The True Story of Pocahontas As it began to sail on March 21, 1617, Pocahontas quickly became ill after dining with Rolfe and Argall. She returned to her room and vomited, telling Mattachanna that she thought something was put in her food. Mattachanna went to get Rolfe as she convulsed. When she returned, Pocahontas had died. She was quickly buried in Gravesend, where Thomas was left to the clergy until relatives arrived. Rolfe left immediately for Virginia. Upon return, Mattachanna and her husband, along with the rest of the Powhatans, reported that Pocahontas was poisoned before her departure, as she was in good health in
Thomas Rolfe was described in a later deed as "Smith's Fort old field and the Devil's Woodyard swamp being due unto the said Rolfe by Gift from the Indian King". The year after the 1644 Indian attack on the colony, four forts were established to defend the frontier: Fort Henry, Fort Royal, Fort James, and Fort Charles. Fort James was to be under the command of Thomas Rolfe as lieutenant as of October 5, 1646. He was given six men, and was instructed to fight against the Native Americans—his own people; Then, on October 6, 1646, Thomas was put in charge of