what explanation does smith give for the loss of men and his own capture? why does he include these explanations?

In "The General History of Virginia," John Smith recounts the difficulties endured by settlers while founding the Virginia colony.

He states that the settlers faced extremely severe conditions upon arriving in the New World. Within ten days, many fell ill. They lacked adequate food supplies, relying mainly on corn and water while awaiting supply ships. They had no shelter and lost valuable time for farming because the trip duration was uncertain. Almost half of the settlers died, and survival depended largely on assistance from Native Americans.

Smith likely included these details because, as the colony president, he felt responsible for the settlers’ hardships and wanted to convey the challenges faced. Additionally, he aimed to portray the sometimes difficult relationship between the settlers and the Native Americans.

Smith justifies his capture and the loss of men by explaining that the expedition extended longer than expected and that they faced unforeseen "dangers." Beyond these hardships, settlers experienced food shortages, lacked shelter, and as a result, suffered illness and fatalities.
He likely provided these reasons to depict the difficult circumstances as an explanation or excuse for his capture.