The official title of a man named Thomas West who served as “governor-for-life” and general of Virginia beginning in 1610, stepping in after John Smith left the position. His arrival came at a crucial moment—his flotilla of ships showed up just as many disheartened, sick, exhausted colonists were preparing to leave Jamestown behind. His method of rulership was fairly cruel, he increased hostilities between the settlers and the surrounding tribes through antagonism, assaults, and hostage-takings. In 1612, after just a couple of years in Jamestown, he, too, gave up the post to return to England.