meane time two children were borne, the Boy was called Bermudas, the Girle
Bermuda, and amongst all those sorrowes they had a merry English mariage;
the forme of those Iles you may see at large in the Map of Mr. Norwood,
where you may plainly see no place knowne hath better walls, nor a broader
ditch. But having finished and rigged their two new Cedar ships with such
provisions they saved from the Sea-adventurer they left amongst the Rocks,
they called the one the Patience, the other the Deliverance; they used
Lime and Oile, as May did for Pitch and Tar. Sir George Summers had in his
Barke no Iron at all but one bolt in her Keele; now having made their
provisions of victuall and all things ready, they set saile the tenth of
May 1610. onely leaving two men behinde them, called Christopher Carter
and Edward Waters, that for their offences, or the suspition they had of
their judgements, fled into the woods, and there rather desired to end
their daies then stand to their trials and the event of Justice; for one
of their consorts was shot to death, and Waters being tied to a tree also
to be executed, had by chance a Knife about him, and so secretly cut the
Rope, he ran into the woods where they could not finde him. There were two
Salvages also sent from Virginia by Captain Smith, the one called
Namuntack, the other Matchumps, but some such differences fell betweene
them, that Matchumps slew Namuntack, and having made a hole to bury him,
because it was too short, he cut of his legs and laid them by him, which
murder he concealed till he was in Virginia.
A.D. 1610
_Their arrivall in Virginia._
The foure and twentieth of the same moneth they arrived in Virginia at
James towne, where they found but threescore persons, as you may reade at
large in the History of Virginia, of the five hundred left by Captaine
Smith, also of the arrivall of the Lord Laware, that met [V.176.] them
thus bound for England, returned them backe, and understanding what plenty
there was of hogs and other good things in the Bermudas, was desirous to
send thither to supply his necessary occasions; whereupon Sir George
Summers, the best acquainted with the place, whose noble minde ever
regarded a generall good more then his owne ends, though above threescore
yeeres of age, and had meanes in England sutable to his ranke, offered
himselfe by Gods helpe to performe this dangerous voyage againe for the
Bermudas, which was kindly accepted, so upon the 19. of June, he imbarked
in his Cedar ship, about the burthen of thirty tunnes, and so set saile.
_Sir George Somers his return to the Bermudas._
Much foule and crosse weather he had, and was forced to the North parts of
Virginia, where refreshing himselfe upon this unknowne coast, he could not
bee diverted from the search of the Bermudas, where at last with his
company he safely arrived: but such was his diligence with his
extraordinary care, paines and industry to dispatch his businesse, and the
strength of his body not answering the ever memorable courage of his
minde, having lived so long in such honourable services, the most part of
his well beloved and vertuous life, God and nature here determined, should
ever remaine a perpetuall memory of his much bewailed sorrow for his
death: finding his time but short, after he had taken the best course he
could to settle his estate, like a valiant Captaine he exhorted them with
all diligence to be constant to those Plantations, and with all expedition
to returne to Virginia. In that very place which we now call Saint Georges
towne, this noble Knight died, whereof the place taketh the name. But his
men, as men amazed, seeing the death of him who was even as the life of
them all, embalmed his body and set saile for England, being the first
that ever went to seeke those Ilands, which have beene ever since called
Summers Iles, in honour of his worthy memory, leaving three men behind
them, that voluntarily stayed, whose names were Christopher Carter, Edward
Waters, there formerly left as is said, and Edward Chard. This Cedar ship
at last with his dead body arrived at Whit-Church in Dorsetshire, where by
his friends he was honourably buried, with many vollies of shot, and the
rites of a Souldier, and upon his tombe was bestowed this Epitaph.
_His Epitaph._
Hei mihi Virginia quod tam cito praeterit AEstas,
Autumnus sequitur, saeviet inde & hiems;
At ver perpetuum nascetur, & Anglia laeta,
Decerpit flores florida terra tuas.
In English thus:
Alas Virginia's Summer so soone past,
Autumne succeeds and stormy Winters blast,
Yet Englands joyfull Spring with joyfull showers,
O Florida, shall bring thy sweetest flowers.
_The proceedings of the three men._
_A peece of Amber-greece of_ 80. _pound weight._ {MN}
The honour of this resulution belongs principally to Carter, for through
his importunity, not to leave such a place abandoned, Chard & Waters were
moved to stay with him, and the rest promised with all the speed they
could againe to revisit them. But the ship once out of sight, those three
Lords, the sole inhabitants of all those Ilands, began to erect their
little common wealth for a while with brotherly regency, repairing the
ground, planting Corne, and such seeds and fruits as they had, building a
house, &c. Then making privy search amongst the crevises and corners of
those craggy Rocks, what this maine Ocean since the worlds creation had
throwne amongst them, {MN} at last they chanced upon the greatest peece of
Amber-greece was ever seene or heard or in one lumpe, being in weight
fourescore pound, besides divers other small Peeces.
But now being rich, they grew so proud and ambitious, [V.177.] contempt
tooke such place, they fell out for superiority, though but three forlorne
men, more then three thousand miles from their native Country, and but
small hope ever to see it againe. Notwithstanding, they sometimes fell
from words to blowes about meere trifles: in one of which fights, one of
them was bitten with his owne dog, as if the dumbe beast would reprove
them of their folly; at last Chard and Waters, the two greater spirits,
must try it out in the field, but Carter wisely stole away their weapons,
affecting rather to live amongst his enemies, then by being rid of them
live alone; and thus those miserable men lived full two yeeres, so that
all their clothes were neere worne cleane from their backs, and their
hopes of any forraine releefe as naked as their bodies. At last they began
to recover their wits, yet in a fashion perhaps would have cost them
dearer then when they were mad; for concluding a tripartite peace of their
Matachin warre, they resolved to frame as good a Boat as they could, and
therein to make a desperate attempt for Virginia, or New found Land; but
no sooner were they entred into that resolution, but they descried a saile
standing in for the shore, though they neither knew what she was, nor what
she would, they were so over-joyed, with all possible speed they went to
meet her, and according to their hearts desire she proved an English-man,
whom they safely conducted into their harbour.
A.D. 1611
_How they were supplied._
Now you are to understand, that Captaine Matthew Somers, Nephew and heire
to Sir George, that returned with his dead body, though both he and his
Company did their utmost in relating all those passages to their
Countrey-men and adventurers, their relations were beleeved but as
travellers tales, till it came to be apprehended by some of the Virginia
Company, how beneficiall it might be, and helpfull to the Plantation in
Virginia, so that some one hundred and twentie of them bought the
pretended right of all the Company, and had sent this ship to make a
triall; but first they had obtained Letters Patents of the Kings most
excellent Majestie. Sir Thomas Smith was elected Treasurer and Governor
heere, and Master Richard More to be Governor of the Iles and Colony
there.
A.D. 1612.
The first beginning of a Colonie in the Somer Iles, under the command
of Master Richard More, extracted out of a plot of Master Richard
Norwood Surveior, and the relations of divers others.
1612.
_Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer._
_The arrivall of Master More._
Master More thus finding those three men not onely well and lusty, but
well stored with divers sorts of provisions, as an Acre of Corne ready to
be gathered, numbers of Pumpions and Indian Beanes, many Tortoises ready
taken, good store of hogs flesh salted, and made in flitches of Bacon,
were very good, and so presently landed his goods and sixty persons
towards the beginning of July 1612. upon the South side of Smiths Ile.
_Their differences about the Amber-greece._
Not long after his arrivall, More having some private intelligence of this
Amber-greece, tooke first Chard in examination, he being one of the three
the most masterfull spirit, what Amber-greece, Pearle, Treasure, or other
Commodities they had found. Chard no lesse witty then resolute, directly
answered; Not any thing at all but the fruits of the Ile, what his
fellowes had done he knew not, but if they had, he doubted not but to
finde it out, and then hee should know it certainly. This he spake onely
to win time to sweare his Consorts to secrecy, and he would finde the
meanes how they should all returne in that ship with it all for England,
otherwise they should be deceived of all. Till this was effected they
thought every houre an age; now for the better conveiance of it aboord,
they acquainted it to Captaine Davis, master of the ship, and one Master
Edwin Kendall, that for their secrecy and transportation should
participate with them: Without further ceremony the match was accepted,
and absolutely concluded, the plot laid, time and place set downe to have
it aboord. But Carter, were it for feare the Governor at last should know
of it, to whom so oft [V.178.] they had denied it; or that the rest should
deceive him, is uncertaine; but most certaine it is, he revealed all the
plot to Master More: To get so much wealth he knew would please them in
England, though it did displease all his Company, and to lose such a prize
he would not for hazarding a mutiny. So first hee revealed himselfe to
Kendall in faire tearmes, reproving his dishonesty, but not being answered
according to his expectation, he committed both Chard and him to person.
The next Sabboath day Davis comming on shore, More also taxed with very
hard language and many threats, to lay him fast also if he mended not his
manners; Davis for the present replied little, but went with him to the
place of praier: but in the midst of divine service he goeth away,
commanding all his Sea-men to follow him presently aboord, where he
encourageth them to stand to him like men, and hee would free the
Prisoners, have all the Amber-greece for themselves, and so be gone.
_Chard in danger of hanging._
The Governor hearing of this resolution, prepares with his company to
repulse force with force, so that a generall expectance or a civill
uncivill warre possessed every man; but this threatning gust passed over
more calmlier then was expected; for Davis having better advised with
himselfe, repented his rashnesse, and desired a reconcilement with the
Governor. Peace thus concluded, Kendall was set at libertie, but Chard was
condemned, and upon the ladder to be hanged for his obstinacy; yet upon
better consideration More reprived him, but kept him a prisoner all the
time he staied in the Country, which was generally thought a very bad
reward for his great desert, and that there was more of this Amber-greece
imbeziled, then would have contented all the finders, that never had any
consideration at all. The greatest part though More thus recovered, yet
Davis and Kendall had so much, either by the ignorance or connivency of
the Governors, that arriving in England, they prepared themselves for a
new voiage; at last they two falling out, the Company having notice
thereof, so tormented them both, they gave over their voiage, and durst
not be seene a long time after.
_Master Mores industry in fortifying and planting._
The Governor thus rid of the ship and those discontents, removed his seat
from Smiths Ile to Saint Georges, after he had fitted up some small
Cabbens of Palmata leaves for his wife and family, in that valley where
now stands their prime towne called S. Georges, hee began to apply
himselfe to fortifie the Countrey, and training his men in the exercise of
armes. For although he was but a Carpenter, he was an excellent Artist, a
good Gunner, very witty and industrious: he built and laid the foundation
of eight or nine Forts, called the Kings Castle, Charles Fort, Pebrook's
Fort, Smiths Fort, Pagits Fort, Gates Fort, Warwicks Castle, Saint
Katharines Fort, &c. mounting in them all the Ordnance he had, preparing
the ground to build Houses, plant Corne, and such Fruits as they had.
_A contention of the Minister against the Governor._
Being thus busied, and as the necessitie of the time required, keeping his
men somewhat hard at wok, Master Keath his Minister, were it by the
secret provocation of some drones, that grew weary or their taskes, or
his affection to popularity is not certaine: But he begins to tax the
Governor in the Pulpit, hee did grinde the faces of the poore, oppressing
his Christian brethren with Pharoahs taxes. More finding this in short
time, might breed ill bloud, called the Company together and also the
Minister, urging them plainly, to tell him wherein he had deserved those
hard accusations: whereupon, with an universall cry they affirmed the
contrary, so that Keath downe of his knees to aske him forgivenesse. But
Master More kindly tooke him up, willing him to kneele to God, and
hereafter be more modest and charitable in his speeches; notwithstanding
two other discontents so upbraided More with that doctrine, and stood to
maintaine it, he impaneled a Jury, with a great deale of seeming much adoe
he would hang them being condemned, one of them with the very feare, fell
into a dead Palsie; so that the other was set at libertie, and proved
after a very good labourer.
_Two peeces weighed out of the Sea Adventure._
Many conclusions he tried about the Sea-venture, the [V.179.] wracke of
Sir George Somers, but he got onely for his paines but two peece of
Ordnance. Having framed a Church of timber, it was blowne downe by a
tempest, so that he built another in a more closer place with Palmeta
leaves.
_The first supply._
Before this yeere was expired, the adventurers sent them an adviso with
thirtie Passengers and good provisions, to prepare with all expedition for
their defence against the Spaniard, whom they understood ere long would
visit them: This occasioned him to keepe all his men together in that Ile
so hard at worke, that wanting libertie to goe abroad for food, living
onely on that they had, and expected daily to receive from England, they
were so over-toiled, many fell sicke, but none died. Very earnest this
ship was to have all the Amber-greece, which M. More perceiving, was the
chiefest cause of their comming, and that it was the onely loadstone to
draw from England still more supplies; for all the expresse command sent
from the Company, he returned this ship but with the one third part; so
from thence she went to Virginia, and not long; after arrived safely in
England.
A.D. 1613.
_Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer._
_The second supply._
_A strange increase of Potatoes._ {MN-1}
_The attempt of two Spanish ships._ {MN-2}
But before her returne the Company sent the Martha with sixtie Passengers
more; they arrived in June with one Master Bartlet to survey the Iland,
and the estate of the Colonie, with expresse command for all the
Amber-greece: but More perceiving him not as he would have him, and that
the Company began to mistrust him, would send no more but another third
part, wherewith they returned, leaving a French-man to make triall of the
Mulberies for Silke, but he did not bring any thing to perfection;
excusing himselfe, they were not the right Mulberies he expected. About
this time they were in hope of a small crop of Tobacco, but it was most
spoiled for want of knowledge to use it. Now in England Master More became
amongst the Merchants marvelous distastfull, for the detaining so long the
Amber-greece; which delaies they so much abhorred, they forthwith
dispatched the Elizabeth the second time and forty Passengers, much
rebuking More for so long detaining the Amber-greece: for the which,
having now no more colourable excuses, he delivered it, wherewith the
ship went to Virginia, & thence home. {MN-1} In this ship was brought the
first Potato roots, which flourished exceedingly for a time, till by
negligence they were almost lost (all but two cast-away roots) that so
wonderfully have increased, they are a maine releefe to all the
Inhabitants. {MN-2} This ship was not long gone but there came two Spanish
ships, sounding with their Boat, which attempted to come in: but from the
Kings Castle Master More made but two shot, which caused them presently
depart. Marke here the handy-worke of the divine providence, for they had
but three quarters of a barrell of powder, and but one shot more, and the
powder by carelesnesse was tumbled downe under the mussels of the two
peeces were discharged, yet not touched with fire when they were
discharged.
This feare thus past, appeares another much worse, which was the extremity
of famine; in this extremity God sent Captaine Daniel Elfrid with a
carvell of meale which a little relieved them, but brought withall so many
Rats, that within two yeeres after neere ruined all; now though Elfrid had
deceived his friend Fisher of this Carvell in the West-Indies they
revenged Fishers injury, for Elfrid had his passage for England, and they
made use of all he had. Some two moneths after, came in the Blessing with
an hundred Passengers; and two daies after the Starre with a hundred and
fourescore more, amongst which were many Gentlemen, as Master Lower for
Marshall, Master Barret, Master Felgate, and divers others; but very
unproper for what they undertooke. Within foureteene daies after came in
the Margaret and two Frygats, and in them one hundred and threescore
Passengers; also Master Bartlet came now expresly to divide the Country
into Tribes, and the Tribes into shares. But Master More finding no
mention made of any part for himselfe nor all them with him, as he was
promised in England, by no meanes would admit of any division, nor suffer
his men from finishing their fortifications, which was so necessary, it
was his maine ambition to see that accomplished; but such unkindnesse grew
betwixt this Master Bartlet and the Governour, that the rude [V.180.]
multitude with all the disdaine they could devise caused Bartlet returne
for England as he came. About this time William Millington was drawne into
the Sea by a fish, but never after ever seene.
A.D. 1614.
_Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer._
_A great famine and mortalitie._
The neglect of this division was very hardly conceited in England, so that
Master More grew more and more in dislike with the company;
notwithstanding he followed the building of these Forts so earnestly,
neglecting planting of Corne, till their store was neere all consumed,
whereby they became so feeble and weake, some would not, others could not
goe abroad to seeke releefe, but starved in their houses, and many that
went abroad, through weaknesse were subject to be suddenly surprized with
a disease called the Feauges, which was neither paine nor sicknesse, but
as it were the highest degree of weaknesse, depriving them of power and
ability from the execution of any bodily exercises, whether it were
working, walking, or what else, being thus taken, if any presently gave
them food many times they straight recovered, yet some after a little rest
would bee able to walke, but if they found not present succour, died.
_A strange being of Ravens._
About this time or immediatly before, came in a company of Ravens, which
continued amongst them all the time of this mortality and then departed,
which for any thing knowne, neither before nor since were ever seene or
heard of: this with divers other reasons caused Master More to goe out to
Sea, to see if he could discover any other Ilands, but he went not farre
ere ill weather forced him backe; and it were a noble adventure of him
would undertake to make more perfect all the dangers are about the Summer
Iles.
_All workes abandoned to get only victuals._
Thus famine and misery caused Governour More leave all his workes, and
send them abroad to get what they could; one hundred and fifty of the most
weake and sicke he sent to Coupers Ile, where were such infinite numbers
of the Birds called Cahowes, which were so fearelesse they might take so
many as they would, and that admired abundance of fish, that the extremity
of their hunger, and their gluttony was such, those heavenly blessings
they so consumed and wasted by carelesnesse and surfetting, many of them
died upon those silly Birds that offered themselves to the slaughter,
which the Governour understanding, caused them for change of aire to be
removed to Port-royall, and a Company of Fishers with a Boat to releeve
them with fish, but the Gange grew so lazie the poore weaklings still
died; they that remained killed the Cattle they found in the Ile, faining
the heat caused them to runne into the Sea and so were drowned; so that
the Governour sent againe for them home, but some obtained leave still to
live abroad; one amongst the rest hid himselfe in the Woods, and lived
onely on Wilkes and land Crabs, fat and lusty many moneths, but most of
them being at Saint Georges, ordinarily was taken one hundred and fifty or
two hundred great fishes daily for their food; for want of hookes and
lines, the Smith made hookes of old swords, and lines of old ropes, but
finding all those poore Engines also decay, they sent one of the two
Frigats last left with them for England, to tell them of this misery. All
which was now attributed to Master Mores perversnesse, who at first when
he got the Amber-Greece had not such a generall applause, but now all the
worst could possibly be suggested was too good for him; yet not knowing
for the present how to send a better, they let him continue still, though
his time was neere expired, and with all speed sent the Welcome fraught
with provision, where shee well arrived, and proved her selfe as welcome
in deed as in name; for all those extremities, Master Lewes Hues writeth,
not one of all those threescore that first beganne this Plantation was
dead, which shewes it was not impossible, but industry might have
prevented a great part of the others sluggish carelesnesse.
_A supply and M. Mores returne._
This ship much refreshed this miserable Colony, but Master More seeing
they sent not for him, his time being now expired, understanding how badly
they reputed him in England, and that his imploiment now was more for
their owne ends then any good for himselfe, resolved directly to returne
with this ship. Having setled all things in the best order he could, left
the government to the charge of the counsell of six to succeed each other
[V.181.] monethly, till they had further directions from England; whose
names were Captaine Miles Kendall, Captaine John Mansfield, Thomas Knight,
Charles Caldycot, Edward Waters, and Christopher Carter, with twelve
others for their assistances. More thus taking leave of those Ilands,
arrived in England, much wrangling they had, but at last they confirmed
him according to promise eight shares of Land, and so he was dismissed of
his charge, with shew of favour and much friendship.
The rule of the six Governors.
A.D. 1615.
_Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer._
The first thing they did was casting of lots, who should rule first, which
lot lighted upon Master Caldicot. This last supply somewhat abated the
extremitie of their miseries, and the better in that their fortifications
being finished, they had the more leasure to goe abroad with that meanes
was brought to that purpose to fish. Chard as you have heard, whom all
this while More had kept Prisoner, they set at libertie: now by reason of
their former miseries, little or nothing could be done; yet this Governour
having thus concluded his moneth, and prepared a Frigot and two and
thirtie men, hee imbarked himselfe with two other of his fellow
counsellers; namely, Knight and Waters for the West-Indies, to get Fruits
and Plants, Goats, young Cattle, and such like. But this poore vessell,
whether through ill weather, or want of Mariners, or both, in stead of the
Indies fell with the Canaries, where taking a poore Portugall, the which
they manned with ten of their owne people, as soone after separated from
her in a storme, & the next day was taken by a French Pickaroune, so that
the Frigot out of hope of her prize, makes a second time for the
West-Indies, where she no sooner arrived, but foundred in the sea; but the
men in their Boat recovered a desolate Ile, where after some few moneths
stay, an English Pyrat tooke them in, and some of them at last got for
England, and some few yeares after returned to the Somer Iles.
Captaine John Mansfield his moneth.
The Frigot thus gone, Captaine Mansfield succeeded. Then was contrived a
petition, as from the generalitie, unto the triumverat Governors; wherein
they supplicated, that by no meanes they should resigne the government to
any should come from England, upon what tearmes soever, untill six moneths
after the returne of their ship sent to the West-Indies: about this
unwarrantable action, Master Lewes Hues their Preacher was so violent in
suppressing it, that such discontents grew betwixt the Governors and him,
and divisions among the Company, he was arraigned, condemned, and
imprisoned, but not long detained before released. Then the matter fell so
hotly againe to be disputed betwixt him and one Master Keath a Scotch-man,
that professed schollership, that made all the people in a great
combustion: much adoe there was, till at last as they sate in the Church
and ready to proceed to a judicary course against Master Hues, suddenly
such an extreme gust of wind and weather so ruffled in the trees and
Church; some cried out a miracle; others, it was but an accident common in
those Iles, but the noise was so terrible it desolved the assembly:
notwithstanding, Master Hues was againe imprisoned, and as suddenly
discharged; but those factions were so confused, and their relations so
variable, that such unnecessary circumstances were better omitted then any
more disputed.
_Master Carter. Captaine Kendall. Capt. Mansfield._
This mans moneth thus ended, begins Master Carter, which was altogether
spent in quietnesse, and then Captaine Miles Kendall had the rule, whose
moneth was also as quietly spent as his Predecessors. Then Captaine
Mansfield begins his second moneth, when the ship called the Edwin arrived
with good supplies. About this time divers Boats going to sea were lost,
and some men drowned; and many of the Company repaired to Master [V.182.]
Hues, that there might bee a Councell according to Master Mores order
of six Governours, and twelve Assistants, whereupon grew as many more such
silly brawles as before, which at last concluded with as simple a
reconciliation. In the interim happened to a certaine number of private
persons as miserable and lamentable an accident, as ever was read or heard
of, and thus it was:
_A wonderful accident._
In the month of March, a time most subject of all others to such tempests;
on a Friday there went seven men in a boat of two or three tunnes to fish.
The morning being faire, so eager they were of their journey, some went
fasting: neither carried they either meat or drinke with them, but a few
Palmeta berries, but being at their fishing place some foure leagues from
the shoare, such a tempest arose, they were quickly driven from the sight
of land in an overgrowne Sea, despairing of all hope, onely committing
themselves to Gods mercy, let the boat drive which way shee would. On
Sunday the storme being somewhat abated, they hoysed saile as they thought
towards the Island. In the evening it grew starke calme; so that being too
weake to use their oares, they lay a drift that night. The next morning
Andrew Milliard, for now all his companions were past strength either to
helpe him or themselves: before a small gale of wind spred his saile
againe. On Tuesday one died, whom they threw over board. On Wednesday
three. And on Thursday at night the sixt. All these but the last were
buried by Hilliard in the Sea, for so weake hee was growne hee could not
turne him over as the rest, whereupon hee stripped him, ripping his belly
with his knife, throwing his bowels into the water, hee spread his body
abroad tilted open with a sticke, and so lets it lie as a cisterne to
receive some lucky raine-water, and this God sent him presently after, so
that in one small shoure hee recovered about foure spoonefuls of raine
water to his unspeakeable refreshment; he also preserved neere halfe a
pint of blood in a shooe, which he did sparingly drinke of to moist his
mouth: two severall daies he fed on his flesh, to the quantity of a pound,
on the eleventh day from his losing the sight of land, two flying fishes
fals in his boat, whose warme jucie blood hee sucked to his great comfort.
But within an houre after to his greater comfort you will not doubt, he
once againe descried the land, and within foure houres after was cast upon
a rocke neere to Port royall, where his boat was presently split in
pieces, but himselfe, though extreamly weake, made shift to clamber up so
steepe and high a rocke, as would have troubled the ablest man in the Ile
to have done that by day hee did by night.
Being thus astride on a rocke, the tumbling Sea had gotten such possession
in his braines, that a good while it was before his giddy head would
suffer him to venture upon the forsaking it: towards the morning he
craules a shore, and then to his accomplished joy descernes where hee is,
and travels halfe a day without any refreshment then water, whereof wisely
and temperately he stinted him selfe, otherwise certainely hee had drunke
his last. In which case hee attaines a friends house: where at the first
they tooke him for a ghost, but at last acknowledged and received him with
joy, his story after some houres of recovery of strength to tell it, heard
out with admiration: he was not long after conveyed to the towne, where he
received his former health, and was living in the yeere 1622.
_Treasure found in the Summer Iles._
The next newes that happened in this time of ease, was, that a merry
fellow having found some few Dollars against Flemish wracke, the bruit
went currant the treasure was found, and they all made men. Much adoe
there was to prevent the purloining of it, before they had it: where after
they had tyred themselves with searching, that they found, amounted not to
above twenty pounds starling, which is not unlike but to be the remainder
of some greater store, washed from some wracke not farre from the shore.
_A new Governour chosen._
The company by the Edwin receiving newes of the revels were kept in Sommer
Iles, resolved to make choice of a new Governour, called Master Daniel
Tuckar, that a long time had bin a planter in Virginia in the government
of Captaine Smith. All things being furnished for [V.183.] his voyage; hee
set saile in the George, consorted with the Edwin, with many passengers,
which being discovered by them in those Iles, they supposed them the
Frigot sent to the West Indies; but when they understood what they were,
much preparation they made to resist the new Governour. Many great
ostentations appeared on both sides, but when the quondam Governour did
see his men for most part forsake him; all was very well and quietly
compounded, and with much kindnesse received and welcomed a shore, where
his Commission was no sooner read, then they accepted and acknowledged him
for their Governour.
A.D. 1616.
_Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer._
The Government of Captaine Daniel Tuckar.
About the midst of May arrived this Governor, where finding the
Inhabitants both abhorring all exacted labour, as also in a manner
disdaining and grudging much to be commanded by him; it could not but
passionate any man living. But at last according to the Virginia order,
hee set every one was with him at Saint Georges, to his taske, to cleere
grounds, fell trees, set corne, square timber, plant vines and other
fruits brought out of England. These by their taske Masters by breake a
day repaired to the wharfe, from thence to be imployed to the place of
their imployment, till nine of the clocke, and then in the after-noone
from three till Sunne-set. Beside meat, drinke and cloaths, they had for
a time a certaine kinde of brasse money with a hogge on the one side, in
memory of the abundance of hogges was found at their first landing.
_Captaine Tuckars proceedings._
This course thus squared, imitating divers orders used in Virginia, by Sir
Tho. Dale: he began by them to looke into his instructions given by the
Company. Whereupon by one Mr. Richard Norwood a Survayor, sent over for
that purpose, in the time of Master Moore, hee began to lay out the eight
tribes in the maine, which were to consist of fifty shares to a tribe; and
twenty five acers to every share. He also began to plant some Colony men
on some of the especiall shares. He swore also certaine of the chiefe men
of every tribe to bee Bailiffes thereof; and appointed as many men as hee
was able for all supplied shares. The goods landed in the store houses hee
sent from thence, and dispersed it to his workemen in generall: some Boats
also began to be builded; but the pinace called the Thomas suspected might
make an escape, was laid up in a docke, where shee yet remaineth.
_A Barke sent to the West Indies._
In the beginning of the second moneth of his government, he directed
warrants to all the Bailiffes, for the holding of a generall Assise at
Saint Georges, and appointed Master Stokes Lieutenant of the Kings Castle
at the Gurnets head. The Edwin came with him he sent to the West Indies by
directions from England, to trade with the natives, for cattell, corne,
plants, and other commodities. A course of great importance, which had
it been pursued, would certainly have produced more hopefull effects for
the good of the Colony, then all the supplies and Magazines from England
hath or will in a long time.
_The Assises._
Presently after her departure began the Assises, executed by his Deputy.
The chiefe matter handled was the hanging one John Wood a French man, for
speaking many distastefull and mutinous speeches against the Governour, to
shew the rest by that example, the power of his authority, which after
with his owne hands he so oft executed with a bastinado amongst the poorer
sort; many tearmed it a cruelty, not much lesse then tyranny: but the
sequell is more then strange.
_The strange adventure of five men in a boat._
So it was that five of them, seeing by no meanes they could get passage
for England, resolved to undergoe all hazards but they would make an
escape from such servitude. The chiefe mariner and plotter of this
businesse, was Richard Sanders and his confederates, William Goodwin a
ship Carpenter, Thomas Harison a Joyner; James Barker a Gentleman, and
Henry Puet. These repairing to the Governour, and with pleasing
insinuations told him, if hee would allow them but things [V.184.]
necessary, they would build him a boat of two or three tunnes, with a
close decke, should goe a fishing all weathers. The Governour halfe proud
that hee had brought his men to so good a passe, as he conceived, to offer
themselves to so necessary a worke; instantly with all willingnesse
furnished them with all things they could desire, and many faire promises
to incourage them to performe it with all expedition. Having made choise
of a place most fit from molestation, they went forward with that
expedition, that in a short time shee was brought to perfection. By this
time, the ship that brought the Governour, being ready to depart, hee
sends a lusty gange to goe fetch his new boat to carry him aboard, but
arriving at the place where she was built, they could heare no more of
her, but she was gone the last evening to Sea, to try how shee would
saile. Much search and dispute was where this boat should be: but at last
they found divers letters in the cabbins, to this effect, directed to the
Governour, and other their friends: that their hard and bad usage was so
intolerable, and their hope so small ever againe to see their Countrey, or
be delivered from such servitude, they did rather chuse to put themselves
to that desperate hazard to goe for England, in which if they miscaried,
as it was much to be mistrusted, their lives and bloods should be required
at their hands was the cause. A compasse Diall Barker had borrowed of
Master Hues, to whom he writ that as hee had oft perswaded them to
patience, and that God would pay them though none did: hee must now bee
contented with the losse of his Diall, with his owne doctrine. Such
leasure they found to bee merry when in the eye of reason they were
marching into a most certaine ruine. The Governour being thus satisfied of
their escape, extreamly threatned them no lesse then a hanging, but the
stormes of the Ocean they now more feared then him; good provision by
bartering they had got from the ship, where Goodwin in a bravado told the
Mariners, though he could not be permitted to goe with them, yet
peradventure hee might be in England before them, whereat the Master and
his Mate laughed merrily. But having beene now under saile three weekes,
the winds so favoured them, they felt nothing of what they had cause to
feare: then a blustering gale blowing in their teeth, put them to much
extremity for divers dayes, then becomming more gentle away they past
prosperously some eight or ten dayes more, till meeting a French
Piccaroune of whom they desired succour, hee like himselfe tooke from them
what hee liked, leaving them not so much as a crosse-staffe to observe
withall, and so cast them off: their course still they continued till
their victuall began to fall to the lowest ebbe; and the very knees of
their small vessell were halfe hewed away for fire wood. At last to their
infinit joy they arrived in Ireland, where the Earle of Tomund honorably
entertained them, and caused the boat to be hung up for a Monument, and
well she might, for shee had sailed more then 3300. miles by a right line
thorow the maine Sea, without any sight of land, and I thinke since God
made the world, the like navigation was never done, nor heard of. This
fortunate Sanders going to the East Indies, in the rifling some ships
there tooke, it was his chance to buy an old chest, for three or foure
shillings, but because it wanted a key hee repented his bargaine, and
would gladly have sold it againe for lesse. A certaine time it lay tossed
to and fro as a thing hee little regarded, but at last having little to
doe, hee broke it open, where he found a thousand pounds starling, or so
much gold as bought him in England a good estate, which leaving with his
wife he returned againe to the East Indies.
_Plants from the West Indies._ {MN-1}
_The exploits of Captaine Powell._ {MN-2}
The George setting saile three dayes after this escape, the Governour
seazed and confiscated all that those fugitives left behinde them. {MN-1}
Within a weeke after returned the Edwin from the West Indies, furnished
with figges, pynes, sugar-canes, plantaines, papanes and divers other
plants, which were presently replanted, and since increased into greater
numbers, also an Indian and a Negar, and so much ligna vitae as defrayed
all the charge. The Governor thus busied amongst his plants, making hedges
of Figtrees, and Pomgranets, and severall divisions by Palizadoes for the
defence of their guarding [V.185.] and keeping their cattell, for in such
husbandry qualities he well deserved great commendations. The Adventurers
to supply him sent with all speed they could the Hopewell, a small Barke,
but an excellent sailer, {MN-2} and in her one Captaine Powell an
excellent Mariner, and well acquainted in the Indies where he was to goe
trade, after he had landed his passengers in the Summer lies: but in his
journey at the Westerne Iles meeting a Brasile man, hee liked the suger
and passengers so well, hee mand the Carvill with his owne men, and
continued his course, but bethinking himself how this would be entertained
at the Summer lies, hee found such doubts, hee went directly for the West
Indies to take time to resolve what to doe: arriving there hee met a
French rover, one every way as cunning as himselfe, but much more
trecherous. A great league of kindnesse is soone made betweene them, upon
confidence whereof, Powell and some of the chiefe with him being invited
aboord him, is easily entised, and in the midst of their cups both hee and
his company treacherously made prisoners; and thus was forced to give him
their prise, or hang at the yards arme with all his company. Having set
them a shore, away goes the French man; Powels ship being but hard by,
presently fetcht them all a boord, but finding his victuall neere spent,
and no hope at all to recover his prize, set his Portugales on shore, and
set saile for the Summer Iles; where safely arriving, hee declared the
whole passage to the Governour, lest some other in telling might make it
worse, of which the Governour seemed well enough to approve.
_The second Assises._
This Governour still spent his time in good husbandry, although some of
the snarling sort here in England, whom nothing will please, writ to him
hee was fitter to be a Gardiner then a Governour: some time he spent in
digging of a great pond, but that worke proved altogether unprofitable:
about that time was held the second Assise. The greatest matter passed,
was a Proclamation against the spoile of Cahowes, but it came too late,
for they were most destroyed before: a platforme hee caused to be erected
by Pagits Fort, where a good Fort were very necessary. Captaine Powell not
having performed his service in the West Indies, he conditioned with the
Company, is sent thither againe by this Governour, and thirteene or
fourteene of his best men, furnished with all things necessary. In the
meane time the Company understanding, that in January, February and March,
there are many Whales, for which fishing they sent the Neptune, a tall
ship well provided with every thing fitting for that purpose. But before
she arrived, Captaine Tuckar, who had brought also with him most
provisions for that imploiment, sent three good Shalops to try what could
be done, but whether it was the swiftnes of the Whale in swimming, or the
condition of the place, certaine it is for all their labour and hazard,
they could kill none, though they strucke many.
A.D. 1617.
_Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer._
_The third Assise._
To begin his second yeere, he called the third Assise, where divers were
punished as their faults deserved: three were condemned to die; two were
reprived, but the third was hanged: the next day there was also a levy for
the repairing two Forts; but that labour tooke not such effect as was
intended, for want of good directions.
_The country neere devoured with rats._
But the great God of heaven being angry at somewhat happened in those
proceedings, caused such an increase of silly rats, in the space of two
yeeres so to abound, before they regarded them, that they filled not onely
these places where they were first landed, but swimming from place to
place, spread themselves into all parts of the Countrey, insomuch that
there was no Iland but it was pestered with them; and some fishes have
beene taken with rats in their bellies, which they caught in swimming
from Ile to Ile: their nests they had almost in every tree, and in most
places their burrowes in the ground like conies: they spared not the
fruits of the plants, or trees, nor the very plants themselves, but ate
them up. When they had set their corne, the rats would come by troupes in
the night and scratch it out of the ground. If by diligent watch any
escaped till it came to earing, it should then very hardly escape them:
and they became noysome even to the very persons of men. They used all the
diligence they could for the destroying of them, [V.186.] nourishing cats
both wilde and tame, for that purpose; they used rats-bane, and many times
set fire on the woods, that oft ran halfe a mile before it was extinct;
every man was enjoyned to set twelve traps, and some of their owne accord
have set neere an hundred, which they ever visited twice or thrice in a
night; they also trained up their dogges to hunt them, wherein they became
so expert, that a good dog in two or three houres would kil forty or
fifty. Many other devices they used to destroy them, but could not
prevaile, finding them still increasing against them: nay they so devoured
the fruits of the earth, that they were destitute of bread for a yeere or
two; so that when they had it afterwards, they were so wained from it,
they easily neglected to eat it with their meat. Besides they endevoured
so much for the planting Tobacco for present gaine, that they neglected
many things might more have prevailed for their good, which caused amongst
them much weaknesse and mortality, since the beginning of this vermine.
_A strange confusion of rats._
At last it pleased God, but by what meanes it is not well knowne, to take
them away; in so much that the wilde cats and many dogs which lived on
them, were famished, and many of them leaving the woods, came downe to
their houses, and to such places where they use to garbish their fish, and
became tame. Some have attributed the destruction of them to the encrease
of wild cats, but that is not likely they should be so suddenly encreased
rather at that time, then foure yeeres before; and the chiefe occasion of
this supposition was, because they saw some companies of them leave the
woods, and slew themselves for want of food. Others by the coldnesse of
winter, which notwithstanding is never so great there, as with us in
March, except it be in the wind: besides the rats wanted not the fethers
of young birds and chickins, which they daily killed, and Palmeta mosse
to build themselves warme nests out of the wind, as usually they did;
neither doth it appeare that the cold was so mortall to them, seeing they
would ordinarily swimme from place to place, and bee very fat even in the
midst of winter. It remaineth then, that as God doth sometimes effect his
will without subordinate and secondary causes, so wee need not doubt, but
that in the speedy encrease of this vermine; as also by the preservation
of so many of them by such weake meanes as they then enjoyed, and
especially in the so sudden removall of this great annoyance, there was
joyned with and besides the ordinary and manifest meanes, a more mediate
and secret worke of God.
About this time Henry Long, with seven others in an extreame storme were
cast away, but three of them escaped. One of them being asked what hee
thought in the worst of that extremity, answered, he thought nothing but
gallowes claime thy right, and it seemes God well heard his prayer, and
rewarded his ingratitude; for he was hanged within halfe a yeere after. In
that March also five men went to Sea, but as yet was never heard of, and
three more drowned in a boat. By Hilliards house grew a very faire Cedar,
which by a thunder clap was rent almost to small shivers, and a man stood
by him, and Samuel Tanton, most fearfully blasted, yet neither they, the
house, nor a little childe, yet a paire of racks in the house was all
torne to fitters. The Neptune not long after arriving to fish for whale,
her fortune proved no better then the Governours, yet some are of opinion,
profit might be made by them.
_The returne of M. Powel from the Indies._
In May they discried foure saile, so that manning all their Forts, they
stood two daies in Armes, expecting what they were; at last they found it
Master Powell returned from the West-Indies in the Hopewell, where missing
such trade as he expected, these three Frigots comming in his way, he
could not chuse but take them; Meale, Hides and Munition was their lading:
Faire weather the Governor made with Powell till he had got all the goods
into his owne possession, and then called Powell to a strict account for
doing such an unwarrantable act; much a doe then was betwixt the taker and
receiver; but Powell was glad to be excused to answer it in England,
leaving all hee had taken behinde him in the Iles: The Neptune also
returned with him, but noble Powell lost all his pay and pillage for this
yeeres worke. For which the Company [V.187.] sent for to Tuckar, so that
he also lost his part as well as Powell: Notwithstanding, the Governour by
this meanes being strong in shipping, fitted the Carvill with twelve men,
under the command of Edward Waters formerly spoken of, and sent them to
Virginia about such businesse as hee had conceived. Arriving there, they
obtained some goates, and hogs, & what they could spare, and so returned
for the Summer Iles; but whether they could not finde the Iles for want of
skill, or beaten off by ill weather, or the ill will they bare the
Governor, it matters not much: but they bare up again for Virginia, where
they all remained, and would returne no more to Summer lies.
_A supposed mutiny by M. Pollard, and M. Rich._
The Governour thinking to make some use of the hides, set some that
professed themselves Tanners, to make tryall of their skill; but they lost
their labours and spoiled the hides. Also he called another Assise
concerning a poore fellow called Gabriel, for concealing some speeches M.
Pollard and M. Rich should use, tending to the dis-reputation of the
Governour, and his injustice and cruelties; which being brought within the
compasse of sedition and mutiny, though a yeere agoe; many were called in
question about it, although every one ordinarily had spoke as much. Yet
Gabriel for example sake was condemned to bee hanged, and was upon the
ladder, but reprieved. The other two M. Pollard, and M. Rich were
imprisoned, but upon better consideration the fact appeared so small and
ridiculous, upon their submission they were pardoned, and restored to
their places.
The division of the Summer lies into Tribes, by
Master Richard Norwood, Surveyor.
A.D. 1618.
_Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer._
_The division of the Iles into Tribes._
According to the directions of the Councell and company as they had
determined by lot, M. Norwood tooke a plot of the Ile, and divided it with
as much faithfulnes as he could, assigning to every Adventurer his share
or proportion, as namely, to lay out a large proportion, to bee called the
generall land, and imployed for publike uses, as for the maintenance of
the Governour, Ministers, Commanders of Forts, souldiers, and such like:
and to this end was assigned S. Georges Iland, S. Davids Iland,
Longbridge Iland, Smiths Iland, Coopers Iland, Cony Iland, Nonesuch Iland,
part of the maine, and sundry other small Iles. The rest was to be divided
into eight parts, each part to be called a tribe, and to have his
denomination of some principall person that was Adventurer therein: and
accordingly the first Tribe to bee Eastward, was then called Bedfords
Tribe, now Hamiltons: the second, Smiths: Tribe the third, Cavendish, now
Devonshires: the fourth, Pembrooks: the fift, Pagits: the sixt, Mansils,
now Warwicks: the seventh, Southampton: the eighth, Sands: in the honours
of the Right honorable the Marquis Hamilton, Sir Thomas Smith, the Earle
of Devonshire, the Earle of Pembrooke, the Lord Pagit, the Earle of
Warwicke, the Earle of Southampton, and Sir Edwin Sands. Againe each of
those Tribes were to bee divided into fifty parts, called shares; and
every Adventurer to have his shares in these tribes as was determined, by
casting lots in England, the manner of it appeares by the Map, and more
largely by his Booke of the Survay of the Countrey, which is in the
Records of the Colony. And then began this which was before as you have
heard, but as an unsetled and confused Chaos, to receive a disposition,
forme, and order, and become indeed a Plantation.
The names of the Adventurers, and their shares in [V.188]
every Tribe, according to the survey, and the
best information yet ascertained, of any of
their alterations.
Hamiltons Tribe.
Shares. Shares.
James L. Marquis Hamil. 6 M. John Gearing. 2
Sir Edward Harwood. 4 M. Cleophas Smith. 2
M. John Delbridge. 3 Robert Earle of Warwick. 4
M. John Dike. 3 M. Thomas Covell. 3
M. Ellis Roberts. 2 M. Greenwels assignes 1
M. Robert Phips. 1 M. Cley. 1
M. Ralph King. 1 M. Powlson. 1
M. Quicks assignes. 2 M. John Dike. 1 1/2
M. William Cannig. 4 Common land for
M. William Cannig. 1 conveniency. 25
M. William Web. 1 M. John Dike. 1 1/2
M. John Bernards assignes. 2 M. George Thorps
M. Elias Roberts Jun. 1 assignes. 1
2. Smiths Tribe
Shares. Shares.
Sir Dudley Digs assignes. 2 Sir Edwin Sands. 5
M. Richard Edwards. 2 Sir Thomas Smith. 5
M. William Pane. 4 M. Richard More. 4
M. Robert Smith. 2 M. Ad. Brumfield. 2
M. George Barkley M. Rob. Johnson
assignes. 5 Alderman. 5
Sir Samuel Sands. 1 M. John Wroth. 3
M. Anthony Pennistone. 4 M. George Smith. 4
3. Devonshire Tribe.
Shares. Shares.
M. Anth. Penistone. 2 M. Edw. Ditchfield. 4
M. John Dike. 1 M. Will. Nicols. 2
M. John Dike. 1 M. Edw. Ditchfield. 1
M. John Bernards heires. 2 M. John Fletcher. 2
Robert Earle of Warwick. 2 M. Gedion Delawne. 2
M. Francis West. 2 M. Anth. Pennistone. 3
Will. Lord Cavendish. 5 M. Best. 2
Will. Earle of Devonshire. 5 M. Edw. Luckin. 2
M. Edw. Luckin. 5 M. Richard Rogers. 2
M. Edw. Ditchfield. 1 M. Will. Palmer. 4
4. Pembrookes Tribe
Shares. Shares.
M. George Smith. 4 M. Nicholas Farrar. 1
Gleab land. 2 M. Nicholas Farrar. 1
M. Nicholas Hide. 1 M. Will. Canning. 2
Sir Lawrence Hide. 1 M. Richard Martin. 2
M. Thomas Indwyn. 2 M. Moris Abbot. 2
Will. Earle of Pemb. 10 M. Rich. Caswell. 1
M. Richard Edwards. 1 M. Rich. Caswell. 2
M. Harding. 1 M. Will. Caswell. 1
M. Rich. Edwards. 1 M. Rich. Edwards. 2
M. Elias Roberts. 1 M. Rich. Caswell. 1
M. Rich. Edwards. 1 M. Rich Edwards. 1
Jacobsons assignes. 1 M. George Sands assignes. 2
John Farrar. 1 M. Will Paine. 2
5. Pagits Tribe.
Shares. Shares.
M. John Chamberlaine. 5 M. Christop. Barren. 4
M. Tho. Ayres, and } M. John Wodall. 1
M. Rich. Wiseman. } 4 M. John Wodall. 1
M. Rich. Wiseman 1 M. Lewis. 2
Will. Lord Pagit. 10 M. Owen Arthors assignes. 2
M. Will. Palmer. 4 M. George Etheridge. 4
M. Bagnell. 5 2
M. John Bale. 1 Sir Will. Wade. 1
M. Wheatley. 4 M. John Bernards heires. 1
6. Warwicks Tribe.
Shares. Shares.
M. Wheatley. 2 Doctor. Anth. Hunton. 2
Cap. Daniel Tuckar. 2 M. Francis Moverill. 1
M. Will. Felgate. 1 M. Rich. Poulson. 1
Rob. Earle of Warwicke. 5 M. Math. Shephard. 1
M. George Smith. 5 M. George Tuckar. 10
M. Sam. Tickner. 2 M. Ch. Clitheroe. 1
M. Francis Mevell. 1 M. George Swinow. 2
M. Stephen Sparrow. 1 M. Rich. Tomlings. 1
M. Joseph Man. 5 M. Francis Meverill. 1
Cap. Daniel Tuckar. 2 M. John Waters. 2
M. Elias More. 1 M. Martin Bond. 2
7. Southamptons Tribe.
Shares. Shares.
Cap. Dan. Tuckar. 4 M. George Scot. }
M. John Britton. 1 M. Edward Scot. } 6
M. Rich. Chamberland. 3 M. Antho. Abdy. }
M. Leon. Harwods assignes. 1 Hen. Earle of Southampton. 4
M. John Banks. 1 M. And. Broumfield. 2
Sir Nathanael Rich. 12 M. Henry Timbed. 2
Rob. Earle of Warwicke. 3 Sir Tho. Hewet. 2
M. Richard More. 6 M. Perce. 1 [V.189.]
Sir Ralph Winwood. 2
8. Sandys Tribe.
Shares. Shares.
M. George Barcklies heires. 5 M. Robert Gore. 3
Sir Edwin Sands. 5 Sir Edw. Sackvile. 1
M. Jerom Hidon. 10 Sir John Danvers. 1
M. Tho. Millin and } M. Robert Gore. 2
M. John Cuffe. } 2 M. John Delbridge. 1
M. Robert Chamberlaine. 2 M. John Wroth. 1
M. Abr. Chamberlaine. 1 M. John Wests heires. 4
M. George Smith. 2 M. Richard Chamberlaine. 10
Touching the common ground in each Tribe, as also the over-plus, you may
finde that at large in the Booke of Surveyes amongst their Records.
Now though the Countrey was small, yet they could not conveniently have
beene disposed and well setled, without a true description and a survey of
it; and againe, every man being setled where he might constantly abide,
they knew their businesse, and fitted their houshold accordingly: then
they built no more Cabbens, but substantiall houses, they cleered their
grounds, and planted not onely such things as would yeeld them their
fruits in a few moneths, but also such as would affoord them profit within
a few yeares, so that in a short time the Countrey began to aspire, and
neerely approach unto that happinesse and prosperitie, wherein now it
flourisheth, &c.
_The first Magazine._ 1618.
But to follow the History; upon the best plot of ground could be found,
the Governor prevailed so much with the generalitie, they built a faire
house of Cedar, which being done, he appropriated it to himselfe, which
occasioned exceeding much distaste. About this time arrived the Diana with
a good supply of men and provision, and the first Magazin ever seene in
those Iles; which course is not so much commended here, as cursed and
abhorred by reason of enhansements of all the Inhabitants there; six or
seven weeks this ship staied, then having towards her fraught thirtie
thousand weight of Tobacco; which proving good, and comming to a lucky
Market, gave great encouragement to the Adventurers to goe lustily forward
in their Plantation, and without such successe, there is nothing but
grudging and repining. But about the appropriation of this new built
house, many bad discontents grew betwixt the oppressed Colony and the
Governor, especially betwixt him and the Minister, and Lewes, who would
neither be feared with threats nor imprisonment, that their malice
continued till they met in England, of which the Minister made the cause
so plaine, hee very well and honestly it seemes, discharged himselfe.
_Two exploits of desperate Fugitives._
Now in those times of these endlesse uncivill broiles, two desperate men
and a proper Gentlewoman got into a Boat, and thinking to make an escape
to Virginia, as appeared by some Letters they left behinde them were never
more heard on. The very next moneth after the like was attempted by six
others, so desirous they were to be rid of their servitude; but their plot
being discovered by one of their societie, they were apprehended,
arraigned, and condemned to be hanged: the next day being led with halters
about their neckes to the place of execution, one was hanged, and the rest
reprived.
_The arrival of the Blessing._
The Diana arriving well in England, for all the infinite numbers of
complaints, the Tobacco did helpe to sweeten all manner of grievances, yet
it bred a distaste in the opinions of so many, they began to thinke of
another Governor; but for that time it was so qualified by divers of his
friends, they dispatched away the Blessing, which arrived in the Somer
Iles. Though their generall Letter was faire and courteous to the
Governor, yet by the report of the Passengers and divers particular
letters from his friends, it was assured him his cruelty and
covetousnesse, for all his paines and industry was much disliked, nor was
he like to enjoy his house, and that land he had [V.190.] planted for
himselfe, by the extreme oppression of the Comminalty. This caused so many
jelousies to arise in his conceit, that at last he fully resolved to
returne by this ship, that no sooner set saile from England, then they
proceeded to the nomination of a new Governor. Many were presented
according to the affections of those that were to give in their voices,
but it chiefely rested betwixt one Captaine Southwell, and one Mr.
Nathaniel Butler, where wee will leave them a while to the consideration
of the Court and Company. Now Captaine Tuckar having instituted Captaine
Kendall one of the six Governors before spoken of for his substitute,
returned with this ship directly for England, as well to excuse himselfe
of those objections he suspected, as to get assured him the house and land
he had alotted for himselfe, lest it might otherwise be disposed of in
his absence.
Collected out of their Records by N. B. and the
relations of M. Pollard, and divers others.
The Government of Captaine Miles Kendall,
Deputy for Captaine Tuckar.
_The arrival of two ships._
The unexpected returne of Captaine Tuckar, caused a demurre in the
election of the new Governor; some perswading these oft changes were so
troublesome, dangerous, and chargeable, it were best to continue Captaine
Kendall; others againe stood for Captaine Tuckar, but during the time of
these opinions, the Gilliflower was dispatched with a supply. Now I should
have remembred, Tuckar was no sooner out of the harbour, but he met Master
Elfred in a ship called the Treasurer, sent from Virginia to trade: by her
he writ to his Deputy Master Kendall, to have a care of all things, and
beware of too much acquaintance with this ship, which hee suspected was
bound for the West-Indies. Notwithstanding, Elfred received what kindnesse
the Ile could afford; he promised to revisit them at his returne; this
done, because they would not be governlesse when his Deputiship was
expired, there was a generall assembly, and by that Election Kendall was
confirmed to succeed still Governor. Now they began to apply themselves to
the finishing some plat-forme about Smiths Fort, and laying the foundation
of a Church to be built of Cedar, till the Gillyflower arrived with some
private letters to Kendall, how he was elected Governor of those Iles for
three yeeres. During her stay they held their Assises, where for some few
suspected facts three were condemned, and the better to terrifie the rest,
led to the place of execution, but reprieved; divers of the rest had their
faults pardoned, and the Gilliflower set saile for New found land.
_Captain Butler chosen Governour._
The love and kindnesse, honesty and industry of this Captaine Kendall,
hath beene very much commended; by others, somewhat disliked but an
Angell in those imploiments cannot please all men, yet this consideration
bred much ill bloud as well here as there, so that the Company directly
concluded, Captaine Butler should with what expedition they could, goe to
be their Governor: In the Interim they tooke the opportunitie of a ship,
called the Sea-flower, bound for Virginia, and by her sent a Preacher and
his Family, with divers Passengers, and newes of a new Governor. This bred
a great distaste amongst many, that still they should have new officers
and strangers for their Governors they never heard of, and themselves
still kept there whether they would or no, without any preferment, no nor
scarce any of them their inhabiting, to have any land at all of their
owne, but live all as tenants, or as other mens poore servants.
About this time came in Captaine Kerby with a small Barke from the
West-Indies, who having refreshed himselfe, was very kindly used by the
Governor and so [V.191.] departed. Not long after a Dutch Frigot was cast
away upon the Westerne shore, yet by the helpe of the English they saved
the men, though the ship perished amongst the Rocks. A little after one
Ensigne Wood being about the loading of a peece, by thrusting a pike into
the concavitie, grating upon the shot, or somewhat about the powder,
strucke fire within her and so discharged, but wounded him cruelly and
blew him into the Sea, though hee was got out by some that stood by him,
yet hee died of those wounds. Within two or three daies after, Captaine
Elfred now comes in a second time: but of that we shall say more in the
government of Captaine Butler, who presently after arrived with a good
supply, and was kindly entertained by Captaine Kendall and all the Colony.
From a relation of Tho. Sparks, and divers others.
A.D. 1619
The Government of Captaine Nathaniel Butler.
_A plat-forme burnt, and much hurt by a Hericano._
Captaine Butler being arrived the twentieth of October, 1619. some
mutterings there was how to maintaine their election of Captaine Kendall,
but better remembring themselves, that conceit quickly dissolved. The next
day, Kendall, the Ministers, and the Counsell went aboord to salute the
new Governor, where after they had dined with the best entertainment he
could give them; they saw the Redout belonging to the Kings Castle by a
mischance on fire, whither he repaired with all the meanes he could to
quench it; but all the platforme and cariages were consumed before their
faces, and they could not helpe it. Two daies after he went up to the
Towne, had his Commission publikely read, made a short speech to the
Company, and so tooke upon him the government. Then presently he began to
repaire the most necessary defects: The next moneth came in the Garland,
sent from England six or seven weekes before him; so that being seventeene
weeks in her voyage, it was so tedious and grievous to divers of the
Fresh-water Passengers, that such a sicknesse bred amongst them, many died
as well Sailers as Passengers. Having taken the best order he could for
their releefe, passed through all the Tribes, and held his first Assise in
Captaine Tuckars house at the over-plus. Towards the last of this moneth
of Novemb. there arose a most terrible storme or Hericano, that blew up
many great trees by the roots: the Warwick that brought the Governor was
cast away, but the Garland rid by her, saved her selfe by cutting downe
her Masts; and not long after a second storme, no lesse violent then the
first, wherein the Mount which was a frame of wood built by Master More
for a Watch-tower to looke out to Sea, was blowne up by the roots, and all
that Winter crop of corne blasted: And thus was the new Governor welcomed.
_The refortifying the Kings Castle._
_Amber-greece found._ {MN}
With the beginning of the new yeere he began his first peece of
fortification, upon a Rocke which flankers the Kings Castle, and finding
the ship called the Treasurer starke rotten and unserviceable, hee tooke
nine peeces of Ordinance from her to serve other uses. The Garland for
want of meanes, could not make her voiage to Virginia as she was
appointed; wherefore he entertained her to returne to England, with all
the Tabacco they had in the Ile. It was January before she departed, in
which time shee failed not much to have beene twice cast away. But those
strange and unavoidable mischances, rather seemed to quicken the Governors
industry then to dull it. Having finished the Church begun by Captaine
Kendall, with an infinite toile and labour he got three peeces out of the
wracke Warwicke. Having an excellent Dutch Carpinter he entertained of
them that were cast away in the Dutch Frigot; he imploied him in building
of Boats, whereof they were in exceeding great want. In February they
discovered a tall ship beating too and againe, as it seemed by her working
being ignorant of the Coast; some thought her a Spaniard to view their
Forts, which stand most to that part she so neerely [V.192.] approached;
some, English; but the most, some Dutch man of Warre: The wind blew so
high, they durst not send out a Boat, though they much doubted she would
be foule of their Rocks, but at last she bore up rommy for the Sea, and
we heard of her no more. {MN} That evening, a lucky fellow it should seeme
he was, that found a peece of Amber-greece of eight ounces, as he had
twice before, which bringing to the Governor, he had ready money for the
one halfe, after three pound an ounce, according to their order of Court,
to encourage others to looke out for more, and prevent the mischiefe
insueth by concealing of it.
_The arrivall of two Dutch Frigots._
Within a few daies after, they descried two Frigots that came close to the
shore, and sent a Letter to the Governor, writ in Italian, that they were
Hollanders had beene in the West-Indies, and desired but to arrive,
refresh themselves with wood and water, and so be gone. The Governor
forthwith sent them to understand, that being there under his Majestie of
England to command those Iles, he was to carrie himselfe a friend to his
friends, and an enemy to his enemies; if therefore he could shew a lawfull
Commission for his being honestly and nobly emploied, he and his should be
kindly welcome, otherwise they were to adventure at their perills. But his
Commission was so good, he staied there two moneths, and was so well
fitted with Oile & Bacon, they were all glad and happy of this Dutch
Captaine Scoutans arrivall, with many thanks to their old friend Captaine
Powell that had conducted him thither: the Colony being exceedingly in
great want and distresse, bought the most part of it at reasonable rates,
so Captaine Scoutan returned to the West-Indies, and Captaine Powell for
his part in the Low-Countries. Whilest these things were in action, the
Adventurers in England made many a long looke for their ships; at last the
Garland brought them all the newes, but the Tobacco was so spoiled either
in the leaking ship, or the making up, it caused a great suspicion there
could none was good come from those Iles; where (were they but perfit in
the cure) questionlesse it would be much better then a great quantitie of
that they sell for Verinas, and many a thousand of it in London hath beene
bought and sold by that title.
_The differences betwixt the Ministers._
The Governor being cleere of those distractions, falls upon the restoring
of the burnt Redoubt, where he cuts out a new plat-forme, and mounts seven
great peece of Ordnance upon new cariages of Cedar. Now amongst all those
troubles, it was not the least to bring the two Ministers to subscribe to
the Booke of Common Praier, which all the Bishops in England could not
doe. Finding it high time to attempt some conformitie, bethought himselfe
of the Liturgie of Garnsey and Jarse, wherein all those particulars they
so much stumbled at, were omitted. No sooner was this propounded, but it
was gladly imbraced by them both, whereupon the Governor translated it
verbatim out of French into English, and caused the eldest Minister upon
Easter day to begin the use thereof at S. Georges towne, where himselfe,
most of the Councell, Officers and Auditorie received the Sacrament: the
which forme they continued during the time of his government.
_The rebuilding the Mount._
Much about this time, in such a faire morning, that had invited many Boats
farre out to the Sea to fish, did rise such a Hericano that much
indangered them all, so that one of them with two Boies were driven to Sea
and never more heard of. The Ministers thus agreed, a Proclamation was
published for keeping of the Sabbath, and all the defective cariages he
endevoured to have renewed, builded a small Boat of Cedar onely to goe
with Ores, to be ready upon any occasion to discover any shipping, and
tooke order every Fort should have the like: Also caused numbers of Cedars
to be brought from divers places in flotes, to rebuild the Mount, which
with an unspeakable toile, was raised seven foot higher then before, and a
Falcon mounted at the foot, to be alwaies discharged for a warning to all
the Forts upon the discovery of any shipping, and this he called Rich
Mount. This exceeding toile and labour, having no Cattle but onely mens
strengths, caused many petitions [V.193.] to the Governour, that all
those generall works might cease till they had reaped their harvests, in
that they were in great distresse for victuall; which hee so well
answered, their owne shames did cause them desist from that importunity,
and voluntarily performe as much as hee required.
_The Tomb, of Sir George Summers._
Finding accidentally a little crosse erected in a by place, amongst a many
of bushes, understanding there was buried the heart and intrailes of Sir
George Summers, hee resolved to have a better memory for so worthy a
Souldier, then that. So finding also a great Marble stone brought out of
England, hee caused it by Masons to bee wrought handsomely and laid over
the place, which hee invironed with a square wall of hewen stone, Tombe
like; wherein hee caused to bee graven this Epitaph he had composed, and
fixed it upon the Marble stone; and thus it was,
In the yeere 1611,
Noble Sir George Summers went hence to heaven;
Whose well tri'd worth that held him still imploid,
Gave him the knowledge of the world so wide.
Hence 't was by heavens decree, that to this place
He brought new guests, and name to mutuall grace.
At last his soule and body being to part,
He here bequeath'd his entrails and his heart.
_Their manner of losses reformed._
Upon the sixt of June began the second Assise, that reduced them to the
direct forme used in England. For besides the Governour and Councell, they
have the Bailiffes of the Tribes, in nature of the Deputy Lieutenants of
the shires in England, for to them are all precepts and warrants directed,
and accordingly answered and respected; they performe also the duties of
Justices of Peace, within their limits. The subordinate Officers to these
in every tribe, are the Constables, Head-borowes, and Church-Wardens;
these are the triers of the Tobacco, which if they allow not to be
marchantable, is burnt: and these are the executioners of their civill and
politicke causes.
_Martiall Officers._
For points of warre and martiall affaires, they have the Governour for
Lieutenant generall, the Sergeant major, Master of Ordinance, Captaines of
Companies, Captaines of Forts, with their severall officers, to traine and
exercise those numbers under their charge, in martiall discipline.
_Civill Offices and Courts._
Concerning their Courts for decision of right and justice, the first,
though last in constitution, is their generall assembly; allowed by the
state in England, in the nature of a Parliament, consisting of about forty
persons; viz. the Governour, the Counsell, the Bailiffes of the tribes,
and two Burgesses of each tribe chosen by voyces in the tribe, besides
such of the Clergie as the Governour thinkes most fit, to be held once a
yeere, as you shal heare more thereof hereafter. The next Court is the
Assise or Jayles of deliverie, held twice every yeere, in Christmas, and
Whitson weeke, for all criminall offenders, and civill causes betwixt
party and party; as actions of debt, trespasse, battery, slander, and the
like: and these are determined by a Jury of twelve men, and above them is
also a grand Jury to examine matters of greater consequence. The last day
of the Assise might also well be held a Court, for hearing the
transgressions in matters of contempt, mis-behaviour towards any
Magistrate, riots, seditious speakers, contemners of warrants, and such
like: there are also as occasion shall require, many matters heard by the
Governor, or his Officers, and oft justice done in severall places, but
those are but as daies of hearing, and as preparatives against their
Courts, &c.
_The second Assise._
At this last Assize eighteene were arrained for criminall causes, a number
very extraordinary considering the place; but now occasioned by reason of
the hard yeere, and the store of ill chosen new commers; of these, some
were censured to the whipping post, some burned in the hand, but two were
condemned to die, yet the one was reprieved, the other hanged; this done,
every man returned to his home: many trials they made againe about the
Warwicke, but to small purpose, her Ordnance being [V.194.] lashed so fast
they could not be unloosed, till the ropes and decks were rotten, yet some
few buttes of beare being flotie they got, which though it had lien six
moneths under water was very good, notwithstanding the next yeere they
recovered five peeces of Ordnance.
_A generall assemblie in manner a Parliament._
Upon the first of August, according to the Companies instructions from
England, began the generall assembly at the towne of Saint George, which
was the first these Iles ever had; consisting is is said, of the
Governour, Councell, Bailiffes, and Burgesses, and a Secretarie to whom
all bils were presented, and by him openly read in the house, also a
Clerke to record the Acts, being thirty two in all; fifteene of which
being sent into England, were by a generall consent received and enacted,
the titles whereof are these following: as for all the reasons for them,
they would be too tedious to recite.
_Their Acts._
The first was against the unjust sale and letting of apprentises and other
servants, and this was especially for the righting the undertakers in
England. The second, concerning the disposing of aged, diseased, and
impotent persons, for it being considered how carelesse many are in
preferring their friends, or sending sometimes any they can procure to
goe, such unserviceable people should be returned back at their charge
that sent them, rather then be burdensome to the poore Inhabitants in the
Iles. The third, the necessary manning the Kings Castle, being the key of
the Ile, that a garison of twelve able men should bee there alwaies
resident: and 3000. eares of corne, and 1000. pounds of Tobacco payed them
by the generality yeerely, as a pension. The fourth, against the making
unmarchantable Tobacco, and Officers sworne to make true trials, & burne
that was naught. The fift, injoyned the erection of certaine publike
bridges, and the maintenance of them. The sixt, for a continuall supply
of victuall for all the Forts, to bee preserved, till some great occasion
to use it. The seventh was, for two fixed dayes every yeere for the
Assises. The eight, commands the making of high-waies, and prohibiting the
passage over mens grounds and planted fields, as well to prevent the
spoyling gardens, conveniencie to answer any alarum. The ninth, for the
preserving young tortoises and birds, that were carelesly destroyed. The
tenth, provided against vagabonds, & prohibited the entertainement of
other mens servants. The eleventh, compelled the setting of a due quantity
of corne for every family. The twelfth, the care corne being set, enjoyned
the keeping up of their poultry till it was past their reaches. The
thirteenth, for the preservation of sufficient fences, & against the
felling of marked trees appointed for bounds. The fourteenth, granted to a
levy for a thousand pound weight of Tobacco, towards the payment of
publike workes, as the the bridges and the mount. The fifteenth, for the
enjoyning as acknowledgement and acception of all resident Governours,
and the warranting him to continue, though his time be expired, till the
arrivall of a legitimate successor from England, to prevent all unmeet
and presumptuous elections, besides it was desired by petition in England,
the new Governour should live two months as a private man after his
arrivall, if his predecessor did stay so long, the better to learne and
observe his course. And these are the contents of those fifteene Acts,
appplied as you may perceive: which the lawes of England could not take
notice of, because every climate hath somewhat to it selfe in that kinde
in particular; for otherwise as it is conceived, it had beene a high
impudency and presumption to have medled with them, or indeed with any
such as these lawes, that had with such great judgement and justice
alwaies provided for.
_The arrivall of the Magazin ship._
70000. _weight of Tobacco._ {MN}
No sooner was this businesse over, but the Magazin ship is discovered, and
that night came into the Harbour, but in a very weake and sickly case,
having cast over board twenty or thirty of her people, and so violent was
the infection, that the most part of the sailers, as well as passengers,
were so sicke, or dismaid, or both, that the Master confessed, had they
stayed it the Sea but a weeke longer, they had all perished. There arrived
with this ship divers Gentlemen of good fashion, with their wives and
families; but many of them crasie by the tediousnesse of the voyage:
howsoever most of them, by the [V.195.] excellent salubrity of the aire,
then which the world hath not a better, soone after recovered; yet some
there were that died presently after they got ashore, it being certainly
the quality of the place, either to kill, or cure quickly, as the bodies
are more or lesse corrupted. By this ship the Company sent a supply of ten
persons for the generality, but of such bad condition that it seemed they
had picked the Males out of Newgate, the Females from Bridewell: As the
Governour found it his best course, to grant out the women to such as were
so greedy of wives, and would needs have them for better for worse; and
the men hee placed in the Kings Castle for souldiers. But this bad, weake,
sickly supply being dispersed for their best reliefe, by the much
imployment of his Boats in remooving them, many of his owne men became
infected, so that for some weekes, they were not able to doe him any
service at all. Strict instructions also they brought for the planting of
Sugar canes, for which the Iland being rockie and dry, is so unproper,
that few as yet have beene seene to prosper: yet there are others hold the
contrary opinion, that there is raine so ordinarily, the Iles are so
moist as produceth all their plants in such infinit abundance: there is no
great reason to suspect this, were it rightly used, more then the rest.
{MN} Seventy thousand weight of Tobacco being prepared towards her
fraught she returned for England. No sooner was shee gone then came in
another, sent by the Company and generalty, well conditioned, but shee
failed not much to have beene cast away amongst those dangerous & terrible
rocks; by her came also expresse command, they should entertaine no other
ships, then were directly sent from the Company: this caused much
grudging, and indeed a generall distraction and exclamation among the
Inhabitants, to be thus constrained to buy what they wanted, and sell what
they had at what price the Magazin pleased, and to debarre true men from
comming to them for trade or reliefe, that were daily received in all the
harbours in England. So long this ship stayed going for fraught and wages,
the Master not caring how long he lay at that rate in a good harbour, the
Governour was ready to send her away by Proclamation. Thus ended the first
yeere of the government of C. Butler.
A.D. 1620.
_The building of three bridges and other works._
With the first of the second yeere were held the Assises, where all the
Bailiffes were fined for not giving a beginning to the building of the
bridges; there was also an order to restraine the excessive wages all
handicrafts men would have: and that the Church-wardens should meet twice
a yeere, to have all their presentments made perfect against the Assises.
The Assises done, all the ablest men were trained in their armes, and then
departed to their owne homes. The towne thus cleered, he made certaine new
carriages for some demy Culverings, and a large new store-house of Cedar
for the yeerely Magazines goods; finished Warwicks Fort begun by Master
More, and made a new platforme at Pagits Fort, also a faire house of lime
and stone for the Townes-house. The three bridges appointed by the
generall assembly, was followed with such diligence, though they were more
then an hundred, or an hundred and twenty foot in length, having the
foundation and arches in the Sea, were raised and accomplished, so that
man or beast with facility might passe them.
_The generall Assises, and the proceedings._
At Whitsonday was held the fourth generall Assise at Saint Georges, where
were tryed twenty severall causes; foure or five were whipped or burnt in
the hand, for breaking of houses: also an order was made, that the party
cast in the triall of any cause, should pay to every of the Jurours foure
pence: moreover, that not past ten leaves at the most should grow upon a
plant of Tobacco, and that also in the making it up, a distinction should
diligently be observed of two kinds, a better and a worse: then they built
a strong stone house for the Captaine of the Kings Castle and corps du
guard; and repaired what defects they could finde in the platformes and
carriages.
Captaine Powell so oft mentioned, having beene in the West-Indies for the
States of Holland, came to an anchor within shot of their Ordnance,
desiring admittance for wood and water, of which hee had great need, but
the Governor would not permit him, so he weighed and [V.196.] departed,
whereat the company were so madded, it was not possible to constraine them
to cease their exclaimations against the Companies inhibition, till they
were weary with exclaming: But still for their better defence, not
thinking themselves sufficiently secure, having finished two new
plat-formes more, arrived the Magazin ship, but her Master was dead, and
many of the Passengers, the rest for most part very sicke; and withall, a
strange and wonderfull report of much complaint made against the Governor
to the Company in England, by some of them returned in the last yeeres
shipping: but it was eight daies before she could get in by reason of ill
weather, being forced againe to Sea; so that time, they kept every night
continually great fires, she might see the Ile as well by night as day;
but at last she arrived, and he plainly understood, he had more cause a
great deale to looke for misconstruction of all his service then an
acknowledgment, much lesse a recompence any better then his predecessors;
but it is no new thing to requite the best desert with the most vildest of
ingratitude.
_A strange deliverence of a Spanish wracke._
The very next daies night after the arrivall of the Magazins ship, newes
was brought the Governor by a dismaied Messenger from Sands his Tribe,
that one hundred Spaniards were landed in that part, and divers ships
discovered at Sea, whereupon he presently manned the Forts, and instantly
made thitherward in person with twentie men, determining as he found cause
to draw together more strength by the way. Being got thither by the
breake of the next day, in stead of an enemy which he expected, he met
onely with a company of poore distressed Portugals and Spaniards, who in
their passage from Carthagena in the West-Indies, in consort with the
Spanish fleet of Plait; by the same storme that had indangered the Magazin
ship, lost theirs upon those terrible Rocks, being to the number of
seventy persons, were strangely preserved; and the manner was thus.
About Sunne-set their ship beating amongst the Rocks, some twenty of the
Sailers got into the Boat with what treasure they could, leaving the
Captaine, the Master, and all the rest to the mercy of the Sea. But a Boy
not past foureteene yeares of age that leaped after to have got into the
Boat, missing that hope, it pleased God he got upon a Chest a drift by
him, whereon they report he continued two daies, and was driven neere to
the cleane contrary part of the Ile, where he was taken up neere dead, yet
well recovered. All this night the ship sticking fast, the poore
distressed in her the next day spying land, made a raft, and were those
gave the alarum first a shore about three of the clocke in the afternoone.
The morning after, about seven of the clocke came in the Boat to a place
called Mangrove Bay; and the same day their Carpenter was driven a shore
upon a Planke neere Hog-Bay. There was a Gentlewoman that had stood wet up
to the middle upon the raft from the ship to the shore, being big with
childe; and although this was upon the thirteenth of September, she tooke
no hurt, and was safely delivered of a Boy within three daies after. The
best comfort could be given them in those extremities they had, although
some of the baser sort had beene rifling some of them before the Governors
arrivall; Also the Spanish Captaine and the chiefe with him, much
complained of the treachery of his men to leave him in that manner, yet
had conveyed with them the most of the money they could come by, which he
easily missed; whereupon hee suddenly caused all them he accused, to be
searched, and recovered to the value of one hundred and fortie pounds
starling, which he delivered into the Captaines hands, to be imploied in a
generall purse towards their generall charge: during their stay in the
Iles, some of the better sort, nine or ten weeks dieted at his owne table,
the rest were billited amongst the Inhabitants at foure shillings the
weeke, till they found shipping for their passage, for which they paied
no more then the English paied themselves; and for the passage of divers
of them, the Governor was glad to stand bound to the Master; some others
that were not able to procure such friendship, were so constrained to stay
in the Iles, till by their labours they [V.197.] had got so much as would
transport them; and thus they were preserved, releeved, and delivered.
_How they solemnized the powder treason,
and the arrival of two ships._
In the moneth insuing arrived the second ship, and she also had lost her
Master, and divers of her Passengers; in her came two Virginian Women to
be married to some would have them, that after they were converted and had
children, they might be sent to their Countrey and kindred to civilize
them. Towards the end of this moneth came in the third ship with a small
Magazin, having sold what she could, caried the rest to Virginia, and
never did any of those Passengers complaine either of their good diet, or
too good usage at sea; but the cleane contrary still occasioned many of
those extremities. The fift of November the damnable plot of the powder
treason was solemnized, with Praiers, Sermons, and a great Feast, whereto
the Governor invited the chiefe of the Spaniards, where drinking the Kings
health, it was honored with a quicke volly of small shot, which was
answered from the Forts with the great Ordnance, and then againe concluded
with a second volley of small shot; neither was the afternoone without
musicke and dancing, and at night many huge bone-fires of sweet wood.
A.D. 1621.
_The Spaniards returne, and in danger againe._
_The English Murderers found in the Spanish wracke._ {MN}
The Spaniards to expresse their thankfulnesse at their departure, made a
deed of gift to the Governor of whatsoever he could recover of the wracked
ship; but the ships as they went out came so dangerously upon a Rock, that
the poore Spaniards were so dismaied, swearing this place was ominous unto
them, especially the women, that desired rather to goe a shore and die
howsoever, than adventure any further in such a labyrinth of dangers, but
at last she got cleere without danger, and well to England; the other went
to Virginia, wherein the Governor sent two great Chests filled with all
such kinds and sorts of Fruits and Plants as their Ilands had; as Figs,
Pomgranats, Oranges, Lemons, Sugar-canes, Plantanes, Potatoes, Papawes,
Cassado roots, red Pepper, the Prickell Peare, and the like. The ships
thus dispatched, hee goeth into the maine, and so out to sea to the
Spanish wracke. He had beene there before presently after her ruine, for
never had ship a more sudden death, being now split in peeces all under
water. He found small hope to recover any thing, save a Cable and an
Anchor, and two good Sacars; {MN} but the wind was so high hee was forced
to returne, being ten miles from the shore, onely with three Murderers,
which were knowne to be the same Captaine Kendall had sold to Captaine
Kerby, whose ship was taken by two men of warre of Carthagena, the most of
his men slaine or hanged, and he being wounded, died in the woods. Now
their Pilot being at this service, got thus those three Murderers to their
ship, and their ship thus to the Bermudas, as the Spaniards remaining
related to the Governor and others.
_Their Aisses, and other passages._
Having raised three small Bulwarkes at Southhamptons Fort, with two
Curtaines, and two Ravilings, which indeed is onely the true absolute
peece of fortification in the Iles; Christmas being come, and the prefixed
day of the Assise; divers were whipped and burnt in the hand, onely three
young boyes for stealing were condemned, and at the very point of hanging
reprived. The Governour then sent his Lieutenant all over the maine to
distribute Armes, to those were found most fit to use them, & to give
order for their randezvous, which were hanged up in the Church. About this
time it chanced a pretty secret to be discovered to preserve their corne
from the fly, or weavell, which did in a manner as much hurt as the rats.
For the yeere before having made a Proclamation that all Corne should be
gathered by a certaine day, because many lazy persons ranne so after the
ships to get Beere and Aquavitae, for which they will give any thing they
have, much had beene lost for want of gathering. This yeare having a very
faire crop, some of the Inhabitants, none of the best husbands, hastily
gathered it for feare of the penaltie, threw it in great heaps into their
houses unhusked, and so let it lie foure or five moneths, which was
thought would have spoiled it: where the good husbands husked it, and with
much labour hung it up, where the Flies did so blow on it, they increased
[V.198.] to so many Weavels, they generally complained of great losse; but
those good fellowes that never cared but from hand to mouth, made their
boasts, that not a graine of theirs had beene touched nor hurt, there
being no better way to preserve it then by letting it lie in its huske,
and spare an infinite labour formerly had beene used. There were also very
luckily about this time found out divers places of fresh water, of which
many of the Forts were very destitute, and the Church-wardens and
Side-men were very busie in correcting the prophaners of the Sabbath,
Drunkards, Gamesters, and such like. There came also from Virginia a small
Barke with many thanks for the presents sent them; much Aquavitae, Oile,
Sacke and Bricks they brought in exchange of more Fruits and Plants,
Ducks, Turkies and Limestone, of which she had plenty, and so returned.
During the aboad of the stay of this ship, the mariage of one of the
Virginia maides was consummated with a husband fit for her, attended with
more then one hundred guests, and all the dainties for their dinner could
be provided; they made also another triall to fish for Whales, but it
tooke no more effect then the former: this was done by the Master of the
Virginia ship that professed much skill that way, but having fraughted his
ship with Lime-stone, with 20000. weight of Potatoes, and such things as
he desired, returned for Virginia.
_A strange Sodomy._
_More trialls about the wracks._ {MN}
Aprill and May were spent in building a strong new prison, and perfecting
some of the Fortifications, and by the labour of twenty men in fourteene
daies was got from the Spanish wracke foure excellent good Sacres, and
mounted them at the Forts. Then began the generall Assize, where not fewer
then fifty civill, or rather uncivill actions were handled, and twenty
criminall prisoners brought to the bar; such a multitude of such vild
people were sent to this Plantation, that he thought himselfe happy his
time was so neere expired: three of the foulest acts were these: the first
for the rape of a married woman, which was acquitted by a senselesse Jury;
the second for buggering a Sow, and the third for Sodomy with a boy, for
which they were hanged; during the time of the imprisonment of this
Buggerer of the Sow, a Dung-hill Cocke belonging to the same man did
continually haunt a Pigge of his also, and to the wonder of all them that
saw it who were many, did so frequently tread the Pigge as if it had beene
one of his Hens, that the Pigge languished and died within a while after,
and then the Cocke resorted to the very same Sow (that this fellow was
accused for) in the very same manner; and as an addition to all this,
about the same time two Chickens were hatched, the one whereof had two
heads, the other crowed very loud and lustily within twelve houres after
it was out of the shell. A desperate fellow being to bee arraigned for
stealing a Turky, rather then he would endure his triall, secretly
conveighed himselfe to Sea in a little Boat, and never since was ever
heard of, nor is he ever like to be, without an exceeding wonder, little
lesse then a miracle. {MN} In June they made another triall about the
Spanish wracke, and recovered another Sacre and a Murderer, also he caused
to be hewed out of the maine Rocke a paire of large staires for the
convenient landing of goods and passengers, a worke much to the beauty and
benefit of the towne. With twenty chosen men, and two excellent Divers,
the Governour went himselfe to the wracke Warwick, but they could recover
but one Murderer, from thence he went to the Sea-adventure, the wracke of
Sir George Summers, the hull though two or three fathomes in the water,
they found unperished and with much a doe weighed a Sacre, her sheat
Anchor, divers barres of Iron and pigs of Lead, which stood the Plantation
in very great stead. Towards the end of July he went to seeke for a
wracke they reported lay under water with her hatches spiked up, but they
could not finde her, but from the Spanish wracke lay there by they weighed
three faire Sacres more, and so returned through the Tribes to Saint
Georges: some were also imployed to seeke out beds of Oisters for Pearle,
some they found, some seed Pearle they got, but out of one little shell
above all the rest they got about 120. small Pearle, but somewhat
defective in their colour.
_The Planters complaints._ {MN}
[V.199.] The time of Captain Butlers government drawing neere an end, the
Colony presented unto him divers grievances, to intreat him to remember to
the Lords and Company in England at his returne: also they appointed two
to be joyned with him, with letters of credence to solicit in their
behalfe those grievances following: {MN} First, they The Planters were
defrauded of the food of their soules: for being not fewer then one
thousand and five hundred people, dispersed in length twenty miles, they
had at that present but one Minister, nor never had but two, and they so
shortned of their promises, that but onely for meere pity they would have
forsaken them. Secondly, neglected in the safety of their lives by wants
of all sorts of munition. Thirdly, they had beene censured contrary to his
Majesties Lawes, and not allowed them the benefit of their booke as they
are in England, but by Captaine Butler. Fourthly, they were frustrated of
many of their covenants, and most extremely pinched and undone by the
extortion of the Magazine, for although their Tobacco was stinted but at
two shillings sixpence the pound, yet they pitched their commodities at
what rate they pleased. Fifthly, their fatherlesse children are left in
little better condition then slaves, for if their Parents die in debt,
their children are made as bondmen till the debt be discharged: these
things being perfected, there grew a great question of one Heriot for
plotting of factions and abusing the Governour, for which he was condemned
to lose his eares, yet he was used so favourably he lost but the part of
one in all.
_The returne of Captaine Butler._
By this time it being growne past the wonted season of the comming in of
ships from England, after a generall longing and expectation, especially
of the Governour, whose Commission being neere upon expiration, gave him
cause to wish for a meane of deliverance from so troublesome and
thanklesse an imploiment as he had hitherto found it; a saile is
discovered, and long it was not before shee arrived in the Kings
Castle-Harbour: this Barke was set out by two or three private men of the
Company, and having landed her supplies, was to goe for Virginia; by her
the Governour received certaine advertisements of the carriage and
behaviour of the Spaniards, which he had relieved as you have heard the
yeere before; that quite contrary both to his merit, their vow, and his
owne expectation, they made clamours against him, the which being seconded
by the Spanish Ambassadour, caused the State to fall in examination about
it; whereupon having fully cleared their ingratefulnesse and impudency,
and being assured of the choice of a successor that was to be expected
within five or six weekes; hee was desirous to take the opportunity of
this Barke, and to visit the Colony in Virginia in his returne for
England: leaving the government to Captaine Felgat, Captaine Stokes,
Master Lewis Hewes, Master Nedom and Master Ginner, but now his time being
fully expired, and the fortifications finished, viz. The Kings Castle
wherein were mounted upon sufficient Platformes sixteene peece of
Ordnances: In Charles Fort two; In Southampton Fort five, betwixt which
and the Castle passeth the Chanell into the Harbour, secured by three and
twenty peeces of good artillery to play upon it. In Cowpers Ile is
Pembrocks Fort, where is two Peeces. The Chanell of Saint George is
guarded by Smiths Fort, and Pagits Fort, in which is eleven peece of
Ordnance. Saint George towne is halfe a league within the Harbour,
commanded by Warwicks Fort, where are three great Peeces, and on the
Wharfe before the Governours house eight more, besides the warning Peece
by the mount, and three in Saint Katharines; so that in all there are ten
Fortresses and two and fifty peeces of Ordnance sufficient and
serviceable: their formes and situations you may see more plainlier
described in the Map; and to defend those, he left one thousand five
hundred persons with neere a hundred boats, and the Ile well replenished
with store of such fruits, provisions and Poultry, as is formerly related;
yet for so departing and other occasions, much difference hath beene
betwixt him and some of the Company, as any of his Predecessors, which I
rather wish were reconciled, then to be a reporter of such unprofitable
dissentions.
[V.200] For
Till trechery and faction, and avarice be gone,
Till envy and ambition, and backbiting be none,
Till perjury and idlenesse, and injury be out,
And truly till that villany the worst of all that rout;
Unlesse those vises banisht be, what ever Forts you have,
A hundred walls together put will not have power to save.
A.D. 1622.
_The Lord Cavendish Treasurer,
Master Nicholas Farrar Deputy._
Master John Barnard sent to be Governour.
To supply this place was sent by the noble adventurers John Bernard, a
Gentleman both of good meanes and quality, who arrived within eight daies
after Butlers departure with two ships, and about one hundred and forty
passengers with armes and all sorts of munition and other provisions
sufficient. During the time of his life which was but six weekes in
reforming all things he found defective, he shewed himselfe so judiciall
and industrious as gave great satisfaction, and did generally promise vice
was in great danger to be suppressed, and vertue and the Plantation much
advanced; but so it hapned that both he and his wife died in such short
time they were both buried in one day and one grave, and Master John
Harrison chosen Governour till further order came from England.
A.D. 1623.
_Sir Edward Sackvil Treasurer,
Master Gabriel Barber Deputy._
What hapned in the government of
Master John Harrison.
They are still much troubled with a great short worme that devours their
Plants in the night, but all the day they lie hid in the ground, and
though early in the morning they kill so many, they would thinke there
were no more, yet the next morning you shall finde as many. The
Caterpillars to their fruits are also as pernicious, and the land Crabs in
some places are as thicke in their Borowes as Conies in a Warren, and doe
much hurt; besides all this, there hapned this yeere a very heavy
disaster, for a ship wherein there had beene much swearing and blaspheming
used all the voyage, and landed what she had to leave in those Iles,
jovially froliking in their Cups and Tobacco, by accident fired the
Powder, that at the very instant blew up the great Cabin, and some one way
and some another, it is a wonder to thinke how they could bee so blowne
out of the gun-roome into the Sea, where some were taken up living, so
pitifully burned, their lives were worse then so many deaths, some died,
some lived, but eighteene were lost at this fatall blast, the ship also
immediatly sunke with threescore barrels of meale sent for Virginia, and
all the other provision in her was thus lost.
_Note._
A.D. 1624.
_Sir Thomas Smith treasurer,
Master Edwards Deputy._ {MN}
Now to consider how the Spaniards, French, and Dutch, have beene lost and
preserved in those invincible Iles, yet never regarded them but as
monuments of miseries, though at this present they all desire them; How
Sir Thomas Gates, and Sir George Summers being ready to sinke in the sea
were saved, what an incredible abundance of victuall they found, how it
was first planted by the English, the strange increase of Rats, and their
sudden departure, the five men came from England in a boat, the escape of
Hilliard, and the rest of those accidents there hapned, a man would
thinke it a tabernacle of miracles, and the worlds wonder, that from such
a Paradise of admiration who would thinke should spring such wonders of
afflictions as are onely fit to be sacrificed upon the highest altars of
sorrow, thus to be set upon the highest Pinacles of content, and presently
throwne downe to the lowest degree of extremity, as you see have beene
the yeerely succeedings of those Plantations; the which to overcome, as it
is an incomparable honour, so it can be no dishonour if a man doe miscarry
by unfortunate accidents in such honourable actions, the which renowne
and vertue to attaine hath caused so many attempts by divers Nations
besides ours, even to passe through the very amazement of adventures. Upon
the relation of this newes the Company hath sent one Captaine Woodhouse,
a Gentleman of good repute and great experience in the warres, and no
lesse provident then industrious and valiant: then returned report, all
goeth well there. It is too true, in the absence of the noble Treasurer,
Sir Edward Sackvill, now Earle of Dorset, there have beene such complaints
betwixt the Planters and the Company, {MN} that by command the Lords
appointed Sir Thomas Smith againe Treasurer, that since then according to
their order of Court he is also elected, where now we must leave them all
to their good fortune and successe, till we heare further of their
fortunate proceedings.
FINIS.
END OF VOLUME I.