The New Student's Reference Work/Delaware, Thomas West, Lord

Delaware or De La Warr, Thomas West, Lord, was appointed captain-general and first governor of Virginia in 1609. He reached the colony in the next year, with three ships. He found the colonists in despair because of scarcity of food and bad government, but by good management he made them orderly, contented and industrious. In 1611 ill-health sent him back to England. In 1618 the bad government under which the Virginians suffered turned their thoughts to Lord Delaware, and they urged him to become their governor. He set out to meet their wishes, but died on the voyage.