Powhatan In 1608 John Smith went to Chief Powhatan and asked him to become a “proper” English King. In return, they would help him with his battle against the Monacans. Chief Powhatan firmly refused and said that he could fight his own battles. What else did Powhatan do to influence America?

In this image of a battle, French colonists fight with one Native American tribe against another in what is now Florida. European settlers tried to create alliances with Native American tribes. These alliances often led to violence when Europeans were drawn into ongoing Native American conflicts. However, Europeans were able to use these conflicts to further divide Native American communities and keep them from uniting against the settlers. The English settlers in Jamestown tried to use a similar strategy with the Powhatan tribe and the Monacan Confederacy. Unknown. (1629). How they took him prisoner in the Oaze, Library of Congress: America's Library, Meet Amazing Americans.How they took him prisoner in the Oaze, 1607.

In this document, John Smith describes an official visit to Chief Powhatan. The British crown sent Smith with a variety of gifts to Powhatan to ask him to become a “proper” English King. In other words, the British wanted Powhatan to pledge allegiance to the British. Smith also mentions helping the Powhatan with their “revenge against the Monacans.” Smith, J. (1907) The general history of Virginia, New England & Summer Isles: together with the true travels, adventures and observations, and A sea grammar / by John Smith. (page 141). Library of Congress: American Memory, The Capital Bay: Narratives of Washington and Chesapeake Bay Region,

Chief Powhatan firmly declined Smith’s offer, showing he understood what the English were trying to do: “neither will I bite at such a bait.” Powhatan also rejected the idea of making an alliance with the English to seek revenge against the Monacans, saying that the Powhatan could “revenge [their] own injuries.” Smith, J. (1907) The general history of Virginia, New England & Summer Isles: together with the true travels, adventures and observations, and A sea grammar / by John Smith. (page 142). Library of Congress: American Memory, The Capital Bay: Narratives of Washington and Chesapeake Bay Region,

This is a depiction of Chief Powhatan, located in the upper-left corner of a map of the Jamestown settlement made in Smith, J. (1624). [Detail of a map of Virginia of 1612, showing Powhatan in royal wigwam. He wears a crown of feathers.] Library of Congress: Prints & Photographs, Miscellaneous Items in High Demand.

This map is the earliest known map of the Chesapeake region drawn by English cartographers. It highlights both English and Native American settlements. Smith, J. (16016). Virginia / discovered and described by Captain John Smith. 1606; graven by William Hole. Library of Congress: American Memory, Map Collections: