CHAP. I.
_Of the_ English _Settlements in_ Virginia.
The first Discovery made for the _English_ in _North-America_, was in
the Year 1584, (a hundred and forty Years ago) by Captain _Philip
Amidas_, and Captain _Arthur Barlow_, by the Protection and
Encouragement of _Queen Elizabeth_; with the Persuasion and Direction of
Sir _Walter Raleigh_.
They anchored at _Roenoak_ Inlet, now belonging to the Government of
_North Carolina_, and from the _Virgin Queen_, and the apparent Purity
of the _Indians_, and primitive Plenty of the Place, that new discover'd
Part of the World was named _Virginia_.
After that, Sir _Richard Greenvile_, Sir _Francis Drake_, and Sir
_Walter Raleigh_ carried on the Project, and made Advancements in it,
with the Leave of the Government; which were promoted and continued by
the _Merchants_ of _London_, _Bristol_, _Exeter_ and _Plymouth_; with
Variety of Accidents, Successes and Disappointments in Respect of their
Trade and Possessions, and War and Peace with the _Indians_; especially
under the Conduct of _Captain Smith_, who was employed by the Company of
Merchants incorporated by _King James_ I. in 1606; and has written a
large History of his particular Transactions.
They then fixed chiefly at, and near _James Town_, on a small Island in
_James River_, till the Year 1609, when they sent out Settlements to
_Nansemond_, _Powhatan_, and the Year after to _Kiquotan_.
After that the Plantations of _Virginia_ were formed into a Government,
managed first by three, and afterwards by one _Governor_, to whose
Assistance in a small Time they added _Counsellors_; and in 1620, they
called an _Assembly of Burgesses_, who being elected by the People, met
the _Governor_ and _Council_ at _James Town_, and debated Matters for
the Improvement and good Government of the Country.
About this Time the _Dutch_ brought over some _Negroes_ for Sale, who
are now wonderfully encreased; besides the constant Supplies of them
imported yearly.
At this Time, they made new Settlements, laid out and apportioned Lands,
some to the _Governor_, some for a _College_ and _Indian School_, some
to the _Church_ and _Glebes_, and some to particular Persons; and
carried on _Salt Works_ and _Iron Works_, besides _Tobacco_.
This Prosperity of the Colony so encouraged its Increase, that one
thousand three hundred People have gone over in one Year to settle
there; upon which they made _County Courts_ for the Tryal of some Causes
and Criminals under the _General Court_ and _Assembly_; but private
Interest and Quarrels byassing the Governors and other Persons
concerned, often introduced ill Success, Faction, and _Indian_ Wars.
The fatal Consequences of this _Male-Administration_ cry'd so loud, that
_King Charles_ I. coming to the Crown of _England_, had a tender Concern
for the poor People, that had been betrayed thither and almost lost:
Upon which he dissolved the Company in 1626, reducing the Country and
Government into his own immediate Direction, appointing the _Governor_
and _Council_ himself, and ordering all _Patents_ and _Processes_ to
issue in his own Name, reserving to himself a _Quit-Rent_ of two
Shillings for every hundred Acres of Land.
In this happy Constitution, the Colony of _Virginia_ has prosperously
encreased gradually and wonderfully, to its present most flourishing
Condition.
Indeed _Bacon_'s Rebellion against the _Governor_ occasioned a great
deal of Bloodshed and Disturbance; but that after his Death soon ceased.
The assured good Report of this vast Tract of Land and happy Climate
encouraged several Gentlemen of Condition and good Descent, to transport
themselves and Families, and settle in this new Paradise; some for the
Sake of Wealth, some for Religion, and others because they could not
well live elsewhere; and others because they dared not, or cared not to
stay at Home.
But one particular Occasion that sent several Families of good Birth and
Fortune to settle there, was the Civil Wars in _England_; for Sir
_William Barkley_ the Governor being strong for the _King_, held out the
last of all the _King's Dominions_ against the _Usurper_; and likewise
proclaimed _King Charles_ II. before the _Restoration_.
This safe Receptacle enticed over several _Cavalier_ Families, where
they made many Laws against _Puritans_, tho' they were free from them;
which had this good Success, that to this Day, the People are as it were
quite free from them, being all of the _Church of England_, without the
odious distinguishing Characters of _High_ or _Low_ among themselves.
Indeed, there are a few _Quakers_ in some of the worst Counties, where
_Clergymen_ are unwilling to settle, such as the lower Parts of
_Nansemond_ County; but these might easily be brought over to the
_Church_; and I am fully persuaded that the Growth of their Doctrine
might be easily nipped in the Bud, by very plain Methods.
Among other Persons of Distinction that went over to settle in
_Virginia_, was the noble _Caecilius Calvert Lord Baltimore_, a _Roman
Catholick_, who with his Family, Friends and Attendants, was willing to
retire thither for the free Exercise of his Religion.
He obtained a Patent for all that vast Part of _Virginia_, which lies to
the Northward of the great River _Potowmack_; which was confirmed to his
Son and his Heirs in the Year 1633.
This Province was named _Maryland_ from the _Royal Consort of King
Charles_ I. and remains still the Propriety of the present _Lord
Baltimore_ and his Heirs, with the Restriction of their being
_Protestants_; and is perhaps the largest Estate in the World belonging
to any one Person, that is not a Prince.
Though the _Church of England_ be establish'd in _Maryland_; yet it is a
Sanctuary for _Papists_, who are pretty numerous there, and enjoy the
Freedom of their _Priests_ and _Mass_ in a great Measure, without
Molestation.
CHAP. II.
_Of the Metropolis_ Williamsburgh, _and the College, Capitol, and
Governor's House, and the Church_, &c.
The first _Metropolis_, _James Town_, was built in the most convenient
Place for Trade and Security against the _Indians_, but often received
much Damage, being twice burnt down; after which it never recovered its
Perfection, consisting at present of nothing but Abundance of Brick
Rubbish, and three or four good inhabited Houses, tho' the Parish is of
pretty large Extent, but less than others. When the _State House_ and
_Prison_ were burnt down, _Governor Nicholson_ removed the Residence of
the Governor, with the Meeting of _General Courts_ and _General
Assemblies to Middle Plantation_, seven Miles from _James Town_, in a
healthier and more convenient Place, and freer from the Annoyance of
_Muskettoes_.
Here he laid out the _City of Williamsburgh_ (in the Form of a Cypher,
made of _W._ and _M._) on a Ridge at the Head Springs of two great
_Creeks_, one running into _James_, and the other into _York River_,
which are each navigable for Sloops, within a Mile of the Town; at the
Head of which _Creeks_ are good _Landings_, and _Lots_ laid out, and
Dwelling Houses and Ware Houses built; so that this Town is most
conveniently situated, in the Middle of the lower Part of _Virginia_,
commanding two noble Rivers, not above four Miles from either, and is
much more commodious and healthful, than if built upon a River.
Publick Buildings here of Note, are the College, the Capitol, the
Governor's House, and the Church. The Latitude of the _College_ at
_Williamsburgh_, to the best of my Observation, is 37 deg.. 21'. _North_.
The Front which looks due _East_ is double, and is 136 Foot long. It is
a lofty Pile of Brick Building adorn'd with a _Cupola_. At the _North_
End runs back a large Wing, which is a handsome _Hall_, answerable to
which the _Chapel_ is to be built; and there is a spacious _Piazza_ on
the _West_ Side, from one Wing to the other. It is approached by a good
Walk, and a grand Entrance by Steps, with good Courts and Gardens about
it, with a good House and Apartments for the _Indian Master_ and his
Scholars, and Out-Houses; and a large Pasture enclosed like a Park with
about 150 Acres of Land adjoining, for occasional Uses.
The Building is beautiful and commodious, being first modelled by Sir
_Christopher Wren_, adapted to the Nature of the Country by the
_Gentlemen_ there; and since it was burnt down, it has been rebuilt, and
nicely contrived, altered and adorned by the ingenious Direction of
_Governor Spotswood_; and is not altogether unlike _Chelsea Hospital_.
This _Royal Foundation_ was granted and establish'd by _Charter_, _by
King William and Queen Mary_, and endowed by them, with some thousand
Acres of Land, with Duties upon Furs and Skins, and a Penny a Pound for
all Tobacco transported from _Virginia_ and _Maryland_, to the other
Plantations; to which have been made several additional Benefactions, as
that handsom Establishment of Mr. _Boyle_, for the Education of
_Indians_, with the many Contributions of the Country, especially a late
one of 1000 _l._ to buy _Negroes_ for the College Use and Service.
The Society is a Corporation establish'd for a _President_, _six
Masters_ or _Professors_, with a hundred _Scholars_, more or less.
For some Causes that I can't account for, the Revenue is not improved as
much as might be wished; neither is the College brought to that Method
of Education and Advantage, as it might be; tho' 'tis hoped, that in a
few Years it will, like the Palm Tree, grow to the greater Perfection,
under the weighty Obstacles that load it.
The Salary of the President Mr. _James Blair_, has been lately ordered
to be reduced from 150 to 100 _l. per Ann._
The Salary of the Fellows (one of which I have been several Years) is 80
_l. per Ann._ each, with 20 _s._ Entrance, and 20 _s._ a Year for
Pupilage for each Scholar: The Payments are sometimes made in Current
_Spanish Money_, and sometimes in _Sterling_ Bills.
The Nature of the Country scarce yet admits of a Possibility of reducing
the _Collegians_ to the nice Methods of Life and Study observed in
_Oxford_ and _Cambridge_; tho' by Degrees they may copy from thence many
useful Customs and Constitutions.
When the _College_ shall be compleatly finished, and Scholarships
founded, then is the Trust to be transferred from the _Trustees_ to the
_President and Masters_; but at present it is managed by a certain
Number of _Governors_ or _Visitors_, (one of which is chosen yearly
_Rector_) appointed first by the _Trustees_, elected out of the
principal and worthiest Inhabitants.
These appoint a Person, to whom they grant several Privileges and
Allowances to board and lodge the Masters and Scholars at an
extraordinary cheap Rate.
This Office is at present performed in the neatest and most regular and
plentiful Manner, by _Mrs. Mary Stith_, a Gentlewoman of great Worth and
Discretion, in good Favour with the Gentry, and great Esteem and Respect
with the common People.
Great Pity it is, but the noble Design of this College met with more
Friends to encourage, and Benefactors to advance, its flourishing State.
One Happiness is, that it has always a _Chancellor_ in _England_, chosen
by the _Governors_ or _Feoffees_; to whose Patronage and Direction it
may have Recourse upon emergent Occasions.
The last _Chancellor_ was the late _Bishop of London_; and the present
is his _Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury_.
The _Chancellor_ continues in that Office but seven Years; so that it
may happen as soon as he has obtained a perfect Knowledge and
Acquaintance with the Persons and Affairs belonging to the _College_,
his Term is expired: Besides their Business in other momentous Affairs
at Home may divert them, and the Distance of the Country may prevent
them from obtaining true Notions, and exact Accounts of the Nature of
the _Colony_ and the _College_; so that for these Reasons, they can't do
for it the Good, which they otherwise might: For their better
Information, and for Direction of all, in promoting Religion and
Learning in this _Plantation_, I have made Publick this Account of _it_,
and _its_ Inhabitants.
Fronting the _College_ at near its whole Breadth, is extended a noble
Street mathematically streight (for the first Design of the Town's Form
is changed to a much better) just three Quarters of a Mile in Length: At
the other End of which stands the _Capitol_, a noble, beautiful, and
commodious Pile as any of its Kind, built at the Cost of the _late
Queen_, and by the Direction of the _Governor_.
In this is the _Secretary's Office_ with all the Courts of _Justice_ and
_Law_, held in the same Form, and near the same Manner, as in _England_;
except the _Ecclesiastical Courts_.
Here the _Governor_ and _twelve Counsellors_ sit as _Judges_, at the
_General Courts_ in _April_ and _October_, whither Trials and Causes are
removed from Courts, held at the Court-Houses Monthly in every County by
a Bench of _Justices_ and a _County Clerk_.
Here are also held the _Oyer and Terminer Courts_, one in Summer, and
the other in Winter, added by the Charity of the _late Queen_, for the
Prevention of Prisoners lying in Gaol above a Quarter of a Year before
their Trial.
Here are also held _Courts Martial_, by Judges appointed on Purpose, for
the _Trial_ of _Pyrates_; likewise _Courts of Admiralty_, for the Trial
of _Ships_ for illegal Trade.
The Building is in the Form of an =H= nearly; the _Secretary's Office_,
and the _General Court_ taking up one Side below Stairs; the Middle
being an handsom _Portico_ leading to the Clerk of the _Assembly's_
Office, and _the House of Burgesses_ on the other Side; which last is
not unlike the _House of Commons_.
In each Wing is a good Stair Case, one leading to the _Council Chamber_,
where the _Governor_ and _Council_ sit in very great State, in Imitation
of the _King and Council_, or the _Lord Chancellor_ and _House of
Lords_.
Over the _Portico_ is a large Room where _Conferences_ are held, and
_Prayers_ are read by the Chaplain to the General Assembly; which Office
I have had the Honour for some Years to perform. At one End of this is a
Lobby, and near it is the _Clerk of the Council's Office_; and at the
other End are several Chambers for the _Committees_ of _Claims_,
_Privileges_, and _Elections_; and over all these are several good
Offices for the _Receiver General_, for the _Auditor_, _Treasurer_, &c.
and upon the Middle is raised a lofty _Cupola_ with a large Clock.
The whole is surrounded with a neat _Area_, encompassed with a good
Wall, and near it is a strong sweet _Prison_ for _Criminals_; and on the
other Side of an open Court another for _Debtors_, when any are removed
thither from other Prisons in each County; but such Prisoners are very
rare, the Creditors being there generally very merciful, and the Laws so
favourable for Debtors, that some esteem them too indulgent.
The Cause of my being so particular in describing the _Capitol_ is,
because it is the best and most commodious Pile of its Kind that I have
seen or heard of.
Because the _State House_, _James Town_, and the _College_ have been
burnt down, therefore is prohibited in the _Capitol_ the Use of Fire,
Candles, and Tobacco.
Parallel to the main Street mentioned is a Street on each Side of it,
but neither quite so long nor broad; and at proper Distances are small
cross Streets, for the Convenience of Communication.
Near the Middle stands the _Church_, which is a large strong Piece of
Brickwork in the Form of a Cross, nicely regular and convenient, and
adorned as the best Churches in _London_. This from the Parish is called
_Bruton Church_, where I had the Favour of being Lecturer.
Near this is a large Octogon Tower, which is the _Magazine_ or
Repository of Arms and Ammunition, landing far from any House except
_James Town Court-House_; for the Town is half in _James Town County_,
and half in _York County_.
Not far from hence is a large _Area_ for a _Market Place_; near which is
a _Play House_ and good _Bowling Green_.
From the _Church_ runs a Street Northward called _Palace Street_; at the
other End of which stands the _Palace or Governor's House_, a
magnificent Structure, built at the publick Expence, finished and
beautified with Gates, fine Gardens, Offices, Walks, a fine Canal,
Orchards, _&c._ with a great Number of the best Arms nicely posited, by
the ingenious Contrivance of the most accomplished _Colonel Spotswood_.
This likewise has the ornamental Addition of a good _Cupola_ or
_Lanthorn_, illuminated with most of the Town, upon _Birth-Nights_, and
other Nights of occasional Rejoicings.
At the _Capitol_, at publick Times, may be seen a great Number of
handsom, well-dress'd, compleat Gentlemen. And at the _Governor's_ House
upon _Birth-Nights_, and at _Balls_ and _Assemblies_, I have seen as
fine an Appearance, as good Diversion, and as splendid Entertainments in
_Governor Spotswood's Time_, as I have seen any where else.
These Buildings here described are justly reputed the best in all the
_English America_, and are exceeded by few of their Kind in _England_.
In every Part of this Town are excellent Springs of good Water, or else
may be made good Wells; and the Ground falling on both Sides, conveys
the Water and Rain by small Channels into the Creeks; but to make the
main Street exactly level, the Assembly lately gave a considerable Sum,
which was expended in removing Earth in some Places, and building a
Bridge over a low Channel; so that it is now a pleasant, long dry Walk,
broad, and almost level from the _College_ to the _Capitol_.
_Williamsburgh_ is now incorporated and made a _Market Town_, and
governed by a _Mayor and Aldermen_; and is well stock'd with rich
_Stores_, of all Sorts of Goods, and well furnished with the best
Provisions and Liquors.
Here dwell several very good Families, and more reside here in their own
Houses at publick Times.
They live in the same neat Manner, dress after the same Modes, and
behave themselves exactly as the _Gentry in London_; most Families of
any Note having a _Coach_, _Chariot_, _Berlin_, _or Chaise_.
The Number of Artificers is here daily augmented; as are the convenient
_Ordinaries_ or Inns for Accommodation of Strangers.
The Servants here, as in other Parts of the Country, are _English_,
_Scotch_, _Irish_, _or Negroes_.
The Town is laid out regularly in _Lots_ or square Portions, sufficient
each for a House and Garden; so that they don't build contiguous,
whereby may be prevented the spreading Danger of Fire; and this also
affords a free Passage for the Air, which is very grateful in violent
hot Weather.
Here, as in other Parts, they build with Brick, but most commonly with
Timber lined with Cieling, and cased with feather-edged Plank, painted
with white Lead and Oil, covered with Shingles of _Cedar_, &c. tarr'd
over at first; with a Passage generally through the Middle of the House
for an Air-Draught in Summer.
Thus their Houses are lasting, dry, and warm in Winter, and cool in
Summer; especially if there be Windows enough to draw the Air.
Thus they dwell comfortably, genteely, pleasantly, and plentifully in
this delightful, healthful, and (I hope) thriving _City of
Williamsburgh_.
CHAP. III.
_Of the Situation and Nature of the Country of_ Virginia, _and its
Coasts_, &c.
Under the Meridian is extended the Expanse _Bay of Chesapeak_, esteemed
one of the noblest and safest Bays in the World.
The Land on the _East_ Side of it is called the _Eastern Shore_, the
Northern Part of it belonging to _Maryland_, and the Southern containing
_Accomack_ and _Northampton Counties_ belonging to _Virginia_; at the
extreme Point of which lies one of the _Capes of Virginia_, the other
being opposite to it, one called _Cape Henry_, and the other _Cape
Charles_; _without_ these runs a bold Shore Southward, being the Coast
of _North Carolina_.
After Ships are clear of _England_, they need go near neither Land,
Rocks, nor Shoals, but in a direct Course might cross the vast
_Atlantick Ocean_ about a thousand Leagues nearly _W. S. W._ till they
make Land somewhat to the Southward of the Capes; then knowing (by their
Latitude, or Landmarks, or by certain Trees) what Land they are near,
they may easily get within the Capes, unless they happen to be kept off
to Sea for some Time by blustering _Northwesters_; or unless they
carelessly fall upon _Cape Hatteras_, or other Shoals on that Coast, in
known Latitudes; so that this may be esteemed as easy a Voyage as any.
There are belonging to _Virginia_ four principal Rivers (neither of them
inferior upon many Accounts to the _Thames_ or _Severn_) that empty
themselves into the Bay after they have glided some Hundreds of Miles
fromwards the Mountains, the Western Bounds of _Virginia_.
The most Southerly of these Rivers is called _James River_, and the next
_York River_, the Land in the Latitude between these Rivers seeming most
nicely adapted for _sweet scented_, or the finest _Tobacco_; for 'tis
observed that the goodness decreaseth the farther you go to the
Northward of the one, and the Southward of the other; but this may be (I
believe) attributed in some Measure to the Seed and Management, as well
as to the Land and Latitude: For on _York River_ in a small Tract of
Land called _Digges's Neck_, which is poorer than a great deal of other
Land in the same Latitude, by a particular Seed and Management, is made
the famous Crop known by the Name of the _E Dees_, remarkable for its
mild taste and fine Smell.
The next great River is _Rappahannock_, and the fourth is _Potowmack_,
which divides _Virginia_ from the _Province_ of _Maryland_.
These are supplied by several lesser Rivers, such as _Chickahommony_ and
others, _navigable_ for Vessels of great Burthen.
Into these Rivers run abundance of great _Creeks_ or short Rivers,
navigable for _Sloops_, _Shallops_, _Long-Boats_, _Flats_, _Canoes_ and
_Periaguas_.
These _Creeks_ are supplied with the _Tide_, (which indeed does not rise
so high as in _Europe_, so prevents their making good _Docks_) and also
with fresh-Water-runs, replenished with _Branches_ issuing from the
_Springs_, and soaking through the _Swamps_; so that no Country is
better watered, for the Conveniency of which most Houses are built near
some Landing-Place; so that any Thing may be delivered to a Gentleman
there from _London_, _Bristol_, &c. with less Trouble and Cost, than to
one living five Miles in the _Country in England_; for you pay no
Freight for Goods from _London_, and but little from _Bristol_; only the
Party to whom the Goods belong, is in Gratitude engaged to freight
_Tobacco_ upon the Ship consigned to her Owners in _England_.
Because of this Convenience, and for the Goodness of the Land, and for
the sake of Fish, Fowl, _&c._ Gentlemen and Planters love to build near
the Water; though it be not altogether so healthy as the _Uplands_ and
_Barrens_, which serve for _Ranges for Stock_.
In the _Uplands_ near the Ridge generally run the _main Roads_, in a
pleasant, dry, sandy Soil, free from Stones and Dirt, and shaded and
sheltered chiefly by Trees; in some Places being not unlike the Walks in
_Greenwich Park_.
Thus neither the Interest nor Inclinations of the _Virginians_ induce
them to cohabit in Towns; so that they are not forward in contributing
their Assistance towards the making of particular Places, every
Plantation affording the Owner the Provision of a little Market;
wherefore they most commonly build upon some convenient Spot or Neck of
Land in their own Plantation, though Towns are laid out and establish'd
in each County; the best of which (next _Williamsburgh_) are _York_,
_Glocester_, _Hampton_, _Elizabeth Town_, and _Urbanna_.
The Colony now is encreased to _twenty nine Counties_, naturally bounded
(near as much as may be) one with another about as big as _Kent_; but
the frontier Counties are of vast Extent, though not thick seated as
yet.
The whole Country is a perfect Forest, except where the Woods are
cleared for Plantations, and old Fields, and where have been formerly
_Indian Towns_, and _poisoned Fields_ and _Meadows_, where the Timber
has been burnt down in Fire-Hunting or otherwise; and about the Creeks
and Rivers are large rank _Morasses_ or _Marshes_, and up the Country
are poor _Savannahs_.
The Gentlemen's Seats are of late built for the most Part of good Brick,
and many of Timber very handsom, commodious, and capacious; and likewise
the common Planters live in pretty Timber Houses, neater than the _Farm
Houses_ are generally in _England_: With Timber also are built Houses
for the _Overseers_ and _Out-Houses_; among which is the _Kitchen_ apart
from the _Dwelling House_, because of the Smell of hot Victuals,
offensive in hot Weather.
CHAP. IV.
_Of the_ Negroes, _with the Planting and Management of_ Indian _Corn,
Tobacco,_ &c. _and of their Timber, Stock, Fruits, Provision, and
Habitations,_ &c.
The _Negroes_ live in small Cottages called _Quarters_, in about six in
a _Gang_, under the Direction of an _Overseer_ or _Bailiff_; who takes
Care that they _tend_ such Land as the Owner allots and orders, upon
which they raise _Hogs_ and _Cattle_, and plant _Indian Corn_ (or
_Maize_) and _Tobacco_ for the Use of their Master; out of which the
_Overseer_ has a Dividend (or Share) in Proportion to the Number of
_Hands_ including himself; this with several Privileges is his Salary,
and is an ample Recompence for his Pains, and Encouragement of his
industrious Care, as to the Labour, Health, and Provision of the
_Negroes_.
The _Negroes_ are very numerous, some Gentlemen having Hundreds of them
of all Sorts, to whom they bring great Profit; for the Sake of which
they are obliged to keep them well, and not over-work, starve, or famish
them, besides other Inducements to favour them; which is done in a
_great Degree_, to such especially that are laborious, careful, and
honest; tho' indeed some Masters, careless of their own Interest or
Reputation, are too cruel and negligent.
The _Negroes_ are not only encreased by fresh Supplies from _Africa_ and
the _West India_ Islands, but also are very prolifick among themselves;
and they that are born there talk _good English_, and affect our
Language, Habits, and Customs; and tho' they be naturally of a barbarous
and cruel Temper, yet are they kept under by severe Discipline upon
Occasion, and by good Laws are prevented from running away, injuring the
_English_, or neglecting their Business.
Their Work (or Chimerical hard Slavery) is not very laborious; their
greatest Hardship consisting in that they and their Posterity are not at
their own Liberty or Disposal, but are the Property of their Owners; and
when they are free, they know not how to provide so well for themselves
generally; neither did they live so plentifully nor (many of them) so
easily in their own Country, where they are made Slaves to one another,
or taken Captive by their Enemies.
The Children belong to the Master of the Woman that bears them; and such
as are born of a _Negroe_ and an _European_ are called _Molattoes_; but
such as are born of an _Indian_ and _Negroe_ are called _Mustees_.
Their Work is to take Care of the _Stock_, and plant _Corn_, _Tobacco_,
_Fruits_, &c. which is not harder than _Thrashing_, _Hedging_, or
_Ditching_; besides, tho' they are out in the violent Heat, wherein they
delight, yet in wet or cold Weather there is little Occasion for their
working in the Fields, in which few will let them be abroad, lest by
this means they might get sick or die, which would prove a great Loss to
their Owners, a good _Negroe_ being sometimes worth three (nay four)
Score Pounds Sterling, if he be a Tradesman; so that upon this (if upon
no other Account) they are obliged not to overwork them, but to cloath
and feed them sufficiently, and take Care of their Health.
Several of them are taught to be _Sawyers_, _Carpenters_, _Smiths_,
_Coopers_, &c. and though for the most Part they be none of the aptest
or nicest; yet they are by Nature cut out for hard Labour and Fatigue,
and will perform tolerably well; though they fall much short of an
_Indian_, that has learn'd and seen the same Things; and _those Negroes_
make the best Servants, that have been _Slaves_ in their _own Country_;
for they that have been _Kings_ and _great Men_ there are generally
lazy, haughty, and obstinate; whereas the others are sharper, better
humoured, and more laborious.
The _Languages_ of the _new Negroes_ are various harsh _Jargons_, and
their _Religions_ and _Customs_ such as are best described by Mr.
_Bosman_ in his Book intitled (I think) _A Description of the Coasts of_
Africa.
The _Virginia_ Planters readily learn to become good _Mechanicks_ in
Building, wherein most are capable of directing their Servants and
Slaves.
As for Timber they abound with excellent good; having about eight Sorts
of _Oak_, several Kinds of _Walnut-Tree_, and _Hickory_ and _Pignut_,
_Pine_, _Cedar_, and _Cypress_ for _Shingles_; which Covering is
lighter than _Tiles_, and being nailed down, are not easily blown off in
any Tempest or _Gust_.
The Oak, _&c._ is of quick Growth, consequently will not last so long as
ours; though it has a good _Grain_, and is freer from Knots, and will
last long enough for Shipping, and ordinary Uses.
When a _Tract of Land is seated_, they _clear_ it by felling the Trees
about a Yard from the Ground, lest they should shoot again. What Wood
they have Occasion for they carry off, and burn the rest, or let it lie
and rot upon the Ground.
The Land between the Logs and Stumps they _how_ up, planting _Tobacco_
there in the Spring, inclosing it with a slight _Fence_ of cleft Rails.
This will last for _Tobacco_ some Years, if the Land be good; as it is
where _fine Timber_, or _Grape Vines_ grow.
Land when tired is _forced_ to bear _Tobacco_ by penning their Cattle
upon it; but _Cowpen Tobacco_ tastes strong, and that planted in wet
marshy Land is called _Nonburning Tobacco_, which smoaks in the Pipe
like Leather, unless it be of a good Age.
When Land is tired of _Tobacco_, it will bear _Indian Corn_ or _English
Wheat_, or any other _European Grain_ or _Seed_, with wonderful
Increase.
_Tobacco_ and _Indian Corn_ are planted in _Hills_ as Hops, and secured
by _Wormfences_, which are made of Rails supporting one another very
firmly in a particular Manner.
_Tobacco_ requires a great deal of Skill and Trouble in the right
Management of it.
They raise the Plants in _Beds_, as we do Cabbage Plants; which they
_transplant_ and _replant_ upon Occasion after a Shower of Rain, which
they call a _Season_.
When it is grown up they _top_ it, or nip off the Head, _succour_ it, or
cut off the Ground Leaves, _weed_ it, _hill_ it; and when ripe, they
_cut_ it down about six or eight Leaves on a Stalk, which they carry
into airy _Tobacco Houses_; after it is withered a little in the Sun,
there it is hung to dry on _Sticks_, as Paper at the Paper-Mills; when
it is in proper Case, (as they call it) and the Air neither too moist,
nor too dry, they _strike_ it, or take it down, then cover it up in
_Bulk_, or a great Heap, where it lies till they have Leisure or
Occasion to _stem_ it (that is pull the Leaves from the Stalk) or
_strip_ it (that is take out the great Fibres) and _tie_ it up in
_Hands_, or _streight lay it_; and so by Degrees _prize_ or press it
with proper Engines into great Hogsheads, containing from about six to
eleven hundred Pounds; four of which Hogsheads make a _Tun_, by
Dimension, not by Weight; then it is ready for Sale or Shipping.
There are two Sorts of _Tobacco_, viz. _Oroonoko_ the stronger, and
_Sweetscented_ the milder; the first with a sharper Leaf like a Fox's
Ear, and the other rounder and with finer Fibres: But each of these are
varied into several Sorts, much as Apples and Pears are; and I have been
informed by the _Indian Traders_, that the _Inland Indians_ have Sorts
of _Tobacco_ much differing from any planted or used by the _Europeans_.
The _Indian Corn_ is planted in Hills, and weeded much as _Tobacco_.
This Grain is of great Increase and most general Use; for with this is
made good _Bread_, _Cakes_, _Mush_, and _Hommony_ for the _Negroes_,
which with good _Pork_ and _Potatoes_ (red and white, very nice and
different from ours) with other _Roots_ and _Pulse_, are their general
Food.
_Indian Corn_ is the best Food for _Cattle_, _Hogs_, _Sheep_ and
_Horses_; and the _Blades_ and _Tops_ are excellent _Fodder_, when well
cured, which is commonly used, though many raise good _Clover_ and
_Oats_; and some have planted Sanfoin, _&c._
In the _Marshes_, and _Woods_, and _old Fields_ is good _Range_ for
_Stock_ in the Spring, Summer, and Fall; and the _Hogs_ will run fat
with certain Roots of Flags and _Reeds_, which abounding in the
_Marshes_ they root up and eat.
Besides, at the _Plantations_ are standard _Peach-Trees_, and
_Apple-Trees_, planted out in _Orchards_, on Purpose almost for the
_Hogs_.
The _Peaches_ abound, and are of a delicious Taste, and _Apple-Trees_
are raised from the _Seeds_ very soon, which kind of Kernel Fruit needs
no grafting, and is diversify'd into numberless Sorts, and makes, with
good Management, an excellent _Cyder_, not much inferior to that of
_Herefordshire_, when kept to a good Age; which is rarely done, the
_Planters_ being good _Companions_ and _Guests_ whilst the _Cyder_
lasts. Here _Cherries_ thrive much better (I think) than in _England_;
tho' the _Fruit-Trees_ soon decay, yet they are soon raised to great
Perfection.
As for _Wool_, I have had near as good as any near _Leominster_; and it
might be much improved if the _Sheep_ were housed every Night, and
foddered and littered as in _Urchinfield_, where they have by such Means
the finest _Wool_; but to do this, would be of little Use, since it is
contrary to the Interest of _Great Britain_ to allow them Exportation of
their Woollen Manufactures; and what little Woollen is there made might
be nearly had as cheap, and better from _England_.
As for _Provision_, there is Variety of excellent _Fish_ in great Plenty
easily taken; especially _Oysters_, _Sheepsheads_, _Rocks_, _large
Trouts_, _Crabs_, _Drums_, _Sturgeons_, &c.
They have the same tame Fowl as in _England_, only they propagate
better; but they exceed in _wild Geese_ and _Ducks_, _Cohoncks_,
_Blew-Wings_, _Teal_, _Blew-Wings_, _Teal_, _Swans_, and _Mallard_.
Their _Beef_ and _Veal_ is small, sweet, and fat enough; their _Pork_ is
famous, whole _Virginia Shoots_ being frequently _barbacued_ in
_England_; their _Bacon_ is excellent, the _Hams_ being scarce to be
distinguished from those of _Westphalia_; but their _Mutton_ and _Lamb_
some Folks don't like, though others extol it. Their _Butter_ is good
and plentiful enough. Their _Venison_ in the lower Parts of the Country
is not so plentiful as it has been, tho' there be enough and tolerably
good; but in the _Frontier Counties_ they abound with _Venison_, _wild
Turkies_, &c. where the common People sometimes dress _Bears_, whose
Flesh, they say, is not to be well distinguished from good _Pork_ or
_Bacon_.
They pull the _Down_ of their living _Geese_ and wild and tame _Ducks_,
wherewith they make the softest and sweetest _Beds_.
The _Houses_ stand sometimes two or three together; and in other Places
a Quarter, half a Mile, or a Mile, or two, asunder, much as in the
_Country_ in _England_.
CHAP. V.
_Of the_ Habits, Customs, Parts, Imployments, Trade, _&c. of the_
Virginians; _and of the Weather, Coin, Sickness, Liquors, Servants,
Poor, Pitch, Tar, Oar_, &c.
The _Habits_, _Life_, _Customs_, _Computations_, &c. of the _Virginians_
are much the same as about _London_, which they esteem their _Home_; and
for the most Part have contemptible Notions of _England_, and wrong
Sentiments of _Bristol_, and the other _Out-Ports_, which they entertain
from seeing and hearing the common Dealers, Sailors, and Servants that
come from those Towns, and the Country Places in _England_ and
_Scotland_, whose Language and Manners are strange to them; for the
_Planters_, and even the _Native Negroes_ generally talk good _English_
without _Idiom_ or _Tone_, and can discourse handsomly upon _most_
common Subjects; and conversing with Persons belonging to Trade and
Navigation from _London_, for the most Part they are much civilized, and
wear the best of Cloaths according to their Station; nay, sometimes too
good for their Circumstances, being for the Generality comely handsom
Persons, of good Features and fine Complexions (if they take Care) of
good Manners and Address. The Climate makes them bright, and of
excellent Sense, and sharp in Trade, an Ideot, or deformed Native being
almost a Miracle.
Thus they have good natural Notions, and will soon learn Arts and
Sciences; but are generally diverted by Business or Inclination from
profound Study, and prying into the Depth of Things; being ripe for
Management of their Affairs, before they have laid so good a Foundation
of Learning, and had such Instructions, and acquired such
Accomplishments, as might be instilled into such good natural
Capacities. Nevertheless thro' their quick Apprehension, they have a
Sufficiency of Knowledge, and Fluency of Tongue, tho' their Learning for
the most Part be but superficial.
They are more inclinable to read Men by Business and Conversation, than
to dive into Books, and are for the most Part only desirous of learning
what is absolutely necessary, in the shortest and best Method.
Having this Knowledge of their Capacities and Inclination from
sufficient Experience, I have composed on Purpose some short Treatises
adapted with my best Judgment to a Course of Education for the Gentlemen
of the Plantations; consisting in a short _English Grammar_; an
_Accidence to Christianity_; an _Accidence to the Mathematicks_,
especially to _Arithmetick_ in all its Parts and Applications,
_Algebra_, _Geometry_, _Surveying of Land_, and _Navigation_.
These are the most useful Branches of Learning for _them_, and such as
they willingly and readily master, if taught in a plain and short
Method, truly applicable to their _Genius_; which I have endeavoured to
do, for the Use of _them_, and _all others_ of their Temper and Parts.
They are not very easily persuaded to the Improvement of useful
Inventions (except a few, such as Sawing Mills) neither are they great
Encouragers of Manufactures, because of the Trouble and certain Expence
in Attempts of this kind, with uncertain Prospect of Gain; whereas by
their staple Commodity, Tobacco, they are in hopes to get a plentiful
Provision; nay, often very great Estates.
Upon this Account they think it Folly to take off their _Hands_ (or
Negroes) and employ their Care and Time about any thing, that may make
them lessen their Crop of Tobacco.
So that though they are apt to learn, yet they are fond of, and will
follow their own Ways. Humours, and Notions, being not easily brought to
new Projects and Schemes; so that I question, if they would have been
imposed upon by the _Missisippi_ or _South-Sea_ or any other such
monstrous Bubbles.
In their Computations of Time, Weights and Measures both of Length,
Superficies, and Solidity, they strictly adhere to what is legal; not
running into precarious Customs, as they do in _England_. Thus their
Quart is the true _Winchester_, their Hundred is 100, not 112, and they
survey Land by Statute Measure.
Indeed, what _English_ Coin is there, is advanced in Value; so that a
Shilling passes for 14 _d._ and a Guinea goes by Tale for 26 _s._ but
the Current Money is the _Spanish_ which in Reality is about 15 _l. per
Cent._ inferior to our _English_ Coin, as settled by Law; but frequently
the Value of this varies in Respect of Sterling Bills according to the
Circumstances of Trade; Currency and Sterling being sometimes at a
_Par_; but for the Generality 10 _per Cent._ Discount is allowed for
Sterling Bills.
As for Education several are sent to _England_ for it; though the
_Virginians_ being naturally of good Parts, (as I have already hinted)
neither require nor admire as much Learning, as we do in _Britain_: yet
more would be sent over, were they not afraid of the Small-Pox, which
most commonly proves fatal to them.
But indeed when they come to _England_ they are generally put to learn
to Persons that know little of their Temper, who keep them drudging on
in what is of least Use to them, in pedantick Methods, too tedious for
their volatile Genius.
For _Grammar_ Learning taught after the common round-about Way is not
much beneficial nor delightful to them; so that they are noted to be
more apt to spoil their School-Fellows than improve themselves; because
they are imprisoned and enslaved to what they hate, and think useless,
and have not peculiar Management proper for their Humour and Occasion.
A civil Treatment with some Liberty, if permitted with Discretion is
most proper for them, and they have most Need of, and readily take
polite and mathematical Learning; and in _English_ may be conveyed to
them (without going directly to _Rome_ and _Athens_) all the Arts,
Sciences, and learned Accomplishments of the Ancients and Moderns,
without the Fatigue and Expence of another Language, for which most of
them have little Use or Necessity, since (without another) they may
understand their own Speech; and all other Things requisite to be
learn'd by them sooner and better.
Thus the Youth might as well be instructed there as here by proper
Methods, without the Expence and Danger of coming hither; especially if
they make Use of the great Advantage of the _College_ at
_Williamsburgh_, where they may (and many do) imbibe the Principles of
all human and divine Literature, both in _English_ and in the learned
Languages.
By the happy Opportunity of this College may they be advanced to
religious and learned Education, according to the Discipline and
Doctrine of the established _Church of England_; in which Respect this
College may prove of singular Service, and be an advantageous and
laudable Nursery and strong Bulwark against the contagious dissentions
in _Virginia_; which is the most ancient and loyal, the most plentiful
and flourishing, the most extensive and beneficial Colony belonging to
the Crown of _Great Britain_, upon which it is most directly dependant;
wherein is establish'd the _Church of England_ free from Faction and
Sects, being ruled by the Laws, Customs, and Constitutions of _Great
Britain_, which it strictly observes, only where the Circumstances and
Occasion of the Country by an absolute Necessity require some small
Alterations; which nevertheless must not be contrary (though different
from and subservient) to the Laws of _England_.
Though the Violence of neither _Whig_ nor _Tory_ reigns there, yet have
they Parties; for the very best Administration must expect to meet with
some Opposition in all Places; especially where there is a Mixture of
People of different Countries concerned, whose Education and Interest
may propose to them Notions and Views different from each other.
Most other Plantations, especially they that are granted away to
Proprietors, are inferior to _Virginia_: where the seeming Interest and
Humour of the Owners often divert them from Pursuit of the most proper
Methods; besides, they cannot have such a right Claim to the Favour of
the Crown, nor demand its best Protection, since they may often
interfere with its Interest: whereas _Virginia_ is esteemed one of the
most valuable Gems in the Crown of _Great Britain_.
Thus _Virginia_ having to itself (with _Maryland_) the staple Commodity
of Tobacco, has a great Advantage of all other Plantations on the
Continent for the Encouragement of the Crown; whereas others belonging
to Gentlemen, or having no peculiar Trade, cannot expect such Power to
advance and promote their Interest.
To this add, that _Virginia_ equals, if not exceeds, all others in
Goodness of Climate, Soil, Health, Rivers, Plenty, and all Necessaries,
and Conveniencies of Life: Besides she has, among others, these
particular Advantages of her younger Sister _Maryland_, viz. Freedom
from Popery, and the Direction of Proprietors; not but that Part of
_Virginia_, which is between the Rivers _Potowmack_ and _Rappahannock_
belongs to Proprietors, as to the Quit-Rent; yet the Government of these
Counties (called the _Northern Neck_) is under the same Regulation with
the other Parts of the Country.
If _New England_ be called a Receptacle of Dissenters, and an
_Amsterdam_ of Religion, _Pensylvania_ the Nursery of Quakers,
_Maryland_ the Retirement of _Roman_ Catholicks, _North Carolina_ the
Refuge of Run-aways, and _South Carolina_ the Delight of Buccaneers and
Pyrates, _Virginia_ may be justly esteemed the happy Retreat of _true
Britons_ and _true Churchmen_ for the most Part; neither soaring too
high nor drooping too low, consequently should merit the greater Esteem
and Encouragement.
The common Planters leading easy Lives don't much admire Labour, or any
manly Exercise, except Horse-Racing, nor Diversion, except
Cock-Fighting, in which some greatly delight. This easy Way of Living,
and the Heat of the Summer makes some very lazy, who are then said to be
Climate-struck.
The Saddle-Horses, though not very large, are hardy, strong, and fleet;
and will pace naturally and pleasantly at a prodigious Rate.
They are such Lovers of Riding, that almost every ordinary Person keeps
a Horse; and I have known some spend the Morning in ranging several
Miles in the Woods to find and catch their Horses only to ride two or
three Miles to Church, to the Court-House, or to a Horse-Race, where
they generally appoint to meet upon Business; and are more certain of
finding those that they want to speak or deal with, than at their Home.
No People can entertain their Friends with better Cheer and Welcome; and
Strangers and Travellers are here treated in the most free, plentiful,
and hospitable Manner; so that a few Inns or Ordinaries on the Road are
sufficient.
As to the Weather, the Spring and Fall are not unlike those Seasons in
_England_, only the Air is never long foggy, nor very cloudy; but clear,
sometimes of a bluish Colour, occasioned by the thin Smoak, dispersed in
the Air, from the Flames of the Woods and Leaves, which are fired in
Hunting, to drive the Beasts from their lurking Places; or in the Spring
to burn the old Leaves and Grass, that there may be the better Pasture
the next Summer.
The Months of _December_, _January_ and _February_ are generally much
colder, and _June_, _July_ and _August_ are much hotter than in
_England_; tho' sometimes 'tis on a sudden very cool in Summer, and
pretty warm in Winter, the Weather being governed by the Wind; which
with sudden Storms from the _North-West_, and sometimes from the _West_
and _South-West_ bring violent Gusts or Tempests, with Thunder,
Lightning, and Rain very terrible, but soon over.
The _North West_ Winds are exquisitely sharp and cold, proceeding from
Clouds arising from the vast Lakes and prodigious snowy Mountains that
lie to that Quarter; but the Southerly Winds and others are very warm.
The Days and Nights are there always much nearer the Equality of twelve
Hours, than in the Latitude of _England_.
At the sudden Changes of the Weather, from Heat to Cold, People are apt
to take Cold, often neglecting to shift their Cloaths with the Weather;
which with Abundance of Damps and Mists from the Water, and by eating
too plentifully of some delicious Fruits, makes the People subject to
Feavers and Agues, which is the Country Distemper, a severe Fit of which
(called a _Seasoning_) most expect, some time after their Arrival in
that Climate; but the Goodness of God has furnished us with a perfect
_Catholicon_ for that Sickness, _viz._ the _Bark_; which being taken and
repeated in a right Manner, seldom fails of a Cure, unless the morbifick
Matter comes to a Head again from fresh Causes, and so returns with
Mastery; upon which Recourse must be had to the same specifick Remedy;
besides which there are several Ways of Cure, but none so universal and
sure as that.
Some for Want of timely Care, through Ignorance or Obstinacy, will
permit the Distemper to lurk about them so long, till at last it has
reduced them to an irrecoverable, lingering, ill Habit of Body;
especially if they live meanly, drinking too much Water, and eating too
much salt Meat; and this _Cachexy_ generally ends their Lives with a
Dropsy, Consumption, the Jaundice, or some such Illness.
Besides this, some are troubled with the dry Gripes, proceeding from
Colds (I suppose) which take away for a long Time the Use of the Limbs
of some, especially hard Drinkers of Rum; some that have lain out in
mighty cold Weather have been Frost-bitten, and lost their Fingers or
Toes.
There is no Danger of wild Beasts in traveling; for the Wolves and
Bears, which are up the Country, never attack any, unless they be first
assaulted and hurt; and the Wolves of late are much destroyed by Virtue
of a Law, which allows good Rewards for their Heads with the Ears on, to
prevent Imposition and cheating the Publick; for the Ears are crop'd
when a Head is produced.
The Bears are also much destroyed by the Out-Planters, _&c._ for the
Sake of their Flesh and Skins.
As for Rattle-Snakes, _&c._ they make off from you, unless you by
Carelesness chance to tread on them; and then their Bite is found now
not to be mortal, if Remedies can be applied in Time.
The worst Inconveniency in travelling a-cross the Country, is the
Circuit that must be taken to head Creeks, _&c._ for the main Roads wind
along the rising Ground between the Rivers, tho' now they much shorten
their Passage by mending the Swamps and building of Bridges in several
Places; and there are established Ferries at convenient Places, over the
great Rivers; but in them is often much Danger from sudden Storms, bad
Boats, or unskilful or wilful Ferrymen; especially if one passes in a
Boat with Horses, of which I have great Reason to be most sensible by
the Loss of a dear _Brother_ at _Chickohomony Ferry_, in _Feb._ 1723/4.
As for their Drink, good Springs of excellent Water abound every where
almost, which is very cooling and pleasant in Summer, and the general
Drink of abundance: not so much out of Necessity, as Choice.
Some Planters, _&c._ make good small Drink with Cakes of _Parsimmons_ a
kind of Plumbs, which grow there in great Plenty; but the common small
Beer is made of _Molossus_, which makes extraordinary brisk good tasted
Liquor at a cheap Rate, with little Trouble in brewing; so that they
have it fresh and fresh, as they want it in Winter and Summer.
And as they brew, so do they bake daily, Bread or Cakes, eating too much
hot and new Bread, which cannot be wholsom, tho' it be pleasanter than
what has been baked a Day or two.
Some raise Barley and make Malt there, and others have Malt from
_England_, with which those that understand it, brew as good Beer as in
_England_, at proper Seasons of the Year; but the common strong
Malt-Drink mostly used, is _Bristol_ Beer; of which is consumed vast
Quantities there yearly; which being well brew'd and improv'd by
crossing the Sea, drinks exceedingly fine and smooth; but Malt Liquor is
not so much regarded as Wine, Rack, Brandy, and Rum, Punch, with Drams
of Rum or Brandy for the common Sort, when they drink in a Hurry.
The common Wine comes from _Madera_ or _Phial_, which moderately drank
is fittest to cheer the fainting Spirits in the Heat of Summer, and to
warm the chilled Blood in the bitter Colds of Winter, and seems most
peculiarly adapted for this Climate: Besides this, are plentifully drank
with the better Sort, of late Years, all Kinds of _French_, and other
_European_ Wine, especially Claret and Port.
Here is likewise used a great deal of Chocolate, Tea and Coffee, which,
with several Sorts of Apparel, they have as cheap, or cheaper than in
_England_, because of the Debenture of such Goods upon their Exportation
thither: Besides, they are allowed to have Wines directly from
_Madera_, and other Commodities are brought from the _West-Indies_, and
the Continent, which cannot be brought to _England_ without spoiling.
As for grinding Corn, _&c._ they have good Mills upon the Runs and
Creeks: besides Hand-Mills, Wind-Mills, and the _Indian_ Invention of
pounding Hommony in Mortars burnt in the Stump of a Tree, with a Log for
a Pestle hanging at the End of a Pole, fix'd like the Pole of a Lave.
Though they are permitted to trade to no Parts but _Great Britain_,
except these Places: yet have they in many Respects better and cheaper
Commodities than we in _England_, especially of late Years; for the
Country may be said to be altered and improved in Wealth and polite
Living within these few Years, since the Beginning of _Col. Spotswood_'s
Government, more than in all the Scores of Years before that, from its
first Discovery. The Country is yearly supplied with vast Quantities of
Goods from _Great Britain_, chiefly from _London_, _Bristol_,
_Liverpool_, _Whitehaven_, and from _Scotland_.
The Ships that transport these Things often call at _Ireland_ to
victual, and bring over frequently white Servants, which are of three
Kinds. 1. Such as come upon certain Wages by Agreement for a certain
Time. 2. Such as come bound by Indenture, commonly call'd _Kids_, who
are usually to serve four or five Years; and 3. those Convicts or Felons
that are transported, whose Room they had much rather have than their
Company; for abundance of them do great Mischiefs, commit Robbery and
Murder, and spoil Servants, that were before very good: But they
frequently there meet with the End they deserved at Home, though indeed
some of them prove indifferent good. Their being sent thither to work as
Slaves for Punishment, is but a mere Notion, for few of them ever lived
so well and so easy before, especially if they are good for any thing.
These are to serve seven, and sometimes fourteen Years, and they and
Servants by Indentures have an Allowance of Corn and Cloaths, when they
are out of their Time, that they may be therewith supported, till they
can be provided with Services, or otherwise settled. With these three
Sorts of Servants are they supplied from _England_, _Wales_, _Scotland_,
and _Ireland_, among which they that have a Mind to it, may serve their
Time with Ease and Satisfaction to themselves and their Masters,
especially if they fall into good Hands.
Except the last Sort, for the most Part who are loose Villains, made
tame by _Wild_, and then enslaved by his _Forward Namesake_: To prevent
too great a Stock of which Servants and Negroes many Attempts and Laws
have been in vain made.
These if they forsake their Roguery together with the other Kids of the
later _Jonathan_, when they are free, may work Day-Labour, or else rent
a small Plantation for a Trifle almost; or else turn Overseers, if they
are expert, industrious, and careful, or follow their Trade, if they
have been brought up to any; especially Smiths, Carpenters, Taylors,
Sawyers, Coopers, Bricklayers, _&c._ The Plenty of the Country, and the
good Wages given to Work-Folks occasion very few Poor, who are supported
by the Parish, being such as are lame, sick, or decrepit through Age,
Distempers, Accidents, or some Infirmities; for where there is a
numerous Family of poor Children the Vestry takes Care to bind them out
Apprentices, till they are able to maintain themselves by their own
Labour; by which Means they are never tormented with Vagrant, and
Vagabond Beggars, there being a Reward for taking up Run-aways, that
are at a small Distance from their Home; if they are not known, or are
without a Pass from their Master, and can give no good Account of
themselves, especially Negroes.
In all convenient Places are kept Stores or Ware-Houses of all Sorts of
Goods, managed by Store-Keepers or Factors, either for themselves or
others in the Country, or in _Great Britain_.
This Trade is carried on in the fairest and genteelest Way of
Merchandize, by a great Number of Gentlemen of Worth and Fortune; who
with the Commanders of their Ships, and several _Virginians_ (who come
over through Business or Curiosity, or often to take Possession of
Estates, which every Year fall here to some or other of them) make as
considerable and handsom a Figure, and drive as great and advantageous a
Trade for the Advancement of the Publick Good, as most Merchants upon
the _Royal-Exchange_.
At the Stores in _Virginia_, the Planters, _&c._ may be supplied with
what _English_ Commodities they want.
The Merchants, Factors, or Store-Keepers in _Virginia_ buy up the
Tobacco of the Planters, either for Goods or current _Spanish_ Money, or
with _Sterling_ Bills payable in _Great Britain_.
The Tobacco is rolled, drawn by Horses, or carted to convenient Rolling
Houses, whence it is conveyed on Board the Ships in Flats or Sloops,
_&c._
Some Years ago there was made an Act to oblige all Tobacco to be sent to
convenient Ware-Houses, to the Custody and Management of proper
Officers, who were by Oath to refuse all bad Tobacco, and gave printed
Bills as Receipts for each Parcel or Hogshead; which Quantity was to be
delivered according to Order upon Return of those Bills; and for their
Trouble and Care in viewing, weighing, and stamping, the Officers were
allowed 5 _s. per_ Hogshead.
The Intent of this Law was to improve the Commodity, prevent Frauds in
publick Payments; and for Ease of the common Planters, and Expedition
and Conveniency of Shipping.
But though the first Design was for publick Tobacco only, yet the
private Crops of Gentlemen being included in the Law, was esteemed a
great Grievance; and occasioned Complaints, which destroyed a Law, that
with small Amendments might have proved most advantageous.
The Abrogation of this Law reduced the Sailors to their old Slavery of
rolling the Tobacco in some Places; where they draw it for some Miles,
as Gardeners draw a Roller, which makes them frequently curse the
Country, and thro' Prejudice give it a very vile Character.
The Tobacco purchased by the Factors or Store-Keepers, is sent Home to
their Employers, or consign'd to their correspondent Merchants in _Great
Britain_.
But most Gentlemen, and such as are beforehand in the World, lodge Money
in their Merchant's Hands here, to whom they send their Crop of Tobacco,
or the greatest Part of it.
This Money is employed according to the Planter's Orders; chiefly in
sending over yearly such Goods, Apparel, Liquors, _&c._ as they write
for, for the Use of themselves, their Families, Slaves and Plantations;
by which Means they have every Thing at the best Hand, and the best of
its Kind.
Besides _English_ Goods, several Merchants in _Virginia_ import from the
_West-Indies_ great Quantities of Rum, Sugar, Molossus, _&c._ and Salt
very cheap from the _Salt Islands_; which Things they purchase with
Money, or generally with Pork, Beef, Wheat, _Indian-Corn_, and the
like.
In some of the poorer Parts of the Country abounding in Pine, do they
gather up the _Light-wood_, or Knots of the old Trees, which will not
decay, which being piled up (as a Pit of Wood to be burnt to Charcoal)
and encompassed with a Trench, and covered with Earth, is set on Fire;
whereby the Tar is melted out, and running into a hole is taken up, and
filled into Barrels; and being boiled to a greater Consistency becomes
Pitch.
Of Pitch and Tar they send Home great Quantities, though not near so
much at _North Carolina_, which formerly was the _South_ Part of
_Virginia_; but has long since been given away to Proprietors, tho' the
Bounds between the Colony of _Virginia_, and the Government of _North
Carolina_ are disputed; so that there is a very long _List_ of Land
fifteen Miles broad between both Colonies (called the _disputed Bounds_)
in due Subjection to neither; which is an _Asylum_ for the Runagates of
both Countries.
The greatest Part of _Virginia_ is uneven: and near the Water they are
free from great Stones, Rocks, and high Hills; but far in the Country
they have vast Rocks, Stones, and Mountains; and though in the Salts
there is no Stone for Lime nor Building; (but with _Oyster-Shells_ they
make good Lime and enough) yet up the Freshes, and above the Falls of
the Rivers are discovered free and common Stone of several Sorts, among
which may be expected Lime-Stone.
Here are also vast Quantities of _Iron Oar_, and various Kinds of
_Minerals_, whose Nature and Vertues are as yet undiscovered.
_Moses's_ Words of Exhortation to the _Israelites_ for Obedience to
God's Laws, _Deut._ viii. 6, 7, 8, 9, may be applied to the
_Virginians_; and particularly when he saith that God had brought them
into a Land whose Stones are Iron; and for what we know the following
Words may also be applied to them, when he saith out of the Hills of
that Land might be digged _Brass_, for which there is no small Prospect
and Expectation; and in all Probability there may be found the nobler
Metals of _Gold_ and _Silver_, if we did but search for them in the
Bowels of the Earth, if we would but be at the Expence and Trouble to
seek for them.
Why may not our Mountains in _America_, for what we know, be as rich as
those of _Mexico_ and _Peru_ in the same Country? Since the little Hills
so plentifully abound with the belt of Iron; for the digging, melting,
working, and Exportation whereof Providence has furnish'd us with all
wonderful Conveniences; if we would add but a little Expence, Art, and
Industry.
This Iron has been proved to be good, and 'tis thought, will come at as
cheap a Rate as any imported from other Places; so that 'tis to be hoped
_Col. Spotswood's Works_ will in a small Time prove very advantageous to
_Great Britain_, which undoubtedly will be carried to great Perfection
and universal Benefit, by his skilful Management and indefatigable
Application to such noble Undertakings and glorious Projects.
CHAP. VI.
_Of_ Germanna, _the_ Palatines, _Wine_, _Hemp_, _Flax_, _Silk_,
_Sumack_, _Trees_, _Fruits_, _Coals_, _the Tracts of Land_, _Health_,
_Militia_, _the_ Mannacan Town, _Titles_, _Levies_, _Burgesses_, _Laws_,
_and general Assembly_.
Beyond _Col. Spotswood_'s Furnace above the Falls of _Rappahannock_
River within View of the vast _Mountains_, he has founded a Town called
_Germanna_, from some _Germans_ sent over thither by _Queen Anne_, who
are now removed up farther: Here he has Servants and Workmen of most
handy-craft Trades; and he is building a Church, Court-House and
Dwelling-House for himself; and with his Servants and Negroes he has
cleared Plantations about it, proposing great Encouragement for People
to come and settle in that uninhabited Part of the World, lately divided
into a County.
Beyond this are seated the Colony of _Germans_ or _Palatines_, with
Allowance of good Quantities of rich Land, at easy or no Rates, who
thrive very well, and live happily, and entertain generously.
These are encouraged to make Wines, which by the Experience
(particularly) of the late _Col. Robert Beverly_, who wrote the _History
of Virginia_, was done easily and in large Quantities in those Parts;
not only from the Cultivation of the wild Grapes, which grow
plentifully and naturally in all the good Lands thereabouts, and in the
other Parts of the Country; but also from the _Spanish_, _French_,
_Italian_, and _German_ Vines, which have been found to thrive there to
Admiration.
Besides this, these Uplands seem very good for _Hemp_ and _Flax_, if the
Manufacture thereof was but encouraged and promoted thereabouts; which
might prove of wonderful Advantage in our _Naval Stores_ and Linens.
Here may likewise be found as good _Clapboards_, and _Pipe-Staves_,
_Deals_, _Masts_, _Yards_, _Planks_, &c. for Shipping, as we are
supplied with from several other Countries, not in his Majesty's
Dominions.
As for _Trees_, _Grain_, _Pults_, _Fruits_, _Herbs_, _Plants_,
_Flowers_, and _Roots_, I know of none in _England_ either for Pleasure
or Use, but what are very common there, and thrive as well or better in
that Soil and Climate than this for the generality; for though they
cannot brag of Gooseberries and Currants, yet they may of Cherries,
Strawberries, _&c._ in which they excel: Besides they have the Advantage
of several from other Parts of _America_, there being Heat and Cold
sufficient for any; except such as require a continual Heat, as Lemons
and Oranges, Pine-Apples, and the like, which however may be raised
there with Art and Care.
The worst Thing in their Gardens, that I know, is the Artichoak; but
this I attribute to Want of Skill and good Management.
Mulberry Trees and Silkworms thrive there to Admiration, and Experience
has proved that the Silk Manufacture might be carried on to great
Advantage.
There is Coal enough in the Country, but good Fire-Wood being so
plentiful that it encumbers the Land, they have no Necessity for the
Trouble and Expence of digging up the Bowels of the Earth, and conveying
them afterwards to their several Habitations.
There grows Plenty of _Sumack_, so very useful in the Dying Trade.
The Land is taken up in Tracts, and is Freehold by Patent under the
King, paying two Shillings as a yearly _Quit-Rent_ for every hundred
Acres.
Most Land has been long since _taken up_ and _seated_, except it be high
up in the Country.
For surveying of Land, when any is _taken up_, bought, exchanged, or the
Right contested, there is appointed a _Surveyor_ in each County,
nominated and examined by the _Governors of the College_, in whose Gift
those Places are under the _Surveyor General_.
But of this I may be more particular upon another Occasion; only I shall
here observe, that every five or seven Years all People are obliged to
go a _Procession_ round their own Bounds, and renew their Landmarks by
cutting fresh _Notches_ in the boundary Trees.
Sometimes whole Plantations are sold, and at other Times small
Habitations and Lands are let; but this is not very common, most having
Land of their own; and they that have not think to make more Profit by
turning Overseers, or by some other better Ways, than by _Farming_.
Though now Land sells well there, in a few Years it will be more valued,
since the Number of Inhabitants encreases so prodigiously; and the
_Tracts_ being divided every Age among several Children (not unlike
_Gavel Kind_ in _Kent_ and _Urchinfield_) into smaller Plantations; they
at Length must be reduced to a Necessity of making the most of, and
valuing a little, which is now almost set at Nought.
In general the Country of _Virginia_ is plentiful, pleasant and healthy;
especially to such as are not too fond of the Customs and Way of living
they have been used to elsewhere; and to such as will endeavour at first
to bear with some small Matters, and wean themselves, and make every
Change as agreeable as they can.
Without such Proceeding the best Country in the World would not please
them; since wherever they go from Home they must certainly find many
Things different from what they have been accustomed to.
As for Health, I think this Climate as good as any with Care, though
some Constitutions can be well in no Air, let them do what they will,
and the stoutest cannot be always Proof against Sickness, be they in
never so healthy a Country; and in all Places with Care People may enjoy
a good Share of Health, if they have any tolerable good Constitution; if
they avoid Heats and Colds, Intemperance, and all Manner of Excesses.
In each Country is a great Number of disciplin'd and arm'd _Militia_,
ready in Case of any sudden Irruption of _Indians_ or Insurrection of
_Negroes_, from whom they are under but small Apprehension of Danger.
Up _James River_ is a Colony of _French_ Refugees, who at the _Mannacan
Town_ live happily under our Government, enjoying their own Language and
Customs.
The Gentlemen of the Country have no other distinguishing Titles of
Honour, but _Colonels_ and _Majors_ and _Captains_ of the _Militia_,
except _the Honourable the Council_, and some commissioned in Posts by
his Majesty or his Orders, who are nominated _Esquires_: but there is
one _Baronet_'s Family there, _viz._ Sir _William Skipwith_'s.
The Taxes or _Levies_ are either publick, _County_, or _Parish_; which
are levied by the _Justices_ or _Vestries_, apportioning an equal Share
to be paid by all Persons in every Family above Sixteen; except the
_white Women_, and some antiquated Persons, who are exempt.
The Payment is Tobacco, which is sold or applied in _Specie_ to the Use
intended.
The publick Levy is for the Service of the Colony in General, the County
Levy is for the Use of the County, collected by the _Sheriff's_ and
their Offices and _Receivers_; and the Parish Levy is for its own
particular Use, collected by the _Church-Wardens_ for Payment of the
_Minister_, the _Church_, and _Poor_.
There are two _Burgesses_ elected by the _Free-holders_, and sent from
every County; and one for _James Town_, and another for the _College_;
these meet, choose a Speaker, _&c._ and proceed in most Respects as the
_House of Commons_ in _England_, who with the _Upper House_, consisting
of the _Governor and Council_, make Laws exactly as the _King_ and
_Parliament_ do; the Laws being passed there by the _Governor_, as by
the _King_ here.
All the Laws and Statutes of _England_ before _Queen Elizabeth_ are
there in Force, but none made since; except those that mention the
Plantations, which are always specified in _English_ Laws, when Occasion
requires.
The _General Assembly_ has Power to make Laws, or repeal such others, as
they shall think most proper for the Security and Good of the Country,
provided they be not contradictory to the Laws of _England_, nor
interfering with the Interest of _Great Britain_; these Laws are
immediately in Force there, and are transmitted hither to the Lords of
the Plantations and Trade for the _Royal Assent_; after which they are
as obligatory as any Laws can possibly be; but of late all Laws relating
to Trade must be sent Home before they be of any Validity; which makes
some occasional Laws upon certain Emergencies altogether useless; since
the intended Opportunity may be pass'd, before they are returned back to
_Virginia_; and so signify nothing to the Purpose.
All Laws that the _King_ dislikes upon the first Perusal, are
immediately abrogated.
Thus in State Affairs Liberty is granted, and Care is taken to make such
Laws from Time to Time, as are different from the Laws in _England_,
whenever the Interest or Necessity of the Country, or the Nature of the
Climate, and other Circumstances shall require it.