Answer:
The settlers were weakened by illness.
Step-by-step explanation:
In his letter to his parents who were still in England in 1623, Richard Frethorne lamented on the terrible situation he and other settlers experienced in Jamestown colony. He told his parents that they were ravaged by sickness and this had resulted in a significant reduction in their numbers. Because of this, their plantation was weak and had no produce for they lacked men to cultivate it.
They were also at risk of the American Indians who could attack them at any time. The figure would be 32 of their men against 3000 of the Natives and this would lead to their obvious defeat.