This is my diary entry based on the attempt of British Colonists to settle at a place called Roanoke in 1585.
20th May 1585
Today was the day! We dropped anchor at around seven in the morning, just as the sun had risen. Myself and a party of four other sailors went ashore and before long, across the flat, prarie land spotted a small circle of tipis, which seemed to be make out of some kind of animal skin. Smoke came out of the top of then, suggesting people lived in them. When we were within 50 feet, native children began running up to us, more curious than frightened. They look most unlike Europeans, clad only in crde animal skins. Their eyes were dark and almond-shaped, and their hair is as thick as a horses mane. However, they giggled in much the same way as European children, which I was interested to note. When we got closer, the adult natives got out of their tipis and began walking towards us. It was very intimidating, as I had never seen anything like them. They are a very tall race, and walk in a slow, stately manner. I must confess, my heart was racing against my ribs but I stood my ground. They did not see surprised to see us, as they had probably seen our ship as it arrived. They had dark skin, and wore animal furs but I was relieved to see carried no weapons. This seemed promising.
They led us to the biggest tipi, which we assumed belonged to the chief of the tribe. He sat on a reed mat in the centre of the tipi, with people around him. His skin was dyed and painted with many intricate patterns and colours, and his hair was shaved on one side, yet long on the other and twisted into a knot. He was very polite, yet reserved, and motioned for us to sit down. We sat there for a minute, staring at each other, before handing him our gift. It was a box of jewels, extremely shiny yet cheap to obtain. He motioned to two other natives, who brought us mullberries, wheat and beans. We all smoked tobacco together, while I tried not to retch at the awful smells in this tipi.
We could only communicate through signing, which was very awkward and time-consuming. The chief agreed to send guides with us as we explored this new land, which came as a great relief to me. They do not seem to want to mix closely with us, but do not object to us being here. Before leaving, we had a look around the camp – they showed us where they grew herbs, which they indicated were for healing wounds. Another plant, however, was used for poisoning arrows. I would not like to get on the wrong side of the Indians!
As we were shown around the camp, I noticed that the women were busy making bread and preparing meat. There were a surprising amount of weapons, which I could only hope were used for killing buffalo! The children all were riding horses, and seemed very at home on them. All in all this seems a very peaceful, well-organised camp and maybe us European can learn from this when we establish our own camp.
We decided that our interview with the natives had been successful, and, as the sun was setting, decided to return to our ship. They all watched us go, standing silenty and silhouetted against the vast expanse of sky, which made us feel unsettled and self-conscious. After breathing a deep sigh of relief when we got back to our ship, we ate our basic food and went to our anrrow, hard beds. It is early to sleep, but tomorrow we must set off into the unknown, and we must be ready. I feel more reassured than yesterday, yet still deeply anxious. I hope to God we will be successful.
Leo T 