But their food gave out, the Indians were hostile, and before September half of the party had died of fever.

Had it not been for the energy and courage of John Smith, every one of them would have perished.

He practically assumed command, set the men to building huts, persuaded the Indians to give them food, explored the bays and rivers of Virginia, and for two dreary years held the colony together.

When we consider the worthless men he had to deal with, and the hardships and difficulties that beset him, his work is wonderful.

The history which he wrote, however, is not to be trusted.[2] [Footnote 1: Nothing now remains of Jamestown but the ruined tower of the church shown in the picture.