Chapter VII.

The Presidency surrendred to Captaine Smith:

the Arrivall and returne of the second Supply.

And what happened.

_Powhatans scorne when his courtesie was most

deserved._ {MN-1}

_No better way to overthrow the business then by

our instructors._ {MN-2}

_A consultation, where all the Councell was against

the President._ {MN-3}

_Capt. Smith goeth with 4. to Powhatan,

when Newport feared with 120._ {MN-4}

The tenth of September, by the Election of the Councell, and request of

the Company, Captaine Smith received the Letters Patents: which till then

by no meanes he would accept, though he was often importuned thereunto.

Now the building of Ratliffes Pallace stayed as a thing needlesse; the

Church was repaired; the Store-house recovered; buildings prepared for the

Supplyes we expected; the Fort reduced to a five-square forme; the order

of the Watch renewed; the squadrons (each setting of the Watch) trained;

the whole Company every Saturday exercised, in the plaine by the west

Bulwarke, prepared for that purpose, we called Smithfield: where sometimes

more then an hundred Salvages would stand in an amazement to behold, how a

fyle would batter a tree, where he would make them a marke to shoot at;

the boats trimmed for trade, which being sent out with Lieutenant Percy,

in their Journey incountred the second Supply, that brought them backe to

discover the Country of Monacan. How or why Captaine Newport obtained such

a private Commission, as not to returne without a lumpe of gold, a

certaintie of the South sea, or one of the lost company sent out by Sir

Walter Raleigh, I know not; nor why he brought such a five peeced Barge,

not to beare us to that South sea, till we had borne her over the

mountaines, which how farre they extend is yet unknowne. {MN-1} As for the

Coronation of Powhatan, and his presents of Bason and Ewer, Bed, Bedstead,

Clothes, and such costly novelties, they had beene much better well spared

then so ill spent, for wee had his favour much better onely for a playne

peece of Copper, till this stately kinde of soliciting, made him so much

overvalue himselfe, that he respected us as much as nothing at all. As for

the hyring of the Poles and Dutch-men, to make Pitch, Tar, Glasse, Milles,

and Sope ashes, when the Country is replenished with people, and

necessaries, would have done well, but to send them and seaventie more

without victualls to worke, was not so well advised nor considered of, as

it should have beene. Yet this could not have hurt us had they beene 200.

though then we were 130 that wanted for our selves. For we had the

Salvages in that decorum (their harvest being newly gathered,) that we

feared not to get victuals for 500. {MN-2} Now was there no way to make us

miserable, but to neglect that time to make provision whilst it was to be

had, the which was done by the direction from England to performe this

strange discovery, but a more strange Coronation to loose that time, spend

that victualls we had, tyre and starve our men, having no meanes to carry

victuals, munition, the hurt or sicke, but on their owne backes. How or by

whom they were invented I know not: but Captaine Newport we onely

accounted the Author, who to effect these projects, had so guilded mens

hopes with great promises, that both Company and Councell concluded his

resolution for the most part: God doth know they little [III.67.] knew

what they did, nor understood their owne estates to conclude his

conclusions, against all the inconveniences the foreseeing President

alledged. {MN-3} Of this Supply there was added to the Councell, one

Captaine Richard Waldo, and Captaine Wynne, two auncient Souldiers, and

valiant Gentlemen, but yet ignorant of the busines, (being but newly

arrived.) Ratliffe was also permitted to have his voyce, & Mr. Scrivener,

desirous to see strange Countries: so that although Smith was President,

yet the Major part of the Councell had the authoritie and ruled it as they

listed. As for clearing Smiths objections, how Pitch and Tarre, Wainscot,

Clapbord, Glasse, and Sope ashes, could be provided, to relade the ship,

or provision got to live withall, when none was in the Country, and that

we had, spent, before the ship departed to effect these projects. The

answer was, Captaine Newport undertooke to fraught the Pinnace of twentie

tunnes with Corne in going and returning in his Discovery, and to

refraught her againe from Werowocomoco of Powhatan. Also promising a great

proportion of victualls from the Ship; inferring that Smiths propositions

were onely devices to hinder his journey, to effect it himselfe; and that

the crueltie he had used to the Salvages, might well be the occasion to

hinder these Designes, and seeke revenge on him. For which taxation all

workes were left, and 120 chosen men were appointed for Newports guard in

this Discovery. But Captaine Smith to make cleare all those seeming

suspitions, that the Salvages were not so desperate as was

pretended by Captaine Newport, and how willing (since by their authoritie

they would have it so) he was to assist them what he could, because the

Coronation would consume much time, he undertooke himselfe their message

to Powhatan, to intreat him to come to James Towne to receive his

presents. {MN-4} And where Newport durst not goe with lesse then 120. he

onely tooke with him Captaine Waldo, Mr. Andrew Buckler, Edward Brendon,

and Samuel Collier: with these foure he went over land to Werowocomoco,

some 12 myles; there he passed the river of Pamaunkee in a Salvage Canow.

Powhatan being 30 myles of, was presently sent for: in the meane time,

Pocahontas and her women entertained Captaine Smith in this manner.

_A Virginia Maske._

In a fayre plaine field they made a fire, before which, he sitting upon a

mat, suddainly amongst the woods was heard such a hydeous noise and

shreeking, that the English betooke themselves to their armes, and seized

on two or three old men by them, supposing Powhatan with all his power was

come to surprise them. But presently Pocahontas came, willing him to kill

her if any hurt were intended, and the beholders, which were men, women,

and children, satisfied the Captaine there was no such matter. Then

presently they were presented with this anticke; thirtie young women came

naked out of the woods, onely covered behind and before with a few greene

leaves, their bodies all painted, some of one colour, some of another, but

all differing, their leader had a fayre payre of Bucks hornes on her head,

and an Otters skinne at her girdle, and another at her arme, a quiver of

arrowes at her backe, a bow and arrowes in her hand; the next had in her

hand a sword, another a club, another a pot-sticke; all horned alike: the

rest every one with their severall devises. These fiends with most hellish

shouts and cryes, rushing from among the trees, cast themselves in a ring

about the fire, singing and dauncing with most excellent ill varietie, oft

falling into their infernall passions, and solemnly againe to sing and

daunce; having spent neare an houre in this Mascarado, as they entred in

like manner they departed.

_The womens entertainment._

Having reaccommodated themselves, they solemnly invited him to their

lodgings, where he was no sooner within the house, but all these Nymphes

more tormented him then ever, with crowding, pressing, and hanging about

him, most tediously crying, Love you not me? love you not me? This

salutation ended, the feast was set, consisting of all the Salvage dainties

they could devise: some attending, others singing and dauncing about them;

which mirth being ended, with fire-brands in stead of Torches they

conducted him to his lodging.

Thus did they shew their feats of armes, and others art in dauncing:

Some other us'd there oaten pipe, and others voyces chanting.

_Captaine Smiths message._

The next day came Powhatan. Smith delivered his [III.68.] message of the

presents sent him, and redelivered him Namontack he had sent for England,

desiring him to come to his Father Newport, to accept those presents, and

conclude their revenge against the Monacans. Whereunto this subtile Savage

thus replyed.

_Powhatans answer._

If your King have sent me Presents, I also am a King, and this is my land:

eight dayes I will stay to receive them. Your Father is to come to me, not

I to him, nor yet to your Fort, neither will I bite at such a bait: as for

the Monacans I can revenge my owne injuries, and as for Atquanachuk, where

you say your brother was slaine, it is a contrary way from those parts you

suppose it; but for any salt water beyond the mountaines, the Relations

you have had from my people are false. Whereupon he began to draw plots

upon the ground (according to his discourse) of all those Regions. Many

other discourses they had (yet both content to give each other content in

complementall Courtesies) and so Captaine Smith returned with this Answer.

_Powhatans Coronation._

Upon this the Presents were sent by water which is neare an hundred myles,

and the Captains went by land with fiftie good shot. All being met at

Werowocomoco, the next day was appointed for his Coronation, then the

presents were brought him, his Bason and Ewer, Bed and furniture set up,

his scarlet Cloke and apparell with much adoe put on him, being perswaded

by Namontack they would not hurt him: but a foule trouble there was to

make him kneele to receive his Crowne, he neither knowing the majesty nor

meaning of a Crowne, nor bending of the knee, endured so many perswasions,

examples, and instructions, as tyred them all; at last by leaning hard on

his shoulders, he a little stooped, and three having the crowne in their

hands put it on his head, when by the warning of a Pistoll the Boats were

prepared with such a volley of shot, that the King started up in a

horrible feare, till he saw all was well. Then remembring himselfe, to

congratulate their kindnesse, he gave his old shooes and his mantell to

Captaine Newport: but perceiving his purpose was to discover the Monacans,

he laboured to divert his resolution, refusing to lend him either men or

guides more then Namontack; and so after some small complementall

kindnesse on both sides, in requitall of his presents he presented Newport

with a heape of wheat eares that might containe some 7 or 8 Bushels, and

as much more we bought in the Towne, wherewith we returned to the Fort.

_The discovery of Monacan._ {MN-1}

_How the Salvages deluded Cap. Newport._ {MN-2}

The Ship having disburdened her selfe of 70 persons, with the first

Gentlewoman and woman servant that arrived in our Colony, Captaine Newport

with 120 chosen men, led by Captaine Waldo, Lieutenant Percie, Captaine

Winne, Mr. West, and Mr. Scrivener, {MN-1} set forward for the discovery

of Monacan, leaving the President at the Fort with about 80. or 90. (such

as they were) to relade the Ship. Arriving at the Falles we marched by

land some fortie myles in two dayes and a halfe, and so returned downe the

same path we went. Two townes we discovered of the Monacans, called

Massinacak and Mowhemenchouch, the people neither used us well nor ill,

yet for our securitie we tooke one of their petty Kings, and led him bound

to conduct us the way. And in our returnes searched many places we

supposed Mines, about which we spent some time in refyning, having one

William Callicut, a refyner fitted for that purpose. From that crust of

earth we digged, he perswaded us to beleeve he extracted some small

quantitie of silver; and (not unlikely) better stuffe might be had for the

digging. With this poore tryall, being contented to leave this fayre,

fertile, well watered Country; and comming to the Falles, the Salvages

fayned there were divers ships come into the Bay, to kill them at James

Towne. {MN-2} Trade they would not, and finde their Corne we could not;

for they had hid it in the woods: and being thus deluded, we arrived at

James Towne, halfe sicke, all complaining, and tyred with toyle, famine,

and discontent, to have onely but discovered our guilded hopes, and such

fruitlesse certainties, as Captaine Smith fortold us.

But those that hunger seeke to slake,

Which thus abounding wealth would rake:

Not all the gemmes of Ister shore,

Nor all the gold of Lydia's store,

Can fill their greedie appetite; [III.69.]

It is a thing so infinite.

_A punishment for swearing._ {MN}

No sooner were we landed, but the President dispersed so many as were

able, some for Glasse, others for Tarre, Pitch, and Sope-ashes, leaving

them with the Fort to the Councels oversight, but 30 of us he conducted

downe the river some 5 myles from James towne, to learne to make Clapbord,

cut downe trees, and lye in woods. Amongst, the rest he had chosen Gabriel

Beadle, and John Russell, the onely two gallants of this last Supply, and

both proper Gentlemen. Strange were these pleasures to their conditions;

yet lodging, eating, and drinking, working or playing, they but doing as

the President did himselfe. All these things were carried so pleasantly as

within a weeke they became Masters: making it their delight to heare the

trees thunder as they fell; but the Axes so oft blistered their tender

fingers, that many times every third blow had a loud othe to drowne the

eccho; {MN} for remedie of which sinne, the President devised how to have

every mans othes numbred, and at night for every othe to have a Cann of

water powred downe his sleeve, with which every offender was so washed

(himselfe and all) that a man should scarce heare an othe in a weeke.

For he who scornes and makes but jests of cursings, and his othe,

He doth contemne, not man but God, nor God, nor man, but both.

30. _Men better than_ 100. {MN}

By this, let no man thinke that the President and these Gentlemen spent

their times as common Wood-haggers at felling of trees, or such other like

labours, or that they were pressed to it as hirelings, or common slaves;

for what they did, after they were but once a little inured, it seemed and

some conceited it, onely as a pleasure and recreation, {MN} yet 30 or 40

of such voluntary Gentlemen would doe more in a day then 100 of the rest

that must be prest to it by compulsion, but twentie good workemen had

beene better then them all.

_The Chickahamania's forced to contribution._

Master Scrivener, Captaine Waldo, and Captaine Winne at the Fort, every

one in like manner carefully regarded their charge. The President

returning from amongst the woods, seeing the time consumed and no

provision gotten, (and the Ship lay idle at a great charge and did

nothing) presently imbarked himselfe in the discovery barge, giving order

to the Councell to send Lieutenant Percie after him with the next barge

that arrived at the Fort; two Barges he had himselfe and 18 men, but

arriving at Chickahamania, that dogged Nation was too well acquainted with

our wants, refusing to trade, with as much scorne and insolency as they

could expresse. {MN} The President perceiving it was Powhatans policy to

starve us, told them he came not so much for their Corne, as to revenge

his imprisonment, and the death of his men murthered by them, and so

landing his men and readie to charge them, they immediately fled: and

presently after sent their Ambassadors with corne, fish, foule, and what

they had to make their peace, (their Corne being that yeare but bad) they

complained extreamely of their owne wants, yet fraughted our Boats with an

hundred Bushels of Corne, and in like manner Lieutenant Percies, that not

long after arrived, and having done the best they could to content us, we

parted good friends, and returned to James towne.

_A bad reward for well-doing._

Though this much contented the Company, (that feared nothing more then

starving) yet some so envied his good successe, that they rather desired

to hazzard a starving, then his paines should prove so much more

effectuall then theirs. Some projects there were invented by Newport and

Ratliffe, not onely to have deposed him, but to have kept him out of the

Fort; for that being President, he would leave his place and the Fort

without their consents, but their hornes were so much too short to effect

it, as they themselves more narrowly escaped a greater mischiefe.

_A good Taverne in Virginia._

_A bad trade of the masters and saylers._ {MN}

All this time our old Taverne made as much of all them that had either

money or ware as could be desired: by this time they were become so

perfect on all sides (I meane the souldiers, saylers, and Salvages) as

there was tenne times more care to maintaine their damnable and private

trade, then to provide for the Colony things that were of necessary. {MN}

Neither was it a small policy in Newport and the Marriners to report in

England we had such plentie, and bring us so many men without victuals,

when they had so many private Factors in the Fort, that within six or

seaven weeks, of two or three hundred Axes, Chissels, Hows, and Pick-axes,

scarce twentie could be found: and for Pike-heads, shot, Powder, or any

thing they could steale from their fellowes, was vendible; they knew as

well (and as secretly) how to convey them to trade with the Salvages for

Furres, Baskets, Mussaneeks, young Beasts, or such like Commodities, as

exchange them with the Saylers for Butter, Cheese, Beefe, Porke,

Aquavitae, Beere, Bisket, Oatmeale, and Oyle: and then fayne all was sent

them from their friends. And though Virginia affoorded no Furres for the

Store, yet one Master in one voyage hath got so many by this indirect

meanes, as he confessed to have sold in England for 30 L.

Those are the Saint-seeming Worthies of Virginia, that have

notwithstanding all this meate, drinke, and wages; but now they begin to

grow weary, their trade being both perceived and prevented; none hath

beene in Virginia that hath observed any thing, which knowes not this to

be true, and yet the losse, the scorne, the misery, and shame, was the

poore Officers, Gentlemen, and carelesse Governours, who were all thus

bought & sold; the adventurers cousened, and the action overthrowne by

their false excuses, informations, and directions. By this let all men

judge, how this businesse could prosper, being thus abused by such

pilfring occasions. And had not Captaine Newport cryed Peccavi, the

President would have discharged the ship, and caused him to have stayed

one yeare in Virginia, to learne to speake of his owne experience.

_Master Scriveners voyage to Werowocomoco._

Master Scrivener was sent with the Barges and Pinnace to Werowocomoco,

where he found the Salvages more readie to fight then trade; but his

vigilancy was such as prevented their projects, and by the meanes of

Namontack got three or foure hogsheads of Corne, and as much Pocones,

which is a red roote, which then was esteemed an excellent Dye.

Captaine Newport being dispatched, with the tryals of Pitch, Tarre,

Glasse, Frankincense, Sope ashes; with that Clapboord and Waynscot that

could be provided: met with Mr. Scrivener at poynt Comfort, and so

returned for England. We remaining were about two hundred.

The Copy of a Letter sent to the Treasurer and

Councell of Virginia from Captaine Smith,

then President in Virginia.

Right Honorable, &c.

I Received your Letter, wherein you write, that our minds are so set upon

faction, and idle conceits in dividing the Country without your consents,

and that we feed You but with ifs & ands, hopes, & some few proofes; as if

we would keepe the mystery of the businesse to our selves: and that we

must expresly follow your instructions sent by Captain Newport: the charge

of whose voyage amounts to neare two thousand pounds, the which if we

cannot defray by the Ships returne, we are like to remain as banished men.

To these particulars I humbly intreat your Pardons if I offend you with my

rude Answer.

For our factions, unlesse you would have me run away and leave the

Country, I cannot prevent them: because I do make many stay that would els

fly any whether. For the idle Letter sent to my Lord of Salisbury, by the

President and his confederats, for dividing the Country &c. What it was I

know not, for you saw no hand of [III.71] mine to it; nor ever dream't I

of any such matter. That we feed you with hopes, &c. Though I be no

scholer, I am past a schoole-boy; and I desire but to know, what either

you, and these here doe know, but that I have learned to tell you by the

continuall hazard of my life. I have not concealed from you any thing I

know; but I feare some cause you to beleeve much more then is true.

Expresly to follow your directions by Captaine Newport, though they be

performed, I was directly against it; but according to our Commission, I

was content to be over-ruled by the major part of the Councell, I feare to

the hazard of us all; which now is generally confessed when it is too

late. Onely Captaine Winne and Captaine Waldo I have sworne of the

Councell, and Crowned Powhatan according to your instructions.

For the charge of this Voyage of two or three thousand pounds, we have not

received the value of an hundred pounds. And for the quartred Boat to be

borne by the Souldiers over the Falles, Newport had 120 of the best men he

could chuse. If he had burnt her to ashes, one might have carried her in a

bag, but as she is, five hundred cannot, to a navigable place above the

Falles. And for him at that time to find in the South Sea, a Mine of gold;

or any of them sent by Sir Walter Raleigh: at our Consultation I told them

was as likely as the rest. But during this great discovery of thirtie

myles, (which might as well have beene done by one man, and much more, for

the value of a pound of Copper at a seasonable tyme) they had the Pinnace

and all the Boats with them, but one that remained with me to serve the

Fort. In their absence I followed the new begun workes of Pitch and Tarre,

Glasse, Sope-ashes, and Clapboord, whereof some small quantities we have

sent you. But if you rightly consider, what an infinite toyle it is in

Russia and Swethland, where the woods are proper for naught els, and

though there be the helpe both of man and beast in those ancient

Commonwealths, which many an hundred yeares have used it, yet thousands of

those poore people can scarce get necessaries to live, but from hand to

mouth. And though your Factors there can buy as much in a week as will

fraught you a ship, or as much as you please; you must not expect from us

any such matter, which are but a many of ignorant miserable soules, that

are scarce able to get wherewith to live, and defend our selves against

the inconstant Salvages: finding but here and there a tree fit for the

purpose, and want all things els the Russians have. For the Coronation of

Powhatan, by whose advice you sent him such presents, I know not; but this

give me leave to tell you, I feare they will be the confusion of us all

ere we heare from you againe. At your Ships arrivall, the Salvages harvest

was newly gathered, and we going to buy it, our owne not being halfe

sufficient for so great a number. As for the two ships loading of Corne

Newport promised to provide us from Powhatan, he brought us but foureteene

Bushels; and from the Monacans nothing, but the most of the men sicke and

neare famished. From your Ship we had not provision in victuals worth

twenty pound, and we are more then two hundred to live upon this: the one

halfe sicke, the other little better. For the Saylers (I confesse) they

daily make good cheare, but our dyet is a little meale and water, and not

sufficient of that. Though there be fish in the Sea, foules in the ayre,

and Beasts in the woods, their bounds are so large, they so wilde, and we

so weake and ignorant, we cannot much trouble them. Captaine Newport we

much suspect to be the Authour of those inventions. Now that you should

know, I have made you as great a discovery as he, for lesse charge then he

spendeth you every meale; I have sent you this Mappe of the Bay and

Rivers, with an annexed Relation of the Countries and Nations that inhabit

them, [III.72.] as you may see at large. Also two barrels of stones, and

such as I take to be good Iron ore at the least; so devided, as by their

notes you may see in what places I found them. The Souldiers say many of

your officers maintaine their families out of that you send us: and that

Newport hath an hundred pounds a yeare for carrying newes. For every

master you have yet sent can find the way as well as he, so that an

hundred pounds might be spared, which is more then we have all, that helpe

to pay him wages. Cap. Ratliffe is now called Sicklemore, a poore

counterfeited imposture. I have sent you him home, least the company

should cut his throat. What he is, now every one can tell you: if he and

Archer returne againe, they are sufficient to keepe us alwayes in

factions. When you send againe I intreat you rather send but thirty

Carpenters, husbandmen, gardiners, fisher men, blacksmiths, masons, and

diggers up of trees, roots, well provided; then a thousand of such as we

have: for except wee be able both to lodge them, and feed them, the most

will consume with want of necessaries before they can be made good for any

thing. Thus if you please to consider this account, and of the unnecessary

wages to Captaine Newport, or his ships so long lingering and staying here

(for notwithstanding his boasting to leave us victuals for 12 moneths,

though we had 89 by this discovery lame and sicke, and but a pinte of

Corne a day for a man, we were constrained to give him three hogs-heads of

that to victuall him homeward) or yet to send into Germany or Poleland for

glasse-men & the rest, till we be able to sustaine our selves, and relieve

them when they come. It were better to give five hundred pound a tun for

those grosse Commodities in Denmarke, then send for them hither, till more

necessary things be provided. For in over-toyling our weake and unskilfull

bodies, to satisfie this desire of present profit, we can scarce ever

recover our selves from one Supply to another. And I humbly intreat you

hereafter, let us know what we should receive, and not stand to the

Saylers courtesie to leave us what they please, els you may charge us with

what you will, but we not you with any thing. These are the causes that

have kept us in Virginia, from laying such a foundation, that ere this

might have given much better content and satisfaction; but as yet you must

not looke for any profitable returnes: so I humbly rest.

The Names of those in this Supply, were these:

with their Proceedings and Accidents.

Captaine Peter Winne, Captaine Richard Waldo,

were appoynted to be of the Councell.

Master Francis West, brother to the Lord La Warre.

Gent.

Thomas Graves. Henry Collins.

Raleigh Chroshaw. Hugh Wolleston.

Gabriel Beadle. John Hoult.

John Beadle. Thomas Norton.

John Russell. George Yarington.

William Russell. George Burton.

John Cuderington. Thomas Abbay.

William Sambage. William Dowman.

Henry Leigh. Thomas Maxes.

Henry Philpot. Michael Lowick.

Harmon Harrison. Master Hunt.

Daniel Tucker. Thomas Forrest.

John Dauxe

Tradesmen.

Thomas Phelps. Thomas Bradley.

John Prat. John Burras. [III.73.]

John Clarke. Thomas Lavander.

Jeffrey Shortridge. Henry Bell.

Dionis Oconor. Master Powell.

Hugh Winne. David Ellis.

David ap Hugh. Thomas Gibson.

Labourers.

Thomas Dawse. Williams.

Thomas Mallard. Floud.

William Tayler. Morley.

Thomas Fox. Rose.

Nicholas Hancock. Scot.

Walker. Hardwyn.

Boyes.

Milman. Hilliard.

Mistresse Forrest, and Anne Burras her maide; eight Dutch men and Poles,

with some others, to the number of seaventie persons, &c.

_Nandsamund forced to contribution._

_The first marriage in Virginia._ {MN}

These poore conclusions so affrighted us all with famine, that the

President provided for Nandsamund, and tooke with him Captaine Winne, and

Mr. Scrivener, then returning from Captaine Newport. These people also

long denied him not onely the 400 Baskets of Corne they promised, but any

trade at all; (excusing themselves they had spent most they had, and were

commanded by Powhatan to keepe that they had, and not to let us come into

their river) till we were constrained to begin with them perforce. Upon

the discharging of our Muskets they all fled and shot not an Arrow; the

first house we came to we set on fire, which when they perceived, they

desired we would make no more spoyle, and they would give us halfe they

had: how they collected it I know not, but before night they loaded our

three Boats; and so we returned to our quarter some foure myles downe the

River, which was onely the open woods under the lay of a hill, where all

the ground was covered with snow, and hard frozen; the snow we digged away

and made a great fire in the place; when the ground was well dryed, we

turned away the fire; and covering the place with a mat, there we lay very

warme. To keepe us from the winde we made a shade of another Mat; as the

winde turned we turned our shade, and when the ground grew cold we removed

the fire. And thus many a cold winter night have wee laine in this

miserable manner, yet those that most commonly went upon all those

occasions, were alwayes in health, lusty, and fat. For sparing them this

yeare, the next yeare they promised to plant purposely for us; and so we

returned to James towne. {MN} About this time there was a marriage betwixt

John Laydon and Anne Burras; which was the first marriage we had in

Virginia.

_Apamatuck discovered._ {MN}

Long he stayed not, but fitting himselfe and Captaine Waldo with two

Barges. From Chawopoweanock, and all parts thereabouts, all the people

were fled, as being jealous of our intents; {MN} till we discovered the

river and people of Apamatuck; where we found not much, that they had we

equally divided, but gave them copper, and such things as contented them

in consideration. Master Scrivener and Lieutenant Percie went also abroad,

but could find nothing.

The President seeing the procrastinating of time, was no course to live,

resolved with Captaine Waldo (whom he knew to be sure in time of need) to

surprise Powhatan, and all his provision, but the unwillingnesse of

Captaine Winne, and Master Scrivener, for some private respect, plotted in

England to ruine Captaine Smith, did their best to hinder their project;

but the President whom no perswasions could perswade to starve, being

invited by Powhatan to come unto him: and if he would send him but men to

build him a house, give him a gryndstone, fiftie swords, some peeces, a

cock and a hen, with much copper and beads, he would load his Ship with

Corne. The President not ignorant of his devises and subtiltie, yet

unwilling to neglect any opportunitie, presently sent three Dutch-men and

two English, having so small allowance, few were able to doe any thing to

purpose: knowing there needed no better a Castle to effect this project,

tooke order with Captaine Waldo to second him, if need required; Scrivener

he left his substitute, and set forth with the Pinnace, two Barges, and

fortie-six men, which onely were such as voluntarily offered themselves

for his Journey, the which by reason of Mr. Scriveners ill successe, was

censured very desperate, they all knowing Smith would not returne emptie,

if it were to be had; howsoever, it caused many of those that he had

appointed, to find excuses to stay behinde.

A.D. 1608.

Chap. VIII. [III.74]

Captaine Smiths Journey to Pamaunkee.

The twentie-nine of December he set forward for

Werowocomoco: his Company were these;

In the Discovery Barge himselfe.

Gent.

Robert Behethland. Raleigh Chrashow.

Nathanael Graves. Michael Sicklemore.

John Russell. Richard Worley.

Souldiers.

Anas Todkill. Jeffrey Shortridge.

William Love. Edward Pising.

William Bentley. William Ward.

In the Pinnace.

Lieutenant Percie, brother to the Earle of Northumberland.

Master Francis West, brother to the Lord La Warre.

William Phittiplace, Captaine of the Pinnace.

Jonas Profit, Master.

Robert Ford, Clarke of the Councell.

Gent.

Michael Phittiplace. William Tankard.

Jeffrey Abbot, Serjeant. George Yarington.

Souldiers.

James Browne. Thomas Coe.

Edward Brinton. John Dods.

George Burton. Henry Powell.

Thomas Gipson, David Ellis, Nathanael Peacock, Saylers. John Prat, George

Acrig, James Read, Nicholas Hancock, James Watkins, Thomas Lambert, foure

Dutch-men, and Richard Salvage were sent by Land before to build the house

for Powhatan against our Arrivall.

_The good counsell of Warraskoyack._ {MN}

This company being victualled but for three or foure dayes, lodged the

first night at Warraskoyack, where the President tooke sufficient

provision. This kind King did his best to divert him from seeing Powhatan,

but perceiving he could not prevaile, he advised in this manner. {MN}

Captaine Smith, you shall find Powhatan to use you kindly, but trust him

not, and be sure he have no oportunitie to seize on your Armes; for he

hath sent for you onely to cut your throats. The Captaine thanking him for

his good counsell: yet the better to try his love, desired guides to

Chawwonock; for he would send a present to that King, to bind him his

friend. To performe this journey was sent Mr. Sicklemore, a very valiant,

honest, and a painefull Souldier: with him two guides, and directions how

to seeke for the lost company of Sir Walter Raleighs, and silke Grasse.

Then we departed thence, the President assuring the King perpetuall love;

and left with him Samuel Collier his Page to learne the Language.

So this Kings deeds by sacred Oath adjur'd.

More wary proves, and circumspect by ods:

Fearing at least his double forfeiture;

To offend his friends, and sin against his Gods.

_Plentie of victualls._ {MN-1}

148 _Foules killed at three shootes._ {MN-2}

The next night being lodged at Kecoughtan; six or seaven dayes the

extreame winde, rayne, frost and snow caused us to keepe Christmas among

the Salvages, {MN-1} where we were never more merry, nor fed on more

plentie of good Oysters, Fish, Flesh, Wild-foule, and good bread; nor

never had better fires in England, then in the dry, smoaky houses of

Kecoughtan: but departing thence, when we found no houses we were not

curious in any weather to lye three or foure nights together under the

trees by a fire, as formerly is sayd. {MN-2} An hundred fortie eight

foules the President, Anthony Bagnall, and Serjeant Pising did kill at

three shoots. At Kiskiack the frost & contrary winds forced us three or

foure dayes also (to suppresse the insolency of those proud Salvages) to

quarter in their houses, yet guard our Barge, and cause them give us what

we wanted; though we were but twelve and himselfe, yet we never wanted

shelter where we found any houses. The 12 of January we arrived at

Werowocomoco, where the river was frozen neare halfe a myle [III.75.] from

the shore; but to neglect no time, the President with his Barge so far had

approached by breaking the ice, as the ebbe left him amongst those oasie

shoules, yet rather then to lye there frozen to death, by his owne example

he taught them to march neere middle deepe, a flight shot through this

muddy frozen oase. When the Barge floated, he appoynted two or three to

returne her aboord the Pinnace. Where for want of water in melting the ice,

they made fresh water, for the river there was salt. But in this march Mr.

Russell, (whom none could perswade to stay behinde) being somewhat ill,

and exceeding heavie, so overtoyled himselfe as the rest had much adoe

(ere he got ashore) to regaine life into his dead benummed spirits.

Quartering in the next houses we found, we sent to Powhatan for provision,

who sent us plentie of bread, Turkies, and Venison; the next day having

feasted us after his ordinary manner, he began to aske us when we would be

gone: fayning he sent not for us, neither had he any corne; and his people

much lesse: yet for fortie swords he would procure us fortie Baskets. The

President shewing him the men there present that brought him the message

and conditions, asked Powhatan how it chanced he became so forgetfull;

thereat the King concluded the matter with a merry laughter, asking for

our Commodities, but none he liked without gunnes and swords, valuing a

Basket of Corne more precious then a Basket of Copper; saying he could

rate his Corne, but not the Copper.

_Cap. Smiths discourse to Powhatan._

Captaine Smith seeing the intent of this subtill Salvage began to deale

with him after this manner. Powhatan, though I had many courses to have

made my provision, yet beleeving your promises to supply my wants, I

neglected all to satisfie your desire: and to testifie my love, I sent you

my men for your building, neglecting mine owne. What your people had you

have ingrossed, forbidding them our trade: and now you thinke by consuming

the time, we shall consume for want, not having to fulfill your strange

demands. As for swords and gunnes, I told you long agoe I had none to

spare; and you must know those I have can keepe me from want: yet steale

or wrong you I will not, nor dissolve that friendship we have mutually

promised, except you constraine me by our bad usage.

_Powhatans reply and flattery._

The King having attentively listned to this Discourse, promised that both

he and his Country would spare him what he could, the which within two

dayes they should receive. Yet Captaine Smith, sayth the King, some doubt

I have of your comming hither, that makes me not so kindly seeke to

relieve you as I would: for many doe informe me, your comming hither is

not for trade, but to invade my people, and possesse my Country, who dare

not come to bring you Corne, seeing you thus armed with your men. To free

us of this feare, leave aboord your weapons, for here they are needlesse,

we being all friends, and for ever Powhatans.

With many such discourses they spent the day, quartering that night in the

Kings houses. The next day he renewed his building, which hee little

intended should proceede. For the Dutch-men finding his plentie, and

knowing our want, and perceiving his preparations to surprise us, little

thinking we could escape both him and famine; (to obtaine his favour)

revealed to him so much as they knew of our estates and projects, and how

to prevent them. One of them being of so great a spirit, judgement, and

resolution, and a hireling that was certaine of his wages for his labour,

and ever well used both he and his Countrymen; that the President knew

not whom better to trust; and not knowing any fitter for that imployment,

had sent him as a spy to discover Powhatans intent, then little doubting

his honestie, nor could ever be certaine of his villany till neare halfe

a yeare after.

Whilst we expected the comming in of the Country, we wrangled out of the

King ten quarters of Corne for a copper Kettell, the which the President

perceiving him much to affect, valued it at a much greater rate; but in

regard of his scarcity he would accept it, provided we should have as much

more the next yeare, or els the Country of Monacan. Wherewith each seemed

well contented, and Powhatan began to expostulate the difference of Peace

and Warre after this manner.

_Powhatans discourse of peace and warre._

Captaine Smith, you may understand that I having seene the death of all

my people thrice, and not any one living of these three generations but my

selfe; I know the difference of Peace and Warre better then any in my

Country. But now I am old and ere long must die, my [III.76.] brethren,

namely Opitchapam, Opechancanough, and Kekataugh, my two sisters, and

their two daughters, are distinctly each others successors. I wish their

experience no lesse then mine, and your love to them no lesse then mine to

you. But this bruit from Nandsamund, that you are come to destroy my

Country, so much affrighteth all my people as they dare not visit you.

What will it availe you to take that by force you may quickly have by

love, or to destroy them that provide you food. What can you get by warre,

when we can hide our provisions and fly to the woods? whereby you must

famish by wronging us your friends. And why are you thus jealous of our

loves seeing us unarmed, and both doe, and are willing still to feede you,

with that you cannot get but by our labours? Thinke you I am so simple,

not to know it is better to eate good meate, lye well, and sleepe quietly

with my women and children, laugh and be merry with you, have copper,

hatchets, or what I want being your friend: then be forced to flie from

all, to lie cold in the woods, feede upon Acornes, rootes, and such trash,

and be so hunted by you, that I can neither rest, eate, nor sleepe; but my

tyred men must watch, and if a twig but breake, every one cryeth there

commeth Captaine Smith: then must I fly I know not whether: and thus with

miserable feare, end my miserable life, leaving my pleasures to such

youths as you, which through your rash unadvisednesse may quickly as

miserably end, for want of that, you never know where to finde. Let this

therefore assure you of our loves, and every yeare our friendly trade

shall furnish you with Corne; and now also, if you would come in friendly

manner to see us, and not thus with your guns and swords as to invade your

foes. To this subtill discourse, the President thus replyed.

_Capt. Smiths reply._

Seeing you will not rightly conceive of our words, we strive to make you

know our thoughts by our deeds; the vow I made you of my love, both my

selfe and my men have kept. As for your promise I find it every day

violated by some of your subjects: yet we finding your love and kindnesse,

our custome is so far from being ungratefull, that for your sake onely, we

have curbed our thirsting desire of revenge; els had they knowne as well

the crueltie we use to our enemies, as our true love and courtesie to our

friends. And I thinke your judgement sufficient to conceive, as well by

the adventures we have undertaken, as by the advantage we have (by our

Armes) of yours: that had we intended you any hurt, long ere this we could

have effected it. Your people comming to James Towne are entertained with

their Bowes and Arrowes without any exceptions; we esteeming it with you

as it is with us, to weare our armes as our apparell. As for the danger of

our enemies, in such warres consist our chiefest pleasure: for your riches

we have no use: as for the hiding your provision, or by your flying to the

woods, we shall not so unadvisedly starve as you conclude, your friendly

care in that behalfe is needlesse, for we have a rule to finde beyond your

knowledge.

Many other discourses they had, till at last they began to trade. But the

King seeing his will would not be admitted as a law, our guard dispersed,

nor our men disarmed, he (sighing) breathed his minde once more in this

manner.

_Powhatans importunity to have us unarmed to betray us._

Captaine Smith, I never use any Werowance so kindely as your selfe, yet

from you I receive the least kindnesse of any. Captaine Newport gave me

swords, copper, cloathes, a bed, towels, or what I desired; ever taking

what I offered him, and would send away his gunnes when I intreated him:

none doth deny to lye at my feet, or refuse to doe what I desire, but

onely you; of whom I can have nothing but what you regard not, and yet you

will have whatsoever you demand. Captaine Newport you call father, and so

you call me; but I see for all us both you will doe what you list, and we

must both seeke to content you. But if you intend so friendly as you say,

send hence your armes, that I may beleeve you; for you see the love I

beare you, doth cause me thus nakedly to forget my selfe.

Smith seeing this Salvage but trifle the time to cut his throat, procured

the salvages to breake the ice, that his Boate might come to fetch his

corne and him: and gave order for more men to come on shore, to surprise

the King, with whom also he but trifled the time till his men were landed:

and to keepe him from suspicion, entertained the time with this reply.

_Cap. Smiths discourse to delay time, till he found oportunity

to surprise the King._

Powhatan you must know, as I have but one God, I honour but one King; and

I live not here as your subject, but as your friend to pleasure you with

what I can. By the gifts you bestow on me, you gaine more then by trade:

yet would you visit mee as I doe you, you should know it is not our

custome, to sell our curtesies as a [III.77.] vendible commodity. Bring

all your countrey with you for your guard, I will not dislike it as being

over jealous. But to content you, to morrow I will leave my Armes, and

trust to your promise. I call you father indeed, and as a father you shall

see I will love you: but the small care you have of such a childe caused

my men perswade me to looke to my selfe.

_Powhatans plot to have murdered Smith._

_A chaine of pearls sent the Captaine for a present._ {MN}

By this time Powhatan having knowledge his men were ready whilest the ice

was a breaking, with his luggage women and children, fled. Yet to avoyd

suspicion, left two or three of the women talking with the Captaine,

whilest hee secretly ran away, and his men that secretly beset the house.

Which being presently discovered to Captaine Smith, with his pistoll,

sword, and target hee made such a passage among these naked Divels; that

at his first shoot, they next him tumbled one over another, and the rest

quickly fled some one way some another: so that without any hurt, onely

accompanied with John Russell, hee obtained the corps du guard. When they

perceived him so well escaped, and with his eighteene men (for he had no

more with him a shore) to the uttermost of their skill they sought excuses

to dissemble the matter: {MN} and Powhatan to excuse his flight and the

sudden comming of this multitude, sent our Captaine a great bracelet and a

chaine of pearle, by an ancient Oratour that bespoke us to this purpose,

perceiving even then from our Pinnace, a Barge and men departing and

comming unto us.

Captaine Smith, our Werowance is fled, fearing your gunnes, and knowing

when the ice was broken there would come more men, sent these numbers but

to guard his corne from stealing, that might happen without your

knowledge: now though some bee hurt by your misprision, yet Powhatan is

your friend and so will for ever continue. Now since the ice is open, he

would have you send away your corne, and if you would have his company,

send away also your gunnes, which so affrighteth his people, that they

dare not come to you as hee promised they should.

_Pretending to kill our men loded with baskets, we caused

them to do it themselves._

_Pocahontas betrays her fathers deceit to kill us._ {MN}

Then having provided baskets for our men to carry our corne to the boats,

they kindly offered their service to guard our Armes, that none should

steale them. A great many they were of goodly well proportioned fellowes,

as grim as Divels; yet the very sight of cocking our matches, and being to

let fly, a few wordes caused them to leave their bowes and arrowes to our

guard, and beare downe our corne on their backes; wee needed not importune

them to make dispatch. But our Barges being left on the oase by the ebbe,

caused us stay till the next high-water, so that wee returned againe to

our old quarter. Powhatan and his Dutch-men brusting with desire to have

the head of Captaine Smith, for if they could but kill him, they thought

all was theirs, neglected not any oportunity to effect his purpose. The

Indians with all the merry sports they could devise, spent the time till

night: then they all returned to Powhatan, who all this time was making

ready his forces to surprise the house and him at supper. Notwithstanding

the eternall all-seeing God did prevent him, and by a strange meanes. {MN}

For Pocahontas his dearest Jewell and daughter, in that darke night came

through the irksome woods, and told our Captaine great cheare should be

sent us by and by: but Powhatan and all the power he could make, would

after come kill us all, if they that brought it could not kill us with our

owne weapons when we were at supper. Therefore if we would live shee

wished us presently to bee gone. Such things as shee delighted in, he

would have given her: but with the teares running downe her cheekes, shee

said shee durst not be seene to have any: for if Powhatan should know it,

she were but dead, and so shee ranne away by her selfe as she came. Within

lesse then an hour came eight or ten lusty fellowes, with great platters

of venison and other victuall, very importunate to have us put out our

matches (whose smoake made them sicke) and sit down to our victuall. But

the Captaine made them taste every dish, which done hee sent some of them

backe to Powhatan, to bid him make haste for hee was prepared for his

comming. As for them hee knew they came to betray him at his supper: but

hee would prevent them and all their other intended villanies: so that

they might be gone. Not long after came more messengers, to see what

newes; not long after them others. Thus wee spent the night as vigilantly

as they, till it was high-water, yet seemed to the salvages [III.78.] as

friendly as they to us: and that wee were so desirous to give Powhatan

content, as hee requested, wee did leave him Edward Brynton to kill him

foule, and the Dutchmen to finish his house; thinking at our returne from

Pamaunkee the frost would be gone, and then we might finde a better

oportunity if necessity did occasion it, little dreaming yet of the

Dutch-mens treachery, whose humor well suted this verse:

Is any free, that may not live as freely as he list?

Let us live so, then w'are as free, and bruitish as the best.

A.D. 1608.

Chap. IX.

How wee escaped surprising at Pamaunkee.

_The Dutch men deceive Cap. Winne._

_The Dutch men furnish the Salvages with Armes._ {MN}

We had no sooner set sayle but Powhatan returned, and sent Adam and

Francis (two stout Dutch-men) to James towne: who faining to Captaine

Winne that all things were well, and that Captaine Smith had use of their

armes, wherefore they requested new (the which were given them) they told

him their comming was for some extraordinary tooles, and shift of

apparell; by which colourable excuse they obtained sixe or seaven more to

their confederacie, such expert theeves, that presently furnished them

with a great many swords, pike-heads, peeces, shot, powder and such like:

Salvages they had at hand to carry it away, and the next day they returned

unsuspected, leaving their confederates to follow, and in the interim to

convay them such things as they could: for which service they should live

with Powhatan as his chiefe affected, free from those miseries that would

happen the Colony. {MN} Samuel their other consort Powhatan kept for their

pledge, whose diligence had provided them three hundred of their kinde of

hatchets; the rest fifty swords, eight peeces, and eight pikes. Brynton

and Richard Salvage seeing the Dutch-men so diligent to accommodate the

Salvages with weapons, attempted to have gotten to James towne, but they

were apprehended, and expected ever when to be put to death.

Within two or three dayes we arrived at Pamaunkee, the King as many dayes

entertained us with feasting and much mirth. And the day appointed to

beginne our trade, the President, Lieutenant Percie, Mr. West, Mr.

Russell, Mr. Behethland, Mr. Crashaw, Mr. Powell, Mr. Ford, and some

others to the number of fifteene, went up to Opechancanoughs house (a

quarter of a mile from the river) where wee found nothing but a lame

fellow and a boy: and all the houses round about of all things abandoned.

Not long wee stayed ere the King arrived, and after him came diverse of

his people loaden with bowes and arrowes: but such pinching commodities,

and those esteemed at such a value, as our Captaine began with the King

after this manner.

_Smiths Speech to Opechancanough._

Opechancanough, the great love you professe with your tongue, seemes meere

deceit by your actions. Last yeere you kindly fraughted our ship: but now

you have invited mee to starve with hunger: you know my want, and I your

plenty; of which by some meanes I must have part: remember it is fit for

Kings to keepe their promise. Here are my commodities, whereof take your

choice, the rest I will proportion fit bargains for your people.

700. _Salvages beset the English being but_ 16. {MN}

The King seemed kindly to accept his offer, and the better to colour his

project, sold us what they had to our owne content, promising the next day

more company, better provided. The Barges and Pinnace being committed to

the charge of Mr. Phetiplace; the President with his old fifteene marched

up to the Kings house, where wee found foure or five men newly arrived,

each with a great basket. Not long after came the King, who with a

strained cheerfulnesse held us with discourse what paines he had taken to

keep his promise; {MN} till Mr. Russell brought us in newes that we were

all betrayed: for at least seven hundred Salvages well armed, had

invironed [III.79.] the house, and beset the fields. The King conjecturing

what Russell related, wee could well perceive how the extremity of his

feare betrayed his intent: whereat some of our company seeming dismaied

with the thought of such a multitude; the Captaine encouraged us to this

effect.

_Smiths speech to his Company._

Worthy Countrey-men, were the mischiefes of my seeming friends no more

then the danger of these enemies, I little cared were they as many more:

if you dare doe, but as I. But this is my torment, that if I escape them,

our malicious Councell with their open mouthed Minions, will make me such

a peace-breaker (in their opinions in England) as will breake my necke. I

could wish those here, that make these seeme Saints, and me an oppressor.

But this is the worst of all, wherein I pray you aid mee with your

opinions. Should wee beginne with them and surprise the King, we cannot

keepe him and defend well our selves. If wee should each kill our man, and

so proceed with all in the house; the rest will all fly: then shall wee

get no more then the bodies that are slaine, and so starve for victuall.

As for their fury it is the least danger, for well you know, being alone

assaulted with two or three hundred of them, I made them by the helpe of

God compound to save my life. And wee are sixteene, and they but seaven

hundred at the most; and assure your selves, God will so assist us, that

if you dare stand but to discharge your pieces, the very smoake will bee

sufficient to affright them. Yet howsoever, let us fight like men, and not

die like sheepe: for by that meanes you know God hath oft delivered mee,

and so I trust will now. But first, I will deale with them, to bring it to

passe wee may fight for something, and draw them to it by conditions. If

you like this motion, promise me you will be valiant.

The time not permitting any argument, all vowed to execute whatsoever hee

attempted, or die: whereupon the Captaine in plaine tearmes told the King

this.

_Smiths offer to Opechancanough._

I see Opechancanough your plot to murder me, but I feare it not. As yet

your men and mine have done no harme, but by our direction. Take therefore

your Armes, you see mine, my body shall bee as naked as yours: the Isle in

your river is a fit place, if you be contented: and the conquerour (of us

two) shall be Lord and Master over all our men. If you have not enough,

take time to fetch more, and bring what number you will; so every one

bring a basket of corne, against all which I will stake the value in

copper, you see I have but fifteene, and our game shall be, the Conquerour

take all.

_Opechancanoughs device to betray Smith._

_Smith takes the King prisoner._ {MN}

The King being guarded with forty or fifty of his chiefe men, seemed

kindly to appease Smiths suspicion of unkindnesse, by a great present at

the doore, they intreated him to receive. This was to draw him out of the

doore, where the bait was guarded with at least two hundred men, and

thirty lying under a great tree (that lay thwart as a barricade) each his

arrow nocked ready to shoot. The President commanded one to go see what

kind of deceit this was, and to receive the present; but hee refused to

doe it: yet the Gentlemen and all the rest were importunate to goe, but he

would not permit them, being vexed at that Coward: and commanded

Lieutenant Percie, Master West, and the rest to make good the house;

Master Powell and Master Behethland he commanded to guard the doore, {MN}

and in such a rage snatched the King by his long locke in the middest of

his men, with his Pistoll readie bent against his brest. Thus he led the

trembling King, neare dead with feare amongst all his people: who

delivering the Captaine his Vambrace, Bow, and Arrowes, all his men were

easily intreated to cast downe their Armes, little dreaming any durst in

that manner have used their King: who then to escape him-selfe bestowed

his presents in good sadnesse, and causing a great many of them come

before him unarmed, holding the King by the hayre (as is sayd) he spake to

them to this effect.

_Smiths discourse to the Pamaunkees._

I see (you Pamaunkees) the great desire you have to kill me, and my long

suffering your injuries hath imboldened you to this presumption. The cause

I have forborne your insolencies, is the promise I made you (before the

God I serve) to be your friend, till you give me just cause to be your

enemy. If I keepe this vow, my God will keepe me, you cannot hurt me, if I

breake it, he will destroy me. But if you shoot but one Arrow to shed one

drop of bloud of any of my men, or steale the least of these Beads, or

Copper, I spurne here before you with my foot; you shall see I will not

cease revenge (if once I begin) so long as I can heare where to finde one

of your Nation that will not deny the name [III.80.] of Pamaunk. I am not

now at Rassaweak halfe drowned with myre, where you tooke me prisoner; yet

then for keeping your promise and your good usage and saving my life, I so

affect you, that your denyals of your trechery, doe halfe perswade me to

mistake my selfe. But if I be the marke you ayme at, here I stand, shoot

he that dare. You promised to fraught my Ship ere I departed, and so you

shall, or I meane to load her with your dead carcasses, yet if as friends

you will come and trade, I once more promise not to trouble you, except

you give me the first occasion, and your King shall be free and be my

friend, for I am not come to hurt him or any of you.

_The Salvages dissemble their intent._ {MN-1}

_Their excuse and reconcilement._ {MN-2}

Upon this away went their Bowes and Arrowes, and men, women, and children

brought in their Commodities: two or three houres they so thronged about

the President and so overwearied him, as he retyred himselfe to rest,

leaving Mr. Behethland and Mr. Powell to receive their presents, {MN-1}

but some Salvages perceiving him fast asleepe, & the guard somewhat

carelesly dispersed, fortie or fiftie of their choise men each with a

club, or an English sword in his hand began to enter the house with two or

three hundred others, that pressed to second them. The noyse and hast they

made in, did so shake the house they awoke him from his sleepe, and being

halfe amazed with this suddaine sight, betooke him strait to his sword and

Target; Mr. Chrashaw and some others charged in like manner; whereat they

quickly thronged faster backe then before forward. {MN-2} The house thus

cleansed, the King and some of his auncients we kept yet with him, who

with a long Oration, excused this intrusion. The rest of the day was spent

with much kindnesse, the companie againe renewing their presents with

their best provisions, and whatsoever he gave them they seemed therewith

well contented.

_The loss of Mr. Scrivener and others with a Skiff._

Now in the meane while since our departure, this hapned at our Fort.

Master Scrivener having received Letters from England to make himselfe

either Caesar or nothing, he began to decline in his affection to Captaine

Smith, that ever regarded him as himselfe, and was willing to crosse the

surprising of Powhatan. Some certaine daies after the Presidents

departure, he would needs goe visit the Isle of Hogs, and tooke with him

Captaine Waldo (though the President had appointed him to be ready to

second his occasions) with Mr. Anthony Gosnoll and eight others; but so

violent was the wind (that extreame frozen time) that the Boat sunke, but

where or how none doth know. The Skiff was much over loaden, and would

scarce have lived in that extreame tempest had she beene empty: but by no

perswasion he could be diverted, though both Waldo and an hundred others

doubted as it hapned. The Salvages were the first that found their bodies,

which so much the more encouraged them to effect their projects. To

advertise the President of this heavie newes, none could be found would

undertake it, but the Journey was often refused of all in the Fort, untill

Master Richard Wyffin undertooke alone the performance thereof.

_Master Wyffins desperate journey._

In this Journey he was incountred with many dangers and difficulties in

all parts as he passed. As for that night he lodged with Powhatan,

perceiving such preparation for warre, not finding the President there: he

did assure himselfe some mischiefe was intended. Pocahontas hid him for a

time, and sent them who pursued him the cleane contrary way to seeke him;

but by her meanes and extraordinary bribes and much trouble in three dayes

travell, at length he found us in the middest of these turmoyles. This

unhappy newes the President swore him to conceale from the company, and so

dissembling his sorrow with the best countenances he could, when the night

approched went safely aboord with all his Souldiers; leaving

Opechancanough at libertie, according to his promise, the better to have

Powhatan in his returne.

_Powhatan constraineth his men to be trecherous._

_The third attempt to betray us._ {MN}

Now so extreamely Powhatan had threatned the death of his men, if they

did not by some meanes kill Captaine Smith: that the next day they

appointed all the countrey should come to trade unarmed: yet unwilling to

be trecherous, but that they were constrained, hating fighting with him

almost as ill as hanging, such feare they had of bad successe. The next

morning the Sunne had not long appeared, but the fields appeared covered

with people and Baskets, to tempt us on shore: but nothing was to be had

without his presence, nor they would not indure the sight of a gun.

{MN} When the President saw them begin to [III.81.] depart, being

unwilling to loose such a bootie, he so well contrived the Pinnace, and

his Barges with Ambuscadoes, as onely with Lieutenant Percie, Mr. West,

and Mr. Russell, with their Armes went on shore; others he appointed

unarmed to receive what was brought. The Salvages flocked before him in

heapes, and the banke serving as a trench for a retreat, he drew them

fayre open to his Ambuscado's. For he not being to be perswaded to goe

visit their King, the King knowing the most of them unarmed, came to visit

him with two or three hundred men, in the forme of two halfe Moones; and

with some twentie men, and many women loaden with painted Baskets. But

when they approached somewhat neare us, their women and children fled. For

when they had environed and beset the fields in this manner, they thought

their purpose sure, yet so trembled with feare as they were scarse able to

nock their Arrowes: Smith standing with his three men ready bent,

beholding them till they were within danger of our Ambuscado's, who upon

the word discovered themselves, and he retyred to the Barge. Which the

Salvages no sooner perceived, then away they fled, esteeming their heeles

for their best advantage.

That night we sent Mr. Chrashaw, and Mr. Ford to James towne to Cap.

Winne. In the way betweene Werowocomoco and the Fort they met foure or

five of the Dutchmens Confederates going to Powhatan: the which to excuse

those Gentlemens suspition of their running to the Salvages, returned to

the Fort and there continued.

_A chayne of pearle sent to obtaine peace._

The Salvages hearing our Barge goe downe the river in the night, were so

terribly affrayde, that we sent for more men (we having so much threatned

their ruine, and the rasing of their houses, boats, and wires) that the

next day the King sent our Captaine a chayne of Pearle, to alter his

purpose and stay his men: promising though they wanted themselves, to

fraught our ship and bring it aboord to avoyd suspition. So that five or

six dayes after, from all parts of the Country within ten or twelve myles

in the extreame frost and snow, they brought us provision on their naked

backes.

_The President poysened: the offender punished._

_The Salvages want and povertie._ {MN}

Yet notwithstanding this kindnesse and trade, had their art and poyson

beene sufficient, the President, with Mr. West, and some others had beene

poysoned; it made them sicke, but expelled it selfe. Wecuttanow, a stout

young fellow, knowing he was suspected for bringing this present of

poyson, with fortie or fiftie of his chiefe companions (seeing the

President but with a few men at Potauncak) so proudly braved it, as though

he expected to incounter a revenge. Which the President perceiving in the

midst of his company, did not onely beate, but spurned him like a dogge,

as scorning to doe him any worse mischiefe. Whereupon all of them fled

into the woods, thinking they had done a great matter to have so well

escaped: and the townsmen remaining presently fraughted our Barge to be

rid of our companies, framing many excuses to excuse Wecuttanow, (being

sonne to their chiefe King, but Powhatan) and told us if we would shew

them him that brought the poyson, they would deliver him to us to punish

as we pleased. Men may thinke it strange there should be such a stirre for

a little corne, but had it beene gold with more ease wee might have got

it; and had it wanted, the whole Colony had starved. Wee may be thought

very patient to endure all those injuries, yet onely with fearing them wee

got what they had. Whereas if we had taken revenge, then by their losse,

we should have lost our selves. {MN} We searched also the Countries of

Youghtanund and Mattapanient, where the people imparted that little they

had with such complaints and teares from the eyes of women and children,

as he had beene too cruell to have beene a Christian, that would not have

beene satisfied and moved with compassion. But had this hapned in October,

November, and December, when that unhappie discovery of Monacan was made,

we might have fraughted a ship of fortie tuns, and twise as much might

have beene had from the Rivers of Rapahanock, Patawomek, and Pawtuxunt.

_The Dutch-men did much hurt._ {MN}

The maine occasion of our thus temporizing with them was, to part friends

as we did, to give the lesse cause of suspition to Powhatan to fly,

by whom we now returned [III.82.] with a purpose to have surprised him and

his provision. For effecting whereof (when we came against the Towne) the

President sent Mr. Wyffin and Mr. Coe ashore to discover and make way for

his intended project. {MN} But they found that those damned Dutch-men had

caused Powhatan to abandon his new house and Werowocomoco, and to carry

away all his corne and provision: and the people they found so ill

affected, that they were in great doubt how to escape with their lives. So

the President finding his intent frustrated, and that there was nothing

now to be had, and therefore an unfit time to revenge their abuses, sent

Master Michael Phittiplace by Land to James towne, whether we sayled with

all the speed we could; wee having in this Journey (for 25 L. of Copper,

and 50 L. of Iron & Beads) enough to keepe 46 men six weekes, and every

man for his reward a moneths provision extraordinary (no Trade being

allowed but for the store) we got neare 200 L. waight of deere suet, and

delivered to the Cape Merchant 479 Bushels of Corne.

Those temporizing proceedings to some may seeme too charitable, to such a

daily daring trecherous people: to others not pleasing, that we washed not

the ground with their blouds, nor shewed such strange inventions in

mangling, murdering, ransacking, and destroying (as did the Spanyards) the

simple bodies of such ignorant soules; nor delightfull, because not

stuffed with Relations of heapes and mynes of gold and silver, nor such

rare commodities, as the Portugals and Spanyards found in the East and

West Indies. The want whereof hath begot us (that were the first

undertakers) no lesse scorne and contempt, then the noble conquests and

valiant adventures beautified with it, prayse and honour. Too much I

confesse the world cannot attribute to their ever memorable merit: and to

cleare us from the blind worlds ignorant censure, these few words may

suffice any reasonable understanding.

_An Apology for the first Planters._

It was the Spanyards good hap to happen in those parts where were infinite

numbers of people, who had manured the ground with that providence, it

affoorded victualls at all times. And time had brought them to that

perfection, they had the use of gold and silver, and the most of such

commodities as those Countries affoorded: so that what the Spanyard got

was chiefely the spoyle and pillage of those Countrey people, and not the

labours of their owne hands. But had those fruitfull Countries beene as

salvage, as barbarous, as ill peopled, as little planted, laboured, and

manured, as Virginia: their proper labours it is likely would have

produced as small profit as ours. But had Virginia beene peopled, planted,

manured, and adorned with such store of precious Jewels, and rich

commodities as was the Indies: then had we not gotten and done as much as

by their examples might be expected from us, the world might then have

traduced us and our merits, and have made shame and infamy our recompence

and reward.

But we chanced in a Land even as God made it, where we found onely an

idle, improvident, scattered people, ignorant of the knowledge of gold or

silver, or any commodities, and carelesse of any thing but from hand to

mouth, except babies of no worth; nothing to incourage us, but what

accidentally we found Nature afforded. Which ere we could bring to

recompence our paines, defray our charges, and satisfie our Adventurers;

we were to discover the Countrey, subdue the people, bring them to be

tractable, civill, and industrious, and teach them trades, that the fruits

of their labours might make us some recompence, or plant such Colonies of

our owne, that must first make provision how to live of themselves, ere

they can bring to perfection the commodities of the Country: which

doubtlesse will be as commodious for England as the west Indies for

Spaine, if it be rightly mannaged: notwithstanding all our home-bred

opinions, that will argue the contrary, as formerly some have done against

the Spanyards and Portugalls. But to conclude, against all rumor of

opinion, I onely say this, for those that the three first yeares began

this Plantation; notwithstanding all their factions, mutinies, and

miseries, so gently corrected, and well prevented: peruse the Spanish

Decades; the Relations of Master Hackluit, and tell me how many ever with

such small meanes as a Barge of 22 tuns, sometimes with seaven, eight, or

nine, or but at most, twelve or sixteene men, did ever discover so many

fayre and navigable Rivers, subject so many severall [III.83.] Kings,

people, and Nations, to obedience, and contribution, with so little

bloudshed.

And if in the search of those Countries we had hapned where wealth had

beene, we had as surely had it as obedience and contribution, but if we

have overskipped it, we will not envie them that shall find it: yet can we

not but lament, it was our fortunes to end when we had but onely learned

how to begin, and found the right course how to proceed.

By Richard Wyffin, William Phittiplace, Jeffrey

Abbot, and Anas Todkill.

A.D. 1608.

Chap. X.

How the Salvages became subject to the English.

When the Ships departed, all the provision of the Store (but that the

President had gotten) was so rotten with the last Summers rayne, and eaten

with Rats and Wormes, as the Hogges would scarcely eate it. Yet it was the

Souldiers dyet till our returnes, so that we found nothing done, but our

victuals spent, and the most part of our tooles, and a good part of our

Armes conveyed to the Salvages. But now casting up the Store, and finding

sufficient till the next harvest, the feare of starving was abandoned, and

the company divided into tens, fifteens, or as the businesse required; six

houres each day was spent in worke, the rest in Pastime and merry

exercises, but the untowardnesse of the greatest number caused the

President advise as followeth.

_The Presidents advice to the Company._

Countrymen, the long experience of our late miseries, I hope is sufficient

to perswade every one to a present correction of himselfe, and thinke not

that either my pains, nor the Adventurers purses, will ever maintaine you

in idlenesse and sloath. I speake not this to you all, for divers of you I

know deserve both honour and reward, better then is yet here to be had:

but the greater part must be more industrious, or starve, how ever you

have beene heretofore tollerated by the authoritie of the Councell, from

that I have often commanded you. You see now that power resteth wholly in

my selfe: you must obey this now for a Law, that he that will not worke

shall not eate (except by sicknesse he be disabled:) for the labours of

thirtie or fortie honest and industrious men shall not be consumed to

maintaine an hundred and fiftie idle loyterers. And though you presume the

authoritie here is but a shadow, and that I dare not touch the lives of

any but my owne must answer it: the Letters patents shall each weeke be

read to you, whose Contents will tell you the contrary. I would wish you

therefore without contempt seeke to observe these orders set downe, for

there are now no more Counsellers to protect you, nor curbe my endevours.

Therefore he that offendeth, let him assuredly expect his due punishment.

He made also a Table, as a publicke memoriall of every mans deserts, to

incourage the good, and with shame to spurre on the rest to amendment. By

this many became very industrious, yet more by punishment performed their

businesse, for all were so tasked, that there was no excuse could prevaile

to deceive him: yet the Dutch-mens consorts so closely convayed them

powder, shot, swords, and tooles, that though we could find the defect, we

could not finde by whom, till it was too late.

_The Dutch-men plot to murther Cap. Smith._ {MN-1}

_Smith taketh the King of Paspahegh prisoner._ {MN-2}

All this time the Dutch men remaining with Powhatan, (who kindly

entertained them to instruct the Salvages the use of our Armes) and their

consorts not following them as they expected; {MN-1} to know the cause,

they sent Francis their companion, a stout young fellow, disguised like a

Salvage, to the Glasse-house, a place in the woods neare a myle from James

Towne; where was their Rendezvous for all their unsuspected villany.

Fortie men they procured to lie in Ambuscado for Captaine Smith, who no

sooner heard of this Dutch-man, but he sent to apprehend him (but he was

gone) yet to crosse his returne to Powhatan, the Captaine presently

dispatched 20. shot [III.84.] after him, himselfe returning from the

Glasse-house alone. By the way he incountred the King of Paspahegh, a most

strong stout Salvage, whose perswasions not being able to perswade him to

his Ambush, seeing him onely armed but with a faucheon, attempted to have

shot him, but the President prevented his shoot by grapling with him, and

the Salvage as well prevented him for drawing his faucheon, and perforce

bore him into the River to have drowned him. {MN-2} Long they strugled in

the water, till the President got such hold on his throat, he had neare

strangled the King; but having drawne his faucheon to cut off his head,

seeing how pittifully he begged his life, he led him prisoner to James

Towne, and put him in chaynes.

_Cap. Smith taketh two Salvages prisoners._ {MN}

The Dutch-man ere long was also brought in, whose villany though all this

time it was suspected, yet he fayned such a formall excuse, that for want

of language Captaine Winne understood him not rightly, and for their

dealings with Powhatan, that to save their lives they were constrained to

accommodate his armes, of whom he extreamely complained to have detained

them perforce, and that he made this escape with the hazard of his life,

and meant not to have returned, but was onely walking in the woods to

gather Walnuts. Yet for all this faire tale, there was so small appearance

of truth, and the plaine confession of Paspahegh of his trechery, he went

by the heeles: Smith purposing; to regaine the Dutch-men, by the saving

his life. The poore Salvage did his best by his daily messengers to

Powhatan, but all returned that the Dutch-men would not returne, neither

did Powhatan stay them; and to bring them fiftie myles on his mens backes

they were not able. Daily this Kings wives, children, and people came to

visit him with presents, which he liberally bestowed to make his peace.

Much trust they had in the Presidents promise: but the King finding his

guard negligent, though fettered yet escaped. Captaine Winne thinking to

pursue him found such troupes of Salvages to hinder his passage, as they

exchanged many vollies of shot for flights of Arrowes. {MN} Captaine Smith

hearing of this in returning to the Fort, tooke two Salvages prisoners,

called Kemps and Tussore, the two most exact villaines in all the Country.

With these he sent Captaine Winne and fiftie choise men, and Lieutenant

Percie, to have regained the King, and revenged this injury, and so had

done, if they had followed his directions, or beene advised with those two

villaines, that would have betrayed both King & kindred for a peece of

Copper, but he trifling away the night, the Salvages the next morning by

the rising of the Sunne, braved him to come ashore to fight: a good time

both sides let fly at other, but we heard of no hurt, onely they tooke two

Canowes, burnt the Kings house, and so returned to James towne.

_The Salvages desire peace._

The President fearing those Bravado's would but incourage the Salvages,

began againe himselfe to try his conclusions, whereby six or seaven were

slaine, as many made prisoners. He burnt their houses, tooke their Boats,

with all their fishing wires, and planted some of them at James towne for

his owne use, and now resolved not to cease till he had revenged himselfe

of all them had injured him. But in his journey passing by Paspahegh

towards Chickahamania, the Salvages did their best to draw him to their

Ambuscadoes; but seeing him regardlesly passe their Country, all shewed

themselves in their bravest manner. To try their valours he could not but

let fly, and ere he could land, they no sooner knew him, but they threw

downe their armes and desired peace. Their Orator was a lustie young

fellow called Okaning, whose worthy discourse deserveth to be remembred.

And thus it was:

_Okaning his Oration._

Captaine Smith, my Master is here present in the company, thinking it

Capt. Winne, and not you, (of him he intended to have beene revenged)

having never offended him. If he hath offended you in escaping your

imprisonment, the fishes swim, the foules fly, and the very beasts strive

to escape the snare and live. Then blame not him being a man. He would

intreat you remember, you being a prisoner, what paines he tooke to save

your life. If since he hath injured you he was compelled to it: but

howsoever, you have revenged it with our too great losse. We perceive and

well know you intend to destroy us, that are here to intreat and desire

your friendship, and to enjoy our houses and plant our fields, of whose

fruit you shall participate: otherwise you will have the worse by our

absence; for we can plant any where, though [III.85] with more labour, and

we know you cannot live if you want our harvest, and that reliefe we bring

you. If you promise us peace, we will beleeve you; if you proceed in

revenge we will abandon the Country.

Upon these tearmes the President promised them peace, till they did us

injury, upon condition they should bring in provision. Thus all departed

good friends, and so continued till Smith left the Countrey.

_A Salvage smoothered at James towne, and recovered._

Arriving at James Towne, complaint was made to the President, that the

Chickahamanians, who all this while continued trade and seemed our

friends, by colour thereof were the onely theeves. And amongst other

things a Pistoll being stolne and the theefe fled, there was apprehended

two proper young fellowes, that were brothers, knowne to be his

confederates. Now to regaine this Pistoll, the one was imprisoned, the

other was sent to returne the Pistoll againe within twelve houres, or his

brother to be hanged. Yet the President pittying the poore naked Salvage

in the dungeon, sent him victuall and some Char-coale for a fire: ere

midnight his brother returned with the Pistoll, but the poore Salvage in

the dungeon was so smoothered with the smoake he had made, and so

pittiously burnt, that wee found him dead. The other most lamentably

bewayed his death, and broke forth into such bitter agonies, that the

President to quiet him, told him that if hereafter they would not steale,

he would make him alive againe: but he little thought he could be

recovered. Yet we doing our best with Aqua vitae and Vineger, it pleased

God to restore him againe to life, but so drunke & affrighted, that he

seemed Lunaticke, the which as much tormented and grieved the other, as

before to see him dead. Of which maladie upon promise of their good

behaviour, the President promised to recover him: and so caused him to be

layd by a fire to sleepe, who in the morning having well slept, had

recovered his perfect senses, and then being dressed of his burning, and

each a peece of Copper given them, they went away so well contented, that

this was spread among all the Salvages for a miracle, that Captaine Smith

could make a man alive that was dead.

_Two or three Salvages slaine in drying Powder._

Another ingenuous Salvage of Powhatans, having gotten a great bag of

Powder, and the backe of an Armour, at Werowocomoco amongst a many of his

companions, to shew his extraordinary skill, he did dry it on the backe as

he had seene the Souldiers at James Towne. But he dryed it so long, they

peeping over it to see his skill, it tooke fire, and blew him to death,

and one or two more, and the rest so scorched, they had little pleasure to

meddle any more with powder.

These and many other such pretty Accidents, so amazed and affrighted both

Powhatan, and all his people, that from all parts with presents they

desired peace; returning many stolne things which we never demanded nor

thought of; and after that, those that were taken stealing, both Powhatan

and his people have sent them backe to James towne, to receive their

punishment; and all the Country became absolute as free for us, as for

themselves.

Chap. XI.

What was done in three moneths having Victualls. The Store devoured by

Rats, how we lived three moneths of such naturall fruits as the

Country affoorded.

Now we so quietly followed our businesse, that in three moneths wee made

three or foure Last of Tarre, Pitch, and Sope ashes; produced a tryall of

Glasse; made a Well in the Fort of excellent sweet water, which till then

was wanting; built some twentie houses; recovered our Church; provided

Nets and Wires for fishing; and to stop the disorders of our disorderly

theeves, and the Salvages, built a Blockhouse in the neck of our Isle,

kept by a Garrison to entertaine the Salvages trade, and none [III.86] to

passe nor repasse Salvage nor Christian without the presidents order.

Thirtie or forty Acres of ground we digged and planted. Of three sowes in

eighteene moneths, increased 60, and od Piggs. And neere 500. chickings

brought up themselves without having any meat given them: but the Hogs

were transported to Hog Isle: where also we built a block-house with a

garison to give us notice of any shipping, and for their exercise they

made Clapbord and waynscot, and cut downe trees. We built also a fort for

a retreat neere a convenient River upon a high commanding hill, very hard

to be assalted and easie to be defended, but ere it was finished this

defect caused a stay.

_Great extremitie by Rats._

_Bread made of dried Sturgeon._ {MN-1}

_Their desire to destroy themselves._ {MN-2}

In searching our casked corne, we found it halfe rotten, and the rest so

consumed with so many thousands of Rats that increased so fast, but there

originall was from the ships, as we knew not how to keepe that little we

had. This did drive us all to our wits end, for there was nothing in the

country but what nature afforded. Untill this time Kemps and Tassore were

fettered prisoners, and did double taske and taught us how to order and

plant our fields: whom now for want of victuall we set at liberty, but so

well they liked our companies they did not desire to goe from us. And to

expresse their loves for 16. dayes continuance, the Countrie people

brought us (when least) 100. a day, of Squirrils, Turkyes, Deere and other

wilde beasts: But this want of corne occasioned the end of all our works,

it being worke sufficient to provide victuall. 60. or 80. with Ensigne

Laxon was sent downe the river to live upon Oysters, and 20. with

liutenant Percy to try for fishing at Poynt Comfort: but in six weekes

they would not agree once to cast out the net, he being sicke and burnt

sore with Gunpouder. Master West with as many went up to the falls, but

nothing could be found but a few Acornes; of that in store every man had

their equall proportion. Till this present, by the hazard and indevours of

some thirtie or fortie, this whole Colony had ever beene fed. {MN-1} We

had more Sturgeon, then could be devoured by Dog and Man, of which the

industrious by drying and pounding, mingled with Caviare, Sorell and other

wholesome hearbes would make bread and good meate: others would gather as

much Tockwhogh roots, in a day as would make them bread a weeke, so that

of those wilde fruites, and what we caught, we lived very well in regard

of such a diet, {MN-2} But such was the strange condition of some 150,

that had they not beene forced nolens, volens, perforce to gather and

prepare their victuall they would all have starved or have eaten one

another. Of those wild fruits the Salvages often brought us, and for that,

the President would not fullfill the unreasonable desire, of those

distracted Gluttonous Loyterers, to sell not only our kettles, hows,

tooles, and Iron, nay swords, pieces, and the very Ordnance and howses,

might they have prevayled to have beene but Idle: for those Salvage

fruites, they would have had imparted all to the Salvages, especially for

one basket of Corne they heard of to be at Powhatans, fifty myles from our

Fort. Though he bought neere halfe of it to satisfie their humors, yet to

have had the other halfe, they would have sould their soules, though not

sufficient to have kept them a weeke. Thousands were their exclamations,

suggestions and devises, to force him to those base inventions to have

made it an occasion to abandon the Country. Want perforce constrained him

to indure their exclaiming follies, till he found out the author, one Dyer

a most crafty fellow and his ancient Maligner, whom he worthily punished,

and with the rest he argued the case in this maner.

_The Presidents order for the drones._

Fellow souldiers, I did little thinke any so false to report, or so many

to be so simple to be perswaded, that I either intend to starve you, or

that Powhatan at this present hath corne for himselfe, much lesse for you;

or that I would not have it, if I knew where it were to be had. Neither

did I thinke any so malitious as now I see a great many; yet it shal not

so passionate me, but I will doe my best for my most maligner. But dreame

no longer of this vaine hope from Powhatan, not that I will longer

forbeare to force you, from your Idlenesse, and punish you if you rayle.

But if I finde any more runners for Newfoundland with the Pinnace, let him

assuredly looke to arive at the Gallows. You cannot deny but that by the

hazard of my life many a time I have saved yours, when (might your owne

wills have [III.87.] prevailed) you would have starved; and will doe still

whether I will or noe; But I protest by that God that made me, since

necessitie hath not power to force you to gather for your selves those

fruites the earth doth yeeld, you shall not onely gather for your selves,

but those that are sicke. As yet I never had more from the store then the

worst of you: and all my English extraordinary provision that I have, you

shall see me divide it amongst the sick. And this Salvage trash you so

scornfully repine at; being put in your mouthes your stomackes can

disgest, if you would have better you should have brought it; and

therefore I will take a course you shall provide what is to be had. The

sick shall not starve, but equally share of all our labours; and he that

gathereth not every day as much as I doe, the next day shall be set beyond

the river, and be banished from the Fort as a drone, till he amend his

conditions or starve. But some would say with Seneca.

I know those things thou sayst are true good Nurse,

But fury forceth me to follow worse.

My minde is hurried headlong up and downe:

Desiring better counsell, yet finds none.

_But seven of 200. dyed in nine months._

This order many murmured was very cruell, but it caused the most part so

well bestirre themselves, that of 200. (except they were drowned) there

died not past seven: as for Captaine Winne and Master Leigh they were dead

ere this want hapned, and the rest dyed not for want of such as preserved

the rest. Many were billetted amongst the Salvages, whereby we knew all

their passages, fields and habitations, how to gather and use their fruits

as well as themselves; for they did know wee had such a commanding power

at James towne they durst not wrong us of a pin.

_The Salvages return our fugitives._

So well those poore Salvages used us that were thus billetted, that divers

of the Souldiers ran away to search Kemps & Tassore our old prisoners.

Glad were these Salvages to have such an oportunity to testifie their love

unto us, for in stead of entertaining them, and such things as they had

stollen, with all their great Offers, and promises they made them how to

revenge their injuryes upon Captaine Smith; Kemps first made himselfe

sport, in shewing his countrie men (by them) how he was used, feeding them

with this law, who would not work must not eat, till they were neere

starved indeede, continually threatning to beate them to death: neither

could they get from him, till hee and his consorts brought them perforce

to our Captaine, that so well contented him and punished them, as many

others that intended also to follow them, were rather contented to labour

at home, then adventure to live idlely amongst the Salvages; (of whom

there was more hope to make better Christians & good subjects, then the

one halfe of those that counterfeited themselves both.) For so affraide

was al those kings and the better sort of the people to displease us, that

some of the baser sort that we have extreamly hurt and punished for their

villanies would hire us, we should not tell it to their kings, or

countrymen, who would also repunish them, and yet returne them to James

towne to content the President for a testimony of their loves.

_Master Sicklemores Journey to Chawwonoke._

Master Sicklemore well returned from Chawwonoke; but found little hope and

lesse certaintie of them were left by Sir Walter Raleigh. The river, he

saw was not great, the people few, the countrey most over growne with

pynes, where there did grow here and there straglingly Pemminaw, we call

silke grasse. But by the river the ground was good, and exceeding furtill.

_Master Powels jorney to the Mangoags._

Master Nathanael Powell and Anas Todkill were also by the

Quiyoughquohanocks conducted to the Mangoags to search them there: but

nothing could they learne but they were all dead. This honest proper good

promise keeping king, of all the rest did ever best affect us, and though

to his false Gods he was very zealous, yet he would confesse our God as

much exceeded his as our Gunns did his Bow and Arrowes, often sending our

President many presents, to pray to his God for raine or his corne would

perish, for his Gods were angry. Three [III.88.] dayes journey they

conducted them through the woods, into a high country towards the

Southwest: where they saw here and there a little corne field, by some

little spring or smal brooke, but no river they could see: the people in

all respects like the rest, except their language: they live most upon

rootes, fruites and wilde beasts; and trade with them towards the sea and

the fatter countryes for dryed fish and corne, for skins.

_The Dutch mens projects._

_Two Gentlemen sent to the Germans._ {MN}

All this time to recover the Dutch-men and one Bentley another fugitive,

we imployed one William Volday, a Zwitzar by birth, with Pardons &

promises to regaine them. Little we then suspected this double villaine of

any villany; who plainly taught us, in the most trust was the greatest

treason; for this wicked hypocrite, by the seeming hate he bore to the

lewd conditions of his cursed country men, (having this oportunity by his

imployment to regaine them) convayed them every thing they desired to

effect their projects, to distroy the Colony. With much devotion they

expected the Spaniard, to whom they intended good service, or any other,

that would but carry them from us. But to begin with the first oportunity;

they seeing necessitie thus inforced us to disperse our selves, importuned

Powhatan to lend them but his forces, and they would not onely distroy our

Hoggs, fire our towne, and betray our Pinnace; but bring to his service

and subjection the most of our company. With this plot they had acquainted

many Discontents, and many were agreed to their Devilish practise. But one

Thomas Douse, and Thomas Mallard (whose Christian hearts relented at such

an unchristian act) voluntarily revealed it to Captaine Smith, who caused

them to conceale it, perswading Douse and Mallard to proceed in their

confedracie: onely to bring the irreclamable Dutch men and the inconstant

Salvages in such a maner amongst such Ambuscade's as he had prepared, that

not many of them should returne from our Peninsula. But this brute comming

to the eares of the impatient multitude they so importuned the President

to cut off those Dutch men, as amongst many that offred to cut their

throats before the face of Powhatan, the first was Lieutenant Percy, and

Mr. John Cuderington, two Gentlemen of as bold resolute spirits as could

possibly be found. {MN} But the President had occasion of other imploiment

for them, & gave way to Master Wyffin and Sarjeant Jeffrey Abbot, to goe

and stab them or shoot them. But the Dutch men made such excuses, accusing

Volday whom they supposed had revealed their project, as Abbot would not,

yet Wyffin would, perceiving it but deceit. The King understanding of

this their imployment, sent presently his messengers to Captaine Smith to

signifie it was not his fault to detaine them, nor hinder his men from

executing his command: nor did he nor would he maintaine them, or any to

occasion his displeasure.

_The first arrivall of Captaine Argall._

But whilst this businesse was in hand. Arrived one Captaine Argall, and

Master Thomas Sedan, sent by Master Cornelius to truck with the Colony,

and fish for Sturgeon, with a ship well furnished, with wine and much

other good provision. Though it was not sent us, our necessities was such

as inforced us to take it. He brought us newes of a great supply and

preparation for the Lord La Warre, with letters that much taxed our

President for his hard dealing with the Salvages, and not returning the

shippes fraughted. Notwithstanding we kept this ship till the fleete

arrived. True it is Argall lost his voyage, but we revictualled him, and

sent him for England, with a true relation of the causes of our

defailments, and how imposible it was to returne that wealth they expected,

or observe their instructions to indure the Salvages insolencies, or doe

any thing to any purpose, except they would send us men and meanes that

could produce that they so much desired: otherwises all they did was lost,

and could not but come to confusion. The villany of Volday we still

dissembled. Adam upon his pardon came home but Samuell still stayed with

Powhatan to heare further of their estates by this supply. Now all their

plots Smith so well understood, they were his best advantages to secure us

from any trechery, could be done by them or the Salvages: which with

facility he could revenge when he would, because all those countryes more

feared him then Powhatan, and hee had such parties with all his bordering

neighbours: and many of the rest for love or feare would have done any

thing he would have them, upon any [III.89.] commotion, though these

fugitives had done all they could to perswade Powhatan, King James would

kill Smith, for using him and his people so unkindly.

_Note these inconveniences._

By this you may see for all those crosses, trecheries, and dissentions,

how hee wrestled and overcame (without bloudshed) all that happened: also

what good was done; how few dyed; what food the Countrey naturally

affoordeth; what small cause there is men should starve, or be murthered

by the Salvages, that have discretion to mannage them with courage and

Industrie. The two first yeares, though by his adventures, he had oft

brought the Salvages to a tractable trade, yet you see how the envious

authoritie ever crossed him, and frustrated his best endevours. But it

wrought in him that experience and estimation amongst the Salvages, as

otherwise it had bin impossible, he had ever effected that he did.

Notwithstanding the many miserable, yet generous and worthy adventures, he

had oft and long endured in the wide world, yet in this case he was againe

to learne his Lecture by experience. Which with thus much adoe having

obtained, it was his ill chance to end, when he had but onely learned how

to begin. And though he left those unknowne difficulties (made easie and

familiar) to his unlawfull successors, (who onely by living in James

Towne, presumed to know more then all the world could direct them:) Now

though they had all his Souldiers, with a tripple power, and twice tripple

better meanes; by what they have done in his absence, the world may see

what they would have done in his presence, had he not prevented their

indiscretions: it doth justly prove, what cause he had to send them for

England, and that he was neither factious, mutinous, nor dishonest. But

they have made it more plaine since his returne for England; having his

absolute authoritie freely in their power, with all the advantages and

opportunitie that his labours had effected. As I am sorry their actions

have made it so manifest, so I am unwilling to say what reason doth

compell me, but onely to make apparant the truth, least I should seeme

partiall, reasonlesse, and malicious.

A.D. 1609