The Pocahontas Archive

Pocahontas: The Historical Record

What are the "facts" about Pocahontas? Here is an attempt at compiling (1) all the mentions of Pocahontas during her lifetime, (2) all the mentions of her by her contemporaries even after she died, and (3) -- since there is some dispute surrounding her actions -- all the likely places she could have been mentioned but wasn't. Here, then, in chronological order, are the "facts" -- the "first generation" information that provides the basis for investigating the accuracy of all later representations of Pocahontas and assessing whether or not her famous rescue of Smith happened at all.

Where there are two parenthetical citations at the end of an entry, the first is to the location in the original text, the second to a standard edition of Smith's works.

Have we missed anything? Please forward any additions to ejg1@lehigh.edu.

1: John Smith, A True Relation (1608)

1.1) In a work written from Virginia perhaps six months after his captivity, Smith describes the meeting with Powhatan as cordial and does not include the threat of death or Pocahontas's saving act – quite different than Smith's version in his 1624 Generall Historie does (#23.3 below). (C1v-C2v) (Barbour, Complete Works I, 53-57)

Arriving at Weramocomoco, their Emperour proudly lying uppon a Bedstead a foote high, upon tenne or twelves Mattes, richly hung with Manie Chaynes of great Pearles about his necke, and covered with a great Covering of Rahaughcums. At heade sat a woman, at his feete another; on each side sitting uppon a Matte uppon the ground, were raunged his chiefe men on each side of the fire, tenne in a ranke, and behinde them as many young women, each a great Chaine of white Beaddes over their shoulders, their heades painted in redde: and with such a grave and Majesticall countenance, as drave me into admiration to see such state in a naked Salvage, hee kindly welcomed me with such good wordes, and great Platters of sundrie Victuals, assuring mee his friendship, and my libertie within foure days. Hee much delighted in Opechan Comoughs relation of what I had described to him, and oft examined me upon the same. Hee asked me the cause of our comming, I tolde him being in fight with the Spaniards our enemie, being over powred, neare put to retreat, and by extreame weather put to this shore: where landing at Chesipiack, the people shot us, but Kequoughtan they kindly used us: we by signes demaunded fresh water, they described us up the River was all fresh water: at Paspahegh also they kindly used us: our Pinnasse being leake, we were inforced to stay to mend her, till Captaine Newport my father came to conduct us away. He demaunded why we went further with our Boate, I tolde him, in that I would have occasion to talke of the backe Sea, that on the other side the maine, where was salt water, My father had a childe slaine, whiche we supposed Monocan his enemie had done whose death we intended to revenge.

After good deliberation, hee began to describe mee the Countreys beyonde the Falles, with many of the rest; confirming what not onely Opechancanoyes, and an Indian which had beene prisoner to Powhatan had before tolde mee, but some called it five dayes, some sixe, some eight, where the sayde water dashed amongst many stones and rockes, each storm; which caused oft tymes the heade of the River to bee brackish: Anchanachuck he described to bee the people that had slaine my brother: whose death hee would revenge. Hee described also upon the same Sea, a mighty Nation called Pocoughtronack, a fierce Nation that did eate men, and warred with the people of Moyaoncer and Pataromerke, Nations upon the toppe of the heade of the Bay, under his territories: where the yeare before they had slain an hundred, he signified their crownes were shaven, long haire in the necke, tied on a knot, Swords like Pollaxes.

Beyond them, he described people with short Coates, and Sleeves to the Elbowes, that passed that way in Shippes like ours. Many Kingdomes hee described mee, to the heade of the Bay, which seemed to bee a mightie River issuing from mightie Mountaines betwixt the two Seas: The people cloathed at Ocamahowan, he also confirmed; and the Southerly Countries also, as the rest that reported us to be within a day and a halfe of Mangoge, two dayes of Chawwonock, 6 from Roonock, to the south part of the backe sea: he described a countrie called Anone, where they have abundance of Brasse, and houses walled as ours. I requited his discourse, seeing what pride hee had in his great and spacious Dominions, seeing that all hee knewe were under his Territories.

In describing to him, the territories of Europe, which was subject to our great King whose subject I was, the innumerable multitude of his ships, I gave him to understand the noyse of Trumpets, and terrible manner of fighting were under captain Newport my father, whom I intituled the Meworames, which they call the King of all the waters, at his greatnesse, he admired, and not a little feared: he desired mee to forsake Paspahegh, and to live with him upon his River, a Countrie called Capa Howasicke: hee promised to give me Corne, Venison, or what I wanted to feede us, Hatchets and Copper wee should make him, and none should disturbe us. This request I promised to performe: and thus, having with all the kindnes hee could devise, sought to content me: hee sent me home with 4. men, one that usually carried my Gowne and Knapsacke after me, two other loded with bread, and one to accompanie me.

1.2) Here is the first appearance of Pocahontas on the historical record. According to Smith, Pocahontas is Powhatan's favorite child and a "nonpareil"; she plays a symbolic role in a diplomatic mission regarding Indian prisoners. (E3v) (Barbour, Complete Works I, 93)

Powhatan understanding we detained certaine Salvages, sent his Daughter, a child of tenne years old, which, not only for feature, countenance, and proportion, much exceedeth any of the rest of his people, but for wit, and spirit, the only Nonpareil of his Country: this hee sent by his most trustie messenger, called Rawhunt, as much exceeding in deformitie of person, but of a subtill wit and crafty understanding. He with a long circumstance told mee how well Powhatan loved and respected mee, and in that I should not doubt any way of his kindnesse, he had sent his child, which he most esteemed, to see me; a Deare and bread besides for a present: desiring me that the Boy might come againe, which he loved exceedingly, his litle Daughter hee had taught this lesson also: not taking notice at all of the Indeans that had beene prisoners three daies, till that morning that she saw their fathers and friends come quietly, and in good tearmes to entreate their libertie.

1.3) Smith courts Pocahontas's good will as intermediary in the same diplomatic mission as the previous entry. (E4r) (Barbour, Complete Works I, 95)

In the afternoone, they being gone, we guarded them as before to the Church, and after prayer, gave them to Pocahuntas, the Kings Daughter, in regard of her fathers kindnesse in sending her: after having well fed them, as all the time of their imprisonment, we gave them their bowes, arrowes, or what else they had, and with much content, sent them packing: Pocahuntas also we requited, with such trifles as contented her, to tel that we had used the Paspaheyans very kindly in so releasing them.

2: Edward Maria Wingfield, A Discourse of Virginia (1608)

2.1) Wingfield was the first president of the Virginia Council. There is no reference to Pocahontas saving Smith in the entry for December 10, 1607, that describes Smith's captivity. (ed. Charles Deane, 1860, 92)

Decem.--The 10th of December, Mr Smyth went up the ryver of the Chechohomynies to trade for corne. He was desirous to see the heade of that river; and, when it was not passible wth the shallop, he hired a cannow and an Indian to carry him up further. The river the higher grew worse and worse. Then hee went on shoare wth his guide, and left Robinson & Emmery, twoe of our Men, in the cannow; wch were presently slayne by the Indians, Pamaonke's men and hee himself taken prysoner, and, by the means of his guide, his lief was saved; and Pamaonché, haveing him prisoner, carryed him to his neybors wyroances to see if any of them knew him for one of those wch had bene, some twoe or three yeeres before us, in a river amongst them Northward, and taken awaie some Indians from them by force. At last he brought him to the great Powaton (of whome before wee had no knowledg), who sent him home to our towne the viij of January.

3: John Smith, A Map of Virginia (1612)

3.1) The following reference to Pocahontas can be found in the front-matter examples of Indian speech, where Smith provides a brief primer to satisfy the desire of many "to knowe the maner of their language." (4r) (Barbour, Complete Works I, 139)

Kekaten pokahontas patiaquagh niugh tanks manotyens neer mowchick rawrenock audowgh. Bid Pokahontas bring hither two little Baskets, and I wil give her white beads to make her a chaine.

4: William Symonds, The Proceedings of the English Colonie in Virginia (1612)

4.1) Symonds' collection presents a second version of Smith's capture and release without providing any of the specific detail Smith did in A True Relation (#1.1 above) and, thus, also, without mentioning any rescue by Pocahontas. Instead, Smith "procured his own liberty." (13-17) (Barbour, Complete Works I, 212-15)

. . . till at last slipping into a bogmire they tooke him prisoner: when this newes came to the fort much was their sorrow for his losse, fewe expecting what ensued. A month those Barbarians kept him prisoner, many strange triumphes and conjurations they made of him, yet hee so demeaned himselfe amongst them, as he not only diverted them from surprising the Fort, but procured his own liberty, and got himselfe and his company such estimation amongst them, that those Salvages admired him as a demi-God. . . . they esteemed him an oracle: by these fictions [his discourse on the Sun, etc., and his exaggerations about Captain Newport] he not only saved his owne life and obtained his liberty, but had them at that command, he might command them what he listed.

4.2) Smith raises the famished colony's morale with visions of Powhatan's abundance of food, but in the 1624 Generall Historie (#23.5 below), Smith intensifies the morale boost with a parenthetical reference to Pocahontas's role – put here in brackets. (14) (Barbour, Complete Works I, 213)

His relation of the plenty he had seene, especially at Werawocomoco, and of the state and bountie of Powhatan (which till that time was unknowne) so revived their dead spirits [(especially the love of Pocahontas)] as all mens feare was abandoned.

4.3) Gifts from Powhatan sustained the early colony, but Smith alters the sentence in the 1624 Generall Historie (#23.6 below) to add Pocahontas as a source of the gifts as well. (16) (Barbour, Complete Works I, 215)

Proceedings: But Captaine Newport got in, and arrived at James towne, not long after the redemption of Captaine Smith, to whome the Salvages every other day brought such plenty of bread, fish, turkies, squirrels, deare, and other wild beasts, part they gave him as presents from the king;

Generall Historie: part always they brought him as Presents from their Kings, or Pocahontas.

4.4) Once again, as in the True Relation (#1.3 above), Pocahontas, the king's favorite, is shown to play a significant role in a negotiation for prisoners. (24) (Barbour, Complete Works I, 220-21)

[Smith's Powhatan prisoners] being threatened and examined their intents and plotters of their villanies confessd they were directed only by Powhatan, to obtaine him our owne weapons to cut our own throats, with the manner how, where, and when, which wee plainely found most true and apparent, yet he sent his messengers and his dearest Daughter Pocahuntas to excuse him, of the injuries done by his subjects, desiring their liberties, with the assuraunce of his love. After Smith had given the prisoners what correction hee thought fit, used them well a day or two after, and then delivered them Pocahuntas, for whose sake only, he fained to save their lives and graunt them liberty.

4.5) Smith is treated to a "womens entertainement" without mention of Pocahontas. However, in the 1624 Generall Historie (#23.8 below), this episode, described in almost the exact same language, is called the "Virginia Maske" and is led by Pocahontas, as seen by the two sections in brackets. (44) (Barbour, Complete Works I, 235)

Powhatan being 30 myles of, who, presently was sent for, in the meane time his women [Pocahontas and her women] entertained Smith in this manner.

In a fayre plaine field they made a fire, before which, he sitting upon a mat suddainly amongst the woods was heard such a hydeous noise and shriking, that they betooke thems to their armes, supposing Powhatan with all his power was came to surprise them. But [presently Pocahontas came, willing him to kill her if any hurt were intended, and] the beholders, which were many men, women, and children, satisfied the Captaine there was no such matter, being presently presented with this anticke; 30 young women came naked out of the woods (onely covered behind and before with a few greene leaves) their bodies al painted, some white, some red, some black, some partie colour, but every one different; their leader had a faire paire of stagges hornes on her head, and an otter skinne at her girdle, another at her arme, a quiver of arrowes at her backe, and bow and arrows in her hand. . . . These fiendes with most hellish cries, and shouts rushing from amongst the trees, cast themselves in a ring about the fire, singing and dauncing with excellent ill varietie, oft falling into their infernall passions, and then solemnly againe to sing, and daunce. Having spent neere an houre, in this maskarado, as they entered, in like manner departed.

4.6) A "halfe night" of "mirth" here after negotiating for food is replaced by an ominous episode in the 1624 Generall Historie (#23.9 below) in which Pocahontas, traveling alone in the "darke night" through the "irksome woods," saves Smith from murder by Powhatan. See 4.8 for a more abbreviated version of this same incident. (65) (Barbour, Complete Works I, 250)

Proceedings: But our own barge being left by the ebb, caused us to staie, till the midnight tide carried us safe abord, having spent that halfe night with such mirth, as though we never had suspected or intended any thing, we left . . .

Generall Historie: But our Barges being left on the oase by the ebbe, caused us stay till the next high-water; so that wee returned againe to our old quarter.

Powhatan and his Dutch-men brusting with desire to have the head of Captaine Smith; for if they could but kill him, they thought all was theirs, neglected not any opportunity to effect his purpose. The Indians with all the merry sports they could devise, spent the time till night: then they all returned to Powhatan, who all this time was making ready his forces to surprise the house and him at supper.

Notwithstanding the eternall all-seeing God did prevent him, and by a strange meanes. For Pocahontas his dearest iewell and daughter, in that darke night came through the irksome woods, and told our Captaine great cheare should be sent us by and by: but Powhatan and all the power he could make, would after come kill us all, if they that brought it could not kill us with our owne weapons when we were at supper. Therefore if we would live, shee wished us presently to bee gone. Such things as shee delighted in, he would have given her: but with the teares running downe her cheekes, shee said shee durst not be seene to have any: for if Powhatan should know it, she were but dead, and so shee ranne away by her selfe as she came.

4.7) Master Wiffin's escape from trouble here is, as shown in the bracketed section that appeared in the 1624 Generall Historie (#23.10 below), later attributed to aid from Pocahontas. (72) (Barbour, Complete Works I, 254)

(as also that night he lodged with Powhatan) perceived such preparation for warre, that assured him, some mischiefe was intended. [Pocahontas hid him for a time, and sent them who pursued him the cleane contrary way to seeke him; but by her meanes and] . . . with extraordinarie bribes, and much trouble, in three daies travell at length hee found us in the midst of these turmoiles.

4.8) Pocahontas, traveling alone in a "darke night" through "wild woods" saves Smith from murder by Powhatan (see 4.6 for reference to this episode in the 1624 Generall Historie). Further, this comment suggests the nature of the "relationship" between Smith and Pocahontas and that the potential for a sexual dimension was at least a topic of discussion by some. (103) (Barbour, Complete Works I, 274)

Some propheticall spirit calculated hee had the Salvages in such subjection, hee would have made himselfe a king, by marrying Pocahontas, Powhatans daughter. It is true she was the very nomparell of his kingdome, and at most not past 13 or 14 yeares of age. Very oft shee came to our fort, with what shee could get for Captain Smith, that ever loved and used all the Countrie well, but her especially he ever much respected: and she so well requited it, that when her father intended to have surprized him, shee by stealth in the darke night came through the wild woods and told him of it. But her marriage could no way have intitled him by any right to the kingdome, nor was it ever suspected hee had ever such a thought, or more regarded her, or any of them, then in honest reason, and discreation he might. If he would he might have married her, or have done what him listed. For there was none that could have hindered his determination.

4.9) The bracketed section about Pocahontas saving Henry Spilman that appears in the 1624 Generall Historie (#23.11 below) replaces the part in italics here in the Proceedings. (104-5) (Barbour, Complete Works I, 275)

But ere all was consumed, Master West and Ratliffe each with a pinnace, and 30 or 40 men wel appointed, sought abroad to trade, how they carried the businesse I knowe not, but Ratliffe and his men were most slaine by Powhatan, those that escaped returned neare starved in the Pinnace. [Sickelmore upon the confidence of Powhatan, with about thirtie others as carelesse as himselfe; were all slaine; onely Ieffrey Shortridge escaped; and Pokahontas the Kings daughter saved a boy called Henry Spilman that lived many yeeres after, by her meanes, amongst the Patawomekes.] And Master West finding little better successe, set sail for England.

5: William Strachey, The Historie of Travaill into Virginia Britannia (1612)

5.1) Strachey, Secretary of the Virginia Colony, notes that Pocahontas marries Kocoum a year or so after Smith leaves Virginia in 1609. So, Pocahontas was married before she married Rolfe? (ed. Wright and Freund, 1953, 62)

They often reported unto us that Powhatan had then lying twenty sonnes and ten daughters besydes a young one by Winganuske, Machumps his sister and a great Dearling of the kings, and besydes younge Pocahunta a daughter of his, using sometime to our Fort in tymes past, now marryed to a pryvate Captayne called Kocoum some 2. yeares synce.

5.2) And Strachey memorably describes a naked, "wanton," cart-wheeling Pocahontas, as an 11 or 12 year old. (ed. Wright and Freund, 1953, 72)

and therefore would the before remembered Pochohuntas, a well featured but wanton young girle Powhatans daughter, sometymes resorting to our Fort, of the age then of 11. or 12. yeares, gett the boys forth with her into the markett place and make them wheele, falling on their handes turning their heeles upwardes, whom she would follow, and wheele so her self naked as she was all the Fort over.

5.3) And, further, he tells us "Pocahontas" is not her "right" name. (ed. Wright and Freund, 1953, 113)

and so the great king Powhatan, called a young daughter of his, whome he loved well Pochahuntas, which may signifie Little-wanton, howbeit she was rightly called Amonute .

6: John Chamberlain, Letter to Sir Dudley Carleton (August 1, 1613)

6.1) Writing to eminent diplomat Carleton, Virginia Company shareholder Chamberlain reports that news of Pocahontas's abduction and the ransom plans has reached London. (Letters I, 470-71)

There is a ship come from Virginia with news of theyre well dooing, which puts some life into that action, that before was almost at the last cast: they have taken a daughter of a king that was theyre greatest ennimie, as she was going a feasting upon a river to visite certain frends: for whose ransome the father offers whatsoever is in his power, and to become theyre frend, and to bring them to where they shall meet with gold mines: they propound unto him three conditions, to deliver all the English fugitives, to render all manner of armes or weapons of theyrs that are come to his handes and to give them 300 quarters of corne. The first two he performed redilie, and promiseth the other at theyre harvest, yf his daughter may be well used in the meane time.

7: Samuel Purchas, Purchas his pilgrimage (1613)

7.1) Purchas, a friend of Smith's and successor to the great Richard Hakluyt as England's premier collector and editor of travel narratives, apparently uses a manuscript of Symonds' 1612 Proceedings here as his source (#4.1 above). Only a brief mention of the captivity. (634)

They carryed him prisoner to Powhatan, and there beganne the English acquaintance with the savage Emperour.

7.2) The "womens entertainment" (see #4.5 above) or "Virginia Maske" episode (see #23.8 below) is also mentioned, but without reference to Pocahontas.

the Leader of these Nymphes resembled both Actaeon and Diana, having on her head a faire paire of Stagges hornes, and a quiver of arrowes at her backe, with bow and arrows in her hand: the rest followed all horned alike, weaponed with unlike instruments: these (as if they had been the infernall guard, comming with Cerberus to welcome Prosperina to her Palace) rushed from the trees with hellish shouts and cries, dancing about a fire, which there was made for that purpose: and after an houre thus spent, they departed. Then they did solemnely invite him to their lodging, where he was no sooner come, but all rounded about him with tedious kindnesse, crying love you not mee? This salutation ended, which Pan and all his Satyres would have accepted.

8: Samuel Purchas, Purchas his pilgrimage (2nd ed. 1614)

8.1) Still apparently following the 1612 Proceedings (#4.1 above), there is no mention of Pocahontas in this description of Smith's captivity. (757)

But in the discoverie of Chickahamine Riuer, George Casson was surprized, & Smith with two others, were beset with 200 savages his men slain, and himselfe in a quagmire taken prisoner; but after a month he procured himselfe not only libertie, but great admiration amongst them, and returning, once more stayed the Pinace from flight, and the fort from being abandoned.

8.2) But Pocahontas is named in regard to her abduction (see revision in #19.1 below). (759)

Samuel Argall in the yeare 1613, affirmed likewise that he found the state of Virginia farre better then was reported. In one voyage they had gotten one thousand and one bushels of corne: they found a slow kinde of Cattell, as bigge as Kinde, which were good meate; and a medicinal sort of earth. They tooke Pokahuntis (Powhatans deerest daughter) prisoner, and for her ransome had Corne, and redeliverie of their Prisoners and Weapons.

8.3) The "womens entertainment" (#4.5 above) or the "Virginia Maske" (#23.8 below) is described again without reference to Pocahontas (see #7.2 above). (764)

9: John Rolfe, Letter to Dale (1614)

9.1) Rolfe asks the Governor's permission to marry Pocahontas. His attraction to her is motivated by conversion not carnality. (Hamor, A True Discourse, 1615, 63)

Let therefore this my well adusted protestation, which here I make betweene God and my own conscience, be a sufficient witnesse, at the dreadfull day of judgement (when the secret of all mens harts shall be opened) to condemne me herein, if my chiefest intent and purpose be not, to strive with all my power of body and minde, in the undertaking of so mightie a matter, no way led (so farre forth as mans weaknesse may permit) with the unbridled desire of carnall affection: but for the good of this plantation for the honour of our countrie, for the glory of God, for my owne salvation, and for the converting to the true knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, an unbeleeving creature, namely Pokahuntas. To whom my heartie and best thoughts are, and have a long time bin so intangled, and inthralled in so intricate a laborinth, that I was even awearied to unwinde my selfe thereout. But almighty God, who never faileth his, that truely invocate his holy name, hath opened the gate, and led me by the hand that I might plainely see and discerne the safe paths wherein to treade.

9.2) Rolfe struggles with and overcomes religious objections to miscegenation. (Hamor, A True Discourse, 1615, 64)

Nor was I ignorant of the heavie displeasure which almightie God conceived against the Sonnes of Levie and Israel for marrying strange wives, nor of the inconveniences which may thereby arise, with other the like good motions which made me looke about warily and with good circumspection, into the grounds and principall agitations, which thus should provoke me to be in love with one whose education hath bin rude, her manners barbarous, her generation accursed, and so discrepant in all nurturiture from my selfe, that oftentimes with feare and trembling, I have ended my private controversie with this: surely these are wicked instigations, hatched by him who seeketh and delighteth in mans destruction; and so with fervent praiers to be ever preferred from such diabolical assaults (as I tooke those to be) I have taken some rest.

9.3) The clincher for Rolfe is that converting and marrying Pocahontas is God's work. (Hamor, A True Discourse, 1615, 65)

for besides the many passions and sufferings, which I have daily, hourely, yea and in my sleepe indured, even awaking mee to astonishment, taxing me with remisnesse, and carelesnesse, refusing and neglecting to performe the duetie of a good Christian, pulling me by the eare, and crying: why dost not thou indeavour to make her a Christian? And these have happened to my greater wonder, even when she hath bin furthest separated from me, which in common reason (were it not an undoubted worke of God) might breede forgetfulnesse of a farre more worthie creature. Besides, I say the holy spirit of God hath often demaunded of me, why I was created? If not for transitory pleasures and worldly vanities, but to labour in the Lord's vineyard, there to sow and plant, to nourish and increase the fruites thereof, daily adding with the good husband in the Gospell, somewhat to the tallent, that in the end the fruites may be reaped, to the comfort of the laborer in this life, and his salvation in the world to come? And if this be, as undoubtedly this is, the service Jesus Christ requireth of his best servant; wo unto him that hath these instruments of pietie put into his hands, and wilfully despiseth to work with them. Likewise, adding hereunto her great apparance of love to me, her desire to be taught and instructed in the knowledge of God, her capablenesse of understanding, her aptnesse and willingnesse to receive anie good impressions, and also the spirituall, besides her owne incitements stirring me up hereunto.

10: Thomas Dale, "To the R. and most esteemed friend Mr. D. M. at his house at F. Ch. in London" (June 18, 1614)

10.1) Virginia colony Governor Dale visits Powhatan to accomplish the ransom of Pocahontas (see #12.2 below). (Hamor, A True Discourse, 1615, 52-53)

Sir Thomas Gates having imbarqued himselfe for England, I put my selfe into Captaine Argalls ship, with a hundred and fifty men in my frigot, and other boats went into Pamaunkie river, where Powhatan hath his residence, and can in two or three daies, draw a thousand men togeather, with me I carried his daughter, who had been long prisoner with us, it was a day or two before we heard of them: At length they demaunded why we came; I gave for answere that I came to bring him his daughter, conditionally he would (as had been agreed upon for her ransome) render all the armes, tooles, swords, and men that had runne away, and give me a slip full of corne, for the wrong he had done unto us: if they would doe this, we would be friends, if not burne all. They demaunded time to send to their King. . . .

10.2) Given the lax attention by Powhatan and her people while she's a hostage, Pocahontas sides with the English. (Hamor, A True Discourse, 1615, 53-54)

The Kings daughter went ashore, but would not talke to any of them scarce of them of the best sort, and to them onely, that if her father had loved her, he would not value her lesse then olde swords, peeces, or axes: whereof she would stil dwell with the English men, who loved her. At last came one from Powhatan, who told us, that Simons was run away, to Nonsowhaticond, which was a truth, as afterwards appeared, but that the other English man was dead, that proved a lie: for since, Mr. Harmor, whom I employed to Powhatan brought him to me, our peeces, swords, and tooles within fifteen daies, should be sent to James towne, with some corne, and that his daughter should be my childe, and ever dwell with mee, desiring to be ever friends, and named such of his people, and neighbour Kings, as he desired to be included, and have the benefit of the peace. . . .

10.3) Pocahontas's baptism and marriage while a captive foster peace. (Hamor, A True Discourse, 1615, 55-56)

Powhatans daughter I caused to be carefully instructed in Christian Religion, who after shee had made some good progresse therein, renounced publickly her countrey Idolatry, openly confessed her Christian faith, was, as she desired, baptized, and is since married to an English Gentleman of good understanding, (as by his letter unto me, coutaining the reasons for his marriage of her you may perceive) another knot to binde this peace the stronger. Her Father and friends gave approbation to it, and her Uncle gave her to him in the Church: she lives civilly and lovingly with him, and I trust will increase in goodness, as the knowledge of God increaseth in her. She will goe into England with me, and were it but the gayning of this one soule, I will thinke my time, toile, and present stay well spent.

11: Alexander Whitaker, "To my verie deere and loving Cosen M. G. Minister of the B. F. in London" (June 18, 1614)

11.1) Jamestown minister Whitaker affirms that Governor Dale is primarily responsible for Pocahontas's baptism. (Hamor, A True Discourse, 1615, 59-60)

Sir the Colony here is much better. Sir Thomas Dale our religious and valiant Governour, hath now brought that to passe, which never before could be effected. For by warre upon our enemies, and kinde usage of our friends, he hath brought them to seeke for peace of us, which is made, and they dare not breake. But that which is best, one Pocahuntas or Matoa the daughter of Powhatan, is married to an honest and discreete English Gentleman Master Rolfe, and that after she had openly renounced her countrey Idolatry, confessed the faith of Jesus Christ, and was baptized; which thing Sir Thomas Dale had laboured along time to ground in her.

12: Ralph Hamor, A True Discourse of the Present State of Virginia (1615)

12.1) Mentioned above by Chamberlain (#6) and Dale(#9), Hamor here gives the full story of the abduction of Pocahontas by Captain Argall. (3-6)

It chaunced Powhatans delight and darling, his daughter Pocahontas, (whose fame hath even bin spred in England by the title of Nonparrella of Virginia) in her princely progresse, if I may so terme it, tooke some pleasure (in the absence of Captaine Argall (to be among her friends at Pataomecke (as it seemeth by the relation I had) imploied thither, as shopkeepers to a Fare, to exchange some of her fathers commodities for theirs, where residing some three months or longer, it fortuned upon occasion either of promise or profit, Captaine Argall to arrive there, whom Pocahantas, desirous to renue his familiaritie with the English, and delighting to see them, as unknowne, fearefull perhaps to be surprised, would gladly visit, as she did, of whom no sooner had Captaine Argall intelligence, but he delt with an old friend, and adopted brother of his Iapazeus, how and by what meanes he might procure hir captive, assuring him, that now or never, was the time to pleasure him, if he entended indeede that love which he had made profession of, that in ransome of hir he might redeeme some of our English men and armes, now in the possession of her Father, promising to use her withall faire, and gentle entreaty: Iapazeus well assured that his brother, as he promised would use her curteously promised his best indeavours and secrecie to accomplish his desire, and thus wrought it, making his wife an instrument (which sex have ever bin most powerfull in beguiling inticements) to effect his plot which hee had thus laid, he agreed that himselfe, his wife, and Pocahuntas, would accompanie his brother to the water side, whether come, his wife should faine a great and longing desire to goe aboorde, and see the shippe, which being there three or foure times, before she had never seene, and should bee earnest with her hushand to permit her: he seemed angry with her, making as he pretended so unnecessary a request, especially being without the company of women, which deniall she taking unkindely, must faine to weepe, (as who knows not that women can command teares) whereupon her husband seeming to pitty those counterfeit teares, gave her leave to goe aboord, so that it would please Pochahuntas to accompany her; now was the greatest labour to win her, guilty perhaps of her fathers wrongs, though not knowne as she supposed to goe with her, yet by her earnest perswasions, she assented: so forth with aboord they went, the best cheere that could be made was seasonably provided, to supper they went, merry on all hands, especially Iapazeus and his wife, who to expres their joy, would ere be treading upó Capt. Argals foot, as who should say tis don, she is your own. Supper ended, Pochahuntas was lodged in the Gunners roome, but Iapazeus and his wife desired to have some conference with their brother, which was onely to acquaint him by what stratagem they had betraied his prisoner, as I have already related: after which discourse to sleepe they went, Pocahuntas nothing mistrusting this policy, who nevertheless being most possessed with feare, and desire of returne, was first up, and hastened Iapazeus to be gon. Capt. Argall having secretly well rewarded him, with a small Copper kettle, and som other les valuable toies so highly by him esteemed, that doubtlesse he would have betrayed his owne father for them, permitted both him and his wife to returne, but told him, that for divers considerations, as for that his father had then eigh of our English men, many swords, peeces, and other tooles, which he had at severall times by trecherons murdering our men, taken from them which hough of no use to him, he would not redeliver, he would reserve Pocahuntas, whereat she began to be exceeding pensive, and discontented, yet ignorant of the dealing of Iapazeus, who in outward appearance was no less discontented that he should be the meanes of her captivity, much a doe there was to perswade her to be patient, which with extraordinary curteous usage, by little and little was wrought in her, and so to James towne she was brought, a messenger to her father forthwith dispached to advertise him, that his only daughter was in the hands & possession of the English.

12.2) Hostage Pocahontas meets with her brothers while Governor Dale is trying to negotiate the ransom. (10)

two of Powhatans sonnes being very desirous to see their sister who was there present ashore with us, came unto us, at the sight of whom, and her well fare, whom they suspected to be worse intreated, though they had often heard the contrary, they much rejoiced, and promised that they would undoubtedly perswade their father to redeem her, and to conclude a firme peace forever with us, and upon this resolution the two brothers with us retired aboarde.

12.3) Rolfe asks Dale permission to marry Pocahontas, permission is granted, Powhatan accepts too, and a period of peace is envisioned. (10)

Long before this time a gentleman of approved behaviour and honest carriage, master John Rolfe had bin in love with Pocahuntas and she with him, which thing at the instant that we were in parlee with them, my selfe made known to Sir Thomas Dale by a letter from him, whereby he intreated his advise and fur- therance in his love, if so it seemed fit to him for the good of the Plantation, and Pocahuntas her selfe, acquainted her brethren therewith: which resolution Sir Thomas Dale wel approving, was the onely cause: he was so milde amongst them, who otherwise would not have departed their river without other conditions

The bruite of this pretended marriage came soone to Powhatans knowledge, a thing acceptable to him, as appeared by his sudden content thereunto, who some ten daies after sent an olde uncle of hirs, named Opachisco, to give her as his deputy in the Church, and two of his sonnes to see the marriage solemnized, which was accordingly done about the fifth of Aprill and ever since we have had friendly commerce and trade, not onely with Powhatan himselfe, but also with his subjects round about us; so as now I see no reason why the Collonie should not thrive a pace.

13: John Chamberlain, Letter to Sir Dudley Carleton (June 22, 1616)

13.1) Chamberlain notes that the "most remarquable" Pocahontas arrives in England with Dale and Rolfe on a promotional mission for the Virginia Company. (Letters II, 12)

Sir Thomas Dale is arrived from Virginia and brought with him ten or twelve old and younge of that countrie, among whom the most remarquable person is Poca-huntas (daughter of Powatan a kinge or cacique of that countrie) married to one Rolfe an English man: I heare not of any other riches or matter of worth, but only some quantitie of sassafras, tobacco, pitch, and clapboard, things of no great value unles there were more plentie and neerer hand. All I can learne of yt is that the countrie is good to live in, yf yt were stored with people, and might in time become commodious, but there is no present profit to be expected; but you may understand more by yourself when he comes into these parts.

14: John Smith, Letter to Queen Anne (1616)

14.1) In his 1624 Generall Historie (#23.16 below), Smith includes this letter, claiming (there is no other corroboration) he sent it to the Queen as a way of introducing Pocahontas to her. If the letter is genuine, it contains Smith's first "public" account of his rescue by Pocahontas. (Barbour, Collected Works II, 258-62)

Most admired Queene,

The love I beare my God, my King and Countrie, hath so oft emboldened mee in the worst of extreme dangers, that now honestie doth constraine mee [to] presume thus farre beyond my selfe, to present your Maiestie this short discourse: if ingratitude be a deadly poyson to all honest vertues, I must bee guiltie of that crime if I should omit any meanes to bee thankfull.

So it is, That some ten yeeres agoe being in Virginia, and taken prisoner by the power of Powhatan their chiefe King, I received from this great Salvage exceeding great courtesie, especially from his sonne Nantaquaus, the most manliest, comeliest, boldest spirit, I ever saw in a Salvage, and his sister Pocahontas, the Kings most dear and well-beloved daughter, being but a childe of twelve or thirteene yeeres of age, whose compassionate pitifull heart, of my desperate estate, gave me much cause to respect her: I being the first Christian this proud King and his grim attendants ever saw: and thus inthralled in their barbarous power, I cannot say I felt the least occasion of want that was in the power of those my mortall foes to prevent, notwithstanding al their threats. After some six weeks fatting amongst those Salvage Courtiers, at the minute of my execution, she hazarded the beating out of her owne braines to save mine; and not onely that, but so prevailed with her father, that I was safely conducted to James town: where I found about eight and thirtie miserable poore and sicke creatures, to keepe possession of all those large territories of Virginia; such was the weaknesse of this poore commonwealth, as had the Salvages not fed us, we directly had starved. And this reliefe, most gracious Queene, was commonly brought us by this Lady Pocahontas.

Notwithstanding all these passages, when inconstant Fortune turned our peace to warre, this tender virgin would still not spare to dare to visit vs, and by her our jarres have beene oft appeased, and our wants still supplyed; were it the policie of her father thus to imploy her, or the ordinance of God thus to make her his instrument, or her extraordinarie affection to our Nation, I know not: but of this I am sure; when her father with the utmost of his policie and power, sought to surprize mee, having but eighteene with mee, the darke night could not affright her from comming through the irksome woods, and with watered eies gave me intelligence, with her best advice to escape his furie; which had hee knowne, hee had surely slaine her.

James town with her wild traine she as freely frequented, as her fathers habitation; and during the time of two or three yeeres, she next under God, was still the instrument to preserve this Colonie from death, famine and utter confusion; which if in those times, had once beene dissolved, Virginia might have line as it was at our first arrival to this day.

Since then, this businesse having beene turned and varied by many accidents from that I left it at: it is most certaine, after a long and troublesome warre after my departure, betwixt her father and our Colonie; all which time shee was not heard of.

About two yeeres after shee her selfe was taken prisoner, being so detained neere two yeeres longer, the Colonie by that meanes was relieved, peace concluded; and at last rejecting her barbarous condition, was maried to an English Gentleman, with whom at this present she is in England; the first Christian euer of that Nation, the first Virginian ever spoke English, or had a child in mariage by an Englishman: a matter surely, if my meaning bee truly considered and well understood, worthy a Princes understanding.

Thus, most gracious Lady, I have related to your Maiestie, what at your best leasure our approved Histories will account you at large, and done in the time of your Maiesties life; and however this might bee presented you from a more worthy pen, it cannot from a more honest heart, as yet I never begged any thing of the state, or any: and it is my want of abilitie and her exceeding desert; your birth, meanes, and authoritie; ier birth, vertue, want and simplicitie, doth make mee thus bold, humbly to beseech your Maiestie to take this knowledge of her, though it be from one so unworthy to be the reporter, as my self, her husbands estate not being able to make her fit to attend your Maiestie. The most and least I can doe, is to tell you this, because none so oft hath tried it as my selfe, and the rather being of so great a spirit, how ever her stature: if she should not be well received, seeing this Kingdome may rightly have a Kingdome by her meanes; her present love to us and Christianitie might turne to such scorne and furie, as to divert all this good to the worst of euvill; where finding so great a Queene should doe her some honour more than she can imagine, for being so kinde to your servants an subjects, would so ravish her with content, as endeare her dearest bloud to effect that, your Maiestie and all the Kings honest subjects most earnestly desire.

And so I humbly kisse your gracious hands.

15: John Chamberlain, Letter to Sir Dudley Carleton (January 18, 1617)

15.1) Chamberlain affirms that Pocahontas is royally treated by the royalty in London and, intriguingly, since no details are given, that she is now returning to Virginia against her will. (Letters II, 50)

The Virginian woman Poca-huntas with her father counsaillor hath ben with the King and graciously used, and both she and her assistant well placed at the maske. She is on her return (though sore against her will) yf the wind wold come about to send them away.

16: John Chamberlain, Letter to Sir Dudley Carleton (February 22, 1617)

16.1) Slurs against Pocahontas, both in terms of physical appearance and economic status. (Letters II, 56-57)

Here is a fine picture of no fayre Lady and yet with her tricking up and high stile and titles you might thincke her and her worshipfull husband to be somebody, yf you do not know that the poore companie of Virginia out of theyre povertie are faine to allow her fowre pound a weeke for her maintenance.

17: John Chamberlain, Letter to Sir Dudley Carleton (March 29, 1617)

17.1) Chamberlain notes Pocahontas's death without comment. (Letters II, 66)

The Virginian woman (whose picture I sent you) died this last weeke at Gravesend as she was returning homeward.

18: John Rolfe, Letter to Sir Edwin Sandys (1617)

18.1) Writing from Virginia shortly after Pocahontas's death, Rolfe worries about how people will think about him leaving their son in England. (Rolfe, "Letter of John Rolfe, 1617," 137)

My wives death, is much lamented; my childe much desired when it is of better strength to endure so hard a passage whose life greatly extinguisheth the sorrow of her loss, saying all must die, but tis enough that her childe liveth. I know not how I might be censued for leaving my childe behinde me, nor what hazard I may incur of yo'r noble love and other of my best friends.

19: Samuel Purchas, Purchas his pilgrimage (3rd ed. 1617)

19.1) In the third edition of this work, Purchas slightly revises his previous sentence (see #8.2 above), updating information about Pocahontas's baptism and marriage and adding her "true name." (943)

Samuel Argall in the yeare 1613, affirmed likewise that he found the state of Virginia farre better then was reported. In one voyage they had gotten one thousand and one bushels of corne: they found a slow kinde of Cattell, as bigge as Kinde, which were good meate; and a medicinal sort of earth. They tooke Pokahuntis (Powhatans deerest daughter) prisoner, a matter of good consequence to them, of best to her, by this meanes becoming a Christian, & married to Master Rolfe, an English Gentleman.

Her true Name was Matokes, which they concealed from the English, in a superstitious feare of hurt by the English if her name were knowne: she is now Christened Rebecca.

20: John Smith, New Englands trials (1622)

20.1) Pocahontas is the means of Smith's deliverance. This brief reference to Pocahontas rescuing Smith from captivity, though little remarked by commentators, pre-dates the detailed description in the Generall Historie (#23.3 below) by two years and is the first verifiably public reference to the rescue. (C2v) (Barbour, Collected Works I, 263)

For wronging a souldier but the value of a peny, I haue caused Powhatan send his owne men to James Towne to receive their punishment at my discretion. It is true in our greatest extremitie they shot me, slue three of my men, and by the folly of them that fled tooke me prisoner; yet God made Pocahontas the Kings daughter the meanes to deliver me: and thereby taught me to know their trecheries to preserve the rest.

21: John Smith, Letter to the King's Commission (1623), published as "A briefe relation written by Captaine Smith to his Maiesties Commissioners for the reformation of Virginia, concerning some aspersions against it."

21.1) This letter, part of the post-massacre investigation of the Virginia Company published in the 1624 Generall Historie (#23 below), certainly strongly suggests, though it does not explicitly specify, Pocahontas's fabled rescue of Smith from death. At the very least, however, it indicates her strong agency in his release. (163) (Arber, Travels and Works, 611)

Necessity thus did inforce me with eight or nine, to try conclusions amongst the Salvages, that we got provisions which recovered the rest being most sicke. Six weeks I was led captive by those Barbarians, though some of my men were slaine, and the rest fled; yet it pleased God to make their great Kings daughter the means to returne me safe to James towne, and releave our wants.

22: John Smith's prospectus for his Generall Historie (1624)

22.1) The document designed to announce and to raise money for the printing of the Generall Historie informs potential readers that Powhatan's "daughter saved his life, sent him to James towne and releeved him and all the English" -- the second verifiably public reference by Smith to the fabled rescue from captivity. (ed. Livingston, 1914)

23: John Smith, Generall Historie of Virginia (1624)

23.1) In his "Epistle Dedicatory," Smith lists Pocahontas as one of the "honorable and virtuous Ladies" who have offered him "rescue and protection" in his life. (Barbour, Collected Works II, 42)

In the utmost of many extremities, that blessed Pokahontas, the great Kings daughter of Virginia, oft saved my life.

23.2) Repeated from the 1612 A Map of Virginia (#3 above): Pocahontas is used in an example of Indian language. (40) (Barbour, Collected Works II, 130)

Kekaten pokahontas patiaquagh niugh tanks manotyens neer mowchick rawrenock audowgh. Bid Pokahontas bring hither two little Baskets, and I wil give her white beads to make her a chaine.

23.3) Though briefly referred to in the 1622 New Englands trials (#20 above), the detailed description of the famous rescue of Smith by Pocahontas here makes its first appearance in history. (48-49) (Barbour, Collected Works II, 151)

At last they brought him to Meronocomoco, where was Powhatan their Emperor. Here more than two hundred of those grim Courtiers stood wondering at him, as he had beene a monster; till Powhatan and his trayne had put themselves in their greatest braveries. Before a fire upon a seate like a bedsted, he sat covered with a great robe, made of Rarowcun skinnes, and all the tayles hanging by. On either hand did sit a young wench of 16 or 18 yeares, and along on each side the house, two rowes of men, and behind them as many women, with all their heads and shoulders painted red: many of their heads bedecked with the white downe of Birds; but every one with some thing: and a great chayne of white beades about their necks.

At his entrance before the King, all the people gaue a great shout. The Queene of Appamatuck was appointed to bring him water to wash his hands, and another brought him a bunch of feathers, in stead of a Towell to dry them: having feasted him after their best barbarous manner they could, a long consultation was held, but the conclusion was, two great stones were brought before Powhatan: then as many as could layd hands on him, dragged him to them, and thereon laid his head, and being ready for their clubs, to beate out his braines, Pocahontas the King's dearest daughter, when no intreaty could prevaile, got his head in her armes, and laid her owne upon his to saue him from death: whereat the Emperour was contented he should lieu to make him hatchets, and her bells, beads, and copper; for they thought him aswell of all occupations as themselves.

23.4) Pocahontas saving the larger colony by supplying food. (49) (Barbour, Collected Works II, 152)

Now ever once in foure or five dayes, Pocahontas with her attendants, brought him so much provision, that saved many of their lives, that els for all this had starved with hunger.

23.5) Along with visions of plentiful food, the love for the colonists shown by Pocahontas raises morale. This sentence appeared in the 1612 Proceedings (#4.2 above) without the parenthetical reference to Pocahontas. (50) (Barbour, Collected Works II, 152 )

His relation of the plenty he had seene, especially at Werawocomoco, and of the state and bountie of Powhatan (which till that time was unknowne) so revived their dead spirits (especially the loue of Pocahontas) as all mens feare was abandoned.

23.6) Pocahontas, along with Powhatan, is a source of presents for Smith. This sentence appears in the 1612 Proceedings (#4.3 above) without the reference to Pocahontas. (50) (Barbour, Collected Works II, 154)

But Newport got in and arrived at Iames Towne, not long after the redemption of Captaine Smith.To whom the Salvages, as is sayd, every other day repaird, with such provisions that sufficiently did serve them from hand to mouth: part alwayes they brought him as Presents from their Kings, or Pocahontas.

23.7) Pocahontas on the mission to seek freedom of prisoners. (54) (Barbour, Collected Works II, 160)

And thus they all agreed in one point, they were directed onely by Powhatan to obtaine him our weapons, to cut our owne throats; with the manner where, how, and when which we plainly found most true and apparent: yet he sent his messengers, and his dearest daughter Pocahontas with presents to excuse him of the iniuries done by some rash untoward Captaines his subjects, desiring their liberties for this time, with the assurance of his love for ever.

After Smith had given the prisoners what correction he thought fit, used them well a day or two after, and then delivered them Pocahontas; for whose sake onely he fayned to have saved their lives, and gave them libertie.

23.8) Here is the sensuous "Virginia Maske" that Pocahontas led and perhaps participated in, but this episode is recounted in the 1612 Proceedings (#4.5 above) and the 1617 Purchas (#19.2 above) without reference to Pocahontas. (67) (Barbour, Collected Works II, 182)

Powhatan being 30 myles of, was presently sent for: in the meane time, Pocahontas and her women entertained Captaine Smith in this manner.

In a fayre plaine field they made a fire, before which, he sitting upon a mat

suddainly amongst the woods was heard such a hydeous noise and shrieking, that the English betooke themselves to their armes, and seized on two or threee old men by them, supposing Powhatan with all his power was come to surprise them. But presently Pocahontas came, willing him to kill her if any hurt were intended; and the beholders, which were men, women, and children, satisfied the Captaine there was no such matter.

Then presently they were presented with this anticke; thirtie young women came naked out of the woods, onely covered behind and before with a few greene leaves, their bodies all painted, some of one color, some of another, but all differing, their leader had a fayre payre of Bucks hornes on her head, and an Otters skinne at her backe, a bow and arrows in her hand. . .

These fiends with most hellish shouts and cryes, rushing from among the trees, cast themselves in a rung about the fire, singing and dauncing with most excellent ill varietie, oft falling into their infernall passions, and solemnly againe to sing and daunce: having spent neare an houre in this Mascarado, as they entred, in like manner they departed.

23.9) Pocahontas saves Smith a second time from murder by Powhatan, coming alone through the "irksome woods" on a "darke night." This episode is referenced in the Proceedings as well (#4.6 above). (77) (Barbour, Collected Works II, 198)

Notwithstanding the eternall all-seeing God did prevent him, and by a strange meanes. For Pocahontas his dearest iewell and daughter, in that darke night came through the irksome woods, and told our Captaine great cheare should be sent us by and by: but Powhatan and all the power he could make, would after come kill us all, if they that brought it could not kill us with our owne weapons when we were at supper. Therefore if we would live, shee wished us presently to bee gone. Such things as shee delighted in, he would have giuen her: but with the teares running downe her cheekes, shee said shee durst not be seene to have any: for if Powhatan should know it, she were but dead, and so shee ranne away by her selfe as she came.

23.10) Pocahontas saves another colonist (Richard Wyffin), though her agency is not mentioned in the account of this episode in the 1612 Proceedings (#4.7 above). (80) (Barbour, Collected Works II, 203)

As for that night he [Master Richard Wyffin] lodged with Powhatan perceiving such preparation for warre, not finding the President there: he did assure himselfe some mischiefe was intended. Pocahontas hid him for a time, and sent them who pursued him the cleane contrary way to seeke him; but by her meanes and extraordinry bribes and much trouble in three dayes travell, at length he found us in the middest of these turmoyles.

23.11) Pocahontas saves yet a third colonist (Henry Spilman), though this rescue, too, is not mentioned in the account of this episode in the 1612 Proceedings (#4.9 above). (105) (Barbour, Collected Works II, 232)

Sickelmore upon the confidence of Powhatan, with about thirtie others as carelesse as himselfe; were all slaine; onely Ieffrey Shortridge escaped; and Pokahontas the Kings daughter saved a boy called Henry Spilman that lived many yeeres after, by her meanes, amongst the Patawomekes.

23.12) Drawn loosely from Hamor (#12.1 above), here is Smith's version of the abduction of Pocahontas. (112-13) (Barbour, Collected Works II, 243-44)

But to conclude our peace, thus it happened. Captaine Argall, having entred into a great acquaintance with Iapazaws, an old friend of Captaine Smiths, and so to all out Nation, ever since he hee discovered the Countrie: hard by him there was Pocahontas, whom Captaine Smiths Relations intituleth the Numparell of Virginia and though she had beene many times a preserver of him and the whole Colonie, yet til this accident shee was never seene at Iames towne since his departure...

Being at Patawomeke, as it seemes, thinking her selfe unknowne, was easily by her friend Iapazaws perswaded to goe abroad with him and his wife to see the ship: for Captain Argall had promised him a Copper Kettle to bring her but to him, promising no way to hurt her, but keepe her till they could conclude a peace with her father...

[Iapazaws] told her [his wife], if Pocahontas would goe with her, hee was content; and thus they betraied the poore innocent Pocahontas aboord, where they were all kindly feasted in the Cabbin... The Captaine when he saw his time, perswaded Pocahontas to the Gun-roome, faining to have some conference with Iapazaws, which was onely that she should not perceive hee was any way guiltie of her captivitie: so sending for her again he told her before her friends, she must goe with him, and compound peace betwixt her Countrie and us, before she should ever see Powhatan; whereat the old Iew and his wife began to howle and cry as fast as Pocahontas, that upon the Captaines faire perswasions, by degrees pacifying her selfe, and Iapazaws and his wife, with the Kettle and other toies, went merrily on shore, and shee to Iames towne.

A messenger forthwith was sent to her father, that his daughter Pocahontas he loved so dearley, he must ransome with our men, swords, peeces, tooles, &c. hee treacherously had stolne.

This unwelcome newes much troubled Powhatan, because hee loved both his daughter and our commodities well, yet it was three moneths after [July 1613] ere hee returned any answer... That he sent we received in part of payment, and returned him this answer: That his daughter should be well used; but we could not beleeve the rest of our armes were either lost or stolne from him, and therefore till he sent them, we would keepe his daughter.

Upon this promise, two of Powhatans sonnes came unto us to see their sister: at whose sight, seeing her well, thought they heard to the contrarie, they much reioiced, promising they would perswade her father to redeeme her, and for ever be friends with vs.

23.13) Also drawn loosely from Hamor (#12.3 above), here is Smith's account of the marriage of Rolfe and Pocahontas. (113) (Barbour, Collected Works II, 245)

Long before this, Master Iohn Rolfe, an honest Gentleman, and of good behaviour, had beene in love with Pocahontas, and she with him: which thing at that instant I made knowne to Sir Thomas Dale by a letter from him, wherein hee intreated his advice, and she acquainted her brother with it, which resolution Sir Thomas Dale well approved: the brute of this mariage came soone to the knowledge of Powhatan, a thing acceptable to him, as appeared by his sudden consent, for within ten daies he sent Opachisco, and old uncle of hers, and two of his sons, to see the manner of the mariage, and to do in that behalfe what they were requested, for the confirmation thereof, as his deputie.

23.14) Smith summarizes the three letters (#'s 9-10-11 above) in Hamor by Dale, Whitaker, and Rolfe about Pocahontas's baptism and marriage. (116) (Barbour, Collected Works II, 251)

I have read the substance of this relation, in a Letter written by Sir Thomas Dale, another by Master Whitaker, and a third by Master John Rolfe; hoe carefull they were to instruct her [Pocahontas] in Christianity, and how capable and desirous shee was thereof, after she had beene some time thus tutored, shee never had desire to goe to her father, nor could well endure the society of her owne nation: the true affection she constantly bare her husband was much, and the strange appartitions and violent passions he endured for her love, as he deeply protested, was wonderful, and she openly renounced her countries idolatry, confessed the faith of Christ, and was baptized . . .

23.15) Princess Pocahontas goes to England. (119) (Barbour, Collected Works II, 255)

Whilst those things were effecting, Sir Thomas Dale, having settled to his thinking all things in good order, made choice of one Master George Yearly, to be Deputy-Governour in his absence, and so returned for England; accompanied with Pocahontas the Kings Daughter, and Master Rolfe her husband: and arrived at Plimmoth the 12. of Iune. 1616.

23.16) Smith writes a letter of introduction to Queen Anne when Pocahontas arrives in England (see #14 above). (121-22) (Barbour, Collected Works II, 258-62)

Smith prefaces the letter thus:

During this time, the Lady Rebecca, alias Pocahontas, daughter to Powhatan, by the diligent care of Master John Rolfe her husband and his friends, [was] taught to speake such English as might well bee understood, well instructed in Christianitie, and was become very formall and civill after our English manner; shee had also by him a childe which she loved most dearely, and the Treasurer and Company tooke order both for the maintenance of her and it, besides there were divers persons of great ranke and qualities had beene very kinde to her; and before she arrived in London, Captaine Smith to deserve her former courtesies, made her qualities knowne to the Queenes most excellent Majiestie and her Court, and writ a little booke to this effect to the Queen.

The letter itself follows:

Most admired Queene,

Notwithstanding all these passages, when inconstant Fortune turned our peace to warre, this tender virgin would still not spare to dare to visit us, and by her our jarres have beene oft appeased, and our wants still supplyed; were it the policie of her father thus to imploy her, or the ordinance of God thus to make her his instrument, or her extraordinarie affection to our Nation, I know not: but of this I am sure; when her father with the utmost of his policie and power, sought to surprize mee, having but eighteene with mee, the darke night could not affright her from comming through the irksome woods, and with watered eies gave me intelligence, with her best advice to escape his furie; which had hee knowne, hee had surely slaine her.

About two yeeres after shee her selfe was taken prisoner, being so detained neere two yeeres longer, the Colonie by that meanes was relieved, peace concluded; and at last rejecting her barbarous condition, was maried to an English Gentleman, with whom at this present she is in England; the first Christian ever of that Nation, the first Virginian ever spoke English, or had a child in mariage by an Englishman: a matter surely, if my meaning bee truly considered and well understood, worthy a Princes understanding.

Thus, most gracious Lady, I have related to your Maiestie, what at your best leasure our approved Histories will account you at large, and done in the time of your Maiesties life; and however this might bee presented you from a more worthy pen, it cannot from a more honest heart, as yet I never begged any thing of the state, or any: and it is my want of abilitie and her exceeding desert; your birth, meanes, and authoritie; ier birth, vertue, want and simplicitie, doth make mee thus bold, humbly to beseech your Maiestie to take this knowledge of her, though it be from one so unworthy to be the reporter, as my self, her husbands estate not being able to make her fit to attend your Maiestie. The most and least I can doe, is to tell you this, because none so oft hath tried it as my selfe, and the rather being of so great a spirit, how euer her stature: if she should not be well received, seeing this Kingdome may rightly have a Kingdome by her meanes; her present love to us and Christianitie might turne to such scorne and furie, as to divert all this good to the worst of euvill; where finding so great a Queene should doe her some honour more than she can imagine, for being so kinde to your servants an subjects, would so ravish her with content, as endeare her dearest bloud to effect that, your Maiestie and all the Kings honest subjects most earnestly desire.

And so I humbly kisse your gracious hands.

23.17) Smith meets with Pocahontas in Brentford, England. (122-23) (Barbour, Collected Works II, 258-62)

Being about this time preparing to set saile for New-England, I could not stay to doe her that service I desired, and she well deserved; but hearing shee was at Branford with divers of my friends, I went to see her. After a modest salutation, without any word, she turned about, obscured her face, as not seeming well contented; and in that humour her husband, with divers others, we all left her two or three houres, repenting my selfe to have writ she could speake English. But not long after, she began to talke, and remembred mee well what courtesies shee had done: saying,

You did promise Powhatan what was yours should bee his, and he the like to you; you called him father being in his land a stranger, and by the same reason so must I doe you:

which though I would have excused, I durst not allow of that title, because she was a Kings daughter; with a well set countenance she said,

Were you not afraid to come into my fathers Countrie and caused feare in him and all his people (but mee), and feare you here I should call you father; I tell you then I wil, and you shall call mee childe, and so I will bee for ever and ever your Countrieman. They did tell vs always you were dead, and I knew no other till I came to Plimoth; yet Powhatan did command Uttamatomakkin to seeke you, and know the truth, because your Countriemen will lie much. . . .

The small time I staid in London, divers Courtiers and others, my acquaintances, hath gone with mee to see her, that generally concluded, they did thinke God had a great hand in her conversion, and they have seene many English Ladies worse favoured, proportioned, and behavioured; and as since I have heard, it pleased both the King and Queenes Maiestie honourably to esteeme her, accompanied with that honorouable Lady the Lady De La Ware, and that honourable Lord her husband, and divers other person of good qualities, both publikely at the maskes and otherwise, to her great satisfaction and content, which doubtlesse she would have deserued, had she lived to arrive in Virginia.

23.18) Pocahontas dies. (123) (Barbour, Collected Works II, 262)

The Treasurer, Councell and Companie, having well furnished Captaine Samuel Argall, the Lady Pocahontas alias Rebecca, with her husband and others, in the good ship called the George; it pleased God at Gravesend to take this young Lady to his mercie, where shee made not more sorrow for her unexpected death, than ioy to the beholders to heare and see her make so religious and godly an end. Her little childe Thomas Rolfe therefore was left at Plimoth with Sir Lewis Stukly, that desired the keeping of it.

24: Samuel Purchas, [Hakluytus Posthumus; or] Purchas his pilgrimes (1625)

24.1) Now this fourth Purchas work (see #7, #8, and #19 above) contains the rescue scene drawn from Smith's Generall Historie (#23.3 above). (Purchas, 1625, Fourth Part, 1709)

Opitchapam the Kings brother, inuited him to his house, where hee welcommed him with as many platters of Bread, Fowle and wilde Beasts, as did encompasse him: but not any would eate with him, reserving the remainders in Baskets. At his returne to Opechankanoughs, all the Kings women and their children flocked about him, as for their customary due, to be merry with such fragments. At last they brought him to Werowocomoco to Pohatan, where above two hundred of his Courtiers stood wondring on him, til Pohatan and his traine had put themselves in their greatest bravery. Before a fire hee sat on a seate like a bedsted, covered with a great robe made of Rarowcun Skinnes, all the tailes hanging by: on each hand did sit a yong wench of sixteene or eighteene yeeres of age; along on each side the house two rowes of men, and behinde them as many women, with all their heads and shoulders painted red, many of their heads bedecked with the white downe of Birds, every one adorned with some thing, a great chaine of white Beades about their neckes. At the entrance before the King all the people gave a great shout. The Queene of Appanatucke was appointed to bring water to wash his hands, another brought him a bunch of Feathers instead of a Towell to drie them. Having feasted him in their best manner , the held a consultation, in conclusion whereof, two great stones were brought before Pohatan , and as many as could lay hold on him dragged him to them, and thereon laid his head, being ready with their clubbes to beate out his braines. Pocahuntas the Kings dearest Daughter, when no intreatie would prevaile, got his head into her armes, and laid her owne upon his to save him from death: whereupon the Emperour was contented hee should live to make him Hatchets, and Beads, Bels, and Copper for her. For they thought him like themselves, of all occupations; the King himselfe making his owne Robes, Shooes, Bowes, Arrowes, Pots, Planting also, Hunting, and doing Offices, no lesse then the rest.

24.2) Here is Pocahontas on the mission to seek freedom of prisoners, drawn from Smith's Generall Historie (#23.7 above). (Purchas, 1625, Fourth Part, 1712)

confessed they were directed only by Powhatan, to obtaine him our owne weapons to cut our owne throats, with the manner how, where, and when, which we plainly found most true and apparent. Yet hee sent his Messengers, and his deerest daughter Pocahuntas to excuse him, of the injuries done by his subjects, desiring their liberties, with the assurance of his love. After Smith had given the Prisoners what correction he thought fit, used them well a day or two after, he then delivered them to Pocahuntas, for whose sake only he fained to save their lives and grant them liberty.

24.3) Here is the reference to the possibility of Smith marrying Pocahontas for personal advantage, as well as reference to her "darke night" rescue mission, drawn from Symonds' Proceedings (#4.8 above). (Purchas, 1625, Fourth Part, 1731)

Some propheticall spirit calculated he had the Salvages in such subjection, he would have made himselfe a King, by marrying Pocahontas, Powhatans daughter. It is true, she was the very nonparell of his Kingdome, and at most not past thirteene or fourteene yeeres of age. Very oft she came to our Fort, with what shee could get for Captaine Smith, that ever loved and used all the Countrey well, but her especially hee ever much respected: and shee so well requited it, that when her father intended to have surprized him, she by stealth in the darke night came through the wild Woods and told him of it. But her marriage could no way have entitled him by any right to the Kingdome, nor was it ever suspected he had ever such a thought, or more regarded her, or any of them, then in honest reason and discretion he might. If he would he might have married her, or have done what him listed. For there was none that could have hindered his determination.

24.4) Here is Pocahontas saving Henry Spilman, drawn from Smith's Generall Historie (#23.11 above). (Purchas, 1625, Fourth Part, 1732)

upon the confidence of Powhatan, Ratliffe and his men were slaine, onely Ieffery Shortridge escaped, and Pochahuntas the Kings daughter saved a boy, called Henry Spelman, who lived many yeeres after by her meanes amongst the Patawomekes.

24.5) Purchas copies Governor Dale's letter about the abduction of Pocahontas and his work to convert her (#10 above). (Purchas, 1625, Fourth Part, 1768-71)

24.6) Purchas copies the key paragraph about Pocahontas from the letter of Reverend Whitaker (#11 above). (Purchas, 1625, Fourth Part, 1771)

24.7) Drawing on personal experience, Purchas gives a happy picture of Pocahontas's reception in England. (Purchas, 1625, Fourth Part, 1773-74)

Sir Thomas Dale having thus established things as you have heard, returned thence, appointing Captaine George Yardly his deputy Governour in his absence, and arrived at Plimmouth in May or June 4. 1616. to advince the good of the Plantation, Master Rolfe also with Rebecca his new convert and consort, and Uttamatamakin (commonly called Tomocomo) one of Pohatans Counsellours came over at the same time. With this Savage I have often conversed at my good friends Master Doctor Goldstone, where he was a frequent guest; and where I have both seen him sing and dance his diabolicall measures, and heard him discourse of his Countrey and Religion, Sir Tho. Dales man being the Interpretour, as I have elsewhere shewed. Master Rolfe lent mee a discourse which he had written of the estate of Virginia at that time, out of which I collected those things which I have in my Pilgrimage delivered. And his wife did not onely accustome her selfe to civilitie, but still carried her selfe as the Daughter of a King, and was accordingly respected, not onely by the Company, which allowed provision for her selfe and her sonne , but of divers particular persons of Honor, in their hopefull zeale by her to advance Christianitie. I was present, when my Honorable & Reverend Patron, the L. Bishop of London, Doctor King entertained her with festivall state and pompe, beyond what I have seene in his great hospitalitie afforded to other Ladies. At her returne towards Virginia she came at Gravesend to her end and grave, having given great demonstration of her Christian sinceritie, as the first fruits of Virginian conversion, leaving here a godly memory, and the hopes of her resurrection, her soule aspiring to see and enioy presently in heaven, what here shee had ioyed to heare and beleeve of her beloved Saviour. Not such was Tomocomo, but a blasphemer of what he knew not, and preferring his God to ours.

24.8) Another reference to Pocahontas as rescuer -- taken from Smith's New Englands Trials (see #20 above). (Purchas, 1625, Fourth Part, 1841).

For wronging a Souldier but the value of a peny, I have caused Powhatan send his own men to James Town to receive their punishment, at my discretion. It is true in our greatest extremity they shot me, slue three of my men, and by the folly of them that fled tooke me prisoner: yet God made Pocahontas the Kings Daughter the meanes to deliver me: and thereby taught mee to know their treacheries to preserve the rest.

25: John Smith, The True Travels (1630)

25.1) Introductory laudatory poem cites Pocahontas as one of Smith's loving women (A4r) (Barbour, Complete Works III, 145)

To my worthy friend, Captaine John Smith.
Two greatest Shires of England did thee beare,
Renowned Yorkshire, Gaunt-stild Lancashire;
But what's all this? even Earth, Sea, Heaven above,
Tragabigzanda, Callamata's love,
Deare Pocahontas, Madam Shanoi's too,
Who did what love with modesty could doe:
Record they worth, thy birth, which as I live,
Even in thy reading such choice solace give,
As I could wish (such wishes would doe well)
Many such Smiths in this our Israel.

R. Brathwait.

25.2) The rescue by Pocahontas is contained in a list of Smith's "exploits" in Virginia. (58) (Barbour, Complete Works III, 237)

Now to conclude the travels and adventures of Captaine Smith; how first he planted Virginia, and was set ashore with about an hundred men in the wilde woods; how he was taken prisoner by the Savages, by the King of Pamaunke tied to a tree to be shot to death, led up and downe their Country to be shewed for a wonder; fatted as he thought, for a sacrifice for their Idoll; before whom they conjured him three dayes, with strange dances and invocations; then brought him before their Emperor Powhatan, that commanded him to be slaine; how his daughter Pocahontas saved his life, returned him to James towne, releeved him and his famished country, which was but eight and thirty to possesse those large dominions; how he discovered all the severall nations upon the rivers falling into the Bay of Chisapeacke; stung neere to death with a most poysoned taile of a fish called Stingray; how Powhatan out of his Country, tooke the Kings of Paumaunke and Paspahegh prisoners, forced thirty nine of those Kings to pay him contribution, subjected all the Savages: how Smith was blowne up with gunpowder, and returned for England to be cured.