Colonial Unit

John Smith & The General History

John Smith: bio notes English soldier and adventurer Sailed in late 1606 for America Southern colonist First man to successfully promote the permanent settlement of America Founded Jamestown, VA – the first English colony Gave New England its name Captured by Indians in VA (leader = Powhatan) Rescued by Powhatan’s daughter, Pocahontas, and made Powhatan’s “son” Wrote The General History (1624)

Bio, cont… Smith’s writing encouraged people to settle in America Appealed to the sense of personal and national glory Appealed to the hope of economic advancement Writing aimed to clear up myths about America (specifically w/ The General History) learned that you need patience, a sense of glory, an experienced commander, and hard work to make America thrive

The General History: the basics Set in VA Written in third person to appear more objective (as if he is telling someone else’s story as opposed to his own) Writing is very verbose (wordy) and descriptive PAY ATTENTION AS YOU READ!!! Look up unfamiliar words

“What Happened Till the First Supply” Within 10 days of landing, the men are weak, sick, exhausted, and hungry (50 people died in the 1st 4 months) While the ships are there the men have ample food and supplies When the ship leaves the common kettle dwindles and the president keeps the “good stuff” for himself President = Wingfield

The ill-advised journey… Smith considered this journey to America ill-advised because it was unfamiliar territory was not necessary to their well-being wasted time (very long journey) was not well provided for

Wingfield was removed from power because he acted selfishly (hoarded food and tried to escape with one of the small ships) He was replaced with Ratcliffe At this point all of the food is gone, the ships have left shore, and the Indians are lurking

Smith attributes the Indians’ change of heart to God’s blessing. The Indians fed the colonists instead of killing them. “…when God, the patron of all good endeavors, in that desperate extremity so changed the hearts of the savages that they brought such plenty of their fruits, and provisions, as no man wanted.”

Captain Smith (John Smith, the author), sets out to explore the Chickahominy River and is taken prisoner by Indians Powhatan, Indian chief, is characterized as brave, strong, intimidating, wise, respected, wealthy and generous Irony = though Indians previously had a change of heart, they were not sufficiently impressed with Smith to spare his life (they tied him to a tree in preparation to kill him)

Once they bring him back to Powhatan, Pocahontas (Powhatan’s daughter) ultimately saves Smith’s life Smith gives Powhatan two guns and a grindstone Powhatan bestows Smith two things: the country of Capahowosick and the respect of making Smith his “son”

Upon Smith’s return Colony is in chaos Ratcliffe is preparing to flee (like Wingfield did before him) Colonists tried to put Smith to death for the deaths of Robinson and Emry