Delaware, Or Delaware, Thomas West, lord, governor of Virginia, died in 1618. He succeeded his father as third Baron Delawarr in 1602, was appointed governor and captain general of Virginia in 1609, and arrived at Jamestown June 9, 1610, with three ships, after a voyage of three months and a half. He was the first executive officer of Virginia who bore the title of governor. His coming infused new spirit into the colonists, who were reduced to despair by privation and misgovernment, and his discreet and energetic management restored discipline and industry. He established a post at Kiquotan, now Hampton, at the mouth of the James river, and built two forts which he named Henry and Charles, after the king's sons. In March, 1611, prostrated by ill health, he embarked for the island of Nevis in the West Indies; but, driven north by contrary winds, the vessel put in at the mouth of a large river, called by the natives Chickohocki, which received the name of Delaware in his honor. He then returned to England. In April, 1618, urged by the colonists to return in consequence of the oppressive rule of Argall, he set sail again for Virginia, but died on the voyage.

This is the uniform statement of the writers on Virginia, but in "Royal and Noble Authors" he is said to have died at Wherwell, Hants, June 7, 1618. He published "A true Relation to the Coun-sell of Virginia" (1611; reprinted, 1858). The present Earl Delawarr, Charles Richard Sack-ville -West, is his lineal descendant.