S4202

Settlement of Jamestown - 400th Anniversary

Chief Powhatan & Pocahontas

Collins Cover Announcement 

The Settlement of Jamestown 

400th Anniversary — 1 607 to 2007

Captain John Smith and Chief Powhatan

My individually hand painted First Day Covers for the beautiful blue triangle Jamestown stamp are now ready. I decided to do a pair of covers that recognize the two major historical figures at the time of the Virginia settlement in 1607.

Chief Powhatan was the undisputed leader of the Indian tribes that occupied Virginia in the early Seventeenth Century. At first the Indians traded food and skins for manufactured supplies, but soon hostilities erupted and open warfare broke out between the two groups. It is legend that Captain Smith was captured by the Indians and, when he was about to be executed, Pocahontas, the young daughter of Powhatan, successfully pleaded to her father to spare his life.

John Smith, born in 1580, became involved with the plans of the Virginia Company to settle and colonize the new lands of America. The first expedition set sail from England on December 20, 1606 and landed in Virginia in April of 1607. When a sealed box was opened, Smith was one of seven colonists named to comprise the council that would govern the new settlement. He soon would be chosen to lead the new and fragile community of Jamestown. He instilled strict discipline, strengthened military defenses, and insisted on a strong work ethic proclaiming, "He who does not work, will not eat. "

The two hand painted cachets will always be coveted by First Day Cover collectors. The one with the stamp in the upper right hand comer shows Captain John Smith as he would have appeared as leader of the Colony. His clothing and sword is based on historical accounts. Also shown is a soldier like those entrusted to protect Jamestown and thatched huts like those common in the English countryside.

The cover with the stamp in the upper left corner depicts Chief Powhatan. He is wearing a cloak or mantle that has actually survived to the present time. It is made of deerskin with small seashells attached in beautiful designs showing a human figure, two animals, and 34 circles that are presumed to represent the various tribes in his domain. Also shown are his lovely daughter Pocahontas (who eventually traveled to England) and Indian village huts based on written accounts by the colonists.

These two hand painted FDCs for the new blue triangle stamps are sure to become sought-after collectibles. An early sell-out is possible, so please order in a timely manner to avoid missing out. I'm pleased to offer my Jamestown covers for Captain John Smith (S4201) and Chief Powhatan and Pocahontas (S4202) at $13.25 each.