By 1609, relations between the Jamestown settlers and the Algonquian people, led by Chief Powhatan, had deteriorated. Trade continued, but the atmosphere was becoming increasingly hostile. In the excerpt below, Powhatan addresses Captain John Smith, legendary leader of the Jamestown settlement, and explains his concerns for the future of the relationship. What are your thoughts? What if the colonists had done something different like befriended the Indians like equals? Is there something integral in Christianity that calls the "other" out in sometimes negative ways? Read what Powhatan says... I am now grown old, and must soon die; and the succession must descend, in order, to my brothers, Opitchapan, Opekankanough, and Catataugh, and then to my two sisters, and their two daughters. I wish their experience was equal to mine; and that your love to us might not be less than ours to you. Why should you take by force that from us which you can have by love? Why should you destroy us, who have provided you with food? What can you get by war? We can hide our provisions, and fly into the woods; and then you must consequently famish by wronging your friends. What is the cause of your jealousy? You see us unarmed, and willing to supply your wants, if you will come in a friendly manner, and not with swords and guns, as to invade an enemy. I am not so simple, as not to know it is better to eat good meat, lie well, and sleep quietly with my women and children; to laugh and be merry with the English; and, being their friend, to have copper, hatchets, and whatever else I want, than to fly from all, to lie cold in the woods, feed upon acorns, roots, and such trash, and to be so hunted, that I cannot rest, eat, or sleep. In such circumstances, my men must watch, and if a twig should but break, all would cry out, “Here comes Capt. Smith”; and so, in this miserable manner, to end my miserable life; and, Capt. Smith, this might be soon your fate too, through your rashness and unadvisedness. I, therefore, exhort you to peaceable councils; and, above all, I insist that the guns and swords, the cause of all our jealousy and uneasiness, be removed and sent away.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Chief Powhatan and Captain Smith
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The satanic notion of intellectual superiority based on skin color or any other physical attribute manifests itself in covetousness and always leads to cruel and inhumane treatment to other human beings. This was the case with the European pilgrims as they related to the Indians and later to the Africans. In both cases, the Europeans considered themselves superior to the very people who were the only support to their sustenance and survival.
ReplyDeleteChief Powhatan's letter plainly shows his superior moral standards, love for his fellow man and sense of human dignity to be somewhat of foreign concepts to those who thought themselves superior. He was more Christlike than those that called themselves Christians.
Aubrey Duncan
Yes, agreeing with Aubrey again. These people proclaiming to be Christians are not christians at all. They always perceive different as being wrong. The chief was evidently a true man of God, who showed nothing but love to whomever. i think the world would have been different if all the guns and swords would have been removed! Roshonna Horne
ReplyDeletePowhatan a peacemaker,true man that shows dignity and pride. Considering the treatment he received he illustrates an act of compassion and kindness. His words were not of anger,but as a peace offering out of concern for the future safety of his family.
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