Hi Randy:  The Jamestown colonists were making a rapid transition
from matchlock muskets to early flintlock varieties (dog locks, Eng-
lish locks, snaphaunces) in the early 1620s (hurried along by the 
1622 massacre), and the Powhatans acquired them during the
massacre and in the combat that followed.  Several Indians were
named as expert marksmen in the 1617-20 period, and after the 
1622 attack, some warriors were seen with guns--and ARMOR!
But the English in Virginia, who converted to flintlock technology
some 6-7 decades before the British army at home, maintained a 
huge numerical advantage in flintlocks and matchlocks over the
relatively few guns the Indians had.  It was different in New England,
especially toward mid-17th century, because Indians could obtain
them through trade or combat with French, Dutch, Swedes, and
other Indian tribes.  The Indians in Maryland, especially the 
Susquehannocks, obtained quite a few guns and cannon in the
1640s when they routed the colonial militia.

Best, 

Fred Fausz
St. Louis  


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