Has any evidence been discovered of cannibalism during the “starving time” in Jamestown?

We have found no archaeological evidence to substantiate the claims by some of the settlers that this happened.

At this point have you been able to identify any of the people found?

We have not been able to identify with exact names any of the burials so far nor is there much chance to do so. No grave so far has had a tombstone or any other identifying label. One stone found in the church is that of a knighted man, which may be marking the grave of Sir George Yeardley, one of the early governors.

Did the colonists have any medical skills or supplies to speak of?

Among the early settlers were surgeons, physicians, and apothecaries, each with a specialty somewhat similar to these positions today. However, the medical profession at that time had far less knowledge than today to actually heal the sick. We have found surgeons’ equipment and dozens of pharmaceutical (medicine) jars.

Did any of the Native Americans purchase slaves, or did any slaves escape and join local tribes during the first few decades of James River colonization?

There were no African slaves until 1619.   I do not know of any records of slaves escaping during the following ten years.

What was the initial opinion of Powhatan and his people of the colonists? Were they willing to share their land, or did they want the invaders gone from the beginning?

The neighboring Algonquians and the colonists clashed almost immediately. Within weeks of their arrival, the colonists built a wooden fort for protection. Clashes between the groups took a toll on the colony’s population, but there were also times when trade with the Algonquians revived the hungry newcomers.