Frankly, I would have to say that I have been pretty well out-tid-bitted by M on this thread! I never knew about the Spanish/English thing*.
However, check this out, the latest theory on the "Lost Colony" is that Catholics in the employ of Spain poisoned the lot of'em. M, I'll see your tid and raise you one bitt.
* as a defensive tidbitter, I shoulda said, "Of course I knew all about THAT ... I just didn't put all my odd knowledge together. BTW, in re Maryland, read "Chesapeake," by that Michener guy, who was a Meister Tidbitter.
In reality the 70 year period of low rainfall had not yet completed its cycle, and the drought was on. That ALWAYS brings the saltwater inland from the ocean, making life possible above the Fall line but not below it.
Jamestown colony was relocated inland up the James river where permanent fresh water was available.
This sounds like the same sort of story at Roanoke Island in Carolana.
At the time the territory was under the rule of the KIng of Spain. A POW camp was maintained in the Souv'rn part (Helena?).
The drought affected this part of the East Coast as well, so any settlement would soon find it needed to move inland to find fresh water. That would be more toward Goldsboro ~
When you are drinking salt water there's really no need for a secret poisoner, and if that's the best stuff you've got to drink, God doesn't care if you are Protestant or Catholic either ~ your time on life's clock will be pushed forward to FINISHED.