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In
August 1608 Smith explored and mapped the
nearby Piankatank, Elizabeth, and Nansemond
Rivers. While scouting the Nansemond,
the Englishmen were ambushed by warriors from
the Nansemond and Chesapeake Indian tribes.
After narrowly escaping the onslaught, the men
were able to capture several of the Natives'
precious dugout canoes, which Smith ordered
them to chop to pieces. Smith's tactic worked:
in exchange for the safe return of their
highly-valued canoes, the Indians put down
their arms and presented the settlers with a
substantial amount of corn.
View
John Smith's original
map |
