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Capture of Pocahontas
In April 1613, English colonist Samuel Argall ambushed near the Potomac River and captured Pocahontas (Matoaka), daughter of Powhatan, leader of the …
Timeline
- 1613Patawomeck village, Potomac River · Chesapeake BayCaptain Samuel Argall, using trade as a cover, captured Pocahontas near an Indian village on the Potomac River. The colonial authorities intended to use her as a hostage to exchange for Englishmen previously detained by Powhatan and for seized weapons and tools.
- 1613–1614Jamestown / Henricus · Virginia ColonyPocahontas was taken to Jamestown and later transferred to Henricus. Powhatan offered a ransom exchange, but negotiations dragged on; during this period the colonists gave her Christian instruction, paving the way for her later conversion and marriage.
Sources
- Pocahontas (d. 1617) https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/pocahontas-d-1617/
- Samuel Argall https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/argall-samuel-ca-1580-ca-1626/