The explorer John Smith had some quality characteristics that helped him develop into a very important person in the settlement of the New World. John Smith was known as a very brave and strong man who was fearless. When he was a boy, he ran away from home to become a soldier in Europe. Young John Smith thrived on excitement and even adventure in his life. He was young, but from an early age he was sure that he wanted to live a life full of wonders. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay During the settlement of Jamestown, he took on the responsibility of leadership by saving the colony from starvation, forcing the men to plant crops and build homes themselves. John Smith traded with the Indians for food. Shortly thereafter, the colony decided to choose him as president of the Jamestown settlement. He saved their lives; he was a hero to them. He was a strong leader and the colonists not only believed him but also trusted him. While in Jamestown, he wrote about many of the accounts that occurred. In 1614 he published an article about his journey. John Smith was not only a soldier, explorer and writer, but he also knew how to draw. He drew many maps, showcasing the adventures he undertook. Many of these maps were used by other groups of settlers who arrived in the New World. His name is probably best remembered as that of the man who was nearly beheaded by the Indians, when the chief's daughter rushed to his side and saved his life. The chief's daughter was named Pocahontas, a name almost everyone knew (thanks Disney). He had some difficulties while he was leader. By the early 1600s (1608 to be exact) only 38 of the original 104 settlers were still alive. The others had died of serious illness or starvation. Supplies and food were scarce; they were very difficult to find. Supply ships soon arrived, but over the next year and a half Smith led many trade missions to acquire food needed for the colony. Smith also led several expeditions to explore and map the Chesapeake Bay area. During a journey he caught a stingray that stung him and almost killed him. Smith was close to death a few times, as you can probably tell. Smith was a very strong man and also a very strong leader. He fought to keep people alive and did everything necessary to make sure food was provided. People usually refer to him as the “greatest explorer and leader of all time”. I believe this statement is true. He is one of the strongest leaders in history. In 1609, John Smith was seriously injured in a gunpowder explosion. Smith decided to return to England, where he promoted the colonization of North America. In 1614 he made the great return to America, traveling to Maine and the Massachusetts Bay areas. He decided to call the area "New England". When Smith learned that Pocahontas had arrived in England in 1616, he wrote a letter to Queen Anne telling her of Pocahontas' friendship with the Virginia colony and asking her to be welcomed as a royal visitor. Pocahontas was treated like the daughter of a prince and was greeted respectfully by the ladies of the queen's court. Smith also paid a brief visit to Pocahontas while she was in England. The two had intertwined in their respective cultures more than any other Englishman or Indian woman had. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Smith spent his last years in England writing books about America, which were later published and popular.