An untimely accident deprived the colony of the valuable services of Smith, and caused it to come nearly to an end. Smith’s successor had not the ability, courage or prestige to govern as he had done, and a turbulent element began to assume an aggressive attitude toward the Indians, who resented it. The result of this aggression was that trading parties, bent on peaceful measures, were massacred, and, consequently, in the spring of 1610 famine together with all its accompanying sufferings, stared the colonists in the face. They were a haggard, disheartened, miserable group of men and women. To continue at James Town appeared impossible, and, by popular vote it was decided, though the bravest could not restrain their emotion at failure, that it must be abandoned. Accordingly, June 7, the dejected aggregation boarded their ships and cleared for home. When they reached Hampton Roads, a sail was observed, which proved to be the Governor’s boat. His ships were in the Roads, and the settlers returned to their village, and there enacted one of the most pitiful, yet dramatic, scenes in the world’s history. [Illustration: BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF JAMESTOWN EXPOSITION _Copyright, 1906. Jamestown Official Photograph Corporation, Norfolk_] The timely and unexpected arrival of the Governor was greeted with frantic shouts of welcome and joy by the discouraged colonists. His coming immediately infused new life, and their affectionate embraces of one another gave way to fervent prayer. Their story was related to Lord Delaware, and, as he landed, he fell upon the ground and offered thanks to God that his arrival had saved Virginia. Following that memorable day in 1610, there was never a question concerning the continuance of the Virginia colony. Before the arrival of Lord Delaware, the settlement had been ruled by more or less despotic measures. Under Smith, the despotism had been beneficent, if not benevolent. Following the rule of Delaware and Sir Thomas Dale, a more liberal policy was inaugurated, with the administration of Yeardley, and Virginia began to make gigantic strides. Cattle and sheep were raised; crops were planted; poultry and domestic animals received attention; horses were brought over and utilized for farming and travel. In addition to these necessaries of life, tobacco, which was destined to become the standard of value and exchange, was extensively cultivated. From out of a condition of chaos, everything became plentiful, and Virginia began to offer attractive inducements to immigrants. The pioneers had conquered dangers and enjoyed comparative affluence.