Powhatan, “Speech to Captain John Smith,” The World Turned Upside Down. Boston: Bedford, 1994

Powhatan, “Speech to Captain John Smith,” The World Turned Upside Down. Boston: Bedford, 1994. The message that Powhatan delivered to John Smith in his speech was one of peace. Powhatan told John Smith that he has seen three generations of his people die. The Chief told John Smith that he has seen many years of war and peace. Powhatan explained that he was getting old and tired. He was concerned that his successors did not have the experience or wisdom to deal with the relationships between the Indians and the European settlers.

His hope was that the relationship would be built on love and respect. However, he felt that this reality was not possible, due to the current circumstances at the time. Powhatan pleaded with John Smith, explaining to him that his people were afraid due to what they heard from the Nandsamund tribe. Powhatan could not understand why the Settlers wanted to disarm them and leave them defenseless when they were feeding them.

The consequence of tyranny from the settlers would result in both sides losing. Powhatan’s speech to John Smith was about change through peace. Powhatan was really concerned that the settlers did not intend to engage in peaceful trade with the Indian peoples.

Powhatan warns John Smith not to take advantage of the hospitality, which has been extended to the settlers from the tribe. If the settlers continued to take advantage of the people, they would flee to the woods. As a result, John Smith and his people would starve. Powhatan made it clear to John Smith the urgency of creating an amicable relationship before he passes away.

He feared that his successors would not be as understanding or wise enough to cultivate reliance between the two cultures. This speech is historic because it is one of the first noted interactions between the Indians and the Jamestown settlement. This speech is important, as it addresses the future problems for the Indians, due to an influx of European settlement. Powhatan message to John Smith was delivered to him with a hope of change for generations to come.