[2] Competition between the two branches with overlapping territory was intended to motivate efficient settlement, but only the Virginia Company succeeded in establishing a permanent colony.

[3] The merchants (with George Popham named in the patent[4]) agreed to finance the settlers’ trip in return for repayment of their expenses plus interest out of the profits made.

Leadership fell to second-in-command Raleigh Gilbert for six months, until a supply ship in autumn 1608 brought news that he had inherited a title and land in England following his brother's death.

[8][9] Beyond crises of leadership, the colony faced poor relationships with local Native Americans and were unable to trade with nearby tribes.

[8] Despite failing to establish a permanent settlement, the knowledge of local peoples and geography proved useful for future colonial endeavors under the Council for New England.