Chapter XII.

The Arrivall of the third Supply.

_The alteration of the government._

1609. _Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer._ {MN-1}

_The losse of Virginia._ {MN-2}

_The Salvages offer to fight under our colours._ {MN-3}

To redresse those jarres and ill proceedings, the Treasurer, Councell, and

Company of Virginia, not finding that returne, and profit they expected;

and them ingaged there, not having meanes to subsist of themselves, made

meanes to his Majestie, to call in their Commission, and take a new in

their owne names, as in their owne publication, 1610. you may reade at

large. Having thus annihilated the old by vertue of a Commission made to

the right Honourable, Sir Thomas West, Lord de la Warre, to be Generall of

Virginia; Sir Thomas Gates, his Lieutenant; Sir George Somers, Admirall;

Sir Thomas Dale, high Marshall; Sir Fardinando Wainman, Generall of the

Horse; and so all other offices to many other worthy Gentlemen, for their

lives: (though not any of them had ever beene in Virginia; except Captaine

Newport, who was also by Patent made vice-Admirall:) those noble Gentlemen

drew in such great summes of money, that they sent Sir Thomas Gates, Sir

George Somers, and Captaine Newport with nine shippes, and five hundred

people, who had each of them a Commission, who first arrived to call in

the old, without the knowledge or consent of them, that had endured all

those former dangers to beat the path, not any regard had at all of them.

All things being ready, because those three Captaines could not agree for

place, it was concluded they should goe all in one ship, so all their

three Commissions were in that Ship with them called the Sea-Venture.

{MN-1} They set sayle from England in May 1609. A small Catch perished at

Sea in a Hericano: the Admirall with an hundred and fiftie men, with the

two Knights, and their new Commission, their Bils of Loading, with all

manner of directions, and the most part of their provision arrived

[III.90.] not. {MN-2} With the other seaven Ships as Captaines arrived

Ratliffe, whose right name (as is sayd) was Sicklemore, Martin, and

Archur, with Captaine Wood, Captaine Webbe, Captaine Moone, Captaine King,

Captaine Davis, and divers Gentlemen of good meanes, and great parentage.

But the first as they had beene troublesome at Sea, began againe to marre

all ashore: for though (as is said) they were formerly sent for England,

yet now returning againe, graced by the titles of Captaines of the

passengers, seeing the Admirall wanting, and great probabilitie of her

losse, strengthened themselves with those new companies, so exclaiming

against Captaine Smith, that they mortally hated him ere ever they saw

him. Who understanding by his Scouts the arrivall of such a Fleet, little

dreaming of any such supply, supposed them Spanyards. But he quickly so

determined and ordered our affaires, as we little feared their Arrivall,

nor the successe of our incounter; {MN-3} nor were the Salvages any way

negligent for the most part, to ayd and assist us with their best power.

Had it so beene we had beene happy; for we would not have trusted them but

as our foes, where receiving them as our Countreymen and friends, they did

what they could to murther our President, to surprise the Store, the Fort,

and our lodgings, to usurpe the government, and make us all their servants

and slaves, till they could consume us and our remembrance; and rather

indeed to supplant us then supply us, as master William Box an honest

Gentleman in this voyage thus relateth.

In the tayle of a Hericano wee were separated from the Admirall, which

although it was but the remainder of that Storme, there is seldome any

such in England, or those Northerne parts of Europe. Some lost their

Masts, some their Sayles blowne from their Yards; the Seas so over-raking

our Ships, much of our provision was spoyled, our Fleet separated, and our

men sicke, and many dyed, and in this miserable estate we arrived in

Virginia. But in this Storme,

When ratling Thunder ran along the Clouds;

Did not the Saylers poore, and Masters proud

A terror feele as strucke with feare of God?

Did not their trembling joynts then dread his rod?

Least for foule deeds and black mouth'd blasphemies,

The rufull time be come that vengeance cryes.

_Muntinies._

To a thousand mischiefes those lewd Captaines led this lewd company,

wherein were many unruly Gallants, packed thither by their friends to

escape ill destinies, and those would dispose and determine of the

government, sometimes to one, the next day to another; to day the old

Commission must rule, to morrow the new, the next day neither, in fine

they would rule all, or ruine all: yet in charitie we must endure them

thus to destroy us, or by correcting their follies, have brought the

worlds censure upon us to be guiltie of their blouds. Happie had we beene

had they never arrived, and we for ever abandoned, and as we were left to

our fortunes: for on earth for the number was never more confusion, or

misery, then their factions occasioned.

_The planting Nandsamund._ {MN}

The President seeing the desire those Braves had to rule; seeing how his

authoritie was so unexpectedly changed, would willingly have left all, and

have returned for England. But seeing there was small hope this new

Commission would arrive, longer he would not suffer those factious spirits

to proceede. It would be too tedious, too strange, and almost incredible;

should I particularly relate the infinite dangers, plots, and practices,

he daily escaped amongst this factious crew; the chiefe whereof he quickly

layd by the heeles, till his leasure better served to doe them justice:

and to take away all occasions of further mischiefe, Master Percie had his

request granted to returne for England, being very sicke; and Mr. West

with an hundred and twentie of the best he could chuse, he sent to the

Falles; {MN} Martin with neare as many to Nandsamund, with their due

proportions of all provisions according to their numbers.

_The breach of peace with the Salvages._ {MN}

[III.91.] Now the Presidents yeare being neare expired, he made Captaine

Martin President to follow the order for the election of a President every

yeare: but he knowing his owne insufficiency, and the companies

untowardnesse and little regard of him, within three houres after resigned

it againe to Captaine Smith, and at Nandsamund thus proceeded. {MN} The

people being contributes used him kindly; yet such was his jealous feare,

in the midst of their mirth, he did surprise this poore naked King, with

his Monuments, houses, and the Isle he inhabited, and there fortified

himselfe; but so apparantly distracted with feare, as imboldened the

Salvages to assault him, kill his men, release their King, gather and

carry away a thousand bushels of Corne, he not once offering to intercept

them; but sent to the President then at the Falles for thirtie good shot;

which from James Towne immediately was sent him. But he so well imployed

them they did just nothing, but returned complaining of his tendernesse:

yet he came away with them to James Towne, leaving his company to their

fortunes.

Here I cannot omit the courage of George Forrest, that had seaventeene

Arrowes sticking in him, and one shot through him, yet lived sixe or

seaven dayes, as if he had small hurt, then for want of Chirurgery dyed.

Master West having seated his men by the Falles, presently returned to

revisit James Towne: the President followed him to see that company

seated; met him by the way, wondering at his so quicke returne; and found

his company planted so inconsiderately, in a place not onely subject to

the rivers inundation, but round invironed with many intolerable

inconveniences.

_Powhatan bought for copper._

For remedie whereof he presently sent to Powhatan to sell him the place

called Powhatan, promising to defend him against the Monacans. And these

should be his Conditions (with his people) to resigne him the Fort and

houses, and all that Countrey for a proportion of Copper; that all

stealing offenders should be sent him, there to receive their punishment;

that every house as a Custome should pay him a Bushell of Corne for an

inch square of Copper, and a proportion of Pocones, as a yearely tribute

to King James for their protection, as a dutie; what else they could spare

to barter at their best discretions.

_Muntinies._

_Five suppresse an hundred and twentie._ {MN-1}

_Breach of peace with the Salvages at the Falles._ {MN-2}

But both this excellent place and those good Conditions did those furies

refuse, contemning both him, his kinde care and authoritie. So much they

depended on the Lord Generals new Commission; as they regarded none: the

worst they could doe to shew their spights they did; supposing all the

Monacans Country, gold; and none should come there but whom they pleased.

{MN-1} I doe more then wonder to thinke how onely with five men, he either

durst or would adventure as he did, (knowing how greedie they were of his

bloud) to land amongst them, and commit to imprisonment all the

Chieftaines of those mutinies, till by their multitudes being an hundred

and twentie they forced him to retyre: yet in that interim he surprised

one of their Boates, wherewith he returned to their ship; where in deed

was their provision, which also he tooke, and well it chanced he found the

Marriners so tractable and constant, or there had beene small possibilitie

he had ever escaped. There were divers other of better reason and

experience, that from their first landing, hearing the generall good

report of his old Souldiers, and seeing with their eyes his actions so

well mannaged with discretion, as Captaine Wood, Captaine Webbe, Cap.

Moone, Captaine Fitzjames, Master William Powell, Master Partridge,

Master White, and divers others, when they perceived the malice of

Ratliffe and Archer, and their faction, left their companies, and ever

rested his faithfull friends. {MN-2} But the worst was that the poore

Salvages, that daily brought in their contribution to the President, that

disorderly Breach of company so tormented those poore soules, by stealing

their corne, robbing their gardens, beating them, breaking their houses

and keeping some prisoners; that they daily complained to Captaine Smith,

he had brought them for Protectors, worse enemies then the Monacans

themselves: which though till then, for his love they had endured, they

desired pardon if hereafter they defended themselves; since he would not

correct them, as they had long expected he [III.92.] would. So much they

importuned him to punish their misdemeanors, as they offered (if he would

leade them) to fight for him against them. But having spent nine dayes

in seeking to reclaime them; shewing them how much they did abuse

themselves with these great guilded hopes of the South Sea Mines,

commodities, or victories, they so madly conceived; then seeing nothing

would prevaile, he set sayle for James Towne.

Thus oft we see from small greene wounds, and from a little griefe,

A greater sore and sicknesse growes, then will admit reliefe:

For thus themselves they did beguile, and with the rest play'd theefe.

_An assalt by the Salvages._

_The planting of Non-such._ {MN}

Now no sooner was the Ship under sayle, but the Salvages assaulted those

hundred and twentie in their Fort, finding some stragling abroad in the

woods: they slew many, and so affrighted the rest, as their prisoners

escaped, and they safely retyred, with the swords and cloakes of those

they had slaine. But ere wee had sayled halfe a league, our ship

grounding, gave us once more libertie to summon them to a parley; where we

found them all so strangely amazed with this poore silly assault of twelve

Salvages, that they submitted themselves upon any tearmes to the

Presidents mercy; who presently put by the heeles sixe or seaven of the

chiefe offenders: the rest he seated gallantly at Powhatan, in that

Salvage Fort, readie built, and prettily fortified with poles and barkes

of trees, sufficient to have defended them from all the Salvages in

Virginia, dry houses for lodgings and neere two hundred accres of ground

ready to be planted, {MN} and no place we knew so strong, so pleasant and

delightfull in Virginia for which we called it Non-such. The Salvages also

hee presently appeased, redelivering to either party their former losses.

Thus all were friends.

_The Salvages appeased._

New officers appointed to command, and the President againe ready to

depart, at that instant arrived Captaine West, whose gentle nature, by the

perswasions and compassion of those mutinous prisoners, (alledging they

had onely done this for his honor) was so much abused, that to regaine

their old hopes, new turboyles did arise. For they a-shore being possessed

of all their victuall, munition, and every thing, grew to that height in

their former factions, as the President left them to their fortunes: they

returned againe to the open ayre at Wests Fort, abandoning Non-such, and

he to James towne with his best expedition, but this hapned him in that

Journey.

_Captaine Smith blowne up with powder._

_A bloudy intent._ {MN}

Sleeping in his Boate, (for the ship was returned two daies before)

accidentallie, one fired his powder-bag, which tore the flesh from his

body and thighes, nine or ten inches square in a most pittifull manner;

but to quench the tormenting fire, frying him in his cloaths he leaped

over-boord into the deepe river, where ere they could recover him he was

neere drowned. In this estate without either Chirurgian, or Chirurgery he

was to goe neere an hundred myles. Arriving at James towne, causing all

things to be prepared for peace or warres to obtaine provision, whilest

those things were providing, Ratliffe, Archer, & the rest of their

Confederates, being to come to their trials; their guiltie consciences,

fearing a just reward for their deserts, seeing the President, unable to

stand, and neere bereft of his senses by reason of his torment, they had

plotted to have murdered him in his bed. {MN} But his heart did faile him

that should have given fire to that mercilesse Pistoll. So not finding

that course to be the best, they joyned together to usurpe the government,

thereby to escape their punishment. The President, had notice of their

projects, the which to withstand, though his old souldiers importuned him

but permit them to take their heads that would resist his command, yet he

would not suffer them, but sent for the Masters of the ships, and tooke

order with them for his returne for England. Seeing there was neither

Chirurgian, nor Chirurgery in the Fort to cure his hurt, and the ships to

depart the next day, his Commission to be suppressed he knew not why,

himselfe and souldiers to [III.93.] be rewarded he knew not how, and a new

commission granted they knew not to whom (the which disabled that

authority he had, as made them presume so oft to those mutinies as they

did:) besides so grievous were his wounds, and so cruell his torments (few

expecting he could live) nor was hee able to follow his busines to regaine

what they had lost, suppresse those factions, and range the countries for

provision as he intended; and well he knew in those affaires his owne

actions and presence was as requisit as his directions, which now could

not be, he went presently abroad, resolving there to appoint them

governours, and to take order for the mutiners, but he could finde none

hee thought fit for it would accept it. In the meane time, seeing him

gone, they perswaded Master Percy to stay, who was then to goe for

England, and be their President. Within lesse then an houre was this

mutation begun and concluded. For when the Company understood Smith would

leave them, & saw the rest in Armes called Presidents & Councellors,

divers began to fawne on those new commanders, that now bent all their

wits to get him resigne them his Commission: who after much adoe and many

bitter repulses; that their confusion (which he tould them was at their

elbowes) should not be attributed to him, for leaving the Colony without a

Commission, he was not unwilling they should steale it, but never would he

give it to such as they.

And thus, Strange violent forces drew us on unwilling:

Reason perswading 'gainst our loves rebelling.

We saw and knew the better, ah curse accurst!

That notwithstanding: we imbrace the worst.

_The causes why Smith left the Countrey and his Commission._

But had that unhappie blast not hapned, he would quickly have qualified

the heate of those humors, and factions, had the ships but once left them

and us to our fortunes; and have made that provision from among the

Salvages, as we neither feared Spanyard, Salvage, nor famine; nor would

have left Virginia, nor our lawfull authoritie, but at as deare a price as

we had bought it, and payd for it. What shall I say but thus, we left him,

that in all his proceedings, made Justice his first guide, and experience

his second, even hating basenesse, sloath, pride, and indignitie, more

then any dangers; that never allowed more for himselfe, then his souldiers

with him; that upon no danger would send them where he would not lead them

himselfe; that would never see us want, what he either had, or could by

any meanes get us; that would rather want then borrow, or starve then not

pay; that loved action more then words, and hated falshood and

covetousnesse worse then death; whose adventures were our lives, and whose

losse our deaths.

Leaving us thus with three ships, seaven boats, commodities readie to

trade, the harvest newly gathered, ten weeks provision in the store, foure

hundred nintie and od persons, twentie-foure Peeces of Ordnance, three

hundred Muskets, Snaphances, and Firelockes, Shot, Powder, and Match

sufficient, Curats, Pikes, Swords, and Morrios, more then men; the

Salvages, their language, and habitations well knowne to an hundred well

trayned and expert Souldiers; Nets for fishing; Tooles of all sorts to

worke; apparell to supply our wants; six Mares and a Horse; five or sixe

hundred Swine; as many Hennes and Chickens; some Goats; some sheepe; what

was brought or bred there remained. But they regarding nothing but from

hand to mouth, did consume that wee had, tooke care for nothing, but to

perfect some colourable complaints against Captaine Smith. For effecting

whereof three weekes longer they stayed the Ships, till they could produce

them. That time and charge might much better have beene spent, but it

suted well with the rest of their discretions.

Besides James towne that was strongly Pallizadoed, containing some fiftie

or sixtie houses, he left five or sixe other severall Forts and

Plantations: though they were not so sumptuous as our successors expected,

they were better then they provided any for us. All this time we [III.94]

had but one Carpenter in the Countrey, and three others that could doe

little, but desired to be learners: two Black-smiths; two saylers, & those

we write labourers were for most part footmen, and such as they that were

Adventurers brought to attend them, or such as they could perswade to goe

with them, that never did know what a dayes worke was, except the

Dutch-men and Poles, and some dozen other. For all the rest were poore

Gentlemen, Tradsmen, Serving-men, libertines, and such like, ten times

more fit to spoyle a Common-wealth, then either begin one, or but helpe to

maintain one. For when neither the feare of God, nor the law, nor shame,

nor displeasure of their friends could rule them here, there is small hope

ever to bring one in twentie of them ever to be good there.

Notwithstanding, I confesse divers amongst them, had better mindes and

grew much more industrious then was expected: yet ten good workemen would

have done more substantiall worke in a day, then ten of them in a weeke.

Therefore men may rather wonder how we could doe so much, then use us so

badly, because we did no more, but leave those examples to make others

beware, and the fruits of all, we know not for whom.

_The ends of the Dutch-men._

But to see the justice of God upon these Dutch-men; Valdo before spoke of,

made a shift to get for England, where perswading the Merchants what rich

Mines he had found, and great service he would doe them, was very well

rewarded, and returned with the Lord La Warre: but being found a meere

Impostor, he dyed most miserably. Adam and Francis his two consorts were

fled againe to Powhatan, to whom they promised at the arrivall of my Lord,

what wonders they would doe, would he suffer them but to goe to him. But

the King seeing they would be gone, replyed; You that would have betrayed

Captaine Smith to mee, will certainely betray me to this great Lord for

your peace: so caused his men to beat out their braines.

To conclude, the greatest honour that ever belonged to the greatest

Monarkes, was the inlarging their Dominions, and erecting Common-weales.

Yet howsoever any of them have attributed to themselves, the Conquerors of

the world: there is more of the world never heard of them, then ever any

of them all had in subjection: for the Medes, Persians, and Assyrians,

never Conquered all Asia, nor the Grecians but part of Europe and Asia.

The Romans indeed had a great part of both, as well as Affrica: but as for

all the Northerne parts of Europe and Asia, the interior Southern and

Westerne parts of Affrica, all America & Terra incognita, they were all

ignorant: nor is our knowledge yet but superficiall. That their

beginnings, ending, and limitations were proportioned by the Almightie is

most evident: but to consider of what small meanes many of them have begun

is wonderfull. For some write that even Rome her selfe, during the Raigne

of Romulus, exceeded not the number of a thousand houses. And Carthage

grew so great a Potentate, that at first was but incirculed in the thongs

of a Bulls skinne, as to fight with Rome for the Empire of the world. Yea

Venice at this time the admiration of the earth, was at first but a

Marish, inhabited by poor Fishermen. And likewise Ninivie, Thebes,

Babylon, Delus, Troy. Athens, Mycena and Sparta, grew from small

beginnings to be most famous States, though now they retaine little more

then a naked name. Now this our yong Common-wealth in Virginia, as you

have read once consisted but of 38 persons, and in two yeares increased

but to 200. yet by this small meanes so highly was approved the Plantation

in Virginia, as how many Lords, with worthy Knights, and brave Gentlemen

pretended to see it, and some did, and now after the expence of fifteene

yeares more, and such massie summes of men and money, grow they

disanimated? If we truely consider our Proceedings with the Spanyards, and

the rest, we have no reason to despayre for with so small charge, they

never had either greater Discoveries, with such certaine tryals of more

severall Commodities, then in this short time hath beene returned from

Virginia, and by much lesse meanes. New England was brought out of

obscuritie, and affoorded fraught for neare 200 sayle of ships, where

there is now erected a brave Plantation. For the happines of Summer Isles,

they are no lesse then either, and yet those have had a far lesse, and a

more difficult beginning, then either Rome, Carthage, or Venice.

Written by Richard Pots, Clarke of the Councell,

William Tankard, and G.P.

A.D. 1609

PANEGYRICK VERSES

Now seeing there is thus much Paper here to [III.95.] spare, that you

should not be altogether cloyed with Prose; such Verses as my worthy

Friends bestowed upon New England, I here present you, because with

honestie I can neither reject, nor omit their courtesies.

In the deserved Honour of the Author, Captaine John Smith, and

his Worke.

Damn'd Envie is a sp'rite, that ever haunts

Beasts, mis-nam'd Men; Cowards, or Ignorants.

But, onely such shee followes, whose deare worth

(Maugre her malice) sets their glory forth.

If this faire Overture, then, take not; It

Is Envie's spight (deare friend) in men of wit;

Or Feare, lest morsels, which our mouths possesse,

Might fall from thence; or else, tis Sottishnesse.

If either; (I hope neither) thee they raise;

Thy Letters [FN] are as Letters in thy praise;

Who, by their vice, improve (when they reproove.)

Thy vertue; so, in hate, procure thee Love.

Then, On firme Worth: this Monument I frame;

Scorning for any Smith to forge such fame.

John Davies, Heref:

* * * * *

[FN] Hinderers.

To his worthy Captaine the Author.

That which wee call the subject of all Storie,

Is Truth: which in this Worke of thine gives glorie

To all that thou hast done. Then, scorne the spight

Of Envie; which doth no mans Merits right.

My sword may helpe the rest: my Pen no more

Can doe, but this; I'ave said enough before.

Your sometime Souldier, J. Codrinton, now Templer.

To my Worthy Friend and Cosen, Captaine John Smith.

It over-joyes my heart, when as thy Words

Of these designes, with deeds I doe compare.

Here is a Booke, such worthy truth affords,

None should the due desert thereof impare:

Sith thou, the man, deserving of these Ages,

Much paine hast ta'en for this our Kingdomes good,

In Climes unknowne, 'Mongst Turks and Salvages,

T'inlarge our bounds; though with thy losse of blood.

Hence damn'd Detraction: stand not in our way.

Envie, it selfe, will not the Truth gainesay.

N. Smith.

In the deserved Honour of my honest and worthy Captaine,

John Smith, and his Worke.

Captaine and friend; when I peruse thy Booke

(With Judgements eyes) into my heart I looke:

And there I finde (what sometimes Albion knew)

A Souldier, to his Countries-honour, true.

Some fight for wealth; and some for emptie praise;

But thou alone thy Countries Fame to raise. [III. 96.]

With due discretion, and undanted heart,

I (oft) so well have seene thee act thy Part

In deepest plunge of hard extreamitie,

As forc't the troups of proudest foes to flie.

Though men of greater Ranke and lesse desert

Would Pish-away thy Praise, it can not start

From the true Owner: for, all good mens tongues

Shall keepe the same. To them that Part belongs.

If, then, Wit, Courage, and Successe should get

Thee Fame; the Muse for that is in thy debt:

Apart whereof (least able though I be)

Thus here I doe disburse, to honor Thee.

Raleigh Crashaw.

Michael Phettiplace, Wil: Phettiplace, and Richard Wiffing, Gentlemen,

and Souldiers under Captaine Smiths command: In his deserved honour

for his Worke, and Worth.

Why may not wee in this Worke have our Mite,

That had our share in each black day and night,

When thou Virginia foild'st, yet kept'st unstaind;

And held'st the King of Paspeheh enchaind.

Thou all alone this Salvage sterne didst take.

Pamaunkees King wee saw thee captive make

Among seaven hundred of his stoutest men,

To murther thee and us resolved; when

Fast by the hayre thou ledst this Salvage grim,

Thy Pistoll at his breast to governe him:

Which did infuse such awe in all the rest

(Sith their drad Soveraigne thou had'st so distrest)

That thou and wee (poore sixteene) safe retir'd

Unto our helplesse Ships. Thou (thus admir'd)

Didst make proud Powhatan, his subjects send

To James his Towne, thy censure to attend:

And all Virginia's Lords, and pettie Kings,

Aw'd by thy vertue, crouch, and Presents brings

To gaine thy grace; so dreaded thou hast beene:

And yet a heart more milde is seldome seene;

So, making Valour Vertue, really;

Who hast nought in thee counterfeit, or slie;

If in the sleight be not the truest Art,

That makes men famoused for faire desert.

Who saith of thee, this savors of vaine glorie,

Mistakes both thee and us, and this true Storie.

If it be ill in Thee, so well to doe;

Then, is ill in Us, to praise thee too.

But, if the first be well done; it is well,

To say it doth (if so it doth) excell.

Praise is the guerdon of each deare desert

Making the praised act the praised part

With more alacritie: Honours Spurre is Praise;

Without which, it (regardlesse) soone decaies.

And for this paines of thine wee praise thee rather,

That future Times may know who was the father

Of that rare Worke (New England) which may bring,

Praise to thy God, and profit to thy King.

THE FOURTH BOOKE. [IV.105.]

A.D. 1609

To make Plaine

the True Proceedings of the Historie for 1609. we

must follow the examinations of Doctor

Simons, and two learned Orations

published by the Companie; with

the relation of the Right

Honourable the Lord

De la Ware.

What happened in the first government after the alteration in the

time of Captaine George Piercie their Governour.

_The planting Point Comfort._

The day before Captaine Smith returned for England with the ships,

Captaine Davis arrived in a small Pinace, with some sixteene proper men

more: To these were added a company from James towne, under the command of

Captaine John Sickelmore alias Ratliffe, to inhabit Point Comfort.

Captaine Martin and Captaine West, having lost their boats and neere halfe

their men among the Salvages, were returned to James towne; for the

Salvages no sooner understood Smith was gone, but they all revolted, and

did spoile and murther all they incountered. Now wee were all constrained

to live onely on that Smith had onely for his owne Companie, for the rest

had consumed their proportions, and now they had twentie Presidents with

all their appurtenances: Master Piercie our new President, was so sicke

hee could neither goe nor stand. But ere all was consumed, Captaine West

and Captaine Sickelmore, each with a small ship and thirtie or fortie men

well appointed, sought abroad to trade. Sickelmore upon the confidence of

Powhatan, with about thirtie others as carelesse as himselfe, were all

slaine, onely Jeffrey Shortridge escaped, and Pokahontas the Kings

daughter saved a boy called Henry Spilman, that lived many yeeres after,

by her meanes, amongst the Patawomekes. Powhatan still as he found meanes,

cut off their Boats, denied them trade, so that Captaine West set saile

for England. Now we all found the losse of Captaine Smith, yea his

greatest maligners could now curse his losse: as for corne, provision and

contribution from the Salvages, we had nothing but mortall wounds, with

clubs and arrowes; as for our Hogs, Hens, Goats, Sheepe, Horse, or what

lived, our commanders, officers & Salvages daily consumed them, some small

proportions sometimes we tasted, till all was devoured; then swords,

armes, pieces, or any thing, wee traded with the Salvages, whose cruell

fingers were so oft imbrewed in our blouds, that what by their crueltie,

our Governours indiscretion, and the losse of our ships, of five hundred

within six moneths after Captaine Smiths departure, there remained not

past sixtie men, women and children, most miserable and poore creatures;

and those were preserved for the most part, by roots, herbes, acornes,

walnuts, berries, now and then a little fish: they that had startch in

these extremities, made no small use of it; yea, even the very skinnes of

our horses. Nay, so great was our famine, that a Salvage we slew, and

buried, the poorer sort tooke [IV.106.] him up againe and eat him, and so

did divers one another boyled and stewed with roots and herbs: And one

amongst the rest did kill his wife, powdered her, and had eaten part of

her before it was knowne, for which hee was executed, as hee well

deserved; now whether shee was better roasted, boyled or carbonado'd, I

know not, but of such a dish as powdered wife I never heard of. This was

that time, which still to this day we called the starving time; it were

too vile to say, and scarce to be beleeved, what we endured: but the

occasion was our owne, for want of providence, industrie and government,

and not the barrennesse and defect of the Countrie, as is generally

supposed; for till then in three yeeres, for the numbers were landed us,

we had never from England provision sufficient for six moneths, though it

seemed by the bils of loading sufficient was sent us, such a glutton is

the Sea, and such good fellowes the Mariners; we as little tasted of the

great proportion sent us, as they of our want and miseries, yet

notwithstanding they ever over-swayed and ruled the businesse, though we

endured all that is said, and chiefly lived on what this good Countrie

naturally afforded; yet had wee beene even in Paradice it selfe with these

Governours, it would not have beene much better with us; yet there was

amongst us, who had they had the government as Captaine Smith appointed,

but that they could not maintaine it, would surely have kept us from those

extremities of miseries. This in ten daies more, would have supplanted us

all with death.

_The arrivall of Sir Thomas Gates._

But God that would not this Countrie should be unplanted, sent Sir Thomas

Gates, and Sir George Sommers with one hundred and fiftie people most

happily preserved by the Bermudas to preserve us: strange it is to say how

miraculously they were preserved in a leaking ship, as at large you may

reade in the insuing Historie of those Ilands.

A.D. 1610

The government resigned to Sir Thomas Gates, 1610.

_James towne abandoned._ {MN}

When these two Noble Knights did see our miseries, being but strangers in

that Countrie, and could understand no more of the cause, but by

conjecture of our clamours and complaints, of accusing and excusing one

another: {MN} They embarked us with themselves, with the best meanes they

could, and abandoning James towne, set saile for England, whereby you may

see the event of the government of the former Commanders left to

themselves; although they had lived there many yeeres as formerly hath

beene spoken (who hindred now their proceedings, Captaine Smith being

gone.)

At noone they fell to the Ile of Hogs, and the next morning to Mulbery

point, at what time they descried the Long-boat of the Lord la Ware, for

God would not have it so abandoned. For this honourable Lord, then

Governour of the Countrie, met them with three ships exceedingly well

furnished with all necessaries fitting, who againe returned them to the

abandoned James towne. Out of the observations of William Simmons Doctor

of Divinitie.

The government devolved to the Lord la Ware.

_The arivall of the Lord la Ware._

His Lordship arrived the ninth of June 1610. accompanied with Sir

Ferdinando Waynman, Captaine Houlcroft, Captaine Lawson, and divers other

Gentlemen of sort; the tenth he came up with his fleet, went on shore,

heard a Sermon, read his Commission, and entred into consultation for the

good of the Colonie, in which secret counsell we will a little leave them,

that we may duly observe the revealed counsell of God. Hee that shall but

turne up his eie, and behold the spangled canopie of heaven, or shall but

cast downe his eie, and consider the embroydered carpet of the earth, and

withall shall marke how the heavens heare the earth, and the earth the

Corne and Oile, and they relieve the necessities of man, [IV.107.] that

man will acknowledge Gods infinite providence: But hee that shall further

observe, how God inclineth all casuall events to worke the necessary helpe

of his Saints, must needs adore the Lords infinite goodnesse; never had

any people more just cause, to cast themselves at the very foot-stoole of

God, and to reverence his mercie, than this distressed Colonie; for if God

had not sent Sir Thomas Gates from the Bermudas, within foure daies they

had almost beene famished; if God had not directed the heart of that noble

Knight to save the Fort from fiering at their shipping, for many were very

importunate to have burnt it, they had beene destitute of a present

harbour and succour; if they had abandoned the Fort any longer time, and

had not so soone returned, questionlesse the Indians would have destroied

the Fort, which had beene the meanes of our safeties amongst them and a

terror. If they had set saile sooner, and had lanched into the vast Ocean,

who would have promised they should have incountered the Fleet of the Lord

la Ware, especially when they made for New found land, as they intended,

a course contrarie to our Navie approaching. If the Lord la Ware had not

brought with him a yeeres provision, what comfort would those poore soules

have received, to have beene relanded to a second distruction? This was

the arme of the Lord of Hosts, who would have his people passe the red Sea

and Wildernesse, and then to possesse the land of Canaan: It was divinely

spoken of Heathen Socrates, If God for man be carefull, why should man bee

over-distrustfull? for he hath so tempered the contrary qualities of the

Elements,

That neither cold things want heat, nor moist things dry,

Nor sad things spirits, to quicken them thereby,

Yet make they musicall content of contrarietie,

Which conquer'd, knits them in such links together,

They doe produce even all this whatsoever.

The Lord Governour, after mature deliberation delivered some few words to

the Companie, laying just blame upon them, for their haughtie vanities and

sluggish idlenesse, earnestly intreating them to amend those desperate

follies, lest hee should be compelled to draw the sword of Justice, and to

cut off such delinquents, which he had rather draw, to the shedding of his

vitall bloud, to protect them from injuries; heartning them with relation

of that store hee had brought with him, constituting officers of all

conditions, to rule over them, allotting every man his particular place,

to watch vigilantly, and worke painfully: This Oration and direction being

received with a generall applause, you might shortly behold the idle and

restie diseases of a divided multitude, by the unitie and authoritie of

this government to be substantially cured. Those that knew not the way to

goodnesse before, but cherished singularitie and faction, can now chalke

out the path of all respective dutie and service: every man endevoureth to

outstrip other in diligence: the French preparing to plant the Vines, the

English labouring in the Woods and grounds; every man knoweth his charge,

and dischargeth the same with alacritie. Neither let any man be

discouraged, by the relation of their daily labour (as though the sap of

their bodies should bee spent for other mens profit) the setled times of

working, to effect all themselves, or as the Adventurers need desire,

required no more paines than from six of the clocke in the morning, untill

ten, and from two in the afternoone, till foure, at both which times they

are provided of spirituall and corporall reliefe. First, they enter into

the Church, and make their praiers unto God, next they returne to their

houses and receive their proportion of food. Nor should it bee conceived

that this businesse excludeth Gentlemen, whose breeding never knew what a

daies labour meant, for though they cannot digge, use the Spade, nor

practice the Axe, yet may the staied spirits of any condition, finde how

to imploy the force of knowledge, the exercise of counsell, the operation

and power of their best breeding and qualities. The houses which are

built, are as warme [IV.108.] and defensive against wind and weather, as

if they were tiled and slated, being covered above with strong boards,

and some matted round with Indian mats. Our forces are now such as are

able to tame the furie and trecherie of the Salvages: Our Forts assure the

Inhabitants, and frustrate all assaylants. And to leave no discouragement

in the heart of any, who personally shall enter into this great action, I

will communicate a double comfort; first, Sir George Sommers, that worthy

Admirall hath undertaken a dangerous adventure for the good of the

Colonie.

_Sir George Sommers returne to the Bermudas._

Upon the 15. of June, accompanied with Captaine Samuel Argall, hee

returned in two Pinaces unto the Bermudas, promising (if by any meanes God

will open a way to that Iland of Rocks) that he would soone returne with

six moneths provision of flesh; with much crosse weather at last hee there

safely arrived, but Captaine Argall was forced backe againe to James

towne, whom the Lord De la Ware not long after sent to the River of

Patawomeke, to trade for Corne; where finding an English boy, one Henry

Spilman, a young Gentleman well descended, by those people preserved from

the furie of Powhatan, by his acquaintance had such good usage of those

kinde Salvages, that they fraughted his ship with Corne, wherewith he

returned to James towne.

_The building Fort Henry and Fort Charles._

The other comfort is, that the Lord la Ware hath built two new Forts, the

one called Fort Henry, the other Fort Charles, in honour of our most noble

Prince, and his hopefull brother, upon a pleasant plaine, and neare a

little Rivilet they call Southampton River; they stand in a wholsome aire,

having plentie of Springs of sweet water, they command a great circuit of

ground, containing Wood, Pasture and Marsh, with apt places for Vines,

Corne and Gardens; in which Forts it is resolved, that all those that come

out of England, shall be at their first landing quartered, that the

wearisomnesse of the Sea, may bee refreshed in this pleasing part of the

Countrie, and Sir Thomas Gates hee sent for England. But to correct some

injuries of the Paspahegs, he sent Captaine Pearcie, Master Stacy, and

fiftie or threescore shot, where the Salvages flying, they burnt their

houses, tooke the Queene and her children prisoners, whom not long after

they slew.

The fertilitie of the soile, the temperature of the climate, the forme of

government, the condition of our people, their daily invocating of the

Name of God being thus expressed; why should the successe, by the rules of

mortall judgement, bee disparaged? why should not the rich harvest of our

hopes be seasonably expected? I dare say, that the resolution of Caesar in

France, the designes of Alexander, the discoveries of Hernando Cortes in

the West, and of Emanuel King of Portugal in the East, were not encouraged

upon so firme grounds of state and possibilitie.

But his Lordship being at the fales, the Salvages assaulted his troopes

and slew three or foure of his men. Not long after, his Honour growing

very sicke, he returned for England the 28. of March; in the ship were

about five and fiftie men, but ere we arrived at Fyall, fortie of us were

neare sicke to death, of the Scurvie, Callenture, and other diseases: the

Governour being an English-man, kindly used us, but small reliefe we could

get, but Oranges, of which we had plenty, whereby within eight daies wee

recovered, and all were well and strong by that they came into England.

Written by William Box.

The Counsell of Virginia finding the smalnesse of that returne which they

hoped should have defrayed the charge of a new supply, entred into a deep

consultation, whether it were fit to enter into a new Contribution, or in

time to send for them home, and give over the action, and therefore they

adjured Sir Thomas Gates to deale plainly with them, who with a solemne

and a sacred oath replyed, That all things before reported were true, and

that all men know that wee stand at the devotion of politicke Princes and

States, who for their proper utilitie, devise all courses to grind our

Merchants, and by all pretences to confiscate their goods, and to draw

from us all manner of gaine by their inquisitive inventions, when in

Virginia, a few yeeres labour by planting and husbandry, will furnish

[IV.109.] all our defects with honour and securitie. Out of a Declaration

published by the Counsell, 1610.

A.D. 1611.

LORD DE LA WARE'S RELATION

The government left againe to Captaine George Piercie, and the returne

of the Lord la Ware, with his Relation to the Councell.

1611. _Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer._

_The Relation of the Lord la Ware._ {MN}

My Lords, now by accident returned from my charge at Virginia, contrary

either to my owne desire, or other mens expectations, who spare not to

censure me, in point of dutie, and to discourse and question the reason,

though they apprehend not the true cause of my returne, {MN} I am forced

out of a willingnesse to satisfie every man, to deliver unto your

Lordships and the rest of this assemblie, in what state I have lived ever

since my arrivall to the Colonie, what hath beene the just cause of my

sudden departure, and on what tearmes I have left the same, the rather

because I perceive, that since my comming into England, such a coldnesse

and irresolution is bred in many of the Adventurers, that some of them

seeke to withdraw their payments, by which the action must be supported,

making this my returne colour of their needlesse backwardnesse and unjust

protraction: which that you may the better understand, I was welcomed to

James towne by a violent ague; being cured of it, within three weekes

after I began to be distempered with other grievous sicknesses which

successively and severally assailed me, for besides a relapse into the

former disease, which with much more violence held me more than a moneth,

and brought me to greater weaknesse; the flux surprised mee, and kept me

many daies, then the crampe assaulted my weake body with strong paines,

and after, the gout; all those drew me to that weaknesse, being unable to

stirre, brought upon me the scurvie, which though in others it be a

sicknesse of slothfulnesse, yet was it in me an effect of weaknesse, which

never left me, till I was ready to leave the world.

In these extremities I resolved to consult with my friends, who finding

nature spent in me, and my body almost consumed, my paines likewise daily

increasing, gave me advice to preferre a hopefull recoverie, before an

assured ruine, which must necessarily have ensued, had I lived but twentie

daies longer in Virginia, wanting at that instant both food and Physicke,

fit to remedie such extraordinary diseases; wherefore I shipped my selfe

with Doctor Bohun and Captaine Argall, for Mevis in the West Indies, but

being crossed with Southerly winds, I was forced to shape my course for

the Westerne Iles, where I found helpe for my health, and my sicknesse

asswaged, by the meanes of fresh dyet, especially Oranges and Limons, and

undoubted remedie for that disease: then I intended to have returned backe

againe to Virginia, but I was advised not to hazard my selfe, before I had

perfectly recovered my strength: so I came for England; in which accident,

I doubt not but men of judgement will imagine, there would more prejudice

have happened by my death there, than I hope can doe by my returne.

100. _Kine and_ 200. _Swine sent to Virginia._ {MN}

For the Colony I left it to the charge of Captaine George Piercie, a

Gentleman of honour and resolution, untill the comming of Sir Thomas Dale,

whose Commission was likewise to bee determined upon the arrivall of Sir

Thomas Gates, according to the order your Lordships appointed: the number

I left were about two hundred, the most in health, and provided of at

least ten moneths victuall, and the Countrie people tractable and

friendly. What other defects they had, I found by Sir Thomas Gates at the

Cowes; his Fleet was sufficiently furnished with supplies, but when it

shall please God that Sir Thomas Dale, and Sir Thomas Gates shall arrive

in Virginia {MN} with the extraordinarie supply of 100. Kine, and 200.

Swine, besides store of other provision, for the maintenance of the

Colonie, there will appeare that successe in the action, as shall give no

man cause of distrust, that hath already adventured, but incourage every

good minde to further so good a worke, as will redound both to the glory

of God, to the credit of our nation, and the comfort of all those that

have beene instruments in the furthering of it. Out of the Lord la Wares

discourse, published by Authoritie, 1611.

A.D. 1611

SIR THOMAS DALE'S GOVERNMENT

The government surrendred to Sir Thomas Dale, who arrived in Virginia

the tenth of May, 1611. out of Master Hamors Booke.

1611. _Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer._

_The arrivall of Sir Thomas Dale._ {MN}

Before the Lord la Ware arrived in England, the Councell and Companie had

dispatched away Sir Thomas Dale with three ships, men and cattell, and all

other provisions necessarie for a yeere; {MN} all which arrived well the

tenth of May 1611. where he found them growing againe to their former

estate of penurie, being so improvident as not to put Corne in the ground

for their bread, but trusted to the store, then furnished but with three

moneths provision; his first care therefore was to imploy all hands about

setting of Corne, at the two Forts at Kecoughtan, Henry and Charles,

whereby, the season then not fully past, though about the end of May, wee

had an indifferent crop of good Corne.

_His preparation to build a new towne._

This businesse taken order for, and the care and trust of it committed to

his under-Officers, to James towne he hastened, where most of the companie

were at their daily and usuall works, bowling in the streets; these hee

imployed about necessarie workes, as felling of Timber, repayring their

houses ready to fall on their heads, and providing pales, posts and

railes, to impale his purposed new towne, which by reason of his

ignorance, being but newly arrived, hee had not resolved where to seat;

therefore to better his knowledge, with one hundred men he spent some time

in viewing the River of Nausamund, in despight of the Indians then our

enemies; then our owne River to the Fales, where upon a high land,

invironed with the maine River, some twelve miles from the Fales, by

Arsahattock, he resolved to plant his new towne.

_Divers mutinie suppressed._ {MN}

It was no small trouble to reduce his people so timely to good order,

being of so ill a condition, as may well witnesse his severitie and strict

imprinted booke of Articles, then needfull with all extremitie to be

executed; now much mitigated; so as if his Lawes had not beene so

strictly executed, I see not how the utter subversion of the Colonie

should have beene prevented, witnesse Webbes and Prices designe the first

yeere, since that of Abbots, and others, more dangerous than the former.

Here I entreat your patience for an Apologie, though not a pardon. This

Jeffrey Abbots, how ever this Author censures him, and the Governour

executes him, I know he had long served both in Ireland and Netherlands,

here hee was a Sargeant of my Companie, and I never saw in Virginia a more

sufficient Souldier, less turbulent, a better wit, more hardy or

industrious, nor any more forward to cut off them that sought to abandon

the Countrie, or wrong the Colonie; how ingratefully those deserts might

bee rewarded, envied or neglected, or his farre inferiors preferred to

over-top him, I know not, but such occasions might move a Saint, much more

a man, to an unadvised passionate impatience, but how ever, it seemes he

hath beene punished for his offences, that was never rewarded for his

deserts. {MN} And even this Summer Cole and Kitchins plot with three more,

bending their course to Ocanahowan, five daies journey from us, where they

report are Spaniards inhabiting. These were cut off by the Salvages, hired

by us to hunt them home to receive their deserts: So as Sir Thomas Dale

hath not beene so tyrannous nor severe by the halfe, as there was

occasion, and just cause for it, and though the manner was not usuall, wee

were rather to have regard to those, whom we would have terrified and made

fearefull to commit the like offences, than to the offenders justly

condemned, for amongst them so hardned in evill, the feare of a cruell,

painfull and unusuall death more restraines them, than death it selfe.

Thus much I have proceeded of his endeavour, untill the comming of Sir

Thomas Gates, in preparing himselfe to proceed as he intended.

[IV.111.] Now in England againe to second this noble Knight, the Counsell

and Companie with all possible expedition prepared for Sir Thomas Gates

six tall ships, with three hundred men, and one hundred Kine and other

Cattell, with munition and all other manner of provision that could be

thought needfull; and about the first or second of August, 1611. arrived

safely at James towne.

The government returned againe to Sir Thomas

Gates, 1611.

_The second arrivall of Sir Thomas Gates._

These worthy Knights being met, after their welcoming salutations, Sir

Thomas Dale acquainted him what he had done, and what he intended, which

designe Sir Thomas Gates well approving, furnished him with three hundred

and fiftie men, such as himselfe made choice of. In the beginning of

September, 1611. hee set saile, and arrived where hee intended to build

his new towne: within ten or twelve daies he had invironed it with a pale,

and in honour of our noble Prince Henry, called it Henrico. The next worke

he did, was building at each corner of the Towne, a high commanding

Watch-house, a Church, and Store-houses; which finished, hee began to

thinke upon convenient houses for himselfe and men, which with all

possible speed hee could he effected, to the great content of his

companie, and all the Colonie.

_The building of Henrico._

This towne is situated upon a necke of a plaine rising land, three parts

invironed with the maine River, the necke of land well impaled, makes it

like an Ile; it hath three streets of well-framed houses, a handsome

Church, and the foundation of a better laid, to bee built of Bricke,

besides Store-houses, Watch-houses, and such like: Upon the verge of the

River there are five houses, wherein live the honester sort of people, as

Farmers in England, and they keepe continuall centinell for the townes

securitie. About two miles from the towne, into the Maine, is another

pale, neere two miles in length, from River to River, guarded with

severall Commanders, with a good quantitie of Corne-ground impailed,

sufficiently secured to maintaine more than I suppose will come this three

yeeres.

On the other side of the River, for the securitie of the towne, is

intended to be impaled for the securitie of our Hogs, about two miles and

a halfe, by the name of Hope in Faith, and Coxendale, secured by five of

our manner of Forts, which are but Palisadoes, called Charitie Fort, Mount

Malado, a guest house for sicke people, a high seat and wholsome aire

Elisabeth Fort, and Fort Patience: And here hath Master Whitaker chosen

his Parsonage, impaled a faire framed Parsonage, and one hundred acres

called Rocke hall, but these are not halfe finished.

_The building the Bermudas._ {MN}

About Christmas following, in this same yeere 1611. in regard of the

injurie done us by them of Apamatuck, Sir Thomas Dale, without the losse

of any, except some few Salvages, tooke it and their Corne, being but five

miles by land from Henrico, and considering how commodious it might be for

us, resolved to possesse and plant it, {MN} and at the instant called it

the new Bermudas, whereunto hee hath laid out and annexed to the belonging

freedome and corporation for ever, many miles of Champian and Woodland

ground in severall hundreds, as the upper and nether hundreds, Rochdale

hundred, West Sherly hundred, and Digs his hundred. In the nether hundred

he first began to plant, for there is the most Corne-ground, and with a

pale of two miles, cut over from River to River, whereby we have secured

eight English miles in compasse; upon which circuit, within halfe a mile

of each other, are many faire houses already built, besides particular

mens houses neere to the number of fiftie. Rochdale, by a crosse pale

welnigh foure miles long, is also planted with houses along the pale, in

which hundred our Hogs and Cattell have twentie miles circuit to graze in

securely. The building of the Citie is referred till our harvest be in,

which he intends to make a retreat against any forraigne enemie.

About fiftie miles from these is James towne, upon [IV.112.] a fertill

peninsula, which although fomerly scandaled for an unhealthfull aire, wee

finde it as healthfull as any other part of the Countrie; it hath two

rowes of houses of framed timber, and some of them two stories, and a

garret higher, three large Store-houses joined together in length, and hee

hath newly strongly impaled the towne. This Ile, and much ground about it,

is much inhabited: To Kecoughtan we accounted it fortie miles, where they

live well with halfe that allowance the rest have from the store, because

of the extraordinarie quantitie of Fish, Fowle and Deere; as you may reade

at large in the Discoveries of Captaine Smith. And thus I have truly

related unto you the present estate of that small part of Virginia wee

frequent and possesse.

A.D. 1612

_Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer._

_Captaine Argalls arrivall._ {MN-1}

_How Pocahontas was taken prisoner._ {MN-2}

Since there was a ship fraughted with provision, and fortie men; and

another since then with the like number and provision, to stay twelve

moneths in the Countrie, with Captaine Argall, which was sent not long

after. {MN-1} After hee had recreated and refreshed his Companie, hee

was sent to the River Patawomeake, to trade for Corne, the Salvages about

us having small quarter, but friends and foes as they found advantage and

opportunitie: But to conclude our peace, thus it happened. Captaine

Argall, having entred into a great acquaintance with Japazaws, an old

friend of Captaine Smiths, and so to all our Nation, ever since hee

discovered the Countrie: hard by him there was Pocahontas, whom Captaine

Smiths Relations intituleth the Numparell of Virginia, and though she had

beene many times a preserver of him and the whole Colonie, yet till this

accident shee was never seene at James towne since his departure, being

at Patawomeke, as it seemes, {MN-2} thinking her selfe unknowne, was

easily by her friend Japazaws perswaded to goe abroad with him and his

wife to see the ship, for Captaine Argall had promised him a Copper Kettle

to bring her but to him, promising no way to hurt her, but keepe her till

they could conclude a peace with her father; the Salvage for this Copper

Kettle would have done any thing, it seemed by the Relation; for though

she had seene and beene in many ships, yet hee caused his wife to faine

how desirous she was to see one, and that hee offered to beat her for her

importunitie, till she wept. But at last he told her, if Pocahontas would

goe with her, hee was content: and thus they betraied the poore innocent

Pocahontas aboord, where they were all kindly feasted in the Cabbin.

Japazaws treading oft on the Captaines foot, to remember he had done his

part, the Captaine when he saw his time, perswaded Pocahontas to the

Gun-roome, faining to have some conference with Japazaws, which was onely

that she should not perceive hee was any way guiltie of her captivitie: so

sending for her againe, hee told her before her friends, she must goe with

him, and compound peace betwixt her Countrie and us, before she ever

should see Powhatan, whereat the old Jew and his wife began to howle and

crie as fast as Pocahontas, that upon the Captaines faire perswasions,

by degrees pacifying her selfe, and Japazaws and his wife, with the Kettle

and other toies, went merrily on shore, and shee to James towne. A

messenger forthwith was sent to her father, that his daughter Pocahontas

he loved so dearely, he must ransome with our men, swords, peeces, tooles,

&c. hee trecherously had stolne.

_Seven English returned from Powhatan prisoners._ {MN}

This unwelcome newes much troubled Powhatan, because hee loved both his

daughter and our commodities well, yet it was three moneths after ere hee

returned us any answer: {MN} then by the perswasion of the Councell, he

returned seven of our men, with each of them an unserviceable Musket, and

sent us word, that Powhatan when wee would deliver his daughter, hee would

make us satisfaction for all injuries done us, and give us five hundred

bushels of Corne, and for ever be friends with us. That he sent, we

received in part of payment, and returned him this answer: That his

daughter should be well used, but we could not beleeve the rest of our

armes were either lost or stolne from him, and therefore till hee sent

them, we would keepe his daughter.

_Sir Thomas Dale his voyage to Paumaunke._ {MN}

This answer, it seemed, much displeased him, for we [IV.113.] heard no

more from him a long time after, when with Captaine Argals ship, and some

other vessels belonging to the Colonie,{MN} Sir Thomas Dale, with a

hundred and fiftie men well appointed, went up into his owne River, to his

chiefe habitation, with his daughter; with many scornfull bravado's they

affronted us, proudly demanding why wee came thither; our reply was, Wee

had brought his daughter, and to receive the ransome for her that was

promised, or to have it perforce. They nothing dismayed thereat, told us,

We were welcome if wee came to fight, for they were provided for us, but

advised us, if wee loved our lives to retire; else they would use us as

they had done Captaine Ratcliffe: We told them, wee would presently have a

better answer; but we were no sooner within shot of the shore than they

let flie their Arrowes among us in the ship.

_A man shot in the forehead._

Being thus justly provoked, wee presently manned our Boats, went on shore,

burned all their houses, and spoiled all they had we could finde; and so

the next day proceeded higher up the River, where they demanded why wee

burnt their houses, and wee, why they shot at us: They replyed, it was

some stragling Salvage, with many other excuses, they intended no hurt,

but were our friends: We told them, wee came not to hurt them, but visit

them as friends also. Upon this we concluded a peace, and forthwith they

dispatched messengers to Powhatan, whose answer, they told us, wee must

expect foure and twentie houres ere the messengers could returne: Then

they told us, our men were runne away for feare we would hang them, yet

Powhatans men were runne after them; as for our Swords and Peeces, they

should be brought us the next day, which was only but to delay time; for

the next day they came not. Then we went higher, to a house of Powhatans,

called Matchot, where we saw about foure hundred men well appointed; here

they dared us to come on shore, which wee did; no shew of feare they made

at all, nor offered to resist our landing, but walking boldly up and downe

amongst us, demanded to conferre with our Captaine, of his comming in that

manner, and to have truce till they could but once more send to their King

to know his pleasure, which if it were not agreeable to their expectation,

then they would fight with us, and defend their owne as they could, which

was but onely to deferre the time, to carrie away their provision; yet wee

promised them truce till the next day at noone, and then if they would

fight with us, they should know when we would begin by our Drums and

Trumpets.

_Two of Powhatans sonnes come to see Pocahontas._

Upon this promise, two of Powhatans sonnes came unto us to see their

sister, at whose sight, seeing her well, though they heard to the

contrarie, they much rejoiced, promising they would perswade her father to

redeeme her, and for ever be friends with us. And upon this, the two

brethren went aboord with us, and we sent Master John Rolfe and Master

Sparkes to Powhatan, to acquaint him with the businesse; kindly they were

entertained, but not admitted the presence of Powhatan, but they spoke

with Opechancanough, his brother and successor; hee promised to doe the

best he could to Powhatan, all might be well. So it being Aprill, and time

to prepare our ground and set our Corne, we returned to James Towne,

promising the forbearance of their performing their promise, till the next

harvest.

A.D. 1613.

_Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer._

_The marriage of Pocahontas to Master John Rolfe._

Long before this, Master John Rolfe, an honest Gentleman, and of good

behaviour, had beene in love with Pocahontas, and she with him, which

thing at that instant I made knowne to Sir Thomas Dale by a letter from

him, wherein hee intreated his advice, and she acquainted her brother with

it, which resolution Sir Thomas Dale well approved: the brute of this

mariage came soone to the knowledge of Powhatan, a thing acceptable to

him, as appeared by his sudden consent, for within ten daies he sent

Opachisco, an old Uncle of hers, and two of his sons, to see the manner of

the marriage, and to doe in that behalfe what they were requested, for the

confirmation thereof, as his deputie; which was accordingly done about the

first of Aprill: And ever since wee have had friendly trade and commerce,

as well with Powhatan himselfe, as all his subjects.

_The Chicahamanias desire friendship._

Besides this, by the meanes of Powhatan, we became [IV.114.] in league

with our next neighbours, the Chicahamanias, a lustie and a daring people,

free of themselves. These people, so soone as they heard of our peace with

Powhatan, sent two messengers with presents to Sir Thomas Dale, and

offered him their service, excusing all former injuries, hereafter they

would ever be King James his subjects, and relinquish the name of

Chickahamania, to be called Tassautessus, as they call us, and Sir Thomas

Dale there Governour, as the Kings Deputie; onely they desired to be

governed by their owne Lawes, which is eight of their Elders as his

substitutes. This offer he kindly accepted, and appointed the day hee

would come to visit them.

When the appointed day came, Sir Thomas Dale and Captaine Argall with

fiftie men well appointed, went to Chickahamania, where wee found the

people expecting our comming, they used us kindly, and the next morning

sate in counsell, to conclude their peace upon these conditions:

_Articles of Peace._

First, they should for ever bee called Englishmen, and bee true subjects

to King James and his Deputies.

Secondly, neither to kill nor detaine any of our men, nor cattell, but

bring them home.

Thirdly, to bee alwaies ready to furnish us with three hundred men,

against the Spaniards or any.

Fourthly, they shall not enter our townes, but send word they are new

Englishmen.

Fiftly, that every fighting man, at the beginning of harvest, shall bring

to our store two bushels of Corne, for tribute, for which they shall

receive so many Hatchets.

Lastly, the eight chiefe men should see all this performed, or receive the

punishment themselves: for their diligence they should have a red coat, a

copper chaine, and King James his picture, and be accounted his Noblemen.

All this they concluded with a generall assent, and a great shout to

confirme it: then one of the old men began an Oration, bending his speech

first to the old men, then to the young, and then to the women and

children, to make them understand how strictly they were to observe these

conditions, and we would defend them from the furie of Powhatan, or any

enemie whatsoever, and furnish them with Copper, Beads, and Hatchets; but

all this was rather for feare Powhatan and we, being so linked together,

would bring them againe to his subjection; the which to prevent, they did

rather chuse to be protected by us, than tormented by him, whom they held

a Tyrant. And thus wee returned againe to James towne.

_The benefit of libertie in the planters._

_Wiliam Spence the first Farmer in Virginia._ {MN}

When our people were fed out of the common store, and laboured jointly

together, glad was he could slip from his labour, or slumber over his

taske he cared not how, nay, the most honest among them would hardly take

so much true paines in a weeke, as now for themselves they will doe in a

day, neither cared they for the increase, presuming that howsoever the

harvest prospered, the generall store must maintaine them, so that wee

reaped not so much Corne from the labours of thirtie, as now three or

foure doe provide for themselves. To prevent which, Sir Thomas Dale hath

allotted every man three Acres of cleare ground, in the nature of Farmes,

except the Bermudas, who are exempted, but for one moneths service in the

yeere, which must neither bee in seed-time, nor harvest; for which doing,

no other dutie they pay yeerely to the store, but two barrels and a halfe

of Corne {MN} (from all those Farmers, whereof the first was William

Spence, an honest, valiant, and an industrious man, and hath continued

from 1607. to this present) from those is expected such a contribution to

the store, as wee shall neither want for our selves, nor to entertaine our

supplies; for the rest, they are to worke eleven moneths for the store,

and hath one moneth onely allowed them to get provision to keepe them for

twelve, except two bushels of Corne they have out of the store; if those

can live so, why should any feare starving, and it were much better to

denie them passage, that would not ere they come, bee content to ingage

themselves to those conditions: for onely from the slothfull and idle

drones, [IV.115.] and none else, hath sprung the manifold imputations,

Virginia innocently hath undergone; and therefore I would deter such from

comming here, that cannot well brooke labour, except they will undergoe

much punishment and penurie, if they escape the skurvie: but for the

industrious, there is reward sufficient, and if any thinke there is

nothing but bread, I referre you to his relations that discovered the

Countrie first.

A.D. 1614.

_Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer._

The government left to Sir Thomas Dale upon

Sir Thomas Gates returne for England.

_Captaine Argalls voyage to Port Royall._

Sir Thomas Dale understanding there was a plantation of Frenchmen in the

north part of Virginia, about the degrees of 45. sent Captaine Argall to

Port Royall and Sancta Crux, where finding the Frenchmen abroad dispersed

in the Woods, surprized their Ship and Pinnace, which was but newly come

from France, wherein was much good apparel, and other provision, which he

brought to James towne, but the men escaped, and lived among the Salvages

of those Countries.

It pleased Sir Thomas Dale, before my returne to England, because I would

be able to speake somewhat of my owne knowledge, to give mee leave to

visit Powhatan and his Court: being provided, I had Thomas Salvage with

mee, for my Interpreter, with him and two Salvages for guides, I went from

the Bermuda in the morning, and came to Matchot the next night, where the

King lay upon the River of Pamaunke; his entertainment was strange to me,

the boy he knew well, and told him; My child, I gave you leave, being my

boy, to goe see your friends, and these foure yeeres I have not seene you,

nor heard of my owne man Namoutack I sent to England, though many ships

since have beene returned thence: Having done with him, hee began with

mee, and demanded for the chaine of pearle he sent his brother Sir Thomas

Dale at his first arrivall, which was a token betwixt them, when ever hee

should send a messenger from himselfe to him, he should weare that chaine

about his necke, since the peace was concluded, otherwaies he was to binde

him and send him home.

_Master Hamars journey to Powhatan._

It is true Sir Thomas Dale had sent him such word, and gave his Page order

to give it me, but he forgot it, and till this present I never heard of

it, yet I replyed I did know there was such an order, but that was when

upon a sudden he should have occasion to send an Englishman without an

Indian Guide; but if his owne people should conduct his messenger, as two

of his did me who knew my message, it was sufficient; with which answer he

was contented, and so conducted us to his house, where was a guard of two

hundred Bow-men, that alwaies attend his person. The first thing he did,

he offered me a pipe of Tobacco, then asked mee how his brother Sir Thomas

Dale did, and his daughter, and unknowne sonne, and how they lived, loved

and liked; I told him his brother was well, and his daughter so contented,

she would not live againe with him; whereat he laughed, and demanded the

cause of my comming: I told him my message was private, and I was to

deliver it onely to himselfe and Papaschicher, one of my guides that was

acquainted with it; instantly he commanded all out of the house, but onely

his two Queenes, that alwaies sit by him, and bade me speake on.

_His message to Powhatan._

I told him, by my Interpreter, Sir Thomas Dale hath sent you two pieces of

Copper, five strings of white and blue Beads, five woodden Combes, ten

Fish-hookes, a paire of Knives, and that when you would send for it, hee

would give you a Grind-stone; all this pleased him: but then I told him

his brother Dale, hearing of the fame of his youngest daughter, desiring

in any case he would send her by me unto him, in testimonie of his love,

as well for that he intended to marry her, as the desire her sister had to

see her, because being now one people, and hee desirous for ever to dwell

in his Countrie, he conceived there could not be a truer assurance of

peace and friendship, than in such a naturall band of an united union.

I needed not entreat his answer by his oft interrupting [IV.116.] mee in

my speech, and presently with much gravitie he thus replyed.

_Powhatans answer._

I gladly accept your salute of love and peace, which while I live, I shall

exactly keepe, his pledges thereof I receive with no lesse thanks,

although they are not so ample as formerly he had received; but for my

daughter, I have sold her within this few daies to a great Werowance, for

two bushels of Rawrenoke, three daies journie from me. I replyed, I knew

his greatnesse in restoring the Rawrenoke, might call her againe to

gratifie his brother, and the rather, because she was but twelve yeeres

old, assuring him, besides the band of peace, hee should have for her,

three times the worth of the Rawrenoke, in Beads, Copper, Hatchets, &c.

His answer was, he loved his daughter as his life, and though hee had

many children, hee delighted in none so much as shee, whom he should not

often behold, he could not possibly live, which she living with us he

could not do, having resolved upon no termes to put himselfe into our

hands, or come amongst us; therefore desired me to urge him no further,

but returne his brother this answer: That I desire no firmer assurance of

his friendship, than the promise hee hath made, from me he hath a pledge,

one of my daughters, which so long as she lives shall be sufficient, when

she dies, he shall have another: I hold it not a brotherly part to desire

to bereave me of my two children at once. Farther, tell him though he had

no pledge at all, hee need not distrust any injurie from me or my people;

there have beene too many of his men and mine slaine, and by my occasion

there shall never be more, (I which have power to performe it, have said

it) although I should have just cause, for I am now old, & would gladly

end my daies in peace; if you offer me injurie, any countrie is large

enough to goe from you: Thus much I hope will satisfie my brother. Now

because you are wearie, and I sleepie, wee will thus end. So commanding us

victuall and lodging, we rested that night, and the next morning he came

to visit us, and kindly conducted us to the best cheere hee had. William

Parker.

_William Parker recovered._

While I here remained, by chance came an Englishman, whom there had beene

surprized three yeeres agoe at Fort Henry, growne so like, both in

complexion and habit like a Salvage, I knew him not, but by his tongue:

hee desired mee to procure his libertie, which I intended, and so farre

urged Powhatan, that he grew discontented, and told mee, You have one of

my daughters, and I am content, but you cannot see one of your men with

mee, but you must have him away, or breake friendship; if you must needs

have him, you shall goe home without guides, and if any evill befall you,

thanke your selves: I told him I would, but if I returned not well, hee

must expect a revenge, and his brother might have just cause to suspect

him. So in passion he left me till supper, and then gave me such as hee

had with a cheereful countenance: About midnight hee awaked us, and

promised in the morning my returne with Parker; but I must remember his

brother to send him ten great piece of Copper, a Shaving-knife, a Frowe,

a Grind-stone, a Net, Fish-hookes, and such toies; which lest I should

forget, he caused me write in a table-booke he had; however he got it, it

was a faire one, I desired hee would give it me; he told me, no, it did

him much good in shewing to strangers, yet in the morning when we

departed, having furnished us well with provision, he gave each of us a

Bucks skin as well dressed as could be, and sent two more to his sonne and

daughter: And so we returned to James towne. Written by Master Ralph Hamor

and John Rolph.

_From a letter of Sir Thomas Dale and Mater Whittakers._

I have read the substance of this relation, in a Letter written by Sir

Thomas Dale, another by Master Whitaker and a third by Master John Rolfe;

how carefull they were to instruct her in Christianity, and how capable

and desirous shee was thereof, after she had beene some time thus tutored,

shee never had desire to goe to her father, nor could well endure the

society of her owne nation: the true affection she constantly bare her

husband was much, and the strange apparitions and violent passions he

endured for her love, as he deeply protested, was wonderful, and she

openly renounced her countries [IV.117.] idolatry, confessed the faith of

Christ, and was baptized, but either the coldnesse of the adventurers, or

the bad usage of that was collected, or both, caused this worthy Knight to

write thus. Oh why should so many Princes and Noblemen ingage themselves,

and thereby intermedling herein, have caused a number of soules transport

themselves, and be transported hither? Why should they, I say, relinquish

this so glorious an action: for if their ends be to build God a Church,

they ought to persevere; if otherwise, yet their honour ingageth them to

be constant; howsoever they stand affected, here is enough to content

them. These are the things have animated me to stay a little season from

them, I am bound in conscience to returne unto; leaving all contenting

pleasures and mundall delights, to reside here with much turmoile, which I

will rather doe than see Gods glory diminished, my King and Country

dishonoured, and these poore soules I have in charge revived, which would

quickly happen if I should leave them; so few I have with me fit to

command or manage the businesse: Master Whitaker their Preacher

complaineth, and much museth, that so few of our English Ministers, that

were so hot against the surplice and subscription come hether, where

neither is spoken of. Doe they not wilfully hide their talents, or keepe

themselves at home, for feare of losing a few pleasures; be there not any

among them of Moses his minde, and of the Apostles, that forsooke all to

follow Christ, but I refer them to the Judge of all hearts, and to the

King that shall reward every one according to his talent. From Virginia,

June 18. 1614.

The businesse being brought to this perfection, Captaine Argall returned

for England, in the latter end of June, 1614. arriving in England, and

bringing this good tidings to the Councell and company by the assistances

of Sir Thomas Gates, that also had returned from Virginia but the March

before; it was presently concluded, that to supply this good successe with

all expedition, the standing Lottery should be drawne with all diligent

conveniency, and that posterity may remember upon occasion to use the like

according to the declaration, I thinke it not amisse to remember thus

much.

A.D. 1615.

_Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer._

The Contents of the declaration of the Lottery

published by the Counsell.

It is apparent to the world, by how many former Proclamations, we

manifested our intents, to have drawn out the great standing Lottery long

before this, which not falling out as we desired, and others expected,

whose monies are adventured therein, we thought good therefore for the

avoiding all unjust and sinister constructions, to resolve the doubts of

all indifferent minded, in three speciall points for their better

satisfaction.

But ere I goe any farther, let us remember there was a running Lottery,

used a long time in Saint Pauls Church-yard, where this stood, that

brought into the Treasury good summes of mony dayly, though the Lot was

but small.

Now for the points, the first is, for as much as the Adventurers came in

so slackly for the yeere past, without prejudice to the generality, in

losing the blankes and prises, we were forced to petition to the

honourable Lords, who out of their noble care to further this Plantation,

have recommended their Letsenters to the Countries, Cities, and good

townes in England, which we hope by adding in their voluntary Adventurers,

will sufficiently supply us.

The second for satisfaction to all honest well affected minds, is, that

though this expectation answer not our hopes, yet wee have not failed in

our Christian care, the good of that Colony, to whom we have lately sent

two sundry supplies, and were they but now supplied with more hands, wee

should soone resolve the division of the Country by Lot, and so lessen the

generall charge.

The third is our constant resolution, that seeing our credits are so farre

ingaged to the honourable Lords and [IV.118.] the whole State, for the

drawing this great Lottery, which we intend shall be without delay, the

26. of June next, desiring all such as have undertaken with bookes to

solicit their friends, that they will not with-hold their monies till the

last moneth be expired, lest we be unwillingly forced to proportion a

lesse value and number of our Blankes and Prises which hereafter

followeth.

Welcomes.

Crownes.

To him that first shall be drawne out with a

blanke, 100

To the second, 50

To the third, 25

To him that every day during the drawing of this

Lottery, shall bee first drawne out with a blanke, 10

Prizes Crownes.

1 Great Prize of 4500

2 Great Prizes, each of 2000

4 Great Prizes, each of 1000

6 Great Prizes, each of 500

10 Prizes, each of 300

20 Prizes, each of 200

100 Prizes, each of 100

200 Prizes, each of 50

400 Prizes, each of 20

1000 Prizes, each of 10

1000 Prizes, each of 8

1000 Prizes, each of 6

4000 Prizes, each of 4

1000 Prizes, each of 3

1000 Prizes, each of 2

Rewards.

Crownes.

To him that shall be last drawne out with a

blanke, 25

To him that putteth in the greatest Lot, under one

name, 400

To him that putteth in the second greatest number, 300

To him that putteth in the third greatest number, 200

To him that putteth in the fourth greatest number, 100

If divers be of equall number, their rewards are to be divided

proportionally.

Addition of new Rewards.

Crownes.

The blanke that shall bee drawne out next

before the great Prize shall have 25

The blanke that shall be drawne out next after the

said great Prize 25

The blancks that shall be drawne out immediatly

before the two next great Prizes, shall have

each of them 20

The severall blankes next after them, each shall

have 20

The severall blankes next before the foure great

Prizes, each shall have 15

The severall blankes next after them, each shall

have 15

The severall blankes next before the six great

Prizes, each shall have 10

The severall blankes next after them, each shall

have 10

[IV.119.] The prizes, welcomes, and rewards, shall be payed in ready Mony,

Plate, or other goods reasonably rated; if any dislike of the plate or

goods, he shall have mony, abating only the tenth part, except in small

prizes of ten Crownes or under.

The mony for the Adventurers is to be paied to Sir Thomas Smith, Knight,

and Treasurer for Virginia, or such Officers as he shall appoint in City

or Country, under the common seale of the company for the receit thereof.

All prizes, welcomes and rewards drawne where ever they dwell, shall of

the Treasurer have present pay, and whosoever under one name or poesie

payeth three pound in ready money, shall receive six shillings and eight

pence, or a silver spoone of that value at his choice.

_A Spanish Ship in Virginia._

About this time it chanced a Spanish ship, beat too and againe before

point Comfort, and at last sent a shore their boat, as desirous of a

Pilot. Captaine James Davis the governor, immediatly gave them one, but he

was no sooner in the boat, but away they went with him, leaving three of

their companions behind them; this sudden accident occasioned some

distrust, and a strict examination of those three thus left, yet with as

good usage as our estate could afford them. They only confessed having

lost their Admirall, accident had forced them into those parts, and two of

them were Captaines, and in chiefe authority in the fleet: thus they lived

till one of them was found to be an Englishman, and had been the

Spaniards Pilot for England in 88. and having here induced some

male-contents, to beleeve his projects, to run away with a small barke,

which was apprehended, some executed, and he expecting but the Hangmans

curtesie, directly confessed that two or three Spanish ships was at Sea,

purposely to discover the estate of the Colony, but their Commission was

not to be opened till they arrived in the Bay, so that of any thing more

he was utterly ignorant. One of the Spaniards at last dyed, the other was

sent for England but this reprieved, till Sir Thomas Dale hanged him at

Sea in his voyage home-ward; the English Pilot they carried for Spaine,

whom after a long time imprisonment, with much sute was returned for

England.

1616.

_Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer._

Whilst those things were effecting, Sir Thomas Dale, having setled to his

thinking all things in good order, made choice of one Master George

Yearly, to be Deputy-Governour in his absence, and so returned for

England, accompanied with Pocahontas the Kings Daughter, and Master Rolfe

her husband, and arrived at Plimmoth the 12. of June, 1616.

The government left to Captaine Yearly.

_A digression._

Now a little to commentary upon all these proceedings, let me leave but

this as a caveat by the way; if the alteration of government hath

subverted great Empires, how dangerous is it then in the infancy of a

common-weale? The multiplicity of Governors is a great damage to any

State, but uncertaine daily changes are burdensome, because their

entertainments are chargeable, and many will make hay whilst the sunne

doth shine, how ever it shall fare with the generality.

This deare bought Land with so much bloud and cost, hath onely made some

few rich, and all the rest losers. But it was intended at the first, the

first undertakers should be first preferred and rewarded, and the first

adventurers satisfied, and they of all the rest are the most neglected;

and those that never adventured a groat, never see the Country, nor ever

did any service for it, imploied in their places, adorned with their

deserts, and inriched with their ruines; and when they are fed fat, then

in commeth others so leane as they were, who through their omnipotency doe

as much. Thus what one Officer doth, another undoth, only ayming at their

owne ends, thinking all the world derides his dignity, cannot fill his

Coffers being in authority with any thing. Every man hath His minde free,

but he can never be a true member to that [IV. 120.] estate, that to

enrich himselfe beggers all the Countrie. Which bad course, there are many

yet in this noble plantation, whose true honour and worth as much scornes

it, as the others loves it; for the Nobilitie and Gentrie, there is scarce

any of them expects any thing but the prosperitie of the action: and there

are some Merchants and others, I am confidently perswaded, doe take more

care and paines, nay, and at their continuall great charge, than they

could be hired to for the love of money, so honestly regarding the

generall good of this great worke, they would hold it worse than

sacrilege, to wrong it but a shilling, or extort upon the common souldier

a penny. But to the purpose, and to follow the Historie.

_The government of Captaine Yearley._

_Twelve Salvages slaine, Twelve prisoners taken,

and peace concluded._ {MN-1}

_Eleven men cast away._ {MN-2}

_A bad president._ {MN-3}

Mr. George Yearly now invested Deputie Governour by Sir Thomas Dale,

applied himselfe for the most part in planting Tobacco, as the most

present commoditie they could devise for a present gaine, so that every

man betooke himselfe to the best place he could for the purpose: now

though Sir Thomas Dale had caused such an abundance of corne to be

planted, that every man had sufficient, yet the supplies were sent us,

came so unfurnished, as quickly eased us of our superfluitie. To relieve

their necessities, he sent to the Chickahamanias for the tribute Corne Sir

Thomas Dale and Captaine Argall had conditioned for with them: But such a

bad answer they returned him, that hee drew together one hundred of his

best shot, with whom he went to Chickahamania; the people in some places

used him indifferently, but in most places with much scorne and contempt,

telling him he was but Sir Thomas Dales man, and they had payed his Master

according to condition, but to give any to him they had no such order,

neither would they obey him as they had done his Master; after he had told

them his authoritie, and that he had the same power to enforce them that

Dale had, they dared him to come on shore to fight, presuming more of his

not daring, than their owne valours. Yearly seeing their insolencies, made

no great difficultie to goe on shore at Ozinies, and they as little to

incounter him: but marching from thence towards Mamanahunt, they put

themselves in the same order they see us, lead by their Captaine

Kissanacomen, Governour of Ozinies, & so marched close along by us, each

as threatning other who should first begin. But that night we quartered

against Mamanahunt, and they passed the River. The next day we followed

them; there are few places in Virginia had then more plaine ground

together, nor more plentie of Corne, which although it was but newly

gathered, yet they had hid it in the woods where we could not finde it: a

good time we spent thus in arguing the cause, the Salvages without feare

standing in troupes amongst us, seeming as if their countenances had beene

sufficient to dant us: what other practises they had I know not; but to

prevent the worst, our Captaine caused us all to make ready, and upon the

word, to let flie among them, where he appointed: others also he commanded

to seize on them they could for prisoners; all which being done according

to our direction, {MN-1} the Captaine gave the word, and wee presently

discharged, where twelve lay, some dead, the rest for life sprawling on

the ground, twelve more we tooke prisoners, two whereof were brothers, two

of their eight Elders, the one tooke by Sergeant Boothe, the other by

Robert a Polonian; Neere one hundred bushels of Corne we had for their

ransomes, which was promised the Souldiers for a reward, but it was not

performed: now Opechankanough had agreed with our Captaine for the

subjecting of those people, that neither hee nor Powhatan could ever bring

to their obedience, and that he should make no peace with them without his

advice: in our returne by Ozinies with our prisoners wee met

Opechankanough, who with much adoe, fained with what paines hee had

procured their peace, the which to requite, they called him the King of

Ozinies, and brought him from all parts many presents of Beads, Copper,

and such trash as they had; here as at many other times wee were beholding

to Captaine Henry Spilman our Interpreter, a Gentleman had lived long time

in this Countrie, and sometimes a prisoner among the Salvages, and done

much good service, though but badly rewarded. From hence we marcht [IV.121]

towards James towne, {MN-2} we had three Boats loaded with Corne and other

luggage, the one of them being more willing to be at James towne with the

newes than the other, was overset, and eleven men cast away with the Boat,

Corne and all their provision; notwithstanding this put all the rest of

the Salvages in that feare, especially in regard of the great league we

had with Opechankanough, that we followed our labours quietly, and in such

securitie, that divers salvages of other Nations, daily frequented us with

what provisions they could get, and would guide our men on hunting, and

oft hunt for us themselves. {MN-3} Captaine Yearly had a Salvage or two so

well trained up to their peeces, they were as expert as any of the

English, and one hee kept purposely to kill him fowle. There were divers

others had Salvages in like manner for their men. Thus we lived together,

as if wee had beene one people, all the time Captaine Yearley staied with

us, but such grudges and discontents daily increased among our selves,

that upon the arrivall of Captaine Argall, sent by the Councell and

Companie to bee our Governour, Captaine Yearley returned for England in

the yeere 1617. From the writings of Captaine Nathaniel Powell, William

Cantrill, Sergeant Boothe, Edward Gurganey.

_Pocahontas instructions._

During this time, the Lady Rebecca, alias Pocahontas, daughter to

Powhatan, by the diligent care of Master John Rolfe her husband and his

friends, was taught to speake such English as might well bee understood,

well instructed in Christianitie, and was become very formall and civill

after our English manner; shee had also by him a childe which she loved

most dearely, and the Treasurer and Company tooke order both for the

maintenance of her and it, besides there were divers persons of great

ranke and qualitie had beene very kinde to her; and before she arrived at

London, Captaine Smith to deserve her former courtesies, made her

qualities knowne to the Queenes most excellent Majestie and her Court, and

writ a little booke to this effect to the Queene: An abstract whereof

followeth.

To the most high and vertuous Princesse Queene

Anne of Great Brittanie.

Most admired Queene,

The love I beare my God, my King and Countrie, hath so oft emboldened mee

in the worst of extreme dangers, that now honestie doth constraine mee

presume thus farre beyond my selfe, to present your Majestic this short

discourse: if ingratitude be a deadly poyson to all honest vertues, I must

bee guiltie of that crime if I should omit any meanes to bee thankfull. So

it is,

_A relation to Queene Anne of Pocahontas._

That some ten yeeres agoe being in Virginia, and taken prisoner by the

power of Powhatan their chiefe King, I received from this great Salvage

exceeding great courtesie, especially from his sonne Nantaquans, the most

manliest, comeliest, boldest spirit, I ever saw in a Salvage, and his

sister Pocahontas, the Kings most deare and wel-beloved daughter, being

but a childe of twelve or thirteene yeeres of age, whose compassionate

pitifull heart, of my desperate estate, gave me much cause to respect her:

I being the first Christian this proud King and his grim attendants ever

saw: and thus inthralled in their barbarous power, I cannot say I felt the

least occasion of want that was in the power of those my mortall foes to

prevent, notwithstanding al their threats. After some six weeks fatting

amongst those Salvage Courtiers, at the minute of my execution, she

hazarded the beating out of her owne braines to save mine, and not onely

that, but so prevailed with her father, that I was safely conducted to

James towne, where I found about eight and thirtie miserable poore and

sicke creatures, to keepe possession of all those large territories of

Virginia, such was the weaknesse of this poore Commonwealth, as had the

Salvages not fed us, we directly had starved.

And this reliefe, most gracious Queene, was commonly [IV.122.] brought us

by this Lady Pocahontas, notwithstanding all these passages when inconstant

Fortune turned our peace to warre, this tender Virgin would still not spare

to dare to visit us, and by her our jarres have beene oft appeased, and our

wants still supplyed; were it the policie of her father thus to imploy her,

or the ordinance of God thus to make her his instrument, or her

extraordinarie affection to our Nation, I know not: but of this I am sure;

when her father with the utmost of his policie and power, sought to

surprize mee, having but eighteene with mee, the darke night could not

affright her from comming through the irkesome woods, and with watered eies

gave me intelligence, with her best advice to escape his furie; which had

hee knowne, hee had surely slaine her. James towne with her wild traine she

as freely frequented, as her fathers habitation; and during the time of two

or three yeeres, she next under God, was still the instrument to preserve

this Colonie from death, famine and utter confusion, which if in those

times had once beene dissolved, Virginia might have line as it was at our

first arrivall to this day. Since then, this businesse having beene turned

and varied by many accidents from that I left it at: it is most certaine,

after a long and troublesome warre after my departure, betwixt her father

and our Colonie, all which time shee was not heard of, about two yeeres

after shee her selfe was taken prisoner, being so detained neere two yeeres

longer, the Colonie by that meanes was relieved, peace concluded, and at

last rejecting her barbarous condition, was maried to an English Gentleman,

with whom at this present she is in England; the first Christian ever of

that Nation, the first Virginian ever spake English, or had a childe in

mariage by an Englishman, a matter surely, if my meaning bee truly

considered and well understood, worthy a Princes understanding.

Thus most gracious Lady, I have related to your Majestie, what at your

best leasure our approved Histories will account you at large, and done in

the time of your Majesties life, and however this might bee presented you

from a more worthy pen, it cannot from a more honest heart, as yet I never

begged any thing of the state, or any, and it is my want of abilitie and

her exceeding desert, your birth, meanes and authentic, her birth, vertue,

want and simplicitie, doth make mee thus bold, humbly to beseech your

Majestie to take this knowledge of her, though it be from one so unworthy

to be the reporter, as my selfe, her husbands estate not being able to

make her fit to attend your Majestie: the most and least I can doe, is to

tell you this, because none so oft hath tried it as my selfe, and the

rather being of so great a spirit, how ever her stature: if she should not

be well received, seeing this Kingdome may rightly have a Kingdome by her

meanes; her present love to us and Christianitie, might turne to such

scorne and furie, as to divert all this good to the worst of evill, where

finding so great a Queene should doe her some honour more than she can

imagine, for being so kinde to your servants and subjects, would so ravish

her with content, as endeare her dearest bloud to effect that, your

Majestie and all the Kings honest subjects most earnestly desire: And so

I humbly kisse your gracious hands.

_Pocahontas meeting in England with Captaine Smith._

Being about this time preparing to set saile for New-England, I could not

stay to doe her that service I desired, and she well deserved; but hearing

shee was at Branford with divers of my friends, I went to see her: After a

modest salutation, without any word, she turned about, obscured her face,

as not seeming well contented; and in that humour her husband, with divers

others, we all left her two or three houres, repenting my selfe to have

writ she could speake English. But not long after, she began to talke, and

remembred mee well what courtesies shee had done: saying, You did promise

Powhatan what was yours should bee his, and he the like to you; you called

him father being in his land a stranger, and by the same reason so must I

doe you: which though I would have excused, I durst not allow of that

title, because she was a Kings daughter; with a well set countenance she

said, Were you not afraid to come into my fathers Countrie, and caused

feare in him and all his people (but mee) and feare you here I should call

you father; I tell [IV.123.] you then I will, and you shall call mee

childe, and so I will bee for ever and ever your Countrieman. They did

tell us alwaies you were dead, and I knew no other till I came to Plimoth;

yet Powhatan did command Uttamatomakkin to seeke you, and know the truth,

because your Countriemen will lie much.

_Uttamacomack, observations of his usage._

This Salvage, one of Powhatans Councell, being amongst them held an

understanding fellow; the King purposely sent him, as they say, to number

the people here, and informe him well what wee were and our state.

Arriving at Plimoth, according to his directions, he got a long sticke,

whereon by notches hee did thinke to have kept the number of all the men

hee could see, but he was quickly wearie of that taske: Comming to London,

where by chance I met him, having renewed our acquaintance, where many

were desirous to heare and see his behaviour, hee told me Powhatan did bid

him to finde me out, to shew him our God, the King, Queene, and Prince, I

so much had told them of: Concerning God, I told him the best I could, the

King I heard he had seene, and the rest hee should see when he would; he

denied ever to have seene the King, till by circumstances he was satisfied

he had: Then he replyed very sadly, You gave Powhatan a white Dog, which

Powhatan fed as himselfe, but your King gave me nothing, and I am better

than your white Dog.

_Pocahontas her entertainment with the Queene._