A further account of the province of Pennsylvania and its improvements for the satisfaction of those that are adventurers, and enclined to be so. Penn, William, 1644-1718. 1685 Approx. 43 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 11 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2006-06 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A54140 Wing P1294 ESTC R218868 13048375 ocm 13048375 96945 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A54140) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 96945) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 748:17) A further account of the province of Pennsylvania and its improvements for the satisfaction of those that are adventurers, and enclined to be so. Penn, William, 1644-1718. 20 p. s.n., [London? : 1685] Errata: p. 20. Caption title. Signed: William Penn. Worminghurst-place, 12th of the 10th month 85. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Pennsylvania -- Description and travel. 2005-07 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2005-08 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-01 Emma (Leeson) Huber Sampled and proofread 2006-01 Emma (Leeson) Huber Text and markup reviewed and edited 2006-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A Further Account Of the Province of PENNSYLVANIA AND ITS IMPROVEMENTS . For the Satisfaction of those that are Adventurers , and enclined to be so . IT has , I know , been much expected from me , that I should give some farther Narrative of those parts of America , where I am chiefly interested , and have lately been ; having continued there above a Year after my former Relation , and receiving since my return , the freshest and fullest Advices of its Progress and Improvement . But as the reason of my coming back , was a Difference between the Lord Baltamore and my self , about the Lands of Delaware , in consequence , reputed of mighty moment to us , so I wav'd publishing any thing that might look in favour of the Country or inviting to it , whilst it lay under the Discouragement and Disreputation of that Lord's claim and pretences . But since they are , after many fair and full hearings before the Lords of the Committee for Plantations justly and happily Dismist , and the things agreed ; and that the Letters which daily press me from all Pa●●s , on the subject of America , are so many and voluminous , that to answer them severally , were a Task too heavy , and repeated to perform , I have thought it most easie to the Enquirer , as well as my self , to make this Account Publick , lest my silence , or a more private intimation of things , should disoblige the just inclinations of any to America , and at a time too , when an extraordinary Providence seems to favour its Plantation , and open a Door to Europeans to pass thither . That then which is my part to do in this Advertisement is , First , To Relate our Progress , especially since my last of the Month called August 83. Secondly , The Capacity of the Place for farther Improvement , in order to Trade and Commerce . Lastly , Which Way those that are Adventurers ; or incline to be so , may imploy their Money to a fair and secure Profit ; such as shall equally encourage Poor and Rich , which cannot fail of Advancing the Country in consequence . I. We have had about NINETY SAYL of Ships with PASSENGERS since the beginning of 82. and not one Vessel , designed to the Province , through Gods mercy , hitherto miscarried . The Estimate of the People may be thus made ; Eighty to each Ship , which comes to SEVEN THOUSAND TWO-HUNDRED PERSONS : At least a Thousand there before , with such as from other Places in our neighbourhood are since come to reside among us : And I presume the Births at least equal to the Burials : For having made our first Settlement high in the Freshes of the Rivers , we do not finde our selves subject to those Seasonings that affect some other Countries upon the same Coast . The People are a Collection of divers Nations in Europe : As , French , Dutch , Germans , Sweeds , Danes , Finns , Scotch ' Irish , and English ; and of the last equal to all the rest : And which is admirable , not a Reflection on that Account : But as they are of one kind , and in one Place , and under One Allegiance , so they live like People of One County ; which Civil Union has had a considerable influence towards the prosperity of that Place . II. Philadelphia , and our intended Metropolis , as I formerly Writ , is two Miles long , and a Mile broad , and at each end it lies thot mile , upon a Navigable River . The scituation high and dry , yet replenished with running streams . Besides the High-Street , that runs in the midle from River to River , and is an hundred foot broad , it has Eight Streets more that run the same course , the least of which is fifty foot in breath . And besides Broad-Street , which crosseth the Town in the middle , and is also an hundred foot wide , there are twenty streets more , that run the same course , and are also fifty foot broad . The names of those Streets are mostly taken from the things that Spontaneously grow in the Country , As Vine-Street , Mulbery-Street , Chesnut-Srteet , Wallnut-Street , Strawbery-Street , Cranbery-Street , Plumb-Street , Hickery-Street , Pine-Street , Oake-Street , Beach-Street , Ash-Street , Popler-Street , Sassafrax-Street , and the like . III. I mentioned in my last Account , that from my Arival in Eighty two , to the Date thereof , being ten Moneths , we had got up Four-score Houses at our Town , and that some Villages were setled about it . From that time to my coming away , which was a Year within a few Weeks , the Town advanced to Three hundred and fifty seven Houses ; divers of them , large , well built , with good Cellars , three stories , and some with Belconies . IV. There is also a fair Key of about three hundred foot square , Built by Samuel Carpenter , to which a Ship of five hundred Tuns may lay her broade side : and others intend to follow his example . We have also a Rope-walk made by B. Wilcox , and cordage for shipping already spun at it . V. There inhabits most sorts of useful Trades-men , As Carpenters , Joyners , Bricklayers , Masons , Plasterers , Plumers , Smiths , Glasiers , Taylers , Shoemakers , Butchers , Bakers , Brewers , Glovers , Tanners , Felmongers , Wheelrights , Millrights , Shiprights , Boatrights , Ropemakers , Saylmakers Blockmakers , Turners &c. VI. There are Two Markets every Week and Two Fairs every Year . In other places Markets also , as at Chester and New-Castle . VII . Seven Ordinaries for the Intertainment of Strangers and Work-Men , that are not House-keepers , and a good Meal to be had for sixpence , sterl . VIII . The hours for Work and Meals to Labourers , are fixt , and known by Ring of Bell. IX . After nine at Night , the Officers go the Rounds and no Person , without very good cause , suffered to be at any Publick-House that is not a Lodger . X. Tho this Town seemed at first , contrived for the Purchasers of the first hundred shares , each share consisting of 5000 Acres , yet few going , and that their absence might not Check the Improvement of the Place , and Strangers , that flockt to us , be thereby Excluded , I added that half of the Town , which lies on the Skulkill , that we might have Room for present and after Commers , that were not of that number , and it hath already had great success to the Improvement of the Place . XI . Some Vessels have been here Built , and many Boats ; and by that means , a ready Conveniency for Passage of People and Goods . XII . Divers Brickerys going on , many Cellars already Ston'd or Brick'd , and some Brick Houses going up . XIII . The Town is well furnish'd with convenient Mills ; and what with their Garden Plats , ( the least half an Acre ) the Fish of the River , and their labour , to the Country-man , who begins to pay with the provisions of his own growth , they live Comfortably . XIV . The Improvement of the place is best measur'd , by the advance of Value upon every mans Lot. I will venture to say , that the worst Lot in the Town , without any Improvement upon it , is worth four times more then it was when it was lay'd out , and the best forty . And though it seems unequal that the Absent should be thus benefited by the Improvments of those that are upon the place , especially , when they have serv'd no Office , run no hazard , nor as yet defray'd any Publick charge , yet this advantage does certainly redound to them , and whoever they are , they are great Debtors to the Country ; of which I shall now speak more at large . Of Country Settlements . 1. WE do settle in the way of Townships or Villages , each of which contains 5000 Acres in square and at least Ten Families : The regulation of the Country , being a Family to each five hundred Acres : Some Townships have more , where the Interest of the People is less then that quantity ; which often falls out . 2. Many that had right to more Land , were at first covetous to have their whole quantity , without regard to this way of settlement , tho by such Wilderness vacancies they had ruin'd the Country , and their own interest of course . I had in my view , Society , Assistance , Easy Commerce , Instruction of Youth , Goverment of Peoples manners , Conveniency of Religious Assembling , Encouragement of Mechanicks , distinct and beaten Roads , and it has answer'd in all those respects , I think , to an Universall Content . 3. Our Townships lie square : generally the Village in the Center ; the Houses either opposit , or else opposit to the middle , betwixt two houses over the way , for nearer neighborhood . We have another Method , that tho the Village be in the Center , yet after a different manner : Five hundred Acres are allotted for the Village , which among ten families comes to fifty Acres each : This lies square , and on the outside of the square stand the Houses , with their fifty Acres running back , whose ends meeting , make the Center of the 500. Acres , as they are to the whole . Before the Doors of those Houses , lies the high way , and cross it , every mans 450 Acres of Land , that makes up his Complement of 500 so that the Conveniency of Neighbourhood is made agreeable with that of the Land. 4. I said nothing in my last of any number of Townships , but there were at least FIFTY settled before my leaving those parts , which was in the moneth call'd August 1684. 5. I visitted many of them , and found them much advanc'd in their Improvements . Houses over their heads , and Garden-Plots , Coverts for their Cattle , an encrease of stock , and several Enclosures in Corn , especially , the first Commers ; and I may say of some Poor men , even to the beginings of an Estate : The difference of labouring for themselves and for others ; of an Inheritance , and a Rack Lease , being never better understood . Of The Produce of the Earth . 1. THe EARTH , by Gods blessing , has more then answer'd our expectation ; the poorest places in our Judgment , producing large Crops of Garden Stuff , and Grain . And though our Ground has not generally the symptoms of the fat Necks , that lie upon salt Waters in Provinces southern of us , our Grain is thought to excell and our Crops to be as large . We have had the mark of the good Ground amongst us ; from Thirty to Sixty fold of English Corn. 2. The Land requires less seed : Three Pecks of Wheat sow an Acre ; a Bushel at most , and some have had the increase I have mention'd . 3. Upon Tryal , we find that the Corn and Roots that grow in England , thrive very well there , as Wheat , Barly , Rye , Oats , Buck-Wheat , Pease , Beans , Cabbages , Turnips , Carrets , Parsnups , Colleflowers , Asparagus , Onions , Charlots , Garlick , and Irish Potatos ; we have also the Spanish , and very good RICE which do not grow here . 4. Our Low Lands are excellent for Rape and Hemp and Flax. A Tryal has been made , and of the two last , there is a Considerable quantity Dress'd Yearly . 5. The Weeds of our Woods feed our Cattle to the Market as well as Dary : I have seen fat Bullocks brought thence to Market before Mid-Summer . Our Swamps or Marshes yeeld us course Hay for the Winter , 6. English GRASS-SEED takes well ; which will give us fatting Hay in time . Of this I made an Experiment in my own Court Yard , upon sand , that was dug out of my Cellar , with seed that had layn in a Cask , open to the weather two Winters and a Summer : I caus'd it to be sown in the beginning of the month called April , and a fortnight before Midsummer it was fit to Mow : It grew very thick : But I ordered it to be fed , being in the nature of a Grass Plott , on purpose to see if the Roots lay firm : And though it had been meer sand , cast out of the Cellar , but a Year before , the seed took such Root , and held the earth so fast , and fastened it self so well in the Earth , that it held and fed like old English Ground . I mention this , to confute the Objections that lie against those Parts , as if that , first , English Grass would not grow ; next , not enough to mow ; and lastly , not firm enough to feed , from the Levity of the Mould . 7. All sorts of English fruits that have been tryed , take mighty well for the time : The Peach Excellent , on standers , and in great quantities : They sun-dry them , and lay them up in lofts , as we do roots here , and stew them with Meat in Winter time . Musmellons and Water Mellons are raised there , with as little care as Pumpkins in England . The VINE especially , prevails , which grows every where ; and upon experience , of some French People from Rochel , and the Isle of Rhee , GOOD WINE may be made there , especially , when the Earth and Stem are fin'd and civiliz'd by culture . We hope that good skill in our most Southern Parts will yeild us several of the Straights Commodities , efpecially , Oyle , Dates , Figgs , Almonds , Raisins and Currans . Of the Produce of our Waters . 1. MIghty WHALES roll upon the Coast , near the Mouth of the Bay of Delaware . Eleven caught , and workt into Oyl one Season : We justly hope a considerable profit by a Whalery . They being so numerous and the Shore so suitable . 2. STURGEON play continually in our Rivers in Summer : And though the way of cureing them be not generally known , yet by a Receipt I had of one Collins , that related to the Company of the Royal Fishery , I did so well preserve some , that I had of them good there three months of the Summer , and brought some of the same so for England . 3. ALLOES , as they call them in France , the Jews Allice , and our Ignorants , Shads , are excellent Fish , and of the Bigness of our largest Carp : They are so Plentiful , that Captain Smyth's Overseer , at the Skulkil , drew 600 and odd at one Draught , 300 is no wonder , 100 familierly . They are excellent Pickled or Smokt'd , as well as boyld fresh : They are caught by nets only . 4. ROCKS are somewhat rounder and larger , also a whiter fish , little inferior in rellish to our Mallet : We have them almost in the like plenty . These are often Barrell'd like Cod , and not much inferior for their spending . Of both these the Inhabitants increase their Winter store : These are caught by Nets , Hooks and Speers . 5. The SHEEPSHEAD , so called , from the resemblance of its Mouth and Nose to a Sheep , is a fish much preferr'd by some , but they keep in salt Water ; they are like a Roach in fashion , but as thick as a Salmon , not so long . We have also the Drum , a large and noble fish , commended equal to the Sheepshead , not unlike to a Newfoundland Cod , but larger of the two : T is so call'd from a noise it makes in its Belly , when it is taken , resembling a Drum. There are three sorts of them , the Black , Red and Gold colour ; the Black is fat in the Spring , the Red in the Fall , and the Gold colour believed to be the Black , grown old , because it is observ'd that young ones of that colour have not been taken . They generally ketch them by Hook and Line , as Cod are , and they save like it , where the People are skilful . There are abundance of lesser fish to be caught of pleasure , but they quit not cost , as those I have mentioned , neither in Magnitude nor Number , except the Herring , which swarm in such shoales , that it is hardly Credible ; in little Creeks , they almost shovel them up in their tubs . There is the Catfish , or Flathead , Lampry , Eale , Trout , Perch black and white , Smelt , Sunfish , &c. Also Oysters , Cockles , Cunks , Crabs , Mussles , Mannanoses . Of Provision in General 1. IT has been often said , we were starv'd for want of food ; some were apt to suggest their fears , others to insinuate their prejudices , and when this was contradicted , and they assur'd we had plenty , both of Bread , Fish and Flesh ; then 't was objected , we were forc't to fetch it from other places at great Charges : but neither is all this true , tho all the World will think we must either carry Provision with us , or get it of the Neighbourhood till we had gotten Houses over our heads , and a little Land in tillage . We fetcht none , nor were we wholly helpt by Neighbours ; the Old Inhabitants supplied us with most of the Corn we wanted , and a good share of Pork and Beef : t is true , New-York , New-England and Road-Ifland , did with their provisions fetch our Goods and Money , but at such Rates , that some sold for almost what they gave , and others carried their provisions back , expecting a better Market neerer , which showed no scarcity , and that we were not totally destitute in our own River . But if my advice be of any Value , I would have them buy still , and not weaken their Herds , by killing up their Young Stock too soon . 2. But the right measure of information must be the proportion of Value of Provisions there ; to what they are in more planted and mature Colonies . Beef is commonly sold at the rate of two pence per Pound ; and Pork for two pence half-penny ; Veal and Mutton at three pence , or three pence half penny , that Country mony ; an English Shilling going for fifteen pence . Grain fells by the Bushel ; Wheat at four shillings ; Rye , and excellent good , at three shillings ; Barly two shillings six pence ; Indian Corn two shillings six pence , Oats two shillings , in that money still , which in a new Country , where Grain is so much wanted for seed , as well as food , cannot be called dear , and especially if we consider the Consumption of the many new Commers . 3. There is so great an encrease of Grain , by the dilligent application of People to Husbandry , that within three Years , some Plantations have got Twenty Acres in Corn , some Forty , some Fifty . 4. They are very careful to encrease their stock , and get into Daries , as fast as they can . They already make good Butter and Cheese . A good Cow and Calf by her side may be worth three pounds sterling , in goods at first Cost . A pare of Working Oxen , eight pounds : A pare of fat ones , Little more , and a plain Breeding Mare about five pounds sterl . 5. For Fish , it is brought to the Door , both fresh and salt . Six Alloes or Rocks for twelve pence , and salt fish , at three fardings per pound , Oysters at 2 s. per bushel . 6. Our DRINK has been Beer and Punch , made of Rum and Water : Our Beer was mostly made of Molosses , which well boyld , with Sassafras or Pine infused into it , makes very tollerable drink ; but now they make Mault , and Mault Drink begins to be common , especially at Ordinaries , and the Houses of the more substantial People . In our great Town there is an able Man , that has set up a large Brew-House , in order to furnish the People with good Drink , both there , and up and down the River . Having faid this of the Country , for the time I was there , I shall add one of the many Letters that have come to my hand , because brief and full , and that he is known to be a Person of an extraordinary Caution as well as Truth , in what he is wont to Write or Speak . Philadelphia the 3d. of the 6th . month ( August ) 1685. Governour . HAving an opportunity by a Ship from this River , ( out of which several have gone this Year ) I thought fit to give a short account of proceedings , as to settlements here , and the Improvements both in Town and Country . As to the Country the Improvements are large , and settlements very throng , by way of TOWNSHIPS and VILLAGES . Great inclinations to Planting Orchards , which are easily raised , and soon brought to perfection . Much Hay-Seed sown , and much Planting of Corn this Year , and great produce said to be , both of Wheat , Rye and Rise ; Barly and Oates prove very well , besides ●●●ian Corn and Pease of several sorts ; also Kidny-Beans , and English Pease of several kinds , I have had in my own Ground , with English Roots , Turnaps , Parsnaps , Carrets , Onions , Leeks , Radishes and Cabbidges , with abundance of sorts of Herbs and Flowers : I know but of few seeds that have mist , except Rosemary seed , and being English might be old . Also , I have such plenty of Pumpkins , Musmellons , Watermellons , Squashes , Coshaws , Bucks-hens , Cowcumbers and Simnells of Divers kinds ; admired at by new Commers , that the Earth should so plentifully cast forth , especially the first Years breaking up ; and on that which is counted the WORST SORT OF SANDY LAND . I am satisfied , and many more , that the Earth is very fertil , and the Lord hath done his part , if Man use but a moderate Diligence . Grapes , Mulberies , and many wilde Fruits , and natural Plums , in abundance , this Year have I seen and eat of . A brave Orchard and Nursery have I planted , and thrive mightily , and Fruit the first Year . I endeavor choice of Fruits , and Seeds from many parts ; also Hay-Seed ; and have sowed a field this spring for tryal . First , I burn'd the leaves , then had it Grub'd , not the field , but the small Roots up , then sowed great and small Clover , with a little old Grass-seed , and had it only raked over , not Plowed nor Harrowed , and it grows exceedingly : also for experience I sowed some patches of the same sort in my Garden and Dunged some , and that grows worst . I have planted the Irish Potatoes , and hope to have a brave increase to Transplant next Year . Captain Rapel ( the French man ) saith , he made good WINE of the Grapes ( of the Country ) last Year , and Transported some , but intends to make more this Year . Also a French man in this Town intends the same , for Grapes are very Plentiful . Now as to the Town of PHILADELPHIA it goeth on in Planting and Building to admiration , both in the front & backward , and there are about 600 Houses in 3 years time . And since I built my Brick House , the foundation of which was laid at thy going , which I did design after a good manner , to incourage others , and that from building with Wood ; it being the first , many take example , and some that built Wooden Houses , are sorry for it : Brick building is said to be as cheap : Bricks are exceeding good , and better then when I built : More Makers fallen in , and Bricks cheaper , they were before at 16 s. English per 1000 , and now many brave Brick Houses are going up , with good Cellars . Arthur Cook is building him a brave Brick House near William Frampton's , on the front : For William Frampton hath since built a good Brick house , by his Brew-house and Bake-house , and let the other for an Ordinary . John Wheeler , from New-England , is building a good Brick house , by the Blew Anchor ; and the two Brickmakers a Double Brick House and Cellars ; besides several others going on : Samuel Carpenter has built another house by his . I am Building another Brick house by mine , which is three large Stories high , besides a good large Brick Cellar under it , of two Bricks and a half thickness in the wall , and the next story half under Ground , the Celler hath an Arched Door for a Vault to go ( under the Street ) to the River , and so to bring in goods , or deliver out . Humphery Murry , from New-York , has built a large Timber house , with Brick Chimnies . John Test has almost finished a good Brick House , and a Bake-house of Timber ; and N. Allen a good house , next to Thomas Wynns front Lot. John Day a good house , after the London fashion , most Brick , with a large frame of Wood , in the front , for shop Windows ; all these have Belconies . Thomas Smith and Daniel Pege are Partners , and set to making of Brick this Year , and they are very good ; also , Pastorus , the German Friend , Agent for the Company at Frankford , with his Dutch People , are preparing to make Brick next year . Samuel Carpenter , is our Lime burner on his Wharf . Brave LIME STONE found here , as the Workmen say , being proved . We build most Houses with Belconies . Lots are much desir'd in the Town , great buying one of another . We are now laying the foundation of a large plain Brick house , for a Meeting House , in the Center , ( sixty foot long , and about forty foot broad ) and hope to have it soon up , many hearts and hands at work that will do it . A large Meeting House , 50 foot long , and 38 foot broad , also going up , on the front of the River , for an evening Meeting , the work going on a pace . Many Towns People setling their liberty Lands . I hope the Society will rub off the Reproaches some have cast upon them . We now begin to gather in some thing of our many great Debts . I do understand three COMPANIES FOR WHALE CATCHING are designed to fish in the Rivers Mouth this season , and find through the great Plenty of fish , they may begin early . A Fisherman this Year found the way to catch Whiteins in this River , and it 's expected many sorts of fish more then hath been yet caught , may be taken by the skilful . Fish are in such plenty , that many sorts on tryal , have been taken with Nets , in the Winter time : The Sweeds laughing at the English for going to try , have since tried themselves . The River so big , and full of several sorts of brave fish , that it s believed , except frozen over , we may catch any time in the Winter . It 's great pity , but two or three experienced Fishermen were here to Ply this River , to salt and serve fresh to the Town . A good way to Pickle Sturgion is wanting ; such abundance in this River , even before the Town : many are Catcht , Boyld and Eaten . Last Winter great plenty of Dear brought in by the Indians and English from the Country . We are generally very Well and Healthy here , but abundance Dead in Maryland this Summer . The Manufacture of Linnen by the Germans goes on finely , and they make fine Linnen : Samuel Carpenter having been lately there , declares , they had gathered one Crop of Flax , and had sowed for the Second , and saw it come up well : And they say , might have had forwarder and better , had they had old seed , and not stayed so long for the Growth of the new seed to sow again . I may believe it , for large hath my experience been this Years , though in a small peece of Ground , to the admiration of many . I thought fit to signify thus much , knowing thou wouldst be glad to hear of the People and Provinces welfare ; the Lord preserve us all , and make way for thy return , which is much desired , not only by our Friends , but all sorts . I am , &c. thy truly Loving Friend . ROBERT TVRNER . Of Further Improvements for Trade and Commerce . THose things that we have in prospect for Staples of Trade , are Wine , Linnen , Hemp , Potashes , and Whale Oyle ; to say nothing of our Provisions for the Islands , our Saw-Mills , Sturgeon , some Tobacco , and our Furs and Skins , which of themselves are not contemptible ; I might add Iron ( perhaps Copper too ) for there is much Mine ; and it will be granted us , that we want no Wood , though I must confess , I cannot tell how to help preferring a domestick or self subsistance , to a life of much profit , by the extream Toyl of forraign Traffick . Advice to Adventurers how to imploy their Estates , with fair profit . IT is fit now , that I give some Advertisement to Adventurers , which way they may lay out their Money to best advantage , so as it may yeild them fair returns , and with content to all concerned , which is the last part of my present task ; and I must needs say so much wanting , that it has perhaps given some occasion to ignorance and prejudice to run without mercy , measure or distinction against America , of which Pennsylvania to be sure has had its share . 1. It is agreed on all hands , that the Poor are the Hands and Feet of the Rich. It is their labour that improves Countries ; and to encourage them , is to promote the real benefit of the publick . Now as there are abundance of these people in many parts of Europe , extreamly desirous of going to America ; so the way of helping them thither , or when there , and the return thereof to the Disbursers , will prove what I say to be true . 2. There are two sorts , such as are able to transport themselves and Families , but have nothing to begin with there ; and those that want so much as to transport themselves and Families thither . 3. The first of these may be entertained in this manner . Say I have 5000 Acres , I will settle Ten Families upon them , in way of Village , and build each an house , an out-house for Cattle , furnish every Family with Stock ; as four Cows , two Sows , a couple of Mares , and a yoke of Oxen , with a Town Horse , Bull and Boar ; I find them with Tools , and give each their first Ground-seed . They shall continue Seven Year , or more , as we agree , at half encrease , being bound to leave the Houses in repair , and a Garden and Orchard , I paying for the Trees & at least twenty Acres of Land within Fence , and improved to corn and grass ; the charge will come to about sixty pounds English for each Family : At the seven years end , the Improvement will be worth , as things go now , 120 l. besides the value of the encrease of the Stock , which may be neer as much more , allowing for casualties ; especially , if the People are honest and careful , or a man be upon the spot himself , or have an Overseer sometimes to inspect them . The charge in the whole is 832 l. And the value of stock and improvements 2400 l. I think I have been modest in my computation . These Farms are afterwards fit for Leases at full rent , or how else the Owner shall please to dispose of them . Also the People will by this time be skilled in the Country , and well provided to settle themselves with stock upon their own Land. 4. The other sort of poor people may be very beneficially transported upon these terms : Say I have 5000 Acres I should settle as before , I will give to each Family 100 Acres , which in the whole makes 1000 ; and to each Family thirty pounds English , half in hand , and half there , which in the whole comes to 300 l. After four years are expired , in which time they may be easie , and in a good condition , they shall each of them pay five pounds , and so yearly for ever , as a Fee-farm rent ; which in the whole comes to 50 l. a Year . Thus a man that buys 5000. Acres may secure and settle his 4000 by the gift of one , and in a way that hazard and interest allowed for , amounts to at least ten per cent . upon Land security , besides the value it puts upon the rest of the 5000 Acres . I propose that there be at least two working hands besides the wife , whether son or servant ; and that they oblige what they carry ; and for further security bind themselves as servants for some time , that they will settle the said land accordingly , and when they are once seated , their inprovements security enough for the Rent . 5. There is yet another expedient , and that is , give to ten Families 1000 Acres forever , at a small acknowledgement , and settle them in way of Village , as afore ; by their seating thus , the Land taken up is secured from others , because the method of the Country is answered , and the value such a settlement gives to the rest reserved , is not inconsiderable ; I mean , the 40●● Acres ; especially that which is Contiguous : For their Children when grown up , and Handicrafts will soon cover to fix next them , and such after settlements to begin at an Improved Rent in Fee , or for long Leases or small Acknowledgements , and good Improvements , must advance the whole considerably . I conceive any of these methods to issue in a sufficient advantage to Adventurers , and they all give good encouragement to feeble and poor Families . 6. That which is most adviseable for People , intended thither , to carry with them , is in short , all things relating to Apparel , Building , Housholdstuf , Husbandry , Fowling , and Fishing . Some Spice , Spirits and double ●ear , at first , were not amiss : But I advise all to proportion their Estates thus ; one third in Money , and two thirds in Goods . Upon peices of eight , there will be almost a third gotten , for they go at 6 s. and by goods well bought , at least fifty pounds sterl . for every hundred pounds ; so that a man worth 400 l. here , is worth 600 l. there , without sweating . Of the Natives . 1. BEcause many Stories have been prejudicially propagated , as if we were upon ill terms with the Natives , and sometimes , like Jobs Kindred , all cut off but the Messenger that brought the Tidings ; I think it requisit to say thus much , that as there never was any such Messenger , so the dead People were alive , at our last advices ; so far are we from ill terms with the Natives , that we have liv'd in great friendship . I have made seven Purchasses , and in Pay and Presents they have received at least twelve hundred pounds of me . Our humanity has obliged them so far , that they generally leave their guns at home , when they come to our settlements ; they offer us no affront , not so much as to one of our Dogs ; and if an● of them break our Laws , they submit to be punisht by them : and to this they have tyed themselves by an obligation under their hands . We leave not the least indignity to them unrebukt , nor wrong unsatisfied . Justice gains and aws them . They have some Great Men amongst them , I mean , for Wisdom , Truth and Justice . I refer , to my former Account about their Laws , Manners and Religious Rites . Of the Goverment . THE Goverment is according to the words of the Grant , as near to the English as conveniently may be : In the whole , we aim at Duty to the King , the Preservation of Right to all , the suppression of Vice , and encouragement of Vertue , and Arts ; with Libert to all People to worship Almighty God , according to their Faith and Perswasion . Of the Seasons of Going , and usual time of Passage . 1. THO Ships go hence at all times of the Year , it must be acknowledged , that to go so as to arrive at Spring or Fall , is best . For the Summer may be of the hottest , for fresh Commers ; and in the Winter , the wind that prevails , is the North West , and that blows off the Coast , so that sometimes it is difficult to enter the Capes . 2. I propose therefore , that Ships go hence about the middle of the moneths call'd February and August , which , allowing two moneths for passage , reaches time enough to plant in the Spring such things as are carried hence to plant , and in the Fall to get a small Cottage , and clear some Land against the next Spring . I have made a discovery of about a hundred Miles West , and find those back Lands richer in Soyl , Woods and Fountains , then that by Delaware ; especially upon the SASQVEHANAH River . 3. I must confess I prefer the Fall to come thither , as believing it is more healthy to be followed with Winter then Summer ; tho , through the great goodness and mercy of God , we have had an extrordinary portion of health , for so new and numerous a Colony , notwithstanding we have not been so regular in time . 4. The Passage is not to be set by any man ; for Ships will be quicker and slower . Some have been four moneths , and some but one , and as often . Generally between six and nine weeks . One year , of four and twenty Sayl , I think , there was not three above nine , and there was one or two under six weeks in passage . 5. To render it more healthy , it is good to keep as much upon Deck as may be ; for the Air helps against the offensive smells of a Crowd , and a close place . Also to scrape often the Cabbins , under the Beds ; and either carry store of Rue and Wormwood , some Rosemary , or often sprinkle Vineger about the Cabbin . Pitch burnt , is not amiss sometimes against faintness and infectious scents . I speak my experience for their benefit and direction that may need it . And because some has urged my coming back , as an argument against the place , and the probability of its improvement ; Adding , that I would for that reason never return : I think fit to say , That Next Summer , God willing , I intend to go back , and carry my Family , and the best part of my Personal Estate with me . And this I do , not only of Duty , but Inclination and Choice . God will Bless and Prosper poor America . I shall conclude with this further Notice , that to the end such as are willing to embrace any of the foregoing propositions for the Improvement of Adventurers Estates , may not be discouraged , from an inability to find such Land-Lords , Tennants , Masters and Servants , if they intimate their desires to my Friend and Agent Philip Ford , living in Bow-Lane in London , they may in all probability be well accommodated ; few of any quality or capacity , designed to the Province , that do not inform him of their inclinations and condition . Now for you that think of going thither , I have this to say , by way of caution ; if an hair of our heads falls not to the ground , without the providence of God , Remember , your removal is of greater moment . Wherefore have a due reverence and regard to his good Providence , as becomes a People that profess a belief in Providence . Go clear in your selves , and of all others . Be moderate in Expectation , count on Labour before a Crop , and Cost before Gain , for such persons will best endure difficulties , if they come , and bear the Success , as well as find the Comfort that usually follow such considerate undertakings . Worminghurst-Place , 12fth of the 10th Month 85. William Penn. PAge 1. Line 24. Read thing . p. 3. l. ● . r. that . p. 11. l. last r. soon brought . p. 12. l. 9. r. ●uckshorns . p. 14. l. 21. r. Those things . p. 17. l. 2. for Bond , read Land. l. 8. r. on small l. 17. f. there r. their . p. 20. l. 3. r. Improvement . THE END .