Governance and Growth

By Troy Sanders

Governance and Growth: Shaping the Ancient Dominion of Virginia" is a comprehensive exploration of the intricate political, social, and economic evolution of Virginia from its earliest days as a fledgling colony to its establishment as a pivotal player in the formation of the United States. This meticulously researched book delves into the pivot

• Language: English
• Publisher: Troy Sanders
• Release date: Jun 7, 2024
• ISBN: 9798330218820

Book preview

CHAPTER XV.

1621-1622.

Silk production in Virginia, the establishment of the East India School, the presence of ministers in Virginia, a sermon delivered at Bow Church, and the formation of the Corporation of Henrico.

During an assembly convened in James City in November and December of 1621, legislation was enacted to promote the cultivation of mulberry trees and the production of silk. Despite these early efforts and recent attempts to revive the silk industry in Virginia, it remains unsuccessful, suggesting an unfavorable climate for such endeavors.

On the return voyage from the East Indies, Reverend Mr. Copeland, serving as Chaplain aboard the Royal James East Indiaman, successfully solicited contributions totaling seventy pounds from the ship's officers and crew. This funding was designated for the establishment of a church and school in Virginia, with Charles City County chosen as the location for the proposed institution, to be named the East India School and affiliated with the college at Henrico. The Virginia Company allocated one thousand acres of land for the support of the school's master and usher, and an additional three hundred acres were granted to Mr. Copeland. Construction began in early 1622 with the dispatch of workmen. Notable clergymen serving in Virginia during this period included Messrs. Whitaker, Mease, Wickham, Stockham, and Bargrave.

In early 1622, promising reports from Virginia buoyed hopes in England. On April 17th, Reverend Mr. Copeland delivered a sermon before the Virginia Company at Bow Church. Following this, he was appointed as a member of the Virginia Council and appointed rector of the college established for the conversion of Native Americans. However, these optimistic prospects were abruptly dashed by news of a devastating event that had, in a matter of hours, negated the efforts of many years.

CHAPTER XVI.

1622.

The Massacre, its inception, Nemattanow, and Opechancanough, the settlers' security, the treachery of the Native Americans, the details of the massacre, its aftermath, the valiant defense by some colonists, the dispatch of provisions from England, and Captain Smith's proposal.

On March 22, 1622, a significant massacre unfolded in the colony, believed to have been triggered by the following events: Nemattanow, a renowned Native American chief known as Jack of the Feather to the English due to his distinctive hair adornments, was considered impervious to English arms by his own people. Nemattanow convinced a settler named Morgan to trade at Pamunkey but murdered him on the journey. Upon returning to Morgan's house a few days later, Nemattanow encountered two young men, Morgan's servants, who inquired about their master. When Nemattanow, wearing Morgan's cap, confessed to Morgan's death, the young men suspected foul play. Angered by Nemattanow's behavior during their journey to Mr. Thorpe's residence at Berkley on the James River, later known as Brickley, they shot him. Mortally wounded, Nemattanow was placed in a boat and taken to the governor at Jamestown, about seven or eight miles away. As he neared death, Nemattanow implored the young men to conceal the fact that he had been fatally shot—a testament to the enduring desire for posthumous reputation even among untamed savages.

Opechancanough, the fierce Indian chief, initially harbored a mix of grief and indignation over the loss of his beloved Nemattanow. Although he muttered threats of revenge, the English's defiant response compelled him to temporarily conceal his resentment and feign friendship. With the arrival of Sir Francis Wyat, suspicions of Indian treachery had dissipated, and the colonists, lulled into false security, were largely unarmed and dispersed across plantations, extending as far as the Potomac River. Indian visitors were welcomed into their homes, dining at their tables and lodging under their roofs. In mid-March, Opechancanough warmly received a messenger and assured him of unwavering peace, asserting that he would sooner defy the falling sky than break it. The Indians even aided English travelers through the forest and sent one of their own, Brown, back to his master to allay any suspicions. They borrowed boats to cross the river for a council meeting to plan the impending attack. The massacre unfolded on Friday, March 22, 1622. Prior to the onslaught, the unsuspecting colonists welcomed unarmed Indians into their homes to sell goods and share meals. Around noon, the savages suddenly rose up, launching a coordinated assault across the settlements. They mercilessly slaughtered men, women, and children, sparing no one, and even desecrated the dead, mutilating their bodies and carrying off limbs as gruesome trophies of their savage