How the Arrival of the “Algerine” Affected Pocahontas County

 

How the Arrival of the “Algerine” Affected Pocahontas County

The arrival of Selim, also known as "the Algerine," in Pocahontas County, Virginia, around 1760, had a significant cultural and religious impact on the community. The sources present Selim’s story as a remarkable tale of survival, religious conversion, and cultural exchange.

• The “Algerine” was found near death, naked and starving, hidden in a treetop near Big Spring on the Elk River by a hunter named Col. Givens. This suggests that he had been through a traumatic experience, possibly involving conflict with Native Americans, as it was noted that he was taken prisoner during the French and Indian War.

• The people of the Cow Pasture River settlements took Selim in and cared for him despite not understanding his language. This act of kindness reflects the compassionate nature of the community.

• Selim's inability to communicate with the settlers highlights the language barrier that existed between the European settlers and individuals from other cultures. The community was not equipped to understand or integrate someone with such a different linguistic background.

• Selim was eventually taken to the Old Stone Church settlement near Staunton, Virginia, where the pastor, Rev. Mr. Craig, a French scholar, could understand him. This event underscores the importance of education and cultural knowledge in bridging communication gaps and fostering understanding.

• Selim's conversion to Christianity under Rev. Mr. Craig's guidance indicates the influence of religious leaders in shaping the beliefs and values of individuals and communities. Selim’s conversion also suggests that he found solace and acceptance within the Christian faith.

• Selim's later travels to Richmond and Philadelphia, where he gained recognition and had his portrait painted by a "great painter," showcase his integration into colonial society and his ability to transcend cultural boundaries.

Selim's story provides valuable insights into the cultural and religious landscape of Pocahontas County during the 18th century. His arrival exposed the community to a different language and culture, prompting them to extend compassion to a stranger in need. The community's efforts to communicate with Selim and his subsequent conversion to Christianity reveal the influence of religion and the role of individuals like Rev. Mr. Craig in shaping the social fabric of the time. Finally, Selim's acceptance and recognition in larger cities like Richmond and Philadelphia illustrate the complexities of cultural exchange in colonial America.