Harriot, from A Brief and True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia, from “Of the Nature and Manners of the People,”

I am always fascinated with the history of the native Americans in this country. I am a American and I feel connected to them because in the end we both called this continent home. Even more important is my relationship to them. I have a small part of Native American in my blood. Most likely I am not related to the people Harriot wrote about. I do feel do feel that my heritage brings me greater interest and sympathy on the subject. I really try to understand how Harriot's writings are relevant to me. The two subjects that caught my attention were the spread of disease among the Natives and the odd relationship between Harriot and the Natives.

                I'm not sure anyone really knows how long the Native Americans had actually lived in the Americas. We do know they must have been separated from other major civilizations for years. Apparently their immune systems had adapted very well to the climate they dwelt in. I have to wonder what kind of bacteria or virus the early explorers carried with them that caused death to the Natives. I'm sure there is some long detailed scientific theory about why and how this could happen. I am grateful  for all of the advancement of technology and medicine today. We no longer have to be mystified and confused by disease. The Natives were terrified they offended the colonist and or God. They were helpless and confused.

                The relationship Harriot Described between the colonist and the Natives were mostly innocent. Harriot described the Natives mostly as simple and not well educated. Although he did admit they were skilled at doing what they do. His descriptions would lead anyone to believe that the Natives were just as kind and loving as any other culture. They welcomed explorers with gifts and mistakenly identified them as Gods. Harriot's description paints a picture of peaceful interaction. Other writers also describe initial contact with Native Americans in a similar manner. Unfortunately we know this peace did not last. Explorers would eventually murder and plunder everything the Natives owned including their land. Harriot's description makes me wonder what would the world be like today if good relationships with the Natives had never ceased.