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Pocahontas By MaggieHello boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen… my name is Matoaka, or you might know me as Pocahontas. I have come from England to tell you my story. I was born at the beginning of my life, which is so long ago I can’t remember when! English people think it was 1595. I am really shocked that the Englishmen, captured me by betraying Jopassus and his wife. All over a copper kettle! When I was twelve, I saved the life of Captain John Smith, and that is why the English think I’m famous. The name “Pocahontas” means “playful one,” because of course, I was very playful. I am the daughter of the Indian chief Powhatan, which makes me an Indian princess. Well, at least that’s what the Englishmen called me. My father, the chief, had many wives, and I also have many siblings. Captain John Smith, the leader of Jamestown, was invited to a feast given by Chief Powhatan. After the feast, my father gave a signal and several men grabbed Captain John Smith. They laid him down on the floor and were about to beat him with giant clubs. I ran over to him, wrapped my arms around his head, and saved his life. From then on, we were best friends. I am famous for trying to keep friendly relations between my people and the English colonists. By 1608, fighting had started between the English and Powhatan’s Indians, so in March of 1613, I was captured by two Englishmen. Jopassus and his wife lured me onto their ship. The only way the Englishmen would let me free was if my father would exchange me for some of their people who were being held prisoner along with some of their weapons. Luckily my father did, but unfortunately, the English weren’t satisfied. The English didn’t keep their part of the bargain. I was kept in Jamestown, a place named Henricus in modern day Chesterfield County, Virginia. When I was captured, I learned to eat with a knife, spoon, and fork. I also learned to say Grace before every meal. I learned to be Christian. A man named Alexander Whitaker taught me how to speak English. When I was captured my name was changed by the English to Rebecca. As I got older I married a handsome man named John Rolfe in 1614. He was a tobacco planter. About a year later, we had a beautiful son named Thomas, who we decided should be educated in England. We visited England in 1616 and I went to many parties, and at one, I was introduced to Queen Anne! I decided I wanted to go home, but before the ship could sail, I died from smallpox at age 22. I am buried at Gravesend in Kent. This will be the chance you have to meet me, so thank you for listening. |
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