And now am I come to the spring of 1609, when befell us that disaster
which marked the beginning of the time of suffering, of trouble, and of
danger which was so near to wiping out the settlement of Jamestown that
the people had already started on their way to England.
The day had come when we should put into the ground our Indian corn that
a harvest might follow. The supply, which was to be used as seed, had
been stored in casks and piled up in the big house wherein were kept our
goods.
When those who had been chosen to do the planting went for the seed,
it was found to have been destroyed by rats, and not only the corn, but
many other things which were in the storehouse, had been eaten by the
same animals.
Master Hunt maintained, and Captain Smith was of the same opinion, that
when the Phoenix was unloaded, the rats came ashore from her, finding
lodging in that building which represented the vital spot of our town.
Howsoever the pests came there, certain it was we should reap no harvest
that year, unless the savages became more friendly than they had lately
shown themselves, and as to this we speedily learned.