The records state that "Poole chardgeth him he spake very unreverently and maliciously against this present Governr, wherby the honour and dignity of his place and person, and so of the whole Colonie, might be brought into contempte, by wch meanes what mischiefs might ensue from the Indians by disturbance of the peace or otherwise, may easily be conjectured." Spelman admitted to some of the charges but denied its malicious intent. If Spelman was found guilty of treason, Henry could have been executed, but he was instead found guilty of a lesser crime, and on 4 August 1619, he lost his rank of captain and was sentenced to serve the governor for seven years as an interpreter. Records state: "this sentence being read to Spelman he, as one that had in him more of the Savage than of the Christian, muttered certain words to himself neither showing any remorse for his offences, nor yet any thankfulness to the Assembly for their so favorable censure." This event in Spelman's life showcases the disfavor that intermediaries often received for associating with the natives. The War of Opchanacanough In 1622 Opchanacanough tried to expel all English colonists from Virginia by attacking the settlers, killing about 330 men, women, and children. Spelman was aboard the Elizabeth trading with the natives in the Pamunkey and therefore survived the attacks. Upon his return he was called upon to renew the English colonial alliance with the Patawomeck tribe, who were at that point detached from Powhatan's Confederacy. In the spring of 1623, Spelman volunteered to take a group of 19 men north to the Potomac River, away from the fighting near Jamestown, to barter for corn or other food. On 23 March 1623, the party was attacked by 60 canoes full of Anacostan Indians from their settlement of Nacochtank along the Anacostia River. Henry Spelman and all others in his party were killed or captured in the botched trading expedition (apart from Captain Henry Fleet, who spent 5 years in captivity with them and also learned their language). After providing much good service as an interpreter, Henry Spelman died as he had lived – amongst the Native Indians at 28 years old. Some sources say Spelman was captured and beheaded by the Anacostans. This attack was in reprisal for a 1622 attack by Fleet and the Patawomecks in which 18 Anacostans had been killed. Captain John Smith