Jamestown

13. Cape Merchant's Office

Williamsburg, VA

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The cape merchant's job was to obtain food from the local environment and from the Indians, and he conducted business from his office. This office has been recreated at Jamestowne Settlement. John Smith served as cape merchant in 1607, and he not only had to procure food from the colonists, but also had to prevent them from stealing it from one another.That year, Colony President Edward Maria Wingfield was accused of hoarding food and supplies for himself, and he was removed from office and placed under arrest. He eventually returned to England in disgrace.