Nemattanew facts for kids

Nemattanew (died 1621 or 1622) was a brave war leader of the Powhatan people. He lived during a time when English settlers were arriving in Virginia, known as the First Anglo-Powhatan War. Nemattanew was a close helper and friend to the main Powhatan leader, Opchanacanough.

Nemattanew's Early Role

Nemattanew first appears in English records around 1611. An English settler named George Percy wrote about him. Percy said that the main Powhatan leader, Wahunsunacawh (also called "Powhatan"), sent Nemattanew. His job was to lead the Native American resistance against the English settlers. This was happening as the English founded a new town called Henricus.

The English settlers gave Nemattanew a nickname: "Jack-of-the-Feather." They called him this because of his special war clothes. He would come into battle covered in feathers and swans' wings. It looked as if he meant to fly!

A Special Belief

During these fights, Nemattanew was never hurt. Because of this, he started to believe something amazing. He thought he could not be harmed by musket-fire, which was the main weapon of the English. He convinced his fellow tribesmen of this special ability. This made his reputation among his people even stronger.

Working with the English

After the war, when things were more peaceful, Nemattanew continued to be important. The English settlers even taught him how to shoot a musket very well.

Around 1618, Nemattanew visited an English settlement. He took some guns from there. But the main Powhatan leader, Opchanacanough, made sure these guns were returned to the English.

In 1619, Opchanacanough sent Nemattanew with a proposal. He suggested that the English settlers send some soldiers. These soldiers would join a Powhatan war party. Their goal was to attack a Siouan-speaking tribe. This was to get revenge for some Powhatan women who had been killed. In return, the Powhatan people would share everything they gained. This included captives, corn, and land. The English leaders agreed to this plan. However, they never sent the soldiers.

Nemattanew's Final Days

A short time before a big attack by the Powhatan people in 1622, Nemattanew visited an English settler named Morgan. Nemattanew saw some trading items and suggested taking Morgan to Pamunkey. He said they could get a good price for the items there. Morgan was never seen again after that.

A few days later, Nemattanew appeared at Morgan's home. He announced that Morgan had died. Nemattanew was wearing Morgan's hat, which made the settlers suspicious. They thought he might have killed Morgan. They tried to make him go with them to a local official. Nemattanew resisted, and one of the colonists shot him.

As Nemattanew was dying, he made a request. He asked to be buried behind the English lines. He also asked that his people not be told he was killed by English gunfire.

What Historians Say

John Smith, a famous English explorer, wrote about Nemattanew's death in 1624. He said it happened two weeks before the big attack in 1622. However, modern historians have looked at older documents. They now believe Nemattanew died earlier, around November 1621. This was about five months before the attack.

Some documents suggest that Nemattanew might have lost favor with Opchanacanough by 1621. Historians still discuss Nemattanew's exact role in these events. But they generally agree on one thing. The big attack by the Powhatan people was already being planned. It was not a reaction to Nemattanew's death.

See also

• Epanow, Native American leader in New England at this time.