Manteo

Travel to England Thomas Harriot, who translated and learned the Carolina Algonquian language from Wanchese and Manteo. The village of Secoton on Roanoke Island, painted by Governor John White c. 1585

Early English encounters with the natives were friendly, and Manteo became one of the first Native Americans to travel to England. Despite the difficulties in communication, the explorers persuaded "two of the savages, being lustie men, whose names were Wanchese and Manteo" to accompany them on the return voyage to London, Manteo and Wanchese soon caused a sensation among the English public. Raleigh's priority, however, was not publicity but rather intelligence about his new land of Virginia, and he restricted access to the exotic newcomers. He assigned the scientist Thomas Harriot the job of deciphering and learning the Carolina Algonquian language, As a mediator between the English and the Native Americans, and due to his loyalty to the colonists, Manteo was caught in the middle. He had mixed feelings about the attacks and understood the points of views of both sides.

Manteo served as a guide and translator to the English. Manteo and the English were able to learn about each other's language and culture. Manteo at times was also a mediating figure between the English and other Native Americans. Because of his status among the English and his peaceful communication with them, some of the Croatan considered Manteo to be disloyal to them and a traitor at times of conflict.