There was but little idle talk made by the members of the Council in
deciding that Master Wingfield should be deprived of his office, and
Master Ratcliffe set in his place. Captain Smith was called upon to take
his proper position in the government, and, what was more, to him they
gave the direction of all matters outside the town, which was much the
same as putting him in authority over even the President himself.
It was greatly to my pleasure that Captain Smith lost no time in
exercising the power which had been given him. Nor was he at all gentle
in dealing with those men who disdained to soil their hands by working,
yet were willing to spend one day, and every day, searching for gold,
without raising a finger toward adding to the general store, but at the
same time claiming the right to have so much of food as would not only
satisfy their hunger, but minister to their gluttony.
Nathaniel and I heard our master talking over the matter with the
preacher, on the night the Council had given him full charge of
everything save the dealings which might be had later with the London
Company, therefore it was that we knew there would be different doings
on the morrow.
Greatly did we rejoice thereat, for Jamestown had become as slovenly and
ill kempt a village as ever the sun shone upon.
Now it must be set down that these gentlemen of ours, when not searching
for gold, were wont to play at bowls in the lanes and paths, that they
might have amusement while the others were working, and woe betide the
serving man or laborer, who by accident interfered with their sports.
On this day, after the conversation with Master Hunt, all was changed.
Captain Smith began his duties as guardian and director of the village
by causing it to be proclaimed through the mouth of Nicholas Skot, our
drummer, that there would be no more playing at bowls in the streets
of Jamestown while it was necessary that very much work should be
performed, and this spoken notice also stated, that whosoever dared to
disobey the command should straightway be clapped into the stocks.