Captain John Smith, Essay Example

Captain John Smith was a colourful character as Soldier, Explorer and Adventurer.  In his capacity as an Author recounting his experiences, deeds and accomplishments, he may well have been flamboyant. Historical accuracy is often difficult to be precise about but certainly Captain Smith was instrumental in encouraging other explorers to follow in his footsteps.  In Smith’s works on Virginia there is considerable scepticism about the accuracy and truth of his explorations. This is primarily because his works are the only version. Particularly that surrounding the rescue of Pochohontas were there is a 10 year time gap.  It has been alleged that this provided opportunity to embellish  the image of Pochohontas. (James, 1998 original : 1624 )

Smith was often seen as writing in the third person this is primarily because of geographical and ethnographic reasons.   He was not an author to really dwell on his own encounters and personal experiences.  Often his works would be written at a later date and perhaps another reason for questioning the overall accuracy of his writing.  Smith was also noted for being a bit of a rascal and not an entirely ethical person.  Considering that he was a seafarer and adventurer it is easy to see how he might distort truths in order to meet his own designs.  It was Henry Brook Adams a distinguished Harvard Professor of History who laid claim that Smith was not a hero but someone who was prone to exaggeration and inaccuracy in the recording of his adventures.  John Smith died in London in 1631 at the age of 51 completing works on his adventures in New England.

Works Cited

James, S. (1998 original : 1624 ). The Generall Historie of Virginia, New-England, and the Summer Isles. In J. Smith, The Generall Historie of Virginia, New-England, and the Summer Isles (pp. 198-9, 259. ). Champlain VA: Roundhouse.