De gedenkwaardige reizen vanden beroemden Capiteyn Johan Smith na Virginien; gedaan in den jare 1606. en ...

1607

desire; for none of us had seen that coast before.

Cape Henry.

The first land where we ventured and went ashore, we named Cape Henry; where 30 of our men, amusing themselves on the beach, were set upon by 5 savages, who dangerously wounded 2 of the English.
2 English wounded by the savages.

Box with sealed orders opened.

At this time the sealed box containing the orders was opened to read the same, which we found designated Bartholomew Gosnold, myself, Edward Wingfield, Christopher Newport, John Ratcliffe, John Martin, and George Kendall as councilors, who were to elect a president from among themselves for one year, who together with the council would constitute the government. Matters of importance would be investigated by sworn members; decisions were to be made by the majority of the council, with the president having 2 votes.

By the 13th of May 1607, we sought a suitable place to settle. At which time the councilors took their oath and elected Mr. Wingfield as president, who gave a speech as to why I, along with others, could not be accepted into the council.
Mr. Wingfield appointed President.

The work carried out vigorously.

Immediately everyone set to work; the council designed the fort, the rest felled trees to make room for the erection of their tents, some prepared clapboard for ship supplies, while others made their gardens. Some also mended nets, and furthermore, everyone set to work on what was deemed necessary. The savages frequently came to visit us very kindly. The president's arrogance and jealousy made him careless, so that no military drills were performed, nor fortifications thrown up, other than by the extraordinary effort and diligence—
Carelessness of the President.