1

John Smith and Jamestown

Elizabeth Blindauer Senior Division Historical Paper

Paper Length= 2,027

2

“He that will not work shall not eat.” These influential words come from arguably 1

one of Britain's most vital explorers of the late sixteenth and early seventeenth

centuries; however, also around this time period the Dutch painter Rembrandt was born,

a new play called Macbeth opened in London, and Galileo published a book of

observations about the recent appearance of a supernova in the sky, all of which

overpowered this great explorer in history books about the time.9 John Smith was the

map maker, the adventurer, and the agitator of his time, although, many are unaware of

his downfalls. Through his exploration, exchange, and encountering of the new world,

John Smith helped to shape the future of Jamestown settlers interactions with Native

Americans and the British move to the New World for years to come.

Even in his younger years, John Smith had a thirst for knowledge and longed to

explore the world around him. Born around 1580, Smith worked as an apprentice at the

age of thirteen. Following his father’s death, John joined the British army in France to

help fight off the Spanish and returned to England after a truce ended the fighting. While

back in Britain, Smith secluded himself and learned how to live off the land. He read

1 Historic Jamestowne. “John Smith.” Jamestown Rediscovery. http://historicjamestowne.org/history/pocahontas/john­smith/. 2 “Captain John Smith.” National Park Service.

http://www.nps.gov/jame/learn/historyculture/life­of­john­smith.htm. 9 Price, David A. Love and Hate in Jamestown. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, Random House, 2003.

3

about the rules of war and politics and an Italian Nobleman helped John improve his

horsemanship and jousting skills.2 In 1600, Smith learned of a war between Christians

of the Holy Roman Empire and Muslim Ottoman Turks. He then set out to join the Holy

Roman Empire in the fight. On his way to Austria, Smith served on a pirate ship in the

Mediterranean in exchange for enough gold pieces to enable him to travel the rest of

the way to Austria.2 He earned several awards for his service in the war and was

promoted to captain. In 1602, however, he was captured in battle and was sold into

Turkish slavery. His master's fiancee sent him to work for her brother where Smith was

tortured. One day Smith encountered, overpowered, killed the brother, and fled the

scene. In 1604, Smith returned to England where many people had heard of his military

exploits, including Captain Gosnold who was intent on founding an English colony in

Virginia.2 On April 10, 1606, the Virginia Company of London was granted a charter to

start a colony in Virginia and in December three ships carrying 104 settlers were

dispatched. The men embarking on this enterprise came for a range of motives. Some 2

wanted to get rich quick and others wanted to found a new church to save the

“savages”; however, John Smith was thrilled by the thought that the adventure and

exploration of a lifetime was still ahead.9

2 “Captain John Smith.” National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/jame/learn/historyculture/life­of­john­smith.htm. 9 Price, David A. Love and Hate in Jamestown. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, Random House, 2003.

4

On May 13, 1607, the colony was named Jamestown. Initially, the colony was

governed by a council of seven men, including Smith. John Smith often clashed with a

gentleman named Edward­Maria Wingfield. Smith being of lesser social class and

sharing his opinions too much, may have overstepped that boundary causing Wingfield

to accuse him of “mutiny” and he arrived at Jamestown as a prisoner.2 Reverend

Robert Hunt fought to free Smith and eventually John was allowed back onto the council

to continue on with his pursuit of exploration.

Throughout his life John Smith was an avid explorer and his love of adventure

carried over into the New World. In the spring of 1608, Captain Smith took on the task of

exploring the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries on two separate voyages. He was told

to map the area, claim land, find gold and other riches, exchange goods with the

natives, and to find a passage to the Pacific Ocean. Twelve or fourteen days into the 3

first of the two journeys, the men had encountered a couple of different native tribes.

Some showed the Englishmen great hospitality while others were less receptive and

suspicious. Later, the bread the English had brought had spoiled and the men were

tired and wanted to turn back. Captain John Smith gave them a pep talk that stated:

Gentlemen if you would remember the memorable history of Sir Ralph Layne, how his company importuned him to proceed in the discovery of Moratico, alleadging they had yet a dog, that being boyled with Saxafras leaves, would richly feede them in their returnes; then what a shame would it be for you (that have bin so suspitious of my tendernesse) to force me returne, with so much provision as we have, and scarce able to say where we have beene, nor yet heard of that we were sent to seeke? You cannot say but I have shared with you in the worst which is past; and for what is to come, of lodging, dyet, or whatsoever, I am contented you allot the worst part to my selfe. As for your feares that I will lose my selfe in

3 “Captain John Smith.” Chesapeake Bay Program. http://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/bayhistory/johnsmith.

5

these unknowne large waters, or be swallowed up in some stormie gust; abandon these childish feares, for worse then is past is not likely to happen: and there is as much danger to returne as to proceede. Regaine therefore your old spirits for returne I will not (if God please) till I have seene the Massawomeks, found Patawomek, or the head of this water you conceit to be endlesse. 4

Captain John Smith, determined to find new lands and explore the land further on his

voyage, refused to turn back. Later though, strong winds forced him to turn back and

they followed a different river. Smith kept a journal of every hardship his crew

encountered and graphic descriptions of what he saw. He charted the land and

waterways and subsequently drew an elaborate and accurate map of Chesapeake

Bay.3

John Smith's "Virginia" (See Appendix A) was published in London in 1612 and

then in the 1612 Oxford publication of John Smith's A Map of Virginia: With a

Description of the Countrey, the Commodities, People, Government and Religion.

Captain Smith’s writings drew attention to the area and in turn, helped to lure more

English settlers to the New World. It appeared in several other works by Smith and

other commentators on Virginia. It remained the most influential map of Virginia until the

last quarter of the 17th century and many of the place names used by Smith remain in

use.3 Captain Smith’s exploration of early America affected many and was seen all

around the world.3 People today still use the names he used including a group of islands

4 Sultana Projects. "Smith's First Voyage." Captain John Smith Four Hundred Project. http://www.johnsmith400.org/journalfirstvoyage.htm. 2 “Captain John Smith.” National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/jame/learn/historyculture/life­of­john­smith.htm.

6

near the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay which became Smith Isles or Smith

Island. With his exchange of information about the New World back to Europe, John

Smith helped to kickstart exploration in the new colonized area.

John Smith also encountered many Indians during his time in the New World.

The first months of Jamestown existence were filled with the struggles of famine,

disease, and the occasional conflict with the Powhatan Indians. The most well known

and controversial of these encounters is depicted in the Disney movie Pocahontas 10,

though, this version of the story could be considered flawed according to Smith’s

account. While the encounter was accurate in terms of who Smith met, the pretenses of

romance were not correct. In December 1607, while exploring the Chickahominy river

on one of his two expeditions of Virginia’s terrain, Captain Smith was captured by the

Powhatan Indians. They then brought him to their leader, Chief Powhatan. John Smith 5

accounted that Powhatan had threatened to kill him but instead the Chief decided to

have mercy on Smith and even resolved to trade with the English. Later Smith even

declared that Powhatan’s daughter, Pocahontas, had interfered in their conflict to save

his life (See Appendix B). People; however, seem to have split opinions on whether it

did or did not happen. One theory for the rescue is that Chief Powhatan saw Captain

Smith as a leader of the Englishmen. He may have wanted to claim Jamestown as one 6

of his tribes, gaining more power and having a larger influence in the American

5 Historic Jamestowne. “John Smith.” Jamestown Rediscovery. http://historicjamestowne.org/history/pocahontas/john­smith/. 6 National Park Service. "Indians & Smith." Captain John Smith Chesapeake. http://smithtrail.net/native­americans/indians­smith/smith­powhatan­pocahontas 10 Pocahontas. Disney, 1995.

7

continent. Another theory is that, like in other tales of his life, Smith simply talked his

way out of the problematic situation. This encounter with American Indians helped to

shape the future of Jamestown by setting up a new system of trade with the Powhatan

people and intercrossing Chief Powhatan’s and Captain Smith’s paths.

After Smith’s release, the English and Powhatan people became trading partners

and allies.6 The two cultures exchanged many things; the Powhatan’s providing food in

return for the English metals and manufactured goods unavailable to them otherwise.

Both parties, however, exchanged languages, forms of entertainment, and in some

cases even hostages temporarily to ensure each sides good behavior.9 Smith soon

became the president of Jamestown and in the fall of 1608 the news of the allegiance

had travelled back to King James I. The colonists were told to invite Powhatan to

Jamestown and to offer him gifts and a crown to symbolically swear his allegiance to

Britain. However, Powhatan would not come and and responded with, “If your king have

sent me presents, I also am a king, and this my land…. Your father is to come to me,

not I to him, nor yet to your fort.”6 The colonists then travelled to Chief Powhatan and

forced the gifts and crown upon him, thusly beginning a power struggle between the two

groups. In the winter of 1608, a famine began and the Powhatan’s refused to trade corn

with the Jamestown colonists. Negotiations were commenced but ended up failing

miserably. Relations then slipped into hostility amidst the cultures. The English

attempted to impose their rule on the Indians. Smith was lost in the middle of this

quarrel and stuck to his idea of cooperation, which got him accused of siding with the

8

Powhatan’s. John Smith ruled firmly but fairly. He tended to deal with the Indians in a 7

callous manner sometimes burning down their villages and even threatening or using

force to get corn and other foods. In what is said to be one of Captain Smith’s and Chief

Powhatan’s final exchanges, the leaders were participating in negotiations in the

Powhatan capital of Werowocomoco when the Chief suddenly excused himself and left

the hut. According to Smith, Pocahontas told him her father would be sending dinner

and the men who brought them the food would kill the Englishmen with their own

swords while they ate.9 Though their relationship is depicted as romantic in the Disney

film, it is unclear whether Pocahontas and Smith were only strictly political traders or if

they had feelings for each other. Captain Smith’s exchange with Chief Powhatan 8

helped and hurt the Jamestown colonists by starting the power struggle that carried on

even after both of the leaders had died.

In the fall of 1609, Smith had a keg of gunpowder explode between his legs and

was forced to return to Britain for treatment of severe wounds. Despite wanting to

establish a new colony in Virginia in 1614, Smith was never able to return to grandeur

and died on June 21, 1631, in London.11

Captain John Smith had a large influence on settler and Indian interactions in the

early years of America. He explored the many rivers of the Virginia area and drew maps

7 “John Smith.” History. http://www.history.com/topics/john­smith. 9 Price, David A. Love and Hate in Jamestown. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, Random House, 2003. 8 “John’s Smiths Bold Endeavor.” NOVA. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/john­smith.html. 11 Universities. "John Smith (1579­1631)." Virtual Jamestown. http://www.virtualjamestown.org/jsmith.html.

9

of the terrain. People still use the names of many on the places he explored and his

maps are still looked at and used as reference. He helped to draw more Englishmen

toward the new territories of North America. Smith encountered many Indians of whom

he was hated and respected by. His relationship with the Powhatan Indians helped to

shape the future of Jamestown by causing conflict between the groups. Smith’s

exchange with the Indians also changed the future of Jamestown colonists. The Indians

traded foods to the English that people eat everyday, though they were unknown during

this time. John Smith may look like just another Disney character but in reality he was a

crucial part of Jamestown's interaction with Native Americans and Britain’s move to

America, even after he was gone.

10

Appendix A

11

Appendix B

12

13

Bibliography

Primary Sources

Smith, John, C. King Powhatan Commands C:Smith to Be Slayne. Illustration. Encyclopedia Virginia. May 9, 2012. Accessed April 3, 2016. http://blog.encyclopediavirginia.org/files/2012/05/2147scr_85fa7ab3968e2d9.jpeg. This image depicts the event of Powhatan demanding Smith to be killed but Pocahontas stepping in and saving him. This helps me to better picture the event in my mind and to understand it in more detail.

Sultana Projects. “Smith’s First Voyage.” Captain John Smith Four Hundred Project. Last modified 1608. Accessed April 3, 2016. http://www.johnsmith400.org/journalfirstvoyage.htm. This primary source was filled with Captain Smith’s journals which of course were very insightful and helped me to learn more about how he felt and thought throughout his expeditions in the Chesapeake Bay area.

“Virginia.” Map. Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Accessed April 3, 2016. http://smithtrail.net/images/content/smithmaplarge.jpg. I found this picture very important because it is a map that John Smith drew during his exploration of the New World. He labeled many of the different tribes of native people he met on the map and the map is highly revered for Smith’s use of detail.

Secondary Sources

Historic Jamestowne. “John Smith.” Jamestown Rediscovery. Last modified 2007. Accessed December 17, 2015. http://historicjamestowne.org/history/pocahontas/john­smith/. This source gave me insight into the adventures of Smith in his early years and helped me to understand his methods of ruling. It was a crucial source to my paper because it explained the Smith and Indian involvement.

History.com Staff. “John Smith.” History.com. Last modified 2009. Accessed December 17, 2015. http://www.history.com/topics/john­smith. This source gave great insight into Smith’s time as president and his relationship with the Indians. It spoke of the times Smith had in Virginia which helped me to better understand the concept.

Ibis Communications Inc. “Captain John Smith is Saved by Pocahontas, 1608.” EyeWitness to History. Last modified 2003. Accessed December 15, 2015. http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/johnsmith.htm. This primary source helped me to understand the situation where Pocahontas allegedly saved Smith’s life. It also went into great detail about the event and that helped me a lot.

14

“John’s Smiths Bold Endeavor.” NOVA. Last modified April 1, 2007. Accessed December 17, 2015. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/john­smith.html. This source went into great detail about John and Pocahontas’ relationship which is something that really intrigued me because that area is a little fuzzy. It helped me to better understand how Smith and the Indians interacted and how he was injured.

Library of Congress. “Colonial America (1492­1763).” America’s Story from America’s Library. Accessed December 17, 2015. http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/colonial/jb_colonial_smith_1.html. This source put Smiths time in America into very condensed and easy to read format for me to go over. It was helpful in introducing me to the topic and getting to know the timeline of events.

Montgomery, Dennis. “Captain John Smith.” Colonial Williamsburg. Last modified 1994. Accessed December 8, 2015. http://www.history.org/foundation/journal/smith.cfm. This source helped me to better understand how Smith’s companions viewed him. It also showed me the other side of Smith, not just the glorified one everyone seems to know.

National Park Service. “Indians & Smith.” Captain John Smith Chesapeake. Accessed December 17, 2015. http://smithtrail.net/native­americans/indians­smith/smith­powhatan­pocahontas. This source was important to my paper because it spoke about the Indians and helped me to better understand who the people were. It also gave me insight into Smith’s relationship with the Powhatan’s.

Pocahontas. Disney, 1995. This movie is how I decided on my topic and I found it very interesting to see all of the differences between the movie and what really happened especially between Pocahontas and John Smith.

Price, David A. Love and Hate in Jamestown. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, Random House, 2003. This book really gave me a lot of information about the struggles of the new colony of Jamestown and the issues between the colonists and the Indians. It also shone some light on the relationship between Smith, Pocahontas, and Chief Powhatan which was vital for me to understand the events of their meetings better.

Regional Partners. “Captain John Smith.” Chesapeake Bay Program. Last modified 2012. Accessed December 14, 2015. http://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/bayhistory/johnsmith. This secondary source helped me to better understand Captain Smith’s expedition of the Chesapeake Bay area. It also gave me the first glimpse into Smith’s writings that were very influential in his time.

15

Universities. “John Smith (1579­1631).” Virtual Jamestown. Last modified 1998. Accessed November 9, 2015. http://www.virtualjamestown.org/jsmith.html. This secondary source was important in my paper because it gave me background into John Smith’s map of Virginia. The source went into detail about the maps importance and influence which helped me to better understand it. and what it meant at that time period.

Warden, Bill. “Captain John Smith.” National Park Service. Last modified June 2009. Accessed December 12, 2015. http://www.nps.gov/jame/learn/historyculture/life­of­john­smith.htm. This source was vital to my paper because it made me really get the story of Smith’s life. It helped me to understand Smith’s relationship with the Indians too.