Page:The Life of George Washington, Volume 1.djvu/81

 INTRODUCTION. 5 J the most dreadful with which they had ever chap.h. been afflicted, raged among them. After de- 1609. vouring the skins of their horses, and the Indians they had killed, the survivers fed on those of their companions, who had sunk under such accumulated calamities. The recollection of these tremendous sufferings was long re- tained, and, for many years, this period was distinguished and remembered by the name of the STARVING TIME. m By these distresses, the colony was in six 16I °- months reduced to sixty persons of alL ages and sexes, who were so feeble and dejected that they could not have survived ten days longer. When sinking under these misfortunes they were relieved by sir Thomas Gates, sir George Somers, and captain Newport, who, on the 24th of May, 1610, arrived from Bermuda. It was immediately determined to abandon the country. In execution of this resolution, the wretched remnant of the colony embarked on board the vessels just arrived from Bermuda, Determina- J ' tion to and set sail for England. "None dropped a^ o n n doIlthe tear," says Mr. Chalmer, "because none had enjoyed one day of happiness." Fortunately, they met lord Delawar, who prevailed upon them to return, and, on the stopped b y the arrival 10th of June, re-settled them at Jamestown. ° f | ord , ______^ governor generals m Robertson.... Chalmer.. ..Stith... .Beverly* H 2
 * Delawar the