Hello and welcome to a history of the United States.

Episode 5. Mr Smith goes to Wero Waco Moko.

Remember that this is a listener-supported podcast.

If you want the show to continue, then please support it.

You can do this by subscribing to the membership feed at thehistoryofpodcast.com.

Membership only costs $5 a month and gives you access to two

exclusive episodes per month. We're currently talking all about the Aztecs. Special thanks to our

latest pioneer, listener Julie, and to all those people who have left iTunes reviews. Thank you.

I couldn't do the show without you.

Captain John Smith had been captured by the

Powhatan chief Oppenchankov. Smith had saved himself some time by giving Oppen Chalkinoff

his compass, but this was not enough to prevent Smith from being tied to a tree as the Powertans

prepared the shoot. All seemed lost. But then Oppen Chalkinoff held up the compass and the warriors

put down their bows. Smith was then marched to Oropax, a town about six miles away. The villagers

gawked at him and performed a celebratory dance. Smith was then taken to a house where he was given so much food

that he thought they were fattening him up so that they could eat him. He was given his things back,

including his compass, and he was even allowed to speak with Oppen Shankanoth. They took great

interest in each other, and Smith very soon realized why he had been spared.

Oppenchankov was planning an attack on Jamestown, and wanted Smith to provide him with the

information on how best to take it. In return, he wouldn't be killed. Smith pretended to accept the

deal because, well, he didn't want to die.

He would instead live and try and warn James Town of the trouble that was coming.

...