Across the little isthmus which connected this peninsula with the mainland they built a strong fence, or stockade, to keep the Indians away from their huts.

Their settlement they named Jamestown.

The early colonists of Virginia were not very well fitted for such a work.

Some of them were gentlemen who had never labored with their hands; others were poor, idle fellows whose only wish was to do nothing whatever.

There were a few energetic men among them as Ratcliffe, Archer, and Smith.