American History Tellers: "Jamestown | A Hell of Darkness | 2" – Detailed Summary

Introduction

In the second episode of the four-part series "Jamestown" from American History Tellers, Wondery delves deep into the harrowing experiences of the Jamestown settlers during the early 17th century. Hosted by Lindsey Graham, the episode titled "A Hell of Darkness" explores the myriad challenges faced by the colonists, including natural disasters, internal conflicts, and fraught relations with the indigenous Powhatan tribe. This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and pivotal moments that shaped the fragile existence of Jamestown.

Early Resupply Missions and Initial Challenges

The episode begins on a cold night in January 1608, dramatizing a fire that devastates part of the Jamestown settlement. Lindsey Graham sets the scene with vivid imagery:

"Imagine it's the night of January 7, 1608, in Jamestown... flames dancing up the side of his small, timber-framed house." [00:00]

This fire was one of many disasters plaguing the colony, which was already suffering from disease, malnutrition, and social divisions. The settlers, numbering fewer than 40 survivors from the original 104, were on the brink of collapse.

Captain Christopher Newport’s Arrival and Efforts to Stabilize the Colony

In December 1607, Captain Christopher Newport returns from London with renewed hope, bringing a fresh supply of settlers and provisions. His arrival temporarily revitalizes the colony, but disaster strikes again when a fire consumes most of the settlement just five days later.

John Smith, a central figure in the colony, emphasizes the dire situation:

"We have to say what we can, grab what you can carry and get it to the center of the settlement, away from the flames." [02:30]

Despite Newport's efforts, the settlers faced extreme shortages, forcing them to rely heavily on Chief Powhatan for food, which sowed seeds of dependency and mistrust.

John Smith’s Leadership and Conflicts with Newport

John Smith emerges as a pivotal leader, striving to secure the colony's survival through practical measures like rebuilding the fort and cultivating crops. However, his relationship with Newport becomes strained as Newport remains fixated on finding gold, which Smith views as unrealistic and detrimental to their immediate needs.

A notable exchange illustrates this tension:

"If anything will keep this colony alive, it's gold. I'm planning to launch an expedition to search for gold mines in the Monican land." – Newport [20:14]

"Absolutely not. We need to focus on building up our food stores for the coming winter and stop chasing after fantasies of gold." – Smith [20:50]

Smith's pragmatic approach often put him at odds with Newport's gold-driven ambitions, leading to significant internal conflicts within the settlement.

Strained Relations with Powhatan

The settlers' dependence on Powhatan intensified as they struggled to survive. Newport's attempts to negotiate and assert dominance often backfired, leading to heightened tensions. Key moments include Newport's failed coronation ceremony with Powhatan, which demonstrated Powhatan’s refusal to be subjugated:

"Powhatan refused to kneel... He recognized the gesture as one of subservience." [29:XX]

This marked a turning point where Powhatan asserted his authority, leaving the English without crucial support and further endangering their survival.

Gold Expeditions and Further Disasters

Despite setbacks, Newport persisted in his quest for gold, leading expeditions that yielded nothing but frustration and depletion of already scarce resources. One such expedition ended disastrously when Smith and his men were ambushed by the Nansemond warriors, resulting in the forced surrender of 400 baskets of corn:

"Captain Smith demands that you hand over your bows and arrows as a sign of submission." [15:10]

These endeavors not only failed to find gold but also eroded the colony's limited food supplies, exacerbating the settlers' plight.

Internal Strife and Declining Morale

As resources dwindled, internal conflicts surged. Smith attempted to enforce discipline by declaring, "he that will not work shall not eat," but many settlers resisted, viewing such measures as beneath their social status. The colony became increasingly divided, with morale plummeting:

"You know that you don't stand a chance against the Englishman's guns, but without your stores of corn, you're not sure how your people will survive the winter." [15:36]

Smith's leadership was further challenged by dissenters and the loss of trust among the settlers, leading to desperate measures like sending groups away to subsist on oysters and fishing.

Sir Thomas Smythe and the Virginia Company’s Intervention

Back in London, Sir Thomas Smythe, an influential merchant and advocate for the Virginia Company, became alarmed by reports of Jamestown’s deteriorating conditions. After receiving Smith's scathing letter, Smythe spearheaded a massive reorganization effort, securing investments from over 50 trade guilds and orchestrating a large resupply mission:

"Smythe was convinced that the colony was in dire need of a major reorganization." [33:03]

This involved issuing a new charter, expanding Virginia’s borders, and appointing Sir Thomas West, Baron Delaware, as the new colonial governor with extensive powers.

The Ill-Fated Sea Venture Expedition

In June 1609, the Virginia Company dispatched the Sea Venture with 250 settlers, including women and children, in an ambitious attempt to salvage the colony. However, a violent hurricane struck the fleet, wrecking the flagship and stranding the passengers in the Bermudas:

"The hurricane had driven the Sea Venture all the way to the Bermudas, 600 miles off the coast of North America." [35:XX]

This disaster left Jamestown vulnerable, with supplies critically low and no immediate prospects for rescue, plunging the colony into its darkest hour.

Conclusion and Cliffhanger

By mid-1609, Jamestown teetered on the edge of collapse. Internal strife, failed gold expeditions, and broken alliances with Powhatan left the settlers demoralized and desperate. The episode concludes with the impending return of a new fleet, setting the stage for the next installment where the colony faces a siege from Powhatan Indians, further endangering their survival.

Notable Quotes and Attributions

• "We have to say what we can, grab what you can carry and get it to the center of the settlement, away from the flames."
  — John Smith [02:30]

• "If anything will keep this colony alive, it's gold. I'm planning to launch an expedition to search for gold mines in the Monican land."
  — Christopher Newport [20:14]

• "Absolutely not. We need to focus on building up our food stores for the coming winter and stop chasing after fantasies of gold."
  — John Smith [20:50]

• "Powhatan refused to kneel... He recognized the gesture as one of subservience."
  — Narration [29:XX]

• "Captain Smith demands that you hand over your bows and arrows as a sign of submission."
  — John Smith [15:10]

• "You know that you don't stand a chance against the Englishman's guns, but without your stores of corn, you're not sure how your people will survive the winter."
  — Narration [15:36]

Closing Thoughts

"A Hell of Darkness" vividly portrays the relentless struggles of the Jamestown settlers, highlighting themes of leadership, survival, and the complex interplay between European colonists and Native American tribes. Through engaging storytelling and dramatic reenactments, the episode offers a compelling glimpse into the early days of American history, emphasizing the precariousness of the colony's existence and the resilience of its leaders.

For those intrigued by the tumultuous history of Jamestown, this episode serves as a crucial installment in understanding the foundations of early American settlement and the profound impacts of these formative events on the nation's future.