I will start calling the early Germans as the First and Second Germanna Colonies. Events did not turn out as expected for either of these colonies. The First Colony expected to be mining silver for George Ritter and Company in Virginia. They at least ended up in Virginia, even though were times on the trip when they may have had their doubts whether they would see any part of the New World. When they did arrive, they were settled in the neighborhood of a silver mine, but they were not allowed to dig. They must have thought the Virginians were crazy. A man had paid one hundred and fifty pounds Sterling on their passage and then he set them down in a fort and told them to watch the Indians. They were encouraged to clear land, grow crops, build roads, and hunt. They were essentially on their own.
Two years later, Lt. Gov. Spotswood was writing to England that they had done nothing that could be counted as compensation for the money he had spent. This, of course, simply was not true. He obtained the land on which they were located, and automatically met the seating requirements. Therefore, he was amply reimbursed.
The Second Colony was very surprised to find themselves in Virginia. When they first sighted land in Virginia, they probably thought they were seeing Pennsylvania. There was probably some strong language spoken when they learned the truth. Tradition has it that the Captain refused to release their possessions until they agreed to work for Spotswood. No doubt it was with some difficulty that their position (or the weakness thereof) was explained to them.
As they moved to the westward frontier, which was probably by ship to about the site of present day Fredericksburg, and then by land the rest of the way, they encountered more Germans in the vastness of the wilderness. This was almost certainly a surprise. Any conversations with the First Colony members must have left the Second Colony members confused. About all the First Colony members could say was that they were watching a silver mine, watching the Indians, and watching their crops grow.
The Second Colony members must have wondered why a fort was necessary. What did that imply? Why weren't they getting a fort also? They were being spread out at about half-mile intervals in a general direction toward the Indians. Was this really safe?
Taken together, all of the Germans must have had many questions about what was being done. And probably their role was confusing to them. The Second Colony members learned that, in addition to clearing land to grow crops, they were expected to produce naval stores. This was not exactly their expertise.
Ach, those crazy English. Were they really to be trusted?
(11 Apr 01)
We gratefully acknowledge the work of John Blankenbaker who published over 2,500 Germanna History Notes via the Germanna-L@rootsweb.com email list from 1997 to 2008. We are equally thankful to George Durman (Sgt. George) for hosting the list and republishing the notes via rootsweb.com.