The Accidents that hapned in the Discovery of
the Bay of Chisapeack.
The prodigalitie of the Presidents state went so deepe into our small
store, that Smith and Scrivener tyed him and his Parasites to the rules of
proportion. But now Smith being to depart, the Presidents authoritie so
overswayed the discretion of Mr. Scrivener, that our store, our time, our
strength and labours were idely consumed to fulfill his phantasies. The
second of June 1608. Smith left the Fort to performe his Discovery with
this Company.
Walter Russell, Doctor of Physicke.
Gentlemen.
Ralfe Murton. Richard Fetherston.
Thomas Momford. James Burne.
William Cantrill. Michell Sicklemore.
Souldiers.
Jonas Profit. James Watkins.
Anas Todkill. John Powell.
Robert Small. James Read.
Richard Keale.
_A strange mortalitie of Salvages._ {MN-1}
_Russels Isles._ {MN-2}
_Wighcocomoco._ {MN-3}
_An extreame want of fresh water._ {MN-4}
These being in an open Barge neare three tuns burthen, leaving the Phoenix
at Cape Henry, they crossed the Bay to the Easterne shore, and fell with
the Isles called Smiths Isles, after our Captaines name. The first people
we saw were two grim and stout Salvages upon Cape Charles, with long poles
like Javelings, headed with bone, they [III.56.] boldly demanded what we
were, and what we would; but after many circumstances they seemed very
kinde, and directed us to Accomack, the habitation of their Werowance,
where we were kindly intreated. This King was the comliest, proper, civill
Salvage we incountred. His Country is a pleasant fertile clay soyle, some
small creekes; good Harbours for small Barks, but not for Ships. {MN-1} He
told us of a strange accident lately happened him, and it was, two
children being dead; some extreame passions, or dreaming visions,
phantasies, or affection moved their parents againe to revisit their dead
carkases, whose benummed bodies reflected to the eyes of the beholders
such delightfull countenances, as though they had regained their vitall
spirits. This as, a miracle drew many to behold them, all which being a
great part of his people, not long after dyed, and but few escaped. They
spake the language of Powhatan, wherein they made such descriptions of the
Bay, Isles, and rivers, that often did us exceeding pleasure. Passing
along the coast, searching every inlet, and Bay, fit for harbours and
habitations. Seeing many Isles in the midst of the Bay we bore up for
them, but ere we could obtaine them, such an extreame gust of wind, rayne,
thunder, and lightening happened, that with great danger we escaped the
unmercifull raging of that Ocean-like water. {MN-2} The highest land on
the mayne, yet it was but low, we called Keales hill, and these
uninhabited Isles, Russels Isles. {MN-3} The next day searching them for
fresh water, we could find none, the defect whereof forced us to follow
the next Easterne Channell, which brought us to the river of Wighcocomoco.
The people at first with great fury seemed to assault us, yet at last with
songs and daunces and much mirth became very tractable, but searching
their habitations for water, we could fill but three barricoes, & that
such puddle, that never till then we ever knew the want of good water.
{MN-4} We digged and searched in many places, but before two daies were
expired, we would have refused two barricoes of gold for one of that
puddle water of Wighcocomoco. Being past these Isles which are many in
number, but all naught for habitation, falling with a high land upon the
mayne, we found a great Pond of fresh water, but so exceeding hot wee
supposed it some bath; that place we called poynt Ployer, in honor of that
most honourable House of Mousay in Britaine, that in an extreame
extremitie once relieved our Captaine. From Wighcocomoco to this place,
all the coast is low broken Isles of Mira's, growne a myle or two in
breadth, and ten or twelve in length, good to cut for hay in Summer, and
to catch fish and foule in Winter: but the Land beyond them is all covered
over with wood, as is the rest of the Country.
_Their Barge neare sunke in a gust._ {MN-1}
_Cuskarawaock._ {MN-2}
_The first notice of the Massawomeks._ {MN-3}
_Bolus River._ {MN-4}
Being thus refreshed in crossing over from the maine to other Isles, we
discovered the winde and waters so much increased with thunder, lightning,
and raine, {MN-1} that our mast and sayle blew overbord and such mighty
waves overracked us in that small barge that with great labour we kept her
from sinking by freeing out the water. Two dayes we were inforced to
inhabite these uninhabited Isles which for the extremitie of gusts,
thunder, raine, stormes, and ill wether we called Limbo. Repairing our
saile with our shirts, {MN-2} we set sayle for the maine and fell with a
pretty convenient river on the East called Cuskarawaok, the people ran as
amazed in troups from place to place, and divers got into the tops of
trees, they were not sparing of their arrowes, nor the greatest passion
they could expresse of their anger. Long they shot, we still ryding at an
Anchor without there reatch making all the signes of friendship we could.
The next day they came unarmed, with every one a basket, dancing in a
ring, to draw us on shore: but seeing there was nothing in them but
villany, we discharged a volly of muskets charged with pistoll shot,
whereat they all lay tumbling on the grownd, creeping some one way, some
another into a great cluster of reedes hard by; where there companies lay
in Ambuscado. Towards the evening we wayed, & approaching the shoare,
discharging five or six shot among the reedes, we landed where there lay a
many of baskets and much bloud, but saw not a Salvage. A smoake appearing
on the other side the river, we rowed thither, where we found two or three
little houses, in each a fire, there we left some peeces of copper, beads,
bells, and looking glasses, and then went into the bay, but when it was
darke we came backe againe. Early, [III.57.] in the morning foure Salvages
came to us in their Canow whom we used with such courtesie, not knowing
what we were, nor had done, having beene in the bay a fishing, bade us
stay and ere long they would returne, which they did and some twentie more
with them; with whom after a little conference, two or three thousand men
women & children came clustring about us, every one presenting us with
something, which a little bead would so well requite, that we became such
friends they would contend who should fetch us water, stay with us for
hostage, conduct our men any whither, and give us the best content. Here
doth inhabite the people of Sarapinagh, Nause, Arseek, and Nantaquak the
best Marchants of all other Salvages. {MN-3} They much extolled a great
nation called Massawomekes, in search of whom we returned by Limbo: this
river but onely at the entrance is very narrow, and the people of small
stature as them of Wightcocomoco, the Land but low, yet it may prove very
commodious, because it is but a ridge of land betwixt the Bay and the
maine Ocean. Finding this Easterne shore, shallow broken Isles, and for
most part without fresh water, we passed by the straites of Limbo for the
Westerne shore: so broad is the bay here, we could scarce perceive the
great high clifts on the other side: by them we Anchored that night and
called them Riccards Cliftes. 30. leagues we sayled more Northwards not
finding any inhabitants, leaving all the Easterne shore, lowe Islandes,
but overgrowne with wood, as all the Coast beyond them so farre as wee
could see: the Westerne shore by which we sayled we found all along well
watered, but very mountanous and barren, the vallies very fertill, but
extreame thicke of small wood so well as trees, and much frequented with
Wolves, Beares, Deere and other wild beasts. {MN-4} We passed many
shallow creekes, but the first we found Navigable for a ship, we called
Bolus, for that the clay in many places under the clifts by the high water
marke, did grow up in red and white knots as gum out of trees; and in some
places so participated together as though they were all of one nature,
excepting the coulour, the rest of the earth on both sides being hard
sandy gravell, which made us thinke it Bole-Armoniack and Terra sigillata.
When we first set sayle some of our Gallants doubted nothing but that our
Captaine would make too much hast home, but having lien in this small
barge not above 12. or 14. dayes, oft tyred at the Oares, our bread
spoyled with wet so much that it was rotten (yet so good were their
stomacks that they could disgest it) they did with continuall complaints
so importune him now to returne, as caused him bespeake them in this
manner.
_Smith's speech to his Souldiers._
_The discovery of Patawomek._ {MN}
Gentlemen if you would remember the memorable history of Sir Ralph Layne,
how his company importuned him to proceed in the discovery of Moratico,
alleadging they had yet a dog, that being boyled with Saxafras leaves,
would richly feede them in their returnes; then what a shame would it be
for you (that have bin so suspitious of my tendernesse) to force me
returne, with so much provision as we have, and scarce able to say where
we have beene, nor yet heard of that we were sent to seeke? You cannot say
but I have shared with you in the worst which is past; and for what is to
come, of lodging, dyet, or whatsoever, I am contented you allot the worst
part to my selfe. As for your feares that I will lose my selfe in these
unknowne large waters, or be swallowed up in some stormie gust; abandon
these childish feares, for worse then is past is not likely to happen: and
there is as much danger to returne as to proceede. Regaine therefore your
old spirits for returne I will not (if God please) till I have seene the
Massawomeks, found Patawomek, or the head of this water you conceit to be
endlesse. {MN} Two or 3. dayes we expected winde & wether, whose adverse
extremities added such discouragement, that three or foure fell sicke,
whose pittifull complaints caused us to returne, leaving the bay some nine
miles broad, at nine and ten fadome water.
_Ambuscadoes of Salvages._ {MN}
The 16. of June we fell with the river Patowomek: feare being gone, and
our men recovered, we were all content to take some paines, to know the
name of that seven mile broad river: for thirtie myles sayle, we could
see no inhabitants: {MN} then we were conducted by two Salvages up a
little bayed creeke, towards Onawmanient, where all the woods were layd
with ambuscado's to the number of three or foure thousand Salvages, so
strangely paynted, grimed and disguised, shouting, yelling and crying as
so many spirits from hell could not have shewed more terrible. Many
bravado's they made, but to appease their fury, our Captaine prepared with
as seeming a willingnesse (as they) to incounter them. But the grazing of
our bullets upon the water (many being shot on purpose they might see
them) with the Ecco of the woods so amazed them, as downe went their bowes
and arrowes; (and exchanging hostage) James Watkins was sent six myles up
the woods to their Kings habitation. We were kindly used of those
Salvages, of whom we understood, they were commanded to betray us, by the
direction of Powhatan, and he so directed from the discontents at James
towne, because our Captaine did cause them stay in their country against
their wills.
_A trecherous project._
_A myne like Antimony._ {MN-1}
_An aboundant plenty of fish._ {MN-2}
The like incounters we found at Patowomek Cecocawonee and divers other
places: but at Moyaones, Nacotchtant and Toags the people did their best
to content us. Having gone so high as we could with the bote, we met
divers Salvages in Canowes, well loaden with the flesh of Beares, Deere
and other beasts, whereof we had part, here we found mighty Rocks, growing
in some places above the grownd as high as the shrubby trees, and divers
other solid quarries of divers tinctures: and divers places where the
waters had falne from the high mountaines they had left a tinctured
spangled skurfe, that made many bare places seeme as guilded. Digging the
grownde above in the highest cliffs of rocks, we saw it was a claie sand
so mingled with yeallow spangles as if it had beene halfe pin-dust. In our
returne inquiring still for this Matchqueon, the king of Patawomeke gave
us guides to conduct us up a little river called Quiyough, up which we
rowed so high as we could. Leaving the bote, with six shot, and divers
Salvages, he marched seven or eight myle before they came to the mine:
leading his hostages in a small chaine they were to have for their paines,
being proud so richly to be adorned. {MN-1} The mine is a great Rocky
mountaine like Antimony; wherein they digged a great hole with shells &
hatchets: and hard by it, runneth a fayre brooke of Christal-like water,
where they wash away the drosse and keepe the remainder, which they put in
little baggs and sell it all over the country to paint there bodyes,
faces, or Idols; which makes them looke like Blackmores dusted over with
silver. With so much as we could carry we returned to our bote, kindly
requiting this kinde king and all his kinde people. The cause of this
discovery was to search this mine, of which Newport did assure us that
those small baggs (we had given him) in England he had tryed to hold halfe
silver; but all we got proved of no value: also to search what furrs, the
best whereof is at Cuscarawaoke, where is made so much Rawranoke or white
beads that occasion as much dissention among the Salvages, as gold and
silver amongst Christians; and what other mineralls, rivers, rocks,
nations, woods, fishings, fruites, victuall, and what other commodities
the land afforded: and whether the bay were endlesse or how farre it
extended: of mines we were all ignorant, but a few Bevers, Otters, Beares,
Martins and minkes we found, {MN-2} and in divers places that aboundance
of fish, lying so thicke with their heads above the water, as for want of
nets (our barge driving amongst them) we attempted to catch them with a
frying pan: but we found it a bad instrument to catch fish with: neither
better fish, more plenty, nor more variety for smal fish, had any of us
ever seene in any place so swimming in the water, but they are not to be
caught with frying pans: some small codd also we did see swim close by the
shore by Smiths Iles, and some as high as Riccards Clifts. And some we
have found dead upon the shore.
_How to deale with the Salvages._
_Captaine Smith neare killed with a Stingray._ {MN}
To express all our quarrels, trecheries and encounters amongst those
Salvages I should be too tedious: but in breefe, at all times we so
incountred them, and curbed their insolencies, that they concluded with
presents to purchase peace; yet we lost not a man: at our first meeting
our Captaine ever observed this order to demand their bowes and arrowes,
swordes, mantells and furrs, with some childe or two for hostage, whereby
we could quickly perceive, when they intended any villany. Having finished
this discovery (though our victuall was neere spent) he intended to see
his imprisonment-acquaintances [III.59.] upon the river of Rapahanock, by
many called Toppahanock, but our bote by reason of the ebbe, chansing to
grownd upon a many shoules lying in the entrances, we spyed many fishes
lurking in the reedes: our Captaine sporting himselfe by nayling them to
the grownd with his sword, set us all a fishing in that manner: thus we
tooke more in one houre then we could eate in a day. {MN} But it chansed
our Captaine taking a fish from his sword (not knowing her condition)
being much of the fashion of a Thornback, but a long tayle like a ryding
rodde, whereon the middest is a most poysoned sting, of two or three
inches long, bearded like a saw on each side, which she strucke into the
wrest of his arme neere an inch and a halfe: no bloud nor wound was seene,
but a little blew spot, but the torment was instantly so extreame, that in
foure houres had so swolen his hand, arme and shoulder, we all with much
sorrow concluded his funerall, and prepared his grave in an Island by, as
himselfe directed: yet it pleased God by a precious oyle Docter Russell at
the first applyed to it when he sounded it with probe (ere night) his
tormenting paine was so well asswaged that he eate of the fish to his
supper, which gave no lesse joy and content to us then ease to himselfe,
for which we called the Island Stingray Isle after the name of the fish.
_The Salvages affrightened with their owne suspition._ {MN-1}
_Needlesse misery at James towne._ {MN-2}
Having neither Chirurgian, nor Chirurgery, but that preservative oyle we
presently set sayles for James towne, passing the mouthes of the rivers of
Payankatank, & Pamaunkee, the next day we safely arrived at Kecougtan.
{MN-1} The simple Salvages seeing our Captaine hurt, and an other bloudy
by breaking his shinne, our numbers of bowes, arrowes, swords, mantles,
and furrs, would needes imagine we had beene at warres (the truth of these
accidents would not satisfie them) but impatiently importuned us to know
with whom. Finding their aptnesse to beleeve we fayled not (as a great
secret) to tell them any thing that might affright them, what spoyle we
had got and made of the Massawomeks. This rumor went faster up the river
then our Barge, that arrived at Waraskoyack the 20 of July; where trimming
her with painted streamers, and such devises as we could, we made them at
James towne jealous of a Spanish Frigot, where we all God be thanked
safely arrived the 21 of July. {MN-2} There we found the last Supply were
all sicke, the rest some lame, some bruised, all unable to doe any thing
but complaine of the pride and unreasonable needlesse crueltie of the
silly President, that had riotously consumed the store: and to fulfill his
follies about building him an unnecessary building for his pleasure in the
woods, had brought them all to that misery; that had we not arrived, they
had as strangely tormented him with revenge: but the good newes of our
Discovery, and the good hope we had by the Salvages relation, that our Bay
had stretched into the South Sea, or somewhat neare it, appeased their
fury; but conditionally that Ratliffe should be deposed, and that
Captaine Smith would take upon him the government, as by course it did
belong. Their request being effected, he substituted Mr. Scrivener his
deare friend in the Presidency, equally distributing those private
provisions the other had ingrossed, appointing more honest officers to
assist master Scrivener (who then lay exceeding sicke of a Callenture) and
in regard of the weaknesse of the company, and heate of the yeare, they
being unable to worke, he left them to live at ease, to recover their
healths, but imbarked himselfe to finish his Discovery.
Written by Walter Russell, Anas Todkill, and Thomas Momford.
Chap. VI.
The Government surrendred to Master Scrivener.
What happened the second Voyage in
discovering the Bay.
The 24 of July, Captaine Smith set forward to finish the discovery with
twelve men: their names were
Gentlemen. [III.60.]
Nathaniell Powell. Michell Sicklemore.
Thomas Momford. James Bourne.
Richard Fetherston. Anthony Bagnall, Chir.
Souldiers.
Jonas Profit. Richard Keale.
Anas Todkill. James Watkins.
Edward Pising. William Ward.
_The Salvages admire fireworks._ {MN-1}
_An Incounter with Massawomeks at the head of the Bay._ {MN-2}
The wind being contrary caused our stay two or three dayes at Kecoughtan:
the King feasted us with much mirth, his people were perswaded we went
purposely to be revenged of the Massawomeks. {MN-1} In the evening we
fired a few rackets, which flying in the ayre so terrified the poore
Salvages, they supposed nothing unpossible we attempted; and desired to
assist us. The first night we anchored at Stingray Isle. The next day
crossed Patawomeks river, and hasted to the river Bolus. We went not much
further before we might see the Bay to divide in two heads, and arriving
there we found it divided in foure, all which we searched so farre as we
could sayle them. {MN-2} Two of them we found inhabited, but in crossing
the Bay, we incountred 7 or 8 Canowes full of Massawomeks, we seeing them
prepare to assault us, left our Oares and made way with our sayle to
incounter them, yet were we but five with our Captaine that could stand,
for within 2 dayes after we left Kecoughtan, the rest (being all of the
last supply) were sicke almost to death, untill they were seasoned to the
Country. Having shut them under our Tarpawling, we put their hats upon
stickes by the Barges side, and betwixt two hats a man with two peeces, to
make us seeme many, and so we thinke the Indians supposed those hats to be
men, for they fled with all possible speed to the shore, and there stayed,
staring at the sayling of our barge till we anchored right against them.
Long it was ere we could draw them to come unto us. At last they sent two
of their company unarmed in a Canow, the rest all followed to second them
if neede required. These two being but each presented with a bell, brought
aboord all their fellowes, presenting our Captaine with venison, beares
flesh, fish, bowes, arrowes, clubs, targets, and beares-skinnes. We
understood them nothing at all, but by signes, whereby they signified unto
us they had beene at warres with the Tockwoghes, the which they confirmed
by showing us their greene wounds, but the night parting us, we imagined
they appointed the next morning to meete, but after that we never saw
them.
_An Incounter with the Tockwoghs._
Entring the river of Tockwogh, the Salvages all armed, in a fleete of
boats, after their barbarous manner, round invironed us; so it chanced one
of them could speake the language of Powhatan, who perswaded the rest to
a friendly parley. But when they saw us furnished with the Massawomeks
weapons, and we faining the invention of Kecoughtan, to have taken them
perforce; they conducted us to their pallizadoed towne, mantelled with the
barkes of trees, with scaffolds like mounts, brested about with brests
very formally. Their men, women, and children with daunces, songs, fruits,
furres, and what they had, kindly welcommed us, spreading mats for us to
sit on, stretching their best abilities to expresse their loves.
_Hatchets from the Sasquesahanocks._
Many hatchets, knives, peeces of iron, and brasse, we saw amongst them,
which they reported to have from the Sasquesahanocks, a mightie people and
mortall enemies with the Massawomeks. The Sasquesahanocks inhabit upon the
chiefe Spring of these foure branches of the Bayes head, two dayes journey
higher then our barge could passe for rocks, yet we prevailed with the
Interpreter to take with him another Interpreter, to perswade the
Sasquesahanocks to come visit us, for their language are different. Three
or foure dayes we expected their returne, then sixtie of those gyant-like
people came downe, with presents of Venison, Tobacco-pipes three foot in
length, Baskets, Targets, Bowes and Arrowes. Five of their chiefe
Werowances came boldly aboord us to crosse the Bay for Tockwhogh, leaving
their men and Canowes; the wind being so high they durst not passe.
_The Sasquesahanocks offer to the English._ {MN}
Our order was daily to have Prayer, with a Psalme, at which solemnitie the
poore Salvages much wondred, our Prayers being done, a while they were
busied with a consultation till they had contrived their businesse.
[III.61.] {MN} Then they began in a most passionate manner to hold up
their hands to the Sunne, with a most fearefull song, then embracing our
Captaine, they began to adore him in like manner: though he rebuked them,
yet they proceeded till their song was finished: which done with a most
strange furious action, and a hellish voyce, began an Oration of their
loves; that ended, with a great painted Beares skin they covered him: then
one ready with a great chayne of white Beads, weighing at least six or
seaven pound, hung it about his necke, the others had 18 mantels, made of
divers sorts of skinnes sowed together; all these with many other toyes
they layd at his feete, stroking their ceremonious hands about his necke
for his Creation to be their Governour and Protector, promising their
aydes, victualls, or what they had to be his, if he would stay with them,
to defend and revenge them of the Massawomeks. But we left them at
Tockwhogh, sorrowing for our departure, yet we promised the next yeare
againe to visit them. Many descriptions and discourses they made us, of
Atquanachuck, Massawomek, & other people, signifying they inhabit upon a
great water beyond the mountaines, which we understood to be some great
lake, or the river of Canada: and from the French to have their hatchets
and Commodities by trade. These know no more of the territories of
Powhatan, then his name, and he as little of them, but the Atquanachuks
are on the Ocean Sea.
The highest mountaine we saw Northward wee called Perigrines mount, and a
rocky river, where the Massawomeks went up, Willowbyes river, in honor of
the towne our Captaine was borne in, and that honorable house the Lord
Willowby, his most honored good friend. The Sasquesahanocks river we
called Smiths falles; the next poynt to Tockwhogh, Pisings poynt; the next
it poynt Bourne. Powells Isles and Smals poynt is by the river Bolus; and
the little Bay at the head Profits poole; Watkins, Reads, and Momfords
poynts are on each side Limbo; Ward, Cantrell, and Sicklemore, betwixt
Patawomek and Pamaunkee, after the names of the discoverers. In all those
places and the furthest we came up the rivers, we cut in trees so many
crosses as we would, and in many places made holes in trees, wherein we
writ notes, and in some places crosses of brasse, to signifie to any,
English-men had beene there.
_Pawtuxunt, R._
Thus having sought all the inlets and rivers worth noting, we returned to
discover the river of Pawtuxunt; these people we found very tractable, and
more civill then any, we promised them, as also the Patawomeks to revenge
them of the Massawomeks, but our purposes were crossed.
_Rapahanock, R._
_The exceeding love of the Salvage Mosco._ {MN-1}
_Our fight with the Rapahanocks._ {MN-2}
In the discovery of this river some call Rapahanock, we were kindly
entertained by the people of Moraughtacund; here we incountered our old
friend Mosco, a lusty Salvage of Wighcocomoco upon the river of Patawomek,
we supposed him some French mans sonne, because he had a thicke blacke
bush beard, and the Salvages seldome have any at all, of which he was not
a little proud, to see so many of his Countrymen. {MN-1} Wood and water he
would fetch us, guide us any whether, cause divers of his Countrymen helpe
us towe against winde or tyde from place to place till we came to
Patawomek: there he rested till we returned from the head of the river,
and occasioned our conduct to the mine we supposed Antimony. And in the
place he fayled not to doe us all the good he could, perswading us in any
case not to goe to the Rapahanocks, for they would kill us for being
friends with the Moraughtacunds that but lately had stolne three of the
Kings women. This we did thinke was but that his friends might onely have
our trade: so we crossed the river to the Rapahanocks. {MN-2} There some
12 or 16 standing on the shore, directed us a little Creeke where was good
landing, and Commodities for us in three or foure Canowes we saw lie
there: but according to our custome, we demanded to exchange a man in
signe of love, which after they had a little consulted, foure or five came
up to the middles, to fetch our man, and leave us one of them, shewing we
need not feare them, for they had neither clubs, bowes, nor arrowes.
Notwithstanding, Anas Todkill, being sent on shore to see if he could
discover any Ambuscadoes, or what they had, desired to goe over the playne
to fetch some wood, but they were unwilling, except we would come into the
Creeke, where the boat might come close ashore. Todkill by degrees
[III.62.] having got some two stones throwes up the playne, perceived two
or three hundred men (as he thought) behind the trees, so that offering to
returne to the Boat, the Salvages assayed to carry him away perforce, that
he called to us we were betrayed, and by that he had spoke the word, our
hostage was over-boord, but Watkins his keeper slew him in the water.
Immediatly we let fly amongst them, so that they fled, & Todkill escaped,
yet they shot so fast that he fell flat on the ground ere he could recover
the boat. Here the Massawomek Targets stood us in good stead, for upon
Mosco's words, we had set them about the forepart of our Boat like a
forecastle, from whence we securely beat the Salvages from off the plaine
without any hurt: yet they shot more then a thousand Arrowes, and then
fled into the woods. Arming our selves with these light Targets (which are
made of little small sticks woven betwixt strings of their hempe and silke
grasse, as is our Cloth, but so firmely that no arrow can possibly pierce
them:) we rescued Todkill, who was all bloudy by some of them who were
shot by us that held him, but as God pleased he had no hurt; and following
them up to the woods, we found some slaine, and in divers places much
bloud. It seems all their arrowes were spent, for we heard no more of
them. Their Canows we tooke; the arrowes we found we broke, save them we
kept for Mosco, to whom we gave the Canowes for his kindnesse, that
entertained us in the best triumphing manner, and warlike order in armes
of conquest he could procure of the Moraughtacunds.
_The Salvages disguised like bushes fight._ {MN}
The rest of the day we spent in accomodating our Boat, in stead of thoules
wee made stickes like Bedstaves, to which we fastened so many of our
Massawomek Targets, that invironed her as wast clothes. The next morning
we went up the river, and our friend Mosco followed us along the shore,
and at last desired to goe with us in our Boat. But as we passed by
Pisacack, Matchopeak, and Mecuppom, three Townes situated upon high white
clay clifts; the other side all a low playne marish, and the river there
but narrow. {MN} Thirtie or fortie of the Rapahanocks, had so accommodated
themselves with branches, as we tooke them for little bushes growing
among the sedge, still seeing their arrowes strike the Targets, and
dropped in the river: whereat Mosco fell flat in the Boat on his face,
crying the Rapahanocks, which presently we espied to be the bushes, which
at our first volley fell downe in the sedge: when wee were neare halfe a
myle from them, they shewed themselves dauncing and singing very merrily.
The Kings of Pissassack, Nandtaughtacund, and Cuttatawomen, used us
kindly, and all their people neglected not any thing to Mosco to bring us
to them. Betwixt Secobeck and Massawteck is a small Isle or two, which
causeth the river to be broader then ordinary; there it pleased God to
take one of our Company called Mr. Fetherstone, that all the time he had
beene in this Country, had behaved himselfe, honestly, valiantly, and
industriously, where in a little Bay, we called Fetherstones Bay wee
buryed him with a volley of shot: the rest notwithstanding their ill dyet,
and bad lodging, crowded in so small a Barge, in so many dangers never
resting, but alwayes tossed to and againe, had all well recovered their
healths. The next day wee sayled so high as our Boat would float, there
setting up crosses, and graving our names in the trees. Our sentinell saw
an arrow fall by him, though we had ranged up and downe more then an houre
in digging in the earth, looking of stones, herbs, and springs, not seeing
where a Salvage could well hide himself.
_Our fight with the Mannahocks._
_A Salvage shot and taken prisoner._ {MN-1}
_His relation of their countries._ {MN-2}
_They cannot travell but where the woods are burnt._ [FN]
_How we concluded peace with the foure kings of Monahoke._ {MN-3}
Upon the alarum by that we had recovered our armes, there was about an
hundred nimble Indians skipping from tree to tree, letting fly their
arrows so fast as they could: the trees here served us for Baricadoes as
well as they. But Mosco did us more service then we expected, for having
shot away his quiver of Arrowes, he ran to the Boat for more. The Arrowes
of Mosco at the first made them pause upon the matter, thinking by his
bruit and skipping, there were many Salvages. About halfe an houre this
continued, then they all vanished as suddainly as they approached. Mosco
vanished as suddenly as they approached. Mosco followed them so farre as
he could see us, till they were out of sight. {MN-1} As we returned there
lay a Salvage as dead, shot in the knee, but taking him up we found he
[III.63] had life, which Mosco seeing, never was Dog more furious against
a Beare, then Mosco was to have beat out his braines, so we had him to our
Boat, where our Chirurgian who went with us to cure our Captaines hurt of
the Stingray, so dressed this Salvage that within an houre after he looked
somewhat chearefully, and did eate and speake. In the meane time we
contented Mosco in helping him to gather up their arrowes, which were an
armefull, whereof he gloried not a little. Then we desired Mosco to know
what he was, and what Countries were beyond the mountaines; the poore
Salvage mildly answered, he and all with him were of Hasinninga, where
there are three Kings more, like unto them, namely the King of Stegora,
the King of Tauxuntania, and the King of Shakahonea, that were come to
Mohaskahod, which is onely a hunting Towne, and the bounds betwixt the
Kingdome of the Mannahocks, and the Nandtaughtacunds, but hard by where we
were. We demanded why they came in that manner to betray us, that came to
them in peace, and to seeke their loves; he answered, they heard we were a
people come from under the world, to take their world from them. {MN-2} We
asked him how many worlds he did know, he replyed, he knew no more but His
relation of that which was under the skie that covered him, which were the
Powhatans, with the Monacans, and the Massawomeks, that were higher up in
the mountaines. Then we asked him what was beyond the mountaines, he
answered the Sunne: but of any thing els he knew nothing; because the
woods were not burnt. [FN] These and many such questions wee demanded,
concerning the Massawomeks, the Monacans, their owne Country, and where
were the Kings of Stegora, Tauxsintania, and the rest. The Monacans he
sayd were their neighbours and friends, and did dwell as they in the hilly
Countries by small rivers, living upon rootes and fruits, but chiefly by
hunting. The Massawomeks did dwell upon a great water, and had many boats,
& so many men that they made warre with all the world. For their Kings,
they were gone every one a severall way with their men on hunting: But
those with him came thither a fishing till they saw us, notwithstanding
they would be altogether at night at Mahaskahod. For his relation we gave
him many toyes, with perswasions to goe with us, and he as earnestly
desired us to stay the comming of those Kings that for his good usage
should be friends with us, for he was brother to Hasinninga. But Mosco
advised us presently to be gone, for they were all naught, yet we told him
we would not till it was night. All things we made ready to entertain what
came, & Mosco was as diligent in trimming his arrowes. The night being
come we all imbarked, for the river was so narrow, had it beene light the
land on the one side was so high, they might have done us exceeding much
mischiefe. All this while the K. of Hasinninga was seeking the rest, and
had consultation a good time what to doe. But by their espies seeing we
were gone, it was not long before we heard their arrowes dropping on every
side the Boat; we caused our Salvages to call unto them, but such a
yelling & hallowing they made that they heard nothing, but now and then a
peece, ayming so neare as we could where we heard the most voyces. More
then 12 myles they followed us in this manner; then the day appearing, we
found our selves in a broad Bay, out of danger of their shot, where wee
came to an anchor, and fell to breakfast. Not so much as speaking to them
till the Sunne was risen; being well refreshed, we untyed our Targets that
covered us as a Deck, and all shewed our selves with those shields on our
armes, and swords in our hands, and also our prisoner Amoroleck; a long
discourse there was betwixt his Countrimen and him, how good wee were,
how well wee used him, how wee had a Patawomek with us, loved us as his
life, that would have slain him had we not preserved him, and that he
should have his libertie would they be but friends; and to doe us any hurt
it was impossible. {MN-3} Upon this they all hung their Bowes and Quivers
upon the trees, and one came swimming aboord us with a bow tyed on his
head, and another with a Quiver of Arrowes, which they delivered our
Captaine as a present, the Captaine having used them so kindly as he
could, told them the other three Kings should doe the like, and then the
great King of our world should be their friend, whose men we were. It was
no sooner demanded but performed, so upon a low Moorish poynt [III.64.]
of Land we went to the shore, where those foure Kings came and received
Amoroleck: nothing they had but Bowes, Arrowes, Tobacco-bags, and Pipes:
what we desired, none refused to give us, wondering at every thing we had,
and heard we had done: our Pistols they tooke for pipes, which they much
desired, but we did content them with other Commodities, and so we left
foure or five hundred of our merry Mannahocks, singing, dauncing, and
making merry, and set sayle for Moraughtacund.
_How we became friends with the Rapahanocks._ {MN-1}
_The discovery of Payankatank._ {MN-2}
In our returnes we visited all our friends, that rejoyced much at our
Victory against the Mannahocks, who many times had Warres also with them,
but now they were friends, and desired we would be friends with the
Rapahanocks, {MN-1} as we were with the Mannahocks. Our Captaine told
them, they had twise assaulted him that came onely in love to doe them
good, and therefore he would now burne all their houses, destroy their
corne, and for ever hold them his enemies, till they made him
satisfaction; they desired to know what that should be: he told them they
should present him the Kings Bow and Arrowes, and not offer to come armed
where he was; that they should be friends with the Moraughtacunds his
friends, and give him their Kings sonne in pledge to performe it, and then
all King James his men should be their friends. Upon this they presently
sent to the Rapahanocks to meete him at the place where they first fought,
where would be the Kings of Nantautacund and Pissassac: which according to
their promise were there so soone as we; where Rapahanock presented his
Bow and Arrowes, and confirmed all we desired, except his sonne, having no
more but him he could not live without him, but in stead of his sonne he
would give him the three women Moraughtacund had stolen. This was
accepted: and so in three or foure Canowes, so many as could went with us
to Moraughtacund, where Mosco made them such relations, and gave to his
friends so many Bowes and Arrowes, that they no lesse loved him then
admired us. The 3 women were brought our Captaine, to each he gave a
chayne of Beads: and then causing Moraughtacund, Mosco, and Rapahanock
stand before him, bid Rapahanock take her he loved best, and Moraughtacund
chuse next, & to Mosco he gave the third. Upon this away went their
Canowes over the water, to fetch their venison, and all the provision they
could, and they that wanted Boats swam over the river: the darke commanded
us then to rest. The next day there was of men, women, and children, as we
conjectured, six or seaven hundred, dauncing, & singing, and not a Bow nor
Arrow seene amongst them. Mosco changed his name Uttasantasough, which we
interpret Stranger, for so they call us. All promising ever to be our
friends, and to plant Corne purposely for us; and we to provide hatchets,
beads, and copper for them, we departed, giving them a Volley of shot, and
they us as loud shouts and cryes as their strengths could utter. {MN-2}
That night we anchored in the river of Payankatank, and discovered it so
high as it was navigable, but the people were most a hunting, save a few
old men, women, and children, that were tending their corne, of which they
promised us part when we would fetch it, as had done all the Nations where
ever we had yet beene.
In a fayre calme, rowing towards poynt Comfort, we anchored in Gosnolls
Bay, but such a suddaine gust surprised us in the night with thunder and
rayne, that we never thought more to have seene James Towne. Yet running
before the wind, we sometimes saw the Land by the flashes of fire from
heaven, by which light onely we kept from the splitting shore, untill it
pleased God in that blacke darknesse to preserve us by that light to finde
poynt Comfort: there refreshing our selves, because we had onely but heard
of the Chisapeacks & Nandsamunds, we thought it as fit to know all our
neighbours neare home, as so many Nations abroad.
_A notable trechery of the Nandsamunds._
_The fight with the Chisapeacks and Nandsamunds._ {MN-1}
_How they became friends._ {MN-2}
_The proceeding at James towne._ {MN-3}
So setting sayle for the Southerne shore, we sayled up a narrow river up
the country of Chisapeack; it hath a good channell, but many shoules about
the entrance. By that we had sayled six or seaven myles, we saw two or
three little garden plots with their houses, the shore over-growne with
the greatest Pyne and Firre trees wee ever saw in the Country. But not
seeing nor hearing any people, and the river very narrow, we returned to
the great river, to see if we could finde any of them. Coasting the shore
towards Nandsamund, which is most Oyster-bankes; [III.65] at the mouth of
that river, we espied six or seaven Salvages making their wires, who
presently fled: ashore we went, and where they wrought we threw divers
toyes, and so departed. Farre we were not gone ere they came againe, and
began to sing, and daunce, and recall us: and thus we began our first
acquaintance. At last one of them desired us to goe to his house up that
river, into our Boat voluntarily he came, the rest ran after us by the
shore with all shew of love that could be. Seaven or eight myles we sayled
up this narrow river: at last on the Westerne shore we saw large
Cornefields, in the midst a little Isle, and in it was abundance of Corne;
the people he told us were all a hunting, but in the Isle was his house,
to which he invited us with much kindnesse: to him, his wife, and
children, we gave such things as they seemed much contented them. The
others being come, desired us also to goe but a little higher to see their
houses: here our host left us, the rest rowed by us in a Canow, till we
were so far past the Isle the river became very narrow. Here we desired
some of them to come abord us, wherat pausing a little, they told us they
would but fetch their bows and arrowes and goe all with us, but being
a-shore and thus armed, they perswaded us to goe forward, but we could
neither perswade them into their Canow, nor into our Boat. This gave us
cause to provide for the worst. Farre we went not ere seaven or eight
Canowes full of men armed appeared following us, staying to see the
conclusion. {MN-1} Presently from each side the river came arrowes so fast
as two or three hundred could shoot them, whereat we returned to get the
open. They in the Canowes let fly also as fast, but amongst them we
bestowed so many shot, the most of them leaped overboord and swam ashore,
but two or three escaped by rowing, being against their playnes: our
Muskets they found shot further then their Bowes, for wee made not twentie
shot ere they all retyred behind the next trees. Being thus got out of
their trap, we seised on all their Canowes, and moored them in the midst
of the open. More then an hundred arrowes stucke in our Targets, and about
the boat, yet none hurt, onely Anthony Bagnall was shot in his Hat, and
another in his sleeve. But seeing their multitudes, and suspecting as it
was, that both the Nandsamunds, and the Chisapeacks were together, we
thought it best to ryde by their Canowes a while, to bethinke if it were
better to burne all in the Isle, or draw them to composition, till we were
provided to take all they had, which was sufficient to feed all our
Colony: but to burne the Isle at night it was concluded. {MN-2} In the
interim we began to cut in peeces their Canowes, and they presently to lay
downe their bowes, making signes of peace: peace we told them we would
accept, would they bring us their Kings bowes and arrowes, with a chayne
of pearle; and when we came againe give us foure hundred baskets full of
Corne, otherwise we would breake all their boats, and burne their houses,
and corne, and all they had. To performe all this they alledged onely the
want of a Canow; so we put one a drift & bad them swim to fetch her: and
till they performed their promise, wee would but onely breake their
Canowes. They cryed to us to doe no more, all should be as we would: which
presently they performed, away went their bowes and arrowes, and tagge and
ragge came with their baskets: so much as we could carry we tooke, and so
departing good friends, we returned to James Towne, where we safely
arrived the 7. of September, 1608. {MN-3} There we found Mr. Scrivener,
and divers others well recovered: many dead; some sicke: the late
President prisoner for mutiny: by the honest diligence of Master
Scrivener, the harvest gathered, but the provision in the store much
spoyled with rayne. Thus was that summer (when little wanted) consumed and
spent, and nothing done (such was the government of Captaine Ratliffe) but
onely this discovery; wherein to expresse all the dangers, accidents, and
incounters this small number passed in that small Barge, by the scale of
proportion, about three thousand myles, with such watery dyet in those
great waters and barbarous Countries (till then to any Christian utterly
unknowne) I rather referre their merit to the censure of the courteous and
experienced Reader, then I would be tedious or partiall being a partie.
But to this place to come who will adventure, [III.66.]
With judgements guide and reason how to enter:
Finds in this worlds broad sea, with winde and tyde,
Ther's safer sayle then any where besides.
But 'cause to wanton novices it is
A Province full of fearefulnesse I wiss;
Into the great vast deepe to venter out:
Those shallow rivers let them coast about.
And by a small Boat learne their first, and marke,
How they may come to make a greater Barke.
Written by Anthony Bagnall, Nathanaell
Powell, and Anas Todkill.
A.D. 1608.