Polish specialists and craftsmen also organized the production of soap. pitch. clapboards. and other building materials thereby contributing greatly to the eventual success of the Jamestown settlement. As Capt. John Smith. the colonys famed leader. later wrote. Adventurers never did know what a days work was. except the Dutchmen and Poles and some dozen others. For all the rest were poor gentlemen . . . more fit to spoil a commonwealth than either to begin one or to help to maintain one. The hard work and dedication of these very earliest Polish immigrants has been characteristic of the millions of PolishAmericans who have contributed so very much to every aspect of American life and society.