These Poles quickly set about their task of clearing the forest. and within 3 weeks they built and had in operation a glass furnace. the first factory established in the English colonies of America. They tapped pine trees and distilled tar and pitch. set up a soap works. erected a sawmill. and instructed other colonists in these arts. all of which contributed greatly to the success of the early English colony at Jamestown. Many of the immigrants. particularly the first ones. were criticized by Capt. John Smith because they were considered vagabond gentlemen who were accustomed to easy life and came to Virginia in quest of gold. They did not fare well through the severe winters. pestilence and famine which attacked the colony. However. Captain Smith had nothing but the highest praise for the hardworking industrious Poles. and the Virginia Co. tried. not without success. to induce more of them to immigrate from Europe. This handful of skilled workmen planted the first seeds from which has grown the greatest industrial nation in the world. From their rich Polish heritage. these sturdy. industrious men carfied with them their love for freedom and liberty.
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