Writing activities: William Hilton explores the Cape Fear River

These suggested writing activities are designed to help students understand William Hilton's report on his 1663 exploration of the Cape Fear River. The activities include exercises in understanding chronology, adopting multiple perspectives, and building historical empathy.

A lesson plan for grade 8 Social Studies

By Pauline S. Johnson

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• Primary source: William Hilton explores the Cape Fear River A 1663 report by the English explorer William Hilton about the geography and native peoples of the Cape Fear region, including a story of conflict between New Englanders and Cape Fear Indians. Includes historical commentary.

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• Learn more about American Indians, Cape Fear, North Carolina, William Hilton, exploration, and history.

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These suggested writing activities are designed to help students understand Hilton’s report on his 1663 expedition as they read “William Hilton Explores the Cape Fear River.” The activities include exercises in understanding chronology, adopting multiple perspectives, and building historical empathy.

• Tracking time. One of the difficult historical skills for young students is understanding chronology. As 8th graders have generally not had a great deal of previous study in the discipline of history and many of them are still thinking concretely, some students have a difficult time placing events in a historical context. An activity that can allow you to assess their understanding of this time period and gauge their proficiency in chronological thinking is to ask the students to write a fictional account of this exploration. Using the basic information from Saturday, October 24th through Saturday, October 31st, ask students to write a diary as if they were on the ship with William Hilton. In assessing this assignment, the students should write an entry for each of the eight days. You will also be able to ascertain the sophistication of the chronological thinking of your students.
• Rewriting the story. By asking students to write the story described in the sidebar (the Indian who shot at the boat, the hunt for the shooter, the agreement between the chief and Hilton) from the viewpoint of the Native Americans, the students will gain practice in thinking about multiple perspectives. You could ask them to write this in the form of a letter, a short play, or a television drama.
• Making the case. Have the students keep a record of the evidence that would convince the Barbados planters that the Cape Fear area would be a good place to plant more plantations.
• Species inventory. Have the students list the plants and animals Hilton listed in his report. Why would the descriptions of plants and animals have been of interest to the Barbados planters? You may want to have the students also examine John Lawson’s animal sketch.
• “A Writing left in a Post.” Have the students write the letter written by the “New-England-Men” that is described by Hilton in the last paragraph. Ask your students to imagine why the New Englanders would not have liked the Cape Fear area.