Manteo (Native American leader) 1564-1590

Not alot of information is known about Manteo. Manteo was a member of the ruling family of the Croatoan subtribe of the coastal Algonquian group of American Indian people in early Carolina. Chief Manteo's mother appears to have been the chieftainess of the subtribe that acknowledged some dependence on the American Indian people of Roanoke Island. Manteo began a friendship with the English explorers Sir Walter Raleigh And Thomas Harriot, and agreed to go with them to England on several trips, It was possibly on there 1st voyage that Thomas Harriot began to teach him to speak English language and he to teach Harriot the Algonquian language. 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.Once safely brought to England in September 1584,  Manteo and Wanchese soon caused a sensation at court. Sir Raleigh's priority, however, was not publicity but rather intelligence about his new land of Virginia, and he restricted access to the exotic newcomers. Records indicate that Manteo and Wanchese traveled again to England later in the same decade. Following the voyage, Manteo, Wanchese, and the English returned to Roanoke.  It is speculated that Sir Walter Raleigh chose to have Manteo accompany him on his journey to England in order to better acquaint him with certain elements of English culture; specifically, so that he would be able to improve his skills in the English language and so that he might gain a deeper understanding of the Anglican Christian faith. Manteo was quite possibly converted to Anglican Christianity bySir Raleigh, Manteo may have assisted in helping the English convert other Native Americans to Christianity as well. Manteo was remarked as distinguished and intellectual. Sir Raleigh's respect for him, his own loyalty to John White, his desire for assimilation rather than conflict, and his baptism and acceptance of the lordship of his tribe's territories at English hands are evidences of his role as an early Algonquian diplomat.