De Monts the sole jurisdiction of the country called Acadia, extending from the fortieth to the forty-sixth degree of north latitude, or from Delaware bay to the gulf of St. Lawrence. Under this grant a settlement was commenced in 1604, at a place called Port Royal, in Nova Scotia, and in 1608, Samuel Champlain laid the foundation of Quebec. These possessions of the French proved the source of innumerable calamities to the English colonies, until the peace of 1763, between France and England. + Comprises the events that occurred from the settlement of Jamestown, 1607, to the Declaration of Independence, 1776. 1. Soon after the London company had obtained their charter, they sent three ships to America, under the command of Capt. Newport, with one hundred and five What events are comprised in period second? What was the situation of the country in 1607? What is represented by the cut? 1. What is said of the London company? For what place did they sail? When and where was the first English settlement made? What was it called? persons, and every thing necessary for establishing a colony. They sailed for Roanoke, but were fortunately driven by a storm into Chesapeake bay. They were so much pleased with the surrounding country, that they determined to settle on the river Powhattan, now called James river. On the 13th of May, 1607, they landed and began a settlement, and in honor of their sovereign, called it Jamestown.* This was the first permanent English settlement in America. 2. The colonists soon began to experience various calamities, many of which they had not anticipated. Disputes and jealousies arose among their rulers. They suffered much from want of provisions, disease, and the hostility of the Indians. In less than four months from the time of their landing fifty of their number had perished. Discouraged by these afflictions, they were anxious to return to England. 3. In this state of despondency, one of their number, named John Smith,‡ a very extraordinary man, under 2. What did the colonists soon experience? What arose among their rulers? From what causes did they suffer? How soon had fifty of their number perished? Jamestown, on James river, thirty-two miles above its mouth. It is now in ruins, and almost desolate. Two or three old houses, the ruins of an old steeple, a churchyard, and faint marks of the rude fortifications, are the only memorials of its former importance. The government of the colony was formed in England before it sailed. It was to consist of a president and a council of seven persons. The names of these persons, and the code of laws for the government of the colony, were carefully concealed in a box, and given to Capt. Newport, at the time of sailing, with orders not to open it until twenty-four hours after landing. It was opened on the 14th of May, and found to contain the names of Bartholo mew Gosnold, John Smith, Edward Wingfield, Christopher Newport. John Ratcliffe, John Martin, and George Kendall. Mr. Wingfield was chosen president, but was soon after deposed for misconduct, and John Ratcliffe chosen in his place. Capt. John Smith, the father of Virginia, was born at Willoughby, in Lincolnshire, England, in 1579. From his earliest youth he displayed a roving disposition, and was delighted with bold and adventurous feats among his companions. At the age of thirteen he was apprenticed to a merchant, but quit his master in his fifteenth year, and travelled through France, Netherlands, Egypt, and Germany. He afterwards entered into the service of the emperor of Austria against the Turks. By his skill, bravery, and exploits, he obtained the command of 250 horsemen. At the siege of Regal the Turks sent a challenge to the Austrians, stating, that the lord Turbisha, for the diversion of the ladies of the place, would fight any single captain of the Christian troops. Smith accepted the challenge,-and meeting his antagonist on horseback, in view of the ladies on the battlements, killed him, and bore away his head in took to manage the affairs of the colony. He established order among them, built comfortable houses for them to live in, fortified their little settlement, procured provisions of the natives, and inspired all with confidence. Thus the settlers were able to subsist until they received assistance from England. 4. In 1608, Capt. Newport arrived with 120 new settlers, and a supply of provisions. This was a source of great joy to the little colony. But their prospects were soon overcast; for about this time they discovered in the bed of a small river near Jamestown, a shining substance which they supposed to be gold-dust. A sort of universal phrensy was excited by this discovery. "Immediately," says Smith, "there was no thought, no discourse, no hope, and no work, but to dig gold, wash gold, refine gold, and load gold." Smith used all his influence to convince them of their folly; but to no purpose. A vessel was loaded with this useless com 3. Can you give some account of John Smith? See note. What did he do for the colony? 4. Who arrived in 1608? What occurred about this time? What does Smith say? What did the people do? What did it prove to be? Is that all gold which shines? triumph to his general. Crualgo, a friend of Turbisha, upon this sent a particular challenge to Smith. He at once accepted it. They met, and Smith was again the victor; he bore off his head in triumph. Smith now sent a message into the town, informing the ladies that if they wished for more sport of a similar kind, they must procure another champion. Bonamalgro soon appeared, and after a short but severe contest, in which Sinith nearly lost his life, the huge Turk was slain, and his head was added to the number of the others. He was afterwards taken prisoner by the Turks; but by killing his master, he escaped into Russia, and returned to England. Ile joined the expedition fitted out by the London company, to make a settlement in America, and was named as one of the council of the colony. On their passage to America, disputes arose among the emigrants, and by his superior talents, Smith excited the envy of the principal persons on board, and he was unjustly confined and kept a close prisoner during the rest of the voyage. After the planting of the colony at Jamestown, he was released from confinement, but excluded from the council. He was afterwards tried, and honorably acquitted of all the charges brought against him, and admitted to his seat as a member of the council. After the election of Ratcliffe, the whole weight of the administration devolved on Smith, and all would have perished with hunger, but for his exertions in procuring corn of the Indians. This he obtained, sometimes by purchase, sometimes by caresses, and often by stratagem and force. Unable to procure corn on a certain occasion, he seized the Indian idol Okee, made of skins stuffed with moss; for the redemption of which as much corn was brought to him as he demanded. He often made long excursions into the wilderness for the purpose of exploring the country, modity, and sent to England. On its arrival there, the cargo was examined, and found to be nothing but mud, filled with small pieces of shining stone. 5. In consequence of their neglecting to cultivate the ground, they suffered much, the following winter, from want of provisions, and from disease. Their storehouse was accidentally burned, and they were reduced to great distress. The next year they received a supply of necessaries, and seventy new settlers were added to their number; among whom were several persons of distinction. 6. In 1609, the London company obtained a new charter, granting greater powers and privileges than the former. They soon after sent out nine ships, with nine hundred emigrants to Virginia. The vessel, on board of which were the officers appointed to govern the colony, was unfortunately driven by a storm upon the Bermuda Islands. The others arrived safely. Most of 5. How was the colony affected by this conduct? What happened the next year? 6. What took place in 1609? What did they do soon after? What happened to one vessel? Who were on board? What is said of the others? What of Smith? and procuring corn of the natives. In one of these, attended only by an Indian guide, he was suddenly surrounded by a numerous body of savages, and after a brave defence, was taken prisoner. His exulting captors conducted him in triumph to Powhattan, the principal chieftain of Virginia. After many ceremonies and consultations, they decided to put him to death. They looked upon him as a man whose courage and abilities were particularly dangerous to the safety of the Indians. He was accordingly led forth to execution. His head was placed upon a stone, and a war-club presented to Powhattan, who claimed the honor of being his executioner. As the chief raised the club to give the fatal blow, Pocahontas, his favorite daughter, rushed through the crowd, and clasped the head of Smith in her arms, laid her own upon it, and entreated her father to spare his life. Powhattan was amazed. He let fall the club, and set Smith at liberty, and soon after had him conducted in safety to Jamestown. He was several times chosen president of the council, and by his example and severity he rendered the colonists exceedingly in dustrious. Several young gentlemen in the colony, indignant that they should be compelled to work, often gave vent to their feelings in expressions of impatience and profaneness. Smith caused the number of their oaths to be noted daily, and at night as many cans of water to be poured into the sleeve of each, as he had taken oaths during the day. This discipline had so happy an effect that scarcely an oath was heard in a week, and perfectly restored the subjects of it to good humor. After many other adventures, Smith died in London, in 1651, in the 52d year of his age. For all his services and suf ferings he never received any recompense. • Bermuda Islands, a cluster of small islands in the Atlantic Ocean. They |