Chief of the Powhatans, Opechancanough led a general massacre intending to kill all the white settlers in Virginia. A young Christian Indian named Chanco warned Jamestown settlement of the impending attack and the fort stood ready. The small settlements and homes along the James and York Rivers, however, were lulled into complacency by the apparent friendliness of the Indians. More than three hundred fifty men, women and children were slaughtered, including John Rolfe. Had it not been for Chanco, the Virginia colony may have been wiped out entirely.