Traveling across a vast ocean and landing in a foreign and an entirely unfamiliar region in the early 17th century, the English settlers faced several challenges with the Indians that inhabited the land. Having little knowledge of the land they were now in, the English battled a variety of difficulties to survive with little resources to combat hardships. Among the numerous challenges that the English faced was the predominate issues of sustaining peace with the Indians. This challenge distinctively presents itself through two separate Indian leaders: Powhatan in the Chesapeake region and Metacom in New England. When comparing the two regions and the existing relationships between the English and the Indians, it becomes evident that power, communication, and conduct played a significant role in whether the territory would see bloodshed or peace. …show more content…
Having recorded some of his discourses with Powhatan, John Smith wrote in “What Can you Get By Warre”:
Seeing you will not rightly conceive of our words, we strive to make you know our thoughts by our deeds; the vow I made you of my love, both my selfe and my men have kept. As for your promise I find it every day violated by some of your subjects: yet we finding your love and kindnesse, our custome is so far from being ungratefull, that for your sake onely, we have curbed our thirsting desire of revenge; els had they knowne as well the crueltie we use to our enemies, as our true love and courtesie to our