Brandon’s name on a blank book means that it is well seasoned, well made, of the best materials obtainable. A book that falls to pieces before it is used up is dear at half the price of a good book. We make ours right, sell them right—in fact, they are the right books for you to use. Brandon Printing Co. Lithographers, Printers and Blank Book Makers NASHVILLE, TENN. _In writing to advertisers please mention the Taylor-Trotwood Magazine_ [Illustration: “As they went out they saw some firemen trying to put out the flames....”—_The Shadow of the Attacoa, page 511_] THE TAYLOR-TROTWOOD MAGAZINE VOL. IV FEBRUARY, 1907 NO. 5 THE JAMESTOWN EXPOSITION By James Hines It would be impossible to estimate the loss to the world had the first white English-speaking settlement, founded at Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607, resulted in failure. Had it been abandoned, as was once the intention of the surviving colonists, it would have had a deterrent effect on similar and subsequent expeditions, and would have changed the complexion of American history. Those who comprised the first settlement encountered almost insurmountable obstacles before reaching these shores. For months they braved the perils of the sea, and were buffeted by storms, but their heroism and tenacity of purpose never faltered. The real test, however, of endurance was manifested after landing and in establishing the settlement that definitely dates the United States. During December, 1606, this history-making party sailed from England, and on May 16, 1607, they landed on a peninsula which juts into the James River. They named the place Fort James. Subsequently it was called James City, and finally James Town. For nearly two centuries it has been an island, and for more than two hundred years it has been abandoned. Two fires destroyed the town, one during Bacon’s rebellion, in 1676, the other an accident, twenty years later, after which the seat of government was moved to Williamsburg. The ruins of the old church tower remain on the site,—a crumbling monument of the first colonial settlement. The excavations showing where the Governor’s mansion and the House of Burgesses stood; the Ambler mansion, twice destroyed by fire, and the old graveyard, with its historic tombs and inscriptions, are still to be seen. The work of these hardy pioneers in establishing the colony was often interrupted by savage attacks of Indians, and their energies were greatly impaired by fever and lack of necessary sustenance. Indeed, so greatly had their ranks been depleted that, when Newport arrived from England, a few months later, with men and provisions, but thirty-eight of the original party were alive. It was greatly due to John Smith, the heroic leader, that the settlers held out as long as they did.