First Interactions and Mutual Impressions between English Settlers and Indians of North Carolina Coast, 1588

From Thomas Hariot. Narrative of the First English Plantation in Virginia. London, 1588. 37-43 [Reprinted in Narrative of the First English Plantaion in Virginia, by Thomas Hariot. First printed at London in 1588, now reproduced after De Bry's illustrated edition printed at Frankfort in 1590, the illustrations having been designed in Virginia in 1585 by John White. London: Bernard Quaritch, 1893].

In respect of us they are a people poore, and for want of skill and judgement in the knowledge and use of our things, doe esteeme our trifles before thinges of greater value: Notwithstanding in their proper manner considering the want of such meanes as we have, they seeme very ingenious; For although they have no such tooles, nor any such craftes, sciences and artes as wee; yet in those things they doe, they shewe excellencie of wit. And by howe much they upon due consideration shall finde our manner of knowledges and craftes to exceede theirs in perfection, and speed for doing or execution, by so much the more is it probable that they shoulde desire our friendships and love, and have the greater respect for pleasing and obeying us. Whereby may bee hoped if meanes of good government bee used, that they may in short time be brought to civilite, and the imbracing of true religion.

There was no towne where we had any subtile devise practiced against us, we leaving it unpunished or not revenged (because we sought by all meanes possible to win them by gentleness) but that within a few dayes after our departure from everie such towne, the people began to die very fast, and many in short space; in some townes about twentie, in some fourtie, in some sixtie, and in one sixe score, which in trueth was very manie in respect of their numbers. This happened in a place that we coulde learne but where we had bene, where they used some practise against us, and after such time; The disease also so strange, that they neither knew what it was, nor how to cure it; the like by report of the oldest men in the countrey never happened before, time out of minde. A thing specially observed by us as also by the natural inhabitants themselves.

Insomuch that when some of the inhabitants which were our friends and especially the Wiroans Wiginia had observed such effects in foure or five towns to follow their wicked practices, they were persuaded that it was the worke of our God through our meanes, and that we by him might kil and slai whom wee would without weapons and not come neere them.

And thereupon when it had happened that they had understanding that any of their enemie had abused us in our journeys, hearing that wee had wrought no revenge with our weapons, and fearing upon some cause the matter should so rest: did come and intreate us that we woulde be for our credite and profite, as also theirs; and hoping furthermore that we would do so much at their requests in respect of the friendship we professe them.

This marvelous accident in all the countrie wrought so strange opinions of us, that some people could not tel whether to think us gods or men, and the rather because that all the space of their sicknesse, there was no man of ours knowne to die, or that was specially sicke: they noted also that we had no women amongst us, neither that we did care for any of theirs.

Some therefore were of opinion that wee were not borne of women, that therefore not mortall, but that wee were men of an old generation many yeeres past then risen againe to immortalitie.

Some would likewise seeme to prophesie that there were more of our generation yet to come, to kill theirs and take their places, as some thought the purpose was by that which was already done.