Landing the Goods

I had supposed that we would live on shore at once after the huts were made ready for our use; but Governor Calvert had other views, as it seemed, for when many of our belongings had been taken from the ships, orders were given that we remain on board during each night, lest the friendly behavior of the Indians should cloak some dark plot against us; and in the meanwhile a fort was to be built of heavy logs, wherein we might take refuge if so be these kindly appearing brown men proved to be wrongly disposed toward us.

The first day was spent in landing such goods as would not be needed on shipboard, and in setting to order these Indian huts; but it was understood that on the following morning the building of a fort and a storehouse was to be begun.

The Indians seemed to enjoy the bustle and confusion of unloading the vessels, taking hold with a right good will to aid the men with the heavy packages, and carrying to and fro as directed, until it was to me as if so many gigantic ants were moving their belongings from one mound to another.