The episode begins with current events, sorting out the correct reading of the “letters of marque and reprisals” clause of the US Constitution, which actually has nothing to do with Jamestown but touches on the Russo-Ukraine war, which is raging as we write this. We express a mix of approval of and gentle criticism of Representative Lance Gooden of Texas, who also appears to love letters of marque. For those of you listening in the future, we hope it resolves satisfactorily for the people of Ukraine.

The rest of the episode is an overview of the Jamestown settlement timeline between John Smith’s departure in October 1609 and the start of the Second Powhatan War on March 22, 1622, just five days short of 400 years ago as I write this. Big picture, etc. That will set us up to hit the highlights during that stretch over the next few episodes. Oh, and we touch upon the signal events of 1619.

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Selected references for this episode

James Horn, A Brave and Cunning Prince: The Great Chief Opechancanough and the War for America

David Price, Love and Hate in Jamestown: John Smith, Pocahontas, and the Start of a New Nation

Jamestown Timeline