Then began again the discussion of the spot to be chosen for their
settlement. There were those who desired a site nearer the bay; one
advocated exploring the other rivers in the vicinity, the Apamatuc, the
Nansamond, the Chickahominy, the Pamunkey, as the Indians called them,
before deciding; but Newport, eager to return to England, would not
consent.

"We choose to-day," he cried, bringing his fist down on the table with a
bang.

The island that Smith had been examining with his glass was considered.
It was large and level and not too far from the sea, said one in its
favor. The majority were for it and the others were at last brought
round to their point of view. Smith had not put forward any suggestions.
He knew whatever he advocated would have been voted down. When asked
what he thought of the island his answer, "It hath much to commend it,"
left his hearers still in doubt as to his real choice.

"Now that we have christened the babe before it is born," said Captain
Newport, rising, "let us ashore and get to work to mark out the site of
our Jamestown."

All left the ship with the exception of a few sailors who remained on
guard. After more discussion the Council picked out the spots for the
government house, for the church, for the storehouse, while the artisans
busied themselves with no loss of time in cutting down trees and
clearing spaces for the temporary tents. The matter of a fort had not
been broached, yet Smith, whose military knowledge showed him how
vulnerable the island was, made no suggestion for its fortification.