3. THE NATIVES

BEFORE 1607 the native inhabitants of Virginia had been little affected by contact with the whites, and they were quick to greet the first English settlers to the New World. As later events were to prove, the Indians could be friends, or enemies, and accordingly could render assistance, as they did in the early years of the colony, or destruction, as they did in the massacres of 1622 and 1644. John Smith, who dealt successfully with the natives, has left us an account of them as they appeared while their ways of life were still unmodified by the white man's influence.

OF THE NATURAL INHABITANTS OF VIRGINIA

The land is not populous, for the men be fewe; their far greater number is of women and children. Within 60 miles of James Towne there are about some 5000 people, but of able men fit for their warres scarse 1500. To nourish so many together they haue yet no means, because they make so smal a benefit of their land, be it never so fertill. . . . The people differ very much in statore, especially in language. . . .

Some being very great as the Sesquesahamocks, others very little as the Wighcocomocoes: but generally tall and straight, of a comely proportion, and of a colour browne when they are of any age, but they are borne white. Their haire is generally black; but few have any beards. The men weare halfe their heads shaven, the other halfe long. . . .

They are inconstant in everie thing, but what feare constraineth them to keepe. Craftie, timerous, quicke of apprehension and very ingenuous. Some are of disposition fearefull, some bold, some cautelous, all Savage. Generally covetous of copper, beads, and such like trash. They are soone moved to anger, and so malitious, that they seldome forget an iniury: they seldome steale one from an other, least their coniurers should reueale it, and so they be pursued and punished. That they are thus feared is certaine, but that any can reveale their offences by conjuration I am doubtfull. Their women are carefull not to bee suspected of dishonesty without the leave of their husbands.

Each household knoweth their owne lands and gardens, and most live of their owne labours.

A Map of Virginia With a Description BY CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH.

Last Modified: Thurs, Sep 11 2003 10:00:00 pm PST source/5/sb5d.htm