, who had joined the company that he might +labor for the good of our souls; lay so nigh unto death in the +cabin of the Susan Constant, that I listened during all the +waking hours of the night, fearing to hear the tolling of the +ship's bell, which would tell that he had gone from among the +living.</p> + +<p>It was on the second night, after we were come to anchor in +the Downs awaiting a favorable wind, that I, having fallen asleep +while wishing Nathaniel Peacock might have been with us, was +awakened by the pressure of a cold hand upon my cheek. I was near +to crying aloud with fear, for the first thought that came was +that Master Hunt had gone from this world, and was summoning me; +but before the cry could escape my lips, I heard the whispered +words: "It is me, Nate Peacock!"</p> + +<p>It can well be guessed that I was sitting bolt upright in the +narrow bed, which sailors call a bunk, by the time this had been +said, and in the gloom of the seamen's living place I saw a head +close to mine.</p> + +<p>Not until I had passed my hands over the face could I believe +it was indeed my comrade, and it goes without saying that +straightway I insisted on knowing how he came there, when he +should have been in London town.</p> + +<p>I cannot set the story down as Nathaniel Peacock told it to me +on that night, because his words were many; but the tale ran much +like this:</p> + +<h1><a name="NATHANIEL_S_STO"></a>NATHANIEL'S STORY</h1> + +<p>When Captain John Smith had promised on Cheapside that I +should be one of the company of adventurers, because of such +labor as it might be possible for me to perform, and had refused +to listen to my comrade, Nathaniel, without acquainting me with +the fact, had made up his mind that he also would go into the new +world of Virginia.</p> + +<p>Fearing lest I would believe it my duty to tell Captain Smith +of his purpose, he kept far from me, doing whatsoever he might in +London town to earn as much as would provide him with food during +a certain time.</p> + +<p>In this he succeeded so far as then seemed necessary, and when +it was known that the fleet was nearly ready to make sail, he +came to Blackwall with all his belongings tied in his +doublet.</p> + +<p>To get on board the Susan Constant without attracting much +attention while she was being visited by so many curious people, +was not a hard task for Nathaniel Peacock, and three days before +the fleet was got under way, my comrade had hidden himself in the +very foremost part of the ship, where were stored the ropes and +chains.</p> + +<p>There he had remained until thirst, or hunger, drove him out, +on this night of which I am telling you, and he begged that I go +on deck, where were the scuttle butts, to get him a pannikin of +water.</p> + +<p>For those of you who may not know what a scuttle butt is, I +will explain that it is a large cask in which fresh water is kept +on shipboard. When Nathaniel's burning thirst had been soothed, +he began to fear that I might give information to Captain John +Smith concerning him; but after all that had been done in the way +of hiding himself, and remembering his suffering, I had not the +heart so to do.</p> + +<p>During four days more he spent all the hours of sunshine, and +the greater portion of the night, in my bed, closely covered so +that the sailors might not see him, and then came the discovery, +when he was dragged out with many a blow and harsh word to give +an account of himself. I fear it would have gone harder still +with Nathaniel, if I had not happened to be there at that very +moment.</p> + +<p>As it was, I went directly to Captain John Smith, my master, +telling him all Nathaniel's story, and asking if the lad had not +shown himself made of the proper stuff to be counted on as one of +the adventurers.</p> + +<p>Although hoping to succeed in my pleading, I was surprised +when the captain gave a quick consent to number the lad among +those who were to go into the new land of Virginia, and was even +astonished when his name was written down among others as if he +had been pledged to the voyage in due form.</p> + +<p>But for the sickness of Master Hunt, and the fear we had lest +he should die, Nathaniel and I might have made exceeding merry +while we lay at anchor in the Downs, for food was plentiful; +there was little of work to be done, and we lads could have +passed the time skylarking with such of the sailors as were +disposed to sport, except orders had been given that no undue +noise be made on deck.</p> + +<h1><a name="WE_MAKE_SAIL_AG"></a>WE MAKE SAIL AGAIN</h1> + +<p>It seemed to me almost as if we spent an entire lifetime +within sight of the country we were minded to leave behind us, +and indeed six weeks, with no change of scene, and while one is +held to the narrow limits of a ship, is an exceeding long +time.</p> + +<p>However, as I have heard Captain Smith say again and again, +everything comes to him who waits, and so also came that day when +the winds were favoring; when Captain Newport, the admiral of our +fleet, gave the word to make sail, and we sped softly away from +England's shores, little dreaming of that time of suffering, of +sickness, and of sadness which was before us.</p> + +<p>To Nathaniel and me, who had never strayed far from London +town, and knew no more of the sea than might have been gained in +a boatman's wherry, the ocean was exceeding unkind, and for eight +and forty hours did we lie in that narrow bed, believing death +was very near at hand.</p> + +<p>There is no reason why I should make any attempt at describing +the sickness which was upon us, for I have since heard that it +comes to all who go out on the sea for the first time. When we +recovered, it was suddenly, like as a flower lifts up its head +after a refreshing shower that has pelted it to the ground.</p> + +<p>I would I might set down here all which came to us during the +voyage, for it was filled with wondrous happenings; but because I +would tell of what we did in the land of Virginia, I must be +sparing of words now.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_FIRST_ISLAN"></a>THE FIRST ISLAND</h1> + +<p>It is to be remembered that our fleet left London on the +twentieth day of December, and, as I have since heard Captain +Smith read from the pages which he wrote concerning the voyage, +it was on the twenty-third of March that we were come to the +island of Martinique, where for the first time Nathaniel Peacock +and I saw living savages.</p> + +<p>When we were come to anchor, they paddled out to our ships in +frail boats called canoes, bringing many kinds of most delicious +fruits, which we bought for such trumpery things as glass beads +and ornaments of copper.</p> + +<p>It was while we lay off this island that we saw a whale +attacked and killed by a thresher and a swordfish, which was a +wondrous sight.</p> + +<p>And now was a most wicked deed done by those who claimed to be +in command of our company, for they declared that my master had +laid a plot with some of the men in each vessel of the fleet, +whereby the principal members of the company were to be murdered, +to the end that Captain Smith might set himself up as king after +we were come to the new world.</p> + +<p>All this was untrue, as I knew full well, having aided him in +such work as a real clerk would have done, and had there been a +plot, I must have found some inkling of it in one of the many +papers I read aloud to him, or copied down on other sheets that +the work of the quill might be more pleasing to the eye.</p> + +<p>Besides that, I had been with the captain a goodly portion of +the time while the ships were being made ready for the voyage, +and if he had harbored so much of wickedness, surely must some +word of it have come to me, who sat or stood near at hand, +listening attentively whenever he had speech with others of the +company of adventurers.</p> + +<h1><a name="CAPTAIN_SMITH_A"></a>CAPTAIN SMITH A PRISONER</h1> + +<p>When the voyage was begun, and the captain no longer had need +of me, I was sent into the forward part of the ship to live, as +has already been set down, and therefore it was I knew nothing of +what was being done in the great cabin, where the leaders of the +company were quartered, until after my master was made a +prisoner. Then it was told me by the seaman who had been called +by Captain Kendall, as if it was feared my master, being such a +great soldier, might strive to harm those who miscalled him a +traitor to that which he had sworn.</p> + +<p>It seems, so the seaman said, that Captain John Martin was the +one who made the charges against my master, on the night after we +set sail from Martinique, when all the chief men of the company +were met in the great cabin, and he declared that, when it was +possible to do so, meaning after we had come to the land of +Virginia, witnesses should be brought from the other ships to +prove the wicked intent. Then it was that Captain George Kendall +declared my master must be kept a close prisoner until the matter +could be disposed of, and all the others, save Captain +Bartholomew Gosnold, agreeing, heavy irons were put upon him. He +was shut up in his sleeping place, having made no outcry nor +attempt to do any harm, save that he declared himself innocent of +wrong doing.</p> + +<p>But for Captain Gosnold and Master Hunt, the preacher, I +should not have been permitted to go in and learn if I might do +anything for his comfort. The other leaders declared that my +master was a dangerous man, who should not be allowed to have +speech with any person save themselves, lest he send some message +to those who were said to be concerned with him in the plot.</p> + +<h1><a name="I_ATTEND_MY_MAS"></a>I ATTEND MY MASTER</h1> + +<p>Master Hunt spoke up right manfully in behalf of Captain +Smith, with the result that I was given free entrance to that +small room which had been made his prison, save that I must at +all times leave the door open, so those who were in the great +cabin could hear if I was charged with any message to the +seamen.</p> + +<p>My eyes were filled with tears when my master told me that he +had no thought save that of benefiting those who were with him in +the adventure, and that he would not lend his countenance to any +wicked plot.</p> + +<p>I begged him to understand that I knew right well he would do +no manner of wrong to any man, and asked the privilege of being +with him all the time, to serve him when he could not serve +himself because of the irons that fettered his legs.</p> + +<p>And so it was that I had opportunity to do that which made my +master as true a friend as ever lad had, for in the later days +when we were come to Virginia and beset by savages more cruel +than wild beasts, he ventured his own life again and again to +save mine, which was so worthless as compared with his.</p> + +<p>Only that I might tell how the voyage progressed, did I go on +deck, or have speech with Nathaniel Peacock, and only through me +did my master know when we were come to this island or that, +together with what was to be seen in such places.</p> + +<h1><a name="SEVERAL_ISLANDS"></a>SEVERAL ISLANDS VISITED</h1> + +<p>Therefore it was that when, on the next day after he was made +a prisoner, we were come to anchor off that island which the +savages called Gaudaloupe, and Nathaniel had been permitted to go +on shore in one of the boats, I could tell my master of the +wondrous waters which were found there.</p> + +<p>Nathaniel told me that water spouted up out of the earth so +hot, that when Captain Newport threw into it a piece of pork tied +to a rope, the meat was cooked in half an hour, even as if it had +been over a roaring hot fire.</p> + +<p>After that we passed many islands, the names of which I could +not discover, until we came to anchor within half a musket shot +from the shore of that land which is known as Nevis. Here we lay +six days, and the chief men of the company went on shore for +sport and to hunt, save always either Captain Martin or Captain +Kendall, who remained on board to watch the poor prisoner, while +he, my master, lay in his narrow bed sweltering under the great +heat.</p> + +<p>During all this while, the seamen and our gentlemen got much +profit and sport from hunting and fishing, adding in no small +degree to our store of food. Had Captain Smith not been kept from +going on shore by the wickedness of those who were jealous +because of his great fame as a soldier, I dare venture to say our +stay at this island of Nevis would have been far more to our +advantage.</p> + +<p>From this place we went to what Master Hunt told me were the +Virgin islands, and here the men went ashore again to hunt; but +my master, speaking no harsh words against those who were +wronging him, lay in the small, stinging hot room, unable to get +for himself even a cup of water, though I took good care he +should not suffer from lack of kindly care.</p> + +<p>Then on a certain day we sailed past that land which Captain +Gosnold told me was Porto Rico, and next morning came to anchor +off the island of Mona, where the seamen were sent ashore to get +fresh water, for our supply was running low.</p> + +<p>Captain Newport, and many of the other gentlemen, went on +shore to hunt, and so great was the heat that Master Edward +Brookes fell down dead, one of the sailors telling Nathaniel that +the poor man's fat was melted until he could no longer live; but +Captain Smith, who knows more concerning such matters than all +this company rolled into one, save I might except Master Hunt, +declared that the fat of a live person does not melt, however +great the heat. It is the sun shining too fiercely on one's head +that brings about death, and thus it was that Master Brookes +died.</p> + +<h1><a name="A_VARIETY_OF_WI"></a>A VARIETY OF WILD GAME</h1> + +<p>Our gentlemen who had the heart to make prisoner of so honest, +upright a man as my master, did not cease their sport because of +what had befallen Master Brookes, but continued at the hunting +until they had brought down two wild boars and also an animal +fashioned like unto nothing I had ever seen before. It was +something after the manner of a serpent, but speckled on the +stomach as is a toad, and Captain Smith believed the true name of +it to be Iguana, the like of which he says that he has often seen +in other countries and that its flesh makes very good eating.</p> + +<p>If any one save Captain Smith had said this, I should have +found it hard to believe him, and as it was I was glad my belief +was not put to the test. Two days afterward we were come to an +island which Master Hunt says is known to seamen as Monica, and +there it was that Nathaniel went on shore in one of the boats, +coming back at night to tell me a most wondrous story.</p> + +<p>He declared that the birds and their eggs were so plentiful +that the whole island was covered with them; that one could not +set down his foot, save upon eggs, or birds sitting on their +nests, some of which could hardly be driven away even with blows, +and when they rose in the air, the noise made by their wings was +so great as to deafen a person.</p> + +<p>Our seamen loaded two boats full of the eggs in three hours, +and all in the fleet feasted for several days on such as had not +yet been spoiled by the warmth of the birds' bodies.</p> + +<p>It was on the next day that we left behind us those islands +which Captain Smith told me were the West Indies, and the seaman +who stood at the helm when I came on deck to get water for my +master, said we were steering a northerly course, which would +soon bring us to the land of Virginia.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_TEMPEST"></a>THE TEMPEST</h1> + +<p>On that very night, however, such a tempest of wind and of +rain came upon us that I was not the only one who believed the +Susan Constant must be crushed like an eggshell under the great +mountains of water which at times rolled completely over her, so +flooding the decks that but few could venture out to do +whatsoever of work was needed to keep the ship afloat. After this +fierce tempest, when the Lord permitted that even our pinnace +should ride in safety, it was believed that we were come near to +the new world, and by day and by night the seamen stood at the +rail, throwing the lead every few minutes in order to discover if +we were venturing into shoal water.</p> + +<p>Nathaniel and I used to stand by watching them, and wishing +that we might be allowed to throw the line, but never quite +getting up our courage to say so, knowing full well we should +probably make a tangle of it.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_NEW_COUNTRY"></a>THE NEW COUNTRY SIGHTED</h1> + +<p>As Master George Percy has set down in the writings which I +have copied for him since we came to Virginia, it was on the +twenty-sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord 1607, at about +four o'clock in the morning, when we were come within sight of +that land where were to be built homes, not only for our company +of one hundred and five, counting the boys, but for all who +should come after us.</p> + +<p>It was while the ship lay off the land, her decks crowded with +our company who fain would get the first clear view of that +country in which they were to live, if the savages permitted, +that I asked my master who among the gentlemen of the cabin was +the leader in this adventure.</p> + +<p>To my surprise, he told me that it was not yet known. The +London Company had made an election of those among the gentlemen +who should form the new government, and had written down the +names, together with instructions as to what should be done; but +this writing was enclosed in a box which was not to be opened +until we had come to the end of our voyage.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_LEADER_NOT"></a>THE LEADER NOT KNOWN</h1> + +<p>There could be no doubt but that Captain Kendall and Captain +Martin both believed that when the will of the London Company was +made known, it would be found they stood in high command; but +there was in my heart a great hope that my master might have been +named. Yet when I put the matter to him in so many words, he +treated the matter lightly, saying it could hardly be, else they +had not dared to treat him thus shamefully.</p> + +<p>However, it was soon to be known, if the commands of the +London Company were obeyed, for now we had come to this new land +of Virginia, and the time was near at hand when would be opened +the box containing the names of those who were to be officers in +the town we hoped soon to build.</p> + +<p>As for myself, I was so excited it seemed impossible to remain +quiet many seconds in one place, and I fear that my duties, which +consisted only in waiting upon the prisoner, my master, were +sadly neglected because of the anxiety in my mind to know who the +merchants in London had named as rulers of the settlement about +to be made in the new world.</p> + +<p>One would have believed from Captain Smith's manner that he +had no concern whatsoever as to the result of all this wickedness +and scheming, for it was neither more nor less than such, as I +looked at the matter, on the part of Captain Kendall and Captain +Martin.</p> + +<p>Here we were in sight of the new world, at a place where we +were to live all the remainder of our lives, and he a prisoner in +chains; but yet never a word of complaint came from his lips.</p> + +<h1><a name="ARRIVAL_AT_CHES"></a>ARRIVAL AT CHESAPEAKE BAY</h1> + +<p>When the day had fully dawned, and the fleet stood in toward +the noble bay, between two capes, which were afterward named Cape +Henry and Cape Comfort, Captain Smith directed me to go on deck, +in order to keep him informed of what might be happening.</p> + +<p>He told me there was no question in his mind but that we were +come to the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, where it had been agreed +with the London merchants we were to go on shore.</p> + +<p>Standing at the head of the companionway, but not venturing +out on deck lest I should be sent to some other part of the ship, +and thus be unable to give my master the information which he +desired, I looked out upon what seemed to me the most goodly land +that could be found in all the wide world.</p> + +<p>Trees there were of size fit for masts to the king's ships; +flowers bordered the shore until there were seemingly great waves +of this color, or of that, as far as eye could reach, and set +within this dazzling array of green and gold, and of red and +yellow, was a great sea, which Captain Smith said was called the +Chesapeake Bay.</p> + +<p>We entered for some distance, mayhap three or four miles, +before coming to anchor, and then Master Wingfield, Captain +Gosnold, and Captain Newport went on shore with a party of +thirty, made up of seamen and gentlemen, and my master, who had +not so much as stretched his legs since we sailed from +Martinique, was left in his narrow cabin with none but me to care +for him!</p> + +<p>I had thought they would open the box containing the +instructions from London, before doing anything else; but Captain +Smith was of the mind that such business could wait until they +had explored sufficiently to find a place where the new town +might be built.</p> + +<p>It was a long, weary, anxious day for me. The party had left +the ship in the morning, remaining absent until nightfall, and at +least four or five times every hour did I run up from the cabin +to gaze shoreward in the hope of seeing them return, for I was +most eager to have the business pushed forward, and to know +whether my master's enemies were given, by the London Company, +permission to do whatsoever they pleased.</p> + +<h1><a name="AN_ATTACK_BY_TH"></a>AN ATTACK BY THE SAVAGES</h1> + +<p>Just after sunset, and before the darkness of night closed in, +those who had been on shore came back very hurriedly and in +disorder, bringing with them in the foremost boat, two wounded +men.</p> + +<p>"They have had a battle with some one, Master," I reported, +before yet the boats were come alongside, and for the first time +that day did Captain Smith appear to be deeply concerned. I heard +him say as if to himself, not intending that the words should +reach me:</p> + +<p>"Lack of caution in dealing with the savages is like to cost +us dearly."</p> + +<p>Half an hour later I heard all the story from Nathaniel +Peacock, who had believed himself fortunate when he was allowed +to accompany the party on shore.</p> + +<p>According to his account, the company from the fleet roamed +over much of the land during the day, finding fair meadows and +goodly trees, with streams of fresh water here and there +bespeaking fish in abundance.</p> + +<p>Nothing was seen or heard to disturb our people until the +signal had been given for all to go on board the boats, that they +might return to the ships, and then it was that a number of +naked, brown men, creeping upon their hands and knees like +animals, with bows and arrows held between their teeth, came out +suddenly from amid the foliage to the number, as Nathaniel +declared, of not less than an hundred.</p> + +<p>While the white men stood dismayed, awaiting some order from +those who chose to call themselves leaders, the savages shot a +multitude of arrows into the midst of the company, wounding +Captain Gabriel Archer in both his hands, and dangerously hurting +one of the seamen.</p> + +<p>Captain Gosnold gave command for the firearms to be +discharged, whereupon the savages disappeared suddenly, and +without delay our people returned to the fleet.</p> + +<h1><a name="READING_THE_LON"></a>READING THE LONDON COMPANY'S +ORDERS</h1> + +<p>An hour later, when those who had just come from the shore had +been refreshed with food, I noted with much of anxiety that all +the gentlemen of the company, not only such as belonged on board +the Susan Constant, but those from the Speedwell, gathered in the +great cabin of our ship, and, looking out ever so cautiously, +while the door of Captain Smith's room was ajar, I saw them +gather around the big table on which, as if it were something of +greatest value, was placed a box made of some dark colored +wood.</p> + +<p>It was Master Hunt who opened this, and, taking out a paper, +he read in a voice so loud that even my master, as he lay in his +narrow bed, could hear the names of those who were chosen by the +London Company to form the Council for the government of the new +land of Virginia.</p> + +<p>These are the names as he read them: Bartholomew Gosnold, +Edward Wingfield, Christopher Newport, John Smith, John +Ratcliffe, John Martin and George Kendall.</p> + +<p>My heart seemingly leaped into my throat with triumph when I +thus heard the name of my master among those who were to stand as +leaders of the company, and so excited had I become that that +which Master Hunt read from the remainder of the paper failed to +attract my attention.</p> + +<p>I learned afterward, however, that among the rules governing +the actions of this Council, was one that a President should be +chosen each year, and that matters of moment were to be +determined by vote of the Council, in which the President might +cast two ballots.</p> + +<p>It was when Master Hunt ceased reading that I believed my +master would be set free without delay, for of a verity he had +the same right to take part in the deliberations as any other, +since it was the will of the London Company that he should be one +of the leaders; but much to my surprise nothing of the kind was +done. Captain Kendall, seeing the door of my master's room +slightly open, arose from the table and closed it, as if he were +about to say something which should not be heard by Captain +Smith.</p> + +<p>I would have opened the door again, but that my master bade me +leave it closed, and when an hour or more had passed, Master Hunt +came in to us, stating that it had not yet been decided by the +other members of the Council whether Captain Smith should be +allowed to take part in the affairs, as the London Company had +decided, or whether he should be sent home for judgment when the +fleet returned. But meanwhile he was to have his liberty.</p> + +<p>Then it was that Master Hunt, talking like the true man he +ever showed himself to be, advised Captain Smith to do in all +things, so far as the other members of the Council permitted, as +if nothing had gone awry, claiming that before we had been many +days in this land, those who had brought charges against him +would fail of making them good.</p> + +<p>Had I been the one thus so grievously injured, the whole +company might have shipwrecked themselves before I would have +raised a hand, all of which goes to show that I had not learned +to rule my temper.</p> + +<p>Captain Smith, however, agreed with all Master Hunt said, and +then it was that I was sent forward once more. My master went on +deck for the first time since we had left Martinique, walking to +and fro swiftly, as if it pleased him to have command of his legs +once more.</p> + +<p>If Master Hunt and Master Wingfield had been able to bring the +others around to their way of thinking, Captain Smith would have +taken his rightful place in the Council without delay. Instead of +which, however, he remained on board the ship idle, when there +was much that he could have done better than any other, from the +day on which we came in sight of Virginia, which was the +fifteenth day of April, until the twenty-sixth day of June.</p> + +<p>During all this time, those of the Council who were his +enemies claimed that they could prove he had laid plans to murder +all the chief men, and take his place as king; but yet they did +not do so, and my master refused to hold any parley with them, +except that he claimed he was innocent of all wrong in thought or +in act.</p> + +<p>When the others of the fleet set off to spy out the land, my +master remained aboard the ship, still being a prisoner, except +so far that he wore no fetters, and I would not have left him +save he had commanded me sharply, for at that time, so sore was +his heart, that even a lad like me could now and then say some +word which might have in it somewhat of cheer.</p> + +<p>During this time that Captain Smith was with the company and +yet not numbered as one of them, the other gentlemen explored the +country, and more than once was Nathaniel Peacock allowed to +accompany them, therefore did I hear much which otherwise would +not have been told me.</p> + +<p>And what happened during these two months when the gentlemen +were much the same as quarreling among themselves, I shall set +down in as few words as possible, to the end that I may the +sooner come to that story of our life in the new village, which +some called James Fort, and others James Town, after King James +of England.</p> + +<h1><a name="EXPLORING_THE_C"></a>EXPLORING THE COUNTRY</h1> + +<p>When the shallop had been taken out of the hold of the Susan +Constant, and put together by the Carpenters, our people explored +the shores of the bay and the broad streams running into it, +meeting with savages here and there, and holding some little +converse with them. A few were found to be friendly, while others +appeared to think we were stealing their land by thus coming +among them.</p> + +<p>One of the most friendly of the savages, so Nathaniel said, +having shown by making marks on the ground with his foot that he +wished to tell our people about the country, and having been +given a pen and paper, drew a map of the river with great care, +putting in the islands and waterfalls and mountains that our men +would come to, and afterward he even brought food to our people +such as wheat and little sweet nuts and berries.</p> + +<p>I myself would have been pleased to go on shore and see these +strange people, but not being able to do so save at the cost of +leaving my master, I can only repeat some of the curious things +which Nathaniel Peacock told me. It must be known that there was +more than one nation, or tribe, of savages in this new land of +Virginia, and each had its king or chief, who was called the +werowance. I might set down the names of these tribes, and yet it +would be so much labor lost, because they are more like fanciful +than real words. As, for example, there were the Paspaheghes, +whose werowance was seemingly more friendly to our people than +were the others.</p> + +<p>Again, there were the Rapahannas, who wore the legs of birds +through holes in their ears, and had all the hair on the right +side of their heads shaven closely.</p> + +<p>It gives them much pleasure to dance, so Nathaniel said, he +having seen them jumping around more like so many wolves, rather +than human beings, for the space of half an hour, shouting and +singing all the while.</p> + +<p>All the Indians smoked an herb called tobacco, which grows +abundantly in this land, and I have Nathaniel's word for it that +one savage had a tobacco pipe nearly a yard long, with the device +of a deer carved at the great end of it big enough to dash out +one's brains with.</p> + +<p>There is very much more which might be said about these +savages that would be of interest; but I am minded now to leave +such stories for others to tell, and come to the day when Captain +Newport was ready to sail with the Susan Constant and the +Goodspeed back to England, for his share in the adventure was +only to bring us over from England, after which he had agreed to +return.</p> + +<p>The pinnace was to be left behind for the use of us who +remained in the strange land. Before this time, meaning the +thirteenth day of May, the members of the Council had decided +upon the place where we were to build our village. It was to be +in the country of the Paspahegh Indians, at a certain spot near +the shore where the water runs so deep that our ships can lie +moored to the trees in six fathoms.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_PEOPLE_LAND"></a>THE PEOPLE LAND FROM THE +SHIPS</h1> + +<p>Then it was that all the people went on shore, some to set up +the tents of cloth which we had brought with us to serve as +shelters before houses could be built; others to lay out a fort, +which it was needed should be made as early as possible because +of the savages, and yet a certain other number being told off to +stand guard against the brown men, who had already shown that +they could be most dangerous enemies.</p> + +<p>My master went ashore, as a matter of course, with the others, +I sticking close to his side; but neither of us taking any part +in the work which had been begun, because the charges of +wickedness were still hanging over his head.</p> + +<p>Had Captain Smith been allowed a voice in the Council, certain +it is he never would have chosen this place in which to make the +town, for he pointed out to me that the land lay so low that when +the river was at its height the dampness must be great, and, +therefore, exceeding unhealthful, while there was back of it such +an extent of forest, as made it most difficult to defend, in case +the savages came against us.</p> + +<p>Captain Smith aided me in building for ourselves a hut in +front of an overhanging rock, with the branches of trees. It was +a poor shelter at the best; but he declared it would serve us +until such time as he was given his rightful place among the +people, or had been sent back a prisoner to England.</p> + +<h1><a name="CAPTAIN_SMITH_P"></a>CAPTAIN SMITH PROVEN +INNOCENT</h1> + +<p>This served us as a living place for many days, or until my +master was come into his own, as he did before the fort was +finished, when, on one certain morning, he demanded of the other +members of the Council that they put him on trial to learn +whether the charges could be proven or not, and this was done on +the day before Captain Newport was to take the ships back to +England.</p> + +<p>There is little need for me to say that Captain Kendall's +stories of the plot, in which he said my master was concerned, +came to naught. There were none to prove that he had ever spoken +of such a matter, and the result of the trial was that they gave +him his rightful place at the head of the company. Before many +months were passed, all came to know that but for him the white +people in Jamestown would have come to their deaths.</p> + +<h1><a name="WE_WHO_WERE_LEF"></a>WE WHO WERE LEFT BEHIND</h1> + +<p>It was on the fifteenth day of June when the ships sailed out +of the Chesapeake Bay, leaving on the banks of the river we +called the James, a hundred men and boys, all told, to hold their +lives and their liberty against thousands upon thousands of naked +savages, who had already shown that they desired to be enemies +rather than friends. Even in the eyes of a boy, it was an odd +company to battle with the savages and the wilderness, for the +greater number were those who called themselves gentlemen, and +who believed it beneath their station to do any labor whatsoever, +therefore did it seem to me that this new town would be burdened +sorely with so many drones.</p> + +<p>Master Hunt, the preacher, could in good truth call himself a +gentleman, and yet I myself saw him, within two hours after we +were landed, nailing a piece of timber between two trees that he +might stretch a square of sailcloth over it, thus making what +served as the first church in the country of Virginia. Yet +Captain Smith has said again and again, that the discourses of +Master Hunt under that poor shelter of cloth, were, to his mind, +more like the real praising of God, than any he had ever heard in +the costly buildings of the old world.</p> + +<p>For the better understanding of certain things which happened +to us after we had begun to build the village of Jamestown, it +should be remembered that of all the savages in the country +roundabout, the most friendly were those who lived in the same +settlement with Powhatan, who was, so Captain Smith said, the +true head and king of all the Indians in Virginia.</p> + +<h1><a name="BAKING_BREAD_WI"></a>BAKING BREAD WITHOUT OVENS</h1> + +<p>It was in this town of Powhatan's that I discovered how to +bake bread without an oven or other fire than what might be built +on the open ground, and it was well I had my eyes open at that +time, otherwise Captain Smith and I had gone supperless to bed +again and again, for there were many days when our stomachs cried +painfully because of emptiness.</p> + +<p>While my master was talking with the king, Powhatan, on +matters concerning affairs at Jamestown, I saw an Indian girl, +whose name I afterward came to know was Pocahontas, making bread, +and observed her carefully. She had white meal, but whether of +barley, or the wheat called Indian corn, or Guinny wheat I could +not say, and this she mixed into a paste with hot water; making +it of such thickness that it could easily be rolled into little +balls or cakes.</p> + +<p>After the mixture had been thus shaped, she dropped the balls +into a pot of boiling water, letting them stay there until well +soaked, when she laid them on a smooth stone in front of the fire +until they had hardened and browned like unto bread that has been +cooked in the oven.</p> + +<p>But I have set myself to the task of telling how we of +Jamestown lived during that time when my master was much the same +as the head of the government, and it is not well to begin the +story with bread making.</p> + +<h1><a name="AN_UNEQUAL_DIVI"></a>AN UNEQUAL DIVISION OF +LABOR</h1> + +<p>First I must explain upon what terms these people, the greater +number of whom called themselves gentlemen, and therefore claimed +to be ashamed to labor with their hands, had come together under +control of those merchants in London, who were known as the +London Company.</p> + +<p>No person in the town of James was allowed to own any land +except as he had his share of the whole. Every one was expected +to work for the good of the village, and whatsoever of crops was +raised, belonged to all the people. It was not permitted that the +more industrious should plant the land and claim that which grew +under their toil.</p> + +<p>Ours was supposed to be one big family, with each laboring to +help the others at the same time he helped himself, and the +result was that those who worked only a single hour each day, had +as much of the general stores as he who remained in the field +from morning until night.</p> + +<p>Although my master had agreed to this plan before the fleet +sailed from England, he soon came to understand that it was not +the best for a new land, where it was needed that each person +should labor to the utmost of his powers.</p> + +<p>The London Company had provided a certain number of tents made +of cloth, which were supposed to be enough to give shelter to all +the people, and yet, because those who had charge of the matter +had made a mistake, through ignorance or for the sake of gain, +there were no more than would provide for the members of the +Council, who appeared to think they should be lodged in better +fashion than those who were not in authority.</p> + +<p>My master could well have laid claim to one of these cloth +houses; but because of the charges which had been made against +him by Captain Kendall and Captain Martin, the sting of which yet +remained, he chose to live by himself. Thus it was that he and I +threw up the roof of branches concerning which I have spoken; but +it was only to shelter us until better could be built.</p> + +<h1><a name="BUILDING_A_HOUS"></a>BUILDING A HOUSE OF LOGS</h1> + +<p>While the others were hunting here and there for the gold +which it had been said could be picked up in Virginia as one +gathers acorns in the old world, Captain Smith set about making a +house of logs such as would protect him from the storms of winter +as well as from the summer sun.</p> + +<p>This he did by laying four logs on the ground in the form of a +square, and so cutting notches in the ends of each that when it +was placed on the top of another, and at right angles with it, +the hewn portions would interlock, one with the other, holding +all firmly in place. On top of these, other huge tree trunks were +laid with the same notching of the ends. It was a vast amount of +labor, thus to roll up the heavy logs in the form of a square +until a pen or box had been made as high as a man's head, and +then over that was built a roof of logs fastened together with +wooden pins, or pegs, for iron nails were all too scarce and +costly to be used for such purpose.</p> + +<p>When the house had been built thus far, the roof was formed of +no more than four or five logs on which a thatching of grass was +to be laid later, and the ends, in what might be called the "peak +of the roof," were open to the weather. Then it was that roughly +hewn planks, or logs split into three or four strips, called +puncheons, were pegged with wooden nails on the sides, or ends, +where doors or windows were to be made.</p> + +<p>Then the space inside this framework was sawed out, and behold +you had a doorway, or the opening for a window, to be filled in +afterward as time and material with which to work might +permit.</p> + +<p>After this had been done, the ends under the roof were covered +with yet more logs, sawn to the proper length and pegged +together, until, save for the crevices between the timbers, the +whole gave protection against the weather.</p> + +<p>Then came the work of thatching the roof, which was done by +the branches of trees, dried grass, or bark. My master put on +first a layer of branches from which the leaves had been +stripped, and over that we laid coarse grass to the depth of six +or eight inches, binding the same down with small saplings +running from one side to the other, to the number of ten on each +slope of the roof. To me was given the task of closing up the +crevices between the logs with mud and grass mixed, and this I +did the better because Nathaniel Peacock worked with me, doing +his full share of the labor.</p> + +<h1><a name="KEEPING_HOUSE"></a>KEEPING HOUSE</h1> + +<p>When we came ashore from the ships, no one claimed Nathaniel +as servant, and he, burning to be in my company, asked Captain +Smith's permission to enter his employ. My master replied that it +had not been in his mind there should be servants and lords in +this new world of Virginia, where one was supposed to be on the +same footing as another; but if Nathaniel were minded to live +under the same roof with us, and would cheerfully perform his +full share of the labor, it might be as he desired.</p> + +<p>Because our house was the first to be put up in the new +village, and, being made of logs, was by far the best shelter, +even in comparison with the tents of cloth, Nathaniel and I +decided that it should be the most homelike, if indeed that could +be compassed where were no women to keep things cleanly. I am in +doubt as to whether Captain Smith, great traveler and brave +adventurer though he was, had even realized that with only men to +perform the household duties, there would be much lack of +comfort.</p> + +<p>The floor of the house was only the bare earth beaten down +hard. We lads made brooms, by tying the twigs of trees to a +stick, which was not what might be called a good makeshift, and +yet with such we kept the inside of our home far more cleanly +than were some of the tents.</p> + +<h1><a name="LACK_OF_CLEANLI"></a>LACK OF CLEANLINESS IN THE +VILLAGE</h1> + +<p>There were many who believed, because there were no women in +our midst, we should spare our labor in the way of keeping +cleanly, and before we had been in the new village a week, the +floors of many of the dwellings were littered with dirt of +various kinds, until that which should have been a home, looked +more like a place in which swine are kept.</p> + +<p>From the very first day we came ashore, good Master Hunt went +about urging that great effort be made to keep the houses, and +the paths around them, cleanly, saying that unless we did so, +there was like to be a sickness come among us. With some his +preaching did good, but by far the greater number, and these +chiefly to be found among the self called gentlemen, gave no +heed.</p> + +<p>It was as if these lazy ones delighted in filth. Again and +again have I seen one or another throw the scrapings of the +trencher bowls just outside the door of the tent or hut, where +those who came or went must of a necessity tread upon them, and +one need not struggle hard to realize what soon was the condition +of the village.</p> + +<p>After a heavy shower many of the paths were covered ankle deep +with filth of all kinds, and when the sun shone warm and bright, +the stench was too horrible to be described by ordinary +words.</p> + +<h1><a name="CAVE_HOMES"></a>CAVE HOMES</h1> + +<p>There were other kinds of homes, and quite a number of them, +that were made neither of cloth nor of logs. These were holes dug +in the side of small hillocks until a sleeping room had been +made, when the front part was covered with brush or logs, built +outward from the hill to form a kitchen.</p> + +<p>During a storm these cave homes were damp, often times +actually muddy, and those who slept therein were but inviting the +mortal sickness that came all too soon among us, until it was as +if the Angel of Death had taken possession of Jamestown.</p> + +<p>Captain Smith said everything he could to persuade these +people, who were content to live in a hole in the ground, that +they were little better than beasts of the field.</p> + +<p>But so long as the foolish ones continued to believe this new +world was much the same as filled with gold and silver, so long +they wasted their time searching.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_GOLDEN_FEVE"></a>THE GOLDEN FEVER</h1> + +<p>But for this golden fever, which attacked the gentlemen more +fiercely than it did the common people, the story of Jamestown +would not have been one of disaster brought about by willful +heedlessness and stupidity.</p> + +<p>Again and again did Captain Smith urge that crops be planted, +while it was yet time, in order that there might be food at hand +when the winter came; but he had not yet been allowed to take his +place in the Council, and those who had the thirst for gold +strong upon them, taunted him with the fact that he had no right +to raise his voice above the meanest of the company. They refused +to listen when he would have spoken with them as a friend, and +laughed him to scorn when he begged that they take heed to their +own lives.</p> + +<p>I cannot understand why our people were so crazy. Even though +Nathaniel and I were but lads, with no experience of adventure +such as was before us, we could realize that unless a man plants +he may not reap, and because we had been hungry many a time in +London town, we knew full well that when the season had passed +there was like to be a famine among us.</p> + +<p>I can well understand, now that I am a man grown, why our +people were so careless regarding the future, for everywhere +around us was food in plenty. Huge flocks of wild swans circled +above our heads, trumpeting the warning that winter would come +before gold could be found. Wild geese, cleaving the air in wedge +shaped line, honked harshly that the season for gathering stores +of food was passing, while at times, on a dull morning, it was as +if the waters of the bay were covered completely with ducks of +many kinds.</p> + +<h1><a name="DUCKS_AND_OYSTE"></a>DUCKS AND OYSTERS</h1> + +<p>I have heard Captain Smith say more than once, that he had +seen flocks of ducks a full mile wide and five or six miles long, +wherein canvasbacks, mallard, widgeon, redheads, dottrel, +sheldrake, and teal swam wing to wing, actually crowding each +other. When such flocks rose in the air, the noise made by their +wings was like unto the roaring of a tempest at sea.</p> + +<p>Then there was bed after bed of oysters, many of which were +uncovered at ebb tide, when a hungry man might stand and eat his +fill of shellfish, never one of them less than six inches long, +and many twice that size. It is little wonder that the gold +crazed men refused to listen while my master warned them that the +day might come when they would be hungry to the verge of +starvation.</p> + +<p>Now perhaps you will like to hear how we two lads, bred in +London town, with never a care as to how our food had been +cooked, so that we had enough with which to fill our stomachs, +made shift to prepare meals that could be eaten by Captain Smith, +for so we did after taking counsel with the girl Pocahontas from +Powhatan's village.</p> + +<h1><a name="ROASTING_OYSTER"></a>ROASTING OYSTERS</h1> + +<p>In the first place, the shell fish called oysters are readily +cooked, or may be eaten raw with great satisfaction. I know not +what our people of Virginia would have done without them, and yet +it was only by chance or accident that we came to learn how +nourishing they are.</p> + +<p>A company of our gentlemen had set off to explore the country +very shortly after we came ashore from the fleet, and while going +through that portion of the forest which borders upon the bay, +happened upon four savages who were cooking something over the +fire.</p> + +<p>The Indians ran away in alarm, and, on coming up to discover +what the brown men had which was good to eat, the explorers found +a large number of oysters roasting on the coals. Through +curiosity, one of our gentlemen tasted of the fish, and, much to +his surprise, found it very agreeable to the stomach.</p> + +<p>Before telling his companions the result of his experiment, he +ate all the oysters that had been cooked, which were more than +two dozen large ones, and then, instead of exploring the land any +further on that day, our gentlemen spent their time gathering and +roasting the very agreeable fish.</p> + +<p>As a matter of course, the news of this discovery spread +throughout the settlement, and straightway every person was +eating oysters; but they soon tired of them, hankering after +wheat of some kind.</p> + +<p>Among those who served some of the gentlemen even as Nathaniel +and I aimed to serve Captain Smith, was James Brumfield, a lazy, +shiftless lad near to seventeen years old. Being hungry, and not +inclined to build a fire, because it would be necessary to gather +fuel, he ventured to taste of a raw oyster. Finding it pleasant +to the mouth, he actually gorged himself until sickness put an +end to the gluttonous meal.</p> + +<p>It can thus be seen that even though Nathaniel and I had never +been apprenticed to a cook, it was not difficult for us to serve +our master with oysters roasted or raw, laid on that which +answered in the stead of a table, in their own shells.</p> + +<h1><a name="LEARNING_TO_COO"></a>LEARNING TO COOK OTHER +THINGS</h1> + +<p>Then again the Indian girl had shown us how to boil beans, +peas, Indian corn, and pumpkins together, making a kind of +porridge which is most pleasant, and affords a welcome change +from oysters; but the great drawback is that we are not able to +come at the various things needed for the making of it, except +when our gentlemen have been fortunate in trading with the brown +men, which is not often.</p> + +<p>This Indian corn, pounded and boiled until soft, is a dish +Captain Smith eats of with an appetite, provided it is well +salted, and one does not need to be a king's cook in order to +make it ready for the table. The pounding is the hardest and most +difficult portion of the task, for the kernels are exceeding +flinty, and fly off at a great distance when struck a glancing +blow.</p> + +<p>Nathaniel and I have brought inside our house a large, flat +rock, on which we pound the corn, and one of us is kept busy +picking up the grains that fly here and there as if possessed of +an evil spirit. Newsamp is the name which the savages give to +this cooking of wheat.</p> + +<p>I have an idea that when we get a mill for grinding, it will +be possible to break the kernels easily and quickly between the +millstones, without crushing a goodly portion of them to +meal.</p> + +<p>When the Indian corn is young, that is to say, before it has +grown hard, the ears as plucked from the stalks may be roasted +before the coals with great profit, and when we would give our +master something unusually pleasing, Nathaniel and I go abroad in +search of the gardens made by the savages, where we may get, by +bargaining, a supply of roasting ears.</p> + +<p>With a trencher of porridge, and a dozen roasting ears, +together with a half score of the bread balls such as I have +already written about, Captain Smith can satisfy his hunger with +great pleasure, and then it is that he declares he has the most +comfortable home in all Virginia, thanks to his "houseboys," as +he is pleased to call us.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_SWEET_POTAT"></a>THE SWEET POTATO ROOT</h1> + +<p>The Indians have roots, which some of our gentlemen call sweet +potatoes, which are by no means unpleasant to the taste, the only +difficulty being that we cannot get any great quantity of them. +Our master declares that when we make a garden, this root shall +be the first thing planted, and after it has ripened, we will +have some cooked every day.</p> + +<p>Nathaniel and I have no trouble in preparing the root, for it +may be roasted in the ashes, boiled into a pudding which should +be well salted, or mixed with the meal of Indian corn and made +into a kind of sweet cake.</p> + +<p>However, we lads have not had good success in baking this last +dish, because of the ashes which fly out of the fire when the +wind blows ever so slightly. Captain Smith declares that he would +rather have the ashes without the meal and sweet potato, if +indeed he must eat any, but of course when he speaks thus, it is +only in the way of making sport.</p> + +<p>Captain Kendall, who, because he has made two voyages to the +Indies, believes himself a wondrously wise man, says that he who +eats sweet potatoes at least once each day will not live above +seven years, and he who eats them twice every day will become +blind, after which all his teeth will drop out.</p> + +<p>Because of this prediction, many of our gentlemen are not +willing even so much as to taste of the root, but Captain Smith +says that wise men may grow fat where fools starve, therefore he +gathers up all the sweet potatoes which the others have thrown +away, for they please him exceeding well.</p> + +<h1><a name="A_TOUCH_OF_HOME"></a>A TOUCH OF HOMESICKNESS</h1> + +<p>There is no need for me to say that it makes both Nathaniel +and me glad to be praised by our master, because we keep the +house cleanly and strive to serve the food in such a manner as +not to offend the eye; but we would willingly dispense with such +welcome words if thereby it would be possible to see a woman +messing around the place.</p> + +<p>Strive as boys may, they cannot attend to household matters as +do girls or women, who have been brought into the world knowing +how to perform such tasks, and it is more homelike to see them +around.</p> + +<p>Nathaniel and I often picture to each other what this village +of Jamestown would be if in each camp, cave, or log hut a woman +was in command, and ever when we talk thus comes into my heart a +sickness for the old homes of England, even though after my +mother died there was none for me; but yet it would do me a world +of good even to look upon a housewife. A most friendly gentleman +is Master Hunt, and even though he is so far above me in station, +I never fail of getting a kindly greeting when I am so fortunate +as to meet him. He comes often to see Captain Smith, for the two +talk long and earnestly over the matter of the Council, and at +such times it is as if he went out of his way to give me a good +word.</p> + +<h1><a name="MASTER_HUNT_S_P"></a>MASTER HUNT'S PREACHING</h1> + +<p>Therefore it is that I go to hear him preach whenever the +people are summoned to a meeting beneath the square of canvas in +the wood, and more than once I have heard from him that which has +taken the sickness for home out of my heart. Our people are not +inclined to listen to him in great numbers, however. I have never +seen above twenty at one time, the others being busy in the +search for gold, or trying to decide among themselves as to how +it may best be found.</p> + +<p>More than once have I heard Master Hunt say, while talking +privately with my master, that there would be greater hope for +this village of ours if we had more laborers and less gentlemen, +for in a new land it is only work that can win in the battle +against the savages and the wilderness.</p> + +<p>Four carpenters, one blacksmith, two bricklayers, a mason, a +sailor, a barber, a tailor, and a drummer make up the list of +skilled workmen, if, indeed, one who can do nothing save drum may +be called a laborer. To these may be added twelve serving men and +four boys. All the others are gentlemen, or, as Master Hunt puts +it, drones expecting to live through the mercy of God whom they +turn their backs upon.</p> + +<h1><a name="NEGLECTING_TO_P"></a>NEGLECTING TO PROVIDE FOR THE +FUTURE</h1> + +<p>The one thing which seemed most surprising to us lads, after +Captain Smith had called it to our notice, was that these people, +who knew there could be no question but that the winter would +find them in Jamestown, when there could be neither roasting +ears, peas, beans, nor fowls of the air to be come at, made no +provision for a harvest.</p> + +<p>Captain Smith, not being allowed to raise his voice in the +Council, could only speak as one whose words have little weight, +since he was not in authority; but he lost no opportunity of +telling these gold seekers that only those who sowed might reap, +and unless seed was put into the ground, there would be no crops +to serve as food during the winter.</p> + +<p>Even Master Wingfield, the President of the Council, refused +to listen when my master would have spoken to him as a friend. He +gave more heed to exploring the land, than to what might be our +fate in the future. He would not even allow the gentlemen to make +such a fort as might withstand an assault by the savages, seeming +to think it of more importance to know what was to be found on +the banks of this river or of that, than to guard against those +brown people who daily gave token of being unfriendly.</p> + +<p>The serving men and laborers were employed in making +clapboards that we might have a cargo with which to fill one of +Captain Newport's ships when he returned from England, according +to the plans of the London Company. The gentlemen roamed here or +there, seeking the yellow metal which had much the same as caused +a madness among them; and, save in the case of Master Hunt and +Captain Smith, none planted even the smallest garden.</p> + +<h1><a name="SURPRISED_BY_SA"></a>SURPRISED BY SAVAGES</h1> + +<p>The fort, as it was called, had been built only of the +branches of trees, and might easily have been overrun by savages +bent on doing us harm.</p> + +<p>It was while Master Wingfield, with thirty of the gentlemen, +was gone to visit Powhatan's village, and the others were hunting +for gold, leaving only my master and the preacher to look after +the serving men and the laborers, that upward of an hundred naked +savages suddenly came down upon us, counting to make an end of +all who were in the town.</p> + +<p>It was a most fearsome sight to see the brown men, their +bodies painted with many colors, carrying bows and arrows, dash +out from among the trees bent on taking our lives, and for what +seemed a very long while our people ran here and there like ants +whose nest has been broken in upon.</p> + +<p>Captain Smith gave no heed to his own safety; but shouted for +all to take refuge in our house of logs, while Master Hunt did +what he might to aid in the defence; yet, because there had been +no exercise at arms, nor training, that each should know what was +his part at such a time, seventeen of the people were wounded, +some grievously, and one boy, James Brumfield of whom I have +already spoken, was killed by an arrow piercing his eye.</p> + +<h1><a name="STRENGTHENING_T"></a>STRENGTHENING THE FORT</h1> + +<p>Next day, when Master Wingfield and his following came in, +none the better for having gone to Powhatan's village, all +understood that it would have been wiser had they listened to my +master when he counseled them to take exercise at arms, and +straightway all the men were set about making a fort with a +palisade, which last is the name for a fence built of logs set on +end, side by side, in the ground, and rising so high that the +enemy may not climb over it. This work took all the time of the +laborers until the summer was gone, and in the meanwhile the +gentlemen made use of the stores left us by the fleet, until +there remained no more than one half pint of wheat to each man +for a day's food.</p> + +<p>The savages strove by day and by night to murder us, till it +was no longer safe to go in search of oysters or wildfowl, and +from wheat which had lain so long in the holds of the ships that +nearly every grain in it had a worm, did we get our only +nourishment.</p> + +<p>The labor of building the palisade was most grievous, and it +was not within the power of man to continue it while eating such +food; therefore the sickness came upon us, when it was as if all +had been condemned to die.</p> + +<h1><a name="A_TIME_OF_SICKN"></a>A TIME OF SICKNESS AND +DEATH</h1> + +<p>The first who went out from among us, was John Asbie, on the +sixth of August. Three days later George Flowers followed him. On +the tenth of the same month William Bruster, one of the +gentlemen, died of a wound given by the savages while he was +searching for gold, and two others laid down their lives within +the next eight and forty hours.</p> + +<p>Then the deaths came rapidly, gentlemen as well as serving men +or laborers, until near eighty of our company were either in the +grave, or unable to move out of such shelters as served as +houses.</p> + +<p>A great fear came upon all, save that my master held his head +as high as ever, and went here and there with Master Hunt to do +what he might toward soothing the sick and comforting the +dying.</p> + +<p>It was on the twentieth day of August when Captain Bartholomew +Gosnold, one of the Council, died, and then Master Wingfield +forgot all else save his own safety. More than one in our village +declared that he was making ready the pinnace that he might run +away from us, as if the Angel of Death could be escaped from by +flight.</p> + +<p>It was starvation brought about by sheer neglect, together +with lying upon the bare ground and drinking of the river water, +which by this time was very muddy, that had brought us to such a +pass.</p> + +<p>Save for the king, Powhatan, and some few of the other savages +in authority, we must all have died; but when there were only +five in all our company able to stand without aid, God touched +the hearts of these Indians. They, who had lately been trying to +kill us, suddenly came to do what they might toward saving our +lives after a full half of the company were in the grave.</p> + +<p>They brought food such as was needed to nourish us, and within +a short time the greater number of us who were left alive, could +go about, but only with difficulty. It was a time of terror, of +suffering, and of close acquaintance with death such as I cannot +set down in words, for even at this late day the thought of what +we then endured chills my heart.</p> + +<p>When we had been restored to health and strength, and were no +longer hungry, thanks to those who had been our bitter enemies, +the chief men of the village began to realize that my master had +not only given good advice on all occasions, but stood among them +bravely when the President of the Council was making preparations +to run away.</p> + +<h1><a name="CAPTAIN_SMITH_G"></a>CAPTAIN SMITH GAINS +AUTHORITY</h1> + +<p>There was but little idle talk made by the members of the +Council in deciding that Master Wingfield should be deprived of +his office, and Master Ratcliffe set in his place. Captain Smith +was called upon to take his proper position in the government, +and, what was more, to him they gave the direction of all matters +outside the town, which was much the same as putting him in +authority over even the President himself.</p> + +<p>It was greatly to my pleasure that Captain Smith lost no time +in exercising the power which had been given him. Nor was he at +all gentle in dealing with those men who disdained to soil their +hands by working, yet were willing to spend one day, and every +day, searching for gold, without raising a finger toward adding +to the general store, but at the same time claiming the right to +have so much of food as would not only satisfy their hunger, but +minister to their gluttony.</p> + +<p>Nathaniel and I heard our master talking over the matter with +the preacher, on the night the Council had given him full charge +of everything save the dealings which might be had later with the +London Company, therefore it was that we knew there would be +different doings on the morrow.</p> + +<p>Greatly did we rejoice thereat, for Jamestown had become as +slovenly and ill kempt a village as ever the sun shone upon.</p> + +<p>Now it must be set down that these gentlemen of ours, when not +searching for gold, were wont to play at bowls in the lanes and +paths, that they might have amusement while the others were +working, and woe betide the serving man or laborer, who by +accident interfered with their sports.</p> + +<p>On this day, after the conversation with Master Hunt, all was +changed. Captain Smith began his duties as guardian and director +of the village by causing it to be proclaimed through the mouth +of Nicholas Skot, our drummer, that there would be no more +playing at bowls in the streets of Jamestown while it was +necessary that very much work should be performed, and this +spoken notice also stated, that whosoever dared to disobey the +command should straightway be clapped into the stocks.</p> + +<h1><a name="DISAGREEABLE_ME"></a>DISAGREEABLE MEASURES OF +DISCIPLINE</h1> + +<p>Lest there should be any question as to whether my master +intended to carry out this threat or no, William Laxon, one of +the carpenters, was forthwith set to work building stocks in +front of the tent where lived Master Ratcliffe, the new President +of the Council. Nor was this the only change disagreeable to our +gentlemen, which Captain Smith brought about. No sooner had +Nicholas Skot proclaimed the order that whosoever played at bowls +should be set in the stocks, than he was commanded to turn about +and announce with all the strength of his lungs, so that every +one in the village might hear and understand, that those who +would not work should not have whatsoever to eat.</p> + +<p>Verily this was a hard blow to the gentlemen of our company, +who prided themselves upon never having done with their hands +that which was useful. One would have thought my master had made +this rule for his own particular pleasure, for straightway those +of the gentlemen who could least hold their tempers in check, +gathered in the tent which Master Wingfield had taken for his +own, and there agreed among themselves that if Captain Smith +persisted in such brutal rule, they would overturn all the +authority in the town, and end by setting the Captain himself in +the stocks which William Laxon was then making. It so chanced +that Master Hunt overheard these threats at the time they were +made, and, like a true friend and good citizen, reported the same +to Captain Smith.</p> + +<p>Whereupon my master chose a certain number from among those of +the gentlemen who had become convinced that sharp measures were +necessary if we of Jamestown would live throughout the winter, +commanding that they make careful search of every tent, cave, hut +or house in the village, taking therefrom all that was eatable, +and storing it in the log house which had been put up for the +common use.</p> + +<p>Then he appointed Kellam Throgmorton, a gentleman who was well +able to hold his own against any who might attempt to oppose him, +to the office of guardian of the food, giving strict orders that +nothing whatsoever which could be eaten, should be given to those +who did not present good proof of having done a full day's +labor.</p> + +<p>Of course the people who lay sick were excused from such +order, and Master Hunt was chosen to make up a list of those who +must be fed, yet who were not able to work by reason of +illness.</p> + +<h1><a name="SIGNS_OF_REBELL"></a>SIGNS OF REBELLION</h1> + +<p>Now it can well be understood that such measures as these +caused no little in the way of rebellion, and during the two +hours Nicholas Skot cried the proclamation through the streets +and lanes of the village, the gentlemen who had determined to +resist Captain Smith were in a fine state of ferment.</p> + +<p>It was as if a company of crazy men had been suddenly let +loose among us. Not content with plotting secretly against my +master, they must needs swagger about, advising others to join +them in their rebellion, and everywhere could be heard oaths and +threats, in such language as was like to cause honest men's hair +to stand on end.</p> + +<p>For a short time Nathaniel Peacock and I actually trembled +with fear, believing the house of logs would be pulled down over +our heads, for no less than a dozen of the so called gentlemen +were raging and storming outside; but disturbing Captain Smith +not one whit. He sat there, furbishing his matchlock as if having +nothing better with which to occupy the time; but, as can well be +fancied, drinking in every word of mutiny which was uttered.</p> + +<p>Then, as if he would saunter out for a stroll, the captain +left the house, which was much the same as inviting these +disorderly ones to attack him; but they lacked the courage, for +he went to the fort without being molested.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_SECOND_PROC"></a>THE SECOND PROCLAMATION</h1> + +<p>It seemed to me as if no more than half an hour had passed +before Nicholas Skot was making another proclamation, and this +time to the effect that whosoever, after that moment, was heard +uttering profane words, should have a can full of cold water +poured down his sleeve.</p> + +<p>On hearing this, the unruly ones laughed in derision and +straightway began to shout forth such a volley of oaths as I had +never heard during a drunken brawl in the streets of London.</p> + +<p>It was not long, however, that they were thus allowed to shame +decent people. Down from the fort came Captain Smith, with six +stout men behind him, and in a twinkling there was as hot a fight +within twenty paces of Master Ratcliffe's tent, as could be well +imagined.</p> + +<p>And the result of it all was, much to the satisfaction of +Nathaniel and myself, that every one of these men who had amused +themselves by uttering the vilest of oaths, had a full can of the +coldest water that could be procured, poured down the sleeve of +his doublet.</p> + +<p>The method of doing it was comical, if one could forget how +serious was the situation. Two of my master's followers would +pounce upon the fellow who was making the air blue with oaths, +and, throwing him to the ground, hold him there firmly while the +third raised his arm and carefully poured the water down the +sleeve.</p> + +<p>Now you may fancy that this was not very harsh treatment; but +I afterward heard those who had been thus punished, say that they +would choose five or six stout lashes on their backs, rather than +take again such a dose as was dealt out on that day after John +Smith was made captain and commander, or whatsoever you choose to +call his office, in the village of Jamestown.</p> + +<h1><a name="BUILDING_A_FORT"></a>BUILDING A FORTIFIED +VILLAGE</h1> + +<p>There is little need for me to say that these were not the +only reforms which my master brought about, after having waited +long enough for our lazy gentlemen to understand that unless they +set their hands to labor they could not eat from the general +store.</p> + +<p>He straightway set these idle ones to work building houses, +declaring that if the sickness which had come among us was to be +checked, our people must no longer sleep upon the ground, or in +caves where the moisture gathered all around them.</p> + +<p>He marked out places whereon log dwellings should be placed, +in such manner that when the houses had been set up, they would +form a square, and, as I heard him tell Master Hunt, it was his +intention to have all the buildings surrounded by a palisade in +which should be many gates.</p> + +<p>Thus, when all was finished, he would have a fort-like +village, wherein the people could rest without fear of what the +savages might be able to do.</p> + +<p>By the time such work was well under way, and our gentlemen +laboring as honest men should, after learning that it was +necessary so to do unless they were willing to go hungry, Captain +Smith set about adding to our store of food, for it was not to be +supposed that we could depend for any length of time upon what +the Indians might give us, and the winter would be long.</p> + +<h1><a name="TRAPPING_TURKEY"></a>TRAPPING TURKEYS</h1> + +<p>The wild turkeys had appeared in the forest in great numbers, +but few had been killed by our people because of the savages, +many of whom were not to be trusted, even though the chiefs of +three tribes professed to be friendly. It was this fact which had +prevented us from doing much in the way of hunting.</p> + +<p>Now that we were in such stress for food, and since all had +turned laborers, whether willingly or no, much in the way of +provisions was needed. Captain Smith set about taking the turkeys +as he did about most other matters, which is to say, that it was +done in a thorough manner.</p> + +<p>Instead of being forced to spend at least one charge of powder +for each fowl killed, he proposed that we trap them, and showed +how it might be done, according to his belief.</p> + +<p>Four men were told off to do the work, and they were kept busy +cutting saplings and trimming them down until there was nothing +left save poles from fifteen to twenty feet long. Then, with +these poles laid one above the other, a square pen was made, and +at the top was a thatching of branches, so that no fowl larger +than a pigeon might go through.</p> + +<p>From one side of this trap, or turkey pen, was dug a ditch +perhaps two feet deep, and the same in width, running straightway +into the thicket where the turkeys were in the custom of +roosting, for a distance of twenty feet or more. This ditch was +carried underneath the side of the pen, where was an opening +hardly more than large enough for one turkey to pass through. +Corn was scattered along the whole length of the ditch, and thus +was the trap set.</p> + +<p>The turkeys, on finding the trail of corn, would follow +hurriedly along, like the gluttons they are, with the idea of +coming upon a larger hoard, and thus pass through into the pen. +Once inside they were trapped securely, for the wild turkey holds +his head so high that he can never see the way out through a hole +which is at a level with his feet.</p> + +<p>It was a most ingenious contrivance, and on the first morning +after it had been set at night, we had fifty plump fellows +securely caged, when it was only necessary to enter the trap by +crawling through the top, and kill them at our leisure.</p> + +<p>It may be asked how we made shift to cook such a thing as a +turkey, other than by boiling it in a kettle, and this can be +told in very few words, for it was a simple matter after once you +had become accustomed to it.</p> + +<h1><a name="A_CRUDE_KIND_OF"></a>A CRUDE KIND OF CHIMNEY</h1> + +<p>First you must know, however, that when our houses of logs had +been built, we had nothing with which to make a chimney such as +one finds in London. We had no bricks, and although, mayhap, flat +rocks might have been found enough for two or three, there was no +mortar in the whole land of Virginia with which to fasten them +together.</p> + +<p>Therefore it was we were forced to build a chimney of logs, +laying it up on the outside much as we had the house, but +plentifully besmearing it with mud on the inside, and chinking +the crevices with moss and clay.</p> + +<p>When this had been done, a hole was cut for the smoke, +directly through the side of the house. The danger of setting the +building on fire was great; but we strove to guard against it so +much as possible by plastering a layer of mud over the wood, and +by keeping careful watch when we had a roaring fire. Oftentimes +were we forced to stop in the task of cooking, take all the +vessels from the coals, and throw water upon the blazing +logs.</p> + +<p>The chimney was a rude affair, of course, and perhaps if we +had had women among us, they would have claimed that no cooking +could be done, when all the utensils were placed directly on the +burning wood, or hung above it with chains fastened to the top of +the fireplace; but when lads like Nathaniel and me, who had never +had any experience in cooking with proper tools, set about the +task, it did not seem difficult, for we were accustomed to +nothing else.</p> + +<h1><a name="COOKING_A_TURKE"></a>COOKING A TURKEY</h1> + +<p>And this is how we could roast a turkey: after drawing the +entrails from the bird, we filled him full of chinquapin nuts, +which grow profusely in this land, and are, perhaps, of some +relation to the chestnut. An oaken stick, sufficiently long to +reach from one side of the fireplace to the other, and trimmed +with knives until it was no larger around than the ramrod of a +matchlock, forms our spit, and this we thrust through the body of +the bird from end to end. A pile of rocks on either side of the +fireplace, at a proper distance from the burning wood, serves as +rests for the ends of the wooden spit, and when thus placed the +bird will be cooked in front of the fire, if whosoever is +attending to the labor turns the carcass from time to time, so +that each portion may receive an equal amount of heat.</p> + +<p>I am not pretending to say that this is a skillful method of +cooking; but if you had been with us in Jamestown, and were as +hungry as we often were, a wild turkey filled with chinquapin +nuts, and roasted in such fashion, would make a very agreeable +dinner.</p> + +<p>We were put to it for a table; but yet a sort of shelf made +from a plank roughly split out of the trunk of a tree, and +furnished with two legs on either end, was not as awkward as one +may fancy, for we had no chairs on which to sit while eating; but +squatted on the ground, and this low bench served our purpose as +well as a better piece of furniture would have done.</p> + +<p>When the captain was at home, he carved the bird with his +hunting knife, and one such fowl would fill the largest trencher +bowl we had among us.</p> + +<p>Nor could we be overly nice while eating, and since we had no +napkins on which to wipe our fingers, a plentiful supply of water +was necessary to cleanse one's hands, for these wild turkeys are +overly fat in the months of September and October, and he who +holds as much of the cooked flesh in his hand as is needed for a +hearty dinner, squeezes therefrom a considerable amount in the +way of grease.</p> + +<p>We were better off for vessels in which to put our food, than +in many other respects, for we had of trencher bowls an +abundance, and the London Company had outfitted us with ware of +iron, or of brass, or of copper, until our poor table seemed +laden with an exceeding rich store.</p> + +<h1><a name="CANDLES_OR_RUSH"></a>CANDLES OR RUSHLIGHTS</h1> + +<p>To provide lights for ourselves, now that the evenings were +grown longer, was a much more difficult task than to cook without +proper conveniences, for it cost considerable labor. We had our +choice between the candle wood, as the pitch pine is called, or +rushlights, which last are made by stripping the outer bark from +common rushes, thus leaving the pith bare; then dipping these in +tallow, or grease, and allowing them to harden. In such manner +did we get makeshifts for candles, neither pleasing to the eye +nor affording very much in the way of light; yet they served in a +certain degree to dispel the darkness when by reason of storm we +were shut in the dwellings, and made the inside of the house very +nearly cheerful in appearance.</p> + +<p>To get the tallow or grease with which to make these +rushlights, we saved the fat of the deer, or the bear, or even a +portion of the grease from turkeys, and, having gathered +sufficient for the candle making, mixed them all in one pot for +melting.</p> + +<p>The task of gathering the candle wood was more pleasing, and +yet oftentimes had in it more of work, for it was the knots of +the trees which gave the better light, and we might readily +fasten them upon an iron skewer, or rod, which was driven into +the side of the house for such purpose.</p> + +<p>Some of our people, who were too lazy to search for knots, +split the wood into small sticks, each about the size of a goose +quill, and, standing three or four in a vessel filled with sand, +gained as much in the way of light as might be had from one pine +knot.</p> + +<p>Of course, those who were overly particular, would find fault +with the smoke from this candle wood, and complain of the tar +which oozed from it; but one who lives in the wilderness must not +expect to have all the luxuries that can be procured in +London.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_VISIT_OF_PO"></a>THE VISIT OF POCAHONTAS</h1> + +<p>We had a visitor from the village of Powhatan very soon after +Captain Smith took command of Jamestown to such an extent that +the gentlemen were forced to work and to speak without oaths, +through fear of getting too much cold water inside the sleeves of +their doublets.</p> + +<p>This visitor was the same Indian girl I had seen making bread, +and quite by chance our house was the first she looked into, +which caused me much pride, for I believed she was attracted to +it because it was more cleanly than many of the others.</p> + +<p>We were all at home when she came, being about to partake of +the noonday meal, which was neither more nor less than a big +turkey weighing more than two score pounds, and roasted to a +brownness which would cause a hungry person's mouth to water.</p> + +<p>Although she who had halted to look in at our door was only a +girl, Captain Smith treated her as if she were the greatest lady +in the world, himself leading her inside to his own place at the +trencher board, while she, in noways shy, began to help herself +to the fattest pieces of meat, thereby besmearing herself with +grease until there was enough running down her chin to have made +no less than two rushlights, so Nathaniel Peacock declared.</p> + +<p>Of course, being a savage, she could not speak in our +language, but the master, who had studied diligently since coming +to this world of Virginia to learn the speech of the Indians, +made shift to get from her some little information, she being the +daughter of Powhatan, the king concerning whom I have already set +down many things.</p> + +<p>At first Captain Smith was of the belief that she had come on +some errand; but after much questioning, more by signs than +words, it came out, as we understood the matter, that the girl +was in Jamestown for no other purpose than to see what we white +people were like.</p> + +<p>Captain Smith was minded that she should be satisfied, so far +as her curiosity was concerned, for when the dinner had come to +an end, and I had given this king's daughter some dry, sweet +grass on which to wipe her hands and mouth, he conducted her +around the village, allowing that she look in upon the tents and +houses at her pleasure.</p> + +<p>She stayed with us until the sun was within an hour of +setting, and then darted off into the forest as does a startled +pheasant, stopping for a single minute when she had got among the +trees, to wave her hand, as if bidding us goodbye, or in plain +mischief.</p> + +<h1><a name="CAPTAIN_KENDALL"></a>CAPTAIN KENDALL'S PLOT</h1> + +<p>It is not possible my memory will serve me to tell of all that +was done by us in Jamestown after we were come to our senses +through the efforts of my master; but the killing of Captain +Kendall is one of the many terrible happenings in Virginia, which +will never be forgotten so long as I shall live.</p> + +<p>After our people were relieved from the famine through the +gifts from the Indians and the coming of wild fowl, Captain Smith +set about making some plans to provide us with food during the +winter, and to that end he set off in the shallop to trade with +the savages, taking with him six men. He had a goodly store of +beads and trinkets with which to make payment for what he might +be able to buy, for these brown men are overly fond of what among +English people would be little more than toys.</p> + +<p>While he was gone, Master Wingfield and Captain Kendall were +much together, for both were in a certain way under disgrace +since the plot with which they charged my master had been shown +to have been of their own evil imaginings. They at once set about +making friends with some of the serving men, and this in itself +was so strange that Nathaniel and I kept our eyes and ears open +wide to discover the cause.</p> + +<p>It was not many days before we came to know that there was a +plan on foot, laid by these two men who should have been working +for the good of the colony instead of to further their own base +ends, to seize upon our pinnace, which lay moored to the shore, +and to sail in her to England.</p> + +<p>How that would have advantaged them I cannot even so much as +guess; but certain it was that they carried on board the pinnace +a great store of wild fowl, which had been cooked with much +labor, and had filled two casks with water, as if believing such +amount would serve to save them from thirst during the long +voyage.</p> + +<p>These wicked ones had hardly gone on board the vessel when +Captain Smith came home in the shallop, which was loaded deep +with Indian corn he had bought from the savages, and, seeing the +pinnace being got under way, had little trouble in guessing what +was afoot.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_DEATH_OF_CA"></a>THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN +KENDALL</h1> + +<p>If ever a man moved swiftly, and with purpose, it was our +master when he thus came to understand what Master Wingfield and +Captain Kendall would do. He was on shore before those in the +pinnace could hoist the sails, and, calling upon all who remained +true to the London Company to give him aid, had three of our +small cannon, which were already loaded with shot, aimed at the +crew of mutineers.</p> + +<p>Five men, each with a matchlock in his hand, stood ready to +fire upon those who would at the same time desert and steal from +us, and Captain Smith gave the order for Captain Kendall and +Master Wingfield to come on shore without delay.</p> + +<p>For reply Captain Kendall discharged his firearm, hoping to +kill my master, and then those on the bank emptied their +matchlocks with such effect that Captain Kendall was killed by +the first volley, causing Master Wingfield to scuttle on shore in +a twinkling lest he suffer a like fate.</p> + +<p>The whole bloody business was at an end in less than a quarter +hour; but the effect of it was not so soon wiped away, for from +that time each man had suspicion of his neighbor, fearing lest +another attempt be made to take from us the pinnace, which we +looked upon as an ark of refuge, in case the savages should come +against us in such numbers that they could not be resisted.</p> + +<h1><a name="CAPTAIN SMITH'S EXPEDITION AND RETURN"></a>CAPTAIN +SMITH'S EXPEDITION AND RETURN</h1> + +<p>Until winter was come we had food in plenty, for one could +hardly send a charge of shot toward the river without bringing +down swans, ducks, or cranes, while from the savages we got +sufficient for our daily wants, meal made from the corn, +pumpkins, peas, and beans.</p> + +<p>But this did not cause Captain Smith to give over trying to +buy from the Indians a store of corn for the winter, and shortly +after Captain Kendall's death, he set off with nine white men and +two Indian guides in a barge, counting to go as far as the head +of the Chickahominy River.</p> + +<p>This time twenty-two long, dreary days went by without his +return, and we mourned him as dead, believing the savages had +murdered him.</p> + +<p>The discontented ones were in high glee because of thinking +the man who had forced them to do that which they should, had +gone out from their world forever, and we two lads were plunged +in deepest grief, for in all the great land of Virginia, Captain +Smith was our only true friend.</p> + +<p>Then arrived that day when he suddenly appeared before us, +having come to no harm, and as Master Hunt lifted up his hands in +a prayer of thanksgiving because the man who was so sadly needed +in Jamestown had returned, I fell on my knees, understanding for +the first time in my life how good God could be to us in that +wilderness.</p> + +<p>I would that I might describe the scene in our house that +night, when Master Hunt was come to hear what all knew would be a +story of wildest adventure, for it went without saying that my +master never would have remained so long absent from Jamestown +had it been within his power to return sooner.</p> + +<h1><a name="AN_EXCITING_ADV"></a>AN EXCITING ADVENTURE</h1> + +<p>We waited to hear the tale until he had refreshed himself +after the long journey, and then what Captain Smith told us was +like unto this, as I remember it:</p> + +<p>After leaving the village, he had sailed up the river until +there was no longer water enough to float the barge, when, with +two white men and the two Indians, he embarked in a canoe, +continuing the voyage for a distance of twelve miles or more. +There, in the wilderness, they made ready to spend the night, and +with one of the savage guides my master went on shore on an +island to shoot some wild fowls for supper. He had traveled a +short distance from the boat, when he heard cries of the savages +in the distance, and, looking back, saw that one of the men had +been taken prisoner, while the other was fighting for his +life.</p> + +<p>At almost the very minute when he saw this terrible thing, he +was suddenly beset by more than two hundred yelling, dancing +savages, who were sweeping down upon him as if believing he was +in their power beyond any chance. The Indian guide, who appeared +to be terribly frightened, although it might have been that he +was in the plot to murder my master, would have run away; but +that Captain Smith held him fast while he fired one of his +pistols to keep the enemy in check.</p> + +<p>Understanding that he must do battle for his life, my master +first took the precaution to bind the Indian guide to his left +arm, by means of his belt, in such fashion that the fellow would +serve as a shield against the shower of arrows the savages were +sending through the air.</p> + +<p>Protected in this manner, Captain Smith fought bravely, as he +always does, and had succeeded in killing two of the Indians with +his matchlock, when suddenly he sank knee deep into a mire. It +seems that he had been retreating toward the canoe, hoping to get +on board her where would be some chance for shelter, and was so +engaged with the savages in front of him as to give little heed +to his steps.</p> + +<p>Once he was held prisoner by the mud, the enemy quickly +surrounded him, and he could do no better than surrender. Instead +of treating him cruelly, as might have been expected, these brown +men carried him from village to village, as if exhibiting some +strange animal.</p> + +<h1><a name="TAKEN_BEFORE_PO"></a>TAKEN BEFORE POWHATAN</h1> + +<p>When he was first made captive, the Indians found his compass, +and were stricken with wonder, because, however the instrument +might be turned, the needle always pointed in the same direction. +The glass which protected the needle caused even more amazement, +and, believing him to be a magician, they took him to +Powhatan.</p> + +<p>After many days of traveling, the savages were come with their +prisoner to Powhatan's village, where Captain Smith was held +close prisoner in one of the huts, being fairly well treated and +fed in abundance, until the king, who had been out with a hunting +party, came home.</p> + +<p>Twice while he was thus captive did Captain Smith see the girl +Pocahontas, who had visited him in Jamestown; but she gave no +especial heed to him, save as a child who was minded to be +amused, until on the day when some of the savages gave him to +understand that he was to be killed for having come into this +land of theirs, and also for having shot to death some of their +tribe.</p> + +<p>When he was led out of Powhatan's tent of skins, with his feet +and hands bound, he had no hope of being able to save his own +life, for there was no longer any chance for him to struggle +against those who had him in their power.</p> + +<h1><a name="POCAHONTAS_BEGS"></a>POCAHONTAS BEGS FOR SMITH'S +LIFE</h1> + +<p>He was forced down on the earth, with his head upon a great +rock, while two half naked savages came forward with heavy stones +bound to wooden handles, with which to beat out his brains, and +these weapons were already raised to strike, when the girl +Pocahontas ran forward, throwing herself upon my master, as she +asked that Powhatan give him to her.</p> + +<p>Now, as we afterward came to know, it is the custom among +savages, that when one of their women begs for the life of a +prisoner, to grant the prayer, and so it was done in this case, +else we had never seen my master again.</p> + +<p>It is also the custom, when a prisoner has thus been given to +one who begged for his life, that the captive shall always be +held as slave by her; but Pocahontas desired only to let him go +back to Jamestown. Then it was she told her father how she had +been treated when visiting us, and Powhatan, after keeping +Captain Smith prisoner until he could tell of what he had seen in +other countries of the world, set him free.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_EFFECT_OF_C"></a>THE EFFECT OF CAPTAIN SMITH'S +RETURN</h1> + +<p>It was well for us of Jamestown that my master returned just +when he did, for already had our gentlemen, believing him dead, +refused longer to work, and even neglected the hunting, when game +of all kinds was so plentiful. They had spent the time roaming +around searching for gold, until we were once more in need of +food.</p> + +<p>The sickness had come among us again, and of all our company, +which numbered an hundred when Captain Newport sailed for +England, only thirty-eight remained alive.</p> + +<p>Within four and twenty hours after Captain Smith came back, +matters had so far mended that every man who could move about at +will, was working for the common good, although from that time, +until Captain Newport came again, we had much of suffering.</p> + +<p>With the coming of winter Nathaniel and I were put to it to do +our work in anything like a seemly manner. What with the making +of candles, or of rushlights; tanning deer hides in such fashion +as Captain Smith had taught us; mending his doublets of leather, +as well as our own; keeping the house and ground around it fairly +clean, in addition to cooking meals which might tempt the +appetite of our master, we were busy from sunrise to sunset.</p> + +<p>Nor were we without our reward. On rare occasions Captain +Smith would commend us for attending to our duties in better +fashion than he had fancied lads would ever be able to do, and +very often did Master Hunt whisper words of praise in our ears, +saying again and again that he would there were in his house two +boys like us.</p> + +<p>This you may be sure was more of payment than we had a +reasonable right to expect, for certain it is that even at our +best the work was but fairly done, as it ever must be when there +are houseboys instead of housewives at home.</p> + +<p>Master Hunt had a serving man, William Rods, and he was not +one well fitted to do a woman's work, for in addition to being +clumsy, even at the expense of breaking now and then a wooden +trencher bowl, he had no thought that cleanliness was, as the +preacher often told us, next to godliness.</p> + +<p>It was he, and such as he, that caused Captain Smith and those +others of the Council who were minded to work for the common +good, very much of trouble.</p> + +<p>The rule, as laid down by my master, was that those living in +a dwelling should keep cleanly the land roundabout the outside +for a space of five yards, and yet again and again have I seen +William Rods throw the refuse from the table just outside the +door, meaning to take it away at a future time, and always +forgetting so to do until reminded by some one in authority.</p> + +<p>However, it is not for me to speak of such trifling things as +these, although had you heard Captain Smith and Master Hunt in +conversation, you would not have set them down as being of little +importance. Those two claimed that only by strict regard to +cleanliness, both of person and house, would it be possible for +us, when another summer came, to ward off that sickness which had +already carried away so many of our company.</p> + +<p>After Captain Smith had brought matters to rights in the +village, setting this company of men to building more houses, and +that company to hewing down trees for firewood, which would be +needed when the winter had come, Master Hunt made mention of a +matter which I knew must have been very near his heart many a +day.</p> + +<h1><a name="A_NEW_CHURCH"></a>A NEW CHURCH</h1> + +<p>During all the time we had been on shore, the only church in +Jamestown was the shelter beneath that square of canvas which he +himself had put up. When it stormed, he had called such of the +people as were inclined to worship into one or another of the +houses; but now he asked that a log building be put together, +while it was yet so warm that the men could work out of doors +without suffering, and to this, much to my pleasure, for I had an +exceedingly friendly feeling toward Master Hunt, Captain Smith +agreed.</p> + +<p>Therefore it was that when the storms of October came, Master +Hunt had a place in which to receive those whom he would lead to +a better life, and I believe that all our people, the men who +were careless regarding the future life, and those who followed +the preacher's teachings, felt the better in mind because there +was at last in our village a place which would be used for no +other purpose than that of leading us into, and helping us to +remain in, the straight path.</p> + +<h1><a name="CAPTAIN NEWPORT'S RETURN"></a>CAPTAIN NEWPORT'S +RETURN</h1> + +<p>It was at the beginning of the new year, two days after my +master was set free by the savages, that Captain Newport came +back to us, this time in the ship John and Francis, and with him +were fifty men who had been sent to join our colony.</p> + +<p>Fortunately for us there were but few gentlemen among them, +therefore did the work of building the village go on much more +rapidly, because there were laborers in plenty.</p> + +<p>A larger building, which was called the fort, and would indeed +have been a safe place for refuge had the savages made an attack, +was but just completed at the beginning of the third month, +meaning March.</p> + +<p>There Captain Smith had stored the supply of provisions and +seed brought in the John and Francis, and we were already saying +to ourselves that by the close of the summer we should reap a +bountiful harvest.</p> + +<p>All these plans and hopes went for naught, however, for on a +certain night -- and no man can say how it happened, save him who +was the careless one -- fire fastened upon the inside of the +fort, having so much headway when it was discovered, that our +people could do little toward checking it.</p> + +<p>The flames burst out through the roof, which was thatched with +dried grass, as were all the houses in the town, and leaped from +one building to another until it seemed as if the entire village +would be destroyed.</p> + +<p>It is true that even the palisade, which was near to forty +feet distant from the fort, was seized upon by the flames, and a +goodly portion of that which had cost us so much labor was +entirely destroyed.</p> + +<p>Out of all our houses only four remained standing when the +flames had died away. The seed which we had counted on for +reaping a harvest, the store of provisions, and a large amount of +clothing and other necessaries, were thus consumed.</p> + +<p>Good Master Hunt lost all his books, in fact, everything he +owned save the clothes upon his back, and yet never once did I, +who was with him very much, for he came to live at our house +while the village was being rebuilt, hear him utter one word of +complaint, or of sorrow.</p> + +<h1><a name="GOLD_SEEKERS"></a>GOLD SEEKERS</h1> + +<p>It was while all the people, gentlemen as well as laborers, +were doing their, best to repair the loss, and to put Jamestown +into such shape that we might be able to withstand an attack from +the savages, if so be they made one, that even a worse misfortune +than the fire came upon us.</p> + +<p>Some of those whom Captain Newport had lately brought to +Virginia, while roaming along the shores of the river in order to +learn what this new land was like, came upon a spot where the +waters had washed the earth away for a distance of five or six +feet, leaving exposed to view a vast amount of sand, so yellow +and so heavy that straightway the foolish ones believed they were +come upon that gold which our people had been seeking almost from +the very day we first landed.</p> + +<p>From this moment there was no talk of anything save the wealth +which would come to us and the London Company.</p> + +<p>Even Captain Newport was persuaded that this sand was gold, +and straightway nearly every person in the village was hard at +work digging and carrying it in baskets on board the John and +Francis as carefully as if each grain counted for a guinea.</p> + +<p>Of all the people of Jamestown, Captain Smith and Master Hunt +were the only ones who refused to believe the golden dream. They +held themselves aloof from this mad race to gather up the yellow +sand, and strove earnestly to persuade the others that it would +be a simple matter to prove by fire whether this supposed +treasure were metal.</p> + +<p>In the center of the village, where all might see him, Master +Hunt set a pannikin, in which was a pint or more of the sand, +over a roaring fire which he kept burning not less than two +hours.</p> + +<p>When he was done, the sand remained the same as before, which, +so he and my master claimed, was good proof that our people of +Jamestown were, in truth, making fools of themselves, as they had +many a time before since we came into this land of Virginia.</p> + +<h1><a name="A_WORTHLESS_CAR"></a>A WORTHLESS CARGO</h1> + +<p>When we should have been striving to build up the town once +more, we spent all our time loading the ship with this worthless +cargo, and indeed I felt the better in my mind when finally +Captain Newport set sail, the John and Francis loaded deeply with +sand, because of believing that we were come to an end of hearing +about treasure which lay at hand ready for whosoever would carry +it away.</p> + +<p>In this, however, I was disappointed. Although there was no +longer any reason for our people to labor at what was called the +gold mine, since there was no ship at hand in which to put the +sand, they still talked, hour by hour, of the day when all the +men in Virginia would go back to England richer than kings.</p> + +<p>Because of such thoughts was it well nigh impossible to force +them to labor once more. Yet Captain Smith and Master Hunt did +all they could, even going so far as to threaten bodily harm if +the people did not rebuild the storehouse, plant such seed as had +been saved from the flames, and replace those portions of the +palisade which had been burned.</p> + +<p>It was while our people were thus working half heartedly, that +Captain Nelson arrived in the ship Phoenix, having been so long +delayed on the voyage, because of tempests and contrary winds, +that his passengers and crew had eaten nearly all the stores +which the London Company sent over for our benefit, and bringing +seventy more mouths to be fed.</p> + +<p>Save that she brought to us skilled workmen, the coming of the +Phoenix did not advantage us greatly, while there were added to +our number, seventy men, and of oatmeal, pickled beef and pork, +as much as would serve for, perhaps, three or four weeks.</p> + +<p>Through her, however, as Master Hunt said in my hearing, came +some little good, for on seeing the yellow sand, Captain Nelson +declared without a question that it was worthless, and, being +accustomed to working in metal, speedily proved to our people who +were yet suffering with the gold fever, that there was nothing +whatsoever of value in it.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_CONDITION_O"></a>THE CONDITION OF THE +COLONY</h1> + +<p>That he might have something to carry back to England, and not +being minded to take on board a load of sand, Captain Nelson +asked that the Phoenix be laden with cedar logs and such +clapboards as our people had made. Therefore was it that we sent +to England the first cargo of value since having come to +Virginia.</p> + +<p>Among those who had come over in the Phoenix were workmen who +understood the making of turpentine, tar and soap ashes. There +was also a pipe maker, a gunsmith, and a number of other skilled +workmen, so that had the Council advanced the interest of the +colony one half as much as my master was doing, all would have +gone well with us in Jamestown.</p> + +<p>As it was, however, the President of the Council, so Master +Hunt has declared many times, and of a verity he would not bear +false witness, often countenanced the men in rebellion against my +master's orders, until, but for the preacher's example, we might +never have put into the earth our first seed.</p> + +<p>Because of lack of food, and it seems strange to say so when +there were of oysters near at hand more than a thousand men could +have eaten, and fish in the rivers without number, Captain Smith +set off once more in the pinnace to trade with the Indians, as +well as to explore further the bay and the river.</p> + +<p>Master Hunt lived in our house, while he was gone, therefore +Nathaniel and I were not idle, and though we had each had a dozen +pair of hands, we could have kept them properly employed, what +with making a garden for our own use, tending the plants, and +keeping house.</p> + +<h1><a name="TOBACCO"></a>TOBACCO</h1> + +<p>Just here I am minded to set down that which the girl +Pocahontas told us concerning the raising of tobacco, and it is +well she spent the time needed to instruct us, for since then I +have seen the people in this new world of Virginia getting more +money from the tobacco plant, than they could have gained even +though Captain Newport's yellow sand had been veritable gold.</p> + +<p>You must know that the seed of tobacco is even smaller than +grains of powder, and the Indians usually plant it in April. +Within a month it springs up, each tiny plant having two or four +leaves, and one month later it is transplanted in little +hillocks, set about the same distance apart as are our hills of +Indian corn.</p> + +<p>Two or three times during the season the plants have to be +hoed and weeded, while the sickly leaves, which peep out from the +body of the stock, must be plucked off.</p> + +<p>If the plant grows too fast, which is to say, if it is like to +get its full size before harvest time, the tops are cut to make +it more backward.</p> + +<p>About the middle of September it is reaped, stripped of its +leaves, and tied in small bunches; these are hung under a shelter +so that the dew may not come to them, until they are cured the +same as hay.</p> + +<p>Having thus been dried, and there must be no suspicion of +moisture about, else they will mold, the whole is packed into +hogsheads.</p> + +<p>I have lived to see the days go by since the girl Pocahontas +showed Nathaniel and me how to cultivate the weed, until the +greatest wealth which Virginia can produce comes from this same +tobacco, which, Master Hunt says, not only induces filthiness in +those who use it, but works grievous injury to the body.</p> + +<h1><a name="CAPT NEWPORT"></a>CAPTAIN NEWPORT'S RETURN</h1> + +<p>When Captain Newport came back to Virginia, at about the time +we were gathering our scanty harvest, his dreams of sudden +wealth, through the digging of gold in Virginia, had burst as +does a bubble when one pricks it.</p> + +<p>He had not been more than four and twenty hours in England +before learning that his ship was laden only with valueless sand, +and, mayhap, if the London Company had not demanded that he +return to Virginia at once, with certain orders concerning us at +Jamestown, he might have been too much ashamed to show his face +among us again.</p> + +<p>My master had come in long since from trading with the +Indians, having had fairly good success at times, and again +failing utterly to gather food. The king Powhatan was grown so +lofty in his bearing, because of the honor some of our foolish +people had shown him, that it was well nigh impossible to pay the +price he asked, even in trinkets, for so small an amount as a +single peck of corn.</p> + +<p>However, that which Powhatan did or did not do, concerned me +very little when Captain Newport had arrived, for he brought with +him such tidings as made my heart rejoice, and caused Master Hunt +to say that now indeed would our village of Jamestown grow as it +should have grown had our leaders shown themselves of half as +much spirit as had my master.</p> + +<p>But for the greater things which followed Captain Newport's +arrival in September of the year 1608, I would have set it down +as of the utmost importance to us in Jamestown, that he brought +with him the first two women, other than the girl Pocahontas, who +had ever come into our town.</p> + +<p>These were Mistress Forest, and her maid, Anne Burras, and if +the king himself had so far done us the honor as to come, his +arrival would have caused no greater excitement.</p> + +<p>Every man and boy in the settlement pressed forward eager even +to touch the garments of these two women as they came ashore in +the ship's small boat, and I dare venture to say that we stared +at them, Nathaniel and I among the number, even as the savages +stared at us when first we landed.</p> + +<p>It would have been more to my satisfaction had there been two +maids, instead of only one and her mistress, for it was more than +likely servants could tell Nathaniel and me many things about our +care of the house, which a great lady would not well know. +Therefore, as I viewed the matter, we could well spare fine +women, so that we had maids who would understand of what we as +houseboys stood mostly in need.</p> + +<p>However, it was not with these women, who were only two among +seventy, that had come with Captain Newport on this his third +voyage, that I was most deeply concerned, and how I learned that +which pleased me so greatly shall be set down exactly as it +happened.</p> + +<h1><a name="MASTER_HUNT_BRI"></a>MASTER HUNT BRINGS GREAT +NEWS</h1> + +<p>I had been down at the landing place, feasting my eyes upon +the ship which had so lately come from the country I might never +see again, and was trying to cheer myself by working around the +house in the hope of pleasing Captain Smith, when Master Hunt +came in with a look upon his face such as I had not seen since +the sickness first came among us, and, without thinking to be +rude, I asked him if it was the arrival of the women which +pleased him so greatly.</p> + +<p>"It is nothing of such fanciful nature, Richard Mutton," the +good man replied with a smile, "though I must confess that it is +pleasing to see women with white faces, when our eyes have beheld +none save bearded men for so long a time. What think you has been +done in the Council this day, since Captain Newport had speech +with President Ratcliffe?"</p> + +<p>Verily I could not so much as guess what might have happened, +for those worshipful gentlemen were prone at times to behave more +like foolish children, than men upon whom the fate of a new +country depended, and I said to Master Hunt much of the same +purport.</p> + +<p>"They have elected your master, Captain John Smith, President +of the Council, Richard Mutton, and now for the first time will +matters in Jamestown progress as they should."</p> + +<p>"My master President of the Council at last!" I cried, and the +good preacher added:</p> + +<p>"So it is, lad, as I know full well, having just come from +there."</p> + +<p>"But how did they chance suddenly to gather their wits?" I +cried with a laugh, in which Master Hunt joined.</p> + +<p>"It was done after Captain Newport had speech with Master +Ratcliffe, and while I know nothing for a certainty, there is in +my mind a strong belief that he brought word from the London +Company for such an election to be made. At all events, it is +done, and now we shall see Jamestown increase in size, even as +she would have done from the first month we landed here had +Captain John Smith been at the head of affairs."</p> + +<p>The good preacher was so delighted with this change in the +government that he unfolded all his budget of news, forgetting +for the time being, most like, that he was not speaking to his +equal, and thus it was I learned what were Captain Newport's +instructions from the London Company.</p> + +<h1><a name="CAPTAIN_NEWPORT"></a>CAPTAIN NEWPORT'S +INSTRUCTIONS</h1> + +<p>He was ordered, if you please, not to return to England +without bringing back a lump of gold, exploring the passageway to +the South Sea, or finding some of Sir Walter Raleigh's lost +colony, of which I will tell you later.</p> + +<p>But whether he did the one or the other, he had been commanded +to crown as a king, Powhatan, and had brought with him mock +jewels and red robes for such a purpose.</p> + +<p>To find a lump of gold, after he had brought to England a +shipload of yellow sand!</p> + +<p>To crown Powhatan king, when, to our sorrow, he was already +showing himself far more of a king than was pleasing or well for +our town of James!</p> + +<p>Forgetting I was but a lad, and had no right to put blame on +the shoulders of my leaders and betters, or even to address +Master Hunt as if I were a man grown, I cried out against the +foolishness of those people in London for whom we were striving +to build up a city, saying very much that had better been left +unsaid, until the good preacher cried with a laugh:</p> + +<p>"We can forgive them almost anything, Dicky Mutton, since they +have made our Captain Smith the head of the government in this +land of Virginia."</p> + +<p>And now I will tell you, as Master Hunt told me, the story of +this lost colony of Roanoke, which the London Company had +commanded Captain Newport to find.</p> + +<p>You must know that English people had lived in this land of +Virginia before we came here in 1606, and while it does not +concern us of Jamestown, except as we are interested in knowing +the fate of our countrymen, it should be set down, lest we so far +forget as to say that those of us who have built this village are +the first settlers in the land.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_STORY_OF_RO"></a>THE STORY OF ROANOKE</h1> + +<p>Twenty-one years before we sailed from London, Sir Walter +Raleigh sent out a fleet of seven ships, carrying one hundred and +seven persons, to Virginia, and Master Ralph Lane was named as +the governor. They landed on Roanoke Island; but because the +Indians threatened them, and because just at that time when they +were most frightened, Sir Francis Drake came by with his fleet, +they all went home, not daring to stay any longer.</p> + +<p>Two years after that, which is to say nineteen years before we +of Jamestown came here, Sir Walter Raleigh sent over one hundred +and sixteen people, among whom were men, women and children, and +they also began to build a town on Roanoke Island.</p> + +<p>John White was their governor, and very shortly after they +came to Roanoke, his daughter, Mistress Ananias Dare, had a +little baby girl, the first white child to be born in the new +world, so they named her Virginia.</p> + +<p>Now these people, like ourselves, were soon sorely in need of +food, and they coaxed Governor John White to go back to England, +to get what would be needed until they could gather a +harvest.</p> + +<p>At the time he arrived at London, England was at war with the +Spanish people, and it was two years before he found a chance to +get back. When he finally arrived at Roanoke Island, there were +no signs of any of his people to be found, except that on the +tree was cut the word "Croatan," which is the name of an Indian +village on the island nearby.</p> + +<p>That was the last ever heard of all those hundred and sixteen +people. Five different times Sir Walter Raleigh sent out men for +the missing ones; but no traces could be found, not even at +Croatan, and no one knows whether they were killed by the +Indians, or wandered off into the wilderness where they were lost +forever.</p> + +<p>You can see by the story, that the London Company had set for +Captain Newport a very great task when they commanded him to do +what so many people had failed in before him.</p> + +<p>And now out of that story of the lost colony, as Master Hunt +told Nathaniel and me, grows another which also concerns us in +this new land of Virginia.</p> + +<p>You will remember I have said that Master Ralph Lane was the +governor of the first company of people who went to Roanoke +Island, and, afterward, getting discouraged, returned to England. +Now this Master Lane, and the other men who were with him, +learned from the Indians to smoke the weed called tobacco, and +carried quite a large amount of it home with them.</p> + +<p>Not only Sir Walter Raleigh, who knew Master Lane very well, +but many other people in England also learned to smoke, and +therefore it was that when we of Jamestown began to raise +tobacco, it found a more ready sale in London than any other +thing we could send over. Once this was known, our people gave +the greater portion of their time to cultivating the Indian +weed.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_CROWNING_OF"></a>THE CROWNING OF POWHATAN</h1> + +<p>Very nearly the first thing which my master did after having +been made President of the Council, was to obey the orders of the +London Company, by going with Captain Newport to Powhatan's +village in order to crown him like a king.</p> + +<p>This was not at all to the pleasure of the savage, who failed +of understanding what my master and Captain Newport meant, when +they wanted him to kneel down so they might put the crown upon +his head. If all the stories which I have heard regarding the +matter are true, they must have had quite a scrimmage before +succeeding in getting him into what they believed was a proper +position to receive the gifts of the London Company.</p> + +<p>Our people, so Master Hunt told me, were obliged to take him +by the shoulders and force him to his knees, after which they +clapped the crown on his head, and threw the red robe around his +shoulders in a mighty hurry lest he show fight and overcome +them.</p> + +<p>It was some time before Captain Smith could make him +understand that it was a great honor which was being done him, +but when he did get it through his head, he took off his old +moccasins and brought from the hut his raccoon skin coat, with +orders that my master and Captain Newport send them all to King +James in London, as a present from the great Powhatan of +Virginia.</p> + +<p>After this had been done, Captain Newport sailed up the James +River in search of the passage to the South Sea, and my master +set about putting Jamestown into proper order.</p> + +<h1><a name="PREPARING_FOR_T"></a>PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE</h1> + +<p>Once more Captain Smith made the rule that those who would not +work should not eat, and this time, with all the Council at his +back, together with such men as Captain Newport had just brought +with him, you can well fancy his orders were obeyed.</p> + +<p>In addition to the stocks which had been built, he had a +pillory set up, and those gentlemen who were not inclined to +labor with their hands as well as they might, were forced to +stand in it to their discomfort.</p> + +<p>The next thing which he did was to have a large, deep well +dug, so that we might have sweet water from it for drinking +purposes, rather than be forced to use that from the river, for +it was to his mind that through this muddy water did the sickness +come to us.</p> + +<p>When the winter was well begun, and Captain Newport ceased to +search for the South Sea passage, because of having come to the +falls of the James River, Captain Smith forced our people to +build twenty stout houses such as would serve to withstand an +attack from the savages, and again was the palisade stretched +from one to the other, until the village stood in the form of a +square.</p> + +<p>After the cold season had passed, some of the people were set +about shingling the church, and others were ordered to make +clapboards that we might have a cargo when Captain Newport +returned. It was the duty of some few to keep the streets and +lanes of the village clear of filth, lest we invite the sickness +again, and the remainder of the company were employed in planting +Indian corn, forty acres of which were seeded down.</p> + +<h1><a name="STEALING_THE_CO"></a>STEALING THE COMPANY'S +GOODS</h1> + +<p>If I have made it appear that during all this time we lived in +the most friendly manner with the savages, then have I blundered +in the setting down of that which happened.</p> + +<p>Although it shames one to write such things concerning those +who called themselves Englishmen, yet it must be said that the +savages were no longer in any degree friendly, and all because of +what our own people had done.</p> + +<p>From the time when Captain Smith had declared that he who +would not work should not eat, some of our fine gentlemen who +were willing to believe that labor was the greatest crime which +could be committed, began stealing from the common store iron and +copper goods of every kind which might be come at, in order to +trade with the savages for food they themselves were too lazy to +get otherwise.</p> + +<p>They even went so far, some of those who thought it more the +part of a man to wear silks than build himself a house, as to +steal matchlocks, pistols, and weapons of any kind, standing +ready to teach the savages how to use these things, if thereby +they were given so much additional in the way of food.</p> + +<p>As our numbers increased, by reason of the companies which +were brought over by Captain Newport and Captain Nelson, so did +the thievery become the more serious until on one day I heard +Master Hunt tell my master, that of forty axes which had been +brought ashore from the Phoenix and left outside the storehouse +during the night, but eight were remaining when morning came.</p> + +<h1><a name="WHAT_THE_THIEVI"></a>WHAT THE THIEVING LED TO</h1> + +<p>Now there was more of mischief to this than the crime of +stealing, or of indolence. The savages came to understand they +could drive hard bargains, and so increased the price of their +corn that Captain Smith set it down in his report to the London +Company, that the same amount of copper, or of beads, which had, +one year before, paid for five bushels of wheat, would, within a +week after Captain Newport came in search of the lost colony, pay +for no more than one peck.</p> + +<p>Nor was this the entire sum of the wrong done by our gentlemen +who stole rather than worked with their hands. The savages, grown +bold now that they had firearms and knew how to use them, no +longer had the same fear of white people as when Captain Smith, +single handed, was able to hold two hundred in check, and strove +to kill us of Jamestown whenever they found opportunity.</p> + +<p>On four different times did they plot to murder my master, +believing that when he had been done to death, it would be more +easy for them to kill off all in our town; but on each occasion, +so keen was his watchfulness, he outwitted them all.</p> + +<p>The putting of a crown on Powhatan's head, and bowing before +him as if he had been a real king, also did much mischief. It +caused that brown savage to believe we feared him, which was much +the same as inviting him to be less of a friend, until on a +certain day he boldly declared that one basket of his corn was +worth more than all our copper and beads, because he could eat +his corn, while our trinkets gave a hungry man no +satisfaction.</p> + +<p>And thus, by the wicked and unwise acts of our own people, did +we prepare the way for another time of famine and sickness.</p> + +<h1><a name="FEAR_OF_FAMINE"></a>FEAR OF FAMINE IN A LAND OF +PLENTY</h1> + +<p>However, I must set this much down as counting in our favor: +when we landed in this country we had three pigs, and a cock and +six hens, all of which we turned loose in the wilderness to shift +for themselves, giving shelter to such as came back to us when +winter was near at hand.</p> + +<p>Within two years we had of pigs more than sixty, in addition +to many which were yet running wild in the forest. Of hens and +cocks we had upward of five hundred, the greater number being +kept in pens to the end that we might profit by their eggs.</p> + +<p>I have heard Master Hunt declare more than once, that had we +followed Captain Smith's advice, giving all our labor to the +raising of crops, our storehouse would have been too small for +the food on hand, and we might have held ourselves free from the +whims of the savages, having corn to sell, rather than spending +near to half our time trying to buy.</p> + +<p>As Master Hunt said again and again when talking over the +situation with Captain Smith, it seemed strange even to us who +were there, that we could be looking forward to a famine, when in +the sea and on the land was food in abundance to feed half the +people in all this wide world.</p> + +<p>To show how readily one might get himself a dinner, if so be +his taste were not too nice, I have seen Captain Smith, when told +what we had in the larder for the next meal, go to the river with +only his naked sword, and there spear fish enough with the weapon +to provide us with as much as could be eaten in a full day. But +yet some of our gentlemen claimed that it was not good for their +blood to eat this food of the sea; others declared that oysters, +when partaken of regularly, were as poisonous as the sweet +potatoes which we bought of the Indians.</p> + +<p>Thus it was that day by day did we who were in the land of +plenty, overrun with that which would serve as food, fear that +another time of famine was nigh.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_UNHEALTHFUL"></a>THE UNHEALTHFUL LOCATION</h1> + +<p>I have often spoken of the unwillingness of some of our people +to labor; but Captain Smith, who is not overly eager to find +excuses for those who are indolent, has said that there was much +reason why many of our men hugged their cabins, counting it a +most arduous task to go even so far up the river as were the +oyster beds.</p> + +<p>He believes, and Master Hunt is of the same opinion, that this +town of ours has been built on that portion of the shore where +the people are most liable to sickness. The land is low lying, +almost on a level with the river; the country roundabout is made +up of swamps and bogs, and the air which comes to us at night is +filled with a fever, which causes those upon whom it fastens, +first to shake as if they were beset with bitterest cold, and +then again to burn as if likely to be reduced to ashes. Some call +it the ague, and others, the shakes; but whatsoever it may be, +there is nothing more distressing, or better calculated to hinder +a man from taking so much of exercise as is necessary for his +well being.</p> + +<h1><a name="GATHERING_OYSTE"></a>GATHERING OYSTERS</h1> + +<p>That Nathaniel and I may gather oysters without too great +labor of walking and carrying heavy burdens, Captain Smith has +bought from the savages a small boat made of the bark of birch +trees, stretched over a framework of splints, and sewn together +with the entrails of deer. On the seams, and wherever the water +might find entrance, it is well gummed with pitch taken from the +pine tree, and withal the lightest craft that can well be +made.</p> + +<p>Either Nathaniel or I can take this vessel, which the savages +call a canoe, on our shoulders, carrying it without difficulty, +and when the two of us are inside, resting upon our knees, for we +may not sit in it as in a ship's boat, we can send it along with +paddles at a rate so rapid as to cause one to think it moved by +magic.</p> + +<p>With this canoe Nathaniel and I may go to the oyster beds, and +in half an hour put on board as large a cargo of shellfish as she +will carry, in addition to our own weight, coming back in a short +time with as much food as would serve a dozen men for two +days.</p> + +<p>If these oysters could be kept fresh for any length of time, +then would we have a most valuable store near at hand; but, like +other fish, a few hours in the sun serves to spoil them.</p> + +<h1><a name="PREPARING_STURG"></a>PREPARING STURGEON FOR +FOOD</h1> + +<p>Of the fish called the sturgeon, we have more than can be +consumed by all our company; but one cannot endure the flavor day +after day, and therefore is it that we use it for food only when +we cannot get any other.</p> + +<p>Master Hunt has shown Nathaniel and me how we may prepare it +in such a manner as to change the flavor. It must first be dried +in the sun until so hard that it can be pounded to the fineness +of meal. This is then mixed with caviare, by which I mean the +eggs, or roe, of the sturgeon, with sorrel leaves, and with other +wholesome herbs. The whole is made into small balls, or cakes, +which are fried over the fire with a plentiful amount of fat.</p> + +<p>Such a dish serves us for either bread or meat, or for both on +a pinch, therefore if we lads are careful not to waste our time, +Captain Smith may never come without finding in the larder +something that can be eaten.</p> + +<h1><a name="TURPENTINE_AND"></a>TURPENTINE AND TAR</h1> + +<p>To us in Jamestown the making of anything which we may send +back to England for sale, is of such great importance that we are +more curious regarding the manner in which the work is done, than +would be others who are less eager to see piled up that which +will bring money to the people.</p> + +<p>Therefore it was that Nathaniel and I watched eagerly the +making of turpentine, and found it not unlike the method by which +the Indians gain sugar from maple trees. A strip of bark is taken +from the pine, perhaps eight or ten inches long, and at the lower +end of the wound thus made, a deep notch is cut in the wood.</p> + +<p>Into this the sap flows, and is scraped out as fast as the +cavity is filled. It is a labor in which all may join, and so +plentiful are the pine trees that if our people of Jamestown set +about making turpentine only, they might load four or five ships +in a year.</p> + +<p>From the making of tar much money can be earned, and it is a +simple process such as I believe I myself might compass, were it +not that I have sufficient of other work to occupy all my +time.</p> + +<p>The pine tree is cut into short pieces, even the roots being +used, for, if I mistake not, more tar may be had from the roots +than from the trunks of the tree. Our people here dig a hollow, +much like unto the shape of a funnel, on the side of a hill, or +bank, fill it in with the wood and the roots, and cover the whole +closely with turf.</p> + +<p>An iron pot is placed at the bottom of this hollow in the +earth, and a fire is built at the top of the pile. While the fuel +smolders, the tar stews out of the wood, falling into the iron +pot, and from there is put into whatsoever vessels may be most +convenient in which to carry it over seas.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_MAKING_OF_C"></a>THE MAKING OF CLAPBOARDS</h1> + +<p>There is far greater labor required in the making of +clapboards, and it is of a wearisome kind; but Captain Newport +declares that clapboards made of our Virginia cedar are far +better in quality than any to be found in England. Therefore it +is Captain Smith keeps as many men as he may, employed in this +work, which is more tiring than difficult.</p> + +<p>The trunks of the trees are cut into lengths of four feet, and +trimmed both as to branches and bark. An iron tool called a frow, +which is not unlike a butcher's cleaver, is then used to split +the log into thin strips, one edge of which is four or five times +thicker than the other.</p> + +<p>You will understand better the method by picturing to yourself +the end of a round log which has been stood upright for +convenience of the workmen. Now, if you place a frow in such a +position that it will split the thicknesses of an inch or less +from the outer side, you will find that the point of the +instrument, which is at the heart of the tree, must come in such +manner as to make the splint very thin on the inner edge. The +frow is driven through the wood by a wooden mallet, to the end +that the sides of the clapboard may be fairly smooth.</p> + +<p>Master Hunt has told me that if we were to put on board a ship +the size of the John and Francis, as many clapboards as she could +swim under, the value of the cargo would be no less than five +hundred pounds, and they would have a ready sale in London, or in +other English ports.</p> + +<h1><a name="PROVIDING_FOR_T"></a>PROVIDING FOR THE CHILDREN</h1> + +<p>And now before I am come to the most terrible time in the +history of our town of James, let me set down that which the +London Company has decreed, for it is of great importance to all +those who, like Nathaniel and me, came over into this land of +Virginia before they were men and women grown.</p> + +<p>Master Hunt has written the facts out fairly, to the end that +I may understand them well, he having had the information from +Captain Newport, for it was the last decree made by the London +Company before the John and Francis sailed.</p> + +<p>I must say, however, that the reason why this decree, or +order, whichever it may be called, has been made, was to the end +that men and women, who had large families of children, might be +induced to join us here in Jamestown, as if we had not already +mouths enough to feed.</p> + +<p>The Council of the Company has decided to allow the use of +twenty-five acres of land for each and every child that comes +into Virginia, and all who are now here, or may come to live at +the expense of the Company, are to be educated in some good trade +or profession, in order that they may be able to support +themselves when they have come to the age of four and twenty +years, or have served the time of their apprenticeship, which is +to be no less than seven years.</p> + +<p>It is further decreed that all of those children when they +become of age or marry, whichever shall happen first, are to have +freely given and made over to them fifty acres of land apiece, +which same shall be in Virginia within the limits of the English +plantation. But, these children must be placed as apprentices +under honest and good masters within the grant made to the London +Company, and shall serve for seven years, or until they come to +the age of twenty-four, during which time their masters must +bring them up in some trade or business.</p> + +<h1><a name="DREAMS_OF_THE_F"></a>DREAMS OF THE FUTURE</h1> + +<p>On hearing this, the question came into my mind as to whether +Nathaniel and I could be called apprentices, inasmuch as we were +only houseboys, according to the name Captain Smith gave us.</p> + +<p>Master Hunt declared that being apprentices to care for the +family, was of as much service as if we were learned in the trade +of making tar, clapboards, or of building ships, and he assured +me that if peradventure he was living when we had been in this +land of Virginia seven years, it should be his duty to see to it +that we were given our fifty acres of land apiece.</p> + +<p>Thus understanding that we might ourselves in turn one day +become planters, Nathaniel and I had much to say, one with the +other, concerning what should be done in the future. We decided +that when the time came for us to have the land set off to our +own use, we would strive that the two lots of fifty acres each be +in one piece. Then would we set about raising tobacco, as the +Indian girl Pocahontas taught us, and who can say that we might +not come to be of some consequence, even as are Captain Smith and +Master Hunt, in this new world.</p> + +<h1><a name="A_PLAGUE_OF_RAT"></a>A PLAGUE OF RATS</h1> + +<p>And now am I come to the spring of 1609, when befell us that +disaster which marked the beginning of the time of suffering, of +trouble, and of danger which was so near to wiping out the +settlement of Jamestown that the people had already started on +their way to England.</p> + +<p>The day had come when we should put into the ground our Indian +corn that a harvest might follow. The supply, which was to be +used as seed, had been stored in casks and piled up in the big +house wherein were kept our goods.</p> + +<p>When those who had been chosen to do the planting went for the +seed, it was found to have been destroyed by rats, and not only +the corn, but many other things which were in the storehouse, had +been eaten by the same animals.</p> + +<p>Master Hunt maintained, and Captain Smith was of the same +opinion, that when the Phoenix was unloaded, the rats came ashore +from her, finding lodging in that building which represented the +vital spot of our town.</p> + +<p>Howsoever the pests came there, certain it was we should reap +no harvest that year, unless the savages became more friendly +than they had lately shown themselves, and as to this we speedily +learned.</p> + +<h1><a name="TREACHERY_DURIN"></a>TREACHERY DURING CAPTAIN +SMITH'S ABSENCE</h1> + +<p>When Captain Smith set off in the pinnace in order to buy what +might serve us as seed, he found himself threatened by all the +brown men living near about the shores of the bay, as if they had +suddenly made up a plot to kill us, and never one of them would +speak him fairly. It was while my master was away that two +Dutchmen, who came over in the Phoenix and had gone with Captain +Smith in the pinnace, returned to Jamestown, saying to Captain +Winne, who was in command at the fort, that Captain Smith had use +for more weapons because of going into the country in the hope of +finding Indians who would supply him with corn.</p> + +<p>Not doubting their story, the captain supplied them with what +they demanded, and, as was afterward learned, before leaving town +that night they stole many swords, pike heads, shot and powder, +all of which these Dutch thieves carried to Powhatan.</p> + +<p>If these two had been the only white men who did us wrong, +then might our plight not have become so desperate; but many +there were, upwards of sixteen so Master Hunt declared, who from +day to day carried away secretly such weapons and tools, or +powder and shot, as they could come upon, thereby trusting to the +word of the savages that they might live with them in their +villages always, without doing any manner of work.</p> + +<p>Others sold kettles, hoes, or even swords and guns, that they +might buy fruit, or corn, or meat from the Indians without doing +so much of labor as was necessary in order to gather these things +for themselves.</p> + +<h1><a name="CAPTAIN SMITH'S SPEECH"></a>CAPTAIN SMITH'S +SPEECH</h1> + +<p>Jamestown was a scene of turmoil and confusion when Captain +Smith came back from his journey having on board only two baskets +of corn for seed. After understanding what had been done by the +idle ones during his absence, he called all the people together +and said unto them, speaking earnestly, as if pleading for his +very life:</p> + +<p>"Never did I believe white men who were come together in a new +world, and should stand shoulder to shoulder against all the +enemies that surround them, could be so reckless and malicious. +It is vain to hope for more help from Powhatan, and the time has +come when I will no longer bear with you in your idleness; but +punish severely if you do not set about the work which must be +done, without further plotting. You cannot deny but that I have +risked my life many a time in order to save yours, when, if you +had been allowed to go your own way, all would have starved. Now +I swear solemnly that you shall not only gather for yourselves +the fruits which the earth doth yield, but for those who are +sick. Every one that gathers not each day as much as I do, shall +on the next day be set beyond the river, forever banished from +the fort, to live or starve as God wills."</p> + +<p>This caused the lazy ones to bestir themselves for the time, +and perhaps all might have gone well with us had not the London +Company sent out nine more vessels, in which were five hundred +persons, to join us people in Jamestown. One of the ships, as we +afterward learned, was wrecked in a hurricane; seven arrived +safely, and the ninth vessel we had not heard from.</p> + +<p>All these people had expected to find food in plenty, servants +to wait upon them, and everything furnished to hand without being +obliged to raise a finger in their own behalf. What was yet +worse, they had among them many men who believed they were to be +made officers of the government.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_NEW_LAWS"></a>THE NEW LAWS</h1> + +<p>Now you must understand that with the coming of this fleet we +of Jamestown were told that the London Company had changed all +the laws for us in Virginia, and that Lord De la Warr, who sailed +on the ship from which nothing had been heard, was to be our +governor.</p> + +<p>From that hour did it seem as if all the men in Jamestown, +save only half a dozen, among whom were Captain Smith, Master +Hunt and Master Percy, strove their best to wreck the +settlement.</p> + +<p>Because Lord De la Warr, the new governor, had not arrived, +many of the new comers refused to obey my master, and they were +so strong in numbers that it was not possible for him to force +them to his will.</p> + +<p>Each man strove for himself, regardless of the sick, or of the +women and children. Some banded themselves together in companies, +falling upon such Indian villages as they could easily overcome, +and murdered and robbed until all the brown men of Virginia stood +ready to shed the blood of every white man who crossed their +path.</p> + +<p>Then came that which plunged Nathaniel and me into deepest +grief.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_ACCIDENT"></a>THE ACCIDENT</h1> + +<p>Captain Smith had gone up the bay in the hope of soothing the +trouble among the savages, and, failing in this effort, was +returning, having got within four and twenty hours' journey of +Jamestown, when the pinnace was anchored for the night.</p> + +<p>The boat's company lay down to sleep, and then came that +accident, if accident it may be called, the cause of which no man +has ever been able to explain to the satisfaction of Master Hunt +or myself.</p> + +<p>Captain Smith was asleep, with his powder bag by his side, +when in some manner it was set on fire, and the powder, +exploding, tore the flesh from his body and thighs for the space +of nine or ten inches square, even down to the bones.</p> + +<p>In his agony, and being thus horribly aroused from sleep, +hardly knowing what he did, he plunged overboard as the quickest +way to soothe the pain. There he was like to have drowned but for +Samuel White, who came near to losing his own life in saving +him.</p> + +<p>He was brought back to the town on the day before the ships of +the fleet, which had brought so many quarrelsome people, were to +sail for England. With no surgeon to dress his wounds, what could +he do but depart in one of these ships with the poor hope of +living in agony until he arrived on the other side of the +ocean.</p> + +<p>Nathaniel and I would have gone with him, willing, because of +his friendship for us, to have served him so long as we lived. He +refused to listen to our prayers, insisting that we were lads +well fitted to live in a new land like Virginia, and that if we +would but remain with Master Hunt, working out our time of +apprenticeship, which would be but five years longer, then might +we find ourselves men of importance in the colony. He doubted +not, so he said, but that we would continue, after he had gone, +as we had while he was with us.</p> + +<p>What could we lads do other than obey, when his commands were +laid upon us, even though our hearts were so sore that it seemed +as if it would no longer be possible to live when he had +departed?</p> + +<p>Even amid his suffering, when one might well have believed +that he could give no heed to anything save his own plight, he +spoke to us of what we should do for the bettering of our own +condition. He promised that as soon as he was come to London, and +able to walk around, if so be God permitted him to live, he would +seek out Nathaniel's parents to tell them that the lad who had +run away from his home was rapidly making a man of himself in +Virginia, and would one day come back to gladden their +hearts.</p> + +<h1><a name="CAPTAIN_SMITH_S"></a>CAPTAIN SMITH'S DEPARTURE</h1> + +<p>It is not well for me to dwell upon our parting with the +master whom we had served more than two years, and who had ever +been the most friendly friend and the most manly man one could +ask to meet.</p> + +<p>Our hearts were sore, when, after having done what little we +might toward carrying him on board the ship, we came back to his +house, which he had said in the presence of witnesses should be +ours, and there took up our lives with Master Hunt.</p> + +<p>But for that good man's prayers, on this first night we would +have abandoned ourselves entirely to grief; but he devoted his +time to soothing us, showing why we had no right to do other than +continue in the course on which we had been started by the man +who was gone from us, until it was, to my mind at least, as if I +should be doing some grievous wrong to my master, if I failed to +carry on the work while he was away, as it would have been done +had I known we were to see him again within the week.</p> + +<p>With Captain Smith gone, perhaps to his death; with half a +dozen men who claimed the right to stand at the head of the +government until Lord De la Warr should come; and with the +savages menacing us on every hand, sore indeed was our +plight.</p> + +<p>With so many in the town, for there were now four hundred and +ninety persons, and while the savages, because of having been so +sorely wronged, were in arms against us, it was no longer +possible to go abroad for food, and as the winter came on we were +put to it even in that land of plenty, for enough to keep +ourselves alive.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_STARVING"></a>THE "STARVING TIME"</h1> + +<p>We came to know what starvation meant during that winter, and +were I to set down here all of the suffering, of the hunger +weakness, and of the selfishness we saw during the six months +after Captain Smith sailed for home, there would not be days +enough left in my life to complete the tale.</p> + +<p>As I look back on it now, it seems more like some wonderful +dream than a reality, wherein men strove with women and children +for food to keep life in their own worthless bodies.</p> + +<p>It is enough if I say that of the four hundred and ninety +persons whom Captain Smith left behind him, there were, in the +month of May of the year 1610, but fifty-eight left alive. That +God should have spared among those, Nathaniel Peacock and myself, +is something which passeth understanding, for verily there were +scores of better than we whose lives would have advantaged +Jamestown more than ours ever can, who died and were buried as +best they could be by the few who had sufficient strength +remaining to dig the graves.</p> + +<p>I set it down in all truth that, through God's mercy, our +lives were saved by Master Hunt, for he counseled us wisely as to +the care we should take of our bodies when our stomachs were +crying out for food, and it was he who showed us how we might +prepare this herb or the bark from that tree for the sustaining +of life, when we had nothing else to put into our mouths.</p> + +<p>We had forgotten that Lord De la Warr was the new governor; we +had heard nothing of the ship in which it was said Sir Thomas +Gates and Sir George Somers had sailed. We were come to that pass +where we cared neither for governor nor nobleman. We strove only +to keep within our bodies the life which had become painful.</p> + +<p>Then it was, when the few of us who yet lived, feared each +moment lest the savages would put an end to us, that we saw +sailing up into the bay two small ships, and I doubt if there was +any among us who did not fall upon his knees and give thanks +aloud to God for the help which had come at the very moment when +it had seemed that we were past all aid.</p> + +<h1><a name="OUR_COURAGE_GIV"></a>OUR COURAGE GIVES OUT</h1> + +<p>But our time of rejoicing was short. Although these two ships +were brought by Sir Thomas Gates and Sir George Somers, having in +them not less than one hundred and fifty men, they did not have +among them food sufficient to provide for the wants of our +company until another harvest should come.</p> + +<p>The vessel in which these new comers had sailed was, as I have +said, wrecked in a hurricane near the Bermuda Isles, where, after +much labor, they had contrived to build these two small +ships.</p> + +<p>It needed not that we, who of all our people in Jamestown +remained alive, should tell the story of what we had suffered, +for that could be read on our faces.</p> + +<p>Neither was it required that these new comers should study +long in order to decide upon the course to be pursued, for the +answer to all their speculations could be found in the empty +storehouse, and in the numberless graves 'twixt there and the +river bank.</p> + +<p>Of provisions, they had so much as might serve for a voyage to +England, if peradventure the winds were favorable; and ere the +ships had been at anchor four and twenty hours, it was resolved +that we should abandon this town of James, which we had hoped +might one day grow into a city fair to look upon.</p> + +<p>An attempt to build up a nation in this new land of Virginia, +of which ours was the third, had cost of money and of blood more +than man could well set down, and now, after all this brave +effort on the part of such men as Captain Smith, Master Hunt and +Master Percy, it was to go for naught.</p> + +<p>Once more were the savages to hold undisputed possession of +the land which they claimed as their own.</p> + +<h1><a name="ABANDONING_JAME"></a>ABANDONING JAMESTOWN</h1> + +<p>Now even though Nathaniel Peacock and I had known more of +suffering and of sorrow, than of pleasure, in Jamestown, our +hearts were sore at leaving it.</p> + +<p>It seemed to me as if we were running contrary to that which +my master would have commanded, and there were tears in my eyes, +of which I was not ashamed, when Nathaniel and I, hand in hand, +followed Master Hunt out of the house we had helped to build.</p> + +<p>Those who had come from the shipwreck amid the Bermudas, were +rejoicing because they had failed to arrive in time to share with +us the starvation and the sickness, therefore to them this +turning back upon the enterprise was but a piece of good fortune. +Yet were they silent and sad, understanding our sorrow.</p> + +<p>It was the eighth day of June, in the year 1610, when we set +sail from Jamestown, believing we were done with the new world +forever, and yet within less than three hours was all our grief +changed to rejoicing, all our sorrow to thankfulness.</p> + +<h1><a name="LORD_DE_LA_WARR"></a>LORD DE LA WARR'S ARRIVAL</h1> + +<p>At the mouth of the river, sailing toward us bravely as if +having come from some glorious victory, were three ships laden +with men, and, as we afterward came to know, an ample store of +provisions.</p> + +<p>It was Lord De la Warr who had come to take up his +governorship, and verily he was arrived in the very point of +time, for had he been delayed four and twenty hours, we would +have been on the ocean, where was little likelihood of seeing +him.</p> + +<p>It needs not I should say that our ships were turned back, and +before nightfall Master Hunt was sitting in Captain Smith's +house, with Nathaniel Peacock and me cooking for him such a +dinner as we three had not known these six months past.</p> + +<p>I have finished my story of Jamestown, having set myself to +tell only of what was done there while we were with Captain John +Smith.</p> + +<p>And it is well I should bring this story to an end here, for +if I make any attempt at telling what came to Nathaniel Peacock +and myself after that, then am I like to keep on until he who has +begun to read will lay down the story because of weariness.</p> + +<p>For the satisfaction of myself, and the better pleasing of +Nathaniel Peacock, however, I will add, concerning our two +selves, that we remained in the land of Virginia until our time +of apprenticeship was ended, and then it was, that Master Hunt +did for us as Captain Smith had promised to do.</p> + +<h1><a name="THE_YOUNG_PLANT"></a>THE YOUNG PLANTERS</h1> + +<p>We found ourselves, in the year 1614, the owners of an hundred +acres of land which Nathaniel and I had chosen some distance back +from the river, so that we might stand in no danger of the +shaking sickness, and built ourselves a house like unto the one +we had helped make for Captain Smith.</p> + +<p>With the coming of Lord De la Warr all things were changed. +The governing of the people was done as my old master, who never +saw Virginia again, I grieve to say, would have had it. We became +a law abiding people, save when a few hotheads stirred up trouble +and got the worst of it.</p> + +<p>When Nathaniel Peacock and I settled down as planters on our +own account, there were eleven villages in the land of Virginia, +and, living in them, more than four thousand men, women, and +children.</p> + +<p>It was no longer a country over which the savages ruled +without check, though sad to relate, the brown men of the land +shed the blood of white men like water, ere they were driven out +from among us.</p> + +<p>It is well I set down here at the end, that but for Captain +John Smith and Master Hunt, Nathaniel Peacock and I might have +remained in London to become worthless vagabonds, whereas we +stand today free men, planters who are fairly well respected +among our fellows; and I hope, as well as believe, that no man +within this land of Virginia can say that he was ever wronged or +made sorrowful by Nathaniel Peacock or Richard of Jamestown.</p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Richard of Jamestown, by James Otis + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RICHARD OF JAMESTOWN *** + +This file should be named rchjm10h.htm or rchjm10h.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, rchjm11h.htm +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, rchjm10ah.htm + +Produced by Martin Robb + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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