Great Epochs in American History, Volume 2: The Planting of the First Colonies: 1562—1733
History
Great Epochs in American History, Volume 2: The Planting of the First Colonies: 1562—1733
United States -- History
The fifth, we continued our labor, when there came unto us ashore from
the main fifty savages, stout and lusty men with their bows and
arrows; amongst them there seemed to be one of authority, because the
rest made an inclining respect unto him. The ship was at their coming
a league off, and Captain Gosnold aboard, and so likewise Captain
Gilbert, who almost never went ashore, the company with me only eight
persons. These Indians in hasty manner came toward us, so as we
thought fit to make a stand at an angle between the sea and a fresh
water; I moved myself toward him seven or eight steps, and clapt my
hands first on the sides of mine head, then on my breast, and after
presented my musket with a threatening countenance, thereby to signify
unto them, either a choice of peace or war, whereupon he using me with
mine own signs of peace, I stept forth and embraced him; his company
then all sat down in manner like greyhounds upon their heels, with
whom my company fell a bartering. By this time Captain Gosnold was
come with twelve men more from aboard, and to show the savage seignior
that he was our Captain, we received him in a guard, which he passing
through, saluted the seignior with ceremonies of our salutations,
whereat he nothing moved or altered himself. Our Captain gave him a
straw hat and a pair of knives; the hat awhile he wore, but the knives
he beheld with great marveling, being very bright and sharp; this our
courtesy made them all in love with us....
The eighth we divided the victuals, namely, the ship's store for
England, and that of the planters, which by Captain Gilbert's
allowance could be but six weeks for six months, whereby there fell
out controversy, the rather, for that some seemed secretly to
understand of a purpose Captain Gilbert had not to return with supply
of the issue, those goods should make by him to be carried home.
Besides, there wanted not ambitious conceits in the minds of some
wrangling and ill-disposed persons who overthrew the stay there at
that time, which upon consultation thereof had, about five days after
was fully resolved all for England again. There came in this interim
aboard unto us, that stayed all night, an Indian, whom we used kindly,
and the next day sent ashore; he showed himself the most sober of all
the rest, we held him sent as a spy. In the morning, he filched away
our pothooks, thinking he had not done any ill therein; being ashore
we bid him strike fire, which with an emerald stone (such as the
glaziers use to cut glass) he did. I take it to be the very same that
in Latin is called _smiris_, for striking therewith upon touch-wood
that of purpose he had, by means of a mineral stone used therein,
sparkles proceeded and forthwith kindled with making of flame. The
ninth, we continued working on our storehouse, for as yet remained in
us a desired resolution of making stay. The tenth, Captain Gosnold
fell down with the ship to the little islet of cedars, called Hill's
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account