Records of the Virginia Company of London

EDITED BY SUSAN MYRA KINGSBURY, A.M., Ph.D. CAROLA WOERISHOFFER PROFESSOR OF SOCIAL ECONOMY BRYN MAWR COLLEGE

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON:, 1935, 198960 L. C. card, 6—35006

The records of the Virginia Company during the first three months of the years from January, 1622/23 to January, 1624/25, picture the final attempts to regulate and develop the tobacco trade with Virginia. Then follow papers revealing the bitter attack upon the Earl of Southampton and the adventurers associated with him, by Sir Nathaniel Rich and the defenders of Sir Thomas Smith's regime. Throughout the whole period are portrayed the struggle of the plantation to recover from the Indian massacre of March 22, 1622, and the efforts made by the officials in London and by the Governor, Council, and Assembly in Virginia.

The most important and perhaps unique document of the entire series published in volumes III and IV of the Records of the Virginia Company is the Records of Pro- ceedings upon Information of Quo Warranto in the Court of King's Bench, found by the editor in the Public Record Office, London. It, alone, covers one hundred pages of volume IV. The largest number of documents come from the Manuscript Records of the Virginia Company, Volume III. Like volumes I and II, comprising the minutes of the London company, it is deposited in the Library of Congress, Washington, District of Columbia. In it are spread the official papers of the Governor, Council and Assembly of Virginia. They include letters to and from the officers of the Virginia Company of London, commissions issued, orders declared, petitions granted, warrants for elections, statements of the condition of the colony and other documents revealing the history of the plantation.

A long series of papers shedding much light on the terrific conflict within the Company, resulting in its dissolution by Quo Warranto proceedings, comes from the Manchester Papers, now in the Public Record Office, London, being largely letters and memoranda of Sir Nathaniel Rich.

The Colonial Office Papers in the Public Record Office, the Ferrar Papers, and the Papers of Lord Sackville, now deposited at Knole Park, Kent, each supplied a number of important documents.

In this volume, then, is to be found the record of the dissension within the company that brought about the close of the corporation and the end of the first period of the colony's history. At the same time the beginning of Virginia as a crown colony is set forth. Here also is portrayed the settled life of the plantation. Much is told of the colonists and their efforts to create an organized and systematic government, to produce commodities that would provide the necessities for living, and to develop resources that might result in needful trade with the Indians and with England.

Two documents of importance, inadvertently omitted at first, but now numbered CCCXLV A and CDXXXVII A, will be found, not in their chronological place, but at the end of the volume, as Addenda.

The editor wishes to make acknowledgment to Dr. Hubert Hall for his labors in supervising the transcript of the Quo Warranto Proceedings and in translating the entire document.

As in the previous volume, the editor is deeply indebted to Professor J. Franklin Jameson for his continued care in seeing the document through the press; to Marian Carter Anderson for her assistance in preparing the manuscript for the press and in the difficulties of reading the proof. Helen Kingsbury Zirkle has prepared the index for this volume as she did for Volume III, and to her again the editor wishes to express appreciation of her contribution.

A part of the expense of arranging the manuscript, reading the proof, and making the index was met by a grant from the Social Science Research Council.

Susan M. Kingsbury. December 1, 1934.

~ or – over a word indicates a contraction or an omission of letters.

* * * * * indicate an unintelligible word or part of a word in the manuscript.

[ ] inclose words or letters which are doubtful in the manuscript; also, in a few instances, inclose words or letters duplicated in the manuscript.

[ ] inclosing words in italics indicate explanations by the editor; also, in a few instances, italics indicate letters supplied by the editor to complete a word.

A line drawn through a word or a part of a word indicates a word or letters canceled in the manuscript.

∥ ∥ inclose words interlined in the manuscript by the reviewer.

§ §inclose words interlined in the manuscript by the copyist.

——indicates words underlined in the manuscript.

SIGNS AND ABBREVIATIONS.
• c̃on indicates tion.
• Cort indicates Court.
• ɫre, ɫres indicate letter, letters.
• ll͠ indicates pound.
• ll͠s, LL͠s, Lo indicate Lords, Lord.
• L̃ops, LL͠ps indicate Lordships.
• Mts, Matie indicate Majesty's, Majesty.
• or, yor indicate our, your.
• p̱ indicates per, par, e. g. p̱vse (peruse).
• p̳ indicates pro.
• p̢ indicates pre, pri, e. g. p̢uately (privately).
• q̢ indicates que.
• Tr̃er, Thr̃er indicate Treasurer.
• wtt indicates weight.
• 9 indicates omission of letters, most often of er, e. g. man̄9 (manner).
• ℯ indicates final es or et, e. g. handℯ (handes).

Most reuerend Fath9 in God, right trusty & welbeloued Counsello9, wee greete you well. You haue§ heard§ ere this time of the attempt of diuerse worthie men or subiectℯ to plant in Virginia (under ye warrant of or ɫres patentℯ) people of this kingdome, aswell for ye enlarging of or Dominions as for propagation of the Gospell amongst Infidells: wherein there is good progresse made, and hope of further increase. So as the Vndertakers of yt Plantation are now in hand wth the erecting of some Churches & Schooles for the education of the children of those Barbarians: wch cannot be but to them a very greate charge, and aboue the expence wch for the civill plantation doth come to them. In wch wee doubt not but that you and all others who wish well to the encrease of Christian Religion wilbe willing to giue all assistance and furtherance yow may: and therein to make experience of the zeale and devotion of or well minded subiectℯ especially those of the Clergie. Wherefore wee do require yow, and hereby authorize yow to write yor ɫres to ye seuerall Bishops of ye Diocesses in yor Province, that they do giue order to the Ministers & other zelous men of their Diocesses, both by their owne example in contribution, and by exhortation to others, to mooue our people wthin their seuerall charges, to contribute to so good a worke in as liberall a manner as they may, ffor the better aduancing whereof, our pleasure is, that those Collections be made in all the particuler parishes foure seuerall times wthin these two yeares next comming: And that the seuerall Accountℯ of each parish, together wth the moneys collected, be retourned from time to time, to the Bps of the Dioceses, and by them be transmitted half yearely to you and so to be deliuered to ye Treasurors of that planta- tion, to be imployed for ye godly purposes intended, and no other.

[Indorsed:] Draught of a ɫer to the two Archbishops concerning Virginia.

[Indorsed in pencil: 1

Indorsement is in a modern hand.

A comparison of the former estates of the Companies for their Tobacco, with what it is nowe by this Contract.

First in the yeare 1619 there came neare vpon 70000: weight of Tobacco from the Sum̃er Islandℯ: great quantities whereof were sold for twelue pence the pound, and generally 2s the pound was the highest price that it was sold at.

There came the end of that yeare; and the begininge of the yeare 1620 for the Account of the Magazine for Virginia about 26000: weight: whereof about 20000: weight was bought by Alderman Johnson and his partners for lesse then 2s 3d a pound: and generally one with another the Tobaccoes returned from Virginia that yeare were not sold for 2s a pound or not aboue.

So that the estate of the Companies was that indeed except some Retaylors, there was not generally made aboue 2s a pound towardℯ all Charge. And this price was likely to decay euery yeare as greater abundance of Tobacco came in: wherevpon in the yeare 1620 in March, there was a Charter sent to the Colonie in Virginia from the Companie here, where- in they directly declared vnto them, that they should not expect more then twelue pence a pound in Virginia.

Nowe putting this to be § the § true state that Tobacco was solde, this Contract will put vs in better case: for then

So that in this case the owner hath asmuch money and a great deale of advantage, in reguard that by the former Course to a bad Com̃odity, he layeth downe half money, whereas here, he layd downe but a sixt.

[2] But it perhapps it wilbe said that this was the Lowest price rate of the Tobacco and that there was sold at 2s 6d or 3s p̱ pound: then the com- parison stands thus.

And if in case the Contract makes Tobacco to yeald Lesse by—3d p̱ pound.

So this Tobacco formerly solde for 3s p̱ pound, wch was the highest price, and whereof but a verie litle quantity, this Contract yealdes lesse—6d p̱ pound. But for that 6d the Company by this Contract hath the sole sale and sole Importac̃on, whereby vndoubtedly the price wilbe doubly raysed: so that this Contract bettereth the Company.

[Indorsed:] A comparison of the former state of the Tobacco with what is by the Contract.

Alderman Johnsons Declaratione of the Prosperous estate of the Colony Duringe Sr. Thomas Smiths tyme of Gouerment.

Notwithstandinge many disasterous accidentℯ yt enterprizes of this nature, especyally in the infancy therof are subiect vnto, yt pleased god soe to blesse the labors and endevers, that were ymployed for the begiñge and Progress of this Plantatione, that in the first twelve yeers, duringe all wch tyme Sr Thomas Smith was Treasurer and Gouernor of the Compeny, wth the Expence of 70000li or there aboutes, brought in for the most p̱te by voluntary Adventurors, beeinge agreate many of them his neere freendes and allyants, and for his sake Joyninge them selves in that Busines, and wth the losse of a very fewe of his maties Subiectℯ (those alsoe beinge People for the most p̱te of the meanest Ranke, A large and very spacyous p̱te of the Country was fully discouered, The Coastes, havens, Portes, Creekℯ, and rivers therof p̱fectly knowne, most Comodyous places of Strength and Conveniency of habitatione selected and made Choyse of, Those places p̱tely recovered or procured from the Salvages, and p̱tly by infinite labor beinge generally overspred wth wood, cleared enclosed and Culltivated, many howses, barnes, and fortes builte, Churches, Bridges, and Store- howses, and all other publique and necessary workes erected, nott lesse as we Compute, then one Thowsande Englysh people, when Sr Thomas Smith left ye Gourment, were there inhabitinge wth plenty of Corne, Cattle, swyne, Poultrie and other good p̳rovisiones to feede and norsyshe them, A competent number of able and suffycient ministers to instruct them, worthie and expert Comanders, Capts and officers to direct them and gou- erne them, store of armes powder and munitione to defende them, divers staple Comodities (besides Tobacco) fownd out for the p̢sente to encorage. and in p̳cess of time to enrich them, Barkes Pynnaces Shallops Barges and boates built in the Country the better to accomodate and secure them, The natives of the Country in soe awfull a aleancye and amytie wth them, that many of those heathens voluntariely yeelded them selves subiectℯ and servantℯ to our gratious Soueraigne and priding themselues in that title, did togeather wth moste of the rest pay a yeerly Contributione of corne for Sustentatione of the Colony, and were kept in such good respect and Corespondency, that they becam mutually healpfull and p̳fitable each to other, To this growth of p̱fectione was the estate of that Planta- tione advanced even in the first twelve yeeres, ye affayers therof beinge wth much vnanimytie, moderatione, inegratie and iudgment princypally directed by Sr Thomas Smith and the accomptℯ of the moneys receaved and disbursed, Awdited vppon oath by men of credit and reputation, wthowt all exceptione.

Subscribed

Samuell Argall Robert Johnson Samuell Wroth.

To the right Worshippfull Sr Francis Wyatt Knight Gouernor and Captaine Generall of Virginia

 In all humblenes of dutie sheweth, yor poore petioner, that whereas John Robinson father of yor petioner Comeing out of England, and bound for this Cuntrie, brought with him in p̳uision, & other goods & valueable Comodyties to the some of 200 poundℯ besides servantℯ, hee dyed at sea, & being by some of his frendℯ counselled & wished to make his will will, answered I will make none, for if I dye my sonne & heire is here aboord wth me, vnto whome I leaue my whole estate. Now p̢sentlie after his dis- cease Mr Douglas now mr of the shipp, tooke away the keys of ye Chestℯ & trunckℯ of the said Robinsons from his sonne yor petitionr & possessed himselfe wth all his fathers whole estate, Not suffering yor petioner his sonne to posses any part or portion therof, nether will allowe him any meanes to liue vppon here, but intendeth to dispose of his father estate & seruantℯ at his owne pleasure, wthout any legall p̳ceeding, wch is Con- trary to all equite & Conscience.

 In tender Com̃iseration whereof as also that yor petitioner is verie yong & not Capeable of his owne good herein, hee humbly desireth yor good worp: for to grant a ɫre of admistration to mr William Gayney his kinseman to administer in the behalfe of yor petioner his fatherℯ goodℯ hopeing therby & wth yor good Worpsfauor towards a poore orphan to recour the said out of mr Douglas handℯ or to bring him accompt for the same & hee shall

 Letter of admistration graunted accordinglie to mr Ganey on his behalfe.

By the Governor and Capt generall of Virginia.

Whereas at this p̢sent, through the disasters that haue lately befallen this Plantacion ther is & maie be verie great want of Corne for the sus- teyning of or people, as also in regards or numbers doe daylie Increase, wherof some ariue meanly p̳uided in that kinde, it doth requier that wee be not only Carefull to releiue the p̢sent necessities, but also to p̳uide for the future, at least to p̢uent want, till it shall please god by his blessing to yeald some fruit of Encrease of or Labors the next haruest: Knowe yee therefore in Consideration of the p̢misses, that I Sr ffrancis Wyatt Gouernor & Capt: generall of virginia, out of the assurance that I haue of the wis- dome valour & suffyciencie of capt William Tucker to be Imployed in busines of this kind, doe lycence & authorize him the sd Capt William Tucker to Imploy himselfe in the seruice of this Plantacon: & in perticuler in the seruice of Sr George yeardlie kt. & wth such shipps pinaces boates as hee the sd Sr George shall thinke fitt to appoint vnto him, & that doe any way belong or are in the service of him the said Sr George, to depart therine wth the first wynde & weather that god shall p̱mitt, & wth them to saile into the baye of Chesapieke, taking wth him such men armes munition & p̳uision, as hee the sd sr George shall thinke fitt to appoint vnto him, And either in riuer of Rapahanocke, or in any other riuer vpon the westerne side of the sd baye, or vppon the south side, to trade, or take by force of Armes, or any other meanes or wayes, fro the Indians ther Inhabitinge, as subiects or Confiderates wth Apochankeno, or as thoes whoe had ther hands in the Cruell & treacherous murdering of or people, Corne, peas Beanes or wtsoeu9 else Comoditie hee shall finde and seisse vpon. And thence to lade & putt aboard such vessells, as he shall haue wth him, & to Convey and bring both Corne & what soeuer else into this our riuer to the port of James Cittie, ther to be deliuered vnto the aforesd sr George & by him to be disposed, as hee in his best discretion shall thinke fitt, ffurther granting also vnto the sd Capt William Tucker, that if in Case hee shall by the blessing of god attaine vnto a greater quantatie, ether of Corne pease or beanes or any other Como: then the aforesd vessells will at once with- hold & bring away, that then itt shalbe lawfull for him the sd Capt William Tucker to make Choice out of his discretion of such place or places, wher vnto hee may transport & bring such wt Como soeu9 hee shall haue & Cannot loade away at once as aforesd & ther vpon those places to staie himselfe together wth so many of his Compa as hee shall thinke fitt for the guard & securitie of ther Corne & goodℯ, vntill the returne of the foresd vessell frõ James Cittie. Expeckting frõ my selfe or frõ the sd Sr George such further orders, as shalbe sent vnto him. Wch orders as also such In- structions for the better managing of his voyadge as he shall receaue, either frõ my selfe, or frõ the said sr George, I doe requier him as Neare as he Can possible to obserue; And I doe further by these presents strictly Charge & Comand all & eu9ie person or p̱sons wt soeuer that shalbe Im- ployed & goe along wth him in this his sd voyage, to giue vnto him all due respeckt belonging to his place & office of Com̄and, & willingly & readily to obey & execute, to the vttermost of ther power, all such orders & dyrec- tions as ther hee shall thinke fitt frõ tyme to tyme to giue vnto them during the tyme of these voyages as they will answer the Contrarie at ther perillℯ. And I doe further Authorise the sd Capt William Tucker, in Case any man of his Compa shall offend or Com̄itt any malise or dis- order to punnish & Correct at his best discretion, Matters of lesse offence, Reseruing matters of life & death & of higher Nature to my owne Judicatorie

Given at my house at James Citty vnder my hand & Colony seale the third day of January Anno One thousand six hundred twenty twoe And in the sixteenth yeare of this plantacion 1622.

Francis Wyatt

To the right Worll sr Francis Wyatt Knight Governor and Captaine generall of Virginia

 Sheweth that John Raimond being one of the Company of Capt Nathaniel Butler esqr when hee went to Checkohomini in ye good shipp ye Adam & Eue did kill one of the kine of the Worll ye lady Dayle his Lady & Mirs, wherwth yor said petioner standeth lyable to be Charged

 Wherefore yor said petitioner humblie desireth yt the said Jon Raimond may bee called before your Worp to giue satisfaction for the sd Cowe, yt he may be discharged & that his lady & mirs may receaue no damage for wch yor fauorable yor petioner shalbe bound to pry

 See the order of Court the fourth of January 1622

Right Honabl͠

 We Cannot butt acknowledg godℯ greate goodnes yt after these last great disasters hath stired vpp the harte of his most excelent matie to bestowe vpon us soe Royall a gift of Armes & munitione wch we resolve to ymploy to ye honor of our Countrey and revenge of his subiects bloud, for wch munitione and his gratious intentione of supplyinge us wth people, we beseech you to p̢sent our most humble thanks to his sacred Matie

 In the next place wee must acknowledg ye hande of heauen also, that hath not suffered the zeale to this Plantatione to dye or grow colde in ye 1

Written over the word "yor".

pag: 4°.

 Wee haue anticipated your desires by settinge vppon the Indyans in all places, mr Trev̄r firste fell vppon the Tapahatonahs, in two severall expeditions, Sr. George yardley vppon ye Wyanokes and in a seconde expeditione vppon the nancemunds, Warescoykℯ & Pawmunkie ye Chiefe seate of Sansapen & apochankeno, Capt John West vppon the Tanx Pow- hatans, and Capt9 William Powell vppon the Chocohominy Capt Hamer beinge sent to the Patomecks to trade for Corne slew divers of ye Neco- chincos yt sought to Circumvent him by treacherie, The like did Capt madisone at Patomeck, Capt9 Hamer a seconde tyme ymployde to Patao- meck for Corne slew some others yt p̳ved our enemies, And now is Capt Tucker in the River of Rapahanock to take revenge vppon them, as Confederates wth Apochankeno.

 In all wch places we haue slaine divers, burnte theire Townes, destroyde theire Wears & Corne and xxx Sr Georg Yardley in his last expeditione brought into the Colonie aboue a Thowsande bushell of corne, wherin he frely ymployd his shippinge, shallops, maryners, and servantℯ Besids there hath been brought in by trade and force 3000 bushells more, wherin we haue been forced to ymploy many p̱ties of men, the necessitie wherof beeinge fore seene by us was one cause why wee drew into fewer bodies.

 By conference of former experyences wth those of ours vppon the Salvages, it is most aparant that they are an enemy nott suddenlie to be destroyde wth the sworde by reasone of theire swyftnes of foote, and advantages of the woodℯ, to wch vppon all our assaultℯ they retyre but by the way of starvinge and all other meanes yt we can possiblely devise we will Con- stantlie pursue their extirpatione. By Computatione and Confessione of the Indyans themselves we have slayne more of them this yeere, then hath been slayne before since the begininge of ye Colonie.

 Wheras in the begininge of your Lres by the Trewloue you pass soe heavie a Censure vppon us as yf we alone were guiltie, You may be pleased to Consider what instructions you haue formerly given us, to wynn the Indyans to us by A kinde entertayninge them in our howses, and yf it were possible to Cohabitt wth us, and how ympossible it is for any watch and warde to secure us against secrett Enemies yt live p̳miscouslie amongst us, and are harbored in our bosomes, all Histories and your owne Dis- course may Sufficyently informe you.

 For the warninge given ye last yeere, some of us heere cann say nothinge vnto yt, but Sr: George yardley and mr Pountis them selves doe affirme, yt notice beeinge given by the Kinge of the Easterne shore of Apochaukeno his plott, at the takinge vpp of Powhatans bones at wch Ceremony great numbers of the Salvages were to be assembled to sett vppon every Plan- tatione of the Colonie, Sr. George yardley him selfe in p̱sonne went to every Plantatione and tooke a generall muster of all the men and theire Armes, gaue straight Charge yt watch & warde should bee kept every where, But Apochancono, earnestly denying 1

Written over the word "denies."

 Notwthstandinge order was taken generally through owt ye whole Colony to stande vppon theire guards, vntill further tryall, but ye Indyans Com- inge daylie amongst us and puttinge them selves into our powers, bread in our People a securitie

 These and divers other Circumstances Considered, wee were in good hope yt you woulde not haue added sorrow to afflictione, woundinge our reputationes wth such disgrasfull reprooffes, vnworthie of our sufferinge yf not of our industrie, But yt you would first haue ascended to ye trew cause wch we wth you confes to bee all our sinns havinge since loste more by the Imediate hand of God, then by the Trecherie of the Salvages, And would to god yt the Cowetuosnes of some at home, did nott minister swell to our drunkenness heere fillinge the Countrey wth wyne not only in quantetie excessive, but in qualletie base and infectious: for apparell wee know noe excess, butt in the puristes, and had not that taxe p̳ceeded from you, wee should haue thought it a floute for our povertie and nakedness

 The Remoueall to the Easterne shore wch you calle an abandoninge of this River (beinge aplace indeede yt Comandℯ not only this but all the Rivers in the Baye, was a thinge only in 1

Written over the word "a."

 The quittinge of soe many Plantations was absolutly necessarie, and wee more willinglie suffer a reprooff in p̳servinge your people, then Com- endatione in their hazarde (in one wee will instance ye necessitie of all) by A muster taken of my Lady dales family, wch consisted of two and twentie wherof eight were boys, most of the men were new and vntrayned wth very little munitione, and but six peeces and one Armour amongst them, and 54 headd of Cattle, wch all those men were nott Sufficyent to guarde, except eyther the place or Industry of inclosure had given advantage. As for ye Irone Woorkes we had resolved to haue strengthned them wth all ye planters theraboutℯ, yf soe many of ye princypall woorke men had not beene slayne, as in the opinione of mr Barkley and mr Southerne it was vtterlie ympossible to p̳ceede in that woorke though wth ye asistance of the whole Colonie, neyther was it possible retaynige any more of ye plantations eyther to Draw a Competent force to revenge our selves vppon our eniemies, or to send abroade p̱ties to p̳cure Corne for our p̱rnt reliefe, wch our reputa- tions and necessetie required, as may appeere by this, wheras by Comon consent, 300 were thought to bee the lest number to assault Apochancono him selfe, whose discomfiture, would proue ye dishartinge of the residew, vppon A generall vew taken, there could nott be levied aboue 180 men, wherof 80 at least were only serviceable for Caryinge of Corne, and yet these few Plantations wee helde, especyally by resone of the sickness of our people were left as weake, as was in any sorte Justifiable.

 For yt of ingrosinge all, and leavinge all, our innocency knowes not how to interprett it, and desire alsoe wth ye beloued Discyple, you would be pleased to poynt owte ye man guiltie of yt horrible treasone against god himself, since by naminge none you Charge vs all, nether know wee any, that §we§ had nott freely adventured them selves, and p̱ted wth theire p̱ticuler p̳ffitℯ to aduance your designes, and nott theire owne gaine and greatness, for the repayre of wch causeles suspitione, we shall endeuor accordinge to your Comande, to restore ye Plantations where formerly they were and to mantaine them wth aboundance of graine and Victuall, Provided yt we be not charged from home wth such multitudes of people scantlie or vtterlie vnprovided, as formerly hath been sent and Come over, beinge ye Chief cause of our scarcytie, and how soeuer you haue very worthely sett in printe to all mens vewe wt p̳visions are necessarie to be brought hither, yet it is but in p̱te observed, (even by these last suplies)

 Wee desire to make noe comparisone wth those yt haue formerlie gouerned, to whose memories we give all respect & honor, but yf you please to take a survey of those tymes, you may p̱ceave yt there were held but fower Plantations, and those not subdivided: fed and Appareled wholie by your Comon purse, and yett were all Colonie servantℯ vnder the eye of ye Magistrate at the absolute Comande of the Gournor, and yt vnder Marshall Law, wheras before this Massacre there were neere (80) severall Plantations and dividentℯ, and Accordinge to your late instructions are like to bee no less then fortie, ten tymes as many as were then mantayned, would to God our numbers of men held the like p̳portione.

 For our former wante of Corne, wee yt are latelie come can say nothinge, those yt were heere before, alleag[e] ye scant and bad p̳visiones xxx §sent ouer§ wth new Comers, and that all Tenantℯ at halfes (the Colledge only excepted) were never able to feede themselves by theire labours three moneths in ye Yeere Wheras the ffree men generallie haue allways plentifully §prouided for themselues and others, and some of them haue§ effected more wth §their§ p̱ticuler families, [then] the whole Colonie in that alleaged infancie; And yf this last disaster had not beefallen us wee should nott haue needed yt supplie of meale, for your great paynes and travell p̳curinge wherof wee give you humble thanks, but we confes freely, yf we had knowne yt would haue cost you soe much trouble, wee would never haue writt for yt, and for ye future see yt they be p̳vided for yt shall heerafter come over, we are Confident there wilbe noe cause To intreat your helpe for supplie of Corne or any other p̳visone, fourther then voluntary Adventurer[s] will bringe in, wch shall never be intreted for us, seeinge by reasone of our great Crosses, wee haue nott beene enabled to our griefe, to make such speedie and full retourns for those adventures you haue p̳cured as was expected.

pag: 5

 The maine Cause why retournes were not made for ye last yeers magazine, was because before the arivall of the warwick, most of the Tobacco in ye lande was solde and made Away to other shippinge that formerly arived, To whom you required our favors to be shewne in respect of theire lesse number of people Transported then vsuall, soe as of necessitie your factor must haue kept yr goods dead vppone his handes, or sell them to be paide this Cropp, Wherin, yf hee haue been denied any asistance from vs for Recoveringe his depts you might then soe bitterly Censure vs. Other helpe wee coulde nott giue him, beinge not at all acquainted wth ye p̱ticularities of his busines, Besidℯ, there haue and doe come daylie into this lande soe many privatt Adventurs equallie Recom- ended vnto us, as five tymes ye Cropp of this yeere will nott satisfie, there beinge not made aboue three-score thowsand waight of Tobacco in the whole Collonie, and soe many privatt Adventures besidℯ, that except wee should deny fre[e] trade contrarie to ye equitie of your order, doe and will take Away much of our Tobacco though wee geeue noe warrant to them to recover it, Because many of their comodities as Sackℯ sweete meates and stronge Liquors, are soe acceptable to the people.

 Concerninge ye raisinge of Staple Comodities, our endevors therin and how farr, it was advanced before this disaster, you haue been formerly advised, how ernest our intentes are to p̳secute them heerafter, Mr. Thr̃e: will more p̱ticulerly informe you.

 The failinge of ye Irone woorkℯ is much lamented by the whole Collony whose asistance they wanted nott, whiles it was in theyr power to asiste them, the state of wch woorke wee Referr to ye relatione of Mr. Maurice Barkley, who is now to retorne, by whom we will send you a list of ye names and p̳fessions of the men, togeather wth a note of ye tooles and mate- rialls necessary for the reerectaige of that woorke.

 The silke woorme seede wch was formerly sent were all hatcht before they cam to our hands, only those now receved are for ye gretest p̱te well con- ditioned, and shalbe carefully p̢served.

 For Mulberie trees great store were ye last yeere planted and shalbe yeerly inclosed, the like care we will haue of Vines.

 For silke grass we purpose to send you some quantetie, soe much as shall suffice to make experience of it, and yf it proue right, we can send you therof in aboundance.

 For gatheringe of Sasafras, although the necessitie of the yere 1

Written over the word "tyme."

 For what hath been donne in the glass workℯ, mr. Thr̃e: will informe you therin, the like will mr Pountis for the maides, as also for Mr Woodalls Cattle, and as for the furre Vioadge we canott resolve you, Capt Jhones beinge nott yett retorned.

 Capt Barwich and his Companie at their arivall were Accomodated accordinge to theire Desire in James Cyttie, where they haue spent their tymes in howsinge them selves, and are now woorkinge vppon shallops, Since his arivall by sicknes he hath lost many of his princypall woorkmen, and he him selfe at p̢sent very daungerouslie sick, mr Threã will at all tymes take Accompt of the p̳fitts and returne them.

 The men sent for ye buildinge of the East Indie Scoole were for the p̢sent placed amongst the Colledg Tenantℯ, fower of them are dead the residue shalbe placed wth the first Conveniencie at martins hundred accordinge to mr Coplandℯ request to the Gouernor and Councell.

 The little experience wee hadd of mr Leake, made good your Comendations of him, and his death to us very greveous.

fol [5a]

 Sr. William Nuce did not aboue two days surviue the readinge of his Pattent, Whose longe delay and sudden losse were to our great disadvan- tage, He brought wth him very few people, sicklie, ragged and altogether wthowt p̳visione, his sudden death and great Depts, left his estate much intangled to our extraordinarie trouble.

 Mr. Treãor hath receaued abooke of accompts concerninge the Tobacco sent home for the fiftie youths sent in the dewtie, and the maides in the Jonathan, and Londone marchant, and of 2407 pownde of Tobacco sent home by the George, 1407ll͠ thereof was for ye Transportatione of nyne of the Cyttie boys, nyne maides and fower men: the residwe wth 20 barrells of Corne paide heere, was for ye rent of twentie boys of the Cyttie Boys the yeere past, wch was as much as you receaved for most of yor Tenants, wt the Tobacco comes shorte of makinge vpp the somme expended for the duetie boys and the maides, wee will doe our best, yt they who had them may make you Satisfactione.

 Concerninge the revenews of the Compenie, we suppose you haue fownd by your officers where the error is, we conceave yt yf you would be pleased to Chaunge the Conditione of Tenatℯ into servants for the future Supplies, and nott send over new officers meerly vnexperienced in the Countrey to comande them, who though they may be * * * * very sufficyent for much worthier ymployment, eyther martiall or Civill, are not soe fitt for ye overlookinge and directinge men in theire labours, in wch affayrs experience instructs more then any other Sufficyencie, That then your revenues might be greatly Improved.

 Capt Eache hath not yett vewed the place at Wariscoyks whether it be fitt for fortificati[on] or nott, when he hath, yf he shall find it fezable and will vndertake it, he shall haue our vtmost and best Asistance, as far as this yeers povertie will p̱mitt, wch we will supplie in the next.

 The Colledg Tenatℯ, wth much dificultie, we are now about to resettle and haue engaged our selves to supplie them wth Cornne vntill harvest, havinge strengthned them wth divers of the olde Planters vppon ye Con- ditions wch your selves haue p̳pounded.

 The Adventurers of martins Hundred whom haue putt Liefe into the Accone by [reenforceinge] theire Supplies may prmise from vs to them- selves all possible asistance, Livt. Parkinson wth his people is alredie gone downe, ye like we shalbe redie to doe to ye rest of the Plantatione

 We have receaved divers Peticions wherin wee wilbee readie to doe Jus- tice, as ye proofes shall arise vppon Examinatione, nor can any man for ought we know, complayne Justly that A Lawfull hearinge hath been denied him at any tyme.

 Lastlie we Conclude wth our humble request vnto you, yt you will not iudge of us by the eventℯ of thingℯ wch are ever vncerten especyallie in a new Plantatione, nor by reportes of branded people, some of whom have deservedlie vndergone seuerall kindℯ of punishment nor of the malitious and vnknowinge, but rather to give Creditt to our publique informations, and then we shall Cherfullie, as we haue ever faithfully, p̳ceede to the advauncment of your designes the good success whereof, we humblie recomend to ye favors of the Allmightie and ever remaine.

Most humbly at yor Com̃ands. James Cytty ye 20t of January 1622 Fra: Wyatt George Yardlie George Sandys Roger Smith John Pountis Ralphe Hamer [Indorsed:] To ye right Honoble͠ ye Earle of Suthampton and other ye Lordes, wth the rest of the woorthie aduenturers of ye Virginia Compeny.

[The order of the Privy Council respecting Captain John Bargrave, Jan. 20, 1622/3, is printed in the Acts of the Privy Council, Colonial, I, pp. 56–57.]

Whereas there were of late Proclamations made concerning those most lewd vices of Swearing and Drunkenesse, and officers likewise assigned to enforme the Governor of such as should be delinquent, wch either by negligence, feare, or partialitie of the said officers was negle[cted] And whereas Sr George Yeardley very worthely hath offered, and is willing to take into his especiall care, that due execuc̃on of those Lawes be p̱formed. Now Know yee that I Sr Francis Wyatt let Governor and Capt generall of Virginia, out of the assured confidence that I haue of the vigilance and integritie of the said Sr George Yeardley, do giue him full power, license, and authoritie to appoint, make, erect, and constitute officers for that purpose, in every Corporation and Plantation, and to impose, tax, or punnish, the said offendors, according to the tenour of ye said Proclamation or otherwise, as he in his discretion shall thinke fitt: Straightly chargeing all his Maties subiects wthin this Colony, to take especiall notice of this my warant, and Commission, and to be obedient and assistant vnto the said Sr George Yeardley, or to his appointed officers in all cases that may concern the p̢misses, as they will answer the contrary, at theire perills. Given at James Citty vndr my hand and great Seale of the Colony the 25th of January Anno Dm̃ 1622.

The great Seale affixed

A Comission to Sr George Yeardley for punishing of swearing & Drunknes.

Francis Wyatt.

31 No [torn] those by [torn] Before [they?] peale to Salary these thingℯ to be considered.

1.
• quota pars how much in p̱ticular vpō each §mans§ goodℯ this salary [then?] come to.
2.
• whether the Sum̄er Ilandℯ shall stand vpon equall terms for paymtℯ to the salary [as they?] of Virginia
3.
• who shall pay the fraight §Custome§ Imposic̃on vpon [the] Com̄ing home of every ship
4.
• for what [account] shall the plantrs Vndertakers haue their money for their Tobacco.
5.
• What course to be held to content [the] planters [they? not] doe this wthout consent.

Is ferst to be debated bec' publiq' busines [precedeth] priuat [according to the] law

2.
• It concernes his mate [the] whole Company [and the] whole plantacon.
3.
• Any person hath [Any one?] cott [?is] fitt to hear [what] he can say in it. he hath spoken of some indirect carriage [according to the] busines [which] being declared [would?] conduce much to ope clear or Judgmts in this so weighty a prob[lem]
4.
• If the Virginia Tobacco out sell ors whether is it reasonable that we should pay equall Salaryes.
5.
• Is it fitt for a reasonable man to delue out his garden * * * * nan before he now hauinge * * * shall come by thē againe

tobaco 150

[On back]

ffor Salarys but

By the Governor and Capt generall of Virginia.

For gathering of Sasafras

Whereas we haue receiued Com̃and from the Right Honoble͠ the Earle of Southampton for the sending home of three score thousand waight of Sasafras. These are therefore to charge and Com̃and you mr Vtie that for every fifteene you leavy on thousand waight of good Sasafras (viz) for every man 66ld waight a peece, wch must be brought aboard the Abigaile, before the first day of March next, on paine of every hundreth waight so wanting, to forfeit ten poundℯ of Tobacco: the size of the Sasafras must not exceed the bignes of a mans arme.

Given at James Cittie this 14th of February: Anno D̴ni 1622.

Francis Wyatt To Ensigne John Vtie at Hog-Ileand, The like (mutatis mutandis) was sent to every Plantation.

Worthy Sr, be this my excuse, that I in particular write not to ye generalty: I haue nothinge wherewth to palliat there humors; who, I too well perceaue, will both iudge and condimne whatsoeuer succedes not to theire desires, wthout either enquiry of the truth or necessity of or actions. But we, whom the hand of heauen hath humbled, professe the inability of ye best Counsel[l] & indeauors that are not supported by ye diuine assistance, neither haue theire assertions much trubled vs. yt are confirmed wth innocency and habituall patience.

Sr Will͠m Nuce arrived here about the beginninge of October, wth a very few of weake and vnseruiceable people, ragged, and wth not aboue a forthnights prouision: some bound for 3 yeares, a few for 5, and most vppon wages of all his goods hee hath made a deede of guift to the owners of ye shippe for ye security of her hire, wch though they were sould at excessiue rates, would hardly discarge yt ingagement. Aftr his death 11 men were all that remained for the Company, whom for want of prouision I was enforced to sell. Three I sold to Captaine Wilcocks for 600 waight of Tobacco to bee paide this yeare but two of Them dyed before hee could get to his Plantation: two to Capt: Smyth for 400 waight, halfe to bee paide this yeare and halfe ye next, one to Capt: Tucker for an hundred in hand, and two more the next croppe if hee liued soe longe, and an other to Capt: Croshaw for 200 Fower yt were left one my handes, I was fayne to send to my owne plantation; two of these a little aftr ran away (I am afraide to ye Indians) and noe doubt the other two [2] would haue consorted wth theire companions if sicknes had not fettered them. For ye 5 men wch Sr Will͠m Nuce should haue deliuered me here, I was glad to take his page (dead before deliuered) & an other little boy hardly worth theire victuals.

But of all that came ouer wth him I haue sent you here inclosed a list of theire names and how they are disposed of. I haue receaued your booke of debts; in the gatheringe whereof there shall be noe fault in my indeauor: although I am affraid there bee little Tobacco left wch the Magazin hath not receaued, or the marchants & seamen not gleaned for theire sackes & stronge waters. 60000 waight beinge the most yt this yeares crop hath produced. As for ye Deuty Boyes, they thinke much to be brought to a backe reconinge: since they paid as much as was demaunded for thē & receaued acquitances. Yet Sr George Yardly will pay the ouerplus for those wch he reserued to himselfe: the like offer was made by Capt. Will͠m Powell (who is now wth God) but yt they are not able at this time to dis- charge it. Sr George complaines not wthout cause who I beleiue hath lost this yeare two thirdes of his estate: & to giue him his dew he hath behaued himselfe very nobly in ye seruice of ye Country to his great expenses. But what I can I will doe & send you the accomptes by the Abigall.

Concerninge ye Shipwrights (ye best proiecte for ye Country & most profitable for ye Aduenturers) hath fayled wth ye rest in this generall decay: wherein, if you blame vs, you must blame the hand of God, that hath taken away Capt: Barwicke & 6 or 7 of his principall §worke§ men. A hard man, yet not a little toutched in conscience that he hath conuerted the releif of his men to his particular benefit: But out of yt wch is his (whereof I haue [3] made a stay) satisfaction vppon proofe shalbe giuen. Those yt remaine shall imploy theire time to your best aduantage.

The ill successe of ye glasse workes is allmost equall vnto this: first the coueringe of ye house, ere fully finished, was blowne downe, by a tempest noe sooner repaired but ye Indians came vppon vs, wch for a while deferd ye proceedinges. Then they built vp ye furnace, wch after one forthnight yt ye fire was put in, flew in peeces: yet ye wife of one of ye Italians (whom I haue now sent home, haueinge receaued many wounds from her husband at seuerall times, & murder not otherwise to bee p̢uented, for a more damned crew hell never vomited) reueald in her passion yt Vincentio crackt it wth a crow of iron: yet dare wee not punish theise desperat fellowes, least ye whole dessigne through theire stubbornesse should p̱ish. The sum̄er cominge on, Capt: No§r§ton dyed wth all saueinge one of his seruants, & hee nothinge worth: The Italians feel extremely sicke: yet recoueringe in ye beginninge of ye winter, I hyred some men for yt seruice, assisted thẽ wth mine owne, rebuilt the furnace, ingaged my selfe for prouisions for them, & was in a mannr a seruant vnto them. The fier hath now beene six weekes in ye furnace, and yett nothinge effected. They complaine yt ye sand will not run. (though themselues made choise thereof, and likt it then well enought) & now I am sendinge vp ye riuer to prouide thẽ wth better, if it bee to bee had. but I conceaue that they would gladly make the worke to appeare vnfeasable, yt they might by yt meanes be dismissed for England. Much hath beene my truble herein, and not a little my patience (f haueinge beene called rascall to my face for reprouinge them of theire ryot, negligence & dissension) but, for the debt wch I am in, for theire sustentation I hope ye aduenturers will see it discharged.

The silkewormeseede yt came in these last shipps, are well conditioned for the most p̱t. I haue deliuered them to ye Frenchmen least they might miscarry out of our want of skill: but when ye [4] time of the yeare shall come, I will distribute of them to such as haue the most desire & the best meanes to cherish them. Many Mulbery trees the last yeare were planted, & many vines; but the later came to nothinge out of ye trouble of ye times, or want of art & perhaps ye badness of ye cuttings: for they all grow on old stocks, and are yearely burnt downe by ye firyinge of ye woods: but the neglect of tendinge them I beleiue is ye cheife. Wherefore now wee haue taken an other order; that every plantation, (who are bonde vnto it by indenture) shall imploy§ale§ two acres of grounde, and imploy the sole labor of 2 men in yt busines, for ye terme of 7 yeares enlarginge ye same 2 acres more, wth a like increase of labore: in wch they are to build a large sto house of 2 storyes, well seiled, for silkewormes. by this meanes I hope this worke will goe really forwarde, & ye better if good store of Spanish or French vines, may be sent vs.

I haue hired a ship to cary ye Colledge men to theire plantation, wch is now vnder sayle, I pray god it succeede well; but I like not this strange- linge: & if all had beene of my minde, I would rather haue disobayed your com̄aunds, then subiected ye Collony to such disorder and hazards. For how is it possible to gouerne a people so dispersed; especially such as for ye most part are sent ouer? how can they repaire to diuine seruice, except euery plantation haue a Minister? how can wee raise soldiers to goe vppon the enimy or workemen for publique imploiments, wth out weakeninge them to much, or vndoeinge them by draweinge thẽ frõ their labors? whereas if wee had planted together wee could haue borne out one anothers labors, & giuen both strength and beuty to ye Collony & all though they goe forth in sufficient numbers, what certainety is there in yt, when p̱haps 10 of 60 will not stand to theire health [5] and a number of them dye? whereof this yeare wee haue had a miserable experience. The other day a party went vp to seat on ye Kinge of Apo- matuckes townes, but before they could get thither, they were soe de- minished by death, and weakened by sickenes, that they were fayne to giue it ouer. Such a pestilent feuer rageth this winter amongst vs: neuer knowne before in Virginia, by the infected people yt came ouer in ye Abigall, who were poisened wth stinkinge bere all fallinge sike & many dyinge; euery where dispersinge the contagion. The fore runninge Sum̄er hath bene alsoe deadly vnto vs; I for my part, haueinge lost 19 by sickenes & 4 by ye Indians. You may ges in what a pore condition I am, but the extreame sickenesse I haue sufferde, the heart-breakinge to see the ill successe of your affayires, want of all thinges necessary for life, my debts in supplyinge youre scant prouisions, the Companyes not performeinge there contractes & approatchinge pouerty, I shou[ld] esteeme as nothinge, if our incessant toyle & best indeauors could but p̢serue your good opinions: but since all wee can doe can purchase vs but vnde- seruerued infamy.

Vltra Saromatas hinc libet fugere et glacialem Oceanum.

wch is oft in my minde and all most in my resolution.

It remaines yt somethinge I should write of Virginia, whereof (be not offended yt I speake ye truth) you know but little, & wee not much more, (for what can be discouered wthout meanes, or wth such an handfull of people soe dispersed?) but this I must defer vntill a time of more leasure, beinge now wholy taken vp wth full fillinge of your com̄aunds: wherefore I pray you excuse me to my particular freindes yt I write not vnto them. As for yr priuate affayres, I will make them myne owne, & aduance them wth my best industry: but wth all aduize you, yt you aduenture not to much in ioynt stockes, nor in those proiectes wch ever fayle by ye death of ye com̄aunder & principall workemen; for ye life of one in euery family §faculty§ is not to be relied vppon: such is ye state of this country. As for or other crosses & the comeinge soe far short of yr expectations, I had rather other should screch them, then yt they should proceede from my pen, but both you and wee must submitt orselues to ye iudgments of god, to whose protection I com̄ende you, & rest. Yours most assured, G: S:

[Indorsed:] The Coppy of my Letter sent to Mr Farrer by the Hopewel.

Ffirst it is necessary the Plantac̃ons subsisting as yet by these §this§ comodities of Tobacco it is necessarie that some prouision bee made that the price same §sale and vent thereof§ may be vented §contynewed§ and that the price may be kept vp so as it may §§at such some§ such§ pro- portionable rate to as may§§ yeald proffitt the Adventurers and Planters proper so[m] reasonable proffitt And as it is necessarye for the goods of the Plantac̃ons so likewise his Maties proffitt is carefullie to be regarded & whose yearelie casuall Reuenew by this very weed hath ben increased, at least to 100 8 or ten thowsand po. p̱ An̄ and may hereafter be much more: but if some tymelie Prouision be not made, both his Matie§s§ will Revenew wilbe lost and the Plantac̃ons (especially that of the Somr Ilandℯ) in danger to be vtterly ruyned: for

1.

• The Quantitie of Tobacco by reason of the late excessiue planting thereof not onlie in the West Indies former and in the new Plantac̃ons in Guiana and Brasill is like to be so great that all these p̱tes of Christendom wilbe glutted wth it, and the price ther of this com̄oditie reduced to 1 brought so low as it in probability it will not be worth so much a pound as his Mate hath now for Custome.

2.

• That Tobacco of those Countryes though not in wholesomnes yet in strength and tast doth so farr excell ours that if the To §that if the English Plantac̃on§ ours of the English Plantac̃ons, that it §our Tobacgo§ will not be worth any §any§ thing at all: And so

To preuent both wch Inconveniences, and for the setling both of his Maties yearelie Reuenew, and the good of the Plantac̃ons in Virginia and the S. Ilandℯ (wch are amongst many others most memorable workes of his Maties happie gouermt) It is propounded

[2] A Proposition for aduancemt of His Maties proffitt and setling good of the Plantations §of Virginia—/S. Ilandℯ§ by setling the trade of Tobacco by wch they now cheifele subsist:

And of wch if

That the King §§according to the 1

Apparently "to the" should also have been canceled.

That m̃chantℯ be some be conferrd wth all who will become the Kingℯ m̃chantℯ for this Com̄odity §&§ allow his Mate 5s p̱ po: The quantitie not exceeding 400 thowsand weight the Stock whereof is iust a 100 thow po. 50 to thowsand po. to the Plantations & 50m ll͠ to the p̱ An̄ to the King.

Ffor Incouragemt of these m̃chantℯ: they may haue §sole§ power of §to licence the§ retayling§ers§ §of§ this Com̄oditye: and the better and there- fore to agree in euery Citye Towne and p̱ish wch shalbe thought fitt §to sell Tobacco§ wth a certayne nomber who shall vndertake to buy of [of] their handℯ yearelie so much a thow 500 or 100 or §more§ §a proportion§ in weight of this Tobacco at §such§ a Rate of a noble a po: at lest §such as the sayd m̃chantℯ shall think§ by wch meanes the kingℯ m̃chantℯ shalbe secure §sure§ likewise to be gayners and by §though they§ ingaging§e§ themselues to his Matie for so great a Sum̄.

No Alehouse to retayle sell Tobacco but by buying of it in papers sealed wth the seale of him that is licensed §to Retayle§ in that or the next p̱ish where the Alehouse is kept to Retayle, wch Retayler shall sell it to the Alehouse- keep̱ in penny papers 13 to the dozen: and so the Alehousekeep̱ shall gett a peny in a shilling and he §the poore§ that takes Tobago shall not be cosened as now they are to pay 6d or 8d for that wch the Alehousekeep̱ payes but 2d.

By this meanes the kingℯ proffitt is highlie increased, his mate likewise deeply interessed to regard the prosperity of these Plantac̃ons that afford him so great a yearelie proffitt The good and benefitt of §arising to the owners &c in§ the Plantac̃ons secured §& satisfied§ No hurt to any man The wch els would soon come to nothing by the aboundance of Tobacco now planted in Brasill & the W. Indies wch in 3 or 4 yeare will eate out all the kingℯ proffitt [3] and the proffitt of the Plantac̃ons by bringing it to that cheapnes that it will not be worth 4d a po: to be sould if some speedy course be not taken to preuent it: Again §likewise§ this §is a§ secure §r§ §course§ against priuate stealing in of Tobacco for if not none but the such as are licensed may retayle euery Retayler wilbe an Informer, and there wilbe none that will aduenture to buy but the Retaylors themselves who will §can§ not s buy of any other but to his §theire§ owne hinderance at least not any great quantity Neither shall his Mate need to forbidd the Impor- tac̃on of Spanish Tobacco but sett a good Custom vpon it And if the kingℯ Merchantℯ will buy it they may and that they may make proffitt by it they may: pro wch they will not doe if they see it wilbe any hinderance to the venting of the Plantac̃on Tobacco.

Lastly as it is good for his Mate §benefitt and§ good §may * * necessary§ for the §subsisting of§ the Plantac̃ons: so it is §it is§ §And§ preiudiciall to no man but only will regulate the disorderly abuse of it §§may it b without forbidding §Imposition§ of foreyn Tobacco, to the offence of any of his maties Allyes: so is it good for this kingdom if the last price be ordered at the vttmost not to exceed 9s in the pound whereas now by retayle of small q they pa Subiect payes ordinarilie a third p̱t more. And in truth is hurtfull to none §b§ And it beeing a sup̱fluous com̄odity it can̄ot by any discreet or indifferent man but be thought a matter of high prudence in his Matie thus to order a sup̱fluitie to so good iust and hoble͠ endℯ

Mm each Alehousekeep̱ is to haue inserted in his licence that he sell no Tobago but such as he shall buy of him that is licensed to Retayle in that or the next p̱ish in pap̱rs sealed as aforesaid.

[Indorsed in the same hand:] A first Rough draught of a Proposic̃on con- cerning Tobacco wch afterward I del to my L: Thre'ar.

Q. But if you Reckon 2s bd gott vpon each po. of Tobago by bringing it into one hand why may not the Company gett this

Sol: In the course of the Contract if you allow 2s 6d vpon each po. ou9 and aboue the 2s 6d we pay for it & for Som̃er Ilandℯ yett all this and more is lost for then we saue by this first all Custome 2ly fraight 3lie the Kingℯ third p̱te. 4lie Salary 5lie expectation of or money 6lie and miserable dis- traction s 6lie and especiallie we shall saue not only the clamor but the livelihoodℯ and lif of the Planters and the life of the Plantac̃on

And for Virginia Tobago when it comes it may please his matie to take what course he please. but it were fitt that this p̱cell wch is the Whole cropp of the Som̃er Ilandℯ should be first sould least through want and discontent they should reuolt and then extreame Inconveniences would ensue. For His Matie should not only loose the strongest fort of Christen- dom, and place of singular importance to fasten his alliance wth the K. of Spaine in respect of their Neighbourhood to the W. Indies, but if they should reuolt to the Pyrattℯ they would as well infest his Matie as his Allyes: strength aduance the strength of the Pyrattℯ to and make them more fe to the destruction of §merchant &§ Merchandize wch is alrea at a low ebb already and so weak, that now a little addic̃on of discouragemt to what they had before would vtterly decay trade And lastly euen to the plantac̃on of Virginia the reuolt of these Ilandℯ would giue a deadlie and a fatall blow: Therefore speciall regard §should be had to§ to giue contentmt to these Ilandℯ: wch cañot be if the com̄odities they rayse may not vent as well or better then heretofore when they payed no custome nor Imposic̃on at all for if during that tyme they could not subsist wthout run̄ing in debt what will they doe now: But if they may haue the former Rates they w and alwayes a ready m̃kett as in the course formerlie pro- pounded then they will goe on wth chearefulnes and assurednes to this Crowne: And besidℯ his Matie may make as great or much greater yearelie proffitt then anie other way: But the S. Ilandℯ beeing a place of that Importance as to tendℯ to the safetye of this Kingdom and conduceth mainly [2] to the acquiering of a new that is to say of Virginia: It is to be cherished though wth §a great§ charge yearelie to his Matie as Calice & other forts that the Kingℯ of Engl̴ hold not wth a great yearelie expence and yet not of so great consequence as this: There This then being a Work of great seruice to the state farr be it from the state to reward the cheife Actors in the p̳ducing of this grea Worke wth taking their gane from them &c to a priuate hand

Propositions considerable for the equall managinge of the Contract with his Majestie concerninge the sole importacion of Tobacco graunted to the twoe Companies of Virginia and the Sumer Islands.

1.

• First that the agentes whoe undertake the mannageinge of this busines and are to be payd for their labour, doe give good securitye to free the companyes and the goodes of every particuler adventurer from that Covenant with his Majestie for bringinge in of 80,000 weight of Varinus tobaccoe in three yeares inasmuch as not the companyes but themselves that underwright the Spanish stocke shall have the benefit thereof.

2.

• What satisfaction they will give to the Virginia Planters or to our Sumer Islandes Tenantes for their Tobaccoe, which they shall send or bringe hither for price and payment.

3.

• What ordinary rate they will impose upon the Sumer Islandes Tobaccoe for defrayinge the 25 C. li. salery and what rate in such accidentall cases as may fall out namely if noe Spanish tobacco (or but little) shall be brought in, or that the greatest part of Virginia shall be directed to other partes, or in case the Sumer Islandes tobacco when it cometh shall be all sould together, or the kinge's parte only, by the candle without anie charge or labour of theirs.

4.

• What order they will take to free the Adventurers of disbursments for custome fraight and publique charges before they take our goodes unto their possession.

5.

• What securitie they will give to performe the promisses and to give a just accompt of the sales and of the proceed thereof to his Majestie and to thadventurers, and when to make payment.

6.

• For that the contracte is but conditionally agreed upon in Courte to contynue if the proclamacion shall be published by Midsomer next, whoe shall (when the contracte fayleth) defray the great Rent of 160 l. per annum for the directors great house intended to be taken and the greate saleryes, howe and in what proporcion and howe shall his Majestie then have his due and every man his owne proper goodes delivered backe againe.

7.

• To explayne themselves whether out of 25 C. l. salery (whereof they say his Majestie is to pay a third parte) they meane to defray all charges or whether they intend to put to accompt over and above the Charges of Porters, Carrmen, Coopers, Wharfage Waiters, Searchers, suites of lawe, shrinckinge in weight, desperate debtes and such like.

8.

• As the greate quantitie and meane condicion of the Virginia and Sumer Islandes tobacco is not fittinge for the vent and expence of this kingdome, but for the most at easy rates must be exported, soe the greate enhance- ment of price by thirds taken out and excessive charges put upon will make it altogether unpossible to be exported and therefore to be con- sidred howe to cleare this difficulty soe that profitt may come to thadven- turers and Planters.

9.

• The sallery men for the most parte to be excepted against some of them for want of skill, some want of estate, some of them noe way interessed, and other contynually maynteyninge and raysinge quarrells and bitter contencions against sundry good Adventurers whose goodes must come to their handes and possession to be disposed, Against which sundry of the Adventurers doe protest asto men unfitt to mannage theis affayres.

[Indorsed:] The busines of Tobacco with the Virginia and Somer Ilandes companie.

An Aunsweare to the Propositions exhibited to the Right Hon'ble the Lord High Treasuror of England for the equall menaginge of the Contract with his Majestie concerninge the sole Importation of Tobacco etc.

It is first to be observed, that the Contract hath beene ratified by Six Quarter Courts; vizt. three of each Companie: noe one man at the question declaring his dissent, save onely the Deputy, and that in the first Court onely.

It is also to be observed that the Raysers of troubles in the Courts namely Mr. Wrote and his abettors, though their pretences have beene agaynst the Sallaries and the mannor of Importacion of Spanish Tobacco: yet in the heate of their opposicions, their speeches and reasons have allwayes reflected upon the body of the Contract itselfe, which being contrarie to all order hath much distasted the Companies.

And it is nowe to be observed that these Propounders though their pretence in their wrighting be for the equall menaginge of the Contract, And although they have often in the courts very solemnly protested and vowed, that they were not against the Contract itselfe, yet when they came before the Lord Treasuror, they dismasked themselves, and unani- mously professed that they were against the very body of the contract: which sheweth, that these Articles can be noe other then Cavills, seeing their pretence is one way, and their intent another way.

And before wee come to the answering of the perticuler Articles, wee are inforced to take excepcions unto the manner of propounding them.

For it is necessarie to be knowne, that the Counsell, Comittees and Com- panies having first concluded on the Offices necessarie for the menaging of this Contract, as also of their rewardes by way of Sallarie (according to the fifte Article of the Contract): The Officers themselves were lastly chosen in both the Courts: and the burthen was imposed upon the chiefe of them, in a free and unanimous eleccion, contrary to their most earnest and often iterated desires.

It is also further to be knowne, that by reason of these troubles, both the chiefe Officers and divers of the Comittees having voluntarily surrendred their places, and greatly importuned the Courts, to accept of their Surrenders; yet the same have beene refused, and they continued in their offices, much contrary to their wills, and most earnest suits, whereas contrariwise these Articles are propounded in that manner, as though the Officers had bin ambitious of this imployment, and conse- quently were to undertake it with all indignities. Then which noething can be more untrue and unjust.

1.

• To the first Article it is answered, that the matter therein conteyned is allready regulated in the Quarter Courts of bothe the Companies. And that the Officers or Agents of the companies have noe more to doe in the bringing in of the Varinaes Tobacco, then any other perticuler member that liste to adventure his stock therein: By which order of the said Quarter Courts, it is declared that the perticuler Adventurers for the said Varinaes Tobacco are to bring in the proporcion expressed by the Contract: the Bodies of the Companies bearing a tenth part with them. But in case of any misfortune by losse of their Tobacco without the default of the said Adventurers, they are not to be farther charged also with restitucion or recompence: but the same is to rest upon the whole body of the Companies, and consequently to be answered out of the Companies publique Stocks: and if these should not suffice, then out of the Stocks of the Generall Adventurers returned from the Plantations, as heretofore in like cases had beene usually done.

2.

• In the second Article, the Question is likewise resolved by bothe the Quarter Courts; vizt. that generally the Adventurers and Planters, both for price and payment, are to goe in equall lines: Neither of which are to be ordered or concluded by the officers, but by the Generall Courts them- selves; the matter being first seriously debated and prepared by the Comittees. And in favour of the poorer sorte of Planters, there have beene divers other wayes devised and resolved upon, by the generall consent of bothe the Courts; both for the advancing of their prices, and expediting of their payments.

3.

• To the third Article it is answered, that it is grounded wholy upon errors. An error it is, to conceave that the rating of charges, is in the power of the Officers: being reserved (as all other important matters) to the Generall Courts. An error it is, to thinke, that the labour of the Officers, consisteth wholy or chiefly in the matter of Sale: the well men- aging of the Contract extending itselfe in the difficulties thereof to a much larger Compasse. And lastly it is an error and misinformacion, to say that the Salaries amount unto five and twenty hundred poundes: whereas they come but to Seaventeene hundred poundes. But to the matter itselfe of this article, the answere is not difficult. For the charges to be imposed wilbe lighter or heavier according to the proporcion greater or lesser of Tobacco to be brought in, and that with this comfort both to Adventurers and Planters that the greatnes of the quantity will diminishe the perticuler charge; and the smallnes of the quantity will enhance the generall price.

  But whereas there is mencion made of the selling the Tobacco together, it is to be observed that the course thereof lately propounded, by these Objectors, is subject to Fraude and much wrong both to the Kinge and Companies: vizt. that certaine Undertakers, being members of the Companies, should rayse a greate Stock in money, to buy of all the Tobacco by way of whole Sale. For considering the courts in the vaca- cions are often times very thinne, and the Somer Ilandes Court by the Letters Pattents may consiste of Eighte persons onely: these Under- takers may easily attayne to be the greater parte of the Courts, and con- sequently may be both Buyers and Sellers at the same time. A feare not causeles, but grounded on former experience; whereby some of these Objectors have made themselves rich, by the great losse and detriment of the Adventurers and Companies.

  To the 4th Article the answere is, that the Court have allready ordered that the Custome and freight shalbe discharged by the Officers, who are to be secured from damage by the goodes in their custody.

5.

• To the 5 article it is likewise answered that the Courts with Generall consent (onely one dissenting) have taken full order for security both of goodes and money: which orders have beene read before the Lord Treas- uror, and wee suppose they are more exquisite for caution on all sides, then are used in anie other Company whatsoever, as at the making of them was openly acknowledged. The perticularities whereof are to long to be here sett downe: but are ready to be shewen to any that shall desire to see them. Whereunto wee may add a strict oath, which is to be administred to all the Officers of what degree soever, for just and equall dealing, both in keeping, preserving, selling and accompting for the goodes; as also in making the paymnts at such time as they shall growe due wherein the Officers also from time to time are to be directed by the Courts.

6.

• To the Sixte Article, it is answered, that by vertue of the Contract, the Proclamation mencioned was presently to come forth. But upon mocion from the Lord Treasuror, the Companies have consented, that it may be forborne till the Twentith of June: at which time the Lord Treasurer hath promised that it shalbe published. Of the performance of whose promise, though the Propounder here seeme to make soe great doubt; yet the Companies will make none at all: and therefore hold it unfitt to follow the Propounders stepps any further; in which it seemeth that jealousy hath outrun their duety.

7.

• To the Seaventh it is answered that the Officers are to be accomptable for all charges, if five and twenty hundreth poundes will serve, the re- mayne is to be restored. If more be necessary, that which wants must agayne be leavied. That the Officers out of their owne estates, should beare those uncertaine burthens, of desperate debts, suits in lawe, shrink- age and the like, is soe farr not onely from Equitie, but from all ordinarie reason, that they hope the Propounders themselves upon better consider- acion will retract the Question.

8.

• To the Eighte Article it is answered, that the case of meane Tobacco is much more difficult without this Contract, then with or under it. For the Twelve pence on the pound amounted to much more then the vallue of one entire halfe, not onely of the meaner, but also of the middle sort thereof as experience hath shewed.

9.

• To the Ninth Article, which layeth aspersions on the Officers' persons, the Answere is plaine. The two chiefe Officers were chosen by the Ballat- ing box with 65 votes for them, and not above five against them. The Eighte Comittees were chosen by ereccion of handes out of the nomber of Sixteene, named by the Courts to stand for the places: In which nomber of Sixteene, were divers of these objectors. The Companies made choise of them whome by experience they knewe to love the Plantations, and were fitt for the diversity of imployments incident to this busines: some of them being Merchantes, some Retaylors, some skilful in the Portes, and others such as by long continuance and attendance in the Courtes, were skilfull in the affaires of the Companies and Plantacions and withall large Adventurers. Of which Eighte, six have beene yearely chosen Comittees and Assistants for these Three yeares last past; neither any just excepcion can be taken to any of them by mindes unpossessed with partiallity or mallice, neither are the companies to be blamed in this or other their eleccions, if they have rather made choise to entrust their Goodes in the hands of men untainted for integritie and honesty, then in theires, whose wisdome hath beene for their owne perticular benefitt, who in their former menagements of Tobacco have reduced Seaven thow- sand poundes sterling to Fower thowsand poundes, and who never yet gave up any faire account of the Companie's goodes.

[Indorsed:] Aunsweare to certen Propositions exhibited to the Lord Treasuror concerning the Contract.

To the Worll͠ Doctour Wynston Sr

 It was my promise to write, as I remember, and you desire to heare from me, I perswade my selfe you thinke I will not dissemble, and I protest you are in the right: Now for true newes thus it is, the Indians are drawne of as farre, as a man can hurle a stone at twice, I make no question, but when the leaves are greene, they wilbee somewhat nearer, and now forsooth they would faine have peace, Conditionallie, that they may haue their Corne at Kiskiek, and Pamaunkok, that is Just at our backℯ, and when their Corne is readie, haue at yor bucklers you braue §Cow—§ Englishmen. I was with the Goũnour at James Cittie, and told both him, and the Councell that I came not ou9 to plant Tobacco, neither for my owne endℯ, although the Companie was at no Cost with me, but onelie bare passage, neither was I beholding to them for ought but love, yet if they pleased to accept of my seruice I would by the helpe of God, and a few handℯ make them wearie of their lyues; this was well taken, and eu9ie one was perswaded I would bee as much or more then my word, presentlie ther was a warrant sent vp for men, and another downe, and all I demaunded was but 40, viz̃t 30 small shott, and 10 men to secure the Boatℯ, but I feare now the Deuill is the hinderer, for this Caveat is put in, that if theis men should be slayne then the whole state were ou9thrown this Councell I doubt cometh from the right worthie Statesman, for his owne profit Sr George. for he well knoweth, that the Councell Careth not for him by reason of some foule matters, and now to salue vp that sore he will perhaps take the paynes to burne a few of their houses, eu9ie yeare like a Surgion, that wanteth meanes, to keepe one in hand 3 yeares, that maybee Cured in 3 quarters, or 3 monethes: Now I pray you Sr for my good will in sending you the truth, let me not haue blame by yor showing of yt. But you may p̱haps say what will you write that you dare not Answear? Sr I dare avouch it to his face that dares Contrarie it, on equall Tearmes, but here you know a man may not, for hee is a Councellor and I a private man, so when God shall send me home againe, say not but I was readie and wilbe still for my King and Countries good. I rest:

you may let Sr Jo: Brookes see it for he is also my deare ffreind. 1

Written lengthwise in the margin.

yors William Capps. 1623 [2] I pray you aske Capt: Butlers opynion of this matter, if you misdoubt myne, I could beleiue, if I thought it were possible for so wise a man to bee blinded, as I know our Gou9nour is, that Sr George had throwne a mist before his eyes, but I dare beleiue and say of him; behold an Israelite in whom is no guile, verilie wee were farely blest, and you haue obtayned by him yor desire, wch was that you might have a man to gou9ne like a Moyses, accepting no person, nor profit. Now Sr her'es another Deuill, you know amongst most men the old Prou9b is, Charitye first beginnes at home, take away one of my men, there's 2000. Plantℯ gone, thatℯ 500 waight of Tobacco, yea and what shall this man doe, runne after the Indians? soft, I haue p̱haps 10, perhaps 15, perhaps 20 men and am able to secure my owne Plantac̃on; how will they doe that are fewer? let them first be Crusht alitle, and then perhaps they will themselues make vp the Nomber for their owne safetie. Theis I doubt are the Cogitac̃ons of some of our worthier men, If ther bee anie such, I would God had their soules, and I their meanes. As I live if I had but men of my owne, I would never aske their helpe to destroye their Enimies. But how haue I behaued my selfe that might haue had offices, and furtherance in my office by my Lord, by Sr Thomas Gates, and Sr Thomas Dale, and alwaies refused it, by reason that was but to secure men that were to worke, at home? but God forgiue me I thinke the last massacre killed all our Countrie, besidℯ them they killed, they burst the heart of all the rest. Nowe I protest if this will not take effect, but that wee shall haue peace, I will forsweare eu9 bending my mind for publique good, and betake me to my owne [3] profit with some halfe a score men of my owne, and liue rooteinge in the earth like a hog, and reckon Tobacco ad vnguem by hundrethes, and quarters, and serue my owne turne on the Countrye, as other men doe, and when wee Come into England, wee'le tell what Actℯ wee haue done, in ventureing our lyues for smoke, like a Companie of Shepbeters as wee are Swoondℯ I Could Teare myselfe to see what weatherbeaten Crowes wee are, to suffer the Heathen kennell of doggℯ to indent with us in this order. Vale [Addressed:] To the worll͠ Doctor Winston at his house in Bishopsgate streete london theis from Virginia. [Indorsed:] 1

By Sir Nathaniel Rich.

By the Governor and Capt generall of Virginia

In consideration of Gods most mercifull deliu9ance of so many in this Cuntrie of Virginia from the treachery of the Indianℯ on the 22th day of March last: The Gouernor wth the advice of the Counsell of State hath thought it very fitt, that the 22th day of March both this p̢sent yeare and for euer hereafter (in memory of that great p̢servation) be in this Cuntrie celebrated Holy: And therefore doth straightly charg and Comand, Capt Will͠m Tuckar, that he, and all other that are any way vndr his charge, do keep that day holy, spending the same in prayer thanksgiveing to God, and other holy exercises; not suffering any of them to worke, as he will answer the contrary at his perill. Given at James Cittie the 4th day of March 1622.

A warrant for Keepinge Holy the 22th of March.

The like (mutatis mutandis) to the Comander of each Plantation.

Francis Wyatt.

[The order of the Privy Council concerning importations from Virginia, March 4, 1622/3, is printed in the Acts of the Privy Council, Colonial, I, pp. 57–58, and in Records of the Virginia Company, II, pp. 321–322.]

5th Marche 1622 in Virginia

Right Worll͠ this is to lett yow vnderstand that I am in a most miserable and pittiful Case both for want of meat and want of cloathes for we had meale and p̳uision for twenty and there is ten dead, and yett our prouision will not laste till the Seaflower come in, for those seruantℯ that were there before vs were allmost Pined, and then they fell to feedinge soe hard of our prouision that itt killed them that were ould Virginians as fast, as the scurvie & bloody fluxe did kill vs new Virginians: for they were in such a Case by reason of the murder done all ouer the land that they Could not plant anythinge att all, and att euerie Plantac̃on all of them for the most part were slaine and theyr howses & goodℯ burnt. some, the Indians kept aliue and tooke them awaie wth them, and nowe theise two Indians that they haue taken doe tell vs that the Indians haue 15 aliue wth them thus through theyr Roguery the land is ruinated and spoyled, and itt will not bee soe stronge againe not this 12 yeares, for att our Plantac̃on of seauenscore, there was butt 22 lefte aliue, and of all theyr houses there is butt 2 lefte and a peece of a Church, and our master doth saye that 3000 poundℯ will not make good our Plantac̃on againe, And the Mar- chauntℯ lost by itt the last yeare, and they can gett little or nothinge this yeare, ffor we must plant butt a little Tobago, butt all corne for breade, and when we haue done yf the Rogues come and Cutt itt from vs as they haue sent all the Plantac̃ons word that they will haue a bout wth them, and then we shall quite be starued, ffor is itt not a poore Case when a pinte of meale must serue a man 3 dayes as I haue seene itt since I came Wherefore my humble request is that I maye be freed out of this Egipt, or els that itt would please yow to send ouer some beife & some Cheese and butter, or any eatinge victuallℯ will bee good tradinge and I will send you all that I make of itt onely I would intreat the gaine to redeeme me, or yf yow please to speake to the rest of the Parishioners, that a smale gather- inge maye be made to send me theise thingℯ or els to redeeme me sodanly for I am almost pined and I want Clothes for truely I haue but one shirt one Ragged one & one payer of hose, one payer of shoes one suite of Cloothes soe that I am like to Perish for want of succor & releife, Therefore I bee- seech yow and most humblie intreat & entyrely att yor mercifull handℯ (not wth Pharoes brother §buttler§ to forgett me, as he did forgett Joseph in the Prison) butt I intreat yow to vse the wordℯ of god Jeremieh in his 31 Chapter and the 10 verse where he sayeth I haue suerly heard Ephrahim bemoaninge himselfe, euen soe yow maye see me bemoaninge myselfe, wherefore I intreat yow to follow his wordℯ in the latter ende of the 20th verse of the same Chapter (that is) I will suerly haue mercye vppon him sayeth the lord; Soe I beseech yow to haue mercy vppon me, remembringe what Sallomon sayeth in the 35th Chapter of Ecclesiasticus and the 20 verse, that mercy is seasonable in the tyme of afliction affliction & §as§ Cloudes of Rayne in the tyme of drought soe now mercie is seasonable to me att this tyme I neede not sett downe the wordℯ of Sallomon in the 37 of Ecclesiasticus and the 6th verse because the lord hath endued yor hart wth many of those blessingℯ And thus I comitt yow into the handℯ of allmightie god and intreat yow to helpe me soe suddaynely as yow Can Soe vale in Christo

Yor poore seruant to Comaund Richard Ffrethorne [sic] [Indorsed: 1

In a contemporary hand.

At a Court held for Virginia and the Somer Islands on Friday the –7– of March 1622. There being present the nomber of –80– Persons.

Whereas in reading the court held the ffifth of this present moneth, there was observed an omission in my reeding Lo: Cavendishis report of part of my Lo: Treasurors speech at Counsell Table touching Mr Aldran Johnson, namely that after the Lo: Treasuror had given a very Noble testimony before the Lords of the good cariage of the busines of the Plan- tation for these ffouer yeares last past (whereby his Lop said it had thriven & prospered beyond beliefe & allmost miraculously) The Lo: Treasuror added further, that in the former yeares, 1

Another copy in the Ferrar papers, the one from which the facsimile opposite p. 320 of Records of the Virginia Company, Vol. II., was made, reads at this point: "in the former yeares when Sr Tho. Smith was Trer and Mr Alderman Johnson Deputy the buissnes was caried Lewdly, and that if they should be called to an Account for it, his estate and some others would not aunswer it. wob wordℯ many then p̢sent did well remember they heard my Lo Trer speake them, Yt was therefore earnestly desired," etc. See also pp. 319, 320, ibid.

Ed: Collingwood Secra

[An extraordinary Court held for the Sumer Ilandes on Monday in the afternoone the 17 of March 1622. Present.

This Cort being appointed by the mornings Cort held in the ffornoone §pur- posely§ for the examining of the Grievances of the Inhabitantℯ of in the Sum̄er Ilandes; the ffirst Article §thereof§ was read being this wch followeth viztt

Wch Article Sr Edwin Sandis says consisted of Two Branches; they The first, that they haue beene scanted in the nomber of their Ministers. And the second, that the nomber that haue beene sent, haue beene scanted in their entertaynemt. ffor the ffirst ffor answeare to the ffirst branch thereof, he conceaued this to be most meete; (vizt) That the Comp̃ haue diuers yeares since erected ffoure Personagℯ §there§ (the Iland conteyning not aboue 13000 Acres of Ground) wth sufficient meanes to entertayne ffoure able & Learned Ministers; and that they haue from time to time supplyed the Collony wth sufficient suff Ministers, but the Comp̃ hath not beene fortunate therein §some of them being dead & other some going away from hence§; And then as Namely Mr Bridgℯ Mr Lang Mr Reynes &c. And that this Last yeare, the Comp̃ hath sent ffoure able Ministers wth sufficient & competent allowance; one of wch it hath pleased God to take out of this world. So that wthin wthin [1b] these Three yeares Last past the Company hath sent well and sufficiently prouided & fur- nished wth all necessaryes the nomber of §at least§ Seauen Ministers.

Times must be distinguished * * * theise gre- vances and * * * lay that vpon the * * * wch was done longe agoe and now re- drestd

As the Peopell increased Soe the nomber of Minis- ters are increased

Times must be dis- tinguished when these things are don doune

And for answere to the second part thereof, he sayd it was playne (viztt) that the Comp̃ hathe allotted to euery Minister 50 Acres of Gleabland & besidℯ they haue appointed & ordered that after §the Land shalbe planted§ there shalbe apportioned to them out of the fruitℯ of the earth & cattle a certaine portion growing & renewing wthin their seuerall parishes a certayne portion by way of charge vpon euery Share or ffarme; so as to make vp each Ministers entertaynemt in yt Kinde, to ye value of 100ɫ a yeare or thereabout; [x x x haue lacke of food as more at large appeareth:]

And in ye meane time, the Comp̃ hath allotted them at their owne charge to each Minister two Teñntℯ to plant & manure the s̃d Gleabland to their best proffitt & advantage; And further that the Comp̃ haue allwayes beene from time to time at the whole & sole cost & charge for their trans- portac̃on ye transporting & furnishing of them §out§ wth tooles & other all other necessaryes whatsoeuer.

Wch answere the Cort did well approue of & generally agreed vnto.

[2a] Next was read the Second Article wch is as followeth wch Article Sr Edwin Sandys said (in his opinion) was adiudged 1

Two words in John Ferrar's hand.

John Ferrar's hand.

Ane Artickle leu- ied strange out

Next was read the Third Article, being this here following vizt

wch being read, some conceaued that their Complaint in this Article is §to be§ is for being restrayned §& debared§ of their liberty & freedome contrary to the Lawes of England & his Matℯ ɫres Pattentℯ graunted vnto the Company.

But §to this§ Sr Edwin Sandis answered made answere, that for the Gennerallity the Comp̃ hath ordered & established a forme of Gouernemt to runn according to the [2b] lawes of England & his Matℯ L̃res Pattentℯ; as in their printed booke of Lawes app may appeare.

But for these perticulers, he sayd, he could wish that the Planters might be examined about them; As for §ye first§ to hang a man for the stealing of a peece of cheese §& nothing else§ he thought it, the most hideous & vniust thing in the world. And soe likewise for the second done in §the time of § Capt Tuckers governemt, his desire opinion was, that the Planters might should likewise be examined. But for the Third perticuler con- cerning one Stephen Paynter he sayd, that although the two former grievances concerned §touched§ not the Comp̃, yet this implyes them some, yet it being done by §vertue of§ the Companies direction direcc̃on & appointmt as by an order in the Cort booke then read may §might§ appeare, & as he conceaued with good iustice, according to iustice & equity; (as by an order of Cort then read might appeare) making this instance §yt§ if a man should breake a mans pondℯ & lett out all his ffishe, should he be onely Compelled to make satisfacc̃on & recompence for ye damage done; yes, he should likewise receaue haue some kinde of bodily punishmt inflicted vpon him for the vniust act it selfe.

It being done long since & he hear- ing none he the Comp̃a neuer hear- ing ye circum- stance of it.

These things be- ing done wthout ye Companies or- der or knowledge.

Sr Edw. Sandis speech for an- swere to this grievance to be here entred.

[3a] After this Mr Edward presented Three warr in Cort vnto Mr. Deputy §Three warr̃§ saying, that there was §were§ all that was in his handℯ; and if the Comp̃ did want any other, they were to demaund them of Mr Webb.

This done the 5 Article was read (viztt)

vnto wch Mr John ffarrer §Deputy§ answered, that true it was, that at what rates or prices what soeuer the goodℯ of their Magazine was sold for §there§ they neuer receaued penny proffitt as yett, nor scare their Principall.

Mr Edwardℯ sayd that not long since he sent a little Magazine to the Ilandℯ, & yt some told him

Mr E It was §being§ demaunded §likewise§ of the Comp̃, whither any of them did euer rate their Tobacco at ijs vjd̴ a pound, it was generally denyed; diuers affirming that they neuer made 20d̴ a pound of it here in England. And Mr Palmer sayd that he had §hauing§ asmuch Tobacco as stood him in xvjɫ, he protested he neuer made §of it§ xvjtℯɫ of it

In the end, this is for answere to this Article, it was agreed that this should be made §this was agreed vnto, that for rating§ of the Tobacco the Compa neuer did and that for the rate of 2s 6d the [3b] pound, they neuer made halfe the money of it. & §yt§ for the goodℯ they sent hither they neuer had any returnes back againe of scarce their Principall and the price of Tobacco for ready mony is but 12d̴ or 18d the best in ye Ilandℯ

Next was read the 6 Art vizt

wch Article was adiudged to be a dishonest accusac̃on: & that it is an impossibility to tax the Compa therewith wthout they canne shewe that euer the Compa made any such order; for will any man make the sonne paye the ffathers debt, if he leaues nothing wherewith to pay it, that was conceaued the a most vnconscionable thing: and for what serues the Gouernor there, but to see the children of the deceased educated & brought vp in convenient education & Liuing for food, apparell, & all other necessaryes whatsoeuer? and therefore this was adiudged by the mr generally by ye whole Cort to be a most vniust accusac̃on against the Company.

Mr. Spurrowe sayd, that he hath §hauing§ a freind there in the Ilandℯ, §he§ who saith; he will not lett his child come from thence, it is * * * 1

So well (?).

At

[4a] [several lines blank]

The next Article

Next was read the 4th Article, viztt

wch done, Mr Meuerrell sayd, that the Bayliffs office & duety was, to haue performed & executed the busines they that they should haue beene appointed to haue done: and for their labours §& paynes therein§ they was to receaue the Thirtithe of part of Tobacco: But they hauing not performed their place & office, he conceaued wch they hauing not done; he conceaued that that Article touched not ye Compa in ye least respect.

Sr Edw: Sandis s̄d it was true that the Bayliffs &c.

[4b] Mr Robertℯ said, that the alterac̃on of the Bayliffℯ office came from themselues, for that they did not performe their busines as they ought to haue done: & §that sayd that§ when the Compa did send them notice of it, they writt back * * * agayne §vnto them§ that they would serue Gratis, onely to haue the bare name of a Bayliff.

At length it was agreed & ordered that the Compa books should be examined §to see§ by what authority this Dutton was sent ouer to the Sum̄er Ilandℯ, & what agreemt was made wth him, & vpon what ground his allowance was taken from him.

Next was read this Article (viztt)

wch done, Sr Edw. Sandis sayd that §heretofore§ there was such a Propo- sic̃on §made§ to that effect; but it was neuer putt in execuc̃on; for the Company did much complayne thereof, vtterly disliking it, & would by noe meanes agree therevnto.

Mr Scott sayd, that he hath §had§ made certen couenantℯ & agreemtℯ wth his Tenantℯ in the Ilandℯ; notwthstanding he gaue them leaue to barter & sell their Comodityes as they could would themselues: And §But§ sayd likewise that he conceaued it was reason, that their Tenantℯ there should send & consigne ouer their goodℯ ouer vnto them vntill their sat they were satisfyed & repayd backe againe the charges that they were att for the transporting & sending of them ouer.

At length it was desired that the Cort would appoint some to drawe vp an answere, & that a coppy thereof might be sent to ye. Ilandℯ Where- vpon the Cort nominated Mr Deputy & Mr Hobbs who are desired to drawe it vp & present it to the Cort.]

[Indorsed (By J. D.):] Summer Ilandℯ Courte ye 17th of March 1622.

Another copy is No. 6178 of Lord Sackville's manuscripts at Knole Park, and is printed under the heading "Proposals of Sir Nathaniel Rich," in the American Historical Review, XXVII pp. 752–754.

A Proposic̃on for aduancemt of His Maties proffitt and good of the Plan- tac̃ons of Virginia and the Sum̃er Ilandℯ by setling the trade of Tobacco, wch is the comoditie by wch they now cheifelie subsist. 2

In the hand of Sir Nathaniel Rich.

Ffirst the Plantac̃ons subsisting as yet by this Comoditie of Tobacco it is necessarie that some Prouision be made that the sale and vent thereof may be contynewed, and that the price may be kept vp at some such proportionable Rate as may yeald the Aduenturers and Planters reason- able proffitt

And as it is necessarie for the good of the Plantac̃ons so likewise His Maties proffitt is carefullie to be regarded, whose casuall Reuenew by this Com̃od- itie hath ben increased at least to 8 or 10 thowsand pounds p̱ An9: and may hereafter be much more: But if some tymelie Prouision be not made both his Maties Reuenew wilbe lost, and the Plantac̃ons (especiallie that of the Som̃er Ilandℯ) in danger to be vtterlie ruyned, for

1.

• The Quantitie of Tobacco (by reason of the late excessiue planting thereof in the West Indies and in the new Plantac̃ons of Guiana and Brasil) is like to be so great that all these parts of Christendom wilbe glutted with it, and the price of Tobacco brought so lowe that in proba- bilitie it will not be worth so much a pound as His Matie hath now for Custome.

2.

• The Tobacco of those Countries, though not in wholesomnes yet in strength and tast and estimac̃on doth so farr excell ours of the English Plantac̃ons that if in His Maties dominions we can not find sale for it, our Tobacco will yeald nothing at all.

Therefore for the setling be and aduancemt both of His Maties yearelie Reuenew and the good of the Plantac̃ons in Virginia and the Som̃er Ilands (wch are amongst many others most memorable works of His Maties happie gouermt) It is propounded That as the French King hath the Gabell of Salt in France: and the K: of Spaine the sole Merchandize both of Pepper and euen of this particular com̃oditye of Tobacco in Spayne: So it would please his most Excellent Matie our Soueraigne to take the sole preemption of all the Tobacco of the English Plantations in Virginia and the S: Ilands: allowing the Aduenturers and Planters §within some conuenient tyme after they shall delyuer it at ye Port of London § 2s a pound for the worser sort (so yt it be merchantable) 2s 6d for the middle sort, and 3s a po: for the best: cleare of charge of fraight, Custome and Impost: only the Ad- uenturers and Planters to [beare] delyuer theyr when it sh This will giue full and uniuersall content to the Planters and Aduenturers, who must needs acknowledge it a worke of great grace and princely wisedom in his Matie so to prouide for them that they shalbe in better case then euer they we[re.]

[2] And for securing His Maties yearelie b proffitt it may be managed that

*Some able men may be conferrd wthall who will become the Kingℯ Mer- chantℯ for this Com̃oditie and allow his Matie double the proporc̃on wch His Matie payes to for this Tobacco: so that the quantitie thereof exceed not 400 thowsand weight, wch is as much as the Plantations wilbe able to affoord, and these Kingdomes of England and Ireland vsuallie vent. Thus will His Maties Reuenew by this Com̃oditie be raysed to fortie if not fiftie thowsand pounds p̱ Añ certaine and his Matie not one penny out of purse:

*] Or if Mer- chants will not take so great a bargaine then may it be man- aged by some Com̃issioners wholy for his Maties benefitt wch will much in- crease his the kings proffitt.

And for incouragement of these m̃chauntℯ it is propounded that they may haue the sole power to licence the Retayling of this com̃odity: And then for their owne securitie they may agree wth a convenient nomber in euery Citie, Towne, and §greate§ p̱ishe to buy from of their handℯ yearelie a proporc̃on of this Tobacco, at such Rates as the saied m̃chants may be reasonable gayners, and such quantities as the m̃chants shalbe sure to haue the whole com̃oditie taken from them and dispersed into many handℯ, and this is very feasible fro[m] for if none may §sell or§ retaile §Tobacco§ but such as shalbe licensed by the Kingℯ m̃chantℯ they will find rather too many then too few that will in this kind deale wth them.

1.

• By this meanes the Kingℯ Proffitt is highlie increased. It is §And§ §2ly§

2.

• His Matie euen in that respect (besidℯ his owne gracious disposition) deepelie ingaged in the welfare and Prosperitie of those Plantac̃ons that already euen by one Com̃oditye affoord him as greate or phaps greater yearelie proffitt then all his Reuenew both certayn and Casuall in the Kingdom of Ireland doth come vnto wch yet is a potent and fruitefull Countrey §so large a Reuenew§.

3lie

• In this course His Matie shall not need to inhibitt the importac̃on of Spanish Tobacco, or by inhibiting th' importac̃on of forrey[n] Tobacco, for if §also auoyd so much as a colourable occasion of giuing offence to His Maties Allyes abroad§

3lie

• The excesseue stealing in of §forreyn§ Tobacco into this Kingdom wilbe §hereby§ auoyded and the charge of strict search for it in the Portes saued, for euery Retaylor will in his case be an Informer because it will hinder his both his owne and his fellowes proffitt: And for their better incouragemt they may haue the Moyetie of all such Tobacco as they shall discouer to be brought in and acquired by fraud §in any other sort then as is formerlie propounded.

4lie

• It wilbe§l§ §tend to the general§ §generally§ good §o§for this kingdom both by restrayning thexcessiue expence of Bullion wch was wont to be wasted layed out in forreyne p̱tes for [3] this comoditie to the great dimi- nuc̃on of the Treasure of this kingdom 2ly it will §And secondly by§ mayntein §ing§ a trade and com̃erce betweene theis kingdoms and those new acquired Countreyes of Virginia and the S. Ilandℯ and that wthout money, whereby the Natiue Com̃odities wilbe better vented §wch is a thing of singuler note and consequence worthy of obseruac̃on§ for we retourne not money but or owne Natiue Com̃odities of Cloth §wollen stuffes§ Tyn̄ Lead §Leather§ &c for the goodℯ wch we receaue from thence. And thirdlie by regulating the g this way of managing the sale of Tobacco if it be ordered so, that the last price of the best Tobacco exceed not ten or xj shillingℯ will as it very well may then hath doth the Subiect buy it at a better rate then euer he hath done heretofore. And so in that case §hath§ no cause to complayne.

Thus §Lastly it§ doth not §Lastly§ the propounder of this course who §prayes it may be considered that he§ onlie aymes here at publick good as may appeare by all the wayes and reasons alleadged an professing that he sees no wrong or Inconvenience that can happen to any man b hereby. But conceaues that this beeng §but§ a sup̱fluous weed and fitt to be regu- lated all discreet and indifferent men wilbe so farr from excepting against it as they will rather thinke it a matter of high §great grace &§ prudence in his Matie thus §to preuent the former mischeefes &§ to order a sup̱fluitie to so good iust and hoble ends and publick endℯ at wch the Com̃ons house of plmt did ayme when in their last convenc̃on they concluded to petic̃on his Matie that the sole Importacon of Tobacco might be restrayned to the s̃d 2 Companies of Virginia and the S. Islandℯ.

[Indorsed 1

In the same hand as the text.

Sund §r§y Reasons against the Contract and Joynt stocke for the Virginia and summer Islandℯ Tobacco.

1.

• The Contract besides Custome and charges is to yeald his matie one third part of the goodℯ in kind, wch third part (by reason the Condic̃on of this yeares Tobacco falles out to bee meane and littleworth) will disappoint his matie in point of profit And the other two thirdℯ being of like bad Condition (all charges deducted) there wilbee litle or nothing remayneing for the Adventurers and Planters

2.

• The greate quantitie and meane Condition of the Virginia and summer Islandℯ Tobacco is such as for the most parte it must bee exported at easie rates into Turkie Barbarie and other forreine partℯ Which by the charge of this Contract is impossible without great damage and losse to the owners.

3.

• The heauie charge laid vpon Tobacco by this Contract will occasion the transportac̃on thereof from the Plantac̃ons into forreine partℯ and not into Englande, whereby his matie wilbe a great looser and the Companie much damnified nay it is to bee feared that the people in the summer Islandℯ will growe altogeather idle haueing nothing else to raise profit by and then povertie and want may driue them to revolte and so his matie loose the strongest knowne forte in §the§ Christiandome world tending both to the safetie of this kingdome and acquisition of that other of Vir- ginia to the wch it serues instead of an impregnable forte

4.

• No such Contract as this can bee made but by the Joynt Consent of all the Adventurers and Planters whereof not one of ten haue giuen their [2] Consent and manie of those that consented conceiued themselues inforct vnto it but being since better acquainted with his matℯ most free and gracious intenc̃on doe now humblie declare their disassent therevnto conceiveing that this Contract cannot be proceeded in without extreame Iniustice and forfeiture of our Charters by wch wee are to governe our affaires according to the Lawes of England that doe not allow the good Subiect to bee dispossessed of his goodℯ without his Consent And wee doe humblie pray that the Act of a fewe and such as are least interessed in point of charge, and therefore doe not feele the waight of the burthen wch they lay vpon other men may not preiudice the whole Companie.

5.

• The rate for exporteing of people to the Plantation was wont to bee fiue or sixe pound a head to bee paid in Tobacco but by this Contract the rate will growe to bee ten or twelue pound at least; the owners forecasting that the Tobacco wch they shall take for freight of the Passengers wilbee more then twice dearer vnto them §then§ in former times And soe by that meanes will extreamelie hinder the Peopleing of the Plantations when passengers cannot but at such extreame rates bee transported thither

6.

• The sole importac̃on of Spanish Tobacco is a part and cheife Considera- tion of this Contract by which importac̃on not the Companies but priuate men that make the stocke shall receiue the benifit; And therefore [3] noe cause why in that respect the goodℯ of the Adventurers and Planters should bee charged by this contracte.

7.

• It is a thing of great daunger and hazard for particuler mens estates to bee ingaged to his Matie by the seales of the Companie for the per- formance of so great a Contract wch may breede questions and lie as a perpetuall charge and Incumbrance vpon the persons goodℯ and landℯ of them and their heyres that are free of the said Companies yea although they neuer receiued one pennie benifit by their freedome.

8.

• A single Planter doth raise at the most but 30 pound wight of To- bacco in the Summer Islandℯ in one yeare for his owne part whereof one third by the Contract is to goe to his nother third imatie, an ordinarie charges besides Salary, and so restℯ scarce ten pound wight to the poore Labourer not worth in all aboue one pound fiue shillings for his whole yeares paines and euen out of this 25s being the labour of the whole yeare hee is by the Contract to allowe double salarie wch may take away all the rest and leaue him nothing at all; And the Adventurers are in the same case soe as appareantlie the plantac̃on wilbee ouerthrowne if this Contract doe proceede.

Neither Will the monopolizeing of Tobacco into one hand anie waies better this bargaine but rather make it worse for

1.

• If by that meanes they suppose to raise the price and to sell it dearer that wilbe the next way to cause such an importac̃on by stealth (as was seene in peppar when the like course was taken) as that owr Tobacco will lie vnvented till it rott and perish, and the charge of keepeing §the§ Portℯ to prevent it wilbee in likelihood more then the goodℯ are Worth.

[4] 2.

• It were a dangerous President and neuer heard of that pluralitie of voices should conclude the goodℯ of other men without their Consent to bee put into a Joynt stocke at the comeing home of the shipp whereas the Aduenture outward was by particuler men not in Joynt stocke wch if it shalbee admitted to take place wilbee the vtter ruyne and destruction of all trade and Commerce.

3.

• It occasions a straunge charge of a yearelie stipend or off Salarie to Officers to mannage this Joynt stocke wch the Companies are not able to beare and yet by votes of such as are least interessed and of those men themselues who are to receiue it, was caried by pluralitie of voices.

4.

• By this meanes his matie wilbee charged with 8 or 900li per Anñ cer- taine for his third part of this salarie and how much more Wee know not so that perhaps his matie charge wilbee more then his whole third part of this meane Tobacco will come vnto.

5.

• It hinders the poore people from trucking away their Tobacco for Comodities by wch heretofore they haue releiued themselues and made a greater benifit then euer they could doe by selling for readie money.

6.

• It bereaues both Planters and Owners of present meanes to supplie their shares seeing they must attend the sale and Accompt of the Joynt stocke. It subjectℯ them to great hazard by ill debtℯ

8.

• It involues them in intricate Accomptℯ and is like to occasion infinite suitℯ and Contenc̃ons and will breede much cõnfusion in the sale of their goodℯ for in this Comoditie one mans parcell of Tobacco is much better then another and either it must bee sold with theires of lesse value and soe a losse to the Owner and generall discouragement to make their To- bacco good or else if euerie mans bee kept apart wee must rest [5] vpon the good will of the Agentℯ when this or that mans parcell shalbee sold.

9.

• The experience of the losses and inconveniences wch haue growne by all other Joynt stockes is sufficient to deterre men from this course and wee hope his Matie will not permit that anie man should §all§ bee forced to it whether hee will or noe.

Wee conceive this buisines wilbee better mannaged if it will please his matie to limit the Importac̃on of Spanish Tobacco to a reasonable propor- c̃on as alreadie he hath done and to graunt the farme thereof to whom his matie shall please for his owne best benifit And then (reserueing onelie that proportion of Spanish Tobacco) to inhibite the importac̃on of all other saue that wch shalbee brought in from theis Plantac̃ons, and that euerie Aduenturer and planter may receiue and dispose of his owne goodℯ for his best aduantage, and wee shall humblie submit orselues to his matℯ gracious pleasure for such a Custome to bee layd vpon owr goodℯ as may incourage all the Planters and Owners to import all the Tobacco that shalbee made both in Virginia and the Summer Islandℯ into this Realme of England and not otherwhere, wch as it would increase and aduance the plantac̃ons so the quantities that wilbee brought in wilbee so great that wee conceiue his matℯ yearelie profit wilbee much greater this way then the other how specious so euer, and it is hoped it will prosper much better because it wilbee accompanied with the willing and heartie affections of those that pay it. [6] And wee humblie pray that in the layeing on of this this Custome his matie will haue a speciall regard to ease the Tobacco of the Summer Islandℯ.

1.

• Because it is a place of great importance and therefore very behoouefull to giue that Colonie content and to provide for their supplies.

2.

• This poore plantac̃on hath had no helpes of Lotteries Collections and other Assistances as that of Virginia hath had

3.

• because the Tobacco of the Summer Islandℯ generallie is of a meaner sorte then that of Virginia and this yeare so bad that it is little worth.

4.

• By his matℯ ɫres patentℯ they are to paye but 5li p̱ C. for all Charges whatsoeuer.

5.

• Because it is rather a forte then a Country able to produce staple Comodityes as that of Virginia and so hath no other meanes but by this poore Weede to subsist

6.

• Because those of the Summer Islandℯ Companie that are to beare the burthen of this charge are very few and no meanes to mantaine the publique charge of those Islandℯ but out of their purses wch euery yeare costℯ them manie thousand poundℯ and yet they are Comforted with the assureance of his matℯ gracious respect for their good seruice in acquireing and mantayneing a place of so great Consequence without anie Charge to his matie though to the great p̢iudice and vndooeing of some of their owne particuler fortunes vnles his matie take a speciall regard of them ther being twentie of them that at least are out of their purses twentie Thowsand poundℯ in this Plantation.

[Indorsed, in the same hand:] Reasons offered to the LLs against Sr Ed. Sandys his contract ∥& salary.∥ 20 mrch. 1622.

[Indorsed, in a later hand:] March 20 1623. Reasons against Sr Edwin Sandis Contract and Salarie touchinge the Virginia Companie

Loveing and kind father and mother my most humble duty remembred to you hopeing in God of yor good health, as I my selfe am t at the makeing hereof, this is to let you vnderstand that I yor Child am in a most heavie Case by reason of the nature of the Country is such that it Causeth much sickness, as the scurvie and the bloody flix, and divers other diseases, wch maketh the bodie very poore, and Weake, and when wee are sicke there is nothing to Comfort vs; for since I came out of the ship, I never at anie thing but pease, and loblollie (that is water gruell) as for deare or vension I never saw anie since I came into this land, ther is indeed some foule, but Wee are not allowed to goe, and get yt, but must Worke hard both earelie, and late for a messe of water gruell, and a mouthfull of bread, and beife, a mouthfull of bread for a pennie loafe must serve for 4 men wch is most pitifull if you did knowe as much as I, when people crie out day, and night, Oh that they were in England without their lymbes and would not care to loose anie lymbe to bee in England againe, yea though they beg from doore to doore, for wee live in feare of the Enimy eu9ie hower, yet wee haue had a Combate with them on the Sunday before Shrovetyde, and wee tooke two alive, and make slaves of them, but it was by pollicie, for wee are in great danger, for or Plantac̃on is very weake, by reason of the dearth, and sicknes, of or Companie, for wee came but Twentie for the marchauntℯ, and they are halfe dead Just; and wee looke everie hower When two more should goe, yet there came some for other men yet to lyve with vs, of which ther is but one alive, and our Leiftenant is dead, and his ffather, and his brother, and there was some 5 or 6 of the last yeares 20 of wch there is but 3 left, so that wee are faine to get other men to plant with vs, and yet wee are but 32 to fight against 3000 if they should Come, and the nighest helpe that Wee haue is ten miles of vs, and when the rogues ou9came this place last, they slew 80 Persons how then shall wee doe for wee lye even in their teeth, they may easilie take vs but that God is mercifull, and can save with few as well as with many; as he shewed to Gylead and like Gileadℯ Souldiers if they lapt water, wee drinkee water wch is but Weake, and I haue nothing to Comfort me, nor ther is nothing to be gotten here but sicknes, and death, except that one had money to lay out in some thinges for profit; But I haue nothing at all, no not a shirt to my backe, but two Ragges [2] nor no Clothes, but one poore suite, nor but one paire of shooes, but one paire of stockins, but one Capp, but two bandℯ, my Cloke is stollen by one of my owne fellowes, and to his dying hower would not tell mee what he did with it but some of my fellows saw him have butter and beife out of a ship, wch my Cloke I doubt paid for, so that I have not a penny, nor a a penny Worth to helpe me to either spice, or sugar, or strong Waters, without the wch one cannot lyue here, for as strong beare in England doth fatten and strengthen them so water here doth wash and weaken theis here, onelie keepe life and soule togeather. but I am not halfe a quarter so strong as I was in England, and all is for want of victualls, for I doe protest vnto you, that I haue eaten more in day at home then I haue allowed me here for a Weeke. you haue given more then my dayes allowance to a beggar at the doore; and if Mr Jackson had not releived me, I should bee in a poore Case, but he like a ffather and shee like a loveing mother doth still helpe me, for when wee goe vp to James Towne that is 10 myles of vs, there lie all the ships that Come to the land, and there they must deliver their goodℯ, and when wee went vp to Towne as it may bee on Moonedaye, at noone, and come there by night, then load the next day by night noone, and goe home in the afternoone, and vnload, and then away againe in the night, and bee vp about midnight, then if it rayned, or blowed never so hard wee must lye in the boate on the water, and haue nothing but alitle bread, for whenee wee go into the boate wee haue a loafe allowed to two men, and it is all if we staid there 2 dayes, wch is hard, and must lye all that while in the boate, but that Goodman Jackson pityed me & made me a Cabbin to lye in alwayes when I come vp, and he would giue me some poore Jackℯ home with me wch Comforted mee more then pease, or water gruell. Oh they bee verie godlie folkes, and loue me verie well, and will doe anie thing for me, and he much marvailed that you would send me a servaunt to the Companie, he saith I had beene better knocked on the head, and Indeede so I fynd it now to my greate greife and miserie, and saith, that if you love me you will redeeme me suddenlie, for wch I doe Intreate and begg, and if you cannot get the marchauntℯ to redeeme me for some litle money [3] then for Godℯ sake geta a gathering or intreat some good folkℯ to lay out some little Sum̄ of moneye, in meale, and Cheese and butter, and beife, anie eating meate will yeald great profit, oile and vyniger is verie good, but ffather ther is greate losse in leakinge, but for Godℯ sake send beife and Cheese and butter or the more of one sort and none of another, but if you send Cheese it must bee very old Cheese, and at the Chesmongers you may buy good Cheese for twopence farthing or halfepenny that will be liked verie well, but if you send Cheese you must haue a Care how you packe it in barrells, and you must put Coopers Chips betweene eu9ie Cheese, or els the heat of the hold will rott them, and looke whatsoeu9 you send me be it neu9 so much looke what I make of yt I will deale trulie with you I will send it ou9, and begg the profit to redeeme me, and if I die before it Come I haue intreated Goodman Jackson to send you the worth of it, who hath promised he will; If you send you must direct yor letters to Goodman Jackson, at James Towne a Gunsmith. (you must set downe his frayt) because there bee more of his name there; good ffather doe not forget me, but haue m9cie and pittye my miserable Case. I know if you did but see me you would weepe to see me, for I haue but one suite, but it is a strange one, it is very well guarded, wherefore for Godℯ sake pittie me, I pray you to remember my loue my love to all my ffreindℯ, and kindred, I hope all my Brothers and Sisters are in good health, and as for my part I have set downe my resoluc̃on that certainelie Wilbe, that is, that the Answeare of this letter wilbee life or death to me, therefore good ffather send as soone as you can, and if you send me anie thing let this bee the marke.

The names of them that bee dead of the Companie came ou9 with us to serue vnder our Leifetenants.

[4] All theis died out of my mrs house, since I came, and wee came in but at Christmas, and this is the 20th day of March and the Saylers say that ther is two thirdℯ of the 150 dead already and thus I end prayeing to God to send me good successe that I may be redeemed out of Egipt. So vale in Christo.

Loueing ffather I pray you to vse this man verie exceeding kindly for he hath done much for me, both on my Journy and since, I intreate you not to forget me, but by anie meanes redeeme me, for this day wee heare that there is 26 of English men slayne by the Indians, and they haue taken a Pinnace of Mr Pountis, and haue gotten peeces, Armour, swordℯ, all thinges fitt for Warre, so that they may now steale vpon vs and wee Cannot know them from English, till it is too late, that they bee vpon vs, [and wee Cannot knowe them from English, till it is too late, that they bee vpon vs,] [sic] and then ther is no mercie, therefore if you loue or respect me, as yor Child release me from this bondage, and saue my life, now you may saue me, or let me bee slayne, with Infidelle, aske this man, he knoweth that all is true and Just that I say here; if you do redeeme me the Companie must send for me to my Mr Harrod for so is this Mrs name.

Apr: the 2 day

Moreou9 on the third day of Aprill wee heard that after theis Rogues had gotten the Pynnace, and had taken all furnitures as peeces, swordℯ, armour, Coatℯ of male, Powder, shot and all the thinges that they had to trade withall, they killed the Captaine, and Cut of his head, and rowing with the taile of the boat formost they set vp a pole and put the Captaines head vpon it, and so rowed home, then the Deuill set them on againe, so that they furnished about 200 Canoes with aboue 1000 Indians, and came and thought to [5] haue taken the shipp, but shee was too quicke for them wch thing was very much talked of, for they alwayes feared a ship, but now the Rogues growe verie bold, and can vse peeces, some of them, as well or better then an Englishman, ffor an Indian did shoote with Mr Charles my Mrs Kindsman at a marke of white paper, and hee hit it at the first, but Mr Charles Could not hit it, But see the Enuie of theis slaues, for when they Could not take the ship then or men saw them threaten Accomack that is the next Plantac̃on and nowe ther is no Way but starueing ffor the Gou9nour told vs and Sr George, that except the Seaflower come in or that wee can fall foule of theis Rogues and get some Corne from them, aboue halfe the land will surelie be starved, for they had no Crop last yeare by reason of theis Rogues, so that wee haue no Corne but as ships do releiue vs, nor wee shall hardlie haue anie Crop this yeare, and Wee are as like to perish first as anie Plantac̃on, for wee haue but two Hogsheadℯ of meale left to serue vs this two Monethes, if the Seaflower doe stay so long before shee come in, and that meale is but 3 Weekℯ bread for vs, at a loafe for 4 about the bignes of a pennie loafe in England, that is but a halfepenny loafe a day for a man: is it not straunge to me thinke you? but What will it bee when wee shall goe a mo§n §eth or two and never see a bit of bread. as my Mr doth say Wee must doe, and he said hee is not able to keepe vs all, then wee shalbe turned vp to the land and eate barkℯ of trees, or mouldℯ of the Ground therefore with weeping teares I beg of you to helpe me. O that you did see may daylie and hourelie sighes, grones, and teares, and thumpes that I afford mine owne brest, and rue and Curse the time of my birth with holy Job. I thought no head had beene able to hold so much water as hath and doth dailie flow from mine eyes.

[6] But this is Certaine I neu9 felt the want of ffather and mother till now, but now deare ffrendℯ full well I knowe and rue it although it were too late before before I knew it.

I pray you talke with this honest man he will tell you more then now in my hast I can set downe.

Yor loueing Sonne Richard Ffrethorne Virginia 3d April 1623 [Indorsed by Sir Nathaniel Rich:] Coppie of Richard Ffrethorne ɫre to his ffather Ap. 1623.

[A number of rough minutes, not in chronological order, indorsed "Virginia Maryland Newfoundland etc." and dating from 1606 to 1652]

The Governour & Councell of Virginia petition the King for the sole Importation of Tobacco to thē & the Summer Islands

1623

After my harty comendacions, Wheras I understand there is a ship lately aryved within the porte of London from the Bermudos or Somer- Ilands wherof for the most parte hir ladeinge is Tobacco, and for that I have binn informed that you have made stay of passinge the Tobacco in regard of the pretence of a contracte with the Company of Bermudos and Virginia for the Importacion of Tobacco, beinge intended upon his Majestie's parte for the benefitt and good of the said companyes, which uppon debate of the Councell Boarde beinge ther amply argued and heard before the Lordes of his Majesties Privie Counsell is conceived to bee rather prejuditiall unto the Companyes if the said contracte should goe forward in consideracion wherof his Majestie is graciously pleased that you suffer the said tobacco to bee delivered unto the severall proprietors therof they payinge unto his Majestie's farmers of the customes three pence per pound for the subsidy which the said farmers are contented to accepte of without demandinge any defalcation from the King, And it is resolved by the Lordes of the Councell and so promised by many of the Company both of Virginia and Bermuthos that they will hence forward [bring] all the Tobacco exported from Virginia and Bermudos into his Majesties dominions, And for the impost or increase of subsidy you receive unto his Majestie's use for all the said Virginia and Bermudos Tobacco belong- inge unto any Planter or free brother of the said companyes sixe pence per pound redy monye beeinge the rate formerly agreed on, And for all such Virginia and Bermudos Tobacco which shall not belonge unto any Planter or free brother of the said Companyes the usuall impost of eighteen pence per pound redy [money] due uppon Tobacco as hath bine formerly used. And this shalbe a sufficient Warrante unto you for the present untill further order shalbe given for the same. Chelsey this 25th. of March 1623.

Your very loving freind

To my very loving friendes the officers and farmers of his Majesties customes and to Abraham Jacob and Jo. Jacob67 Collectors of the impost and increase of subsidye uppon tobacco.

[Indorsed:] Warrant for to receive iii d. per pound for the subsidy of Virginia and Bermudos Tobacco and vi d. per pound for the impost or increase of subsidy of the same Tobaccoe.

Noble Sr

I am almost ashamed that I haue left yor ɫre vnanswered thus longe: but a bodie languishinge, well nigh vnto death, and a mynd distracted and broken with ill successes here, and hard Censures at home haue disabled me from all dutyes but those wch necessitie inforceth. But now I thanke God, I haue recovered my health, and a litle cured my thoughtℯ with the balme of my Innocencie resolving to strive against theis Torrentℯ of difficultyes till I passe them over, or bee swallowed vp by them: rather in that I wilbe Constant to my Course, then out of anie hope to gaine reputac̃on or satisfie your Concepc̃ons. For their affections to this Plan- tac̃on hath so ou9 hightned eu9ie thinge that it is impossible for our Indevours to give it that lustre, wch must needℯ redound to the disgrace of vs, and will, I feare, to the preiudice of the Collonie. I would to God that some one of Judgment and Integritie whom you trusted might bee sent ou9 to give you a true Informac̃on of our proceedingℯ and the State of this Countrye. If then it be found that Wee are faultie let the Censure and punishment light vpon the ill deserver: for my owne part I will desire no favour. But if our want of meanes haue frustrated yor hopes, or the hand of God, by extreame sicknes, and vnheard of mortalitie hath pre- vented our Indevours, or if wee haue beene inforced by some of yor Instruc- tions to goe Contrarie to or Judgmentℯ? If wee should imploy our owne or the Serveantℯ of others (wch would never bee endured) for future expecta- c̃ons; how in the meane time shall they be fed and Clothed or how shall wee give a satisfaction to their maisters? It is not a small proporc̃on of Corne that will feed a man, when that is his onelie sustenance. Had you no other provisions in England perhaps the land were too litle to sustaine her Inhabitantℯ. and for apparrell I will giue to the Magazine 10ɫi sterling a yeare (as the rates here goe) for the Clothing of each particuler Servaunt. for eu9ie labourer wee giue one Pound of Tobacco a daye, besidℯ his diet and 3 or 4 §a day§ to Artificers. from whence shall theis paymentℯ arise? moreou9 so manie come ou9 without anie provision, and those you set out yorselues so furnished to halues (a maine Cause of their debtℯ and deathes and of yor small retournes) that they make a dearth of a plentifull harvest. I protest for my owne part if I knew how to defraie the expences of the yeare, I would not set one plant of Tobacco whilst I lived in this Countrie: so much I loath it and onelie desire that I Could subsist without it. Now if anie will vpraid vs with the successe of this yeare, let them takeheed least they manifest [2] not themselves to bee of the race of those Gyantℯ wch made warre with heaven; for who is ignorant how the heavie hand of God hath suppressed vs? the lyveing being hardlie able to bury the dead through their owne Imbecillitie, insomuch as I am afraid wee haue not lost lesse than 500 by sicknes (with a generall weaknes of the rest) wch taken out of so small a number (farre short of yor Coniectures) I belieue haue not left behind them so manie able men in the Countrye. And by the way I would you Could hang that villaine Dupper who with his stinking beere hath poisoned most of the Passengers, and spred the Infection all over the Collonie wch before the Arrivall of the Abigall were recou9ed. lastlie, whereas it was the onelye benifit wch wee reapt from the treacherie of the Indians in drawing ourselues into a narrower Circuite, whereby the people might haue beene better gou9ned, and lived with more Comfort and securitie, publique Charges more easilie defraied, forces raised with lesse difficultie, and hazard to the Remaynder, townes in short time would haue beene forfeited, framed houses erected, Orchards planted, and groundℯ impailed for the keeping of Cattle, staple Comodities the better aduanced, strength, beautie, pleasure, riches and reputac̃on added forthwith to the Collonie: by yor Comaunding vs to dispearse wee are like quicksilu9 throwne into the fire and hardlie to bee found in so vast a distance. But I can but giue you a touch of theis thinges wch perhaps were better vnwritten then not written to the full. If God spare me life I will write a particuler discourse of this Countrie, the hindrances to the Plantac̃on and waies to aduance it, with an answeare vnto Calumny meane while I referre you to others for other particulers, and will now addresse my replie to yor letter.

∥that some may be sent over truly to informe of the p̱ceedings there∥

∥The officers in Virginia by instructions from hence enforced to goe against theyr Judgments.∥

∥Corne is their only sustenance.∥

∥Apparell∥

∥Complaynt ye too many come over and those ill prouided∥

∥The lyuing hard- ly able to bury the dead 500 dyed by sickness not 500 able men left∥

∥Dupper∥

∥The benefitts of drawing the Colo- ny together∥

∥much damnifyed by dispersing then vpon Comd of ye Company∥

If I could be proud yor Censure had so made me for that slothful worke wch I was ashamed to ffather. Notwithstanding it begat a desire to pro- ceede: but heare my owne Author.

\ —nec plura sinit tempusq̢ pudorq̢
Dicere maius opus magni certaminis vrget.

Yet amongst the roreing of the seas, the rustling of the Shrowdℯ, and Clamour of Saylers, I translated two bookes, and will perhaps when the sweltring heat of the day confines me to my Chamber give a further assaye. for wch if I be taxt I haue noe other excuse but that it was the recreac̃on of my idle howers, and say with Alciat.

\ Dum pueros iugulans, iuvenes dum tessera fallit
Desinet et segnes chartula picta viros
Haec nos festiuis emblemata cadimus horis.

[3] As for dubius accusac̃ons, Custome and the meanes of the man hath made me insensible of such Injuries but more ignoble was that, though pro- ceeding from a nobler Person who said wee held not our selues secure with- out the guard of a Thowsand men: when it is well knowne, that I receiued not one man in to my Plantac̃on though I had at sometymes not five that were able to beare Armes, and for the Gou9nour I my selfe was an Eye witnes, that the Councellors themselues were Constrayned to watch nightlie by turnes, vntill the Countrie allowed him a Guard of thirtie. for whose intertaignment he is yet vnsatisfied. O what a lying deuill is a mallice! And nowe alitle to degresse (for I write as thinges Come into my mynd and expect from so worthie a freind as you are a Pardon of Errours, since I haue not the leazure to read ou9 what I haue written) what a flagitious offence was that in vs to fetch of men from their dividendℯ who had neither food nor Munic̃on nor in Nomber able to defend them- selues in the Cultivateing of the earth, or guard of their Cattle, all being slaine about them and wee vnable to supplie anie one of their wantℯ without the ruyne of others! must they not haue beene left of necessitie a pray either to slaughter or famyne? or how would their weakenes have indured the want of their ablest men to haue gonne vpon the Indians, when out of the whole Collonie wee Could but raise 180 (whereof 80 were fit onelie to Carrie burthens) to incounter 1000? wch had put all in hazard if God had not taken their heartℯ from them: though as valiant as lyons against one another, and as skilfull in their bowes as the Beniamites with their slinges; haueing manie peeces besides, with Powder and Shott, and knoweing too well how to vse them, how §am§ I touched in particuler about that ignominious proposic̃on of removeinge to the Easterne Shore, when I onelie related the Argumentℯ, and nomynated the Author, And although the Gou9nour and my selfe gaue way that the place might be survaid for the planting of a Partie there as better furnished with all sortℯ of prouisions and fit there- after for fortificac̃on: yet neu9 was it so much in or Thoughtℯ (though manie ranne violentlie that waye) to quit the places wch wee held and I for my part would first haue beene torne in peeces. But I wilbe more warie hereafter what I write.

∥Ignoble speach of a noble man∥

∥But 180 men able to incounter the Enemye whereof 80 were fitt only to carry burthens∥

I vsed Mr Calthrope at his landinge with all the Curtesie I Could and brought him acquainted with the Gou9nour. I proferd him the Enter- tainment of my house, and my owne Chamber to lodge in [4] wch he refused in that I was to bee but seldome there my selfe, in regard of my almost dailie attendance at the Councell table (for besidℯ our owne partℯ, wee are faine to discharge the Offices of others: if Mr Secretarie had beene good for anie thing wee would never have suffred him to haue gon home, and what a pittifull Councellour haue wee of yor Doctour!) I haue giuen from time to time the best Councell I am able. At the first he kept Companie too much with the Inferiours, who hung vpon him while his good liquor lasted, after he Consorted with Captaine Whitacres (a man of no good example) with whom he is gone into Kicotan, yet wheresoeuer he bee, he shall not been without the reach of my Care, nor want for anie thing that I or my Credit can procure him.

To his most wor- thie ffriend Sam- uell Wrote Esq. at London be theis deliuered 1

Written lengthwise of page in the margin.

I kindlie thanke you for yor Gray hound the fairest that ever I saw; yet the want of his stones haue deaded his Courage and made him altogether vseles. But I haue written too much and yet nothinge Inopem me copia fecit. I cease to trouble you but never to loue you

I pray you remember my best loue and wishes to worthie Mr. Gibb James Cittie 28 Martij 1623

Yor assured ffreind George Sandys. Sr I pray you be intreated extraordinarilie to importune Mr John Bonovill to send me two Ffrenchmen skilfull in silkewormes and planting of Vines I will pay them 20 markℯ apeece for their wages by the yeare, and find them victualls, or 20ɫi apeece if they will accept of or Virginia paymt. Mr Mellin will take order for their passage. I have sent you a tast of our best Tobacco by Mr Tuke. if you like it I will furnish you yearelie with enough for your takeinge. [Indorsed, by Sir Nathaniel Rich:] G. Sandys to Mr Wrott 28 M9ch 1623.

To Henry Vicount Mandevile. Right Honoble͠

 Itt hath pleased his moste gratious Matie to directe his Royall letters to the Gouernor Councell and Colony of Virginia, signifying his pleasure to take the com̃odity of tobaccoe to his owne imeadiate vse, and requiring that we should heere contract wth the Burgesses of ye severall plantac̃on for the same on his behalfe, together wth instructions to yt purpose from the Atturney geñall, wherevnto may itt please yor Lop in all humblenes of duty we haue retarned our answere (as we weare required) by our Petitions and generall declarations sent in these shipps, humbly shewing vnto his highnes, the greate p̢iudice that this colony hath receaued by diuers contracts made wholy wthout our consents or pryvity, and sett on foote by auaritious & vnconscionable men intendinge their owne pri- vate lucre and gaine in the snares whereof wee haue continually for these six yeares ben intangled and misirabley p̱plexed to the generall dis- couragmt of all men, & hinderance of the proceedings of this Plantac̃on, wch otherwise would haue manifested better effects of more staple com̃odi- ties soe long expected of vs, for the p̱fecting whereof, wee are disabled by or poũty; whilst our affayres remaine vnsettled and vncertayne, & wee in feare to be made slaues, to those men, from whose exorbitant & wide consciences wee expect no mercye. But since all form9 contracts are dissolued & that his Matie hath ben pleased to extend his princely care for the establishmt of this Colony, wch wthout the supportation of his Royall hand must necessarily sincke: wee haue regayned new hopes to or dispayring minds in assured Confidence that all factions silenced, and the priuate intentions of others p̢vented, our iust Petitions will receaue a favorable admittance ã heering. In the wch wee the Gouernor & Councell in the name of the whole Colony doe implore the Continuances of yor Honoble favor towards vs, that as heretofore yor Lopp hath ben the greatest meanes to ou9throwe these former contracts, for wch we returne our humblest thankes vnto yor Honor, soe now againe by yor iustice ã goodnes wee may be p̳tected against the violence ã auarise of those men, who haue ben soe thirsty of or miserie and ruine, wee rather desiri[ng] to become servants unto his Matie by the profite of or labours, then unto others that should vnderhand contracte for the same, Thus wishing vnto yor Honor all increase of goodnes and im̃ortall wee rest.

Att yor Lopp Com̃and Francis West John Pott Sam̃uell Mathewe Roger Smith William Claybourne William Tucker Virginia the 30th March 1623 Vera Copia Ext p̱ Rob: Barrington: Cler:

Sr

It is a Curtisie that addℯ not a litle to those manie wch I haue received from you, that you vouchsafe to remember the so farre distant. A hope- full begynneing we had in this Countrie, yet seconded with all the Calami- ties wherwith God vseth to scourge a disobedient people, as murder, dead by diseases, and scarcitie almost vnto famyne. Yet the first had been a reformac̃on, had wee beene suffred to haue made the true vse of it. for the English throughout this wild Countrye, planted dispersedlie in small familyes, far from Neighbours, as Covetous of large pos̄sions (larger then 100 tymes their Nomber were able to Cultivate) and to lyue like Libertines out of the eye of the Magistrate, not able to secure them- selues, nor to been releiued by others, vpon anie occasion, insomuch as if they had had anie knowledge of the purpose of the Indians, the most part Could not possiblie haue preuented their treacheries: but must either haue beene beseiged in their houses (and Consequentlie famished) or Cut of as they followed their labours. Vpon this occasion wee drew the remainder Close together, whereby they might haue beene the better gou9ned, and haue added to their lyues both Comfort and securitie presentlie wee should haue begunne to fortifie Townes, to haue built framed houses, to haue planted hortyardℯ and gardens to haue inclosed ground for or Cattle, and set vpon more reall Comodities, by wch the Collony in short time would haue growne strong, beautiful, pleasant rich and reputable But such is the disposic̃on of those who glorie in their wisedomes, that they will rather Justifie and proceed in their Errors then to suffer a supposed dis- grace by reformeing them; So that wee are Comaunded to suffer eu9ie man to retourne to his [2] divident, though in some stronger fashion and haue our discrec̃ons and Courages Censured for doeing that wch they should have begunne with, Who cleare themselues by the wronginge of others; obiecting vnto vs their Instructions, whereof manie are infeasible and the most Inconvenient, for to say the truth they knowe nothing of Virginia, nor will beleiue anie thing from vs that is not answereable to their former Con- cepc̃ons. But if eu9 they will doe anie good they must admit of our In- formac̃ons, and suffer ther Instrucc̃ons, for the most part, to bee rather advices then Commaundℯ. Extreame hath beene the mortalitie of this yeare, wch I am afraid hath dobled the Nomber of those wch were massacred; yet with our small and sicklie forces we haue discomforted the Indians, round about vs, burnt their houses, gathered their Corne and slaine not a few; though they are as swift as Roebuckℯ and not to bee destroyed but by surprize or famine they now beginne to desire a peace, and after the restituc̃on of their Prisoners, for whose sakes wee seeme to bee inclineable thereunto and will trie if wee can make them as secure as wee were, that wee may followe their example in destroying them Although in particuler I haue not suffred much by the Indians, yet haue I lost by sicknes 23 men of my small Nomber to the greate diminuc̃on of my meanes, and impaire of my last yeares profit, and had I not hired in good time the sixth part of a ship (wch Cost me aboue 140ɫi for my share) I and the rest of my men had harld hardlie [3] escaped the perishing by famyne. ffor all theis disasters I have sent home as much as will pay that Sum; discharge 100ɫ wch I owe vnto them who haue my Cropp in their pos̄sion, with 50 more wch my Cozen Myles standℯ bound for, and to furnish me with necessityes in some poore sorte, for the yeare ensewinge, I onelie p̢sume of yor fauour, in that I cannot possiblie th at this time in regard of my great losses and unexpected vnexpences doe otherwise, to deferre the payment of that 100ɫ (wch is all that I owe in the world) wch you stand ingaged with me, vntill Christmas next, wch wilbee in Charge to you in regard of the Annuitie, wch out of yor bountie you were pleased to giue me; at wch time whether I liue or die it shalbee discharged. Well may I put in die, for there is few of vs that haue not knockt this yeare at the gates of death. but by the mercie of God I am now in perfect health, as is the Gou9nour and his ladie (though after much sicknes) who recomend ther seruices vnto you. Concerning Thomas Marson I haue neither seene nor heard of him since he delivered me yor letter whether he be returned for England, or dead, or gone to some remoued Plantac̃on I knowe not, but if he be here he shall find me readie to giue him the §my§ best helpe in all his occasions, and that yor recomendac̃on is to me a Comaund. Much afflicted I am for the decaie of Sr Thomas Josseline and more for the ill vsage of his old freindℯ. how eu9 I know you so noble that you will not add sorrowe to afficc̃on nor forbeare it to Comfortt him in his miserie. Remember I pray you my service and best wishes to those that are with you, not forgetting my loue to Mr Franklinge whom I could wish here with vs I rest

∥the dispirsing of ye colony again very pernicious∥

∥A p̱fidious treatye∥

yor loveing brother George Sandys James citty, 30 March 1623 [4] I haue sent you by Mr John Tuke Mr of the Abigail a tast of our best Tobacco of this yeare if you like it I shall send you as good or better hereafter in plentie. [Addressed:] To the right worll͠ my especiall good Brother Sr Myles Sandys Knt and Baronet at Wiberton in the Isle of Ely. [Indorsed, in the hand of the reviewer:] 1

Sir Nathaniel Rich.

Sr

 I humblie crave yor pardon if I have not written §vnto you§ so often as you expected, and my dutie bound me: presumeinge that the Governour had acquainted you with whatsoeu9 was worthie your knowledge: We found at our Comeing over the Country in peace, but in such a peace as presaged ruyne: the people dispearsed in small familyes, farre distant one from another, and like the foolish Arcadians, exposed to the pray of who- soeu9 would assaile them, yet Could wee not reforme this mischeife, they haueing Pattentℯ granted from the Court in England to plant wheresoeu9 they pleased contrarie to all order, discipline, and Example: but how well wee beganne to build (though impossible to Continew) on this prescribed foundac̃on I coniecture is not unknowne vnto you; Neither could the Trecherie of the Indians (although foreknowne) have beene but in part prevented: who like violent lightening are gone as soone as p̱ceived. Yet are we taxed with indiscrec̃on and Cowardize for draweinge theis miserable people to places of securitie; Who had neither victuall nor munic̃on (nor Could wee helpe them wth either) nor of strength to defend themselves: so that of necessitie they must have perished either by the Enimye, or famyne. But men that are ambitious to bee Counted wise will rather Justifie then acknowledge their Errors and impute the fault to the execuc̃on, when it is indeed in the proiect. Wee held not our selves secure said an ignoble Noble man vnles wee had 1000 Souldiers to guard vs; what a strict affynitie is there betweene the divell and a lyer! for my owne part I receaued not a man into my Plantac̃on although at one time I was so weake that I could not arme 5 able men: and for the Governour, the Councellors themselves were con- strayned to watch nightlie by turnes vntill the Countrye allowed him a guard of 30 men. Sr Edwin writes that strucke with a Panicke feare wee proposed a Removeall of the Collonie to the Easterne shore. Indeed I writt home of such a proposic̃on and named the Proposor with his Argu- mentℯ which were hotlie mantayned by others, (and no question but [2] that place had beene better, at the first, to have seated on, in regard of fertilitie, Convenience, all sorts of provision and strength both against the Native and fforreiner) yet theis were refuted by vs in pointℯ of Reputac̃on, being besidℯ, as wee alledged, an intollerable presumption for vs to attempt such a Change without your Consentℯ: howsover wee thought it fitt that the place should bee further survaied, and a Partie there seated, and this is that treason against God and man, for wch wee deserve to bee hanged. But I pray God their Contemplac̃ons doe not so ou9swaye our experience that all in thend Come to no thinge: who thinke eu9ie thing done as soone as Conceived (how unfeasable soeu9) and so highten their proceedinges that it is impos- sible for our Actions to goe alonge with their reportℯ whereby wee must of necessitie suffer in our reputac̃ons. Wee are much upraided with Sr Thomas Dale: yet (not to detract from the dead) what did he? or what is extant of his Endevours? or what Could not wee doe if wee (as hee) had 500 men at our owne disposure, both fed and appareled out of England? whereas wee haue not one except wee hire them with our private purses, or take them Iniuriouslie from their Mrs The Teñants they sent on that so absurd Condition of halves are neither able, to sustaine themselves nor discharge their moyetie, and are so deiected with their Scarce provisions, and finding nothing to answeare their expectac̃on, that most give themselves over, and die of Melancholye, the rest running so farre in debt as keepes them still behind hand, and manie (not seldome) looseing their Crops whilst they hunt for their Bellyes: Nor are their Comanders much better, who haveing little perfourmed of what was promised, their meanes not worth the Collectinge, conu9t their mindℯ to other Imploymentℯ. And now least wee should growe too rich they haue sent over (without anie [3] advice from vs) a Captaine of a shipp, with extreame charges to the Countrye, to build a fort in the Sea (I might haue said a Castle in the aire) on a shole of oister shells everie tide overflowne, and at lowe water with eu9ie wynd washt over by the surges; where when you have pearced the vpper Crust, ther is for manie speares lengthes no bottome to bee found. The Captaine dyed, to save his Credit, soone after. And I feare that their too much vaine glorie and presumption at home, togeather with our sins have drawne theis afflictions vpon vs; the massacre being seconded with a gen9all sicknes, insomuch as wee haue lost I beleive few lesse then 500, and not manie of the rest that haue not knockt at the doores of death. yet with our small and weake forces wee haue Chased the Indians from their aboadℯ, burnt their houses, taken their Corne and slayne not a few.

He complaynes yt they are taxed from drawing theise miserable people to places of security

The error in y proiect not in ye execution

An ignoble ign noble mans speach

Sr Tho. Dale had 500 men fedd and apparralled out of England.

They haue not one for ye pub- iq̢.

Com̃anders

Capt of a ship sent Ea[eh] Sea over to buyld a castle in the ayre

This Capt dyed to saue his Cred- itt.

Vayne glory & presumptiõ at home haue drawne theise affliction on ye Colony

 The great King now sues for peace, and offers a restituc̃on of his Prisoners: for whose sakes wee seeme to bee inclineable thereunto, and will trie if wee can make them as secure as wee were that wee may following their Example in destroying them. We are now of orselves about to erect a ffort in as advantagious place as the other, but vpon a solid foundac̃on My Ladie Wyat God be thanked hath recou9ed her health and no question will Continew it, shee being of so chearefull a disposeition, wch is in this Countrie an Antidote against all diseases. I am ashamed, yet enforced, to importune you once more for one yeares Rent of my Annuitie before hand, this being a hard yeare. I haueing lost 23 men by sicknes, and received not one of those 25 wch the Companie Contracted to send me, haveing also paid almost 200li for my share in the hire of a Shipp without wch both I and mine had famished, and discharged besidℯ diu9s debtℯ in England. I will send you [4] my Acquittances by Mr Mellyn. Remember I pray you my best seruice to my Worthie and kind sister, and to my Ladie Wayneman with the rest of my Cozens.

they Colony in- clyne to a peace but meane it not

About to erect a fort

He had famished but yt he had p̱te of a ship

I humblie take my leaue. yor loueing Brother. George Sandys James Cittie 30 March 1623 [Addressed:] To the right worll my much honored Brother Sr Samuell Sandys Knt at Omberslie in Wocter shire giue theis. [Indorsed, in the reviewer's hand:] G. Sandys to Sr Sa: Sandys, 30 March. 1623 about ye concerning the att order imputing the cause of theyr ill proceedings to ye directions from hence.

Em̃anuel

Right worthy Sr, according to my promise I now begin to write to you in folio, but know not where to begin:

Complements I must refuse, and begin I must somewhere, and thus first. You would make all men to forsweare yor dealing, for you know I was awarded xxxli and by yor meanes I was not to haue it my selfe but was first to aduenture it wth Sr Wyll͠m Naughtworth: He dying in Virginia the Threãr seizeth of all, & there is an end of that and my 7 yeares toyle in breeding of Swyne and Capt Newce hath wth his Company deuowred them almost all wth himselfe and those men you sent to him & their is an end of that: I tould you of entertayning new Com̃anders over yor men but you lightlie regarded it: those men must haue large guifts and large Com̃issions and worshipped and what good haue they done for you? marry if euen this brought all to nought: Thorp he hath brought such a misery vpon vs by letting th' Indians haue their head and none must controll them. The Gouernor stood at that tyme for a Cypher whilest they stood ripping open or gutts: Captaine Newce he cutts our throate on the other side and he letts in th' Indians, and that while the other prouides to kill all the swyne as it were of sett purpose to ou9throw all: and who must make this good againe? The old smoker our (I know not how to terme him but) Gouernor, so good so carefull mild, Religious, iust, honest that I protest God I thinke God hath sent him in mercie for good to vs, he vndergoeth all your cares & ours, and I feare not but god will bless him in all his p̳ceedingℯ but who must be th' Instrument to make all this whole againe? Why Capps: all voyces can sett him forth about these businesses: But who must pay him his hyer? The Contrey is poore and the Companie is poore and Capps is poore already, & poorer he wilbe if he follow this course. You see I neu9 had penny of you for all my paines: I thinke you Mr Farrar know th' inside of my hart, but seeing I must to it againe I pray Sr be you carefull to doe me what good you can, first in acquainting the Companie what a deale of trouble it wilbe & hinderance to me: My Lord of Southampton did promise me he would see me satisfied but p̱haps its forgotten therefore you must bestirr yor selfe, and when you see any lustie yong men that will pay their passage and some or no permission, you may thinke well this fellow if he were bound to such a man for 4 or 5 yeares it might doe him some good but I am sure if I had xx it could not counteruayle my labour, for I must hang at it like a Beare to the stake: You haue seene that pastime, but com̃only it lasteth but an hower, but I doubt this will last 12 Monethes, and by hap bring you in 3 or 4 score slaues to work about a ffort or ther seruile worke, but before I deliuer them vp I will make them sing new Toes, old Toes, no Toes at all, because they shall not outrun me, for I am sure they haue made vs sing a song this twelue moneth to the Tune of O man where is thy hart become so not fearing but you will be mindfull of my welfare as well for some comfortable drinke and Meate as otherwise for my benefitt I rest

Sr W. Nuce. Mr Geo. Sandys

To his approued kynd freind Mr John Farrar 1

Written lengthwise of the margin.

[2] Sr I haue here taken some paynes for yor Instruction, wch if you will receaue may breed much health: for of force this must be granted that either its a plague from heauen, or els the plague from those great Shipps so pestered wth men: I meane the death of all those men that haue dyed this Winter and before a little: I promised you to write in folio but had it not ben seed tyme I would haue sent it in foliorũ: Ffor Martyns Hundred if I had but one Body more I would haue ben there to haue secured them: The Counsell was very earnest wth me to haue com̃anded there, but the greater worke must be before the lesser: yet I will see them now & then, & be often on their Backes for their guard. I pray good Sr take these few lynes and p̱use them well for these are dangers that may be auoyded: I meane the vnhealthines at Sea, and worse when it comes a shoare

The first cause is for want of cleaneliness, for betwixt the decks there can hardlie a man fetch his breath by reason there ariseth such a ffunke in the night that it causeth putrifaction of bloud & breedeth a disease much like the plague: the more fall sick the more they annoy and poyson their ffel- lowes the wch may be preuented by care had by you: Ffor I remember when I was in the voyage wth Sr Thom̃s Gates and Sr George Som̃ers: We came in heate of Som̃er & were at sea fifteene Weekes & lost not a man and farr southerlie wch was indeed the great m9cie of God, & the meanes of health was not neglected, wch were these: By that tyme we had layd our owne latitude & raysed 2 or 3 degrees to the Southward they appointed that euery man should haue halfe a Biskett Cake and halfe a small Can of Beare euery morning: Then were appointed swobbers for the cleansing of the Orlopp and euery part of the Ship below: Then euery man was forced in faire Weather to bring vp his Bed to ayre in the shrowdes: In the meane tyme the quarter Masters were busied in the swobbing of euery cabbine belowe wth Vinigar as also betweene Decks wch cast such a sauor of sharpnes to the Stomach that it bred health.

Likewise the dogged vsage of the Saylers I meane those in com̃and as namely old Tuke fforteron & the Purser by whose means I dare sweare hath ben the death of halfe the Passengers wth the help of the Poyson they gaue vs instead of Beare: And for my owne part as I am a Christian I had no allowance at all nor none could gett, for the Purser tould me my Passage was not payd: Therefore by my consent neu9 hire Shipp of three Decks for they of force must breed the Sea plague: I doe not meane because I had no allowance but by reason of such vehement ffunkes that com̃eth from below.

Next for Sr Wm Newce he came indeed into the Contrey and dyed; & Mr Sandys he gripes all for the Companie for all yor Order of Court: and if you looke well about you may see the iust hand of God on that very place: Ffor by true Report since the day it was torne from vs, there haue dyed aboue a hundred: more by halfe then eu9 dyed there in eleauen yeare before, and one himselfe: Mum9. And now if the Company will send me ou9 x or xij Carpenters Sawyers & brickmakers with p̳uision for the first yeare (I will [3] take paynes & care to prouide after for them) and build a substantiall guesthouse: the ferst at Elizabeth & the other at James: ffor if you did but see how miserable they dye for want of prouision and housing you could not but pittie their cases: There must be to this busi- ness two yoake of Oxen & a Horse This being effected by gods help their wilbe health, & after they may be sett to building of a skonce for defence: but I must tell you if I meddle wth it I will no man to comd thē any thing for if they doe I will meddle no more wtth thē.

George Sandys

Capt Newce

[Indorsed: 1

Revised and indorsed in the hand of Sir Nathaniel Rich.

[155] The Accompt of the charge of a small supply sent over into virginia, in Aprill .1623. A° 21. Jac. in the shipp called Bonny Besse, belonginge to mr Barbor, vpon advertizemt of our servants great necessity.

[Indorsed in the hand of Sir Nathaniel Rich:] Names of Aduenturers that dislike ye p̢nt proceedings of buziness in ye Virg. and S. Ilands Companyes. Ap. 1623.

The charge against Sr T. Smith

That Sr T. S. hath not p̱formed the trust reposed in him by His Matie but contrariwise wth great Reason it may be stronglie presumed, that both he first came to vndertake this charge wth sinister & priuate endℯ of his owne & hath so contynued therein during the 12 y. of his gou9nt wch seemeth to be made manifest as followeth.

Charge in gen- erall

This as they say is but presumption: And contrarie to their owne Act of Court when Sr T. S. surrendered his place in wch they thankefully acknowl- edged his good endeavors the good estate of the plantacs & give him a reward of xx shares: s

Answ.

2.

• That he neglected the care of those businesses, bec9 when hee satt in the Courts he would many tymes rise & goe about intend other occasions: &c

Answ:

• He tooke more care of this then of all others & more ingaged himselfe.

3:

• He sent but few women thither & those corrupt.

Ans.

• Answ He sent a great many & those of the best hee could gett & some such whose whose Husband since hath ben knighted & made Gouernor of Virg.

4:

• He sent not Cattle sufficient for the Colonye & all of

Answ.

• He sent many they confess 300 in their declarac̃on.

5

• That there was no publiqe seale made for the Company in Sr T. S. tyme: Nor no diuisions of land.

Ans.

• There were many diuisions of land made: but true it is the Colony was not so scattered as since. And for the Seale then that wch was then vsed was the Seale made for the Counsell of Virg by his Mates own appointmt.

6

• That though there were ensamples of ii staple Com̃odityes in the 10th yeare of his goũnt yet in the 12 y. of his gou9nt only Tobacco & Sassafras.

Answ.

• There hath ben none at all since: & the charg is vntrue.

  That there were few orders & lawes made in Sr T. S. tyme for gou9mt of the Company & Colonye from whence issued Iniustice a p̱ticular instance

Answ

• whereof that men were sold as slaues And in his tyme a Com̃ittee appointed to consider whither it were fitt to contynue & desert the plantac̃on.

Answ

• [2] There were lawes for the Company there. And none for the Colony since but where made then.

8

• There was a generall neglect in his officers: Mr Cañing and Alderman Johnson who neu9 cleared his Accompt §but wronged the Company of

Answ

• 300li in fauor of the Magazin.§ and goodℯ bought at excessiue Rate And the lists of mens names and of the ɫres writt to & from Virginia not care- fully kept And that Alderman Johnson in a discourse of his to a priuate freind did discom̃end the Countrey.

Answ.

• This belongeth to the Officers to answ.

9

• No fruite of thexpence of the tyme & money in generall

Answ.

• Here Sr T. S. gives a short Accompt of what was done in his tyme.

Thus much for neglects in Sr T. S. tyme. Now for 3 matters of a high nature.

That his Maties Instructions first giuen for gou9mt were not obserued, nor so much as published.

1

He did follow thinstructions: And gaue Coppies thereof to the President & Counsell first established: And they were engrossed fairely in a Book as a Record.

Answ.

The Counsell seldome assembled but wth the Company, and the Lordℯ §of the Counsell§ made little acquainted wth the proceedingℯ of those businesses

2

He did oft assemble them: but then they were so few that they could not so oft as he would as had be meet: And he conceaues it a com̃endation rather then an error §especially an offence of an high nature§ that in all his tyme the Lords w of his Mats Counsell were so little §troubled§ and their more weightie affaires interrupted by the businesses of this plantac̃on as they haue ben since by §with§ these businesses.

Answ.

That Sir T. Smith suffered a Booke of lawes for gou9mt of the Colony chiefely extracted out of the lawes for gou9ing the Aermye in the low Contreyes.

3

That was answered before the LLs & allowed.

Answ.

That he did ill husband & accompt for the moneyes: as if they may haue §sufficient§ tyme they giuen to find out therrors §Now for other p̱ticular errors they charge him§ And that the Treasuror & Gouernor of the Com- pany were at first beeing in themselues distinct Offices: were made one by the Kingℯ ɫres Patents: wch is supposed to be by Sr T. Smythes meanes [3] This is the Act of the ɫres Patents: 2 whereof were drawn by Sr Ed. Sandys himselfe

4

Answ

Answ:

That great ffces were giuen to the Vnder Officers wch came to 1500ɫ in xij yeares

2dly:

Theis were instituted by the Counsell & Company. & the Casheare Mr Booke keep̱ who was to haue 100ɫ p̱ Añ: was in the beg̃ of the plantac̃on thereto appointed by the L: Threas9, & so so that one plac alone by that instituting came to 1200 of the 1500ɫ but conceaues it 1500ɫ p̱ Añ in 12 y. not to be excepted against especi seeing Sr E. S. would haue no less than 500ɫ p̱ Añ for directing the Monopoly of Tobacco by wch mens goods should haue ben taken from them, changed & should against their will.

Answ:

3:

• That th Accomptℯ were not añually made: & his Accomptℯ intricate:& that the Company by his §Accompt is indebted of§ 527ɫ 13s 1d ob.

Answ.

• He gaue vp many & different Accomptℯ audited & allowed by men wthout exception §And all his Accomptℯ at this day stand so audited & allowed§ And there is a p̱ticular Answere concerning all allegac̃ons against his Accopt

4:

• That this want of Accomptis was a hinderance to the plantac̃on: for some sd̴ one this & some another.

Answ.

• This §To§ Clamor he cañot answere vnto

55

• That some of the Lottery money was imployed in paying of the debtℯ of the Company for wch Sr T. S. himselfe stood engaged contrary to the LL agreemt betweene the LLs & the Company.

Answ.

• The moneyes he receaued of the Lotteryes was not much: for he left in stock 3000ɫ and Sr E. S. had 1000ɫ thereof. What was The little that remayned was payed by Order of Court: And §But§ Sr Ed. Sandyℯ himselfe confesseth that he hath pd 5000ɫ thereof the publiq stock for discharg of old debts

Lastly §Then§ they deduce all Errors com̃itted by Sr S. Argall to be vpon Sr T. S. seeing he fauored him.

Lastly they say that these things the Company could haue ben content to haue buryed in silence but that Sr T. S. hath fauored th'Opposite p̱te to the Company &c.

[Indorsed:] Breife of ye charge made against Sr T. Smyth

James by the grace of god Kinge of England Scotland Ffraunce and Ire- land defender of the ffayth &c. To ou9 Trustie and welbeloued &c * * * Knowe yee that whereas §Fforasmuch as wee§ heretofore of ou9 Especiall grace & princely Compassion §we§ did by ou9 ɫres Pattentℯ vnder ou9 great seale of England bearinge date the [blank] daye of [blank] graunt and encorporate a Company of Marchauntℯ §aduenturers§ of London, tradinge to Virginie, aswell for the good and benefitt of the said Plantac̃on wch hath bene vnder the Gouerm of Sauages and People that knowe not godℯ §as for divers other Causes best knowne vnto v§ as for the settlinge of true Religion amongst them & aduancemt of trade§ §§ And whereas we are giuen to vnderstand that for the first 11 or 12 yeares the Plantac̃on did florish, and was well gouerned duringe all §wch was in § the Tyme that Sr Geo: Smith was Trẽr for the said Company whose Care & diligence therein and of his great Charge §he hath diuers tymes bene att§ for the good of the Plantac̃on, we ou9 selues Can testifie And whereas we are giuen to vnderstand by the Petic̃on of diuers §sondrie of the gretest§ Aduenturers since§ §and vphoulders of the said plantac̃on§ Since wch tyme wee onte of §oure§ vnderstand §we vnderstand§ that diuers ffactions, and disordered people of the said Company, are onely bent against the greatest Aduenturers, and §the§ Auncient vphoulders of the Plantac̃on, onely to reape a benefitt to themselues, and t and to wronge the Rest of the Aduenturers, wch in noe wise wee maye not in Justice suffer to be done, And because wee [2] are informed and take notice that there must be a Reformac̃on had of the Euill Cariadges §and abuses that are nowe Comitted amongst them§ Or els the Plantac̃on is in dainger to goe to Ruin, Knowe yee that wee out of ou9 great Care and affection, for the Continuance of the Plantac̃on and for the good of ou9 people and for aduancemt of trade, and that the said Plantac̃on maye the better florish and be p̢serued, and the said ffactions & disordered people, discouered and suppressed, At the humble suit and instance of &c Wee out of ou9 especiall Care and Prinly Compassion haue assigned and appoynted you to be ou9 Commissioners: And we doe by theise presentℯ giue vnto you or any three or more of you power and authorytie to enquire search discouer and find owt, §aswell by oath as wthout oath§ what Offences & misdemeanours haue bene om by any p̱son or p̱sons Comitted or done eyther againste the Aduenturers Tradinge to Virginia as aforesaid §or against any p̱ticular member of the same§ as all soe to enquire and Certifie vnto vs howe you shall find the said Plantac̃on to subsist and by whom such Offences haue bene Comitted and done and whatt p̱son or p̱sons are the occasion of causinge factions & discentions in the said Company, And that you maye the better proceede herein wee doe giue vnto you or any three or more of you power and authorytie to Call before you and be assistant vnto you or any three or more of you all such p̱son or p̱sons as you shall thinke meete and [3] moste likely to giue you any informac̃on or satisfaction notice or knowledge for the Discouerie of the premises supposed to haue offended in any the p̢mises and to doe all other actℯ and thingℯ wch to you or any three or more of you shall be thought meete for the effectinge of the same And wee doe hereby straightly Charge & Comaund all and euery p̱son & p̱sons whom you shall find expedient to examine in the p̢mises that vppon notice or warrant from you or any of you they attend and come before you and be examined accordinge to the true intent of this ou9 Comission, And yf any p̱son or p̱sons shall vppon notice or warrant from you or three or more of you neglect or Refuse to come before you, or beinge before you shall refuse to be examined or answere directly to such questions as by you or thre or more of you shalbe demaunded in execuc̃on of this ou9 Comission Wee do hereby Comaund you by Certificate in writinge vnder the handℯ of you or three or more of you to make knowen vnto ou9 priuie counse[l] the names of all such p̱sons and take sufficient Caution for theyr appearance there to thende due punishment maye be inflicted vppon them for theyr Contempt And likewise that you or three or more [4] of you doe from tyme to tyme by writinge vnder the handℯ of you or three or more of you Certifie vnto vs of yor whole proceedinge vppon this ou9 Comission Where vppon we will take such further Course therein §eyther by alteringe the manner of gouermt or by appoyntinge some other gouernor for the good of the plantac̃on§ as to Justice shall appertaine In wittnes &c

[Indorsed in the hand of Sir Nathaniel Rich:] Alderman Johnsons rough draught for a Com̃ission & his petic̃on to his mat

[A note in the hand of Sir Nathaniel Rich on the back of this document is as follows:]

Being nowe my self in person to goe for Virginia, I should bee verry glad to serue his Maty in such an employment as myght giue his Matie good satisfaction, and not bee an hindrance or peraduenture an vndoing to mee, by detayning mee too long from my fishing Voyage, wheron consisteth the chief of my priuate hopes in this Journey. Knowing best therfore myne owne strength or rather weakness if it were lawfull for mee to measure out my service, I suppose that during the time of my convenient aboade thear, I might peruse the whole Collony, and might render to his Matie an exact account of the present state thearof. As namely

1

• How many ∥seuerall∥ Plantations∥ there be which and which of them are ∥ Publique ∥ & wch priuate & ∥ perticular, and priuate thear bee

2

• What people men weomen and Children bee in the ∥ each ∥ Plantation

3

• What fortifications, or what §places best§ fortifiable ∥ to be fortified ∥

4

• What houses, and how many.

5

• What Cattle.

6

• What Armes, and ∥ Ordinance ∥ ammunition; ∥ & Ordinance mounted & seruiceable. ∥

7

• What Corne and other prouisions of Victualls.

8

• What boates, and barkes.

9

• Howe the Collony nowe standes in respect of the Sauages.

10

• What hopes may truely and really §bee§ conceiued of that Plantation.

11

• The directest meanes howe to attaine to those hopes.

Out of all which by the blessing of Almightie god his Maties wisdom may extract such Maximes and conclusions as whearby that Collony in a fewe yeares may bee brought to the flourishing estate of a kingdome, and may yeeld bothe honnor, and Reuenue to his Royall Matie.

[Indorsed, in the handwriting of Sir Nathaniel Rich:] Headℯ of inquiry in Virginia by the Comrs there

Sir: I haue seene two of Mr Arundels ɫres in Mr Hassels 1

Name uncertain.

Yours as his owne P. A. The bearers brothers name is Mr Jhon Jackson a distiller by Mooregate: [Indorsed by Sir Nathaniel Rich:] Coppy of a peice of Arundles ɫre out of Virginia.]

[Addressed:] To my honoble frend Sr Nathaniell Riche Knight giue theise

[Seal]

[Indorsed in the handwriting of Sir Nathaniel Rich:] Names of fitt men for Governor & Dep. in both Companys

Names of fitt men for Gouernor-Deptie of Virg-S Ilandℯ.

Deus Peccatores non exaudit sed tamen exaudit peccantℯ

That the Gouernors and Officers in the Colonyes may contynew as they are vntill the Com̃ission be dispatcht.

that they have no sustenance but Corne and of that so little that vnles they be forthwth releiued by the coming of §a§ Shippe §called the Sea Flower then§ expected they will be in are in great danger of staruinge. §This Ship wch was expected to releiue the Colony from staruinge, is now reported to haue miscarryed at ye Som̃er Ilands, by beeing casually blowne vp in ye Harbour by firing of her owne powder.§ The price* of a Hogs- head of Meale by their ɫres appeareth to be 12ɫi and §sometymes 15ɫi§ a bushell of their Indian Corne xx §the price of a Hogg ten pound and a Hen Hen xvs§ and yet §none of these almost§ not to be made had for money. §the price a Hogg 1

This is an interlineation evidently begun in the wrong place.

G. Sandys to Mr Wrott.

*Mr Norwoods 2 ɫres speak of these prices.

Concerning the weakenes and paucitie of the p

wch of all other thinges seemeth to vs most lamentable, and §for§ wch we res[t] wholie vnsatisfied

So that we must needℯ iustifie §affirme§ that Captaine Butler howsoeu9 much traduced, for the Relation wch he made to yor Mate, concerning the p̢nt estate of that §e§ Plantac̃on in Virginia, did deale §therein very § truly informe yor Mate as by a thorough examinac̃on of all the p̱ticulars branches thereof vppon oath of many credibl[e] Witnesses & by com- paring their testimonies wth the Reports made in the letters lately come from thence we doe certainlie collect §are fully induced to beleaue.§ And we doe indeed conceave

[Indorsed:] peice of a rough draught of a Certificate [In another hand:] Rough draught of a Certificate 7 1

Shorthand symbol.

From the Attestation of diuers sufficient and vnderstanding sea men

The Cooper

The Purser

Symon Blow mas- ters mate

Generally The landing is verrye badd bothe for men and goods.

The Carpenter

It is reported by the same persons that they haue seene goods so landed from the Abigall this Voyage right Against the companies store howses, and the gouernors howse, Armours, swords, musquets, truncks and such like goods, lye a fortnight together vncared for, euerie tide beeing over- flowed with water and the trunks readie to bee swallowed.

The Gunner

Foster a quarter Mr

The gunners mate

Likewise Iron bars and sowes of Ledd, and milstones and Grinstones and Iron furnaces, lye right against the same places sunk and couerd with sand, the water dayly overflowing them.

and they likewise report that the ould planters for the most part wish the gouernment had remained in the same state it was in Sr Thomas Dale his time and Sr Samuell Argolls time, in which time the Indians All the Bow men of those that bordered vpon the English payed a tribute of Corne and those gouernors so husbanded that busness that the Indians were forced to borrow corne for seed of the English and to repay it at theyr haruest with graat aduantidge

[In the margin]

the treasurer hath generally a badd report for his hard dealings with the planters. The companie hath a maga[zi]n out of which they do furnish such as are in need of prouision, but do ma[k]e them pay vnmercifully for what they bargaine for, as for example, A gallon of Aquauitie of 2s or * * * 1

Erased.

Torn

This voyage som passengers out of the Abigall haue died in the streets, at James towne, and so litle cared for that they haue lien vntill the hogs haue eaten theyr Corps, and in generall litle care of ought but extortinge vpon the people.

[Indorsed:] Concerning the state of Virgin.

Note of the men sent in Sr T. Smiths tyme our & aboue the 600 confessed

Noe Goates nor Swine carryed these last 4 yeares

What men sent in the Diana and others in Sr Tho Smyth Gou9mt

Exam̃ what ships ariued in Virginia after the 18th of December 1618 and till michallmas following

See the lists of men in the yeare March 1619 for all the men catle and provision wch were in Virg. at that time (saue onely 100 men sent in the Bona Noua before) are to be reconed in Sr Tho. Smyths gouermt

To this Sr Sam. Argall recons

both ariuing in Virginia Año 1618

To the right worll͠ Sr Francis Wyatt knight &c.

 Moste humblie sheweth that whereas Mathew Brocbanke of Wapping in ye County of Middlesex, whoe Dyed at sea Coming ou9 into this Cuntry, & made Mr William Douglas Mr of ye Magaret & John his ou9seer, the said Mathew Brockbanck bringing ou9 wth him one Valentine Osserby his Couenant seruant for three yeeres, as by his indentures appeareth. Now the sd Valentine Osserby for and in Consideration of ye some of 200lb waight of Tobacco to be paid by yor petition9 to Mr Wm Douglas for his tyme as also for & in Consideration of 150lb weight of Tobacco to bee likewise paid by yor petitioner to the said Valentine, at the End & exspira- tion of his tearme and time of seruice mentioned & expressed in his Inden- tures did fully & absolutely bargaine Couenant & agree, to dwell wth & to serue yor petitioner as his true couenant for & during ye terme expressed in his indentures, & to bind himselfe to p̱forme this his Bargaine & agree- ment, hee toke & [illegible] a Cloake of yor petitioner & entred p̢sentlie into yor petitioners seruice & wrought wth him as his Couenant seruant, where hee appointed & Dyrected him, yor petitioner receauing payment & satisfaction for his work all wch deliuerid herein by yor petitioner by good & suffitient wittnesses before yor Worp: shalbe approued

 Now it is yt ye sd valentine of late hath forsaken yor petitioner seruice & refuseth to serue him any longer to ye great losse & hindrance of yor petitioner, whoe relyeing vppon the sd valentines seruice did vndertake much worke of other men, wch now hee Cannot p̱forme, but shalbe much indemnified thereby. In Consideration wherof yor petitioner most humbly beseecheth yor good Worp, to Cause the sd Valentine to come before you, to Answer ye wrong hee hath & yett doth to ye petition9, & hee shall eu9 &c

 It was first ordred, because ye bargaine was not Compleate but referrd to wrighting yt osserby wthin one moneth should Discharge pasemore of his bound of 200ɫ weight of Tob. to Mr Douglas, & loose his wages for the tyme of his seruice past, wch pasmore in lew of Damages after Osserby not being able to Discharge Passmore of yt bound was Compelled to

 See Petition: 18

To the right Worll͠ Sr Francis Wyatt knight ec.

 The humble Petition of ye Margaret and Johns Company

 11 Most humbly sheweth that whereas yor poore petitioners were hired & agreed wth by mr John Langley late mr of the Margeret & John & agreed wthall by him for seuerall wages by the month, hee dying at sea, Mr William Douglas vndertakeing & assuming to see vs truly paid or wages, wee were Contented & willing serue him & accept of him for hor master, as form9ly wee had bin to mr Langley, & Dutifully & dilligently wee did & as yett doe truly p̱forme & discharge or seuerall Duties & offices to vs in any wise belonging, And whereas or said mr Douglas departing from hence for Canada intending in short time to returne againe, leaueing yor petioners Consisting of fifteene persons vnp̳uided of p̳uition to re- leiue or wants, wee haue bin Constrained to vndertake great paines eu9ie man to release himsefe & now can make no longer shift

 In Consideration whereof & for yt the most of vs haue wiffe & Chilldren in England, whose releife & maintenance onlie depending vpon or wages wee humbly beseech yor good Worp, that if mr Douglas doe not returne by a day fixed by yor worp, that then wee may eu9ie man be at his owne liberty to dispose of himselfe, And in the meane tyme to haue p̳uition to maintaine vs, & or wages paid vs, wch out of the shipp Mr Langleys goods, & bills of fraight may easylie bee dune, & wee or wiues & Children shall according to bounden duty Contynually pray &c

 The day being nominated mr Douglas returned long before it & they were sattisfied

To the right wor:ll͠ Sr Francis Wyatt knight et

 The Humble Petition of Sam: Moll

 Most humbly sheweth vnto yor Worp, that whereas sr George yardly kt late Gouernor & Capt generall of virginia by one Indenture of lease dated ye fifteenth of March 1620 did grant yor petitioner an estate of sixty yeares of one mesuage or tennement in James Citty as by the sd Indenture at large appeareth for the reparing & amending of wch mesuage or tenement yor petitioner hath bin at great Cost & Charges,

13

 In Consideration whereof, & for that yor petioner intendeth (if god so permitt) to returne for England, I doe humbly beseech yor worp to grant mee yor free & fauorable consent to make ye best benifitt & p̳ffitt I may or Can by selling letting or settling of the sd mesuage, And as my humble Duty I am bound, I shall daly pray et

 granted

Right Honble͠

 May it please you to understande, yt since our laste L̃re, there cam two Indians to m[artins] Hunndred, who accordinge to order were sent vp to James Cyttie, one of which Called (Chauco) who had lived much amost the English, and by revealinge yt pl[ot] To divers vppon the day of Mas- sacre, saued theire lives, was sent by the great Kinge, wth a messuage, the effect wherof was this, that blud inough had already been shedd one both sides, that many of his People were starued, by our takinge Away theire Corne and burninge theire howses, & that they desired, they might be suffred to plante at Pomunkie, and theire former Seates, wch yf they might Peaceablely do they would send home our People (beinge aboute twenty) whom they saued alive since the massacre, and would suffer us to plant quietly alsoe in all places, The other (called Comahum) an Actor in the Massacre at Martins Hundred, beinge agreat man and not sent by the greate Kinge, Wee putt in Chaines, resolvinge to make such vse of him, as the tyme shall require. The Messenger (beinge dispatched back, wth that answere, that yf Accordinge to theire p̳mise, they would send home ou[r] People, they should quietly sett theire Corne) wthin A weeke retorned, wth Mrs [B]oyse (the Chiefe of the prisoners) sent home ap- pareled like one of theire Queens, wch they desired wee should take notice of). The reasone why the rest came not, was because Robert Poole (the Interpreter) had given owte threatinge Speeches, whom they desired To haue called home from tradinge, and that an Englishman should be sent to tell them that they might plant theire Corne securely, At ye messengers retorninge, Robert Poole was come back, but we haue dispatched the messenger alone, sufferinge him to carry Certen beads from the ffreends of the Prissoners, wch §by§ our experience of their Couetousne[ss] (we doupt not) will hasten theire retourne; Yf they send home our people & grow secure vppon the treatie, we shall haue the better Advantage both to surprise 1

Written over the words "in surpriseinge."

 Hauinge receved instructiones from you for ye sendinge home of sassafras, it was ordered by us that thre should be gathered, 66ll͠ a head for euery laboringe man through out ye coll[onie] (to wch purpose) Proclamations haue gone out longe since to all Plantations, vppon the penaltie of 10ll͠ waight of Tobacco, for euery 100ll͠ waight of Sassafras, not brought in by the first of marche, wch p̳portione, most of ye principall officers, & others about James Cyttie haue deliuered aboorde, as appeereth by the ladinge, the rest haue fayled by rea[son] of theire buildinge, and vppon theire removinge * * * 2

The words "to theire" written over two other words and then canceled.

 The desire wee haue to send you of the fayrest sorte of silkegrass, wch ys towards the Suthwarde, (whyther we could not yett sende, by reasone of the Troubles of ye last ye[ere)] hath enforced us to respitt it vntill the next shippinge, at wch tyme, we hope to se[nd] it accompened wth yt earth of the nature of terra Lemnia, to be had in Potomack River (both if they proue of value) we cann send you in abundance.

 What ys donne Concerninge ye duty boyes, the Cyttie boys, and the Cyttie maides, Mr Threasurer will informe you.

 Capt Nuce beinge lately dead, Mr Threar is goinge downe, who will take an Accompt [&] give you to knowe in what state your affayrs there doe stande, wee Conceave it [to] be the most advantagious Course yt your officers (wch haue ye Comand of youre Re * * * be bound to give you yeerely a Certen rate by the polle, for soe many as shall * * *, and an Accompt to be taken of them yeerely by Mr Threasurer

 We haue lett as many returne to theire Plantationes as haue desired the same [we] could haue wished that your Comands, had concurred wth our opinions of planting together for (nott to speake of other in- conveniences) though they went foor[th] * * * p̱tiys yett the in- fectione (in great p̱te) brought in by these shipps, hath * * * them alredie, not only in the losse of ordinary men, but alsoe of theire Com * * * and how much fourther it may p̳ceede in the Summer, we know nott, it Ly[inge] in the good p̳uidence of the Highest.

 [6a] Wee must needs beseech you, that strict order may be taken, for ye p̳visionℯ for ye shipps be well Conditioned, for it is Certaine, That Duppaes beare hath beene the death of A very great number of ye Passengers and others after theire Landinge, & yf he bee notte by your authoritie made an Ensample, you are like to be noe better served, heerafter, and the Plan- tatione to be much ympayred, both in reputation & strength,

 What hath been donne concerninge the Peticions recomended vnto us Mr Secretary will informe you.

 Captn Eache died soe sodenly, as wee could nott vnderstande his p̳iecte nor his groundes for the p̢feringe it, but Capt Roger Smith, wth ye best experienced of the shipp beinge sent downe to proue the place and trye the grounde, fownde all, but the vppermost crust (of oyster shells) to be a false loose grownde, of a deapth wch they could nott discouer, whervppon all those of the shipp (yt pretended any knowledg in such woorks,) refused absolutly to medle wth it (receavinge this answere, wth the Testimony of Capt Roger Smith) we gaue order they should make all the hast they could to retourne for Englande (it noe way appearinge to us, by the Charter p̱tie who should vndertake the busines, in case yf Capt Each die §his death§) They were wholie ympployed about the lighter, a vessell of noe vse, and wth ill aduise brought ouer, wch they haue not yett finished, nor thought we it fitt to detayne the shipp (beinge of soe great a Charge) for the finishinge a thinge of soe smale ymportance, Beside the most of those that were shipped for Carpenters, fell sick of ye Scurvy (But observinge vppon vewe of the place, That a forte vppon the shore, would as fully Comande the Channell, beinge not aboue muskett shott ouer) wee intend owt of hande to fall vppon yt worke and haue raysed every 20th man out of the Colonie, vnder the Comande of Capt. Roger Smith (whom we haue Entertayned to yt purpose) A man of most knowledge in those affayrs, And now the Gournor wth divers of the Councell, are goinge downe to sett out the forme therof accordinge to the nature of ye place, the number of workmen wee purpose to encrease as we shalbe able.

 As for ye fraightinge of the shipp, wee are exceedinge sorry yt she returns thus empty, it not lyinge in our power to help it, except we should haue forced both planters & adventurers to send home theire Comodities in the shipp, and haue caused theyrs to returne, without theyre owne goods, wch we conceave, would both haue wronged them, and not pleased you, Besides Mr Blany shippid agreat p̱te of the Magazine Tobacco in the hopewell, (by order as he affirmeth owte of Englande) How vnable wee are to Sustaine these burthens, wherof the Charge ys soe Certen, the frewt and effect soe vncerten (not to saye vnlikely) our great troubles, and this yeers povertie, too sufficiently Testifie, but at the next Cropp (by the grace of God) we hope not to faile to giue you Satisfaction, but we must beseech you, (for the tyme to Come) we may haue fare §for§ knowl- edg of bargaines of soe greate a Charge, lest as this, they growe §proue§ see expensive and vnprofitable.

 Thus desiringe you to conceaue, yt you shall always finde us redie for the good of the Colony, to doe our vttermost endevors, we most humblie take our leave, & remane

At your Comand. James Cyttie Aperill the 4th 1623. Francis Wyatt Georg Yardley George Sandys John Pott Roger Smith Chri. Davisone John Pountis

Right Honõble &c

 Wee haue by a succesfull stratageme, not onely regayned our People, but cutt of some kings, and divers of the greatest Comanders of the Enimy, amongst whom wee are assured, yt Apochancono is one, it beinge ym- possable, that he should escape, ye designe beinge Chieflie vppon his p̱sone, and that happiely exposed to the princypall dainger; by holdinge them in a longe hope of peace, Wee have come to knowledg of their places of residence, & theire Corne ys now soe forwarde, that is to late for them vppon this fresh occasione to remoue, So that wee doupt nott, to geve them shortly a blow, That shall neere or altogether Ruinate them.

pag: 7

 The fforte goeth Cheerfullie one, for the number of our people, and the many services they are to be ymployde in, and we conceaue it woulde bee of specyall Consequence, yf you would bee pleased to graunt A Comis- sione for 2000 acres of lande of inheritance, to such, as shalbe willinge to plant aboute it (wch the socyetie may well spare) there beinge lande ynough besides, & better then that for 20000 planters, Wee desire you we may have yor peremptory answer, to this poynte, for the faylinge of the like, to divers of our Letters, hath beene a great hinderanc, to our p̳ceed- ingℯ. The like respect must bee hadd to all p̱tes where Cytties & fortified Townes are to be builte, there beinge many fitt places for that purpose in this River, And many forwarde planters alredie wante Roome to seate on.

 Martins hundred alsoe would be taken into your regarde, wch greatly ymporteth, the security & plentie of this Plantatione, & wthall the dis- tructione of the Salvages, in that we shall haue thereby a swifte passage to theire princypall seates, and the better Comande both of this & the other River, Which must be supplide, and that speedelie * * * §with§ greater numbers, that may make good, this theire now Inhabited seate, & that of Chesceak, A pale beinge runn betweene Wynns the whole forest, and makes it inaccessible to ye Salvages, An excellent place & not fitt to be left unpeopled any longer, And to the ende theire bad returnes, may no longer Discorage them, Wee thinke it the best course, both for them selves, their officers and Servantℯ, yt the Comanders be agreede wth for a Certen rente yeerly, for every one by the pole, that shall live, under- takinge also for all publique Charges, & advancement of Staple Comodi- ties, Men seasoned, & experienced in this Countrey wilbe fittest to Comand. by this means, they may alsoe haue a stock of Corne to Victuall such People as they shall send over heerafter, to the great dim̃inition of theire Charges, The like course we could wish, might be Taken, with other Socyeties (as we haue forme[rly] advised for the Compenies Ten- antℯ) Submittinge our opiniones, to your better Judgmentℯ

 Wee desire to know yor pleasures (since it is not mentioned at all in your Instructions, haveinge bee[n] doupted by divers, and leaue not graunted by any late Comissiones, whether wee shall make prize of such dutch, & french, as wee shall finde to trade with the Salvages wthin our Limitts.

 The Colonie (God be thanked) hath recovered health, and nothinge wantℯ more, then sudden and great Supplies of people, well furnished, to give perfectione, to this noble Accione, wch wee beeseech the Allmightie to p̳sper, both your and our endevors

 Thvs wee humbly take our leaues & remaine

At your Com̃andes Fra: Wyatt George Yardley George Sandys Chr: Dauison Jo: Pott Roger Smith Jo: Pountis

Sr

I beseech you to hold mee excused, yt I haue not wrot ofener to you, in my ɫrs to Sr Edwin Sandys, who com̃unicates all his thoughts wth you, I haue exprest what I concieued materiall.

I vnderstand, that Capt9 Whitakers charges eight of the Companies Tenants vpon my accompt, which because it may at first view be vnder- stood, as if I had had the benefitt of them, you shall know, that two of them being Sawyers and parcell Carpenters namely Greuett and Griffin were entertained im̃ediately before the Massacre to worke about the intended Inne, and after that about the Palisadoes, the Court of guard &c So as there §is§ due from the Corporacion of James Citty sixe score wt of Tobacco from them both, which could not be payd this yeare, our Computacion fell so short, and publique duties so heauy: Wm Smith was allowed for my guard, as one of the thirty, which the country assigned mee: John Blisse being a Smith was employed in his trade, but the other working with him falling sicke, he gott little, yet at next cropp you shall recieue ratably: Roberts was hired to Gates, and Burland to Capt9 Norton by their Capt9 with my consent, and deserued well͠ their wages: why it hath not beene gathered in was not my fault: Swartbrick kept my Cattell and Capt9 Wm Powells, for which wee stand accomptable for as much as any yor Tenants pay. John Radish was lett out for Rent, but after the Massacre, (being furnished with neither cloathes nor pro- uision nor well in health) his Mr kept him to find and cloath him onely: There was neither ground for these to plant, nor prouision, and therfore I gaue way that 3 or 4 of them should be lett out: and you see how lost a yeare it was, els there had beene made an agreement for 100wt of Tob: and three barrels of corne for each: since Capt9 Nuces death Mr Threasuror for the yere [2] to come will take order, that which is past hath beene in effect lost: I placed Capt9 Whitakers vpon the best ground I had, where he had neere 5000 wt of Tobacco, if he placed no more of the Companies Ten- ants there, but two, and I had no more ground to spare: indeed I was streightened for roume, and such was the charge of guarding, as I had not aboue a 1000 wt of Sixteene Tenants of mine, yt Planted at Pasbehaighes. Truth is I was faine lend many of them (hauing wiues and Children) more corne, then all their Croppe of Tobacco was worth: Therfore You will not by this yeare esteeme what successe may be hereafter, it was my ill fortune to come when mischief was breeding couered ouer with a treacherous peace: and thinke of supplying mee, though but for vpholding the reputacion of my place: Fauour vs what you may both in yor conceptions of what is feazible by vs and in charging vs, ere wee be recouered, and belieue Con- fidently if you were here, you would think wth vs: The Margarett and John lighted in the Company of a Dutch Ship who said he would come hither, I should be glad to know, what is to be done in those cases, as also to haue a Copy of the Patent, wee hold by: Our people are so carelesse, as if you please to thinke of some com̃ission for a Martiall Court, at least ad terrorem, with what limitations you shall please for cases of life, it may do much good: wee had lately some cutt off a trading, who I know were strong enough, and it manifestly appeared they were surprised because there was not a piece discharged: without §doubt§ either wee must drive them, or they vs out of the countrey, for at one time or other they play vs false, and indeede all trade must be forborne, and subsist of our selues, which hitherto our necessity forced vs vnto: [3] Here are two Ships newly come in the Margarett and John, of which wee were in despayre, and one from Mr Gookin with 40 men for him, and 30 passengers besides: the first is in great distresse for prouision and like to be burdensome to the countrey for that: the other very scant also, both hauing=[sic] long out, and suffred extreamly in their Passage: God send vs in some ships with prouision to ballance the[m] 1

Torn.

Yor friend to do you seruice Francis Wyatt The 7th of Aprill 1623 Pray remember my seruice to yor worthy brother, and those other my honored friends, that assist yor Courts: I feare in naming I might leaue out some: [Addressed:] To his most esteemed friend John Ferrar Esquier at St Sithes lane these [Indorsed in another hand:] L̃re from Sr Frauncis Wyatt to Mr John Ferrar ye 7th Aprill 1623 by ye Abigall

Worthy Sr, I have sent you the coppy of my Letter by the Hopewel how coppied, I know not, for I have not the leasure to pervse it. N. P. Of all your depts, & the tobacco dew for the saile of their times wch belonged to Sr William Nuce (of whom 3 onely are alive) I can but receive a hundred weight, wch I am ashamed to send you single Som fault I must lay vpon the tardy receait of your accounts, wch I have often importuned. I have divers under arest, & distrained on the goods of others; but the Country is so empty of tobacco, that no present satisfaction wilbe given. Let it be accounted my fault if you have it not the yeare following wth arerages, for I wil trust no more vnto promises but seaze on their crops before any be distributed. The like Counsil I gave Mr Blany the last yeare (for yoyr §your§ informations cam too late for me) but he trusted too much vnto those who had never formerly faild him. Leifetenant Perce hath tak[en] order in England to pay you the 501 wch he owes.

I have beene at Kicotan to order your affaires in that place. Captaine Nuce died very poore: he had no crop of tobacco this yeare, nor hath any of the tenants a graine, hardly, of corne to sustaine them. it is aledged that most was spent in releiving of those that came thether for succor. But they lay al on the short provitions sent wth them: by wch meanes they [do] depart wth most of their corne as soone as it is reaped to dis- charge their borrowings & besides the Companyes tenants are planted on the barrenest places in al the Country, by reason of your affecting of cleared ground, wch is generaly worne out, & vngrateful to the planters. Captaine Whitacres lost yearly his labor on the place where he was seated. Of him onely I receaved 180 waight of tobacco, wch wth 20 more, I payd to Mr Cleyborne for his wages according to your agreement. He is now at Kicotan, drawne thether by Captaine Nuce a little before his death. I have disposed of things there in this manner. I have taken Captaine Whitacres bond to pay you for the tenants, together wth those wch he formerly com̃aunded, a hundred waight of the best tobacco a man, & 15 bushels of corne, (besides a like proportion for themselves) wch is as great a rate as any wil do give, & more then most men can make. Captaine Wh Wilcocks pays 20 waight les a man, being compounded wth before: & Captaine Smith shal pay, if he have his, as much as the most. By this meanes you wil have a constant rent, & equal the gettings of the privat planter, the moyety for the tenant deducted: wch other wise wil com (as it hath don) vnto nothing. The tenants that belong to Captaine Nuce his place, I have suffered his widdow (provided that it be alowd of by you) to enioy them this year: not out of charity onely, although she hath nothing left to sustaine herselfe, & her poore child (her houband [sic] having sould his land to furnish himselfe for this place; she being besides a woman of good birth, & better conditions.) but partly out of right in that he livd a good part of the yeare, & partly out of necessety; they having no corne nor we able to help them wth any, the Seafloure not [2] yet arived; so that they must have famished, or by shifting abroad returnd you no proffit. You may hereafter save the charge of a Deputy, who can no way advantage you in I have sent you hereinclosed the names of al your tenants that are living; Wth the times past I wil have nothing to do; but for the future I doupt not but to give you contentment. Your pinnas lies like a wrack at Elizabeth citty; wch hath brought in this year not les then 1800 bushels of corne, & yet, wch is strange, not any in the Colony so nere starving as they. I sent Nun wth his fellows (of whome none deserve the name of a shipwrite) to vew her; who writ the woord that 1501 would not repaire her; wch was twice as much, if not more, as she cost: but one having offered to buy her, I suspected som knavery, & vpon my com̃ing downe had her exactly serched, & found that no great matter would renew her: so that I have set both them & others vpon her. yet sailes & tackling we shal want except you supplie vs: & I doubt not but to imploy her to your better satisfaction.

The Vinerouns are placed together at Elizabeth Citty & altogether im- ployed about silek §silck-woormes§, that we may preserve the seede & send you home som silck the next yeare. for the planters are so busied about rebuildings & prepareing theyr grounds, that few, at this time, ether can, or wil atend them. Yet for my owne part I have set 4 to do nothing else: & im prepared the chamber where in I ly at Leiftenant Perses (the fairest in Virginia) for that purpose. I heare the Frenchmens times com out the next yeare: you must vse the meanes to procure their stay, & send more of their quality if you would have that woorke goe realy forward.

Since my last letter I have sent my shallop with my servants as far almost as the fals for sand for the Glasse men, but can §could§ find none that would serve; & since to Cape Henry, where they lighted of that wch they like (however send us two or three Hogsheds out of England) if it be not disliked in the tryal. Al the servants are dead, wch you must supply, for the charge is intollerable to hyre them: wch, wth their provitions, lyes al vpon me, that am not able to feede my owne familie. And, to give a greater blow to our necessitys, the Tygar sent forth a trading wth Mr Puntises pinnace vnder Captaine Spilman (a man warie enough hereto- fore & acquainted wth their trecheries) is not onely returned empty, but himselfe wth 26 wel armed, sufficient to have defended themselves against 500 Indians, are cut off or taken prisoners; ether by ambushes or too much credulity: for as yet we know not the certanty. the ship attempted by 60 canoues (not above five of the seamen aboard) but were dispersed by the discharge of their Ordnance. So that if the Seaflower com not quickly in, there wil hardly be found a preservation against famin. And, by the way, to our no little discontentment, we having wth great expence set out that ship to Somer Ilands for furnishing the country wth their frutes, in print you have given the reputation [to another] Sic vos non vobis.

[3] Since our general letter we have vewed the place where we are now goeing about to erect our fort; naturaly almost intrenched about wth deepe ditches: wch, by the grace of God, shal not want our vtter most indevours in the finishing. We shal need great ordnance, whole Culvering & demy- culvering at the least. And if God shal prosper vs, we wil frame a plat- forme hereafter & sinck it on the opposite flat, to large enough to containe 5 or 6 peeces, & thereby make the passage more vnpassable for an enimy.

Qy Answer to Capt Butlers Un- masking of Vir- ginia 1

In pencil in modern hand.

For Silke gras, earths, rareties &c, it was impossible for me this year, by reason of the trobles & want of meanes to send you any. But if I can make the pinnace Navegable, & furnish her (wch I shal do the better of your healpe) you shal never [haue] occation to complaine in that kind.

It would wel please the Countrye to heare that you had tak[en] revenge of Dupper for his stincking beare; wch wth what [hath] succeed by their contagion, in my conscience hath beene th[e] death of 200. You have imployed a strange Purser: a m[an] wthout witt, or out of his witts: who hath lost much & never d[e]livered a great part of his good; throwing them vpon the shore scarce above the hygh water mark, wthout the informing of any, or setting any to guard them. But Mr Tucke deserves your thancks, & our com̃endations.

Great are the likelyhoods of the vicinity of the South sea by a general report of the Indians: the mountaines being, as they say, not past 4 days iourny above the falls, they two days over, & rivers on the other sid there into of no great length. I 2

"Yf" in C. O. 1, Vol. II., No. 35II.

It doth greive me much that your noble disposition & burning zeale to the good of this place should incounter wth such dishartnings, & be burthned wth so many ingagements; but I hope ere long we shal remove the first, & free you of the latter: Wherein their shalbe nothing wanting that lies in the indevours of your

Your devoted servant George Sandys From Nuports Newes 8 April 1623 [Addressed:] To his most respected freind John Farrer Esquier at his house in St Sithes Lane. [Indorsed in another hand:] New England Newportℯ Newes from Mr George Sandys to Mr John Ferrar the 8th of Aprill 1623 by ye Abigall

Sr

One thing I had forgotten to informe you of. Wee haue here a verie weake Councell, few in Nomber and those for the most part either not respecting greatlye the publique, or of no sufficiencie. Sr George is taken vp with his private, and attendℯ but the other as it were on the [ ] 1

Blank.

Yours G: Sandis 11 Apr: 1623 To my worthie ffreind Jo: Ffarrar Esq9 at his house in St Sithes lane [Indorsed by Sir Nathaniel Rich:] G. Sandys to Mr Jo: Farrer concerning the weaknes of ye Counsell.

Noble Sr

Our diligent Aduersaries, neglect noe time. This Easter-Eue, they stole a Court vpon vs, their sealed Beagle, warneinge only their owne side: but by great chaunce some of ours comeinge to an incklinge of it, presented them- selues, vnwellcom'd: who haue made thes obseruations ther. 1. that Our Petition and my declaration are as yet (as far as they can perceiue) both vncopied and vnknowen to them in the Perticulers. 2ly The Petitioners haue bin (by Sr Sackfeilde) openly tearmed Traytours to the Company, for deliueringe the sayd Petition to the King. 3ly My selfe was publickly taxed for deliueringe any writeinge whatsoeuer concerneinge the Company, (though vnto the King and by his Command as this was) wthout first acquaintinge their Court wth it. 4ly most odd and sencelesse Propositions haue bin offred to a decision by handes. 5ly They proclaime, that they will deliuer a Crosse-Petition to his Maiestie ye wch they saye, shalbe waited vpon by as good a man as ours had any. 6ly They blurred vpo9 my Lorde of Warwick in the point of the Treasorour and accordinge to their wont, wer braulinge, loude and violent. I leaue it to your true iudgment (thes considered) whether it wer not fitt that my Lorde wer hasted in his returne from Rocheforde and that in the meane time your noble selfe aduised throughly what Course to take herein; this is the desire of our whole Company and mine, who shall euer rest

Your true freinde and seruant Nath. Butler [Sealed with coat of arms.] [Addressed:] To my noble and honored freinde Sr Nathaniell Riche [Indorsed, in Sir Nathaniel Rich's hand:] Cap. Butlers ɫre conteyning certayne passages of the Virg: Court vppon Easter Eue.

The aunswere of diuerse of the aduenturers, & planters of Virginia, and the Somer Ilandes, to a petition, exhibited to his most Excellent majesty, by the Lord Cauendish & some few others, in the name of the Companies

1

• It is auowed, that Alderman Jhonson, did deliuer to his Majesty, a petition, which was presented, by the assent of many adventurers, then personally present, and of many more, that were absent.

2

• But, that the informations, in it contayned, were in any part vntrue, eyther touching ye Suppliantes, or in derogation of the forme of gouern- ment, established by his Majesty, is vtterly denied:

3

• And it is a conjecturall, and vncharitable censure: they neuer haueing seene, our petition: (as is implied by themselues) in ye next clause of theyr petition:

4

• And the former petitioners conceyue themselues vnworthy such imputa- tions, considering theyr petition was approued by the honorable borde, and the branches of the prayer, referred to bee examined by Comissioners:

6

• Neyther had they cause, to complayne that Alderman Jhonson, denied them a copy of the petition, for hee expresly told the comittye, that required one, hee had no copy which his assertion is true.

Theyr desier, concerninge ye hearinge the complayntℯ cleeringe ye in̄ocent, and pun̄ishinge ye delinquentℯ, was ye substance of our petition, & wee most humbly submit our selues, to his Majesties order therein ∥ and as wee conceyued the Course of com̄ission was the which wee desired was the onely fayre and ready way to prepare those busines for theyr lordships hearinge: which theyr honours also approued and ordred:∥ and we have cause to

The pretended truith, of theyr informations, (contayned in theyr double papers requires a large discourse, & shall receyue a full aunswere in his due place: But wheras they fortefy ye verity of theyr relations, by ye examination & approbation of both ye companies in theyr Courtes; wee aun- swere, that it was onely propounded, & confirmed in a confused, and Surreptitious Court; vnseasonably called on Ester euen, & begun at an early, and extraordinary houre, when men were at theyr devotions; vnto which very fewe were warned, but theyr freindes, & confidentes; in which alsoe one vnwarned ∥being ther∥ then by chaũce, there ∥and∥ findinge ye assembly strange, both for time, persons, & matter then handled, publiquely demanded, whether sum̄ons were giuen, to those that deliuered ye first petition; seeing none of them were then present: vnto whom, it was by one of the most eminent persons in ∥yt∥ Court, as publiquely answered: That if any of them were ther they shold bee desired to forbeare: And this is the more worthy consideration, for that ye ordinary day appoynted for those Courtes, was ouerslipt; and this sodaynly, and extraordinarily called, onely for this purpose: There being nothing else done therein; which course hath too frequently bene practised of late: thereby to effect theyr desseignes and priuat endes:

As for those, sayd to be for sundrie yeeres, the disturbers of the orderly, and peaceable proceedeinges of the Companies and termed Associates of Alderman Johnson: wee must professe, we know none suche, and therfore require a more perticuler Charge: generall aspersions in these kindes being euer to be suspected, and disclaimed; and this Course is so generally affected by our Selues; as it is our true desire, that noe priuate man, may euer be suffred to shrowde him selfe, vnder the cloke of the Publick name of the Companye, but that euery man may aunswere single for himself.

[Indorsed] The answere to the petition.

Sr

If I shall not giue you such satisfaction, by these, as you expect, & I desire, my long sicknes, & absence from the §most of the§ busines, since my arriuall, may somewhat excuse me, in your fauourable construction; & I doubt not, but you shall receaue information, touching the most matters of greatest importance, from others, whose acquaintance hath beene more, with the late proceedings, then myne. I had sent a list, of the names of all the people, that dyed or were slayne, by the Indyans, since the massacre, & of all that remayne aliue, but since I could not in tyme procure the bills, from many perticular plantations; I thought it better, to send you a perfect catalogue, by the next ship, then a lame & imperfect one by this. My earnest desire, & endevour, haue not beene want- ing, for the sending the Tobaco, by this ship, to pay Mr Bland his 30li; but I could not as yett receaue that poore quantitye of Tobaco, due to me from my 5 tenants (which are all I haue remayning aliue) nor one grayne of corn, to help us, in this tyme of scarcitye; by reason, they are seated so farre of, as the eastern shore, & other meanes to rayse it, I could not yett possibly finde any; but by the next oportunity of shipping, after it cometh to my hands, you shall not fayle to receaue it; with 3li more also due to Mr Bland, for the transport of my brother Thomas Fynch (who dyed soone after his arriuall) in the stead of my my little daughter; about which you were pleased to send a few lines to Captayne Eache. Sr The benefitt of my place is so meane, hauing so few tenants remayning, & so little proffitt by them in this troublesome & chargeable tyme, that if the §Company§ be not pleased to consider & repayre my greate losse by the want of the 14 or 15 tenants & §certayne§ cowes (promised) this two yeare. I shall haue small cause to rejoyce by these imployments in their service; but I presume I shall alwaies finde you (as you haue euer been) ready to afford mee your §fauour &§ furtherance, in any thing that shalbe just & reasonable. [2] The Margett & John accounted a loss ship (after a long & tedious passage, much distressed for want of sufficient provisions) arriued heere about the 7th or 8th of Aprill. Not long after (about the 10th day) the ship sent by Mr Gookin, called (I think) the Prouidence, came also to Newports newes. But the Seaflowre is not as yett arriued, though shee haue beene long expected, whose supplyes of corn & other provisions, oure greate necessity, at this tyme, make to §be§ extraordinarily desired. I haue sent you answer to as many of the Petitions as haue been ordered & shalbe very carefull to call upon those that haue not yett been deter- mined, & to send you (how they are ordered) by the next shipping. Thus rememembring my loue & service to your self & Mr Deputy, I rest

Your servant, Chr: Dauisson. James Cittye: Aprill 14th 1623 [Indorsed:] L̃re from Mr Christo: Dauison To Mr John Ferrar from James Citty Aprill 14th 1623: by ye Abigall

1

• That the Com̄issioners require all the Recordℯ of the Court to be brought in vnto them together wth the Duplicates thereof, and the Court Bookes wch should warrant the s̃d Recordℯ, and the Blurr bookes wch should warrant the Court Booke and is the first ground of the Recordℯ: that it may [be] discouered whether there be any differences betweene them.

2

• That all the publick letters wch came from Virginia &c may be produced, and that it may be examined vpon oath whither those ɫres were written by Instructions from hence or no. And whither at the same tyme Sr E. S. §&§ Mr fferrar did not receaue letters from the Gouernor and Counsell of Virginia or some of them in mayne pointes concerning the §true§ state and condic̃on of the Plantac̃on contradictorye or diuerse from what was publicklie read in Court. And whither it hath not ben deliuered §*to some in priuate§ as a reason why the Gouernors letters &c haue not ben read because they did trulie discouer the state of the Countrey and did not conteyne any thing that may §might§ giue content or to that effect.

  *Mr Rosteghan

To desyre of the Com̄issioners that such of the planters company as shall be willing to take paynes in the premises to take notes out of the s̃d Recordℯ & letters and prepare business for their hearing.

The vast and wildℯ §wilde§ proiectℯ of Sr E. S. haue ruyned plantac̃ons: thes writt from virginia, as 4 Iron workes at once wh & none §all§ of them by halfes whereas one or 2 might to be effected:

That ye prosperity of ye plantac̃ons sett ye Indians on work to ye massacre

Concerning the lotteryes who they were yt were imployed in them, by whom, wt reward was granted to them, who mooued for that reward How they were putt downe: what was collected, and what p̱te the lottery men receaued to their owne priuate and whether any shared wth them.

How the Countrey is planted, whither vpon the generall stock or privat men vpon Patentℯ—how many patentℯ are granted & how many of them p̳ceeded on.

To call to mynd a p̳posic̃on w Mr Gibbs puttℯ Sr me in mynd of & Sr N. Rich made at a meeting of the Counsell that a shipp wch was then going to Virginia wth a great many men might be stayed bec̃ there was no p̳uision for the wch was seconded by Sr D. Degge and Sr Jo: Worselnham and others: Sr Ed. Sadys did after chide Mr Gibbes and Jo. Wroth that they did not oppose t. p̳posic̃on. And sed that Sr E. S. his vayneglory & he would say he had sent so many men in one yeare was the destruc̃ of many of the Kingℯ Subiectℯ.

To examine wt the sending of Sr ff. Wyatt and Mr G. Sandys cost the Companye s sayd 2000ɫ at least.

Vpon what groundℯ the Pl we obtayned the Chickohomenes Countrey s sayed & vpon what groundℯ the occasion was giuẽ of the last Massacre

Capt Bargrave

s sayed that Sr Tho: Dale made these Chickhomenes th K James his serutℯ & procured them lyueries: these were a people that lay betweene or Colonye & Powhatanes Countrey who together wth his Brother Opichankano plotted when Sr G. Yardly came thither to breake the league betweene vs & the Chickhomenes & effected it thus. Opichankano §p̳fessing much frendship§ sendℯ §giues§ yardlye aduertisemt yt some of the Chickhomenes had killed some of or cattle & swyne: yardly desires a parlye about it. The Chick- homenes to the nomber of 2 or 300 assemble themselues to treat. Thither came Yardly & 100 men armed (and as it seemes by correspondence with Opichankano) In stead of p̱lying with Chickohomenes yardly com̄andℯ a volley of shott to be delyuered amongst them & kild 30 or 40 of the s̃d Chickhomenes: This p̱fidious act made them all flye out & seeke Reuenge, they ioyned with Opichankano & having by stealthes & murthers diuerse tymes afflicted such of or Colony as they could meet wth & daili offered them wrongℯ, No Reuenge was taken but all putt vp in so And all meanes vsed to pacifie in so much that before the last Massacre, or Colonyes were almost made subiectℯ to the Sauages, and they gr §Sauages§ herevpon grow- ing insolent* took the aduantage of the s̃d last Massacre wch if this relac̃on be true was seemes first to be occasioned by or owne p̱fidiouse dealing wth them & then supine negligence in letting those furious wild people to grow vpon thẽ & to delude them with faire shewes

* hanging of a dogg publickly by the Counsellℯ Virginia

qre of the new ɫres come by the last Ships from Virginia wch speake of great miserie there for want of victualling yett the Counsells ɫre from thence wch was publiqly read desired no more Corne.

To examine whither all that haue gone to the plantac̃ons haue taken the Oath of Supremacie according to the pt.

[Indorsed:] 14 Ap. Notes taken for informt by the Comissioners for Virginia.

Right Worshipfull my humbull duty remēbred &c. I have reseued your letter sent me in the Seflower wher in ye write that ye hope I haue reseued your letters sent by the gouerner and Mr Shirife wch I did & I hope ye haue reseued sattysfactyon conserninge them, but for my beinge in plase of gayne I am not nether euer doe I expecte to be and for beinge a counseler that I am though wth no profit & god willinge I will behaue my sellfe, so that I will doe nothinge but what shall be fitt, in it: for my studdy shall be to p̱forme my plase to the glorye of god & the good of this Cuntry: Kynd Sr I humbley thancke you allwayes for your Paynes care and trauell for me and in my busynes & for your greate care in defendynge my good name & repitatyon the wch by that machauill butler hath ben sought to depriue me of to the vttermost of his power both by Candelus lybells sent and allso by exactynge his atorryty as ye shall perseaue in my former letters, eauen to the vttermost of his power for the takeinge a waye of my life, for his clarcke, toke a fallse othe agaynst me wch aughter ward he be inge trubled in consyense Confessed and desyred god my sellfe & the cuntry to forgiue him I culd relate unto you maney other such diuelish practyses that he in uented agaynst me, but god for giue him hom I dout not but will still bringe the truth to light and defend the in o sent. my worthey friend Mr Right wth hom I had good corespondance & for house death I did much greue in respecte of the losse of that I find of him. he mad a god ley & a Christyan lyke eand wch god of his mercy grand we may all doe the lyke. wee haue yet worthey honest religious minesters: namely Mr Barnard. Mr Stapulles & Mr Sterke whom god of his mersie bles unto us. & send us mor when it shall please him for heare is greate want of them in this pore rud cuntrye Our worth Gouerner Captayn Barnud is ded, but I hope wee haue mad choyse of a honest godley and religious man hom god blesse unto us.

Worthy Sr I cannot but aquaynt you wth the strandge accident that be fell about 18th of March. The Seflower that came safe in to our harbour though by the p̳uidense of god sum [of] her men & boyes war ded, yet the shippe wth the Semen & the remayner of the passengers all resonabull well re couered and the Mr makynge what speade possebull might be for his expected hauene. sum off ther frindℯ the daye aboue mentyoned be inge abourd mery Sum̃ in * * * Greate cabin and sum̃ in the Gunroume a drinckeinge Tobaco by neclygense of ther fyer Blue vppe the Shyppe to the death §of§ about 14 preasantley be sydes as maney spyled wch sethens sum of them are deade: of Semen these: Mr Dallby mr mate the mr Elldest sunn the Guñer: and ou9 mr Ship[nan] but not of that Shypes coumpaney a John Dauis Captt Dauisses Sũ, & for Land men ther was slayne Christofer Carter his wife & one §to§ of his seruantes, Captt: Leyton Captt of the Kynges Castell ffather Tomsun Henry Rober[dℯ] Passengers for Virginie Mr Burd & his man & one Tressell: wee haue sought all the meanes that Possebull may be for the prforminge of what possebull may be but as yet ther is littell recouered onley sum mealle vineger anow and then a Chest wth sum apparell wee haue lost auery honest man by Diueinge one morgan Gynn, they diue in greate danger & dare [are] aloud by the Gouerner for ther labor for what goodℯ they take of the passengers the one hallfe & for the companeyes companey a therd. they haue sought meanes to blowe her up but as yet it will take no effecte I did yeuse my best in deuor to in quier what letters ware sent ether by you to the Gouerner or by mr ffarer to the Gouerner or what ye haue sent to mr Gorge Sandes and I have seene maney dyrected to them, but they war all spyled that wee could make nothinge of them in so much that the Gouerner helde it not fit they should be opyned. maney writinges are found wch are preserued wth as much care as possebull may be.

[2a] And for what goodℯ are taken vpp the Sherif takes notyse of them whose they eare and what they are, & for my parte I will do my indeuor wth my selfe & my Boatt & Seruantes what I may: they should have ben furnyshed wth what potatos Oranges Pidgones masty dodge and plantes & frutes of all sourtes what this pore Island could haue afourded for wee desyer to haue corespondanse wth the9: I pray god Blese and prosper them and us her: for lyttell doe you knowe ther, the misery & hassardℯ wee pore men in duer both heare and theare wee haue had greate want of bread & are lyke to in duer wãt the next crope for our courne & potatose fayle we haue onley the See to releue us & fish is hard to recouer wthout greate danger: I pry god our frindℯ in virginie are not in mor want then we: Now conserninge your busynesses here first my care shall be holley for your profut, though my selfe as I yet haue not neuer gayne peney but still spend my on and wast my yonge yeares my care shall be that your peopull make good Tobac9. & for your land at Sumerset is fulley peopulld for your land in Smithes Trybe those V Share that Middleten9 and Humferyes are on9 are sufficyentley supplyed if ye send them 4 Boyes apese they haue had ill sucses wth those they brought & for the other 5 Shares I pray send 4 Boyes they shall pay the on halfe for ther Transe port the land is bad but I hope ye shall find by this yer what it will doe for Tobaco. I am much pusseled about mr farers busynes I could wish as I haue oughten dun by letters that they war all in virginie they eare in his deate but heare are neuer lykley to recouer out of it for ther land is fit for nothinge but p̳uisyon & not to suppley the third part of them he hath ben at greate chardge but it hath ben imbasseled away and they neuer had the p̳fit: they prefered a pitcen to the Gouerner & counsell that in respect they ware not abull to liue on his land they might make the best of ther laboures & that they might liue ellse wher wch was granted they paying one moyety of ther labor tell ther Just det was payed or ellse to be transe ported a cordinge to ther condytyones the wch I wish they ware.

[2b] It much greues me to see the * * of the poure men and to see that my worthy frynd should be so daimified & I heare not knowinge how to right him, his goodℯ be inge imbaseled away by my predysessors in so much that ther is nothinge left & he restinge no sattysfactyon nor his peopull no benyfit.

I am hartyley sorye to heare of the sicknes of that kynd Religeous and vertyous lady for hose health and hapynes I pray dayley wth all her swett Chilldren. I hope are this ye haue reseued sum Seders wch god willinge I will haue a care to see repayd agayne and the remaynor to be sent the next shippinge though wth much dificulltye I was not [unm̃full] to haue a care of your land for the true layinge of it out & for the performans of it wee adminerstred to him an oth the wch I hope he did per forme. but your land proues very bad & a gradeall worse then I did suppose, for it takes in Gorgis pynt wch is nothing but amer rocke. ther shall not want for in deuor to rturne you profit: I did your Conmendatyones to Captt: Tucker: I hould him not my frynd though I neuer gaue him cause to the contrarye: for he was on of my hea[uie] fryndℯ about my negros, the wch for the redeninge of I solley relye upon god, and your selfe: & for the candulles I hope I haue by the cuntry sufficyent ley cleared, unles Butlers sickauantes doe ther falsley sware agaynest me as formarley they haue duñ I dout not but ye remẽber werupon I speake, thus being obuld to trubell you wth these my rud and tedyous discourse I betake you wth youers to the p̳tectyon of the allmighty

Your powre kynes man to command to the vttermost of his power Miles: Kendall: From the Sũmer Ilandℯ this 15th of Aprill. 1623. [Indorsed by J. D.] Capt Kendall from ye Som̃er Ilands to Sr Edw. Sandis the 15 of Aprill 1623. [Addressed by self:] To the right Wor his aproued frend Sr Edwin Sandes at his howse in Lundon ner all Gate giue these

[The order of the Privy Council for a commission to inquire into the true state of Virginia and the Somers Islands, April 17, 1623, is printed in Acts of the Privy Council, Colonial, I, pp. 58–60.]

Aprill the xxith, 1623.

Receaved the day and yeare above written by me [blank space] by order from the right honble the Lordes and others of his Mats most honoble Priuy Counsell of Edward Collingwood Secrẽ to the Virginia Company, these severall Court-Bookes following belonging to the sayd Compa. (viztt) The first Court booke begining the Eighth & Twentith day of January, 1606, and ending the ffourteenth day of ffebruary in the yeare 1615. And at the other end of the sayd Courtbook are diuers perticuler writings belonging to the said Company

Imprimis.

One other Court-booke begining the Last day of January, 1615, and ending the Eight & twentith day of July, 1619.

Item.

One other Court-booke begining the Eight & Twentith day of Aprill, 1619, & ending at the begining of a Court held the two & Twentith day of May, 1622, at Page 386.

Item.

One other Court-booke begining the Twentith day of May, 1622, & ending at ye begining of a Court held the Second day of Aprill, 1623, at Page 296.

Item

Receaued more of him these several books following blonging to the Somer Island Company viztt

The first Court booke begining the Third of December 1613 & ending ye 24th of January 1620.

Imprimis.

One other Court-booke begining the Sevventh of ffebruary 1620 & ending ye Nyneteenth of ffebruary, 1622.

Item.

[Indorsements:]

Coppie of the Courte books delivered by order of the Lords of his Maties Counsell to the Secretary Aprill the 21th 1623.

A warrant to mr Sandys for 20ld sent to him

Thomas Stephens Armore 32I 06s 09d

Another copy is No. 6177 of Lord Sackville's manuscripts at Knole Park, and is printed in the American Historical Review, XXVII, pp. 763–765.

A Memoriall of some thinges wch it may please the lls to insert in their Lops letters to Virginia and the Summer Islandℯ

1

• That the late Contract is vpon full heareing before their lops dissolved as that wch was verie preiudiciall to the Plantac̃ons a Coppie of wch Contract togeather with the reasons that were in writeing delivered against it, it may please their lops to send them a Coppie

2

• That his matie out of his princelie Care of their good is content that noe Tobacco shalbee brought into England or Ireland but onelie such as shalbee imported from the Plantac̃ons in Virginia and the Summer Islandℯ except onelie fourtie Thousand waight yearelie of Spanish Tobacco (and that but for a tyme) if they will give for it as others will.

3

• That to this greate and extraordinarie favour his matie requires that all the Tobacco wch shalbee exported from the said Plantac̃ons shalbee brought into England a thing wch they themselves have seemed heretofore to desire and will nowe bee most beneficiall vnto them in regard that all forreine marketℯ wilbee glutted with excessive quantities of Tobacco likelie to be brought from the new plantations in Brazill Guyana and other places wch is of a farre better sorte then that wch Comes from the English Colonies and yet wilbee afforded at lesse then halfe the price that the English Tobacco hath heretofore binne vsuallie sould for, So that vnlesse his matie in his great grace and wisdome should provide for the venting of this their Comoditie within his owne dominions they should not bee able to make any thinge at all of it in anie other place and therefore to advise them to Call a generall assemblie and by Common Consent to cause an Act to bee made to that purpose.

4

• That his matℯ great grace did not stay here but that even beyond hope and expectac̃on his matie is pleased to bee so farre from layeing a greater burthen vpon them in regard of this his princelie graunt vnto theis Com- panies that he hath voluntarilie Condiscended to abate 3d of the 12d for Custome and Impost wch they payd heretofore: So that in Summ9 his matie grauntℯ the sole Importation and instead of a Retribuc̃on is Content to suffer a diminuc̃on of what was formerlie payd.

[2] 5

• That this his matℯ singuler favour is yet further inlarged for that whereas he hath heard of manie Greivances and Inconveniences wch have hindered the growth of theis Plantac̃ons he hath appointed Choice and able Comrs to examine and inquire particulerlie into them to the end that all hindrances of this worthie worke being removed it might hereafter thrive and prosper.

6

• To wch the Colonies are to bee admonished to afford their vtmost En- devours by leaveing the immoderate planting of Tobacco and applying themselves to more staple Commodities and in particuler to recommend vnto them the Care of nourishing and Increaseing their Silkewormes.

7

• That they bee Carefull to choose the most Comodious places of abode for health and safetie, and that they plant themselves soe as they may afford mutuall helpe and strength each to other both against E intestine and forreigne Enymies.

8

• And that his matie may bee more througlie informed what is the true Estate of the Plantac̃ons at this present, therfore to require them vpon their dutie and allegiance by the first shipp to returne togeather with their answeare to this letter a perfect Cathologue of the names of all the English men women and Children resideing in the Country, the age Condition imployment and places of abode of everie of them: As also what houses or Townes are at this tyme remayneing, what Ordnance are mounted at the tyme of this ships Arrivall, what publique workes as Churches, Guest- houses bridges ffortℯ or the like are now remayneing or haue bin heretofore erected and now demolished Also what number of Cattle there are wch at their pleasure they may have vse of and what otherwise; Also what sorte §store§ of Corne and other victuall the Collonies in Virginia are furnished with, and what is the price for wch the said Cattle Corne and other provisions are vsuallie sold for and especiallie of late since the last massacre. What number of persons may this or the next yeare bee Con- venientlie sent from hence to supplie the Collonies and Entertaigned there with [3] Convenient lodgeing and dyet vpon their Arrivall for some reasonable tyme till they may build and plant for themselves, and generallie as they will answeare to God and the Kings most excellent matie both of theis and all other particulers tending to a true description of the state and Condic̃on of the said plantac̃ons faithfullie to informe their lops that accordinglie they may advise them for their future safetie and prosperitie wch is the onelie thing intended by his matie and their lops to whom if vpon this Intymation they shall not declare the whole truth fullie and reallie all partialitie and affection whatsoeuer set aside they must expect a Just punnishmt of so high an offence and themselues shalbe Judged as Causes of all ensueing mischeifs

9

• Lastlie to admonish them to persist and Increase in the true and frequent worship of Almightie God in love and vnitie amongst themselues and in Couragious and industrious performance of their particular Imploymtℯ.

[Indorsed by Sir Nathaniel Rich:] Heads of seueraltyes to be inserted in ye LL ɫres to ye Plan Colonyes in Virg9. &c. 21 Ap. 1623 Del. §then§ by me to my L Threas. at Chelsye

To the Worll͠ Sr Francis Wyatt knight & Capt Generall of Virginia. The Humble Petition of John Wright.

 Most humbly sheweth vnto yor good Worp, that whereas John Langley late mr of the Margaret & John deceased & my selfe as partners did take vp in London diuers comodyties amounting to the some of fowerscore pounds & a boue for wch wee boath stand bound, & also haueing laden in the said shipp diuers goods and seruants of my owne, & my selfe being a p̱te owner of the said shipp & finding diuers of the said goods & p̳uitiones to be Consumed & spent Contrary to all equity & right. And yett Cannot receaue satisfaction fro9 mr Douglas now mr of the said shipp wch is to the great losse & hindrance of yor petitioner

10

 In Consideration wherof I most humblie desier yor good Worp to cause the said mr Douglas to deliu9 yor petitioner the said goods, wch were brought betweene mr Langley and yor petitioner, as also his owne goods, & satisfac- tion for what hath bin spent a board shipp, for wch yor worp favor yor petioner as Duty buideth him shall euer

 See examinations Aprill 23 & 25 1623. the petioner obtained his suit

To the right Worll sr Francis Wyatt knight Etc and ye rest of ye Worthie Counsell

 The Humble petition of the Passengers in the Margret & John

8

 Wee yor petitionerℯ haueing receaued great wrong and Iniury through the euill dealing of or late deceased Mr John Langley, not only in putting vs vnto extreame hard allowance, whereby wee were forced spend much of or portion wch would haue ben a great releife & Comfort to vs here; but also wanting that p̳uition that was fitting to bring vs or dyrect Course for Virginia, haue spent so much tyme in the west Indies, that wee are like to hazard the loosing (if not a whole) yett the best part of a Croppe, wch hath & may bee a great damage to or estates, wch shall better appeare vnto this Court by euerie mans perticuler Information, And now heing Come hither his successor master Douglas, refuseth to let vs haue or goodℯ ashore, to releiue or necessities for the present following of or buisynes, vnles wee giue him p̢sent securytie vnder or handℯ for freight, In consideration whereof wee yor poore suppliants humbly Entreat, to grant yor warrant to bring the said mr Douglas before your worp, that wee may receaue such sattis- faction thence as or p̢sent necessytie and ye Equity of or Cause doth requier, And that you would be pleased to giue such order, as or goodℯ in generall may be brought ashoare, & saffely kept in deposite vntill such tyme as yor worp wth the Counsell of estate determine wee shall the same & wee shall eur pray

 Subscribed

Richard Brewster Thomas Harwood John Robinson Thomas Rusell Nicholas Reynoldℯ Richard Norwood Thomas Deninngton John Carter Adam Dixson See ye order Aprill 24 1623 & order May 3° 1623

To the right worll͠ Sr Francis Wyatt knight etc and ye rest of ye Counsell.

 The Humble Petition of John Loyde.

 Yor poore petioner haueing tyde himselfe apprentize to mr John Langley for the tearme of three yeares, puting into his hands the somme of thirty pounds of good & lawfull money of England. The Condition of my Inden- ture being that if my mr died wthin ye said tearme of yeares I am fread & my monies to be repaid againe, for wch I have repaid his bounds, wch I left in the hands of my frends in England, & more fiue pounds in Current money deliuered into his hands to buy truckeing stuffe, hee p̳missing vnto me to pay three for one in Virginia. Yor petitioner doth humblie request, yt my conditions (wch remaine in the Costody of mr Douglas) may bee brought to yor worps view. that I may receaue fro9 this Court such sattis- faction, as ye truth & equitie of my Cause shall requier, & I shalbe eu9 bound &c.

9

 See examination Aprill 26o 1623 & Oorder May 3o 1623.

[The order of the Privy Council disallowing the letters of the Virginia Company to the Colony and dissolving the tobacco contract, April 28, 1623, and two letters of the same day to the Governor, Council and Colony, urging care of fortifications, provisions and habitations, are printed in the Acts of the Privy Council, Colonial, I, pp. 61–63.]

By the Gouernor and Capt Generall of Virginia

Whereas ye Gouernor & Counsell of estate (taking into ther Considerations yt nothing can be more acceptable, to ye Counsell & Compa in England, or tend more acceptable, to ye Counsell & Company in England, or tend more, to yc saffety & reputation of this colony, then to fortifie some place vpon this riuer, to defend the same against ye invasion of any forreine ennimy) haue ordered & appointed that eurie twentith man (through ye whole Colony) should be Imployed about the building of a fort, at Warrscoyicke, vnder the Comaund of capt Roger Smith. These are therefore to requier & Comaund capt Wm: Tucker that (throughout all ye plantacions vnder his comaund & Charge) hee doe Imediatly, levy eurie 20th man, & send them to Warrsoyicke, to ye said Capt Smith furnished wth Armes & tooles, & wth suffycient Victuall & apparrell for 6 months, And yt hee send not any new Commers, but able & suffycient Seasoned men fro twenty yeares old & vpwardℯ to 45 & not aboue And if it shall so happen, yt diuers seuerall families, must be feyne to ioyne for ye setting forth of one man. that then hee make Choice of 2.3 or more such suffycient men, as aforesd, as indif- ferently (as may be) out of ye said families, & they to cast lotts wch of them shalbe sent, to ye said worke the rest to be Equally Contributing, to ye Charge, And wee further requier & Comand all persons whatsoeur vnder the Charge of the said Capt Tucker, that yeild vnto him ready obedyence, touching all or abouesd Comaunds, as they will answer the Contrary at ther perills. giuen at James Citty, Aprill 29th 1623

Francis Wyatt Chr Dauison Secr

This is a draft said to be written by Alderman Johnson. There are indications in the correc- tions and errors that it was written at dictation. It is revised by Sir Nathaniel Rich. The last folio is loose, and the preceding folio (pp. 21 and 22) is missing. Manchester Paper 361 has only a few sentences drafted by Sir Nathaniel Rich, and does not fill in the missing folio.

[No. 361.] A Breife Answere to the §a§ Declarac̃on lately made and deliuered to his Maties Comrs in §by some few p̱sons vnduely (as is conceaued) assuming to themselues§ the name of the Counsell for Virginia of §touching§ the State of the Countrey and Colony there together wth sondrie Obseruac̃ons tending to the discouerie of the Reasons and causes of the ill success progress and success of the businesses of that Plantation:

For the first part of the sd̴ Declarac̃on wch conteynes some description of the fertilitie and healthfulnes and other §naturall§ comodities of that that Contrey, it is beleaued to be generallie true, neither is it knowne that either Sr Sam̃: Argall (who w liued there diuerse yeares and was first Admirall and then Gouernor of the Countrey) nor yet Captaine Butler (who resided there about 3 Monethes) haue writt or sayed any thing wch may tend to the deprauac̃on of the Contrey in generall. And therefore are (as is conceaued) are very vniustlie taxed §in the foresaid declarac̃on that§ for indirect purpose to §they§ haue dispraysed the same. Vnles it can be thought that a man should dispraise a Contrey England or any other Contrey if he should affirme that some p̱tes thereof were v barren & vnhealthfull wch were a strange kind of construction.

The second p̱te of their declarac̃on consists of a seeming representation of the true es face of the Colony in three periods of tyme: vzt im̃ediatly before the Massacre towards th'end of the yeare 1621: im̃ediatlie after the Massacre about §towardℯ§ the begiñing of the yeare 1622 And lastly as they they conceaue it to bee at this p̢nt

[Indorsed:] A begining of an answere to the Companies Declar9 of the p̢nt state of Virginia

[No. 362.]

An answere to a Declarac̃on of the present state of Virginia which was presented to his Matie in Easter weeke laste by parte of the Companie for Virginia vsurpinge the name of the whole Companie when in truth a 4th parte of the whole Companie were present neither sum̃oned nor p̢sent at the publishinge of it and very fewe had theire handℯ in it.

But before Wee fall vpon or Answere Wee thincke it fitt to discover one other Artifice by wch the truth is obscured wth wch they begynne their Declarac̃on. For they say That in the end of December 1618 there were but 600 men and 300 Cattle left in Virginia. And yet they are Conscious to them selues that Sr Tho: Smiths gou9nmt Contynued vntill Maye or June ∥about th'end of Easter Terme∥ followinge in wch tyme more pas- sengers went to Virginia ∥and diuerse shipps were at that tyme vpon their way to Virginia and others sett out before Sr Tho. Smythes gouermt expired wherein great nombers of people were transported, not less as wee comput then 600 or 700 p̱sons, as by the names of the Shippes sett downe in the m9gent may appeare∥ and that those∥ Cattle that springe ∥all∥ brought forth another yeares increase Both wch ought to haue beene added to the former nombers if they would haue rightly informed His Matie in what estate the Collonies were ∥was∥ left when Sr Tho: Smith left the Gou9nmt, The ∥And in what plight and condic̃on they now are, wch seemes to be the scope of their declarac̃on, The∥ seũall branches whereof Wee shall nowe p̳ceede punctuallie to answere And for the first whereas they say That in the first 12 yeares, beinge the whole tyme yt Sr Tho: Smith was principall Goũnor of the Companie there was expended 80000li and vpwardℯ ∥of the publiq̢ stock∥

Sr Tho: Smith saith that in all his ∥stet∥ the∥ tyme ∥by them limited∥ there was not aboue 70000li∥cleare of the publiq̢ stock∥ expended about the Plan- tac̃on; Wch of them are in the right must appeare by the bookℯ of Accomptℯ of those tymes for the Difference is noe lesse then 10000li ∥and for the clearinge heereof reffers himself to the bookes∥.

They say 80000li ∥this sum∥ was expended (besidℯ voluntaire Contribuc̃ions ∥other sum̃es of voluntary planters:∥).

This Clause (besidℯ voluntaire Contribuc̃ions ∥the sum̃es of voluntary planters∥) Comes in the Reare and it is [2] thought might well haue beene spared for it is not remembred that in those tymes wch were ∥the∥ begynningℯ of the Plantac̃on there were anie or at least of any ∥much∥ value of ∥in∥ that kinde: especially not beefore the time by them limited in theyr declaration viz not beefore the 18 of December 1618.

They say that there were then left 600 p̱sons and 300 Cattle in the Colony Although this is noe small matter Consideringe the Infancie of the Plantac̃on in those tymes and the many Difficulties they mett wthall in theire first enterprises that only wth ∥less then∥ the expence of 70000li there should be planted soe many men and all of them soe well provided that even by theire owne Confession ∥ ∥of these ∥men∥ that vsurp the name of the Companie of the Authors of this declarac̃on∥ ∥ there was for every twoe persons in the Collonie one head of English Cattle then lefte (besidℯ manie other plentifulle provisions not menc̃oned) yet Certeynly both the Nomber of Men and of Cattle was much more then they speake of B Wch in regard they haue the bookℯ ɫres and Recordℯ of those tymes they are better acquainted wth then anie mans memory can serue nowe to remember: At least to those 600 men left in Virginia in the end of Decem- ber 1618, they should haue added as was aforesaid those that were sent between that tyme ∥stet∥ and the end of Sr Tho: Smiths Gou9nmt as alsoe ∥ ∥by wch Accompt it would as we conceaue appeare that there were 12 or 1300 p̱sons left ∥in the Colony∥ (besidℯ the numbers that haue ben borne of them. And to the 300 Cattle they speak of then remayning they should add at least their∥ ∥ th encrease of 300 Cattle that Springe: And if they would haue dealt ingeniouslie they should haue set downe alsoe what other Workℯ had beene done wth that stocke besidℯ the plantinge and nourish- inge of soe manie men and Cattle vizt what discoveries were then made, ( 1

The parenthesis is not closed in the original.

Neither should they haue omitted ∥ ∥the large prouisions that were from time to time sent from hence at the charge of the publicke to feed ∥&∥ cloth and furnish them Colony with necessaries which was giuen freely to the Planters for their sustentation and releife which could not bee estimated at less then 20000 markes if not 20000l nor haue omitted∥ ∥ the Ordinance then sent, the Towns that were built, the fortℯ that were raised, thin- closures that were made, the growndℯ that were Cleared, the Churches storehouses bridges and other publiq̢ workℯ that were built∥ ∥ nor the ships that were bought an for the Company ∥stet∥ with the publique stocke and worne out in the Companies seruice∥ ∥ All wch besidℯ diu9s staple Com̃od- ities then raised were the fruitℯ of that expence and of the endeavors and Acc̃ons of those tymes, wch were blessed wth a successe if not answereable to thexpectac̃on of all yet Certeynly beyond the hopes of many And therefore vnder Correcc̃on it savors of too much detracc̃on to passe over those thingℯ wch should most Commend and giue his Matie best satisfacc̃on Concerninge the Well mannageinge of those affaires dureinge that tyme and to in siste only vpon the leaveinge of soe manie men or ∥and∥ Cattle as if that had beene all that had beene done wth thexpence of soe much money: When indeed though it were a good ∥great∥ advancemt of the Plantac̃on to haue soe manie men left there, well furnished, yet it seemes to be but the leaste parte of the services that were then p̱formed.

But let vs see whether they deale more ingeniously in that wch follow- eth. They say That the Companie was left then in debt neere 5000li [4] But they are desired to sett downe wthall what was left in stocke towardℯ the paymt thereof in money Plate and Comodities ∥weh if Or Memoryes faile vs not was not less then 40001 for more eer besidℯ 800li payed in vnto the Magazine the p̳ceed whereof came to the Companie and besidℯ sondry 800li that was in the colledg Cash & besidℯ sondry∥ also in debtℯ due to the Companie wch since that tyme haue beene payd in and then it will appeare whether there be not likewise a Defecte of truth in this Clause as well as in all the former∥ ∥; for an if or memoryes doe not faile vs, ther was left towardℯ the paymt of the sd̴∥ It is also desired whether that it be declared whether 700li pretended to be owing by the Companie to the Cash of the Colledge be not included in their 5000li wch they say the Company was left in debt, for∥ ∥

But though the Authors of this Declarac̃on mistooke the former, yet per- happs they will come neerer the Marke in declareinge the p̢sent State of this Plantac̃on∥, during the and of that wch hath ben done during the last gouerment.∥

They say therefore that whereas about a 4 yeares since there were but 600 p̱sons, nowe (notwithstandinge the late Mortalitie and Massacre) there are remayninge as they Compute about 2500 p̱sons.

To wch wee answere that this Parenthesis of (Notwthstandinge the late Mortalitie and Massacre) is not soe slightly to be passed over seeinge that in the tymes of the greatest strength and enmitye of the Savages and of the Weaknes of or Colony the like mischeife never happened as this wch hath redownded not only to the losse of the lives of soe many of his Matℯ Subiectℯ (whereof in all disasters of the like nature a strict Accompt hath beene §alwayes§ required) and to the detriment of the Plantac̃on thereby, but alsoe to the shame and reproach of or Nac̃on whoe heretofore wth lesse then halfe the men that were thus butchered did dare the whole power of those savage Princes and forced them either to a good Corespondencie or to a yearely Contribuc̃on ∥and let them shew for triall of the truith heereof whether in the whole 12 yeeres of Sr Thomas Smyths gouernment there euer pased perished by the sword of handℯ of the sauages half so many as haue bene butcherd and slayne by them in the compass of one yeere∥ But then were the Gou9nors and Cheife Officers in Virginia men of knowne sufficiencye and experience of §for§ those services and meerely for theire meritt was that Charge and trust Com̃itted to them But [5] whether those that at this tyme doe principally mannage those affayres are men soe quallifyed or noe or rather out of favor or ∥alliance &∥ affecc̃on haue beene recom̃ended to that imployment and whether through theire negligence and want to still this miserable accident hath §not§ befallen wee leaue it to be examined soe farr forth as to his Matℯ Com̃is- sioners shall seeme fitt: As alsoe whether there be 2500 p̱sons nowe remayn- inge in the Colony wch will appeare by the listℯ of men directed to be Yearely sent from thence, in the p̱formance of wch mayne Instrucc̃on wee suppose the Gou9nor and Officers there (whose Care and obedience in this declarac̃on is Com̃ended) would not faile, especiallie it beinge easier to make those listℯ of Men more p̱fecte this yeare then heretofore because the people were drawne fron theire dispersed habitac̃ons and lived Close together: But wee vehemently suspect that the nombers of people there nowe resideing are farre lesse ∥ ∥and that in truth there are either not so many or very few more ∥now in the Colony∥ then by in or Computac̃on were left by Sr Tho: Smithe wch we are the rather induced to beleaue because for ought we heare the ∥last∥ Catalogues of theise names p̱sons are concealed so that ∥and it will appeare (though wth greife wee speake it) wee haue wthin theis 4 yeares lost as manie or more men that wee did in the whole 12 yeares before∥ we feare it will appeare that neare 4000 pso[ns] of 4270 p̱sons wch by their owne Ro wthin theis 4 yeares haue ben sent thither wee haue searee so many hundred and of 12 or 1300 left in Sr Tho. Smithes tyme wch make about 5500 in all we haue not 1500 there now remayninge: And we thinke that in 12 yeares before notwithstanding the many difficulties that all new begun actions are subiect vnto, we lost not 1200 p̱sons ∥For in the booke of the Massacre there was sent they say in the first three yeares after Sr Tho. Smith left the Gou9nmt 3570 psons And in theire relac̃on they say there went 700 over the last Sum̃er that is 4270 in all And by theire owne Confession there were 600 §left§ in the Colony at that tyme. Soe that of 4870 psons and the Children wch since that tyme haue beene borne of them there is ∥are∥ nowe as they Compute∥ not aboue 2500 §left§: by wch it is manifest that even by theire owne Accompt ∥adding to that nomber the children that haue ben borne of them∥ wee haue wthin the said 4 yeares lost at least as many as wee haue remayninge and wee feare many hundreds moe. A thinge most lamentable ∥that the liues of so many men should be thus lost∥ especiallie if vpon proofe it fall out that this great Destrucc̃on of people hath beene occasioned by the Wilfullnes [6] of those whoe had the principall stroke in mannaginge those affayres here and should neither haue procured nor given way to the transportinge of such multitudes of people ∥as haue ben sent thither∥ till the Country had beene provided wth able and fitt p̱sons to direct and wth Convenient lodginge and provision to receive releive and maynteyne them. ∥And therefore it is humblie desired as a thing of most important consequence that the causes of this great∥

Alter this com- putac̃on when we see how many were sent be- tweene the 18 of Dec. 1618 and Mch. 1619∥

They add further in theire Declarac̃on that theis 2500 p̱sons now remayninge were sent with thexpence only of 30000li of the publiq̢ stock besides the charges of p̱ticuler societies and Planters.

To wch is answered that it is too grosse a solecisme ∥contradiction of themselues∥ to say that the p̱sons nowe remayninge in Virginia were sent thither at the Charge of the 30000li publiq̢ stock in the Declarac̃on menc̃oned whereas themselues Confesse but a fewe lynes before that there were 600 p̱sons ∥of them∥ left there in December. 1618. wch was longe before that publiq̢ stocke raized soe that noe parte of that stocke could be imployed about the transportac̃on of 600 of those 2500 p̱sons wch as they p̢tend are now remayninge.

But is this 30000li all the money thath hath beene spent in theis plantac̃ons since Sr Tho: Smiths tyme? they imply noe, but (wthout nameinge any Sum̃e) they bringe in the rest wth a (besides the Charge of p̱ticuler societies and Planters) This (besides) Carries more Weight wth it then it seems they would haue it doe, and is indeed worthy to be placed in front in Capitall letters and not to come in the Reare as a poore helpe, for sure it must needℯ be a farr greater Sum̃e then the form9 and therefore worth the nameinge. But somewhat is in it that this point must be thus obscured, p̱happs they thought that seemes ∥seeing∥ all wch is toe be seeme §seene§ of theire foure yeares labor is only some ∥very∥ fewe p̱sons more in Virginia then were when Sr Tho: Smiths gou9nmt expired ∥wch yet is doubted∥, The ∥the∥ greater they made [7] the nomber of p̱sons to appeare and the lesse the sum̃es of money thatei were expended, the better would theire Accompt be accepted But for the Clearinge of the truth herein wee ∥say that we∥ Conceive that the moneyes expended wthin theis 4 Yeares about this Plantac̃on cannot be lesse then 85000li 85400li for ∥or Reason is this∥ the 4270 p̱sons wch they say haue wthin theis 4 Yeares beene exported at the rate of XXli a man comes to 85400li And that is the proporc̃on wch in theire printed paper (Called the Inconveniences) they say the Companie vsually allowes to the furnishinge of one man And in the paper of Accompt how they the Lottery Money was expended wch they deliu9ed to his Matie about twoe Yeares agoe they affirme as much: Soe that vnles they will denye what heretofore they haue affirmed this Collecc̃on of the Charge of 90000li 85400li to be expended wthin theis last 4 Yeares seemes to be very moderate ∥for we abate 5400li in the whole, of the proporcon wch they themselves say they bestow in setting out these men For they say that afterward in this declarac̃on that they spent 5000li in Iron Workes besidℯ what was spent in other attemptℯ∥ And what effectℯ that huge expence hath produced is in parte discovered by what hath beene alredy sayd And shall hereafter be declared.

The Cattle they say what by Newe supplies and what by increase of the form9 provision are multiplyed to aboue 1000. of Beasts

It is strange to see howe theis thingℯ are shuffled together tendinge to obscure the truth for it had beene a very easie Matter and a farre more Directe Course to haue ∥distinguished these and to haue∥ sett downe the number of Cattle that haue beene sent wthin theis 4 yeares wch for ought appeares to vs there haue not beene 200. A strange disproporc̃onable proporc̃on for soe manie thowsandℯ §p̱sons§ as in that tyme haue beene sent thither, and therefore this blinde of putting them together served well to Cover that error But touchinge the number [8] of Cattle Wee may well from their owne Confession make this Collecc̃on: The Cattle wch were sent thither theis laste 4 Yeares if theire printed papers ∥that we haue seene∥ be true were only 180 192 wch till this last Springe haue bred few or none. Some of theis 180 192 dyed by the way and many dyed as Wee haue Crediblie heard for want of good lookeinge to in Virginia. Many alsoe haue beene slayne by the Indians since the last Massacre. And yet if there remayne aboue 1000 it must necessarilie followe that there were in many aboue 300 lefte by the old Gou9nmt But to howe manie more might these haue beene encreased had not soe many persons beene vnfortunatelie and inconsideratelie (as is Conceived) sent over to Consume the fruitℯ of the form9 labors and another abuse latelie crept in of killing the bull Calves wch was not suffred before theis last 4 Yeares for the Males in form9 tymes were p̢served and trayned up to the yoke soe it appeares that all they speake of to purpose in this Clause is only thencrease of the old stocke for theire newe supplies in this kinde was scarce worth the menc̃oninge.

But the Goats increase (say they) and the hoggs are growne innumerable

And what is herein Com̃ended but the ould Gou9nmt whose foundac̃on this was and is meerely the worke of the Decourse of tymes for the goatℯ would haue encreased whosoever had beene Gou9nors (if they would not haue killed them vp) and the wilde Hoggℯ in the woodℯ would haue multiplyed wthout a heardsman If any of theis had beene sent over wthin theis 4 yeares it is like wee should haue heard of it in print And wee would be gladd to heare of any store of tame hoggs res̃ved out of the ould store But this is Warilie declyned ∥ ∥for we heare that notwithstanding this infinite multitude of swyne a ∥the price of a∥ tame hogg is so much is m is now 12li in the Colony.∥ ∥ As for those wilde hoggℯ wee accounte of them as of the Deare in Virginia thingℯ belonginge to noe man and serue to feed the Savages or the Maryners that live idlie there, rather then the people of the Colony, whoe haue starved in the middest of this Imaginary plenty, And by the end of this [9] Sum̃er wee faere it will to or greife yet more appeare what mischeife and miseries theis Conceiptℯ of aboundance haue brought vpon the Plantac̃ons.

The last Clause of theis first branch is: That the old Debt of the Companie (which before they menc̃oned to be 5000li) is Discharged

But it must be knowne as is aforesaid what of the old stocke was left towardℯ the paymt of it ∥wch we conceaue was as much if not more then would discharge it∥ And it is doubted that the Companie is at this p̢psent more in debt then it was left then. For it is an vndeniable truth that they haue stated Certeyne offices ∥in Virginia∥ wth great nombers of Teñnts namely Gou9nors the Treasurors the Secretaries the Phisitians Vice Admiralls A Deputie for the Companie∥s∥, and another Deputie for ∥the∥ Colledge Teñntℯ: and by or Computac̃on there wantℯ to theis officers aboue 120 Men of the p theire promised and Contracted for nombers, wch in equitye and Justice are to be made good vnto them and the very sendinge soe manie p̱sons over, reasonablie furnished will Coste the Com- panie at their owne rates 2400li the first penny and if anie of theis Newe men should dye the first yeare the Company must supply them againe wch will encrease the Charge. Besidℯ the Company owe to theis officers Nneere twoe Yeares arreares for the Want of soe many Tenantℯ wch in equitye they are bound to satisfie for especiallie seeinge by an Acte of Courte the 7th of Oct: last it is acknowledged to be a Due Debt vnto them: The entrie of wch Courte beinge afterwardℯ Called into question as a Wronge done to the Company it was iustefyed and maynteyned that the Courte had done right therein By wch it appeareth that even this way besidℯ all others the Companie is at least 4400li in debt. And it is Conceived that the seale of the Company is given here §for§ at least 2000li more And the vnder officers of the Companie here are either in parte or whole vnpayed there wages wch they haue dearely earned, besidℯ the wages Contracted for wth the French [10] Viniarons All wch layd together wee Conceive that the Companie at this p̢sent will proue to be in debt betweene six and seaven thowsand powndℯ And noe meanes appeares wch may Way it can be satisfyed or the Companies Teñnts nowe remayninge in Virginia hereafter to be supplyed

And thus much by way of Answere to the first branch of that Declarac̃on §by§ wch §it§ is apparent howe those th men that vsurp ∥vnder∥ the name of the Company haue dealt wth his Matie in settinge downe both the former and p̢sent estate of Virginia in the most Materiall partℯ thereof. The second branch followeth in which they say ∥The second branch now followeth∥ As in Mr Wrotts paper fo: 2 at this marke * ∥2: Branch During theise last 4 yeares there hath ben At the beginning of theise last 4 yeares the only Com̃odityes of price, and vppon wch only a valuation was sett to maynteine the trade were Tobacco and Sassafras: for in the two last yeares before there was no course taken for setting vp of any other through the pouerty of ye Countrey.∥

∥Answ.∥ Whereas they say at the begynninge of the 4 last yeares ∥there were no Com̃odities but Tobacco & Sassafras∥ Wee goe further and say (and that more truelie) that At the end of theis 4 Yeares there is noe Comoditie but Tobaccoe, soe little hath beene done (since Sr Tho: Smith left the Gou9nmt) towardℯ the advancemt of staple Com̃odities and it is an abuseinge of the world to sett out bookℯ wch haue Caused much laughter ∥as they haue done∥ of the prizes of goodℯ to be had in Virginia when either they are not nor canot cannot be had there at all, or at least not in many yeares The modesty and Wisdome of the form9 gou9mt is to be Comended that ∥was such as it∥ would not set a valuac̃on of that that either was not in Esse, or was in noe greate proporc̃ons there but lefte eu9y Man to make his best price of those thingℯ when they had raised them and not to vndervalue mens labors soe much as this last valuac̃on of the Companies hath done by wch Course ∥it is conceaued that∥ men haue beene deterred from imploye- inge theire labors in raisinge those Comodities seeinge they will not produce profitt enough to Clothe and feede them at the rate they prize them at But whereas they affirme there was noe other Course to sett vpp other Com̃odities besidℯ Sassaphras, §&§ Tobaccoe [11] in twoe yeares before the old officers left the Gou9nmt, there is herein Com̃itted a Wilfull error for wthin those twoe Yeares there were other Com̃odities besides those twoe before named sent over and sould here in England and the perticulers together wth their moneyes made of them given in Accompte by Sr Tho: Smith or the husband of the Companie to the Auditors and to the then Treasorer Sr Edwyn Sandys By wch Accomptℯ it appeares that there was aboue 1000li starlinge made of staple Com̃odities dureing the old Gou9nmt, parte of wch moneyes was raised vpon staple Com̃odities sent over the twoe last yeares And this the Twoe Auncient Auditors Sr Edwyn Sandys and Sr John Danvers are not ignorant of But of all other Sr Edwyn had least Cause to taxe the twoe last Yeares Gou9nmt for he dureinge all that tyme Wa was Chosen assistant to Sr Tho: Smith in regard of whose sicknes and other imploymentℯ he vnder that title did in a manner ∥wholie∥ supplie his place, soe the errors Com̃itted wthin that tyme (if any be) reflecte vpon himselfe And here theire owne reason excuseth the former Gou9nmt Vizt the povertie of the Companie and this branch likewise Sr Edwyn might haue spared ∥for∥ the Companie could not haue beene soe poore if the Lotteries had not beene suspended By wch Meanes Sr Edwyn made his way easie to be Treasorer of Virginia and when he had obteyned that place im̃ediatlie he was a meanes to sett vpp the runninge Lotteries againe.

∥quere∥

∥quere what∥

∥3 Branch: During these last 4 yeares there hath ben expended in setting vp of Irone workes (ye Oare whereof is there in great plenty and excellent) aboue 5000li which worke beeing brought in a manner to perfection was greately interrupted by the late Massacre but ordered to be restored againe with all possible diligence.∥

∥Answ.∥ Iron the oare in greate plentie and excellent was found to theire hands many Yeares since and brought ouer wrought and vnwrought into this Kingdome.

It is by vs Confessed that the greatest parte of the stocke belonginge to the Colledge was wasted in this proiecte: for the 50 men sent over were not able to mannage an Iron worke and soe turned good honest Tobaccoe mongers The like successe [12] for the same reason had the twoe Iron Workℯ attempted by the Adventurers of Southampton Hundred Then the Companies stocke comes into ∥to∥ repayre the ruyns and if Wee may beleeue ɫres there would haue beene somethinge done in the busines but the same ɫres Craved large supplies and therefore were bound to p̳mise faire then comes the Massacre and that was the fayrest excuse for all errors and might haue served the relators turne very well and made them bould to affirme that worke was wholly over throwne by it: especiallie they hav- inge soe p̢sent a remedye at hand as this it is ordered to be restored wth all possible dilligence But are either Workemen sought after, much lesse intended to be sent, or is there any roule of subscripc̃on made to sett that proiecte on foot againe? or is the publiq̢ stocke able to doe it? or will the private purses of Southampton Hundred be any further drayned? And if none of theis, to what purpose is such an order. Yet Wee will giue them theire due and Confesse the whole truth that in this busines of Iron wthin theis laste foure yeares wth the expense ∥(as they say)∥ of aboue 5000li there hath beene retorned from Virginia a fire shovell and tongℯ and a little barre of Iron made by a Blomery wch might haue beene printed in expresse Wordℯ aswell as some other thingℯi But ∥that∥ seriously let anie indifferent man iudge what ∥so the∥ providence was vsed in thexpence of the∥is∥ 5000li∥as of all the huge Sum̄ formerly menc̃oned may appeare, and the managers of these businesses receaue their due com̃endam̃on∥

∥4. Branch That ye soyle produeeth &e∥

∥4th branch Answ.∥ That the soile p̳duceth vines in abundance, is an vnde- niable truth and was notoriously knowne aboue 14. yeares nowe past, but soe little Care was there taken to sent∥d∥ over Choice plantℯ of the best kinde of Christendome (as they affirme) that Mr John Ferrar then Deputie did not vouchsafe to send those twoe or three thowsand plantℯ wch Capteyne Each bought purposelie from Malago to that end, nor did soe much as put them into the Grownd to be p̢served and sent another yeare, though desired to doe it, and his negligence was the greater Con- sideringe that some of those plantℯ beinge sett here in Aprill. 1622. by a gentleman of or Companie growe very well and they would haue beene a great helpe to the [13] speedy raisinge of that soe much desired Com̃oditie; for the Advancemt whereof wee haue received expresse direcc̃ons from his most Sacred Matie.

∥5 Branch. The vignerouns &c∥

∥Answ. 5 branch:∥ The vignerouns that haue beene sent are some of them dead, §&§ vnder those that remayne very fewe or noe servantℯ are put, soe can Wee hope for little of that Com̃oditie from Virginia in manie Yeares: last yeare Wee had a taste of Wyne, this Yeare nothinge, (the Massacre saues all) and yet even dureinge the whole ∥old∥ gou9nmt the Companie had some taste ∥of this Com̃oditie∥ sent them, and therefore Challengeth the honor to haue beene the founders of it, and this is ∥it beeing a thing∥ notoriously knowne, for the Wyne was given to the Adventurers and druncke at their gen9all meeting As for the 1000 plantℯ they say were planted in some one Vineyard, Wee Will not Contend wth them, but only pray them to explaine whether the Vineyard was a rood or an Acre of grownd at moste and in directe termes to say whether it was only a nursery of plantℯ set in a garden Plott or noe and whether the plantℯ were those of the Countrye bringℯ forth, or of such as were sent from hence

∥6 Branch Mulberry &c∥

∥Answer. 6 branch∥ Mulbery trees the Countrie is full of and order taken for plantinge them but little hath beene done therein, but only makes ∥making of∥ orders for the Planter little Cares to plant trees to feede the silke worme that will not plant vines to make Wyne for his owne drinck- inge ∥nor so muche as Corne for his owne releife∥ But the seed to the great greife of the Companie ∥they say∥ hath in miscarried and ∥(we say)∥ alsoe by the negligence of Mr John Farrar, whoe would send all the seed in one Box and sometymes in vnseasonable tymes of the yeare by wch meanes the eggs hatched by the Waye and soe dyed for want of foote ∥food∥, from wch Course he would not be diverted though earnestly pressed But nowe they haue received the seed as they say and Wee Knowe they haue had seed in Virginia longe since and retorned from thence silke in some quantitie wch was spunne in Sr Thomas Smiths Hall, They haue had alsoe some seede since the newe Gou9nmt but suffred [14] it to perish by reason there is such a poore valuac̃on set vpon silke in theire booke of Rates that all men are discouraged to trade in that Com̃oditie And dureinge the old gou9nmt there was a house built to p̢serve the Wormes in when they Wrought and Mulbery trees were alsoe planted in those tymes neau neere the habitac̃ons of or people both wch wth extreame negligence haue beene decayed and suffred to perish such progressions haue beene made in staple Com̃odities theis last foure Yeares

∥qre∥

∥ 7 Branch. Men &c∥

∥Answere. 7 branch∥ Men skilfull for sawe Mills were procured from Germany and sent to Virginia at the Companies great Charge This Wee Confesse it and averre that ∥to or vnderstandingℯ∥ it was the most indi- gested proiecte that hath beene sett on foote by the Company: for vpon b x x x supposall that the Rivers in Virginia Virginia afforded Convenient meanes to erecte the sawe Mills and sett them on Worke theis Workemen were in Hast procured and wth excessiue Charges sent over to Virginia Where they spent 7 or 8 moneths to finde out a Convenient place to set the Mills on, wch at last beinge found the poore Dutchmen beinge dishartned by theire vnkind enterteynement in Virginia and almost famished by theire meane provisions and beinge vtterlie disabled to bringe that worke to per- fecc̄on wthout the helpe of Ma many handℯ wch an order of Courte made here cold [could] not helpe them to in Virginia they (oppressed wth theis and many other Difficulties too great for them to overcome) fell greiviouslie sicke of the diseases incident to that Countrye and of that sicknes one of or twoe of them dyed and the rest im̃ediatlie vpon theire recoverye (the p̳mised helpe of Men failed failinge them) retorned for England and by Consent of the Gou9nor whoe it seemes Conceived the busines was not feasible and since theire retorne there hath beene nothinge attempted much lesse done in that Worke: and theis are the good effectℯ wch they assure His Matie in this branche of theire Declarac̃on will shortly appeare And the principall proiect beinge thus weake what can be hoped or expected of the rest The shipwrites that they speake of in the next place were not sent at the Charge of the Company but only by the purse of private Adventurers and in all were about 20 men and boyes Whereof [15] the Maister workman is dead and many alsoe of his principall men whoe brought their death wth them into the Countrye beinge fedd (as wee haue heard) by Corrupte victualls in their passage to Virginia in the shipp Called the Furtherance and for that ∥by meanes whereof And because∥ not only theis Shipwrightℯ but almost all the passengers that went in her dyed im̃ediatly vpon theire landinge It is therefore humbly prayed that diligent enquirie be made of this reporte and alsoe by whome the shipp was victualled and set out at at or before her retorne: and to Conclude this matter of Boatwrightℯ wch they never attempted tillt his laste Sum̃er they are herein manie Degrees behinde the old Gou9nmt for in those tymes there was builte ba boatℯ of all sortℯ vizt Barges Pinaces Frigatts Hoyes shallops and the like.

In the salt workℯ wch they speake of there hath beene soe little done that the Collonie by buyes all theire salt for theire necessarye vse wch worke the old Gou9nors had brought longe since to good perfecc̃on In deed there was an intenc̃on to haue sett vp those workℯ vpon Condicc̃on the Com̃oditie might haue beene engrossed by thadventurers of South̴ton Hundred wch monopolie was vrged home wth pressinge argumentℯ by the faithfull Treas- urer ∥Sr Ed: Sandys∥ but was opposed to effecte, and ∥by wch∥ it is to ∥may∥ by obs̃ued that Sr Edwyn loues Monopolies better then the world thinckℯ he doth and ∥els would he not as it is thought∥ proiected secretly to his owne benefitt this of salt, and wiselie Contrived that other of Cole sole sale of Tobaccoe; but fatallie failed of both in soe much that neither the primitiue salt nor the derivative sallary prospered wth him: For the other Com̃odities that ∥they speake of wch∥ they say they haue sent other persons over to raise them: When they shall be at leasure to name them wee will giue them a directe answere thereto, in the meane tyme Wee passe over wth silence those nameles and to vs vnknowne Com̃odities wch vnles there were anie such indeed wee wish noe menc̃on had beene made of them in print wch hath given an occasion both to them in Virginia and to those here that knowe they are but meere fancies to suspecte the integritie and realitie of or proceedingℯ in theis businesses.

[16] ∥8 Branch∥ The lawe which stints men

∥Answ.∥ from plantinge aboue 100 Weight of Tobaccoe was passed wth great difficultie in the Quarter Courte here as p̢iudiciall to the Adventurer and was p̢sently Confirmed by the Planter whoe knowes nowe his vnder- taker in England can demand of him but 50li of Tobaccoe for his whole yeares labor soe that his Tenancye at halues is turned to a Certyne rent But if the Planter that is a Teñnt shall punctuallie obs̃ue this lawe then he hath to cloath himselfe and to buy Workinge tooles [sic] about 46li ∥pound weighte∥ of Tobaccoe for the other 4li ∥pound∥ is defalked for duties belonginge to his officer and minister and Tobaccoe beinge decried to 12d the pownd in Virginia (as Mr Nicholas Ferrar affirned at the Councell board it was) then the Planter hath 46s of money for his Tobaccoe and the Marchant wth whome he is to trade raiseinge the prize of his goodℯ at pleasure sometymes to the double sometymes to a 3d and never lesse then to a 4th more then they Cost here in England the Planter hath by this Account about 34s worth in Com̃odities when he is best dealt wthall for his whole yeares labor and soe instead of reclayminge the Colonie from excessive plantinge of Tobaccoe the poore planter must either starve or be forced to plant it in greater quantities for his necessarye maynteñnce And as for the settinge soe manie staple & rich Com̃odities on foote at one instant ∥wch they speak of∥ it was a worke of an ill Consequence for thereby nothinge is done in anie one of them but all is vanished into smoke (that is to say into Tobaccoe) whereof alsoe they haue noe great store, for this yeare they haue not sent home soe much as the little poore Plantac̃on of the Sum̃er Islandℯ hath done wch is brought to the perfecc̃on that it is come vnto by the labors and Charge only of a fewe priuate men.

∥qr∥

The pretended competent val valuac̃on set vpon Com̃odities was a Worke meerely vnnecessary: for the Marchant knowes what to giue and the Planter loues his libertye, and esteemes this set price a bondage, it made him alsoe despaire to thincke of those businesses because the rates were sett soe lowe; It alsoe brought a scandall vpon the Companie as hath beene said before to sett out in print fancies and imaginac̃ons in stead of reall truth.

[17] ∥9. branch∥ The officers in Virginia are applauded

∥Ansr.∥ for their obedience in executeinge the direcc̃ons and Desires of the Company here: Wee wish that men had beene imployed in that service to whose advice and Councells the Companie here might rather haue hark- ened and received light and informac̃on for theire p̳ceedingℯ ∥from thence∥ Then might it haue beene hoped that wee should neither haue spent soe much money and paynes to soe little purpose, and most especiallie that Wee should not haue lost the liues of soe manie of or deare Countrye Men, a thinge that lies most heavie vppon vs: for wee knowe that he that sendℯ a shipp to sea in an vnseasonable tyme, or wth an vnskilfull Pilott and he that Com̃ittℯ the leadinge of soldiers to an vnfitt §&§ experienced Capteyne is reputed Com̃onlie the Cause of theire destrucc̃on if such a disaster doe befall them: And therefore Wee desire that or Com̃endac̃on of those officers ∥and that govermt∥ vnder whome the destrucc̃on of soe manie men hath happened may be spared vntill vpon due examinac̃on they shall appeare to haue des̃ued noe blame therein.

∥10 branch∥ ∥Answ.∥

∥10. It is not remembred that there haue ben any lawes giuen to the people in the Colony from hence during these last 4 yeares, but it is desired if they have made any such for the well gouerning of the Colony they may be produced. We confess there were some lawes made by the Planters themselues, if they have made any such in their generall assembly, but were neu9 that we know confirmed here so that they remayne not in force but by coñiuence only and so may serue to ensnare a Gouernor who shall not concurr wth their Humor that manage businesses here and what content or settlement this can giue to the Company Colony we know not in the meane tyme we are sure we heare much complaint of wrongℯ and oppressions amongst them And whereas they say that∥ To remoue extortion and to allure worthy p̱sons, they haue sett out Competent mayntẽance for officers and Wee haue Cause to Conceive the sicknes is not Cured but the Charge increased and become insupportable to the Companie. Wee are sure the benefitt is shared by brothers, Cozens, and assured freindℯ there to those whoe by that and other meanes sway all the businesses of the Plantac̃on both there and here; Wee say alsoe that parte of this Charge was vnseasonablie layd when the Companies stocke was vtterly exhausted whereby or bound bountie may be applauded but or discrec̃on will be shrewdly questioned; And whereas they say that theis offices were stated wth pencions at the Councells and Companies great Charge, It had beene as wee Conceive more truely and gratefully said that it was done wth the Monies raised by Lotteries wch was a Worke and effecte of grace in his most excellent Matie soe that the Charge in deed issued not from the Councell and Companie as here is alledged ∥intimated∥ but out of the purses of the subiecte in gen9all.

[18] ∥11 branch∥ Theire cares haue not bene

∥Answ9∥ vneffectuall wee Confesse for the Colony is nowe oppressed wth famyn and sicknes wthin and engaged in a Warre wth the Natives wthout, And whereas the savages were formerlie brought to good Corespondencie ∥& or∥ made tributarie to vs, they nowe dare maynteyne an open Warre wth or people and beinge armed wth or Weapons and havinge learned the vse of Muskett ∥or guns∥ can brave them ∥or men C countrymen∥ at theire verie doores: and in theis necessities what but vtter shippwracke can be expected when at the helme of this Wetherbeaten shipp ∥vessell∥ there sittℯ scarce one able and experienced Councellor to guide her but all of them gen9allie either newe Com̃ers or men of Contemplac̃on and dis- course ∥&∥ not of action or experience in gou9nmt.

But you ∥they∥ say that at home you ∥they∥ haue raised soe great a fame of Virginia that many p̱sons of good sorte haue remoued themselues thither.

Wee Confesse that the fame they haue raised of Virginia hath sent manie other over of good qualitie that trusted to their rumors of plentye and aboundance wth small or noe p̳visions whoe either haue all perished or haue suffred horrible extreamities for theire Credulitye and this mis- cheife would haue swallowed vp the liues of many more men but that there haue alwayes some risen vpp in the Companie whoe haue opposed theis miserable pollicies wch being vsed vnder a specious p̢tence of ad- vanceinge the Plantac̃on haue produced the miserable effectℯ that nowe though too late Wee may be all sensible of, that haue anie Christian Compassion lefte ∥in vs∥: But as the miseries wch manie haue Mett Wthall in Virginia hath ∥haue∥ sent back some of good quallitie (that ∥who∥ haue outlived them) home into England, soe wee feare more will shortly followe But were the former tymes in this inferior to theis later as theis men would imply If it be soe for tryall of the truth thereof wch must appeare by p̱ticulers, Wee desire ∥amongst others whose∥ they would match theis men whose names they shall finde in the m9gent whoe adven- tured their p̱sons into Virginia dureinge the old gou9nmt And then it will appeare whether in this point alsoe as in all others the Plantac̃on goeth not backward.

[19] ∥12 Branch∥ There haue beene 44 Patentℯ

∥Answ.∥ graunted wthin theis 4 yeares and many more Wee Confesse but aboute 28 of them ∥(as we compute)∥ were either graunted to such persons as had begunne theire Plantac̃ons before theis 4 yeares or to men that haue done nothing wth them but only purchased theire freedomes thereby and perhapps a Councellors place either here, or there or by it haue made theire farest introducc̃on to an office in Virginia or p̢sently made demand of one But whereas they say that theis persons to whome theis 44 Patentℯ are graunted haue haue vndertaken each of them to transporte one hundred men at the least It is desired they would set downe what securitie the Companie hath that this shall be p̱formed ∥and in what tyme∥ and why those that haue not p̱formed accordinge to theire vndertakinge are not pressed therein. The last Clause of this branch wch ∥sayes∥ positively that in the former 12 yeares there were not aboue twoe Patentℯ graunted seemes too peremptorye that in theis former 12 yeares Wee finde that theis 4. ∥double that number∥ vizt one to Sr Samuell Argall, one to Martyns Hundred, one to Capteyne Martyn and one to Capteyne Lawne whoe all proceeded effectually to plant the land graunted vnto them effectually accordinge to the purpose of theire Patentℯ Soe that what good hath beene effected by this Course of grauntinge Patentℯ had itℯ vse and grownd ∥rise and ground∥ from the old Gou9nmt, though wee Confesse it was not soe lavish in Parchmt as theis later tymes haue beene, the good fruitℯ whereof wee would most gladdly knowe.

∥quere∥

∥branch 13.∥ Wee doe ∥not∥ finde that the tenne

∥Answ.∥ tymes more new Adventurers ∥who∥ haue come in wthin theis foure yeares haue brought in to the publique Treasury 200li and they can hardly shewe that the hundred they speak of whoe meete at their quarter Cortℯ haue at any tyme vnderwritten f[our]e 300li to releive the Collonies Wth Corne Apparrell and munic̃on in this tyme of extreamitye, when ∥whereas∥ diu9s single p̱sons dureinge the old gou9nmt haue voluntarie ∥ly∥ lent for supplie of the p̢sent wantℯ double the same ∥as great a∥ Sum̃e But this wch they glory in of the Multitude of Adventurers wherewth theire Courtℯ are filled may ∥p̱haps be∥ more truely be Complayned of as a [20] greivance and a thinge we Worthie the enquireinge into And then it will be seene Whether that Course be for the helpe and Advancemt of the Plantac̃on or Whether they be not invited to make that apparance for other sinister endℯ as either to make sure some elecc̃on of officers assured friend to the p̢sent Carriage ∥Managers∥ of ∥these∥ businesses or to be spectators of some arraignemt, or to be hearers of some bitter Invectiues and scandalous asperc̃ons to the end they may be sure to haue them spread over Towne and Countrye or to Confirme some sweete busines such as the Sallary was or at least to countenance and grace theire proceedingℯ wch is the more probable because that sometymes when only the directe businesses of the Plantac̃on are to be handled there haue Wanted a Competent nomber of Councellors to keepe an ordinary Courte even since theis glorious tymes that haue beene soe plentifull in bringinge forth Adventurers And those Courses wch haue beene practised thus to encrease the nomber and by pluralitie of voice to sway busines accordinge to theire owne affecc̃ons hath made most of the old reall Adventurers vtterly to desist and give ouer the Worke Soe that of this multitude of Adventurers wch they bragge of Virginia may most truelie though wth greife say Inopem me Copia fecit.

qre who

∥14. Branch∥ The imploymt of 42 sale of shipps

∥Answ.∥ in 4 yeares is in it selfe a good busines but the grownd of theire imploymt was in great parte holpen by the Discoveri§y§e of the fishinge in newe England found out dureinge Sr Tho: Smiths gou9nmt at the Charge of the Company by Sr Samuell Argall, Capteyne John Smith and others: As for those that ∥so many∥ of the 42 shipps that ∥as∥ haue beene imployed only in transporte of multitudes of people to Virginia it will wee thincke be sufficiently Conceived by what hath formerly beene said that theire labors might haue beene better spared then vsed for then had Wee saved not only many Mens liues but the Colony had beene likewise better furnished wth victualls and provision: much whereof the Maryners of those shipps lingeringe there for a poore fraight of Tobaccoe haue beene a meanes to waste and Consume even in this tyme of dearth and scarcitie wch nowe raignes amounge them.

* * * * * * * * * 1

Pp. 21–22 missing.

[23] erectinge of one Forte In the Meane tyme Wee Wish they could giue a good Accompt of vpholding them that Were made in Sr Tho: Smiths tyme Wch Wee feare are all or the most of them ruyned, soe provident and carefull haue they beene both in the name of sendinge of his Mate subiectℯ to Virginia as hath beene aforesaid, and of theire safetye when they come thither.

∥And∥ Thus haue Wee playnely and fully as Wee hope made answere to the seu9all branches of theire declarac̃on by wch in some sorte may appeare the Different Carriage and successe of that Plantac̃on vnder the first gou9nmt thereof by the space of the first 12. yeares and vnder the later gou9nmt dureinge theis last 4. yeares In breife (passinge over the Workℯ wch were effected dureing the first gou9nmt the p̱ticulers whereof for proofe of/what hath beene said here in gen9all shall hereafter be more fully declared) Wee conceive and (though wth greife) wee ∥must∥ speake it, because in Conscience and Dutye vpon this occasion wee hold orselues bound therevnto ∥so to doe∥ That for aught appeares to vs the true estate of the Plantac̃on and the fruite [of] 2

Torn away.

Lastly for supply of theis defectℯ not only the publiq̢ stocke who[ll]y 1

Torn away.

A note of some thinges fit to bee inquired into by the Comrs. for the better discouerie of the true estate and Condition of the Plantations, and of the proceedeinges and cariage of that buisinesse.

And first for that of Virginia.

This Inquirie is to respect two severall times, viz̃t the time when the affaires of those Plantac̃ons were chiefelye directed by Sr Tho: Smith (wch was about the space of ten or twelve yeares) and the tyme since hee gave over the said Government to this p̢sent.

Concerning the first, for a more distinct proceeding in this Examynac̃on, theis things amongst manie others may bee inquired into.

1.

• When the first Pattent beganne, how by degrees that Plantac̃on was prosequuted, by what rules those affaires are, and haue binne governed, and whether the same shalbee thought fit to bee continewd, or altered to a better.

2

• What moneyes were received in the severall yeares of Sr Thomas Smithes Government, to whom they were paid, who kept the Accompt of them, howe the said moneyes were severallie brought in, vizt. what by Lotteries, what by other Collections, and what by voluntarie Adventures, and how those moneyes haue bynne accompted for, and what discharges thereupon given.

3

• What ships, men, Cattle, munic̃on, and furniture were set forth in the said severall yeares.

4

• What publique Workℯ were effected dureing this Government, viz̃t what houses or Townes built, what bridges, what fortℯ, what Churches &c. what Nomber of English persons were resideing in Virginia, when Sr Tho: Smith left the Government, and whether the said Persons were sent, and the said buildingℯ and publique workes performed by private Adventures, or vpon the publique stocke and for the benifit of the publique,

5

• What were the vsuall prices of Corne and Provisions in the Collonye dureing the time of Sr Thomas Smithes Government, how were they sup- plied of victuall &c from hence, whether vpon the publique stocke, or by private Adventurers that made Comoditie, and advantage of what they sent thither.

6.

• What magazines were set vp in Sr Thomas Smithes time, and by whom, what were the vsuall prizes at wch the said magazines bought and sold, by whom were the said magazines cheifelie mannaged, and what gaine or losse came to the Adventurers thereby.

7

• What staple Comodities were raised and what attempted dureing the time aforesaid.

[2] 8

• Whether was there anie open and notable differences and dissentions, among the Companie here, dureing the time aforesaid, if anie how did they growe, and how were they compounded, or was there a generall Concord, and agreement amongst them, and in what Tearmes stood the Collonies there at at that tyme in regard of peace, or enmitie with the Savages.

9

• Howe came the lotteries first to be invented, and by whom, when did they beginne, who directed that buisines, and who were imployed as Agentℯ in it, what fraudℯ or abuses were comitted in the cariage of them, howe were the said lotteries furnished, and by whom, whether vpon the publique stocke, or by private men, and who were they that did s helpe to supplie it it with prizes, or Comodities of their owne prop̱ goodℯ, money, plate, or Jewells &c. what were the particulers that were so put in, and vpon what Tearmes, and what gaine or losse came to such private Persons, in lieu of the said Comodities.

What were the valewe of all the prizes in the said lotteries, were the prizes that were drawne dulie paid, what was the totall Sum of money collected by the lotteryes, and in what places were the said moneyes collected, what course was held for secureing a true Accompt to bee given, of all the said moneyes, what Charges for dyet, horsemeat, and travaileing expences were demanded, by those that mannaged that buisines, and what for those Charges was allowed, and by whom was the said allowance of ordinarie Charges made, what rewardℯ were given to anie Person or Persons whatso- ever out of the said lotteries, and by whom, and in what respect, what Accompt was made of the moneyes, &c thus Collected, and by whom, who tooke th'accompt, to whom were the said moneyes paid, and what discharges haue binne given for it.

How long did the said lotteries Continew, did they for a time cease, how came they to cease, and how, when, and by whom were they againe set vp, and how came it to passe that at last they were quite taken away.

[3] The like Course of Examynac̃on to bee held for the 4 yeares since Sr Thomas Smith mutatis mutandis. With a particuler direction, exactlie to distinguish the men, munic̃on, Cattle and other supplies sent by private Pattentees, and such as were sent vpon the publique stocke. (for it is to bee observed and remembred, that divers have taken Pattentℯ and planted at their owne Charge, wch is no part of the publique.) As also to Inquire throughlie what Commoditie hath ben produced dureing the said last yeares in lieu of the great expence of this§e§ publique Treasure, raised by lotteries, collections, voluntarie Contribuc̃ons &c. who hath had the benifit hereof if anie hath ben made, what new offices haue bin in this time invented, who are the principal Officers, what allowance is made vnto them, and by whom, and what Charge haue they put the Companie to

That the Comrℯ inquire carefullie vpon what groundℯ good and warrant- able groundℯ the Companie adventured to send such multitudes of people theis 4 last yeares, whether the sending of so manie people hath not vndis- creetelie wasted the whole publique stocke, and bin a meanes to cast away the lyves of so manie of his matℯ Subiectℯ, therefore to know what Intelligence they kept with the cheife of the Collony there, to vnderstand whether they were able to lodge, and feed so great a number as were from time to time transported thither. That the Comrs cause that vpon oath they produce all their ɫres to that purpose p̱swadeing or diswadeing the sending of so manie p̱sons, and vpon oath to inquire whether at one and the same time from some one or the same p̱son, or by some other of good Credit, there were not private ɫres written to some cheife men of the Companie, concerning the true estate of the Collonies, contrarie to those that were read in publique, whereby the Courtℯ were deluded and drawne to Consent to the vast Proposic̃ons of some, who it is to bee feared ayme 1

The draft (Manchester Papers 331) has "ayming" altered by Sir Nathaniel Rich from "ayme."

[4] To bee verie carefull to examyne the magazines of theis last 4 yeares and the prices thereof, here, and in Virginia and who made the benifit of them.

To Inquire into the Causes of the last massacre. And what indeed is the true Condition, and estate of the Plantac̃ons at this present, what publique stocke remaynes, and vpon what groundℯ the Plantac̃on is like to subsist, and growe, and of all Incidentℯ whatsoever concerning all, or anie the Premises.

[Indorsed, in the copyist's hand:] Notes of some speciall Instructions to bee given to the Commissioners for the Plantacons in Virginia.

If the Companies be bound to bring in all their Tobacco although the payment of 12d the pound be reduced vnto 9d the pound, yet the clogg is greater then the ease: in reguard that the Plantations haue neuer vented aboue Third of their Tobacco in this Kingdome when the quantities returned from the Plantations was not halfe of what is now certaine to be, but to speake with the largest, allowe that there shalbe half of it vented, then the case will stand thus,

∥it was a merue- yle that when Tobacco was freely brought in from other places that prevented any at all of ours∥

∥first, they doe not make so much∥

Now by this meanes they rayse by bringing in all 11250li wch is 3750li more then they should haue otherwise had, & soe much losse it wilbe to ye Companies yearly in this one thing and that indeed howsoeuer it seemes that they doe abate 3d in the pound, yet indeed they make the Owner pay 6d a pound more, and so I must conclude, that every pound standℯ in 18d So that it appeareth playnly that the condic̃on onely of being forced to bring all in from the Plantations doth putt ye Companies in a farre worse case then they were before although there be 3d in a pound abated to ye intent they should agree therevnto.

[Indorsed, in the hand of Sir Nathaniel Rich, in which the marginal notes are also written:] Mr Nicholas Ferrar his Computation by which he would prooue that to pay but 9d p̱ po. for or Tobacco, and to bring all in is worse for the Companye then before to pay 12d and to be left at libertye what we would bring in—in wch he speakes not one word of the benefitt of sole Importation that accompanyes the 9d whereas before we payed 12d and all other Tobacco came in.

[A note in shorthand.]

The Names of diuers Knights Cittizens and Burgesses of the Lower House of Commons that are Adventurers and free of the Virginia Company and yett haue not had any parte nor followde the buissiness for sundry yeares.

[Indorsed by Sir Nathaniel Rich:] The names of such as are of the Com̃ons house free of the Virginia Company by Mr Farror.

§Thus appeares theire miserye now§ that the people §now there§ remayning in the Colony in Virginia §are few are few§ we gather, it thus.

The Catalogue of the peoples names wch was dulye duelye §in the Colony is appointed to bee sent ouer euery yeare to the Company here§ sent ou9 euery §of these last§ yeare §s§ heretofore, and for wch there is &

1

• The Catalogue of all the peoples names residing in the Colony is appointed by order from hence to be sent ouer d euery yeare, that so the Company here may discerne of the strength of the Colony. This is either omitted this yeare or concealed from vs. And no reason can be §is§ alleadged, for the omittal of it but on the contrarye it was easier this yeare to haue taken euery mans name in the Colony, because they were by reason of the Massacre they were driuen from their s seuerall Plantac̃ons and forced to inhabitt neare together

2ly

• By the last Muster Rowle of the people there taken §the last Sum̄er§ much about the tyme of the Massacre there were in all of men women & Children §in Virginia§ but 1240: and except only the people remayning at Warasquiack wch were but 3 households. Since wch tyme their letters make menc̃on of 5 or 600 that haue p̱ished wth sicknes and famine. And many after that tyme perished by the handℯ of th'Indians.

And here we doe obserue that when this Muster Roule of the yeare 1622 was taken it appeareth §by the printed bookes of the Companye§ that t in the 3 yeares before vzt 1619. 1620. 1621: there had ben 3570 people trans- ported: And there was not less then 800 at least left in the Colony when Sr Thomas Smith left the Gouermt: wch makes 4370 p̱sons. So that it is playne by those Muster Roules that §euen§ in those 3 yeares before the Massacre there were lost aboue three thowsand soules §wch needℯ proceed from much negligence & want of good gou9nt:§ besidℯ those that haue p̱ished by t since by th'Indians and by sicknes: And so consequently that the people remayning in the Colony are but few. wch likewise appeares by some of their ɫres.

3: Mr George Sandys in his ɫre to Mr Wrott hath these wordℯ The lyuing haue ben hardlie able to bury the dead thorough their Imbecillitie We haue lost not less then 500 by sicknes (wth a generall weakenes of the rest) wch taken out of so small a nomber forth §farr§ short of yor Coniec- tures I belieue haue not left behind them so many able men in the Contrey: And more expressly he saieth that out of the whole Colony the we could rayse but 180 whereof 80 were fitt only to carry burthens.

Againe the Gouernor Sr Francis Wyatt 4 Aprill last writes to [sic] §in§ his father sayeth thus: They (meaninge the Company here) talke [2] of an Armye of 500 to issue out vpon th' Indians in all parts and after a Ruñing Armye of 150 to vex them in all places This ioyned wth the 5th man te keepe for the ffort would leaue some xx men to guard 40 Plantac̃ons halfe a man to each, counting any that were tolerable shott for a man. I know what I say and to whom I speak it.

Againe we find besidℯ diuerse passages in their ɫres from thence by wch we may discerne the paucitie of the people we find that one Will͠m Capps beeing generallie approued as a fitt man to be imployed against th'Indians he demanding but 40 30 small shott and 10 men to secure the Boates was as it seemes putt of wth §by§ this Reason giuen in their Counsell there. That if theis men should be slayne then their whole state were ouerthrowne. By all wch we conceaue that in truth their nombers are very small and weake: And in great danger either to be vtterlie ruyned either by th Enemy or by ffamine or both.

The §generall§ causes of this misery for ought appeares to vs seemes to be theis may amongst diuerse others saue be theis

1
• §Ffirst & principally§ The sending of so many people b ill furnished before the Contrey was fitt to receaue them both either for lodging or Prouisions: a thing wch to vs seemes vnexcusable.
2
• Ffor b By stuffing of their Shipps in their passages wth too great a nomber, for the lucre & gayne it seemes of the owners of the Shipps.
3
• Ffor want of able Com̃anders and directors in the Contrey, so that
4
• By tying the
4
• By tying the Col Com̃anders there too strictlie to obserue the direcc̃ons of the Companie here; who (as is conceaued) could not possiblie

These may be gathered, not only. And these [sic.]

All wch (besidℯ some p̱sonall taxations vpon p̱ticular p̱sons may be collected f euen out of their owne ɫres lately receaued from thence Vzt.

Mr George Sandys: to Mr Wrott 28 March last] So many come ou9 wthout any prouision, and those yor sett out yor selues (meaning the Com- pany) so furnished to halues (a mayne cause of their deathes) that they make a dearth of a plentifull Haruest.

Mr Niccolls to Sr Jo. Worselnham 2 Ap: last] 1

For fuller abstracts, see Manchester Papers, No. 338, List of Records, No. 523. See post, No. CCCLXXII. Wording here varies slightly only. Dots represent words omitted to avoid duplication of CCCLXXII.

It may appeare to be want of comfortt & no way the ill disposic̃on of the Clymate or ayre of the Contrey that men dye so fast. Those that incourage men to come ou9 by vayne hopes of plenty are the cheife causers of their death:

§The Lady Wyatt to her sister Sandys: 4 Ap. 1623.]

Few in the Shipp that I came in are left aliue. They tould me they sent the Shipp less pesterd for me but I had not so much as myne owne Cabbin free to myselfe: Our Capt seemed to be troubled at it and layed all the fault on the two Mr Farrars: And he to make the people amendℯ dyed himselfe.§

For stuffing yt ship see my Lady Wyatt's ɫre

Richard Norwood Ap. 8.] It was the first of Aprill before we came to Virginia and were halfe starued for want of victualls by the way &c.

Wyll͠m Capps to Mr Jo: Farrar: 31 M9ch last.] saieth it must need writes large instructions §saieth§ I haue here taken some paynes for yor Instruction ... dyed this wynter & a little before.

The first cause hereof is * * * care had by you. 2ly the dogged vsage ... instead of Beare. Next for Sir Wm Newce Mum 4 Lastly want of guesthouses. Now if the Company will send me ... the building of a sconce for defence &c. 1

As in Manchester Papers, No. 322, List of Records, No. 432. See ante, No. CCCV.

Mr George Sandys to Sr. Samuel Sandys 30 M9ch last.] How well wee began to build ... [4] ... The Massacre beeing seconded wth a generall sicknes &c and had I not had a share in a Shipp both I and myne had famished. 2

As in Manchester Papers, No. 320, List of Records, No. 429. See ante, No. CCCIV.

Mr George Sandys to Mr Farrar, xj Ap. last.] One thing I haue forgott to informe you of: We haue a very weake Counsell. ... how we can be supplyed in this Contrey. 3

As in Manchester Papers, No. 326, List of Records, No. 461. See ante, CCCXXIII.

[5] And to the same purpose§ Wm Capps to Mr Jo: Ffarrar 31 M9ch last.] I tould you sayes I tould you of entertayning new ... euen this brought all to naught. 4

As in Manchester Papers, No. 322, List of Records, No. 432. See ante, No. CCCV.

And thus it appeareth euen by their owne letters: 1 That those §the§ people now remayning in the Colony are but few: 2ly That they are most weake and miserable §beeing§ in danger to be ruyned §both§ by famine and by the handℯ of th' Indians. And thirdlie That this misery is befallen them p̱tlie through want of good gou9ment and direcc̃ons both here and there.

[Indorsed:] An Abstract of the ɫres from Virginia all but Frethornes wch must be added out of the Coppy at large.

A Copie of the letter to the Governor and Counsell of Virginia by the Bony Bess

After or very hartie Comendac̃ons: Wee haue receaved yor letters sent by the Trueloue and James, whereby we vndrstand through Gods assistance you haue made a good begining to that iust revenge wch you owe the Authors of that bloody Massacre: wch we desire you very earnestly wth all diligence and care to prosecute, according to the advise and instrucc̃ons we haue formerly given you and that course you haue already begun, vntill you haue so fully accomplished it as yor security from all danger in that kind may be fully wrought.

May 2, 1623

We cannot but be much grieved at the Sicknes and mortality that hath hapned since the Massacre, wherein although we do acknowledge the hand of God in chastizing of ors and yor Sines, yet since both now and formerly it hath as from the naturall causes proceeded in great part through distempers and disorders in dyet and lodginge; we most especially recomend vnto yor care the p̢venting and remedieing of those inconveniences, accordinge to those good and provident courses wch we haue so often advised and directed you vnto: and in p̱ticuler we cannot but require, wch we haue so often heretofore vrged the building of Guest-houses in each Citty and Borough for the enterteinmt of new comers, whereof yor letters of the last yeare gaue such hope and assurance, in regard of the great retribution of 1500l wch you signified was to be gathred amongst you, as we verily expected the p̱formance thereof ere this time; but as we do con- ceiue and in part excuse the delay thereof through that great misfortune that befell you, so we now cannot but require so much more dilligence and care for the speedy p̱formance thereof. And in the meane while we very earnestly recomend vnto you, the people that come now over in this Shipp that yor cares & favours begin wth the first enterteining of them at theire arivall, and extend to the accomodating and settlinge them respec- tiuely, so as may be to their healthes and security according as in or letters by the James and Trueloue we gaue you advise.

The carefull and dilligent prosecuc̃on of Staple Comodities wch we promist; we aboue all thingℯ pray you to p̱forme, so as we may haue speedily the reall proof and testimonies of yor cares and endeavors therein: especially in that of Iron, of Vines, and Silke the neglect and delay whereof so long; as it is of much shame and dishonor to the Plantation so it is to vs here cause of infinit grief and discontent, especially in regard of his Matℯ iust resentment therein, that his Royall expectac̃on after so long and patient forbearance is not yet sattisfied, whereby although we might deservedly feare a diminution of his Royall grace and loue to the Plantation, wch after so long a time and so long a supplie by his Matℯ favor haue brought forth no better fruit then Tobacco, yett by the goodnes of God inclyning his princely heart, we haue received not only from the Lordℯ of his Privy Counsell but from his Royall mouth, such assurance, not only of his tender loue and care, but also of his Royall intentions for the advancement of the Plantation; that we canot but exeedingly reioyce therein, and p̱swade you wth much more Comfort and encouragement to go on in the buildinge vpp of this Royall worke wth all sincerity and dilligence, and that wth that p̱fect loue and vnion amongst yor selues as may really demonstrate that yor intentions are all one the advancement of Gods glorie, and the service of his Royall Matie p̱ticularities of his Matℯ gratious intentions for the future good, you may in p̱te vndrstand them by the courses appointed by the Lordℯ, whereof we here inclosed send you the Orders: And we are fur- ther to signifie vnto you, that the Lordℯ of his Matℯ Privy Counsell, have- ing by his Matℯ order taken into theire considerations the contract made last Sommer by the Company haue dissolued the same; and signified that his Matie out of his gratious and Royall intenc̃on and Princely favor to the Plantation, hath resolued to graunt a sole Importation of Tobacco to the two Plantac̃ons, wth an exeption only of 40000 weight of ye best Spanish Tobacco to be yearely brought in: And it hath also pleased his Matie in favor of the Plantac̃on to reduce ye Custom and imposic̃on of tobacco to 9d p̱ 1: And last of all we are to signifie vnto you that their Lops haue or- dered that all the Tobacco shalbe brought in from both the Plantations; as by theire Lops order, whereof we send you a Copy, you may p̱ceaue.

Yor very Loving frendℯ Lo: Cauendish Lo: Pagett. Sr Nath: Rich. mr Tho: Gibbs. Sr Edw: Sackvile. Sr Jo: Bourchier. Sr Edwin Sandys. Alderman Johnson. mr John fferrar. N. S. This Letter was often revised & angrily referred by the Lordℯ of the Priuy Council, before it was formed * * * tively & magnificently in his Majesty's Prai[se]. Will London ye 2th of May 1623
To or very Lo: frendℯ Sr Francis Wyatt knight Governor and Capt generall of Virginia and to the rest of the Counsell of State there these be d̴d

From the Isle of Waight this 4th of May 1623

Loveing mother my humble dutie vnto you remembred, desireing your dailie prayers to God for me. my last letter I hope you haue long since receiued, wherein I writt you of my intended voyage for Virginia, that hopefull, and happie soile: for wch voyage this day being the 4th of Maye and the Sabboth day wee haueing the wynd faire (that messenger of God) haue dispensed with the Saboth and hoised vp saile this daye and failed §sailed§ some part of our Journeye, But you may now please to vnderstand, that my honest Carefull, and loveing Maister John Hart my first, and onelie best maister, hath wrought for me better hopes then formerlie I writ you of for my preferment, wch is that by his liberall Comendac̃on of me, and earnest Intreatie for me, As also that good likeing wch that hope- full and religious Gentleman Mr Gabriell Barbor marchant of London, and a man of great Estate, hath entertayned of me, haueing had some Conference with him, Concerninge my partℯ and abilitye of performance in his hopefull Imploymentℯ, hath verie willinglie entertayned me, and taken me bound vnto him for some few yeares, to make me a ffreeman of London And hath set forwardℯ provideing me of all necessaryes for our intended voyage, wch is in a good ship named the Bonnie Besse, built at the Cowes in the Isle of Wight being a new §ship§ of fourescore and ten Tunnes, or there- about, full fraught with all kind of prouision for 2 yeares, as also with 45 brave gallant Gentlemen, and some of them their Wyues, and Children with them richlie set forwardℯ for to plant in Virginia. Amongst wch there is one Mr Robert Constable brother vnto young Mrs Place of Dinsdaile a verie honest, loueing and kind Gentlema[n] and one that hath behaued himselfe here so Ciuillie and [2] vpon all occasions so soberlie as that it hath much rejoiced me: seeing sometymes the disordered Cariage of the rest and there too lavish Expences. who hath him Comended to my Brother and also to my kind cozen Robert Ward vnto whom wee did often drinke and remember and often wish his Company if his ffather and mother might like of it vnto whom I pray you also Commend me, vnto his ffather and mother and vnto that true Trojane my beloued Schoolefellowe and brother in affection John Ward whom I did not see before my departure to whom I wish the Accomplishmen of all good fortunes: and by the way I cannot but remember his Care I meane Mr Robert Constable vnto his brother Mr Philip whom he hath striuen to humor and giue Content vnto as if he had beene a Child, yet did such a Conceit take him in the head as that he would not go to Virginia nor would hee or rather Could not giue anie reason Wherefore wch caused Mr Robert to sell some part of his prouision to furnish him with moneye, yet am I glad that I haue occasion to showe my thankfulnes and due respect if not vnto the worll͠ Mr Place and Mrs Place yet vnto their Kinsman whom he shall find vpon all occasions readie to pleasure him to my power wch is as much as anie mans in the Ship excepting the Mr of the ship who hath the first Com̄and. But now to retourne §vn§to a relac̃on of what wee intend, it wilbe tedious. yet thus much in short. Wee are first to land our Passengers and their goods in Virginia wch done wee are to proceed vpon the discou9ie of that famous river named Hudsons riu9, first found out by him, yet neu9 was he further then in the mouth thereof, wher hath beene had rich Trade for Beaver skins, pearles, and dyamondℯ and manie other rich Comodityes, And indeed wch river by the probable Conjecture of manie and learned Navigators is the verie passage Called the Northwest [3] Passage so often sought after by the Northerne Seas. yet never found, wch Wee are by Comission f§r§om the Lord of Southampton Governour of the Companie and other the Learned Councell, and diuers great lordℯ to dicou9 the verie topp and head of that River, and if wee there find anie straungers as Hollanders or other wch is thought this yeare doe Adventure there, we are to giue them fight, and spoile, and sincke them downe into the Sea, wch to doe, Wee are well prouided with a lustie ship stout seamen, and great Ordnance I pray God prosper vs therein, and I hope we shall returne with rich la loade- inge, a famous discou9ie, and much Credit eu9ie day Way. wch our retourne wilbe I hope about 2 yeares hence, if not sooner, all wch shipmen and goodℯ are set forward at my Mr his proper Cost and Charges, Coun- tenanced by all the rest of the Companie of Virginia, and lordℯ and ffavour- ites of the same. Of all thinges Concerning Virginia you may fullie vnde[r]stand by a booke latelie set forth in 1622 the last Edition wch you may procure at Darlington, if not send to Yorke for yt. Thus with my dailie prayers to God for yor health and happines with my loue vnto all my Sisters but especiallie vnto my sister Jane whom I did not see theis manie yeares, and instead of me shee may behol[d] my true shadowe I [m]eane * * * Picture both of bodie face and apparrell. if shee bee not yet Come ou9 I pray you vse meanes to send for her, least her long stayinge being sy§i§cke burst her heart among those disdaynfull proud Peacocks. I pray you write me of all thinges at large inclose within a ɫre vnto my Cozen Tho: Robinson in the royall Exchange at the signe of the Angell dwelling wth one Mr Wadson and he may send them by a ship Called the Hopewell, wch must meete vs with prouision to supplie or Wants Thus once againe Comitting you to Godℯ protect̃on & my selfe to the vast ocean I rest

∥Mr Barbor∥

∥ the Bonny Bess of 90 Tun fraught for 2 years∥

∥45 gentlemen and some of them theyr wyues and children to plant in Virginia∥

∥ Th'intention of theyr voyage. ∥

∥Com̃ission∥

yor euer obedient sonne Anthonie Hilton. To his loueing mother Mrs Elizab: Hilton at Harworth. this dd̴. [Revised and indorsed by Sir Nathaniel Rich]: Anthony Hilton to his Mother from the Isle of Wight 4° May 1623 about Mr Barbors ship gooing to Hudsons bay wth Com̃ission to take the Hollanders

A Proclamation to bee carefull of ye Savadges treacherie.

By the Gouernor and Captaine generall of Virginia.

Whereas the coming of certaine Indianℯ lately to Martins Hundred hath given vs cause to suspect, that theire intent is only to spy and obserue the weaknes of or plantationℯ, that they may take the better advantage to effect any treachearous plott against vs. The Governor considering the manifold daungers, that may follow by the Indianℯ resorting to privat Plantacions, and treating wth them, out of his especiall care to p̢vent any mischeif that may hapne thereby, doth charge and com̃and, that no p̱son whatsoeu9, (but only the chiefe Comander of any Plantation) shall hold any conference wth any Indianℯ (if at any time they shall in peaceable maner resort vnto them, and desire a parley) wthout first givinge notice thereof to his Comander: And that no Comander of any plantac̃on shall in any wise giue them pledges, wherevppon if they shall stand out, to shoote or kill them by any meanes they can: but if they shall voluntarily com in and yeeld themselues vnto them, then to take and keepe them safely guarded, vntill they can giue notice thereof to the Governor, or send them vnto him. And further we require and Com̃and the Com̃ander of each Plantac̃on, that he see due watch and ward kept, and that he suffer none to go out to worke but wth theire Armes by them, and Centinellℯ armed to giue them warning, nor any to straggle for killing of Venison or other occac̃on, exept wth leaue, and in sufficient parties, and generally in all pointℯ to be uery carefull and watchfull to p̢vent theire treacheries, know- ing that (wth Godℯ asistance) they canot hurt vs, through theire strength but or owne carelesnes, being well assured that theire p̱fideous craft is much more dangerous then open violence. This we shall expect to see exactly p̱formed from the Com̃ander of each Plantac̃on, to whose direc̃tions we require obedience from all p̱sons residinge in the Plantac̃on, as he, and they will answer it at theire vttermost perillℯ. Giuen at James Cittie the 1623.

Francis Wyatt.

To the right Hoble͠ the Lords of his &c.

 The humble petition of sundry the adventurers & planters of the Virginea & Sommer Ilands Companies

 Showeth that whereas your Lordps vppon hearing the late complaintℯ & differences of the Virginea & Sommer Ilands Companies at this Hoble͠ Board out of yor singuler wisdome, and in tender consideration to settle peac in the said Companies fo the saftie and prosperitie of bothe the plantations, amongst other p̱ticulers, did geue order & spetiall charge that ech partie in our Cowrtℯ and meetingℯ, should demean them selues in loueing & dewe respect, wthout spleen or provocation, eyther by wordes or deeds one towards an other, vntill the Com̃issioners appointed by his Matie should examyn the cawses & determyn thos differences & conten- tions, as your petitioners did most humblie desire of his matie, according to wch yor Lorps Command, yor Supptℯ haue in all dutifull respect obeyed, but on the other side not so, of wch we hold it our duties in humble manner to certifie yor Loips.

 Sundrye meetingℯ we haue had of late, to wch both Companies after a newe confused manner haue ben summoned to appear together, against wch courtℯ and apparances, ther hath ben redy pennd (by some one mem- ber minding to nourishe strife) not matter of plantation, nor howe to proceed in that work, for wch we supposed our selues to be sum̃oned, but matter of vniust accusation and contention, drawne into longe & tedious, examinations, & declarations of charge and crime, somwhile against yor Supptℯ in generall & somwhile most bitterlie agaynst some in p̱ticuler & that of eminent sort & quallitie, all wch, so pennd haue ben openlie readd in Court on Weddensday the xxxth of Aprill last & secondly in an other courte. wth an addition of newe matter of like sort th on Wednesday the §7 of this instant maie§ in the reading & debating wherof the time was spent from 3 to 7 at clock in the eveninge, wch as yor Supptℯ suppose had ben more proper to haue ben prepared (& forborn) to his Maties Com̃is- sioners, wch then for that in this course §these thinges§ to be handled they tend to no other purpose saue onlie to make the greevances the greater & to settle such further discord & variancℯ in the minds of all, as will make it more difficult if not Impossible to be reconciled for remedy wherof §& that thes things & whatsoever ells they can aledg, may be referrd to ye Comers§ may it please yor Lorips that these papers so pennd & readd in Court, may be cawsed to be browght & presented to yor Lorips Hoble͠ vewe and consideration, by Mr Nicholas Farrar Deputie, the reader & publisher of the same, and that the Author & penner of all thes p̱ticulers wch by the phrase & stile to appeareth to be all one mans may be discovered, as one that mindeth rather still to mayntayn and make worse thes contentions & striffℯ then to settle peace & vnitie.

 [Addressed:] To the right woll͠ Sr Nathanyell Rich Knight

To the right honble the Lordℯ and others of his matℯ most honorable priuie Councell.

 The humble petition of sundrie the Adventurers and Planters of the Virginia and Summer Ilandℯ Companie:

 Sheweth that whereas yor Lops vpon heareing the late Complaintℯ and differences of the said Companies, out of your singuler wisedomes and Care for preservac̃on of Peace, and that the buisinesses of the Plantac̃ons might better proceed, did amongst other things most straightlie charge and Com̄and, that euerie man in the said Companies in our Courtℯ, and Comon meetinges should vtterlie forbeare to medle with anie matters of Controversie or difference, and that all matters of that nature should bee wholie referred to the heareing of the Comissioners, appointed by his matie for that purpose; and were pleased likewise to intymate that you would proceed to punish anie whosoeuer should violate yor order, and direction therein, as disturbers of the Comon peace, and Contemners of yor authoritie.

 Neverthelesse so it is may it please yor good Lops, that directlie contrarie (as is Conceived) to your expresse Command as aforesaid, euen some of the cheife Officers, and members of our Courtℯ, who were present when yor Lops gaue that Commaund, and haue diuers tymes beene put in mynd of it, and who should of all others haue binne most Carefull to haue seene the same perfourmed, haue by their propositions & bitter Invectives, pub- liquelie produced in writeing, and openlie read, most notoriouslie shewed their disobedience to your Lops order therein. And more especiallie at the Court holden on Wednesday last the 7th of the instant moneth, to wch both Companies after a new confused manner were summoned, there being an extraordinarie great Concourse (and manie straungers placed in a lattised Gallerie that lookes into the hall, where the Companies meete, to bee hearers and Spectators of what passed) amongst other proceedinges opposite to yor Lops said order, a large writeing of diuers sheetℯ of pap̱ full of most greevous Calumnies, and reproachfull accusac̃ons tending onelie to the defamac̃on of yor Petitioners in generall, and in particuler of the Earle of Warwicke, and diuers other Gentlemen, and Citizens of qualitie, was pro- duced and publiquelie read by Mr Nicholas ffarrar himselfe, being Deputie of the said Companie, And the said asp̱sions by the Lo: Cavendish (being Governour of the Summer Islandℯ Companie) allowed to bee all of them punctuallie true; Nowe in as much as some of yor Petitioners thus pub- liquelie traduced were absent, and so not able to answeare for themselues, and others notwithstanding this straunge kind of provocation, and not heard of but onelie in those Courtℯ, and notwithstanding their owne Innocencie, yet in obedience to your Lops Command, did forbeare all manner of offensiue Replie.

 It may therefore please your good Lops to take this extraordinary Case into your most noble and tender Considerac̃on, and to provide that some reparac̃on may bee made vnto yor Petitioners, in their reputacons (much dearer vnto them then their lyves) wch in this practise (although in high opposition to yor Lops Authorityes) is like the to suffer the rumour thereof being alreadie spread farre and neare, And the rather for that this Course tendℯ onelie to deprave, defame, and so to disable your Petitioners from doeing your matie seruice, in discouering the truth of some thinges before his matℯ Comrs, appointed to examine the proceedinges of those Plantac̃ons. And to th'end yor Lops may bee the better satisfied of the Justnes of yor Petitioners Complaint, they do humblie pray that you wilbee pleased, forth- with to Comaund the Lo: Cavendish Sr Edwyn Sandys, Mr John and Nicholas ffarrar, to appeare before your Lops, and to bring with them all and euerie of those writeinges, wch were openlie read the said last Court; that so yor Lops may take such further order therein, as to your wisedomes shall seeme meete, and Convenient.

 [Indorsed:] The petition touching my Lo: Candish &c about the Court held 7° Maii 1623

May 1623    Letters    Theobalds    To—

P. 40

* * * * * * * * *

8. Sr Edward Sackuile Concerninge a petic̃on wch hee was appointed to deliuer to his Matie on the behalf of the Virginia Companie; and acquaint- inge him wth his Matℯ pleasure therein.

Deliuered to Sr E. Sackuiles Page.

8. Mr Secretarie Caluert. To hasten the passing vnder the Seales, the Comission concerninge the Virginia companie: and the Commissioners doe likewise expedite the busines.

Sent by Mr Chesterman at midnight. 1

For Document No. CCCXLV A. Commission to Sir William Jones and others, May 9, 1623, see. p. 575, post.

A Proclamation for planting of Corne suficient.

[2d Proc.]

By the Governor and Captaine generall of Virginia

May 9, 1623

Forasmuch as this Colony hath been many times in danger of famine through the peoples great neglect of planting Corne, notwthstanding very strict decrees and Proclamations in former times Com̃anding the same: And that nothing can be more dishonorable to or nation, then to stand in need of suplies of or most necessarie food from these base Salvages nor more dangerous, then to haue or liues, and the life of the Colony it self, to depend vppon the vncertaine hope of trade wth them. Yet so measurable is the coveteousnes of of [sic] many in planting Tobacco, and so great theire improvidence, as to neglect the planting of Corne, to p̢serue the liues of them and theire families. The Governor therefore, wth the advice of the Counsell of State (out of theire care to p̢vent the danger that might heareafter befall this people and Commonwealth, by the neglect of planting Corne) haue ordered and appointed, and by these p̢sentℯ do straightly charge and Com̃and all p̱sons whatsoeu9, wch now do or hereafter shall inhabitt in this Colony, that they plant at least a sufficiencie of Corne for themselues and theire families, and that they do not hope or rely vppon any supply of Corne, by trade wth the Indians, wch wilbe in vaine, since leaue and license to trade wth them, shalbe very sparingly grannted to any, and not at all to such, whose want of Corne hath proceeded from theire neglect of planting thereof

These Com̃andℯ they require and charg all men to obey, as they will answer the contrary at theire vttermost perill. Given at James Citty, May the 9th 1623

Francis Wyatt

A Complaint from diuers the Aduenturers & Planters to his Maties Comis- sioners, of some Errours, abuses and Practizes, wch haue bene Contriued & comitted by Sr Edwin Sandys, John Farrer and Nicholas Farrer and theyr associates, in tyme of theise last 4 yeares Gouerment

1 Ffirst wee Charge Sr Edwin Sandys that he by Contriued wth practize, wth Gabriell Barker, he ab gott great som̃es of monney of the Companyes into his handℯ, and to avoyd beinge called to Accompt, did afterwardℯ Contriue, by seacret combynac̃ons and Convenc̃ons, to be Chozen Treãr of Virginia, Thereby to avoyd beinge Called to accompt, To wch ende he allsoe deuised that one Capt. John Bargraue a p̳fessed enemye to Sr Tho: Smyth should bringe in a Ballatinge Boxe thereby to hid[e] keep p̢serue vndiscouered those partyes he had p̢pared to giue vote vnto him, wch beinge §was§ purposely done to surplant Sr Tho: Smythe in his gouerment, And by theise indirect meanes, and for theise priuate respectℯ, he obte atteyned to be in the place of Treãr

§He§ Hauinge §h§ obteyned this place, att such tyme as by the blessinge of God, there was hope that the Action might proceede & p̳sper if itt were followed wth Care and industrie requisite for soe great §a§ busines as him- selfe Confessed in open Court, Yett notwthstandinge, the Action §planta- c̃on§ hath perished in handℯ bene allmost ruined in his handℯ and by followinge his instructions, and the Company by his and the two deputies meanes, hath §bene§ brought into great debtℯ wthout any apparant meanes, to discharge the same ffactions haue bene bredd and [and] nourished amongst vs, and all things aswell in §the§ Company and as §in the§ plantac̃on is growen to disorder and Confusion

∥Aprill 28th 1619 Pa: 3.∥

∥He found 3000li in stock besides the 1000li in his hands and much monney due to the Company wch since they haue receaued∥

[No. 348.] Disorders in the Company and Colony in the 4 last yeares

§4§ 1

• The transporting of great multitudes of people to Virg. wthout sufficien[t] of hou p̳vision §of victualls to feed them or§ of houses to enter- taine them at their ariuall and it is mortall for new comers to ly of the ground.

§5§ 2

• The shortness of provision for food wch the Company & priuate Aduenturrℯ haue sent wth their Tenants wch was onely a smal quantity of meal sufficient to feed them for 6 monethes for the most p̱t

§6§ 3

• The chaingeing of those p̳visions by the officers who gaue them Virginia corne instead thereof in exchainge, the beating whereof being exceeding painfull togeather wth the bareness & suddaine chainge of dyett (they haueing nothing but that and water) brought them into ffluxe.

§7§ 4

• The badness of the p̳visions for food especially the meale being so meane and base, that the officers in Virg. made great complaints of a good §great§ part thereof, wch was sent ouer in the Abigale about 2 years since, and the Comittee that p̳vided this meale was buyer & seller.

§8§ 5

• The pestring of ships wth such a multitude of passengers & store of goods in the heat of Sum̄er by wch means and the ea short allowance of food to the passengers they land half starued and bring wth them their owne deaths and infect others in the Country

§9§ 6

• In less then 3 yeares their dyed about 3600 §3000§ p̱sons in Virg. * for wch mortality noe other cause hath yet been shewed but the want of houses, pestring of ships, shortness & badness of food seing that about that number there by computac̃on of the lists sent hence, hither near so many

  §*were dead be- fore the massacre§

[2] 7.

• The excessiue prices the m9chaunts vends his tobacco §Comodityes§ at, for instance Corne this yeare, being was sould for 80ɫi of tobacco the qrter §for xijli the hogh̴d, and the planters being most of them Tenants at halues, and by order from hence not to plant but 100 wt of tobacco a man; he for twelue moneths bread payes abo 2 years labor, and for cloths and tooles, he hath not wherewth to furnish himself. 1

  Cf Manchester Papers, No. 347 ¶10, below.

8

• The seldome advice we haue from Virg for that from June till the end of March there is almost no exact notice giuen of the state of the Colony, and for want of frequent corospondencye wth between the Comp̃ and Colony disorders infinitly increase 2

  Cf Manchester Papers, No. 347, ¶11, below.

9

• The Exhausting of the publiq̢ stock by stateing of §officers§ places wth excessiue p̳porc̃on of tenants, whereby the Company is brought into great debt and they not at all pleased, for some desyer to liue vpon ffees & all desyer to haue their tenants chainged into penc̃ons 1

  Cf Manchester Papers, No. 347, ¶12, below.

10

• The many wilde & vast p̳jects set on foot all at one time, viz 3 Iron works, saw mills, planting of silkgrass, vines, mulbury trees potashes pitch tarr and salt &c all wch were enjoyned to be effected in the space of 2 years, by a handfull of men that were not able to build houses, plant corne to lodge & feed themseluess & so came to nothing 2

  Cf Manchester Papers, No. 347, ¶13, below.

[3] 11

• The large p̳porc̃on of 50 acres etc. 3

  Exactly as in Manchester Papers No. 347, ¶14, below, except for capitals.

§13

• The great bridge at James Cittie etc. 4

  To the same effect as Manchester Papers, No. 347, ¶16, below.

12

• By reason of these two p̳ceding courses etc. 5

  Exactly as in Manchester Papers, No. 347, ¶15, below.

§14§ 13

• The double & contradictory ɫres that come from thence hither, the publique ɫres speak for the most p̱t all good § & p̳miss aboundance of all things§the private ɫres craueing large supplyes so that it is conceiued the publi§ ɫres are written [4] by appoyntment ad faciendum populum wch haue p̳duced bitter effects for thereby many hath §haue§ ben allured to goe ouer very meanly provided wch increaseth the mizerye of the Plantac̃on, and this evidentlye app̱s by the contradiccon between the Publiq̢ ɫres and the priuate lately sent ou9 in the Abigal & now in the hands of yor honble͠ Comrs 6

  Compare Manchester Papers, No. 347, ¶18, below.

14

• The spreading falce rumours etc. 7

  To the same effect as Manchester Papers, No. 347, ¶19.

15

• The remoueing of the old planters etc. 8

  Id., ¶20.

16

• The improvidence in the Planter etc. 9

  Id., ¶21.

  The excessiue drinking wines and hot waters keeps downe the growth of the Plantac̃on for that in one [5] week they spend more in drink than they get in 6 moneths∥ ∥The great neglect∥ A strange improuidence∥ of the Company here in sending so few Cattle etc.∥ ∥ 1

  Id., ¶22.

§17§ 18

• The want of lawes whereby to be gou9ned etc. 2

  Id., ¶24.

∥ 18

• The want of experienced and skillfull officers∥ etc. 3

  Id., ¶23.

Disorders in the Company.

1

• The Lawes are set downe wth an affected brevitye etc. 4

  Id., ¶25.

2

• The vnlimited authority etc. 5

  Id., ¶27, with the same marginal note.

[6] 3

• Eluding, makeing, breaking etc. 6

  To the same effect as Manchester Papers, No. 347, ¶26.

4

• Bitter asperc̃ons vpon men that haue gou9ned etc. 7

  Id., ¶29.

5

• The concealing §& suppressing§ of a petic̃on etc. their dutie and oath thereby as much as in them lay deviding the King and the subject. 8

  Id., ¶31.

6

• p̱tiall and malitious setting downe of Courts etc. 9

  Id., ¶33.

7

• Packeing of Courts etc. 10

  Id., ¶34.

8

• Putting things to question in vndue times proroguing [7] the Court etc. 11

  Id., ¶35.

The continuance of the Deputyes place between the two Ffarrers who yeild account of all busyness to their sup̱intendant Sr Ed. Sandis. 12

Compare. Manchester Papers, No. 347, ¶36.

[No. 347.] §10§ 11

• The excessive prizes of the Comodityes sent from hence by way of marchandize. Ffor Instance, Corne this yeare sold to the Collonie for 12 the hogshead or 80 of Tobacco, and the Planters being most of them Tenantℯ at halues, and by order from hence to plant but 100 waight of Tob: for eu9ie man, he for 12 monethes bread payes 2 yeares labour, and for Clothes tooles and other necessaries he hath nothing left wherwith to furnish himselfe and so becometh vnsupportablie miserable.

§11§ 12

• The seldome aduice we haue from Virginia, for that from vsuallie from June till th' end of March there is no exact notice giuen of the state of the Collonie so that for want of frequent Correspondence between the Companie and Collonie, disorders doe in infinetly increase.

§12§ 13

• The exhausting of the publique, of §profit wch should accrew to the§ stocke and benifit that should grow to the Company by stateing of new Officers in W Vi the Collonie with excessiue proporc̃on of Tenantℯ Whereby the Companie is brought into great debt, and they not at all pleased, for some desire to lyue vpon fees, and all desire to haue their Tenantℯ changed into Penc̃ons.

[2] §13§ §14§ 13

• The manie wild and vast proiectℯ, set on foote all at one time, vizt 3 Iron Workes, saw mills planting of Silkegrasse, Vines, Mulberry trees &c. all wch were inioyned to be effected in the space of 2 yeares, by a handfull of men that were not able to build houses, and plant Corne to lodge and feed themselues, and so came to nothing

§14§ §15§ 14.

• The large proporc̃on of 50 ac9 of land allotted to eu9ie Person that was shipped to Virginia being by order of Court presentlie to be set out, hath bred a vastac̃on there, and the old Planters leaueing their habitac̃ons in Townes had likewise verie large Diuidentℯ set out by wch Cou[r]ses the best and most habitable places lye vnmanned the Townes almost vn §a§bandoned, and the Plantac̃ons §farre§ seu9ed and therby extreamelie weakened. this mischeife being increased by a Clause inserted in eu9ie Pattent, that they shall not inhabite within 5 miles of the prin- cipall seate of anie English formerlie planted.

§15§ §16§ 15

• By reason of theis two p̱ceding Courses the Gou9nour §Sr Geo: Yardly§ was forced to make a dishonorable peace with the Natiues, leaueing vnreuenged the death of some of or people barbarouslie murdered by the Virginians, and the strength of the Collonie at a most vnseasonable time diuided into so manie small bodyes that it did euen invite the Sauages to execute the late [3] horrid Massacre.

§16§ §17§ 16

• The great bridge at James Cittie in Sr Tho: Smithes tyme at a great Charge erected for landing of goodℯ and safetie of mens liues being now decayed and broken downe hath brought much damage and occa- sioned much sicknes in the Collonie.

§17§ §18§ 17

• The fortℯ formerlie built haue likewise to the great preiudice of the Collonie beene demolished the Ordnance become vnseruiceable and generallie all the publique Workℯ with great Care and Charge dureing Sr Tho: Smithes Gou9nment erected are become ruynous.

18 §19§ 18

• Double and Contradictorie ɫres often come from the Cheife officers of the Collonie to the Companie hither by whose procurement it is desired may be examined the publique ɫres speakeing for the most part all good, and giueing assurance of aboundance and prosp̱ite when as the priuate letters from §of§ the same Persons Craue large Supplies, and declares much miserie, as was euidentlie to be seene by the last ɫres that Came into the handℯ of the Comrs: wch practise hath procured bitter effectℯ, manie haueing beene thereby allured to goe ou9 verie meanelie prouided with an seduced by with the hope onelie of an imaginarie plenty.

[4] §19§ §20§ 19

• The like mischeife hath ensued by spreading false Rumors, and publishing of ɫres bookℯ & balladℯ of the plentie §of prouisions§ and happie estate of the Plantac̃on, wch was most vnseasonablie put in practise this last lent when the Collonie was in most extreame miserie.

§20§ §21§ 20

• Remoueing of the old Planters from their habitac̃ons and Cultivated landℯ and places of securitie, whereby manie of them were extreamelie impou9ished and manie p̱ished in the late massacre.

§21§ §22§ 21

• The §Couetousnes &§ Improuidence of the Officers and Planters in Virginia who aymeing onelie at profit by planting of Tobacco haue suffred Tillage to decay, neglected the planting of Corne, and forsak- ing the more healthfull partℯ of the Countrie, set themselues downe vpon such groundℯ as are vnfittest to plant Tobacco.

§22§ §23§ 22

• A strange improuidence of the Countrie §Companie§ here of in sending so few Cattle within theis 4 yeares there not being 200 in all sent for aboue 4000 Persons wch in that tyme haue beene transported thither

§23§ §24§ 23

• As wee haue in that tyme abounded The want of ex- perienced and skilfull officers and Comanders to gou9ne th'affaires of the Collonie and the Conferring of those places for fauour freindship and alliance is Conceiued to be an [5] inexcusable Errour and a maine Cause of the late massacre, and §of the§ miserie hapned §to§ the plantac̃on as also th'arming of the Sauages with weapons and teaching them the vse of gunnes.

§24§ §25§ 24

• As R ther is a Redundance of lawes to gou9ne the Companie here so ther is a Just Cause of Complaint for want of lawes whereby to gou9ne the Collonie there, for though the Planters 3 yeares since in a Parliamentarie fashion were assembled and made lawes to gou9ne them- selues yet haue they not beene Confirmed here, and the Councell in Virginia gaue if for a Reason that they make no new lawes because those form9lie made are not yet here ratified or disallowed.

§25§ §26§ 25

• The lawes that are made for Gou9nment of the Companie here are manie and set downe with an affected breuitie and in §so§ am- biguous tearmes that they are thereby subiect to seu9all interpretac̃ons Wherby manie differences arise in the Companie, and Sr Edw: Sandys the Compiler of theis lawes (being ther liue §liueing§ liveing Com̄ent) vsuallie takes vpon him to expound the sence, yet §and§ by his wrested glosses doth often Corrupt the Text notwithstanding his definitiue sentence is Comonly receiued as an oracle.

  ∥Disorders in the Company disord∥

[6] §27§ 26 §26§

• Hence followeth the Eludeing, makeing, breaking and nullifying lawes and orders by acute distinctions, metaphisicall Reasons, and transcendent authoritie after a supreame and Parliamentarie manner some particulers whereof are readie to be showen.

§27§ §28§ 27

• The vnlimited authoritie that is giuen by those lawes to the Thrēr and Deputie, as by the particulers readie to be showen may appeare.

  law: 3. 4. 8. 13. 24. 25. 27. 30. 35. 36. 37. 42. 43. 46. 50. 51. 54.

§28§ §29§ 28

• To wch may be added the law Comonlie Called the Pistorian law because first proposed by a baker, mo directlie Contrarie (as is Con- ceiued) to the ɫres Pattentℯ and tending to facc̃on and disorder as by th'euent thereof alreadie hath appeared.

§29§ §30§ 29

• bitter asperc̃ons vpon men that haue gou9ned the Companie or that §& their freindℯ and vpon such as§ haue opposed the late pernicious Contract and Salarie it haueing beene a Comon practise with some of them to grace and Collour their owne proceedinges by disgraceing and Calum- niateing of others wch hath occasioned most of all the auncient Adventurers wch were most §best§ Conv9sant in the affaires of the Plantac̃on to leaue and desert the buisines.

[7] §30§ §31§ 30

• The Concealing and The often neglect and litle regard showed to his matℯ most gracious Adu9tisemtℯ and directions for Choice of Officers agreeable to his Princelie pleasure and likeinge; and for better ordering of and Composeing of th'affaires of the waightie buisinesses of that Plantac̃on

§31§ §32§ 31

• The Concealing and suppressing of a Petic̃on sent into the name of the whole Plantac̃on in Virginia and directed to his most excell excellent Matye, contrarie (as is Conceiued) to their dutie and oath.

§32§ §33§ 32

• The contriueing prosequuting and with violence mantayning for the particuler lucre and gaine of some few Persons (especiallie of Sr Edw: Sandys, and Mr Ffarrar) the late Contract and exorbitant Sallarie tending to the ruyne of the Plantac̃on wh wch hath occasioned infinite Contenc̃ons, breaches §Rentℯ§ & diuisions in the Companie

33 §34§ 33

• Partiall and malitious setting downe of Courtℯ graceing whom they fauour and disgraceing others.

34 §35§ 34

• Packing of Courtℯ by turning ou9 shares to their freindℯ and Confidence§tℯ§ to Composse their private Endℯ, & theis serue onelie to fill the house, and to spread their §some mens§ praises §and other mens disgraces§ but aduenture litle or nothing.

[8] §35§ §36§ 35

• Putting §stet§ thingℯ to question in vndue §stet§ times §& manner§ prorogueing of the Court till 9. 10. or 11 of the Clocke §at night§ reseruing the wightest buisines till the riseing of the Court by§ §stet§ putting thingℯ to question in vndue tymes as also in vndue and intricate mann9 by§ putting the Negatiue before th'affirmatiue proposic̃on, by threatℯ that men shall answeare buisines before great Lordℯ, by partiall Sumons§ing§ of their P freindℯ and by assembling great Persons in awfull Reu9ence of whose presence §strangers to be spectators and hearers and so to see spreade§ men forbeare to speake, by wch §& such like§ Artificers latelie practised in the Companie the libertie of the Adventurers is inthralled and all matters are mannaged at the will of a few.

§36§ §37§ 36

• The Continewance of the Deputes place betweene the 2 Ffarrars who yeald Accompt of all buisines to their sup̱intendent Sr Edw: Sandys.

§37§ §38§ 37

• Preparing accusations and scandalous reproches against not only against ordinary Aduenturers, but euen against men of the cheife ranck and qualitie by some few and that then publishing them in the name of the Counsell and Companye that is to say of §p̱sons§ unknowne p̱sons

§38§ §39§ 38

• Inviting of strangers yea of women to be present in a latticed gallerye wch lookes into the place where the Courts theis last 4 yeares haue ben kept §there§ to be spectators of their courses and hearers of their calumnies &c to th'end the rumor thereof might be more generally spread.

∥ §39§ §40§ 39

• ∥ As for matters of §the Accompts for their last 4 yeares: they are desired they may be veiwed and examined by some who on the behalf of the Company are willing in this vacation to take paynes therein: the generall exception that is taken in that point is that they are audited onlie by a very few p̱ticular freindℯ and confidents, and euen as is doubted by some who are themselues interessed therein and there is a p̱ticular com- plaint putt in by some of th'Aduenturers in Southampton Hundred, that whereas very good Som̄s vzt. about 6 or 7 thowsand poundℯ haue ben payed in for that plantac̃on and §to Sr Ed: Sandys§ no Accomptℯ at all thereof §haue ben§ giuen as likewise of the moneyes brought in vppon the collec- tion of p̱ishes and by other meanes for pious and publiqu[e] vses: and wch is worse th'uses for wch they were brought in and collected altogether vneffected. Thus∥

70000li: or thereaboutℯ was the money expended in Sr T. Smithes: this appears by Sr T. Smithes Bookes of Accompt & they charge about 76000 whereof 6000li was in dead shars

loss of few mens liues 7 proued: they say that there were but 2500 sent in all Sr T. Smithes tyme: they confess neare a 1000 remayning: In their booke calɫd a Declaration of ye Statℯ of ye Colony and Affayres in Virginie published by his mates Counsel for Virg. 22 Ju. 1620. pag. 4. And many retourned. Two Shipps also one called the Diamond the other the Vnitie: did shipwrack vpon the coast of Vshent in all wch all the passengers & Maryners except one only man were lost this was in their Retourne. And diuerse other Boates & Shipps cast away in the Virginia and in their passage hither. And a warr continually maynteined till about the yeare 1613. So that of necessity it must follow that very few p̱ished in this Action for w other then by this course: wch speakes plainlie the good p̳uision was made for the men at those tymes

The Publique workes: done in Sr T. Smithes tyme appeare in a booke of p̱ticulars

These lists shew the plenty of Armes &c. left in Sr T. Smithes tyme

The Staple Com̃odityes raysed in Sr T. Smithes tyme appeare in a p̱ticular already deliuered to the Comrs.

The p̱ticulars of the Boates &c. appeare in a collec̃ of the publiq̢ workes made by Sr Sa. Argall wch he comenset

The League of the Natiues appeares in th'aforesd̴ Booke §pag. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15§ & by Sr Argallℯ Oath the Rent Corne pd p. 57

And Sr T. Dalℯ ɫre in yt Book vid. pag. 51 ad 50

The Seuerall Branches

1

• The Court Bookes.

2

• Mr Wrott remembers 4, lotteries at one tyme:

  And lett Barber be examined. And the sight of the warrants by wch the seuerall Lotteryes were erected vnder the handℯ of the Counsell of Virginia

3

• He kept Tables. gaue guifts. ffor th' Accompts: See them. Gabriell had a 4th p̱te of the gaines by composic̃on

  examine Mr Ros- tinghã whither Sr G. Yardly hath not had §priuate§ direc- tion from home to write of ye plenty of Virginia

4

• vid. the Colonyes ɫres in Sr S. Argalls tyme. And his ɫre to the Company. Disewaders were Sr D. Diggℯ. Sr Jo. Worsetenhõ Sr N. Riche Mr Tho Gibbs: Mr Wrott will sweare he saw a ɫre from the secretary Mr Pory (as he remembers) to Sr Ed. Sandyes as Threãr. Complaynes of the sending ou9 too many people in wch were these wordℯ to this effect. Doe yow thinke that if as many more people were sent into England as now are there Sr would it be able to susteyne them: And George Sandyes in his last ɫres complaynes of this

  ffor want of lodg- ing see Captaine Newce his first ɫre to ye Counsels— Company Ao. 1620

5

• Confessed

6

• The former Booke p. 12 sayes they were plentifully furnished for Six Monethes: see The Invoyces of the goodℯ Prouisions for victualls sent for those yeares: And generally the ɫres sent from the Counsell of Virginia to the Counsell or Company here 1620 at the latter end of 1619. 1620. 1621. 1622. And Mr George Sandyes &c §to Mr Wrott these this last yeare.

  Dixson Martyn Kemp &c peti- tioned the King in his owne & other names that they were turned out of their houses.

  Also Capt. But- lers declaran also Yardleyes ɫres.

7

• was a generall complaint here viua voce in the Court Ao 1621 & a ɫre drawne to order the Contrary: And not denyed in the Counsells of of virginias ɫre in answere to the same: Ao 1621. Mr Wrott wrote the ɫre Sept. 1621.

  Examine Rosting- ham who was then in ye Contrey wt lodginges were prepared for them And in their charge vpon Sr T.

  Smyth they say ye houses were like hoggstyes: lett them shew what houses they have built since.

8

• Capt. Newces priuat ɫre to the Counsell. And the Counsell of Virginia there lre Ao. 1620. 1621. Lett Webb the Husband be examined touching Caswell. Lett Jo. & Nich ffarrar tell them produce their §his§ warrants by wch he payed for those p̳visions

  Mr Gibbs and Mr Wrott let thẽ be examined.

9

• The late ɫres: And the lists compared wth the Booke of the Massac: The Farrars Aduenturers in the Bona Noua, the Hopewell the Further- ance, and the Abigaile &c some of these Shipps haue gone twice or thrice wthin theise 4 yeares

10

• The late ɫres: Capt. Butlers declarac̃on & most confessed.

11

• Produce the ɫres: and yow shall find few or none dated rec̃ in thal after §between§ June and March.

  Sr F Wyatt    Capt. Newce

12

• The Gouernor 100 men: The Depte of ye Companyes Tenantℯ 50.

  250 in all.

  The Gouernor now to haue 100 for his owne p̱ticu- lar. And in Sr T. Smythes tyme nothing: but shares of London.

  Mr Thorpe    G Sandys    Mr Potte

  The Deptie of ye Colledge Tenantℯ. 10. The Threãr 50. The Physitian.

  Mr Dauison    Mr Puntis

20.

• The Secretary 20. The Vice Admyrall. 12.

  They are not content wthall. see Capt. Newces proiect com̃ended by the whole Counsell of Virginia Ao 1621 wch was to haue their Tenants turned into Penc̃ons: And Sr

  The Company hereby brought in debt: See the Court 7 Oct. 1622 fine

13

• Mr Poryes ɫres to Sr Ed. Sandyes as Threãr: Sr G. Yardleyes complaint in a leete ɫre to Mr Rostingham. And the success declares it. And Mr George Sandyes his last ɫres: where he sayes that theyr vast Proiectℯ * * * ffor the §3§ Iron Workes: there were about 150 sent ou9 in two seuerall yeares. And the whole if so many had at one tyme arriued it would haue ben a difficult matter to haue managed one Worke: And one worke was to be 40 miles asunder

14

• The orders of Court: The Patents: The euent: Mr G. Sandys to Mr Jo: Farrar, 1621. To Mr Wrott in his last ɫre now in the lords handℯ. Jo: Farrar, 1621. To Mr Wrott in his last ɫre now in the lords handℯ. And the Gouernors ɫre written to the Company in excuse of him selfe for the Massacre

15

• Sr G. Yardleyes ɫres to the Counsell: Ao §1619 or§ 1620 giues that reason why he made the peac

16

• Cap. Butler and confest.

17

• prooued by Cap. Butlers witnesses: And the late ɫres.

18

• Sr Ed. Sandys tould Rostingham that Sr G. Yardleyes writt such ɫres that spake so little good of the plantac̃on that hee had not read one of them in 2 yeares in Court.

  Mr Rostingham

19

• A ɫre published by mr ffarrar the Coppy whereof Sr T. S. hath wch was fetcht from the Printers house of the who printed the last ɫre let it be examined, who writt the ɫre & who caused the Ballard to be printed: let it bee examined vpon Oath of the ffarrars & Sr E. Sandys who caused this ballard to be made & printed.

20:

• Complaints vpon §by§ petic̃on §in or Courts & then§ to his Mate & vpon Record in the Court Bookes: That many of thẽ p̱ished in the Massacre is too well knowne.

21:

• See the last ɫres. One saith that he had Corne ynough if he might haue ben suffered to haue planted what he would. And another beeing examined before the Comrs confesseth that he could have no redress for his Corne beeing spoyled it beeing answered that Sr G. Yardlie should p̱uide them Corne if they would p̳uide Tobacco. And another ɫre giues a Reason why they are not suffred to plant Corne least in th' Indians should lurke in it. And of this Mr Jadwyn complayned lately in open Court.

22

• Theyr owne Bookes §printed pap̱rs§ speake but of 180.

23

• See Mr G. Sandys his ɫre to Mr ffarrar. let it be seene whom they haue sent. And whether eu9 they preferred any old Planter to any place of Comrs If they haue or had any skillfull men they were sent in Sr T. S. tyme, euen Sr G. yardly himselfe. ffor th'arming of thẽ Mr Sandys and ffrethornes ɫres.

24

• The Counsells first ɫres after Sr F. Wyatt was §first§ Gouernor. And let them shew the confirm̃ of those lawes. And let thẽ shew if they can that in theise 4 yeares they haue sent any lawes to the Colony.

25.26.27

• Of these Mr Wrott will deliu9 a p̱ticular in writing if it be denyed & the Comrs com̄and it: One law sayes No man shall presume to sitt in or Court for or Ilãdℯ vnles he be free. I says Sr Sandys but non may giue him leaue. No man shalbe delayed his admittance vnles by the Auditors sayes Sandys

28

• ffor the Pistorian lawe Mr Bingℯ case.

29

• See their scandalous Pap̱rs and Court Bookes

30

• His maties proposic̃ons of choyce of Gouernors neu9 yealded to & their course lay in or Court. Apparant in two elecc̃ons 1620. 1622.

31

• produce & examine the course of delaying it. Confest it in their Relac̃on to the King.

32

• The Court Bookes

33

• The Court Bookes Mr Woodall offering flearing fashion Alderman Johnsons disgrace §whether Mr Gibbs and Mr Wrott if they might haue had 501 salary would he not haue ben for it Mr Alderman & Mr Wrott to sett downe some p̱ticulars

34

• Let Carter be produced vpon Oath by whose meanes & direcc̃on he bought of 40 shares of Sr Tho. Gates And the of 80 shares of my Lady de la Ware: And who how he & to whom he sold thẽ. Cap. Bargraue turned ou9 8 or 9 shares in a day at a preparatiue Court. Mr Gibbs and Mr Wrott will sweare that Jo: ffarrar sayed A about 2 yeares since that he would make a new face of a Court before xp̃mas next.

35

• See the Court Bookes This a com̃on knowne grieuance

36

• My L. Cauendish tould Mr Gibbs & Mr Wrott. that Sr Ed. Sandys was to take ouerlooke all the businesse els of Virginia els my L. Southampton would not haue ben Threãr.

  And besidℯ when Sr Ed. Sandys was in the Countrey nothing they sent continuall and weekely aduise to Norburne to haue his opinion & conseil.

  The will of the Counsell of Virginia w ridden post euery weeke from London to Norburne

37

• See their pap̱rs read in Court for wch some of thẽ were restrayned

38.

• A thing com̃only knowne. & that they Inuited thẽ it appeares that Mr Wymarke confest §to§ Sr Sa. Argall that my L. Cauendish did intreat thẽ to come thither

39

• See their [sic]

[Indorsed] proofes of or charges

By the Governor and Captaine generall of Virginia

To all to whom these p̢sents shall come greeting: Know yee that I Sr Francis Wyatt Kt: Governor and Capt generall of Virginia, out of the true acknowledgmt that I haue of the skill, vndrstanding and sufficiencie, of my trustie and welbeloved frend Capt Roger Smith, do by these p̢sents (wth the advise and consent of the Counsell of state) ordeine and apoint him the said Capt Roger Smith, to haue the orderinge, directing, and buildinge, the Fort at Wariscoyack. And giue him full power, and authoritie, to Comond, rule, and governe, all the people there vndr his charge in all cases according to his best discretion. And I do by these p̢sentℯ moreour, will and comand all maner of persons wch now are or hereafter shalbe sent thither for the building of the said Fort in all things and vppon all occac̃ons to giue all due respect, and willingly to obey and execute the directions and Comandℯ of the said Capt Roger Smith, during so long time as he shall remaine in his said place and Comand, according vnto the authoritie vnto him given, and also to be vnto him aiding and assisting in all thingℯ, as they will answer the contrarie, at theire further perillℯ. Given at James Citty the xjth day of May 1623. and in the xvjth yeare of this Plantation.

The great Seale afixed

Francis Wyatt Chr: Dauison Secr. A Comission to Capt Smith for building of the Fort

By the Governor and Capt generall of Virginia

To all to whom these p̢sentℯ shall come greeting in or Lord God everlasting, Know yee that I Sr Francis Wyatt Kt Governor and Capt generall of Virginia (for the better relieueing of the p̢sent necessitie of this Colony wth Corne) do giue and graunt leaue, power and authoritie, vnto Gilbert Peppett gent, to embarke himself and his Company in the good Shipp called the and in such Pinaces, Boatℯ, and Shallopℯ, as shall accompany the said Shipp and to sett Saile wth the first opor- tunitie into the Bay, or wthout the Bay (at his discretion) and to go into any river, Creekℯ, or harbors, wthin the boundℯ and limittℯ of this Colony, there to trade wth the Salvages for Corne, or any other Comodities they can aford them. And it is further graunted, that if so be the said Sal- vages shall deny them trade, or shall giue them any iust occac̃on, or shall by any privat plott, or opne designe, offer to circumvent, hindr, or entrapp them, to the danger of theire liues: then it shalbe lawfull for the said Gilbert Peppett, either by force or by any other meanes he can devise, to take from them theire Corne, or any other goodℯ of theires, he can possesse himself of, keeping and enioyeing the said goodℯ, and Corne, to the vse and behoof of the said Gilbert Pepett, and other the Adventures in this vioage. And for the better managing of his employmt, and redress- ing of all disorders & Mutinies incident to such affaires, I do by these p̢sentℯ giue the said Gilbert Pepet power & authoritie, to punish such of his Company as shall offend, in any kind according to the lawes & customes of the Sea (life only exepted) In Wittnes whereof I haue herevnto sett my hand, and Colony Seale the xijth of May 1623 And in ye xvjth yeare of this Plantation

The great Seale affixed

Francis Wyatt.

By the Governor & Capt generall of Virginia

To all whome these p̢sents shall Come greeting knowe yee that I Sr Francis Wyatt Knight Gouernor & Capt generall of Virginia (out of the true acknowledgment yt I haue of the discretion valor & circumspection of Capt William Tucker, doe by these presents, wth the aduise & Consent of the Counsell of Estate, giue vnto him the said capt William Tucker, full power & absolute Authoritie to Comaund, rule and gouerne all & eurie person & persons, wch vppon espetiall occasion are to accompanie him, in the shallops into Pamunckey Ryuer, neere to the seate of Appochankano. And for the better manageing of his Imployment & for the redressing of all disorders & mutynies incident to such affaires, wee doe further giue him full power & authoritie, to punish all sorts of offendors according to ye lawes & Customes of such Voyages (life only excepted) and wee doe (by theise p̢sents streightley Charge & Comaund all & eurie person or p̱sons wch shall accompany him the said Capt William Tucker in the said voyadge, yt in all things & vppon all occasiones they willinglie obey, & readilie execute his directions & Comaundℯ, as they will answer the contrary at ther vttermost perills. Giuen at James Citty the 12 day of May: 1623 And in ye Sixteenth yeare of this plantation

Francis Wyatt Chr Dauison Secre

By the Governor and Capt generall of Virginia.

Forasmuch as nothing can be more acceptable to the Counsell and Com- pany in England, or tend more to the safetie and reputation of this Colony, then to fortifie some place vppon this River to defend the same against the invasion of any forraine enemy: The Governor (wth the advise of the Counsell of State) doth order and appoint, that every twentieth man through the whole Colony, shalbe employed about the building of a Forte at Wariscoyack, vndr the Com̃and of Capt Roger Smith: These are there- fore to require and Com̃and Capt Jabez Whittakers, that throughout all the Plantations vndr his Com̃and, he do imediatly leavy every 20th man and send them to Wariscoyack, to the said Capt Smith furnished wth armes and tooles, and sufficient provision of victuallℯ and apparell for for [sic] six months, and that he send not any new comers, but able and sufficient seasoned men, from twentie yeares old and vpward to fortie fiue and not aboue. And if it shall so hapen yt diurs families must be faine to ioyne for the setting forth of one man, that then he make choise of 2, 3, or more of such sufficient men as aforesaid, as indifferently as may be, and they to cast lottℯ wch of them shalbe sent to the said fort, and the rest to be equally contributing to ye charge, And we further require and Com̃and, all p̱sons whatsoeu9 vndr the charge of ye said Capt Jabez Whittaker that they yeeld vnto him ready obedience, touching all or abouesaid Com̃andℯ, as they will answer the contrary at theire vttermost p̱illℯ. Given at James Cittie the 13th of May. 1623.

A warrant for sendinge every 20th man to ye Forte.

The like (mutatis mutandis) to the Comander of eu9y Plantation.

Francis Wyatt.

[The order of the Privy Council for confining Cavendish, Sandys, John and Nicholas Ferrar to their houses, May 13, 1623, is printed in Acts of the Privy Council, Colonial, I, pp. 63–64.]

My verie good Lord

Whereas his Matie vnderstandeth that this day there is to be held a Court for the Virginea Company, at wch it is intended according to the vsuall Custome to make election of new Officers. His Matie hath com̃aunded me to signifie vnto the Company by yor lopp (who are at this present Trēr of the said Company) that his pleasure is, they do at this time forbeare to proceed to the election of any new Officers whatsoeuer, the same to be putt off not to any day certaine, but vntill his Matℯ pleasure be further made knowne vnto the Company, wch I beseech yor Lopp that you will accordinglie in his Matℯ name notifie vnto them. And so I rest

White Hall 14° Maij 1623 Yor lopps &c:

[Indorsed:] 14° May 1623 Coppie of a ɫre to the Earle of Southampton from Mr Sec: Caluert. Concerninge the Virginia Companie

Sr

I did this morning receive his Mats pleasure from my Lo: Treasorer to this purpose, That wheras before his Maty was pleasd to Rec̃omend vnto the speciall care of the Virginian Company at their Court this day helld, the Election of such discreete, temperate and responsable p̱sons as affected the weale of the Company and were not factious, And that yesterday it was wth his Mats approbation thought fitt in Counsell, that the election of new Officers should be absolutely putt off and none chosen at all vntill the next Court, It was now his pleasure that I should write vnto the Treasorer or Company, signifying vnto them, that his Maty would haue all pro- ceedings touching Elections to be forborne at this time, wthout any new day appointed, but so to continue as it is, untill his pleasure further knowne, as you will see by the coppie of my Letter to my Lo: of Southampton the present Treasorer of Virginia, wch I send you heere inclosed. How this hath been observed, I hope his Maty will vnderstand from some of the Company that were present at this dayes Court. In the meanetime I beseech you shew him speedily what I haue written for my discharge, and then hee shall best iudge, if there haue been any fault, whose it is. You shall heerein oblige

Yor friend and servant Geo: Calvert S. Martin's lane 14. May. 1623. [Addressed:] To the Right Honble Sr Edward Conwey knight, one of his Mats Principall Secretaries. [Indorsed:] May 14 1623 Mr Secr: Caluert. Concerninge the choosing of new officers in the Virginia Companie.

This day beeing friday the 16th of May 1623 betweene the houres of 11 and 12 a clock in the forenoone Captaine Bargraue came to me to shew me a paper wch he had drawne concerning the p̢nt Gouermt of Virginia, wch I onlie read and deliuered to me §him§ againe, §And§ He and my selfe beeing then all alone in the great Chamber of my Lord of Warwicks house he tould me that he was afrayd to discouer some thingℯ wch he knew of th Sr Ed. Sandys his proceeding in those businesses, both because he was so vpheld priuately in his courses as also that he had the strength of the Courts to countenance him in all thingℯ and w had so carryed the business that he would be sure to hide all his owne ill actions vnder the name of the Companye: Besydℯ he tould me that by his long acquaintance wth him & his wayes he did §was induced§ verilie b to beleaue that there was not any man in the world that carried a more malitious hart to the Gouermt of a Monarchie then he §Sr Ed. Sandys§ did: for Capt. Bargraue had heard him say That if eu9 God from heauen did or dirce constitute and direct a Go forme of Gouermt it was that of Geneua: And he hath oft tymes repre- hended §Capt§ Bargraue that in some §written§ tractates of his, and in his discourses he seemed to dislike the [2] constitution and frame of the §p̢nt§ Gouermt wch of Virginia inelininge §to§§ as that wch inclines §vnto§ if not directly beeing a popular Gouermt he telling Capt Bargraue that his intent was to erect a free state in Virginia and other wordℯ to that purpose. And to that intent (as Capt Bargraue affirmed to me) he §Sr E. S.§ mooued my L. of Canterburye to giue leaue to the Brownistes and Separatists of Engl̴. to goe thither for wch my Lordℯ grace of Canterburye sayed to Bargraue that he should neu9 like well of Sr E. S.: those Brownistes professeing by their Doctrine clayminge a libertie to disagreeing to the Gouermt of Monarches: And the s̃d Capt. Bargraue likewise affirmed that if the Charter wch by Sr Ed. Sandys his meanes was sent into Virginia w and at (in wch is a clause (as he sayes) that they shall haue no Gouermt putt vpon them but by their §owne§ consents) and his other proceedingℯ in those businesses of the Plantac̃ons (especially such as concerne gouermt) were looked vnto it would be found that he aymed at nothing el more then to make a free popular state there And himselfe to be the lea and his assured Freindℯ to be the leaders of them wth much more §to this effect§ declaring in S my apprehension a m9uailous ill affection in Sr E. S. to the happie §frame of a§ Monarchie.

[Indorsed in the hand of Sir Nathaniel Rich:] A note wch I p̢ntly tooke of Capt Bargraues discourse to me concern9 Sr E. Sandys. 16 of May 1623.

No. 372 is written and indorsed in the hand of Sir Nathaniel Rich. No. 373 is indorsed in his hand. The documents are undated, but may be presumed to precede by a few days the King's letter of May 18 printed in Records of the Virginia Company, II, pp. 434–435.

[No. 372] 1 That he may §resigne his place &§ stay in ye Countrey for disobeying the Comd and wch he may doe by resigning his place and not to be here to countenance this opposition.

2 That Mr Secretary may write a letter (wch may be publickly read at euery meeting) wherein his Matie may please to com̄and and that most strictly That no man (nobleman or other) come to those Courts or Com̄it- tees §of ye Virginia Company§ who hath not some men in Virginia planted vpon his shares and that no man intermeddle either in those [&] so is more then or is not at this instant ingaged by the and accordingly pursues the sending of men or supplyes thither by ye next shipping: All others shalbe proceeded against as factious and seditious persons. This Comd to contynue till ye retourne of ye Com̄ission now on foote for setling those businesses.

The 2d part of ye letter: That his Matie vtterly forbidds yt any complaynts or Acts be brought to ye Comrs against any man in ye name of ye Companye: wch tend only to defamation and strengthning of faction, and by this course they may false accuse and calumniate any person wthout any punishmt: but whosoeuer he be that will informe against any man let him himselfe bring ye Complaint a to ye Comrs and ma and make proofe thereof as he can: that so ye p̱tye yt shall vniustly be traduced may if ye Comrs he appeare §to ye Comrs to be§ innocent haue his remedy against those yt shall vniustly calumniate him: And yt euery man on both sydes forbeare to spread rum̄ors of accusation against any man, but in a decent manner proceed as m one against another as men desirous of ye publick good, and not of p wrongfull vexation of any: especially that su[s]pecion be not all bitter a reuiling and inuectiue language be forborne.

[Written and indorsed in the hand of Sir Nathaniel Rich:] Heads of the ɫre written * * * Matℯ * * * Virg. Company yt none should * * * Courts but such * * * men or * * * shares. 1

Asterisks indicate shorthand characters in the original.

[No. 373.] Seeinge that it appeareth by your owne §the§ confession of the Company that it is impossible to find among them 20 men §aduen- turers§ who haue §any men§ planted men vpon theyr shares in Virginia whereby thereby to bee inabled to keepe a Court and seeinge the estate of the Colony is such at this present as doth require all man̄er of supp helpe for supply, it may please his majesty to explane his last limitations and to enlarg[e] those directions to admit §all§ Patentees that accordinge * * * as to the Companies desire who haue really payd in 25c̃ vnderwritten in any society and really payde in theyr mony so vnder- written, as likewise all other that haue §at§ any times within these last foure yeeres vnderwritten in any Magazin or Roule of Aduenture what- soeuer and hath truly payde in his mony according to his subscription.

And for all other aduenturers already admitted or already to bee here admitted none to bee present at theyr meetinges of Counseill Courtes or Com̃ittees but such as shall §hereafter§ really bring §in§ in aduenture §of his owne§ 25c̃ to bee employed in some §to the Company to bee§ forthwith employed in ma for the releife and sustentation of the Plantation, and vntill the such party shall pay in his mony not to bee admitted: and that his majestyes directions may bee §the§ more fully obserued it may please his Maty to com̄and that a pres present list bee made §and the same to bee forthwith presented and examined by the com̄issioners§ of contayninge the names of all such as are within the limitations aforesayd, viz

Of all such aduenturers who haue men planted vpon theyr shares

Of all Patentees who haue truly payde in theyr subscriptions

Of all who within theese foure yeeres haue vnderwritten §and payd in truthe§ in the Magazin or in any Roule of aduenture and for what each Put such monyes as they haue subscrib And of all such as shall and accordingly payd theyr monyes into any Magazin or Roule of aduenture.

And lastly of all such eyther as will aduenture 25c̃ and pay theyr mony In beefore they bee admitted.

And according to this list it may please his maty to direct the Courtes may bee called and no other vpon payne of his high displeasure to presume to bee present.

As for those personages named in theyr declaration

[Indorsed in the hand of Sir Nathaniel Rich:] Notes how the Courts of the Virginia Company may bee beter composed.

James Rex.

Trustie and welbeloved wee greete you Well. Wee have taken notice that wednesday the 21th of this moneth is the day appointed by your ɫres Pattentℯ for choice of a Governour, Deputie, Assistantℯ, and other Officers of the Summer Islandℯ Companie; and vnderstanding of the greate dif- ferences, and distractions that have happened by meanes of divers turbu- lent spiritℯ Persons, as well as in your as in the Virginia Companie, where some few distempered spiritℯ collecting latelie togeather scandalous im- putac̃ons against men of note, and quallity amongst you, did vpon Wednes- day the seaventh of this moneth openlie publish the same, in one of their generall Courtℯ (a Course most displeaseing vnto vs, as tendinge onelie to faction and disorder) and further takeing notice that of late in a confused manner, the two Companies of Virginia and the Summer Islandℯ have binne warned to meete togeather, at one time, and place, wch Wee by no meanes like, they being two severall bodies and inioying their owne particuler Governours, and Officers, Therefore to prvent theis and the like disorders hereafter, and out of our speciall Care to the good and welfare of that Plantac̃on, Wee haue thought good hereby, to let you knowe our expresse will and pleasure to bee, that you doe not for this yeare ensueinge make Choice to the §office of§ Governour, or deputie of yor Companie anie of those Persons, who either for their late offence are restrayned, or had their hand in contriveing or councelling of the aforesaid scandalous Writeingℯ, wch Were read on the seaventh of this moneth in the Virginia Court, nor anie that have formerlie borne those Offices amongst you, The first whose names you shall find in the margent, being in the nature of delinquentℯ, and the Governmentℯ of the other being subiect to question by the Comission nowe on foote. Our Will and pleasure is also that you make Choice of a Secretarie or Clearke of yor owne, and not of anie that is, or shalbee at the same time Secretarie or Clearke to the Virginia Com- panie, it being most prop̱, that everie Court should have their owne officers. And for yor place of meeteinge to keepe yor Courtℯ, wee will not in anie sort that it bee hereafter at that house, [2] where the Virginia Courtℯ were kept this last yeare, but doe rather hold it fit, that you appoint some fit and convenient place, for your owne Companie to keepe their Courtℯ by themselves, Wee vtterlie forbidding that both Companies should meete in one place, neither will wee that anie bee present at yor meetingℯ, who are not free of the Companie. According to theis directions wee require that you forthwith to proceed to your elections, hopeing that wee shall find such an obedience from you, as shall more and more plant you in or good opinion, and give vs cause to bee ever most tender and Carefull for yor good.

lo: Cavendish. Sr John: Danuers. Sr Edwin Sandys John Farrar. Nicholas Farrar.

To or trustie and welbeloved the Governour and Companie of the Summer Islandℯ.

[Indorsed:] A Coppie of his matℯ letter to the Summer Islandℯ Companie. May 20. 1623.

[The order of the Privy Council for delivery to the commissioners of the records of the two companies, May 22, 1623, is printed in Acts of the Privy Council, Colonial, I, pp. 64–65.]

To the Kinges most excellent Matie The most humble Petiton of the Treasurer Councell and Companie for Virginia

 Yor Matℯ most humble Suppliantℯ haueing latelie received yor Matℯ letter, and in the same theis two Comandmentℯ, one that no man shall come to their Courtℯ, or Committees, who besides his freedome and land, hath not some men nowe, or latelie planted vpon his shares, or that is not at this Instant ingaged (and accordinglie pursues) to send men or Supplies thither by the next shipping.

 Another that the Councell or Companie shall not bring vnto the Comrs anie Complaint in their owne name, against anie man, They find that the form9of yor matℯ Comaundℯ without certaine danger of the Instant dis- soluc̃on of the Companie, and Plantac̃on, it is impossible to bee obserued. And the latter of them tendeth to the vtter disabling of them in the prose- cution of the greate, and manifold wrongℯ done vnto the Companie, as by the reasons hereunto annexed as they conceive will appeare Which they humblie beseech yor Matie to vouchsafe to p̱use And Conceiueing that yor Matℯ said Comaundℯ haue proceeded from misinformac̃on of yor matie, in the p̢sent State of the Courtℯ and of their busines, that you wilbe graciouslie pleased, either to alter yor said Com̃and, or else to referre the same to the heareing of the lordℯ of yor matℯ most honorable Privie Councell.

 In Conformitie whereof and most humble obedience to yor matℯ Comaund, they are resolued no more to assemble without yor gracious assent, al- though this suspension may happen to proue infinitelie p̢iudiciall to the Collonie. And yor matℯ said Suppliantℯ shall according to their bounden dutie pray for yor matℯ health and happines long to Continew

Whereas his Matie by his letter com̃ands that none shall come to the Virginia Courts or Com̃ittees but such as haue shares in Virginia, and men plant either now planted vpon them or to be planted by the next Shipping.

Ob.

The Company haue resolued to petition his Matie that §all§ those men that are ioyned together in one Patent, and vppon a ioynt Stock haue planted, that euery one of these Patentees may come to the Courts and haue a voyce:

Answ.

This §if it bee granted§ will vtterly defeate his Maties purpose to preuent the meeting of a multitude together: for there are 50 or 60 Patents of this nature granted, and in each Patent there are vsually 40 or 50 ioynt Aduenturers, and so they may at that rate assembɫe three two or three thousand people together.

It is therefore desyred

It may therefore (if so it please his Matie) be answered that for euery of those petty Plantations which are §so§ made by a ioynt stock they may choose one na or two men §(such as haue paid in their money for that Plantac̃on)§ in the name of the rest to be present at theyr Courts and that for the businesses of each seuerall Plantation the Patentees may meete together among themselues as they were wont to doe: So theyr priuate Plantations may be ordered among them that are partners in yt Plantation: and yet the Courts not pestered with multitudes, nor no man at any preiudice

The second part of his Maties letter is that no Complaynts shalbe brought to the Comissioners in the name of the Company

Against this they intend likewise to petition because by this meanes (they say) no the Iniuries offered to the Company as cannot be com- playned of, for no p man will become an Informer

Ob.

To this it is answered that the Company may appoint 3 or 4 who may receaue and collect all comp wrongs of that nature, and if they be such as wilbe by any man iustified they may be presented to the Comrs with §vnder§ theyr names that will iustifie it: Otherwise any man of what qualitye soeuer may be shamefully traduced by a multitude and can haue no redress for it, wch was one mayne reason why his Matie m and the Lords made that Order.

Ans.

They p̢tend by a nice and litterall interp̢tac̃on of his Maties Lettres to induce a conceipt and opinion in the Court, that there the exclusion of so many was purposed therby or as weer comp̢hended wthin the §strict§ lettre of the p̳hibic̃on of §frõ being§ [being] p̢sent at Court or Com̃ittee as yt yt doth exclude doth admit only to vote and p̢sent such wherby are admitted any such. say they

As haue now actually men planted vpon ther p̳p̱ and own planta- c̃con §particular shares§ by wch they p̢tend to be excluded

Ffirst all such as plant joyntly, so that ioyant-planters of Hun- dreds &c̃ are excluded.

Secondly such as haue planted but ther be (people being dead) ther plantac̃ons are now not p̢sently occupied & dwelt vpon.

Thirdly such as hauing men ther; but ther men being vpon th occasion past drawne frõ ther p̳p̱ plantac̃ons, they being spoyld did possesse others plañs

And that none (howsoever pur- posing to send men by the im̄- ediate next ship- ping) could be admitted to the Court.

Lastly all such as weer engaged by p̢sent supplies expecting frõ hence returne of ther com̃oditie.

And inferr that m ther are not men enough so qualified as shall or can make vp a number of ye Court.

To this wee Answeare wee conceiue his Maties pleasure is only to su exclude such as hauing no p̢sent stocke running ther either in men or supplies alone or wth others nor expecting or hauinge frõ thence no p̢sent profitt or disprofitt, ought not by ther votes to charge or order other mens interests. Ther being besids much suspic̃on that such votes serue only to make vp a side therby to double yt to cary what yt pleaseth to the disadvantage of such as are ingaged in the p̢sent advancemt of the plantac̃ons and by supplies of men or p̳uisions.

[2] And therefore wee conceiue his Maties pleasure is.

That all men wch are free of the companie and haue§ing§ shares that ether haue had men vpon ther plantac̃ons: or haue men or servants resident ther vpon ther p̳p̱ plantac̃ons: or vpon a ioynt- plantac̃on: or are engaged by supplies expecting returne of com̃oditie, are enabled and allowed to be p̢sent at Com̃ittees & Courts. Of wch ther are many hundreds suffycient for abilitie or number to hould Courts.

And therfore some declarac̃on & explanac̃on may be made of his Maties lettre by his Maties or the Ldℯ Interp̢tac̃on and no reason to alter but explyan.

Ther petic̃on relating reciting the two p̳hibicons of his Maties lettres desires the alterac̃on of his Maties inhibic̃ons as p̳ceeding frõ his Maty vpon misin- formac̃on. The first tending in effect to dissolue the companie by dis- abling them to hould any Court. And Wth this that they durst not he returne agayne to hould any Court vntill the same was revoked: And that the second tended to take frõ them all redresse of any wrongs done to the Companie or any way to complayne.

The reasons of these conclusions they left to be drawne and agreed vpon by Sr Edward ye L. Pagett Sr Ed. Sackvile. The Ffarrers &c̃ wch wthout being [3] com̃unicated to the Court should be deliu9d as their reasons for th' vphoulding of the conclusions of the peticn. The peticn is to be de- liuered by Mr White Mr Scott Mr Benett & Mr Zouch, who must wayte to morrow morning at the Court wher the Chancellor of the Duchy shall meete them and carry them to his Matie to p̢sent the peticn.

[Indorsed by Sir Nathaniel Rich:] Mr Johnsons obser̃n of [the] carriag of the business vpon the Kgℯ first ɫre for putting some absent[ee]s * * * 1

Three short-hand characters.

First whereas Yor Matie is pleased to Commaund that none be p̢sent at the Courtℯ or Committees of the Companie dureinge the Contynuance of the said Com̃ission but such as haue Men nowe or lately planted vpon theire shares and that are at this instant engaged (and accordingly pur- suig) the sendinge of men or supplies by the next shippinge Yor Matie may be graciously pleased to take notice that the Companie for Virginia Consistinge of aboute One thowsand p̱sons Adventurers by purse (besidℯ some fewe others admitted accordinge to the expresse libertie of Yor Matℯ graunt as namely the Lo: Marques Hamilton the Earle Marshall the Earle of Carliel and some others of yor Matℯ Courte as Sr Henry Mildemay and a very fewe principall officers and eminent p̱sons that by sundry good offices haue des9ued well of the Companie all wch haue free accesse and voices in theire Courtℯ by graunt in yor Matℯ ɫres Patentℯ vnder yor great seale of England to suspend that originall libertie graunted by Yor Matie and to exclude them from the moste important Consultac̃ons of the Company as they conceive it to be noe Way in the power of the Company to doe, as beinge Contrary to yor Matℯ ɫres Patentℯ soe it must needℯ be to theire vnderstandinge a gen9all dishartninge of all men and a p̢sage of future evill and as they feare will Cause this great Worke to be forthwth abandoned.

Secondly by Yor Matℯ ɫres Patentℯ there can be noe Courte kept vnder the number of Five of the Councell and Fifteene of the Gen9allitie wch nomber is impossible to be made vp at this p̢sent wthin theis limitac̃ons nowe p̢scribed by Yor Matie

For yor Matie may be pleased to be informed that although the engagement and adventures of the most of them that doe nowe vsually followe and attend the Cortℯ (except those only that haue of late opposed the Company) be very greate and too many of them the best parte of theire estates yet very fewe of them either nowe or formerly haue had any men planted on theire perticuler shares it beinge the Custome for divers to ioyne together in one body or ioynt stocke, and the like Course is held in Magazines and all other Adventures the retornes whereof beinge dayly expected will noe doubt drawe them on to a newe and Contynuall supplie both of Men and provision.

But if for any the least tyme the care of them should be neglected (and otherwise then in publiq̢ Courtℯ and Com̄ittees they cannot treate nor order them) there must needℯ followe an inevitable p̢iudice if not vtter ruyn of all mens estates there and here and a Certeyne stoppe to that happy Way of the Plantac̃ons encreas wherein nowe it runnes: Wherevnto not only those whoe doe nowe bringe in moneyes and make supplies but divers likewise of the Auncient Adventurers whoe havinge by the misgovernmt of former tymes lost all theire former adventure can nowe hardly be p̱swaded to adventure anewe, Yet theire p̢sence in the Courtℯ theire Advice theire industry and other manifold assistance encourageth dayly a multitude of able Planters in p̱son to transporte themselues thither and soe to advance the Plantac̃on: Besidℯ a greate parte of theis beinge men of qualitie when occasion of publiq̢ benefit as fortificac̃on or other provision for the strength or benefitt of the Collonie shall require the gen9all Contribuc̃on of the Adventurers are and haue beene ever the most ready of all others to lay out theire moneyes as men not fixeinge theire myndes on the hope of hasty gayne from a private Plantac̃on.

Soe that to debarre and exclude them even in this regard much hinder and sett backe the encrease of the Plantac̃on by depriveinge the Courtℯ of soe many able and vnderstandinge p̱sons, and soe well versed and experienced in the busines [2] besides that the good and fayre Carriage of the busines theis last foure yeares hath soe wound vpon divers of the said auncient Adventurers as they doubted not to haue had newe and fresh supplies from them before this; in Case theis late troubles and distracc̃ons had not happened And soe much the more doe they Conceive it needfull that the Courtℯ be nowe frequently attended in respect of that gen9all discour- agemt given by that Vnmaskinge of Virginia p̢sented vnto yor Matie by Capt Butler Soe that if by the p̱formeinge of this Yor Matℯ Com̃aund the said Courtℯ and other meetingℯ should for the tyme be discharged (wch they Conceive will of necessitye followe, if Yor Matℯ Com̃aund herein be still Contynued) must needℯ breed an instant dissoluc̃on of this great Worke wch would be hardly ever possible by or meanes to be sett vp againe.

Touchinge the later point of Yor Matℯ said ɫre wherein you are pleased to forbid that noe Complaint be brought to the Com̃issioners against any man in the name of the Councell or Companie but that the Complaynantℯ subscribe their Complaintℯ wth theire owne names Wee hold orselues bound in the greatest bond of dutie to signifie vnto yor Matie that wee Conceive that in effecte this will tend to noe lesse then an ex- empc̃on from any Complaint to be brought against any of those tymes and p̱sons Wherein and by Whome huge sum̃es were in greatest parte mispent; Yor Matℯ gratious instrucc̃ons and direcc̃ons violated or neglected the Plantac̃on oppressed, robbed, and ruyned and other outrages of very high nature Com̃itted by rovinge and robbing on the spanish Territories in the West Indies and faction lately begunne and maynteyned in the Courtℯ and Companie All wch havinge beene done to the wronge of the publiq̢ and Countenanced by some of or societye there is noe p̱ticuler p̱son or p̱sons to be found of all the Company as Wee Conceive whoe for prosecute- ing of theis publiq̢ iniuries will expose themselues to soe much private Mallice and to such sharpe revenge as hath beene threatned heretofore in some of theis Cases.

And they humbly desire that yor Matie wilbe further pleased to take knowledge that the principall Wrongℯ and iniuries wch they shall complaine of haue not beene done to any p̱ticuler. For if Sr Thomas Smith haue not rightly disposed of the moneyes in his Charge, it is not a Wronge to any private man but to the Companie. If Sr Samuell Argall hath ruyned and made deprdac̃on of the Colony in Virginia the iniurie is not to any p̱ticuler p̱son but to the Company. If by sending out a shipp by Capt: Argall and his Partners to make spoile vpon the spanish territories in the West Indies there had followed that mischeife wch was both threatned and feared by theire takeinge revenge vpon the Colony in Virginia that had not beene the losse of a p̱ticuler, but of the Company. If that intenc̃on of Capteyne Butlers in his paper of Vnmaskinge of Virginia had taken his desired effecte to the disgrace and Consquently ruyn of the Plantac̃ons private p̱sons might suffer but the Notorious iniurie is done to the Company, and soe they might instance in diu9s other p̱ticuler offences done to the body of the Companie and not to any p̱ticuler p̱sons.

And for iniuries done to anie private p̱sons except it be the Complaint of a multitude the Company ever intended to leave them to their owne p̳secuc̃on And what they shall doe as an vnited body, they doe not nor cannot wth any p̢tence of reason goe aboute the Acte of the Courte to p̢occupate the iudgmt of Yor Matℯ Com̃issioners, or to oppose therevnto any such Acte [3] of Courte. But as the Informac̃on of anie p̱ticuler man, is the Acte of that one man and standeth only but as his accu- sac̃on Soe they humbly beseech Yor Matie that this exhibic̃on of their Complaintℯ may be taken as the Acte of the Courte Complayninge, not iudginge, for they acknowledg the iudgmt to belonge to Yor Com̃issioners but im the impleadinge to belonge to the body of the Company. For by Yor Matℯ gratious graunt in Yor Matℯ ɫres Patentℯ they are in expresse Wordℯ made a Corporac̃on and to be Called by the name of the Treasuror and Companie of Adventurers and Planters of the Cittie of London for the first Colony in Virginia and by that name enabled to pleade and to be impleaded as all other Corporac̃ons are; The Company therefore havinge never had Cause to thinck that Yor Matℯ pleasure is to take away this originall and essentiall libertie by Yor Matℯ said gratious ɫres Patentℯ graunted to them, Cannot conceive that Yor Matie meaneth that if the Vnited body of the Companie haue received wronge they may not alsoe p̱secute the lawe against such as haue done the same whether he be an Accomptant to them, or haue robbed pilled or defrauded them in their substance, or done them any other iniurie aswell as any other Cor- porac̃on or private p̱son may doe though the Wordℯ of Yor Matℯ said ɫre to the greate greife of Yor Petic̃oners seeme to importe the Contrary. But for such iniuries as any private man shall p̢tend to haue beene done him it was never intended to p̳secute them in the name of the body of the Companie; but to leave them to theire seu9all private Complaintℯ. For they conceive it not to be accordinge to lawe either for the Com- pani[e] to followe private mens Causes in the name of their body, nor for any privat man or men to p̳secute in his or theire owne names the causes of the Corporac̃on.

Knowinge it therefore to be agreeable to Yor Matℯ iust and gratious purpose that both parties finde the like indifference of tryall and aseured that it is tendinge to Yor Matℯ pious endℯ that abuses on all sides Where they are to be found should be discou9ed that soe they may be alsoe re- formed; Yor Suppltℯ most humbly beseech Yor most gratious Matie (Consideringe that the one partie is the vnited body of the Company and the other partie a very fewe private p̱sons wch never appeared to exceede sixe and twenty in nomber and not aboue foure or five of them at the most that wee knowe that haue for theis last foure yeares brought either money or Councell to the Acc̃on, and the rest of them especially the principall beinge those against whome the Companie most Complayne) that the said body may p̳secute theire iuste and greate greifℯ in such sorte as it is only possible by them to be prosecuted.

[Indorsed by Sir Nathaniel Rich:—] Coppies of the petic̃on & Reasons deɫ 25 May to the kg. concerning the Courtℯ & Complaintℯ of the Virginia Company in answer to his Matiℯ ɫre.

By the Governor and Captaine generall of Virginia.

A Comission to Capt. Pierce to be Capt. of ye Gaurd &c

To all to whom these p̢sentℯ shall come greeting. Know yee that I Sr Francis Wyatt Knight Governor and Capt generall of Virginia, out of the true acknowledgmt that I haue of the discretion, valor, and circumspec- tion, and of the vertue and sufficiencie, of my trusty & welbeloued frend William Pierce gent, do by these p̢sentℯ nominate, make, constitute, ordaine and appoint him the said Willm Pierce Captaine of my Gaurd and Company: And also do nominate, make, constitute, and appoint him the said William Perce (Capt of my Guard & Company) Liueteñnt Governor and Com- mander of James Cittie, of the Island, of the Block-houses, and of all other places belongeinge to the same, and also of all the people there resident. And also I do hereby giue full power, and authority to him, to com̃and rule and govern, both my guard & Company, and the said Citty, Island, Blockhouses, and people, according to his best discretion, in all causes wch shall app̱teine to his place and callinge, both as Capt of my guard and Company, and as Liueteñnt Governor of the places aforesaid: Wherefore I do by these presentℯ moreover will and Comand, all manr of p̱sons vndr my guard and Company now being, or wch shalbe, and all officers and people now resident in James Citty, the Island the Blockhouses, and all other places belonging to the same, or wch here after shall or may come to reside, or inhabite there, in all things and vppon all occac̃ons (in case aforesaid) to giue all due respect, and willingly to obey and execute, the direcc̃ons and Com̃andℯ of him the said Captaine, and Liueteñnt governor, during so long time as he shall remaine in his said place and Com̃and, according to the authoritie vnto him given; And also to be vnto him, in all cases afore- said, aiding and assistinge, as they will answer the contrary at theire further perillℯ. Given att James Citty vndr my hand, and Colony Seale the 29th day of May 1623, and in the xvjth yeare of this Plantation.

Francis Wyatt Chr: Davison Secr.

Patents graunted to seuerall persons: All wch haue diuers Partners with them, whose names and seuerall shares wee doe not knowe. 1

In two columns; as here set out.

1.
• Southampton Hundred
2.
• Robert Heath
3.
• Mr. Wincoppe
4.
• Mr. Tracy
5.
• Dr. Bohune surrendred & tooke a newe Patent in his owne name only.
6.
• Mr. Peirs
7.
• Mr. Debbridge
8.
• Mr. Poynts
9.
• Mr. Berkley
10.
• Capt: Bargraue
11.
• Capt: Ward
12.
• The Ea: of Pembrooke
13.
• Sr. Richard Worsley
14.
• Sr. Richard Bulkley
15.
• Sr. Wm. Mounson
16.
• To Sr. Wm. Newce
17.
• Capt: Raph Hamer
18.
• Lady Dale
19.
• Sr. Dudley Diggs
20.
• Sr. John Bourchier
21.
• Mr. Rowland Truloue
22.
• Mr. John Crowe
23.
• Mr. Edward Rider
24.
• Mr. Symon Leake
25.
• Mr. Daniell Gookinge
26.
• Mr. Edw: Bennett
27.
• Mr. Joseph Leñinge
28.
• Sr. Charles North
29.
• Sr. Geo: Yeardley
30.
• Mr. Tho: Leueson
31.
• Mr. Wm. Weldon
32.
• Mr. Henry Southey
33.
• Martins Hundred
34.
• Mr. Rob̴t Moston
35.
• Mr. Edmund Wynne
36.
• Mr. Henry Pelham
37.
• Capt: Dan: Tucker
38.
• Sr. Bowyer Worsley
39.
• Mr. Franc9 Harwell
40.
• Sr. John Brooke
41.
• Lady Berkley
42.
• Mr. Tho: Addison
43.
• Mr. Edw: Johnson
44.
• Mr. Edward Palmer
45.
• Mr. William ffelgate
46.
• Mr. ffranc9: Pecke
47.
• Mr. John Harvy
48.
• Mr. Pemberton
49.
• Mr. Rowsley
50.
• Mr. Christo: Hillary
51.
• Mr. James Steward
52.
• Mr. Tho: Graues
53.
• Capt: Sam: Mathewes
54.
• Mr. Christofer Levett
55.
• Mr. John Palmer
56.
• Mr Wm. Dilke
57.
• Mr ffrancis Baldwin
58.
• Mr James Haberly
59.
• Mr Arthur Leuellis
60.
• Captain Jo: Martin
61.
• Mr. Rooper
62.
• Mr. ffranc9 Harwell
63.
• Mr. Tho: Moore
64.
• Mr. Richard Norwood
65.
• Mr. Edward Hurd
66.
• Mr. Jo: ffells
67.
• Mr. Jo: Blyth
68.
• Mr. Christo: Newport
69.
• Mr. John Zouch
70.
• Mr. Clement Dilke
71.
• Mr. John Procter
72.
• Mr. John Prynn in all 72 Patents

[Indorsed:] Virginia Businesse.

Carter and yardley an Apothecarye §dwelling in woodstreet§ vsually directed by Sr E. Sandys to write letters wch Sr E. S. himselfe did dictate vnto them: by and those ɫres did vsually conteyne those things wch Sr E. S. himselfe would not haue appeare vnder his owne hand: md to inquire after those ɫres vpon Oath of Carter & Yardley

1623

Qre whither the silkes shewed on Easter monday last to ye K. were not made in Engl:

whither Sr E. S. would not vsually add at the end of his ɫres to Sr G. yardley: burne this.

Qre by whose meanes Sr G. y. was knighted & sent Gouernor

Qre: Nich & Jo: Ferrer theyr devise 7th Oct. 1622 to bring the Company in debt to Officers in Virginia & yet the Court false entered wilbe deposed by Mr Gibbs Mr Wrott & Mr Jermyn. In the case of Dauison And so in another case to Sr F. Wyatt & George Sandys to contriue the taking away of 50 §fifty§ men from Sr G. yardley.

Mr wrott shewed me a Coppy of Rostinghams ɫre to him in which he recites the reading of Sr G. yardleys ɫre to Rostingham auoing vpon his life the most earnest p̱swasion & solicitation of Sr E. S to yardley to h vpon him the Gouermt of Virginia.

Nic Ferrar sayed the 9d vpon pound offered by the Lordℯ to be pd for or Tobacco was no grace of the King but they were in better case both by the contract & before when they pd xijd.

200 qrs of Corne at 4s 6d the buz out of Gold the publick p̳uisions of London granted last march for the good of virginia was sold at Virginia for 30s a buz to the planters & the benefitt is sayed to be wholy conuerted to Barber & the fferrars

ffor Reformac̃on that his Mate would please himselfe to appoint §of some principall membrs of the Company§ a Counsell not exceeding 13 or 15, who may haue power to decide all differences amongst the Companye §to receaue the appeales of the planters§ to ha to regulat all disorders §to receaue the appeales &§ to heare & determyne the greiuances of the Compa Planters & Aduenturers To nominate ther Gouernors and officers to be imployed in ther Plantations, by propounding first the Office & then §at each elec̃ the names of the §fitt§ p̱ties to be imployed, and he to be chosen that hath the pluralitie of voyces by Counsell & Companie.

ffor making of lawes & orders that §to be as now they are: only if all ye Counsell agree that a law is inconvenient then it shall not pass: but beeing made not to be reuersed but by 2 thirdℯ of the Coun- sell & 2 thirdes of the Company

And of the saied Counsell one to be yearelie chosen who shall be gouernor fo of the Companye for that yeare, this man to be chosen by the pluralite of the voyces in the Counsell. And one Deputie §of the Company§ to be chosen by pluralite of voyce of the Counsell & Companye in a quarter Court at the tymes now appointed: And all other officers by plurality of voyce of Counsell & Companye: But all these officers to be these to be §those§ elecc̃ons to be made be in mann9 & tyme as now they are

The Gouernor in meetingℯ of the Counsell to haue a casting voyce, in other meetings of Counsell & Company to haue a ca double & a casting voyce. If §Gouernor &§ all the Counsell agree p̢nt agree in any thing then §that at§ to haue §The power§ a Negatiue voyce against the plurl [sic]

If any of the Counsell dye, the Maior p̱te of the s̃d Counsell to elect by plurality of voyce one to succeed

tymes by §com̄- on§ consent of Counsell & Com- pany appointed for tyme of va- cancie & then to haue power to appoint Com̄it- tees for dispatch of some necessary business

That some of the antient & graue Citizens §nobles & gentlemen of quality not beeing priuy Counsellers§ that haue ben heretofore Aduenturers may be by his mate inuited againe to become Aduenturers, therefor to be made Counsellors & to haue weekely meetingℯ, except at

No man whatsoeu9 to be admitted to haue voyce in the Companyes that shall not in euery yeare haue §& contynew§ at the least 2 p̱sons vppon his share or shares §owne§ land in the plantations.

Proiect how the S. Ilandℯ may be better gouerned & not so subiect to popularite and by that meanes to fac[tions] as now it is, and yet the patent preserued vntouched.

But if any shall refuse to assent to such orders as shalbe giuen by his mate for matter of gouermt then his land to be questioned vpon the validity of the patent, els to be confirmed by a §one Patent to be §new§ granted, to conteyning an assurance or confirmac̃on to euery man his p̱ticular shares.

Inducemtℯ to surrender ye p̃nt & to gett a new pt

1. Qre Whether we hold not the pt meerely vpon Condic̃on (Vnder) p. 4

2ly. Whither Royall fishings as that of the whale doe pass by the name of all fishinges with other generall wordℯ

The ɫres patℯ say pag. 5. in the very preamble to th' establishing of the man9 of Gouermt that bec̃

It is not Conuenient for all the sayd Company to be oft drawne to meete and assemble as shalbe requisite to haue meetings & conference about theyr affayres. ga the K. doth establish & Gouernor and Deputye and 24 Assistants for managing managing ye generall business and affayres for and concerning the sayd Ilandℯ now how to make this Governor and Dep. and Assistants haue the principall stroke in the Gouermt is the question to wch end

a law be made not to be altered by his mates consent & the same not to be altered but vpon wth his mates consent vppon the humbl petic̃on of 2 p̱tℯ of the Company at least

I p̳pound that no Gouernor shalbe eligible who hath not at least 20 p̱sons planted vppon his land for so he beeing deeplye interessed will haue most care of the Com̃on good.

1.

None to be eligible for Deputie who hath not 12 §10§ p̱sons at least planted

None for Treasuror who hath not 6 §psons§

Nor none to be principall Assistantℯ who haue not at least 6 p̱sons planted

That the Depute

qre pag. 5. m x yt ye Gouernor, Deputy, and Assistants, or any of them shalbe from henceforth nominated, contynued, changed &c on by the voyce of the greater p̱te of the Assistantℯ & Companye. qre whither if these be maior p̱te of the Companye would §agreeing to§ haue an Officer changed, & the maior p̱te of the Assistantℯ disagr would not §not agreeing to§ haue him changed: he pet is that officer to be changed.

qre

That each Aduenturer shall haue so many of the 400 voyces as he hath shares: wch is wthin the equitie of the patent & will preuent making ouer of shares to others so to increase the popu wealth the troup of Aduenturers. when indeed one 4th p̱te ar scarc true but only nomine tenus Aduenturers And so some 14 p̱sons will sway the Gouermt for each man can haue but 15 shares