Native Americans: A Short Story

Today messengers came running up to the village to tell my father, Powhatan, that the white strangers, who had arrived in the three large canoes, were not leaving anytime soon. The strangers had asked for “a water supply and a place to stay” (Townsend, p. 4) signaling that they were here to stay. Our village of Werowocomoco has thrived under the leadership of my father, but people are worried that these white strangers will threaten our way of life. For my nine years alive I had seen these canoes pass by the bay before and rarely did they stay for a couple of days. It was only a matter of time before these large canoes and their travelers decided to remain here. Horrifying tales speak of how the white man came into our lands and kidnapped one
Four years ago when I remember when the white strangers returned, killed, and seized members of our neighbors, the Rappahannock tribe. Many of the elders in the tribe that were alive for these horrid stories were truly worried and even scared about this news. I had not to worry, however, for I was daughter of the chief and I awoke every morning to the same routine. I worked every day alongside the rest of the village and listen to stories of the elders. I knew very well of our long history and tradition, but all of these duties would not stop me from doing my favorite thing in the village, playing with my brothers and sisters. Life here in the village is fine the way it is. I am, however, very curious about these white strangers maybe one day I will truly get to interact with
First of all father began trade with the white chief known as Newport. Newport’s men when trading with our people were untrusting though as they believed every step they took was a trap and pointed their rifles as if we were a threat. Not only did my father dislike this but so did I for the English had nothing to fear and the lack of trust was hurtful. The English then made a deal with father, a son for a son. Newport would send us one of his own and father would do the same. The young boy we received was named Thomas Savage and I was smart enough to know that Thomas was not a son of Newport, for father had sent Namontack who was no brother of mine. I felt bad for poor Thomas since had been abandoned by his people in our unfamiliar village. When interacting with Thomas I would learn of his foreign language and was truly fascinated! I could use these new words to my advantage and soon enough to the advantage of the village. After a dispute with the English Thomas was sent back and forth to sort it out. This conflict led to the capture of our people in the Jamestown fort and three days after their initial captivity father sent me in to negotiate. I was ready, father believed in me, the village believed in me, and most of all I believed in me. Rawhunt came with me as an advisor and did the initial speaking of what my father wished. Following gifts from other messengers I saw the English were