A10725	----	Nevves from Virginia The lost flocke triumphant. With the happy arriuall of that famous and worthy knight Sr. Thomas Gates: and the well reputed & valiant captaine Mr. Christopher Newporte, and others, into England. With the maner of their distresse in the Iland of Deuils (otherwise called Bermoothawes) where they remayned 42. weekes, & builded two pynaces, in which they returned into Virginia. By R. Rich, Gent. one of the voyage. Rich, Richard, fl. 1610. 1610 Approx. 11 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 8 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2006-06 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A10725 STC 21005 ESTC S122506 99857630 99857630 23393 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. A10725) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 23393) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 728:8) Nevves from Virginia The lost flocke triumphant. With the happy arriuall of that famous and worthy knight Sr. Thomas Gates: and the well reputed & valiant captaine Mr. Christopher Newporte, and others, into England. With the maner of their distresse in the Iland of Deuils (otherwise called Bermoothawes) where they remayned 42. weekes, & builded two pynaces, in which they returned into Virginia. By R. Rich, Gent. one of the voyage. Rich, Richard, fl. 1610. [16] p. : ill. (woodcut) Printed by Edw: Allde, and are to be solde by Iohn Wright at Christ-Church dore, London : 1610. In verse. Signatures: A-B⁴. The first leaf bears signature-mark "A" and a woodcut of a ship; the last leaf is blank. Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery. 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. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. 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 Gates, Thomas, -- Sir, d. 1621. Newport, Christopher, ca. 1565-1617. Virginia -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800. Virginia -- History -- Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775 -- Early works to 1800. Bermuda Islands -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800. Bermuda Islands -- History -- Early works to 1800. 2005-10 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2005-11 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-02 Taryn Hakala Sampled and proofread 2006-02 Taryn Hakala Text and markup reviewed and edited 2006-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion depiction of ship A The lost Flocke Triumphant . With the happy Arriuall of that famous and worthy Knight S r. Thomas Gates : and the well reputed & valiant Captaine M r. Christopher Newporte , and others , into England . ¶ With the maner of their distresse in the Iland of Deuils ( otherwise called Bermoothawes ) where they remayned 42. weekes , & builded two Pynaces , in which they returned into Virginia . By R. Rich , Gent. one of the Voyage . LONDON Printed by Edw : Allde , and are to be solde by Iohn Wright at Christ-Church dore . 1610. To the Reader . REader , how to stile thee I knowe not , perhaps Learned , perhaps vnlearned : happily captious , happily enuious : indeed what or how to tearme thee I know not , only as I began I will proceede . Reader , thou dost peraduenture imagine that I am mercenarie in this busines , and write for money ( as your moderne Poets vse ) hyred by some of those euer to be admired Aduenturers , to flatter rhe world : No , I disclaime it , I haue knowne the Voyage , past the danger , seene that honorable work of Virginia , & I thanke God am arriud here to tell thee what I haue seene , don , & past : if thou wilt be lieue me so , if not so to : for I cannot force thee but to thy owne liking : I am a Soldier , blunt and plaine , and so is the phrase of my newes : and I protest it is true . If thou aske why I put it in Verse ? I prethee knowe , it was onely to feede mine owne humour : I must confesse , that had I not debard my selfe of that large scope which to the writing of prose is allowed , I should haue much easd my selfe , and giuen thee better content . But I intreat thee to take this as it is ; and before many daies expire , I will promise thee the same worke more at large . I did feare preuention by some of your writers , if they should haue gotten but some part of the newes by the tayle , and therefore though it be rude , let it passe with thy liking , and in so doing I shall like well of thee : but how euer , I haue not long to stay : if thou wilt be vnnaturall to thy country-man , thou maist , I must not loose my patrymonie ; I am for Virginia againe , and so I will bid thee hartily farewell , with an honest verse : As I came hether to see my natiue land , to waft me backe lend me thy gentle hand . Thy louing Country-man . R R. Newes from Virginia OF THE HAPPY Ariuall of that famous & worthy knight Sir Thomas Gates and well reputed and valiant Captaine Newport into England . IT is no idle fabulous tale , nor is it fayned newes : For Truth herselfe is heere arriu'd , because you should not muse . With her , both Gates and Newport come , to tell Report doth lye : Which did deuulge vnto the world , that they at Sea did dye . T is true that Eleauen monthes and more , these gallant worthy wights : Was in the Shippe ( Sea-venture nam'd ) depriu'd Virginia's sight . And brauely did they glyde the maine , till Neptune gan to frowne : As if a Courser prowdly backt , would throwe his ryder downe . The Seas did rage , the windes did blowe , distressed were they then : Their Ship did leake , her tacklings breake , in daunger were her men . But heauen was Pylotte in this storme , and to an Iland nere : Bermoothawes call'd , conducted then , which did abate their feare . But yet these Worthies forced were , opprest with weather againe : To runne their Ship betweene two Rockes , where she doth still remaine . And then on shoare the Iland came , Inhabited by Hogges : Some Foule and Tortoyses there were they onely had one Dogge To kill these swyne , to yeild them food that little had to eate : Their store was spent , and all things scant , alas they wanted meate . A thousand hogges that dogge did kill , their hunger to sustaine : And with such foode , did in that I le two and forty weekes remaine . And there two gallant Pynases , did build , of Seader-tree : The braue Deliuerance one was call'd , of seauenty Tonne was shee . The other Patience had to name , her burthen thirty Tonne : Two only of their men which there , pale death did ouercome . And for the losse of those two soules , which were accounted deere : A Sonne and Daughter then was borne and were Baptized there . The two and forty weekes being past , they hoyst Sayle and away : Their Ships with hogs well freighted were , their harts with mickle ioy . And so vnto Virginia came , where these braue Souldiers finde The English-men opprest with greife and discontent in minde . They seem'd distracted and forlorne , for those two worthyes losse : Yet at their home returne they ioyd , among'st them some were crosse . And in the mid'st of discontent , came noble Delaware : He heard the greifes on either part , and sett them free from care . He comforts them and cheeres their hearts , that they abound with ioy : He feedes them full and feedes their soules , with Gods word euery day . A discreet counsell he creates , of men of worthy fame : That noble Gates leiftenant was the Admirall had to name . The worthy Sir George Somers knight , and others of commaund : Maister Georg Pearcy which is brother , vnto Northumberland . Sir Fardinando Wayneman knight and others of good fame : That noble Lord , his company , which to Virginia came And landed there : his number was One hundred Seauenty : then Ad to the rest and they make full , foure hundred able men . Where they vnto their labour fall , as men that meane to thriue : Let 's pray that heauen may blesse them all and keep them long aliue . Those men that Vagrants liu'd with vs , haue there deserued well : Their Gouernour writes in their praise , as diuers Letters tel . And to th' Aduenturers thus he writes , be not dismayd at all : For scandall cannot doe vs wrong God will not let vs fall . Let England knowe our willingnesse , for that our worke is good , Wee hope to plant a Nation , where none before hath stood . To glorifie the Lord t is done , and to no other end : He that would crosse so good a worke , to God can be no friend . There is no feare of hunger here , for Corne much store here growes , Much fish the gallant Riuers yeild , t is truth , without suppose . Great store of Fowle , of Venison , of Grapes , and Mulberries , Of Chesnuts , Walnuts , and such like , of fruits and Strawberries , There is indeed no want at all : but some condiciond ill , That wish the worke should not goe on , with words doe seeme to kill . And for an instance of their store , the noble Delaware , Hath for a present hither sent , to testific his care , In mannaging so good a worke , two gallant ships : by name The Blessing and the Hercules , well fraught , and in the same Two ships , are these commodities : Furres , Sturgeon , Cauiare , Blacke-walnut-tree , and some deale-boords , with such they laden are : Some Pearle , some Wainscot and clapbords , with some Sassafras wood : And Iron promist , for t is true , their Mynes are very good . Then maugre scandall , false report , or any opposition Th' aduenturers doe thus deuulge : to men of good condition : That he that wants shall haue reliefe , be he ofhonest minde : Apparell , coyne , or any thing , to such they will be kinde . To such as to Virginia , do purpose to repaire : And when that they shall thither come , each man shall haue his share . Day wages for the Laborer , and for his more content , A house and garden plot shall haue , besides , t' is further ment That euery man shall haue a part , and not thereof denaid : Of generall profit , as if that he twelue pounds ten shillings paid , And he that in Virginia , shall copper coyne receiue , For hyer or commodities , and will the country leaue , Vpon deliuery of such coyne , Vnto the Gouernour : Shall by exchange at his returne , be by their Treasurer Paid him in London at first sight , no man shall cause to grieue : For 't is their generall will and wish that euery man should liue . The number of Aduenturers , that are for this Plantation : Are full eight hundred worthy men , some Noble , all offashion . Good , discreete , their worke is good , and as they haue begun : May Heauen assist them in their worke , and thus our newes is done . FINIS . 
A25505	----	The answer of the Bermuda Company to the matters complained of in the petition of Mr. Perient Trott humbly offered to the consideration of the honourable the knights, citezens and burgisses assembled in Parliament. Somers Islands Company. 1677 Approx. 4 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 1 1-bit group-IV TIFF page image. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2009-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A25505 Wing A3287A ESTC R213481 99825851 99825851 30242 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. A25505) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 30242) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1804:03) The answer of the Bermuda Company to the matters complained of in the petition of Mr. Perient Trott humbly offered to the consideration of the honourable the knights, citezens and burgisses assembled in Parliament. Somers Islands Company. 1 sheet ([1] p.) s.n., [London : 1677] Imprint from Wing. Reproduction of the original in the British 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. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. 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 Trott, Perient. -- True relation of the just and unjust proceedings of the Somer-Island-Company. Bermuda Islands -- Early works to 1800. Great Britain -- Colonies -- Administration -- Early works to 1800. 2008-06 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2008-07 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-08 John Pas Sampled and proofread 2008-08 John Pas Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-09 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion The Answer of the BERMUDA COMPANY TO THE Matters Complained of in the Petition of Mr. PERIENT TROTT , humbly offered to the Consideration of the Honourable the Knights , Citezens and Burgisses Assembled in PARLIAMENT . THe Bermuda Company having purchased the soyl of the Island , were incorporated in 1614. by the Name of the Governour and Company of the City of London , for Plantation of the Summer Islands ; and thereby had the sole Government committed to them , with a power to make Laws as near as might be to the Laws of England ; being the same power granted to all other His Majesties foreign Plantations , and the Company are still the proprietors of the said Islands . And if any By-Laws were made contrary to their power , or prejudicial to the Island ( as is untruly suggested ) the Company here must needs be the great loosers . That no Lands have been taken away from any person without due proceedings and Examinaton had according to the Laws and constitutions of the Islands ; neither have any Records or due Entries manifesting any mans title to the same been razed or altered , nor have any persons been admitted to any shares in the said Islands , but upon evidence of their right and title to the same . That the penny in the pound upon Tobacco , is a Tax necessary to support the charges of the Government , ( over and above the publick shares set aside and now imployed for that purpose ) and is duely imposed , and for the recovery thereof , Actions at Law are brought against the Petitioner Mr. Trott , whereby the validity of the said Tax will be tryed . And if the Governour and Council there do impose any Assessment upon the Planters , without the consent of the Assembly , it is without the knowledge of the Company , and contrary to the Known Laws of the place , and would be redressed upon complaint made to the Company here . That the managing the Trade of Tobacco in the Companies Magazin Ships , is necessary for the Proprietors , sufficient for the growth and utmost improvements of the Islands , satisfactory to the Planters , alwaies used since the first purchase of the Islands , and the only way for the preventing of frauds and oppressions . As to the Whale Fishing , The Company having made a Lease thereof for Ninety nine years , to several Undertakers , who expended near four thousand pound in Boats , Tackle , and other charges for carrying on the Trade , and having intrusted some persons under them to manage the same for five years , and the said Trustees having some ways interested Mr. Trott therein , and the five years being expired , the said Boats and Tackle were seized at the request and for the said undertakers , who are the Proprietors and owners of the same . And are now under the value of one hundred pound . As to the building of Ships , If the same were not restrained , there would not be Timber left sufficient for the necessary supply of the Islands . And as to Appeals , Any person aggrieved may bring the same , unless where the Cause of Action is under the value of five pounds . And ever since the granting of the said Charter , the Company have endeavoured to advance the Common and Publick Interest of the Islands , and the rights of the Proprietors there . And the Islands are now in a more flourishing condition than ever they were since they were first Planted . 
A41380	----	Servants on horse-back, or, A free-people bestrided in their persons and liberties, by worthlesse men being a representation of the dejected state of the inhabitants of Summer Islands : containing short illustrations upon a petition presented to the High Court of Parliament for redresse / published by Will. Golding ... Golding, William, 17th cent. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A41380 of text R7910 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing G1020). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 102 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 15 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A41380 Wing G1020 ESTC R7910 12251685 ocm 12251685 57140 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. A41380) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 57140) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 145:14) Servants on horse-back, or, A free-people bestrided in their persons and liberties, by worthlesse men being a representation of the dejected state of the inhabitants of Summer Islands : containing short illustrations upon a petition presented to the High Court of Parliament for redresse / published by Will. Golding ... Golding, William, 17th cent. [4], 24 p. s.n.], [London : 1648. Place of publication from Sabin. Signed, p. 24: "Summer-islands 7. of the first-month, viz. March 1647. finis." Reproduction of original in British Library. eng Bermudas Company for the Plantation of the Somers Islands. Bermuda Islands -- Politics and government. A41380 R7910 (Wing G1020). civilwar no Servants on horse-back: or, A free-people bestrided in their persons, and liberties, by worthlesse men: being a representation of the deject Golding, William 1648 17609 12 5 0 0 0 0 10 C The rate of 10 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2007-08 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2007-08 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-09 Jonathan Blaney Sampled and proofread 2007-09 Jonathan Blaney Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Servants on HORSE-BACK : OR , A Free-People bestrided in their persons , and Liberties , by worthlesse men : BEING A Representation of the dejected state of the Inhabitants of Summer Islands . CONTAINING Short Illustrations upon a Petition presented to the High Court of Parliament for REDRESSE . Published by Will . Golding Master of Arts , and Teacher to the Congregation in that Island 2 Chron. 16. 10. Then Asa was wroth with the Seer , and put him in a prison-house , for he was in a rage with him , because of this thing : and Asa oppressed some of the people the same time . Quam quisque pessimè fecit , tam maximè tutus est , Salust . Printed in the Yeare , 1648. THE EPISTLE To the Honourable Committee of Lords and Commons , Intrusted to examine the Petition presented unto the Parliament , in the behalfe of the Inhabitants of the Summer Islands , by Captaine Sayle , and William Golding . June Anno 1646. Honourable Sirs , IT pleased the high Court of Parliament to accept a Petition , in behalfe of the Summer Islands , and to recommit it unto your selves , for examination , your care and readinesse in attending that trust , was very eminent , onely you met with obstructions , partly from the Company who are concerned in the Petition , partly from the sad breach between City and Armies emergent in that nick of time , and since , by the necessitated absence of Captaine Sayle , and my selfe , whose attendance was requisite . In pursuance thereof , Honourable Sirs , I beseech you resume the Complaints which are before you , That your Petitioners may not languish under an usurped power ; nor the power and honour of Parliament be trampled on , by the vilest of our English Nation . Sirs , to set this wheele on motion , I have presumed to publish the copy of the Petition , and papers affixed , as presented unto the High Court of Parliament . As also some few Acts and Lawes , made by governours Councell and Assembly with us ; with some Animadversions upon them for your better information , leaving it to the wisdome and justice of Parliament to judge thereof . Sirs , I have taken this course , not with desire to asperse the Honourable Company , the Nobility and Gentry of that Court , from whom we have alwayes found helpe , when their leasure would permit their presence at the Court ; but to discover the practice of the trading-party , who hold the people in bondage , and study to vex those , who plead for liberty . Besides , Sirs , Those of the Company concerned in the Petition , will be ready to give out , that your Petitioners durst not owne their act , and therefore withdrew , and declined the prosecution thereof ; whereas the world shall know , that was not the reason ; But the attendance upon places , care of our families , a good providence opening a way for our returne ; with our great expence , under long delayes , were the true causes of it . Sirs , Mr. Steele , who is of Councell hath the copy of papers at large , if you desire further satisfaction then what is Printed . The wise God make you as Angels to judge righteously , and as Gods to relieve the oppressed . Sirs , I am you humble Servant , William Golding . ΠΡΟΛΕΓΟΜΕΝΑ OR , The Preface to the READER . MY purpose is not to compile a History , nor to enter upon a distinct Narration of all trans-actions with us : ( I suppose that will be performed by a better hand ) but onely to give a briefe assay of things , that the Honourable Court of Parliament , with others , may clearly perceive , wee have not complained without a cause . I shall briefly premise a few things to cleare a way to the ensuing Treatise , viz. The Reader is desired to take notice , 1. That the Island called Summer Islands ( alias Bermuda ) is governed by a Company of Merchant Adventurers of London , who hold their power by Patent from King James , who keep Courts , make Lawes , and reverse them at pleasure , chose Deputy governours , Magistrates , and Commanders over the Inhabitants there , all which , depend for direction in their respective places , upon the Company of London . 2. That though there be many noble Lords , and worthy Gentlemen of that Company , yet are they strangers ( for the most part ) how things are carried in the Bermuda Court ; for their more weighty imployments , take them off from so low and inconsiderable affaires . The Court is upheld by a Deputy , and a few assistants ; many of whom being of the trading party , wait upon the quarterly Courts , to consult what may tend to their advantage , and the government of the Island in subordination to that end . 3. That the pretence of the present difference in the Islands , is about a congregation gathered there into Gospel-fellowship ; the beginning whereof , and by what authority gathered ; the manner of its proceeding , with the oppositions it met with in its infancy ; is faithfully reported by Mr. White , Pastor of that Congregation , in his answer to a scandalous paper , sent from the Island , and Printed under the Patronage of Mr. Prynn ; all which I shall passe over to prevent tediousnesse . 4. That through the indulgence of the High Court of Parliament , and Honourable Committee for the American plantations , the Congregation in Summer Islands is indempnified in matters of Gods worship by their orders . These things premised , I shall give a briefe account of the proceed of things , occasioned since the Company of London chose Captaine Turner to be Governour of these Islands . Servants on Horse-back . IT pleased the Company ( or part of them ) Anno 1645. to change their Governour in Summer Islands ( how regularly they proceeded I say not ) and chose Captaine Thomas Turner , pretending that he being an honest and dis-ingaged person , and now cloathed with authority , might the better heale the distempers of the Island , who arriving at the Island , soon discovered his purpose and designe , and within six or seven months acted so excentrically , that many of the Inhabitants finding themselves agrieved , did earnestly intreat Cap. Sayle , and William Golding to addresse themselves for England , to seek shelter for themselves , and others , against the blacke storme which was fallen upon them ; who , casting themselves , and families upon the Lord , undertooke that * Province , and by the good hand of God upon them , comming to London , they besought the Company to heare their complaints , and put them into a way of security and peace : The complaints were read and committed to examination , but no report made after five months attendance : At length it pleased the Lords , and many Gentry to be present at Court , resolving to heare , and issue matters : But the trading assistants ( with their friends ) perceiving this businesse would be now called upon , left the Court , in whose absence ( though thirty or forty still remained ) yet according to their orders , requiring seven Assistants at least , with the Governour or his Deputy , there was not that number to make a Court , which lost us that opportunity , and clearly taught us what to trust too ; upon which , Captaine Sayle and William Golding besought the Parliament . The Copy of whose Petition was as followeth : To the Honourable , the Knights , Citizens , and Burgesses assembled in Parliament ; The Petition of Wil. Sayle , and Wil. Golding . Humbly sheweth , WHereas your Petitioners ( with the Inhabitants of Summer Islands ) the free-borne natives of this Kingdom , groaning under severall pressures , inconsistent with their native priviledges , having duly sought redresse from the Company of that plantation , and waited these six months for a favourable issue ; but , without successe , are enforced to spread their sad condition before your honours , viz. 1. That your Petitioners at the pleasure of the Company ( or part of them ) have beene , and may againe be , restrained of the liberty of their persons . 2. Your Petitioners are denyed the free disposall of their proper goods . 3. Your Petitioners are burthened with an Impost upon their Tobaccoes ( which is this yeare raised a third part ) amounting usually to as much ( or more ) then the principall yeeldeth . The company little regarding the ends therein pretended , nor are the Inhabitants satisfied in the disposall thereof . 4. Your Petitioners complaine under excessive fraught set upon their Tobacco , and Rates upon the Merchant goods sent them . 5. That the Deputy-governour , Captaine Tho. Turner , lately sent over , refused to Jtake the Oath ( usuall at the enstalment of other Governours ) yet summons an Asembly , who ( by their Speaker ) calls themselves a Parliament , gives them an Oath of secrecy ▪ Together with them makes new Laws , and inforce them , sleight the power of Parliament , imprison , ( men at pleasure ; ) turned out Magistrates of known integrity to this state , without , and against the known Order of this supreame Court , forbid appeals , silence Ministers , approved by the Honourable Company , and whose labours were desired by the Inhabitants , conceale good Orders , for the incouragement of honest men , and strengthens the hands of lewd persons , with many other vexatious wayes . Your Petitioners deepely resenting these grievances , humbly pray . 1 That your Petitioners may be free to transplant themselves , and substance , when providence goes before them , and bee protected in their due liberties , whiles they remaine in these Islands . 2 That liberty of free trade be granted to the Inhabitants , according to their desires , and the subscriptions of many worthy members of that Company , as appears by the papers affixed , by which also your wisdomes may difcerne , whence most of these sorrowes flow . 3 That Offenders against the Parliament , and just liberties of the Inhabitants , may be put into a way of tryall . 4 That the Deputy Governour may be questioned , and ( if your wisdomes see just cause ) suspended , and his new elected Councell , raised by his sole power , by your wisdomes reduced , Your Petitioners ( entrusted by many of the Inhabitants as to the premises ) having run the hazzard of their lives , to escape the violence of a meer Arbitrary power , and wasted themselves , families and estates , in the pursuance thereof , having a ship ready to returne them to their relations . And fearing to fall under the power of those who have already envaded whatever is deare unto them ( except their lives , which are next in danger ) are humbly bold to fly to your honours for just and speedy reliefe , your Petitioners refreshed with by past favours , ( which they humbly acknowledge , and crave continuance of , ) shall continue praying &c. A Coppy of the Papers affixed to the Petition when presented to Parliament , the first being the Answer of the Assembly in Summer Ilands , to the Inhabitants , suing for free trade ( viz , ) Summer Islands . Die Lunae 6 Aprill . 1646. HAving received divers Petitions from severall of the Inhabitants of these Islands , thereby craving a free trade for Tobacco , and to have priviledge to transport the same at their own pleasures , not weighing nor regarding the priviledge and royalty of the Honourable Company , after long dispute , and serious debate , and well weighing how far forth we can in justice answer your expectations in this particular ; and moreover well regarding his Majesties Letters Patent , granted to the Honourable Company , we for your better satisfaction , have thought good to affixe that branch or clause , whereby we are absolutly prohibited , and debarred of this priviledge ; and as we are all nearly concerned in the premises as you are , so we do hereby declare , and ingenuously promise , that if it were in our power to grant , or lawfull for us to do , &c. we should be no ways wanting , and dilatory to advance our own priviledge , and profits , and whereas it doth appeare to us , that we all groane under the excessive rates held , and set upon the goods sent hither from the Honourable Company , and that our Tobacco , and goods , passeth at low rates , we shall in that behalfe use our best skill and indeavour , by enforming the Honourable Company , as well on your , as our own behalfe : to have such things reformed , as are neither for their honour , nor for our profits : not doubting of reliefe therein , when we shall , with all candor and integrity , hold forth our just grievances unto them , this wee hope will clear us from having any selfe end , or want of will and affection , in the discharge of the trust reposed in us by our Countrey : But we are bound by oath , and duty , to maintaine that power from whence we derive our owne , yet alwayes regarding our owne , so farre forth as civility , and justice will warrant it . Ordered to be read in the severall Churches of these Islands . Signed , John Vaugham Clerke of the Assembly . A Branch of the grants extracted out of the Letters Patents , ANd to the intent that the said Company , their Successors and Assignes , shall and may enjoy the full and sole benifit and profit of this our grant , according to the true intent and meaning of the same , our will and pleasure is , and by these presents for our Heirs , Successors , of our more especiall grace , certaine knowledge , and meere motion , and of our supream and absolute authority ( which we forbid to be argued , disputed , or brought in question ) we do straightly charge and command , all and every person , and persons , whatsoever , of what degree or condition soever , he or they or any of them be , that none of them , other then the said Company , successors , assigns , deputies , servants , factors , or the assigns of some of them , do at any time hereafter attempt , presume or go about any manner of way , directly or indirectly , to transport any monies , goods or merchandise , out of any our Kingdomes into the limits or bounds of the said Summer Islands , or import out of the said Islands , or any part thereof into any forreigne parts , or into any of our Kingdomes upon paine of forfeiture of all such monies , goods and merchandise , which shall be so imported , or exported contrary to the true meaning of these presents , and of the Ships and Vessells wherein the same shall be so transported , or imported to the use of the said Company , their Successors and Assignes ; and upon such further paine and penalty , and imprisonment , as by the Lawes and Statutes of this our Realme of England , or by our Prerogative Royall , may any way be inflicted or adjudged for their contempt in that behalfe . The Copy of another paper , affixed to the Petition , was as followeth : Upon certaine weighty confiderations presented to us , We of the Company whose names are subscribed , finde our selves obliged in point of pitty and justice to declare our free consent , that the Inhabitants of Summer-Islands be at liberty to dispose of their Tobacco , and other goods , to whom , and how they please for their best advantage ; alwayes reserving the Rents of the Company or any members thereof , to the use of the proper landlord . Illustrations or Animadversions upon the heads of the Petition . 1. The Inhabitants have beene denyed the liberty of their persons . In a letter from the Company to Captaine Sayle , then Sheriffe 1638. or thereabout , under the hands of eleven of the Company , there is this streight command , We charge you from his Majestie upon like paines viz. ( his head ) neither to depart your selfe , nor to permit or suffer any other to be shipped , &c. The occasion of this Order from the Company ; 1. The Inhabitans of the Summer-Islands , had sent forth a Colony to inhabit St. Lucea ( one of the Caribee Islands ) and many moe straitned for want of land and liberties , intended to have transplanted thither , and had been at charge to make provision aforehand , by sending a small Pinace , and servants thither ; but upon this streight command were restrained , and the Colony sent forth , for want of timely supply and ayd , were cut off by the adjacent Indians ; and many by this meanes damnified in their estates and lives . The trading party of that Company foresaw that they would soone want Tenants and servants , if a way were opened to the inhabitants of Summer-Islands of more freedome and inlarged subsistence . Also in the government of Captaine Woodhouse a new oath was devised , every one was to bring forth his Tobacco , and to sweare there was all that they had made , and because Mr. Painter , Magistrate , refused to take that oath , and M. Stirk Minister , drawing up a modest Petition to the Governour for the non-imposing of it to the prejudice of the Subjects liberties , both were banished the Island ; & though the Company of London , did not allow the sentence of banishment , yet they did make no manner of reparation unto M. Painter & M. Stirke upon those who had so censured them . Wil. Righton is at this present under the sentence of banishment by Captaine Turner the now Deputy governour , because he refused to have his children baptized by Mr. Vyner , though the said Righton , belongs not to any of those tribes to whom M. Vyner was sent to take charge of , An. 1647. by the now governour a councell of War was called , and one Feadle was judged ( without any other tryall ) to be tyed to the Gallowes , for words ( as it is said ) he should speake concerning the Governour tending to muteny ; Mr. Painter Magistrate , first wronged , and after railed upon , by one Edwards of the Company in an open letter sent to Summer-Islands , Mr. Painter for returning this answer ; Mr. Edwards the Oyle-man hath done me much wrong , the Lord reward him according to his deeds ; was judged by the Company to suffer corporall paines , an exemplary punishment . In the government of Captaine Tucker , a silly boy , whose name was Deane , for stealing a piece of cheese , was condemned to dye , and executed . 2. The Inhabitants may not dispose their proper goods . Instance in Tobacco ( the onely staple commodity and means of support to the Inhabitants ) which the Company straightly forbids to be disposed of , otherwise then to their Magazeen ship , witnesse their knowne practice , and [ frequent orders in their letters to their Governours and Officers ; one of their letters hath it thus , The Governour & Sheriffe , are to be required ( as formerly ) not to permit any trade at all , either with natives or strangers , nor any Ship or Vessell to come and remaine there longer then the space of — dayes , and that onely to take in water and provision to supply them in case of necessity and not otherwise . Also in another Letter of the Company , they expresly forbid the Island to trade upon any tearmes with New England , who at that time wanted cattell , which we could spare , and they had such commodities as we wanted ; but neither they , nor we might enjoy the liberty of mutuall commerce , surely this savours of want of bowells towards them , and envy to the good of our poore Colony . Witnesse the Company approving under ten of their hands , their Sheriffes act in ceasing the Tobacco traded for by a Dutchman , 1636. for such power the Company gives to the Mr. of the Magazeen ship , requiring the Governour and Sheriffe to be assistant to them ; likewise Captaine Robert Dennis by Commission from the Company , An. 1643. ceased some three or foure thousand of Tobacco , traded for by a Merchant of Barnstable ship , with the Inhabitants for shoos , stockings , lockram ( commodities which the Inhabitants wanted to cover their nakednesse , and the Magazeen ship brought not that yeare , whose loading ( except that which she left by the way at Barbadus , was chiefly salt and Madera wine ) and though offer was made by the Merchant to pay penny per pound which the Company claims as their due , yet unlesse three halfpence for fraught was added , Dennis would not suffer him to carry away the Tobacco but possest himselfe of it as forfeited to the Company , this practice had almost put the Island into a muteny , who hereby enraged , threatned Captain Dennis ship ; but by the wisdome and vigilancy of Cap Sayl our Governour , the people were appeased ; yea the desire of trade from M. Copeland Minister , in a letter to the Company , hath muteny in it , so the Court judged in their answer to his witnesse ; Captaine Turners words at his first comming , who protested in the hearing of many , that if any Inhabitant should refuse to send their Tobacco , home in the Magazeen ship , he would seize on the Tobacco , and imprison their persons ; at this present yeare 1647. he commanded his counsell to take notice what Tobacco every man had , and returne the names of such as should refuse to send it home in the Magazeen ship . Instance in other goods , Anno 1636. or thereabout . At a full and honourable Court , liberty was granted unto the Inhabitants to build a Pinace or two , to trade with the Plantations for such commodities as they had ( excepting Tobacco ) the yeare following ( when some of the Inhabitants to their great cost and hazzard had prepared a vessell for that purpose ) the Company or part of them , sent expresse command , 1 That no person should be transplanted , as above , 2. no live cattle , 3. no provision ( but upon limited conditions , incompatible with merchandizing , should be sent away . 'T is as though they had said , you shall build a vessell ( if you will ) to looke upon , and undoe your selves , but shall have no encouragement to employ her . That it was thus ordered by the Bermuda Court , their orders in Mr. Steels hand can witnesse . The deniall of this freedome of a Pinace once granted , and before revoked , built , was probably the occasion of the losse of Lucea , the lives of many there , and hopes of that plantation , and therein , that addition of honour and revenue to the English Nation : for the Colony sent forth thither from Summer-Islands , engaged their undertakers to supply them with men , and other necessaries , which was that chiefe cause of building that Pinace , which ( before finished ) might not be imployed to helpe the Island , or them at Lucea . After this , some of the Inhabitants , craving the concurrence of some of the Company of London , bought a ship , and furnished her with a Cargoe of goods , sit for the plantation of Summer-Islands , which when the Company understood , they made a strict order , forbidding the ship ( now ready to set sayle ) to come at that plantation , till first their Magazeen ship had been there ; the Traders feared she would gather up the Dollards which the Spaniards left there the yeare before , and marre their Market , the hindring this Ships comming to Bermuda , was a great prejudice to that Country , and the undoing of many owners there ; for missing that opportunity the ship was lost to them both in hopes and principall . Instance in Oringes and Lemons , with which the Country abounds , and most perish for want of use ; even these may not be disposed of , untill the London Ship ( which usually comes out of season ) be first served , nor may the Inhabitants dispose of their owne Cedar , but by order from the Company ; nor any of the Inhabitants have wine , or strong-waters sent them but by order of their Court . Furthermore the Companies censure of Mr. Painter to pay 40 li. Ster. unto Mr. Edwards oyleman ( besides corporall and exemplary punishment ) for writing to Mr. Edwards as before ; yea the Court have ordered that planters in the Island might be prevented of buying shares , desiring rather to keep them racked Tennants , and perpetuall servants , and yet the Inhabitants who are free of the Company have no more priviledge in the Island , then the most wretched Tennant . Thus the trading party serve themselves of all the profits , which that poore Island , with the industry of the Plantours produceth . The orders of the Company in the hand of Master Steele can witnesse , I have not wronged them in the premises . 3. To the third Complaint , Impost upon Tobacco , formerly three halfpence , since one penny per pound , this yeares 1647. three halfpence . First , this Impost was never granted by the consent of the Inhabitants , that I can gather . Secondly , protested against by divers of the Company . Thirdly , and why may it not be lawfull ( if the trading party will vote it ) to take 2d . per pound impost , yea the whole bulke of Tobacco ; yea our beds , lands , servants , children ; truly , they and their now Governour are agreed to take all , as you shall heare afterwards . The ends pretended , not regarded . First , the Commanders in the Island , not supplyed with that number of servants , which the booke of Orders , and the Companies Law allow . Secondly , but two Ministers , who have salleries paid them , to wit , 40 li . per annum , when yet there are nine publicke Churches ( besides the chappell ) to be supplyed . Thirdly , the congregation , with the Pastor and Teacher , are compelled to pay Impost out of their Tobacco towards the maintenance of the universall Ministers sent by the Company , when yet they attend not their Ministery , nor were they sent to the most of them , nor hath the Pastor or Teacher the least allowance from the Company : truly the singing men and Porters under Artaxerxes in the time of the Babylonian captivity found better usage ; for it was decreed concerning them , that it should not be lawfull to impose tol , tribute , or custome upon them Ezra 7. 24. Fourthly , no considerable quantity of Ammunition and Armes , to secure so considerrable a Garrison . And all the use the Ammunition serveth to ( for present ) is to keep in awe the Independents ; for when Captaine Sayle was in the Harbour , with a small ship , with some twenty men Captaine Turner kept a guard , pretending feares , but when a Spanish ship was wrackt , and a hundred of Souldiers , & Sea-men came a shoar ; and most of the Inhabitants of ability gone aboard , * no appearance of a guard . Captaine Turner had another game in chase , the nine Hogs-heads of corne paid him by the Country for the former guard , is a trifle to what he rakes now from the Spaniards , without regard of justice or civility . 5. Debts not paid by the Company , no satisfying account given the Country . The Company had in stocke about Anno 1637. eleven hundred pound Sterlin , were in debt Anno 1647. eighteen hundred pound have had yearlly for impost upon the Tobacco , three hundred , foure hundred , it may be five hundred pound Sterlin ; wee know of little in comparison laid out for the good of the Countrey , or honour of the Company , and yet a new taxe is levyed with pretence to pay debts : The Company will never be out of debt , whiles they know to pay themselves out of the Tobacco of the Country . Captaine Butler when his time of government was expired , comming to London , sued the Company , and recovered damage , the which was levyed upon the shares , even theirs who had done no wrong . In Anno 1635. or thereabouts ; the Traders of the Company bought the Plantors Tobacco , and agreed for a price ; but the price of Tobacco falling , they turned it upon the Plantors , to their exceeding damage . Fourthly , excessive fraught , to wit , three halfpence per pound ; first , the Tobacco for the seven or eight yeares have seldome yeelded more to the Plantors in the Island , Secondly , other Plantations , viz. Virginia , Christophers , &c. who trade with what ships they will , pay not above penny per pound , and yet the distance between them and England is greater . Excessive rates set on Merchants goods . This the paper affixed to the Petition witnesseth , as the sense of the Inhabitants , yea of the Assembly , the choice friends of the trading party : nor will men wonder , who consider the state of the Inhabitants who must trade with no ships but the Company , and must have their goods , or goe naked , and at their prices , and the Company ship their Tobacco , or it must perish , and at their price too , not allowing in goods for Tobacco above two pence per pound , which at first penny amounts not to above one penny per pound ; yet I must not wrong the trading Company , for Anno 1647. they sent little or no goods to supply the Countrey , their Cargo and Purser stayed at Barbadus , where is better trading , and sent the ship to make a fraught out of the Countries Tobacco . The truth is , had not providence put the inhabitants into a way of weaving Cotten , which they buy for Porke , Beefe , and Fish , of one ship or other ( upon hard tearmes ) trading between them and Barbadoes , the Inhabitants had long since turned Adamites out of necessity . I have heard some passionately professe that if the Company would take care to feed and cloath them and theirs , they should bore their eares , and they would be their servants for ever : and now let the world judge what Masters they serve . I could adde much more , and tell the world , of particular wrongs , offered by some members of that Company , to the poore Plantors here , but I spare them , as not the miscarriage of the body , with whom I have to deale , and not with the body neither , but with the feet and toes of it . I proceed now to reflect on the government in the Island , as it lyes in order in the Petition , confining my selfe to the time since Captaine Turner was sent over by the trading party , who being one of them , acts their principles , and from beginning told us of private instructions , under which ( its like ) we have suffered much , though not under that plea , but by an assumed power , and a high hand . I shall branch the fifth head into particulars : First , Captaine Turner refused to take his oath at his enstalment , which other Governors never did , this will be witnessed by men of fidelity ; if he hath since taken it before his counsell in a clandestine manner , it is unknowne to us , and I suppose ( if done at all ) it was neare two yeares after he tooke his place . I meane not the oath of Supremacy , Allegeance , or Covenant , but that proper to the Deputy-governour of Summer-Islands . His excuse was , he tooke it in England , but that was denyed by the Deputy and Secretary of that Company in open Court . Secondly , calls an assembly , pretending the Company so ordered it ; but that also was denyed , and the lawes of the Company say , the second yeare it may be lawfull for the Governour to call an Assembly , he within twenty dayes . 'T is probable this plot was laid at Barbadus , where Captaine Turner meeting with Captaine Parker ( who not long before stole away from Barmuda thither , and since ( comming well from his companions ) in his way homeward , dyed of an impostume , blood issuing out of his mouth , eares , and nostrills . ) The grand ingenier of trouble to the Congregation in Summer-Islands , put Captaine Turner upon this designe , and named the men fittest to act therein , who for the most part were made choice of . This Assembly thus met , call themselves a grave Assembly . Truly there were many grave and grey headed drunkards of that * Convention , who proved the grave of piety , justice , and civility . But this is too low a style for them , therefore ( by their Speaker ) they are called a Parliament , and by the Governour summoned downe under the name of Burgesses , that under this pretence , without respect to the Parliament of England or Company under whom they stand , they might exercise an independent power over the Congregation . Thirdly , being met , an oath of Secrecie is imposed , viz. You shall sweare by all meanes to conceale the secrets of the house , and not impart or discover , either by word or writing , or by any other meanes to any one not being of this present Assembly , the passages or carriage of any affaires or businesse that shall be treated of , and disputed during the whole time of the sitting , and continuance of the said Assembly , &c. I shall not tell you how their grave wisdomes , spent seven or eight dayes in little else then finding out who it was should say a Cole merchant was come our Governour , as though this had been a greater disparagement , Then to feed Hogs and Ducks , cleanse ponds , and such like drudgery . I proceed to higher trans-actions . Fourthly , they make new Lawes viz. of purpose to snare the Congregation . Dongson of the Assembly at Assizes , when one of the Congregation pleaded he had transgressed no Law of England , answered , you have transgressed our Lawes , otherwise we could have had no advantage against you . An Act for casting out Independent Magistrates and Commanders . WHereas by common experience we finde , that where people will not readily and chearfully obey the Lawes , Orders , Rules , Government , under which they live , undoubtedly there must follow upon that state and people , inevitable misery and confusion : And the rather when the Magistrates , and those who fill the seats of justice shall apparently withstand the same . Now whereas we the Inhabitants of the Summer-Islands have at this present many Magistrates and publicke Officers placed over us , members of the Independent Church , and will not yeeld obedience to the established fundamentall Lawes of the King , nor yet submit to the Ordinance of the high Court of Parliament , nor direction of the honourable Company . We the Generall Assembly , for prevention of so great disturbance which we have cause to feare may suddenly fall upon us , by the power of those Magistrates , Independent Covenanters desire it should be enacted ; And by the power and authority of the Generall Assembly , be it enacted , That no manner of person , or persons , who hath or have entred into Covenant , and is admitted a member of the Independent Church , being at this present , a publick Officer or Magistrate , and being hereof lawfully convicted , by proof , or his , or their owne confession , shall ipso facto be discharged from his or their office or offices of command , and others chosen to their places by this Assembly , Joh. Vaughan , Secretary . Dat. 14. April 1646. This Act was forthwith put in execution , before any crime was objected or proved against them whom it did concerne . Die Jovis 16. July 1646. WHereas at the a last sitting of this present Generall Assembly , it was amongst other things , enacted , That all manner of Ministers , and other persons , inhabiting , and residing within these Islands should conforme themselves in all things touching the publicke worship of God in obedience to the Directory of the Parliament of England : And whereas Mr. Nath. White , Mr. Pa●rick Copland , and Mr. Wil. Golding , and divers other persons adhering to them , have most presumptuously in contempt of authority taken upon them to congregate themselves together in a publicke place of meeting , and there set up a new forme of Discipline according to their owne wills , not acquainting the Governour and Councell here ; although by their petition to the Honourable Houses of Parliament , they promise obedience to the Civill Magistrate , b which practice of theirs is against the Lawes and government of this place , hereby drawing unto them many of the Inhabitants from their Parish Churches , upon such dayes and times , as our faithfull Ministers , now sent unto us by the honourable Company are exercising the Ministery in preaching Gods word unto the people , and have likewise received into their Church-covenant divers and sundry persons contrary to all Lawes and rules of government , which doings of theirs , if not timely prevented , must and will be destructive to the long established peace of these Islands . Wherefore this Grave and Generall Assembly do order , and by the authority and power of the same be it ordered , that the said M. White , Mr. Copland , and Mr. Golding , and other members of their congregation ; nor all , nor any of them , doe from henceforth presume to practice , or set up any other discipline or order in Church-government , other then what is commanded by Parliament and Directory set forth unto us . And we doe further order by the Authority aforesaid , that no manner of person or persons inhabiting within these Islands shall or doe hereafter presume , to enter into Covenant with them to be of their congregation , nor bring in their children to be baptized , or any marriage solemnized by them , they being not in our judgements , capable to performe the ministeriall function or administer either Sacraments . Having c laid downe their Ministery , and declared themselves to be but Lay-men , but these duties shall be performed by our Ministers , already conformable to the Ordinance aforesaid . And likewise be it further ordered that no person or persons inhabiting within these Islands , shall absent themselves from their owne Parish-Churches , unlesse to such Churches where our Ministers shall be then teaching upon such paine and punishment as shall be thought fit upon high contemners of Authority , d as to the Governour and Councell for the time being , shall be thought expedient . John Vaughan Secretary . Ordered to be published throughout these Islands . This Act was sent forth with a Proclamation to put life into it ; which was as followeth : By the Governour and Councel , July 18. An. 1646. WHereas it pleased Almighty God to designe me for this place , and the honourable Company reposed the trust and government of these Islands into my hands : I have hitherto endeavoured with all mildnesse and meeknesse of spirit , to gaine a right understanding in and to the manners and orders of the people in these Islands , and have ( through Gods providence ) discerned divers ill-affected people , which are refractory to the Lawes , and long established Government of Church and State here established , and observed by my Worthy Predecessors , in consideration whereof , wee the Governours and Councell , for the prevention of the evill that may ensue , do by this my Proclamation declare unto all his Majesties loving Subjects inhabiting within in these Islands , that we doe expect the like conformity unto all his Majesties Lawes and Statutes , and to the Acts and Orders made and established to be observed in these Islands , as our predecessours might have , had , or should have ; assuring all those that shall persist in their wilfull disobedience to the power and authority derived from the honourable Company by vertue of the letter patents granted by his Majesty King James of blessed memory unto them , and from them unto us ; to proceed against e such , to the full measure of their demerits , being too sensible how my lenity and milde behaviour towards some , hath been sleighted , and experimentally too to much abused ; But for such as will endeavour to live in the feare of God , and in obedience to the Lawes , I shall both by my state and person endeavour to maintaine them in their rights and just priviledges ; and whereas ( with griefe of heart I speake it ) there is a party in these Islands , that have withdrawn themselves , not onely from the rules of civil Government , which are prescribed and warranted unto us to walke by , but also have of their owne inventions set up , and imposed a discipline , and bound them in covenant to observe the same without my f privity or consent , which rule and order , or rather indeed disorder ( as I may justly tearme it ) being not warrantable by the Parliament , and Synod in England , but otherwise commanded by that Authority and Directory set forth to us . Wherefore I have been enforced , with the advice and consent of my Councell and Assembly , to make and set forth an order , thereby to declare the danger of such unnaturall division , tending to the subversion of the knowne Lawes , and orders of Church and State . And I doe hereby in his Majesties name , will and require , all the Inhabitants of these Islands , to yeeld due obedience to the same , as they and every of them may avoyd the penalty due to contemners of Authority , and as they tender the peace and quietnesse of this Colony . And moreover , I charge , and require all Counsellours , Justices , Church-officers , Constables , Head-boroughs , and all , and every his Majesties Subjects to yeeld obedience to the order annexed , and to all the Laws and Acts made , and set forth in and by this present Assembly , and all such as shall be g dissoyall to authority , or disobedient herein , I charge and require the Officers aforesaid respectively in their severall tribes , to be vigilant and carefull to take notice of all such as shall in the least degree oppose this my Command ; and them , and every of them , of what condition or quality soever they be , to bring them before me to be proceeded against as contemners of the Laws , and utter enemies to the peace and safety of this Colony . I doe further require , that this Proclamation be published in all the Churches and publicke meetings , together with the order above mentioned . Given under my hand at my house , at S. Georges the day and yeare aforesaid . Tho. Turner . The intelligent Reader will easily discerne the contradictions between the Order and Proclamations , the Order requires obedience to the Directory of Parliament ; the Proclamation , conformity to the Lawes , Acts , and Orders established ●o be observed by his Worthy predecessours ; now in his predecessours time the Directory was not in being , but the Episcopall way . They made a Law forbidding rests upon the Sabbath day . A Proclamation May 19. An. 1647. By the Governour , WHereas an Order of Assembly bearing date , Die Jovis , 16. of July 1646. with a Proclamation thereunto annexed , and ordered to be published in all the Churches of the Islands , thereby requiring conformity to that order , and to all other orders here established to be observed as h a Law : And for as much as since the publishing hereof , I have manifestly found divers ill-affected people ( contemners of our government ) have not onely sleighted our authority , but have and i do contemn the power and authority of the honourable Company and Parliament , and have drawne themselves from the discipline , and orders established to be observed in our Church-government , and ever since continued in disobedience and contempt of our Lawes , and Government , endeavouring the subversion of the same to the continuall disturbance of our peace k and quietnesse in these Islands . In tender consideration whereof , and out of zeale to Gods glory , and the hallowing of his Sabbath , which of late hath been too much polluted , and blasphemed , by reason of our unnatural division : I do therefore in his Majesties name , and by vertue of the power given to me by the honourable Company and Parliament , streightly will and require all the Justices , Constables , and all other officers , with all , and every his Majesties subjects to take speciall notice of the aforesaid Order , and Proclamation . And that every Justice in his respective tribe , doe immediately apprehend all manner of person , and persons , that have gone contrary to that Order or Proclamation , or hereafter shall do contrary to the same . And the persons so offending to binde over with two sufficient sureties to answer their contempt at the next Generall Assizes , and such as shall not give sureties , that they be forthwith committed to prison , to be proceeded against according m to their demerits . And of this I shall require a continuall and strict account , as you , and every of you will answer the contrary at your perill . Tho. Turner . Dated 19. May , 1647. Ordered to be published the next Sabbath day . An Act for the suppressing of all such persons , that under the name of Independents have separated themselves from the Discipline which is held forth unto us in these Islands . WHereas through the providence of Almighty God , This poore Plantation from the foundation hitherto , hath enjoyed , and hath been partaker of many gracious blessings , whereby every poore Plantor might , and that ( through the goodnesse of the same God ) may sit and enjoy n under their owne vines , while divers other Countries through o Apostacy and Rebellion , doe welter in their owne blood . And as the Lord , who is just in all his wayes , and righteous in all his judgements , doth threaten us likewise , intimating thereby , that by reason of our sinnes wee have deserved the same measure of punishment to fall upon us . ( The Lord of his mercy prevent it . ) And whereas likewise the Lord hath ordained wholesome Lawes and Orders for the punishment of vice p and for the maintenance of true Religion and vertue . In tender consideration thereof , and in regard of the trust reposed in us , and confirmed upon us by the fundamentall Lawes , and laudable customes of the Kingdome of England , we have taken notice of sundry persons men and women that have withdrawne themselves in their q allegiance from his Majesty in their obedience from the honourable Parliament and Company , and from the Lawes and Ordinances thence derived , and here established to be observed in Church and State . It is therefore by this present Assembly enacted , and by power and authority thereof , be it enacted , That all and every person and persons which shall not immediately after the publishing hereof conforme themselves and be obedient to our Laws , That by vertue hereof from henceforth they be reputed and esteemed r as malignants , and utter enemies to the peace and quiet government of these Islands . And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid , That each Counsellour in his or their severall Trybes , with the assistance of the Constables , and as many other as shall be needfull , doe demand and take sufficient sureties for the good behaviour from every person and persons , that shall refuse conformity , the principall in 5 l. Ster. and the sureties in 50 s. a peece . And such as shall refuse to give such you security , that the Counsellour aforesaid do seize their estates , as opposers and contemners of our Lawes and Government . And be it also enacted , that from henceforth no publicke meetings or Conventicles be frequented , either at the Mill-house , or any other place in these Islands , upon paine of 20 s. for every one so offending , to be levied for publicke uses , and such as shall not be able to pay , to be sent down to worke at the Colony , untill the said 20 s. be satisfied , provided that family duties be not prohibited or neglected : And for their disobedience to our former Orders ; We also enact , and by the same power be it enacted , That every person and persons that hath so offended shall be forthwith seized , according to an Ordinance of Parliament , dated Westminster Aug. 23. 1645. s provided alwayes that it is the sense and meaning of this present Assembly , That all manner of person and persons , that shall yeeld obedience to civill authority , and live henceforth in all godlinesse and honesty , shall have protection , immunity , and freedome from all trouble and molestation , by or from any ceremony , or imposition in matters of Gods worship , according to the Order of the right Honourable Committee of Lords and Commons ordained for the Plantations . And we doe further order by Authority aforesaid , that this present Act be forthwith published , observed , and duely put in execution upon the penalty before specified on the delinquents part , and under the paine and penalty of 5 l. Ster. to be imposed on every officer that shall be remisse or slack therein , and to be cashered from his or their places ; provided neverthelesse that it is our intent and meaning that this Act be in force untill the honourable Company by due order of their Court , shall alter or make void the same ; any Law , Order heretofore made to the contrary thereof , or to any part or parcell thereof in any wise notwithstanding . Joh. Vaughan , Secret. Charles Whittenhall , Speak . June 25. 1647. I desire wise men would weigh what that passage import ( Apostacy , and Rebellion ) whether Apostacy relates not to the Episcopall way , and Rebellion , to the just defence of Parliament against an open Enemy ? Also the act provides that in some case , the whole estate be ceised , and yet after a forfeiture of 20 s. is added , or vassallage adjudged in case not able to pay . An Act for enforcing such as either causlessely neglect the Sacrament of the Lords Supper 〈◊〉 wilfully refuse to have their children baptized . WHereas there are now amongst us too many men and women , who savour of Anabaptizme , and doe either neglect , or out of wilfulnesse refuse to have their children baptized : It is therefore enacted by the present Assembly , and by the power there of be it enacted , That from henceforth every person or persons upon the next Sabbath or Sermon-day within the Tribe , wherein any childe is , or shall hereafter be borne , shall bring their children to be baptized , if conveniency permit ; but if conveniency will not permit , then such children shall be brought the next Sermon-day following , upon pain of 5 l Ster. to be levied upon every offender for general uses , provided that this reach not to the baptizing of Bastards or Negroes children . And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid , that every person and persons , doe receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper in his , or their now Tribe wherein they dwell , at such times , as by our Ministers they shal be u prepared for the same , and such as shall negligently refuse to come to be examined , and to receive at the hands of our Ministers , M. William Vyner , or M. Tho. Hooper , who are for the time being , or such other Ministers as shall be conformable to the Directory , such person or persons being found capable , shall be lyable to one w months imprisonment , without bayle or mainprise ; and if he or they will not then conforme , 40 s. shall be levyed for every such default for publicke uses . John Vaughan , Secret. An Act for the establishing the Right worshipfull our Governour to have the command of the Castle in his owne hands , and all the land , and commodities and profits thereunto belonging . TAking into consideration the weaknesse of our Castle and Forts , which are the keyes and Bulwarks of these Islands , against a forreigne and domesticke Enemy , the sad experience of our present condition being sufficient motives to rouse up , and to shake off dull security , to use all lawfull meanes for the preservation of this poor Plantation in peace and quiet government . It is therefore enacted by this present Generall Assembly , and by the power and authority of the same be it enacted , that our present Governour doe continue the command of the Kings Castle in his owne power , with all the land , servants , and other priviledges , and commodities to the same belonging , and to place there such Officers under him , as he shall finde both faithfull , and able to discharge the trust , and to dispose of severall Forts , to his discretion , being of right belonging to him as he is by Commission Captaine Generall of all these Islands , provided alwayes that this Act be in force untill we receive answer of the last Generall letters , or untill the honourable Company doe alter or make void the same , any Order or Commission heretofore had , or which x hereafter may intrench the honourable Resolution to the said letters in any wise notwithstanding . John Vaughan Secret . Charles Whittenall Speaker . June 25. An. 1647. Thus I have given the world an account of some of the Lawes enacted by this Grave Assembly , leaving the godly-wise to judge of them ; We now proceed . They enforce these Lawes , viz. by their sole power . Instance , 1. The Magistrates , under the odium of Independents ( though standing by power of Parliament and Company ) are ipso facto discharged of their place , and others chosen by the Governour and his councell . Instance Andrew Bromlow , Samuel Wise , William Reighton , had their cattle distrained upon the breach of that Act , requiring the baptizing Infants , supra . M Jenor , and one Phillip Clemons wife , were sent downe as prisoners to the Governour , for not frequenting their Parish Church . The whole Congregation , and their friends , keeping a Fast at their usuall place of meeting , upon a day appointed by the Governour ( but the Governour not approving that place ) by warrant commanded them to Towne , who going together in their boats , he would not suffer them to land , but sent his Martiall to chuse out some ten of them , whom he detained prisoners eight dayes , and when he dismist them , he confined them , and the rest of the Congregation to their owne Plantations , withall binding them over to answer it at the Assizes , onely reserving to them the liberty of fishing , and hearing the word . Imprisons men at pleasure . Instance Lieutenant John Davis , who was by the censure of the house committed close prisoner , and cast forth of the Assembly , for saying that what the Assembly did , was of no force till confirmed by the Company . They pretended this was a breach of the oath of Secresy , when yet they be the expresse words of the Companies Printed Lawes , which all the Inhabitants are bound to take notice of . This Davis was not for their turne , though no Independent , therefore they sought this occasion against him . Instance the imprisonment of M. Wilkinson , M. Reyner , M. More one whole month , protesting against the Assemblies meeting a second time , and others of their proceedings at first sitting ; and because the world shall see what was done by those Magistrates , had no muteny in it : I shall give you a copy of their protest , and the Assemblies censure thereupon , viz. Right VVorshipfull Governour , WHereas your warrants are issued forth to command all such persons who are under the name of Burgesses , to tender their attendance at Georges Towne , pretending their meeting to be for the ordering things tending to the safety of this Island , we of your Councell whose names are subscribed , do crave leave of your Worship , to deliver our judgements of the same . 1. We conceive , that this which you call an Assembly , to be no other but an Innovation , having neither Precept nor Order , from the honourable Company , nor president in this Island for it . 2. That in the former meetings of these persons now conveened , was handled , maintained , and ( as they would have it ) acted , things absolutely contradictory to Order of Parliament , and the honourable Company . 3. Rumor being spread by some of these parties , that at this meeting , they will quite put downe the preaching of the word , by those faithfull Ministers of Christ , M. White , M. Copland , and M. Golding , though by Parliament and honourable Company allowed . 4. Certaine of those persons now conveened , insinuating into your Worships , that the whole Countrey ( with urgency ) solicited this meeting , which we finde not to be according to truth , with much more which we sorbeare to relate till a hearing before the High Court of Parliament , and Honourable Company in England be made , to which we appeale , and in the meane time declare we may not , we dare not ( for the glory of God ) the safety of this Island , and our just obedience to the trust by higher powers reposed in us ) comply with this your meeting , nor the putting into execution any thing that there shall be , or heretofore hath beene by them agitated , till heard and confirmed by the honourable Company in England , who have not been defective to expresse their minds in that point to that purpose . And as by necessity enforced , doe crave your Worships protection for our peaceable being in this place , till we , or such of us as by the mercy of God shall receive opportunity for transporting our selves unto the Honourable Court of Parliament and Company , for redresse of such grievances raised and fomented by those persons now conveened ; and humbly pray we may in behalfe of the Parliament and Company , have liberty to take such attestations , as may be needfull for the maintenance of the premises . Subscribed , Wil. Sayle . Wil. Reyner . Wil. Wilkinson : Joseph More . July 21. 1646. The Assemblies censure upon this paper , July 13. 1646. UPon dispute of a scandalous paper brought in as a charge against the power and proceedings of this Assembly under the hands of Captaine Sayle , Mr. Reaner Sheriffe , Mr. Wilkinson , and Mr. Moore , the said Mr. Reyner standing to justifie the same , to the derogation of the power of Parliament of England , the power and priviledge of the Honourable Company , and the subversion of the government of this place , upon e mature debate had of the premises , it was voted and ordered by the whole Assembly , that M. Reyner should be committed to the Marshalsey during the pleasure of this Assembly and be suspended from bearing office in this Island , with reference to the Honourable Company , Mr. Wilkinson , and Mr. Moore , being severally examined did likewise , in contempt of the Court , and power thereof justifie the same paper , and contrary to their oaths refuse their assistance , and voluntarily deserted their places , thereupon were both censured by the generall vote , ut supra . John Vaughan Secret . Let wise men judge what weake Logicians these Grave Assembly be , who take in more into the conclusion , then the premises will beare . We proceed , Imprisoned one Watkins , upon suspicion of crime , whereof he had been formerly acquitted at an open Assizes , nor could the Grave Assembly fasten any new matter upon him , but after some dayes imprisonment dismist him . Instance the imprisoning of Mr. White , themselves cannot say for what ; one whiles they pretend words spoken by him , in deregation to the Company , which ( if spoken ) would not beare an action at Common law , to which Mr. White appealed , under this pretence he was prisoner fifteen weeks . After some respite M. White was againe imprisoned six weeks , the pretence I know not , after ( their malice being restlesse ) there is a speciall warrant ( without any name ) issued forth . It runs thus , You shall apprehend and send downe to prison , the first , and so the second that preach at the Mill ( so they in scorne call the place where the Congregation meeteth ) who yet refuse to allow them so much as the Chappell to exercise in ) by vertue of this namelesse warrant , Mr. White upon a Lords day was apprehended by the Head-burrow of Pagets Tribe ( who a few weeks before was tyed to the Gallowes for pretended words of muteny . ) Who , assisted with some twenty Apprentices of Pagets Tribe , sent Mr. White to prison , where he remained for severall weekes , since that the Governour and Councell have fancied concealment of treason against him , for words as they pretend spoken in his hearing some foure yeare since ; and upon this colour they keep him prisoner , notwithstanding Captaine Turner offered to give Mr. White his a liberty , if he would be bound to wave the care of the Congregation ; and now the Governour speakes like himselfe , and professe the quarrell to be against the Gospell ; at the next b Councell table , they order Mr. White should bee sent home prisoner , whom I leave to make relation of the insufferable wrongs done him , and the shields of the earth to right him against such high oppression . Instance , The imprisoning of Robert Nalton seven weeks , because he would not be dispossessed by the Governours warrant , of that house and land , on which he lived , but appealed to the Assizes , for a legall triall ; during the time of whose imprisonment : another was possest of the land , and house , and all the goods therein ; nor might the said Nalton bee released out of prison , till he would submit to the Governours order under his hand , or be bound to his good behaviour , the later he was forced unto . If I mistake not , this proceeding was not onely Arbitrary , but hath Tyranny in it . Instance , the close and streight imprisoning of Mr. Kestaven ; and fining him 50 l. for presenting , and Mr. Reyner jun. in like manner for writing a Petition , for the satisfaction of the world about this proceed . I shall give a copy of the Petition , with the Governours answer , as followeth : To the Right Worshipfull Captaine Thomas Turner Governour , and Captaine Generall of these Islands , with the worshipfull his Councell . The humble Petition of certaine Inhabitants of the Summer-Islands . THat whereas the Honourable Court of Parliament at Westminster in England , have by their high power and authority granted licence unto M. Nath. White , and to all that shall adjoyne themselves unto him , to exercise the liberty of conscience in matters of Gods worship , with all immunities and priviledges thereunto , desiring the honourable Committee in power for the government of the Plantations in America ( whereof the state of England takes the Summer-Islands for a parcell ) to see their honourable grant executed , who under their command , with their hands and seales have given and transmitted unto your Worship to observe and performe , as also the honourable Company for this Plantation , granting under their hands and seales the foresaid Ministers , sundry liberties and priviledges in the aforesaid matters of worship , with your own Acts in that your late Assembly , therein allowing that liberty so granted , as aforesaid ; but of late threatned ( by what means we know not ) with molestation and trouble , we your Petitioners protesting to yeeld and render all due honor to your authority , & respect to your persons , endeavouring by all means to avoid all occasion of actuall offence , humbly pray these aforesaid liberties may by you be allowed , and against our adversaries maintained ; so shall you be instruments of Gods great glory , reap the prayers of the Saints , and we your Petitioners be obliged at the Throne of grace for you . Subscribed with about a hundred hands . The issue was , the Assembly is called , and an Answer returned unto the Petition as followeth . FOr as much as you challenge the High and Honourable Court of Parliament in the Kingdome of England , to have granted licence unto Mr. White , Mr. Copland , and Mr. Golding , whom you call Ministers ( the which themselves have denyed ) and thereby free power to exercise the liberty of their consciences in matters of Gods worship . In answer hereunto , we say , That the Honourable Parliament , have given them no such liberty , but upon the Petition of divers Inhabitants in Summer-Islands , with such others as shall adjoyne themselves to them , that they without molestation have , and enjoy the liberty of their consciences , But not to exercise , we finde no such word mentioned , and the Honourable Committee hath given them protection and freedome , from any Ceremony or Imposition in matters of Gods worship : all which we never denied , but c confirmed by an Act of our Assembly ; neither doe I believe , that any amongst them hath cause to complaine of any such imposition , since my comming , unlesse it be the Innovation which they wilfully run into , In answer to the request of you who are the Petitioners , most or all of you being d knowne to us , or most of us , we speake unto you as in the presence of the Almighty God , we have not the least thought to intrench upon your liberties , or priviledges , or confine your consciences , so that you practice things lawfull , if the contrary , the law will reduce you ; we shall expect reformation in you by your obedience to Authority , and we desire to live in love , and amity with you , and so by Gods blessing we doubt not of your compliance , and your conformity . Signed John Vaughan . Secret . The Imprisoning of Mr. Copland , an aged and reverend preacher many weeks for exexcising on a fast day at the Mill ( as they call it ) the day was by Proclamation allowed by the Governour , but the place liked him not . Also a second time he was imprisoned , the Governour pretending Mr. Copland should say , That the devill in the Governour and his Councell had cast some of the Church into prison , and before Mr. Copland could be released , he must be bound to his good behaviour , who asking the Governour what would breake his behaviour , he replyed , if you preach againe ; to which Mr. Copland answered , Sir I knew not till now , that preaching was a breach of the good behaviour . Instance , the imprisoning of John Bristow ten dayes , and fining him three hundred pound of Tobacco , because he would not deliver the keyes of his hired house , unto the Governours new Marshall , without the consent of the Landlord , or the Governours expresse command ; and for that the said Bristow ( the Marshal ) took M. White committed to his charge , till the Governour should secure him . This Bristow was no wise peccant in his office by the Governours owne profession , he is no Independent , but an honest man , and not for the Governours turne . Instance the imprisoning of Mr. Moore , for saying he was Councellour ( as he thought ) of Pagets Tribe , and therefore refused to pay his levy , and before his censure or imprisonment . The London ship arrived , and Mr. Moore was chosen Counsellour ( as he had information it should be ) by the Company , yet is he committed to common Gaole , and denyed the place of e Counsellour notwithstanding the Companies order . Capt. Turner knowes no authority above himselfe , but is come in Conquerour over the Summer Islands . Sleighted the power of Parliament , which appeares , First , by denying the liberty granted M. White , and others , by that supreame Court . Secondly , by the words spoken in the Assembly ( the Governour present ) by Th. Wood a member thereof , when that foresaid grant was publickly read , it is said he , but a peece of parchment , and a little wax . Thirdly , by that secret charge of Apostacy and Rebellion on Parliament and Nation . See the act for suppressing Independents , supra . Fourthly , by the anticipation of any power to possesse the Kings Castle , except from the Company . See act for the establishing Captaine Turner to have the command of the Castle in his owne hand , supra . Fifthly , their sleighting the Ordinance and power granted to the Committee for the American plantations , When pleaded by the Magistrates against the Act for casting them out . The Governour and Assembly turned out of place , Magistrates of knowne integrity ; which is first against the Ordinance of Parliament to the Committee of Plantations then pleaded to by the Magistrates , but none regarded the power and authority thereof . Secondly , It is also against the Companies Declaration , which was likewise urged but without successe , in which course the Governour and Councell still persist , for Anno 1647. Mr. Moore chosen Counsellour by the Company was rejected ; likewise Captaine Turner making an overture in the vacancy of a Counsellour in Smiths Tribe , that the Tribe should have liberty of naming two men , and he with his Councell would agree to choose one of them ; but when it came to acting , the Governour set by the men in nomination , and chose one Thomas Burrows formerly censured at an Assizes , as unworthy to beare the place of Constable for misdemeanours there proved against him . Of known integrity to the Parliament . This Island ( Captaine Sayle being Governour assisted with the Councel , since cast out by Captain Turner ) owned the Parliament , when the most of the Plantation stood either newter , or in open defiance to it ; the report whereof occasioned one Ferns a Kings Man of warre to make prize of goods belonging to Captaine Sayle and other friends to the Parliament , to their damage at least five hundred pound . The Governour forbids appeales . The Magistrates aforementioned after some dayes imprisonment , sent their appeale to the Parliament and Company unto the Governour ; but were kept in prison , at least three weeks after ; Mr. White hath beene denyed his appeale to the Assizes held in this Island , to Honourable Committee , and High Court of Parliament . So in Robert Naltons cause , whose appeale to Assizes would not be granted , the Governour at Councell table is above all . The Governour with his Assembly forbids Ministers to preach , witnesse the order of Assembly , which is as followeth : Die Mercuriae 29. Aprilis 1646. WHereas we finde by daily experience what great distractions doth arise , by the intrusions of M. White , M. Copland , and M. Golding , into our Churches , who will not conforme themselves to the Directory of Parliament , to the great disturbance of the present Ministers , and other well disposed people ; We the Generall Assembly tendring the peace and well-governing of the Church of God , and for the prevention of further mischiefe , doe order , and prohibit the said M. White , M. Copland , and Mr. Golding to preach in any of our Churches or Chappels , unlesse they submit to the Directory of Parliament as aforesaid ; not prohibiting them to exercise their gifts , according to the extent and limitation given unto them by the High Court of Parliament , untill we receive further order and direction from them . Ordered that this be sent under the Clerkes hand , to the said Mr. White , Mr. Copland and Mr. Golding . John Vaughan Secret . This Order hath no truth in it , unlesse , in that passage , to the great disturbance of the present Ministers ; to wit , Mr. Vyner , M. Hooper , both of them professing they will administer no Sacrament ( which yet was the condition they made with the Company ) to the people of those Tribes , where M ▪ White , or M. Golding , should be suffered to preach publickly , the onely engine to keepe up the spirits of the people in opposition to M. White , and M. Golding . These Ministers whom the Assembly silence , are allowed by the Company , sent over by them at first with approbation . Secondly , even since the difference about the Congregationall way , the Company wrote thus unto M. Copland and M. Golding , for the satisfaction of the people , wee have sent over two Ministers , who ( we doubt not ) will be ready according to the Directory to give them due satisfaction in point of administring Sacraments and Marriage . Wee will not take upon us to prescribe you any thing . Our desire is , that you and they , as fellow labourers may joyne hand in hand , for the good of the people . We are farre from pressing you against your consciences , we know well , that conscience is a tender thing , and must be tenderly dealt withall . Your owne discretion ( we doubt not ) will sufficiently instruct you to be peaceable , not to vent your selves one against another in the Pulpit , but to minde your maine worke which ( as we conceive is ) to preach Christ to the people , &c. Subscribed with nine of the Companies hands . Now our adversaries cannot charge us with disobedience , unto the wise , and Religious counsell given by the Company in this their letter : though ( to our faces ) and in the hearing of others , we and the Congregation have beene in Pulpits charged with Schisme , Heresie , Errors , to be as Chora● , Dathan , and Abiram , the disease of the land , and the Magistrate ( as Physitians ) stirred up to cut us off , and resembled to Sampsons foxes with firebrands at their tayles , and ( to bring us yet further into contempt ) the people have been publickly taught , that God is not present at the Mill ( though Christ saith , two shall be grinding at the Mill , the one taken , and the other left ) with such like stuffe , which we forbeare to publish ; whose labour were desired by the people . The most considerable of Sandios Tribe petitioned the Governour to enjoy M. Whites Ministery , and many of Smiths tribe , M. Goldings ; but the Governour would not hearken to the desires of either , and yet ( if we may beleeve him , and I have heard him speake it forty times ) he doth all for the glory of God , and the good of the Country . Conceals good orders . An. 1647. The Company required that the Congregation should injoy their liberty and the Chappell to exercise in , this the Governour conceals from the Congregation , and makes the people believe , there is no such liberty granted to the Congregation , stengthens the hands of lewd persons . Those private Instructions which the Governour tearmed ( as it is said ) a boxe of poyson , were doubtlessely communicated to his Assembly , else they durst not have proceeded with so high a hand against the Congregation . Also the letter that went in Captaine Sayles ship , carried by a crooked fellow , supra An. 47. With many other vexatious wayes . 1. Instance , The Governour sweares men , to their owne damage . Secondly , by warrant caused eighteeen men of Sandyes tribe to appeare at Georges ( twenty miles distance , ) before the Assembly met a second time , because under their hands they signified , they desired not that the Assembly should so meet . Also many of Pagets Tribe were molested upon the same pretence , by warrant commanded Tho. Bostwick , and one Oker , to answer their contempt for being active in getting hands to a Petition to the Assembly , desiring them to mediate with the Company for free trade . Likewise the Governour sent forth a warrant to apprehend Mr. John Somersale as fellon upon supposition , he would refuse to obey the warrant of the Assembly met a second time , against which Assembly , he the said Somersale one of them , had openly protested and withdrawn from them Octo. 7 An. 647. Will. Golding was served with a warrant to attend the Governour sitting with his Councell and Assembly eight miles distance , & when the said Wil. Golding appeared , the Governour with the rest , said nothing to him ; at which time Will . Golding heard Captaine Wood , and other say , they would maintaine Their Lawes with their lives . Thirdly , Governour and Councell have changed the levy , payable by the Country for generall uses , it was formerly assessed by the head . Now by the Acre , to wit , one pound of Tobacco per Acre ; the levy this yeare amounted unto eleven thousand of Tobacco , or thereabouts , usually ( in other Governours times ) not above five thousand ; all the generall worke in view , is the covering of the Sessions house , which is made a Dove-coat , and set with looking-glasses for the Pigeons to dresse themselves by , no forts , no publick houses repayred , though there is need enough . The Governour gives the Country no account , but in grosse how this levy grow , onely the Counsellours told us , Item three hundred pound of Tobacco for Cedar planks sent by the Governour as a present to Mr. Prim ( who aspersed the Congregation . ) And one Major Williams , Item seven hundred pound of Tobacco in arrears since the former yeare , five hundred pound of Tobacco for servants to over-see Mr. Whitnalls , and Mr. Halls businesse , when they were employed Ambassadours to England from the Governour unto the Company ; also more for their charges levyed upon the Country thirty six pound Sterlin , since which time , sixty pound Sterlin , out of the Spanish wreck hath been disbursed upon that account . The occasion of sending these men for England was this , Captaine Sayle and Wil. Golding having appealed from the Governour and Assembly , and resolving to goe for England to exhibit their Complaints against them ; the Governour with some of his Councell judged meet to send Mr. Hall , and Mr. Whitnall to maintaine the Acts made by the Assembly , and accuse the Congregation , but prevailing in neither , they returned . Now the Country must beare their charges , yea the Congregation ( against whom they were imployed ) before convicted of any offence done , must contribute to the vaine expences of these men . Also the Congregation are forced to pay for Communion wine for the use of the Tribe , though neither they , nor theirs , have any benefit by it . Also to the Readers of the respective Tribes , though some ( or most of them ) be knowne drunkards . Many of the inhabitants unsatisfied with this account , refused payment ; and the Counsellours by the Governours warrant ( signed before any levyes were demanded ) distrained on their Tobacco , and tooke their owne demands . Fourthly , The Governour at a mustering dis-armed those of the Congregation , and their friends , and all at the same time , passionately beat one Chapline with his keyne , for asking ( after his armes were taken from him ) whither hee must stay in the body , or go forth . Also one Hill upon a sleight pretence . Likewise , hee commanded a file of Musqueteers to seize Mr. Painters Armes , which were then delivered ; and why may not the Governour send a file of Musqueteers to cease my bed money , or servants ? Fifthly , at an Assizes Wil. Golding ( then in England ) was sued by Mr. Christopher Pits for five hundred pound of Tobacco , which the said Pits recovered , and upon execution forceably tooke from the wife of Will . Golding in his absence : but how comes Will . Golding to be liable to this debt ? Thus , Captaine Chadocke undertooke for some such debt , for Mr. Worth , whom he tooke with him to Trinidado , but stood nor engaged to pay that debt to M. Pits , Captain Chadock makes M. Rich. Waylet ( who married Captaine Chadocks daughter ) a letter of atturney , Captaine Chadock dyed , and his two sonnes inherit and divide his estate ▪ M. Waylet e dyes . Now M. Golding marrying with M. Waylets widow is sued for his debt , and the Governour informes the Iury , that it is just that Captaine Chadocks daughter should pay it , and the Iury found it so . At the same Assizes , M. Painter is warned to make his appearance , but must not know wherefore , who giving his attendance , an action of defamation was laid against him by M. Vyner , for saying M. Vyner drunke Aqua Vitae , as fast as Mrs. Foord could still it , or such like words , M. Painter desires respite untill the next Assizes , but would not be granted . M. Painter denies the words The Governour is his accuser , the sole witnesse and Advocate to the Iury to heighten the action , and likewise the Iudge , and lury findes the action five hundred pound Sterlin for the Plaintiffe . Seventhly , at an Assizes held An. 1647. M. White obtained a warrant to summon down some persons , against whom he had just acceptions , entred his Actions , and prepared his witnesses , but when he moved the Court , his actions might be called upon ; it was denyed , notwithstanding the Assizes before he tooke the oath of Supremacy , which the Governour urged upon him , supposing his refusall would have rendred him uncapable of the liberty of a Subject , the Governour ashamed to urge the oath a second time , is not ashamed to give Mr. White a flat deniall of trying actions . Eightly , whiles Will . Golding was in England , the Governour complying with lewd fellows , sought to take away the life of his deare wife , pretending words of muteny against her , and told her aforehand , he would hang her ; but nothing being proved , he lost his longing , and dismist her accusers without a checke . Ninthly , a Spanish Ship endangered amongst the Rocks , Feb. 14. 1647 the Governour ( before the ship was wrackt , or the Company of the Ship forsaken her ) with his owne hands , and by his appointment , did so pillage and ransacke ( even beyond modesty ) the distressed men that came a shoare , that he hath made the Island stinke in the nostrills of the Spaniards , and exposed the Inhabitants , and other of the English Plantations to their wrath , when they shall fall into their hands ; and herein he is incouraged by the trading party ( who not contenting themselves with invading the liberties of the Inhabitants , expose their lives to the fury of a forreigner ) for the Company in their instructions sent over with Captaine Turner give liberty to pillage all Spaniards who shall fall upon the coasts . As also in a generall letter to Captaine Chadock , An. 1640 they give these instructions : and that when any Spaniards doe hereafter fall into distresse on those Islands , and shall send , or seeme to capitulare before their arrivall on land , that you and the Councell there , doe require them to cast themselves on , or stand to your courtesie , or otherwise , that you keep them off , and doe not suffer them to land . Signed with fourteen hands : Captain Turner laying hold upon this advantage , so minded the enriching of himselfe thereby , that he neglected the safety of the Island ; for how easie had it been for the justly provoked ( though disarmed party ) if the feare of God had not restrained them , to have joyned with the Spaniards , and have wrought their will upon him , and his faction without resistance . I onely hint this , to let the world see , that Independents ( as they call them ) dare not take those advantages , which carnall prudence prompt others too ; but quietly commit themselves unto the f Righteous Judge of all the world for compensation for wrongs done them , in the day of recompence for Zions controversie . Thus much touching the complaints contained in the Petition . Animadversions upon the requests therein , fall next under consideration . First , we crave liberty to transplant our selves ; first , because it hath been , and may againe be denyed , while the Company continue an unlimited power over us , in what we have and are . Secondly , The Island will not beare the increase of men and beasts . Thirdly , The Land is worne out , not enjoying a Sabbath these thirty yeares . Fourthly , We have served the Trading Company long enough and for nought , and are unwilling to leave our children bondslaves . Fifthly , We cannot beare the yoke of tyranny , nor the insolency of worthlesse and illiterate men , to be our lawlesse judges ; especially in the matters of God the things whereof they savour not . Sixtly , We are deserted of the Company who in justice should relieve us ; and at best in our redresses to them , the remedy hath proved worse then the disease , who ( if at any time they have saved the children of the needy , yet , have not broken in peeces their oppressors , Psal. 72. 4. the failing in either is a defect in justice . Seventhly , Suppose our Rockes were Amber-greece and our mountaines the finest gold , yet would the trading party invent waves , by raising rents , by new impositions , by limiting us to their ship and goods ; by demurages or the like , to keepe us still in rags ( almost ) to nakednesse . Secondly , Liberty of free trade of propriety of goods . First , it is our birth-right , and that ancient bounds left us by our fathers to inherit , let them whom it doth concerne consult the word of truth ▪ Deut. 27. 17. Cursed be he that removeth his neighbours landmarke , and let all the people say , Amen . Secondly , we earne it with the hazard of our lives , and a kinde of banishment . Thirdly , It is the priviledge of all other English Plantations , who have either meanes , or hopes of support , besides Tobacco , which we want . Fourthly , in case the London ship should miscarry , where should the Inhabitants seeke supply , or hope for it . Fifthly , If Tobacco beare a low price , the Company will send a ship but little goods . Instance An. 1647. hardly one hundred pound Cargo from the Company to accommodate foure thousand people , and Captaine Turner , the mouth of the trading party , protested he cared not if the Tobacco yeelded but 〈◊〉 and duties ▪ it should be sent home , if the trading Company may be maintained ; it matters not what becomes of the poor Planters . Sixtly , why should the Inhabitants be debarred of the benefit of society and commerce , which is the Islands cause , whilst ships that passe by have no encouragement to anchor in our Harbour . Seventhly , Many worthy members of the Company would grant this liberty , who being free thereof , are interest in all due profits as any other . Third head . That offenders be put into a way of Triall ; First , because the faction of the Governour is so prevalent , that we can have no hopes of right here , having this experience , that such as have been named by the Tribe for Jury men ( if they comply not with the Governours liking ) have been discharged , or put upon the Jury of life and death , though no use of such a Jury at that time . Secondly , because many crimes are capitall , requiring witnesses to depose viva voce : now we have not liberty , or power to examine witnesses , and take attestations which they desired from the Governour , could not be obtained , or not exercised , when seemingly granted . Thirdly , most of the Magistrates are parties in the charge , and how can we with prudence engage them in these causes . Fourthly , we cannot confide in all , who have power to take attestations , it is knowne to us , Attestations have been mended ●●●ed ; and how should we in this confusion be secure . Fourth head : That the Deputy-governour may be questioned : First , in errorem , that his examples be not a president or emboldning to the succeeding Governour , because justice upon offenders , is not speedily executed , 〈◊〉 heart of the sons of men , are set to doe evill . Secondly , That the peace of the Country may be preserved . Thirdly , how else shall the oppressed be righted , or secured for the future ? Job hath a saying , That the hypocrite reign not lest the people be ensnared , Job 34. 30. That the new elected Counsellours and Commanders may be reduced . First , The Company who plead this priviledge , have nor done it ; they restored indeed two Counsellours but the Governour allows but one of hem ? Secondly , else usurpation in authority will be justified . Thirdly , else it is all one , as though the Governour was paramount ; for if he be left to himselfe , to place and displace Magistrates and Commanders , ( they being his creatures ) must in all comply with him or lose their honour . Fourthly , else those Magistrates and Officers who have beene faithfull to the State and Company , and have suffered so much infamy cannot be repaired in their reputation . ( Fifthly , they and others will bee discouraged for the future to serve the publicke , if thus left under the feet of vile men . Sixtly , else the Island will soone be corrupted ; most of that new creation , being men of foule mouthes and lives , giving bad examples , not daring to punish sin in others , themselves being in the same or greater condemnation . Truly there is nothing owned for sin with us , but going to the Mill , walking soberly , humbly , and non-compliance with workers of iniquity . These are the ill-affected persons , the Malignants , the disobedient to Authority , refractory , &c. In the language of the Governour and Assembly , in their Acts and Proclamations . Conclusion . The result is , to leave the world to judge whether these things gathered up , and put together , will not amount in the Governours Councell and Assembly in Summer-Islands , to a premunire exercise of Arbitrary power , injustice , impiety , oppression in a high degree , ( that I say not ) tyranny in some of them who have thus acted ? and whether it is not a righteous thing that those who have usurped power should be made uncapable of the exercise of power for the future ? As for the Trading party in the Company , who have drawne downe ( at least collaterally ) dishonour ( that I say not ) guilt upon that Honourable Society , I shall leave them to the wisdome and justice of a full Court of their owne ; or rather at the bar of the supreame Judicature of our Nation , before whom the Complaints lye ; waiting with patience their Honours Resolution . Now if any man shall object . I am 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and besides my calling . I answer , First , I am forty that there was occasion given me . Secondly , Ministers are men , their lives , families , estates , and liberties , are civill things , and whilst invaded , cannot but complaine . Thirdly , the Company and Assembly have quited me of a third part of that labour in the exercise of my Calling , whilst a Preacher to the Country . I can now spare time to study men especially those who study my undoing in whatsoever is deare unto me . Fourthly , It is not improper to the Ministers of the Gospell to beare witnesse against all unrighteousnesse of men , and when their mourhes are stopt , to speake in Print , the words of truth and sobernesse . Fifthly , who knowes but the discovery of these things may lead some concerned in them unto repentance , which is all the harme I wish these lines produce . Lastly , I am engaged , and should seem to mocke the Honourable Parliament and Committee , should I not pursue the complaints exhibited to them ; nor would the condition of that Congregation , the state of my family , my personall infirmities and expence , far above my estate , ( not having the least allowance from the Congregation or Company ) nor yet the unsetled state of the Nation , as then it stood ; suffer me to stay and plead to the Petition , all which considered I am inforced to make this Remonstrance professing ( in the presence of God ) I have endeavoured it with all fidelity , not making lies my refuge ; if any mistakes be , it is through mis-information and in lesser things . The substance of the Remonstrance , specially in matters concerning the Governour , his Councell and Assembly , will he attested ( if need be ) by faithfull witnesses . The Lord settle truth , justice and peace , throughout the earth , and honour our Nation to be the Coryphaus and first leader in it . Amen . Summer-Ilands 7. of the first Month , viz. March , 1647. FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A41380e-490 * Dura quidem Provincia . Subscribed with eightteen hands . Illust. Illust. Mr. Steele hath the originall letters under the hands of severall of the Company . See answ. of Comp. to Mr. Copl . Mr. Steel . * But dismist the guard before the pretence of fear was removed . Qu. 47. A crooked barke fellow brought a private letter , and had 5 l. allowed . 1. Branch of the fifth gen. head . Bran. 2. * Concilium or rather Conciliabulum . Bran. 3. Bran. 4. Act . Nota. Audactur calumniare & . aliquid adherebit . To this day our adversaries canot prove any of these things against us . a At the former sitting , they rose and adjourned not , and yet they sit againe as though cloathed with full power . b They had allowance from the Company , and by an order of Parliament c They laid downe only what they had from the Bishops . d They proclaime to the world that they governe arbitrarily . Summum jus , summa injuria . e bona verba . f The congregation was gathered before Cap. Turners governourship at least two years . g Cap. Turner Kings it bravely in his expression . h This mock Parliament assumes legislative power . i Wo to them who make lyes their refuge . k The wicked are like the troubled sea . m And the governour , and his counsell must be the judges . n Their owne language . o Nota. p Independency . q O yee sons of men how long will you seek after leasing . Ps. 4. r See how their esta●es and lives are in danger . s Contradiction . This looke like tyranny . u Nota. w Fides suadenda est non impera ida . x Though from the power of Parliament ▪ Bran. 6. Bran. 7. e Not halfe an houre . a Who now is the best subjects b Councell-tables are the law of the Island , where quicquid libet , licet . Pet. Submissively sheweth . c A superlative power , this our Parliament confirms what the Parliamen of England doth . d Not to be drunkards , filthy persons , swearers , e Nequid usquam honesti oculis occurrat . Bran. 8. Bran. 9. Bran. 10. Bran. 11. Tyrannis boni quem mali suspectiores sunt semperquae aliena virtus , formidolosa est . Salust . Bran. 12. Bran. 13. Vexatious wayes . e Actio personalis , moritur cum persona . f Scutum tibi potius , quam gladium sume . Liu. Requests . The life of man Homo quasi {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} simul Scal. Ob virtutes certissimum exi●ium Sac. Hist. 
A91187	----	A fresh discovery of some prodigious new wandring-blasing-stars, & firebrands, stiling themselves nevv-lights, firing our church and state into new combustions. Divided into ten sections, comprising severall most libellous, scandalous, seditious, insolent, uncharitable, (and some blasphemous) passages; published in late unlicensed printed pamphlets, against the ecclesiasticall jurisdiction and power of parliaments, councels, synods, Christian kings and magistrates, in generall; the ordinances and proceedings of this present Parliament, in speciall: the national covenant, assembly, directory, our brethren of Scotland, Presbyterian government; the Church of England, with her ministers, worship; the opposers of independent novelties; ... Whereunto some letters and papers lately sent from the Sommer-Islands, are subjoyned, relating the schismaticall, illegal, tyrannical proceedings of some Independents there, in gathering their new-churches, to the great distraction and prejudice of that plantation. / Published for the common good by William Prynne of Lincolnes Inne, Esquire. Prynne, William, 1600-1669. 1645 Approx. 320 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 46 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2009-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A91187 Wing P3963 Thomason E261_5 ESTC R212456 99871072 99871072 123470 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. A91187) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 123470) Images scanned from microfilm: (Thomason Tracts ; 44:E261[5]) A fresh discovery of some prodigious new wandring-blasing-stars, & firebrands, stiling themselves nevv-lights, firing our church and state into new combustions. Divided into ten sections, comprising severall most libellous, scandalous, seditious, insolent, uncharitable, (and some blasphemous) passages; published in late unlicensed printed pamphlets, against the ecclesiasticall jurisdiction and power of parliaments, councels, synods, Christian kings and magistrates, in generall; the ordinances and proceedings of this present Parliament, in speciall: the national covenant, assembly, directory, our brethren of Scotland, Presbyterian government; the Church of England, with her ministers, worship; the opposers of independent novelties; ... Whereunto some letters and papers lately sent from the Sommer-Islands, are subjoyned, relating the schismaticall, illegal, tyrannical proceedings of some Independents there, in gathering their new-churches, to the great distraction and prejudice of that plantation. / Published for the common good by William Prynne of Lincolnes Inne, Esquire. Prynne, William, 1600-1669. [12], 48, 28 p. Printed by John Macock, for Michael Sparke, senior, at the sign of the blue Bible in Green Arbour., London : 1645. Annotation on Thomason copy: "July 24th". Reproduction of the original in the British 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. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. 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 Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 1642-1649 -- Early works to 1800. Great Britain -- Church history -- 17th century -- Early works to 1800. Bermuda Islands -- Religion -- Early works to 1800. 2007-02 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2007-03 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-02 John Pas Sampled and proofread 2008-02 John Pas Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-09 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A Fresh DISCOVERY Of some Prodigious New Wandring-Blasing-Stars , & Firebrands , Stiling themselves NEVV-LIGHTS , Firing our Church and State into New Combustions . Divided into Ten Sections , comprising severall most Libellous , Scandalous , Seditious , Insolent , Uncharitable , ( and some Blasphemous ) Passages ; published in late UnlicensedPrinted Pamphlets , against the Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction and Power of Parliaments , Councels , Synods , Christian Kings and Magistrates , in Generall ; The Ordinances and Proceedings of this present Parliament , in speciall : The Nationall Covenant , Assembly , Directory , our Brethren of Scotland , Presbyterian Government ; The Church of England , with her Ministers , Worship ; The Opposers of Independent Novelties ; and some Seditious Queres , Incitations , Practices , to stir up the Commonalty & rude Vulgar against the Parliament , Assembly , Ministery ; worthy both Houses , and all Sober-minded Christians serious consideration , detestation , and crying for speedy exemplary Justice on the Libellersand Libels , to prevent our Churches , Religions , Parliaments , Kingdomes eminent ruine . Whereunto some Letters and Papers lately sent from the Sommer-Islands , are subjoyned , relating the Schismaticall , illegall , Tyrannicall proceedings of some Independents there , in gathering their New-Churches , to the great Distraction and prejudice of that Plantation . Published for the Common good By WILLIAM PRYNNE of Lincolns Inne , Esquire . Take heed therefore , that the Light which is in thee be not Darknesse : If thine Eye be evill , thy whol body is full of Darknesse : If therefore the Light that is in thee be Darkenesse , how great is that Darknesse ? Luk. 11. 25. Mat. 6. 23. These filthy Dreamers despise Dominion , and speak evill of Dignities : These are raging waves of the Sea , foaming out their own shame ; WANDRING STARS , for whom is reserved the Blacknesse of Darknesse for ever . Jude 8. 13. LONDON Printed by John Macock , for Michael Spark senior , at the sign of the blue Bible in Green Arbour . 1645. TO The High and Honourable Court of PARLIAMENT . MOst Religious and Judicious SENATORS , I here present to your saddest thoughts and serious deliberations , an abstract of sundry most scurrilous , scandalous , seditious railing Libels , lately published to the world in Print , by some Anabaptisticall Independent Sectaries , and New-lighted FIRE-BRANDS ; wherein the undoubted Priviledges , Ordinances , just Proceedings of Parliament ; the Reverend Assembly of Divines ; our Brethren of Scotland ; the Church of England , with her Government , Ministers , Worship ; the Nationall Covenant , Directory , Presbytery ; professed Defenders of the Parliaments Priviledges , Ordinances against their Licentious Schismaticall Practises , ( according to their Solemn Vow and Covenant ) are so audaciously affronted , oppugned , slandered , railed against ; and the Common people so earnestly excited to mutiny against the Parliament Assembly , Presbytery , Government and Ministers of our Church of England , that I am confident no former Age did ever produce such Monstrous Insolencies , such detestable virulent Libels , which neither the Honour , Justice , nor Wisdome of that Soveraigne Court of Justice wherein you are Assessors , nor the Peace and Safety of our Religion , Church , State , nor your own personall security , nor the Nationall Vow and Covenant , ( engaging both your Honours and all others who have taken it against these pernitious Mutiniers ) can any longer suffer you patiently to tollerate ( as hitherto you have done ) without exemplary proceedings against , and punishments upon the Authors , Printers , Publishers , Dispersers of these most scurrilous and mutinous Pamphlets . Wherein they most injuriously and falsly revile , traduce all such for Persecutors , Fighters against Christ and his Kingdome , Enemies to the wayes of Christ , pulling his royall Crown from off his head , his kingly Scepter out of his hand , Oppugners of the most religious , conscientious , Godly , best-affected Party ( as they Pharisaically and falsly terme themselves ) dividers betweene the Parliament and their best , their faithfullest Freinds ; Prophane Apostates , Popish Jesuiticall Incendiaries , haters of Gods people , and the like ; who out of conscience , solid Judgment and cordiall affection to the safety , tranquility of Religion , Parliament , Church , Kingdome , dare openly by word or writing , maintain the undoubted Jurisdiction of Parliaments , Synods , Magistrates in Ecclesiasticall affaires , or oppose their factions , schismaticall Independent wayes and Innovations , destructive both to Magistracy , Ministery , Vnity , Parliaments , and that blessed Reformation so much desired . For my owne particular , I have with much Patience and Contempt endured , without any Reply at all , their false unchristian Invectives against my self , only for Writing in Vindication of the undoubted Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction , directive and coercive power of Christian Emperours , Kings , Magistrates , Parliaments , in matters of Religion and Church-government , in my , Truth triumphing over Falsehood , Antiquity over Novelty , published with Your speciall approbation ; and my Independency Examined , ( which have much incensed this waspish Generation , unable to give any satisfactory answers to them ) and I should have continued silence still , had my own private interest only been concerned . But when I discerned them to be so audaciously licentious , presumptuous , as To a set their mouth against the Heavens , to b revile the very Gods themselves , and curse the Rulers of the people ; c to despise Government and speak evill of Dignities , to bring railing accusations against , and d resist the Higher Powers , publishing Libell after Libell , against the Proceedings , Ordinances , and Jurisdiction of the present Parliament and Assembly , yea with Antichristian pride , to e oppose and exalt themselves above all that is called God , or that is wershipped ( as they have lately done , in the Pamphlets hereafter mentioned , and in the Nativity of Sir Iohn Presbyter , &c. freshly published since the rest ; every of these latter Libels being more seditious and pernitious then the former ) and f Barrabas like , to stirre up sedition and insurrection among the people , against the Ordinances , Votes of Parliament , and that Ecclesiasticall reformation and Pre-byteriall government You have resolved to establish ; g My bowels ; my bowels were pained within me at my very heart , so that I could not hold my peace , nor keepe silence any longer , because thou hast heard , O my soul , the sound of these seditious Trumpets , and the alarme of this Schismaticall Anti-Parliamentary war : Yea should I now refraine from writing , the very stones themselves would immediately cry out against their most infamous Libels and mutino●s presumptuous Practises , opposite to all publike Order , Government , Authority . And the rather am I necessitated to this ungratefull worke , because their very Libels , actions , speeches proclaime a plotted avowed Confederacy among some furious Ringleaders of these Independent Sectaries ( though I presume the more moderate are not guilty of it ) against the Parliament , Assembly , and all their Resolves in matters of Religion or Church-Government , yea , against our very Church , Ministers , and Tithes the meanes of their support ; as their Libellous Passages against the Ecclesiasticall Power , proceedings of the Parliament and Assembly ; their publike oppositions against the Nationall Covenant , Directory , the Ordinances prohibiting disorderly & unlicensed Printing of Libellous Scismaticall Pamphlets ; against Lay-mens preaching in the Army or else-where ; for due Payment of Tythes , &c. recited in the ensuing Sections , will at large declare . And that which further confirmes me in this opinion , is : First , the New Seditious Covenants which the Members of some Independent Congregations enter into ; To adhere , defend , maintain , to the utmost of their powers , and contend for , even unto blood , the establishment of that Independent form of Church Government which themselves have set up and submitted to , and oppose the Presbyterian , in contempt of the Parliaments Authority : in truth meere Anti-covenants of the Nationall League and Covenant , which they utterly refuse to take , and rayle against . 2. Their menacing predictions to the Assembly and Presbytery in their two last k Libels ; wherin they print , That the time hastens the people will call them to an Account , and repell and confound them by the sword ; That the life of Sir Iohn Presbyter is like to be neither long nor good ; That he wil be brought to a sudden untimely end , Perhaps HANGING . That Presbytry shall live but a short time to do mischeife , and then , THE COMMON PEOPLE will beg in to sing , Her Tosse , The Devil 's dead ; Presbytery will quickly dye , the Synod be dissolved , the divell chained up : and therefore follow the advise of old Cat● ; Spem retine . Rejoyce O heavens , sing aloud O earth , clap thy hands for Joy , O England-post nubula soles ; thou shalt have a time of Quietnesse , of pence , of content , for Presbytery will have never a Child to vexe thee , to Imprison thy free Denizens , to sucke up thy fatte , devoure thy good things and eat up thy bread out of thy Childrens mouthes , and himselfe is not long lived , as I shewed before ; and then farewell persecution for conscience , farewell Ordinance for Tithes , farewell Ecclesiasticall Supremacy , farewell Pontifical Revenue , farewel Assembly of Divines dissembled at Westminster , you shall consult together no more , farewell Sr. Simon Synod , and his son Presbyter Iacke . Gens antiquaruit , multos dominata perannos , &c. Which passages , presage and intimate nought else , but a plain conspiracy , confederacy , against the Assembly , Presbytery and presbyterian party . 3. Some late seditious speeches of two preaching Captaines of this Schismaticall Confederacy ; who being apprehended and questioned by Sr. Samuell Lukes Officers for preaching in Newport-Pannell , and other places neare adjoyning , in contempt of an Ordinance of Parliament made the 26. of April 1645. which ordaines , That no person be permitted to preach who is not ordained a Minister ▪ threatning condigne punishment to the offenders against it for their contempts ; enjoyning Sr. Thomas Fairfax , the Lord Major , the Committee of Militia for London ; the Governours , Commanders , and Magistrates of all Garrisons , Castles , Places of strength , Citties , Townes , Forts , Ports , and the respective Committees of each County , To see the same duly observed in the Army and places aforesaid , and make speedy representation to both Houses , of such as shall offend therein . These Captaine preachers ; ( far wiser then that devout Centurian Cornelius , who feared God with all his house , and prayed to God alwaies ; yet never turned Preacher to his owne Band , for ought we read , but by Gods own direction from heaven , sent for the Apostle Peter to instruct him and his family , Acts 10. ) among other speeches averred ; That they were illegally used by Sr Samuel in being apprehended ( for their contempt against this Ordinance ; ) most fasly and seditiously affirming , That the Generall & all the Colonels in the Army were deeply engaged . IN THEIR DESIGNE : That they would acquaint their FRIENDS IN THE HOVSE OF COMMONS of their bad usage , that they had done nothing but taught the Word of God ; ( among other things , that wee had no true Church not Ministry , and that the children of Beleevers had no more right to Baptisme then those of Infidels , &c. ) which they would justifie , and those friends likewise : That they had Commission from the Parliament for what they did , &c. Whereupon one Capt. Oxford answering them ; That he was confident there were few or none in the House would uphold them ( against an expresse Ordinance of both houses ) and that the Generall and Collonels would not side with them in this case : The said Pedicant Captains replyed ; That should be tryed speedily : For they were resolved to make this businesse THE LEADING CASE OF THE KINGDOME FOR ALL THE GODLY PARTY : adding ; That if the godly and wel-affected party were thus persecuted , they should be forced TO MAKE A WORSE BREACH THEN WHAT WAS YET , WHEN THEY HAD DONE WITH THE KINGS PARTY : and telling Ensign Ratford and his Souldiers , that they were worse then Cavaliers ; and that when they had made an end of the war with the Cavaliers , THEY SHOVLD BE FORCT TO RAISE A NEW ARMY TO FIGHT WITH THEM . Certainly these seditious privy Covenants , Libels , Speeches , compared with the ensuing Sections , Letters , discover and portend no lesse then a strong conspiracy among some Anabaptisticall Sectaries to oppose the Power , Ordinances and Proceedings of Parliament , to extirpate all other Governments but their own , and to set it up by the sword , or popular commotions in despight of your Authority . And is it not then high time for your Honours , with all other well-affected Persons to look about you ? to Vindicate your own Power , Honour , Justice , against these most seditious , audatious , contemptuous libellers against your Soveraign Authority , your most Religious Ordinances , proceedings in the desired waies of Reformation ; and to make some of them Exemplary Monuments of your Impartiall severity , to deter others from the like unparalleld Insolencies , not read nor heard of in any preceding Age , nor practised by any Generation of men , but these New furious Sectaries : who to engage all sorts of people in their Quarrell , proclaim a free Toleration and Liberty of Conscience , to all Sects , all Religions whatsoever , be it Judais●e , Paganisme , Turcisme , Arianisme , Popery ; ( as all their Pamphlets manifest ) And to interest the female Sex , and draw them to their party , they ( contrary to the n Apostles precept ) allow them not only decisive Votes , but Liberty of Preaching Prophesying , speaking in their Congregations ; yea , power to meet in their * Nocturnall Conventicles , without their Husbands , Parents , Ministers Privitie , the better to propagate Christs Kingdome , and multiply the Godly party : Which , what confusion and Ataxy it will soon ▪ produce in Church and State , if not prevented by your Honours extraordinary speedy Diligence , Wisdome , Power , I humbly submit to your deepest Judgements . I am certain your Honours have read the a Histories of the Tragicall Wars and Commotions of the Anabaptists in Germany ; whose Opinions where-ever they predominate , are fatall to the Government , Magistracy , Ministery of all States , Churches , and bring in popular Tyranny , and licentiousnesse , the worst of evils . O then let not your Honours Patience or Indulgence to such Anabaptisticall Libellers involve both you , us , our Realm , in like German popular Sedicions , Devastations , and bloody Massacres , which they threaten : but if these New seditious Lights and Fire-brands , will needs set up New Churches , Heresies , Church-governments , and vent their new errors or opinions against your Power and Authority , let them doe it onely in NEW-ENGLAND , or other NEW-FOVNDLANDS , since OLD ENGLAND needes them not , unlesse it be to set her all on fire . As for those furious Champions and Emissaries of theirs who have most presumptuously opposed your religious Ordinances , by word , deed , and presuming on the strength of their Freinds within your Wals , ( the opinion wherof , with your former Lenity towards them hath much increased their spreading Leprosy ] intend now at last to try this issue with your Honours ; whether your just Ordinances , or their willfull Contempts against them shall take place ; It is presumed you will so proceed gainst them , and the Authors , Printers , Publishers of the execrable Libells h●re presented to your veiw , that they and all the world shal know , You a●e a Soveraigne Court of Parliament ; whose priviledges , Honour , you have all joyntly Covenanted to mantain with your Lives , Power , Fortunes ; and to proceed against all such secret Underminers or open Impugners of them , as Capital Delinquents : and these Mutineers experimentally know , that no one Member of your Honorable Assembly , will so far dishonour himself , or violate his publike trust & Covenant , as to countenance such audacious willfull offenders in the least degree ; nor yet for Fear or Favour of any Faction , any Person how great soever , decline one hairs-bredth from that straite path of Truth and publike Justice , [ the greatest Security and support of Parliaments , Kingdoms ] especially in these Leading-cases , wherein you are most concerned , and as much obleiged to maintain your own Priviledges , Power , Reputations , Ordinances , against Seditious Sectaries , as against Rebellious C●valeers : or else dissolve , give over your intended almost-accomplished Reformation ; and so render your selves , with your Proceedings contemptible to all the world : which God forbid . If any should Object ; that the Punishment of these grosse Libellers & Ring-leaders of sedition would discontent and disengage the Independents , with all other Sectaries of their opinion , who are a considerable party now ; which might prove dangerous to the state in this juncture of our publike Affaires . I answer : 1. That I doubt not all moderate and juditious persons of that party wil willingly disclaime , if not excomunicate , banish them their Congregations , and yeeld them up to publike Justice , as persons worthy the severest Censures ; else all the world will cry shame upon them . Secondly , Admit your executing Justice on them should discontent their party ; yet thankes be to God ( for all their vapouring ] they are not so potent , so considerable as to over-aw a Parliament from doing Justice on such of their party , who Libel against , or affront their power & proceedings ; in which case , our whole three Kingdomes are solemnly engaged by publike Covenant to assist you to the utmost , with their very lives and fortunes . Thirdly , The greatnes of the Kings Power , party , hath not retarded you from executing Justice upon Strafford , Canterbury , Tompkins , & sundry other delinquents : Shall then the lesse considerable Faction of Anahaptists and other Sectaries hinder you from proceeding against a few seditious Libellers and Delinquents of their party ? Fourthly , Either you must permit them to go on to libel and affront your Authority , Orders , proceedings still , without exemplary punishments , to your great dishonour , infamy : or else proceed against them now , whiles your Ordinances , and their contempts against them are fresh , their party small : else they will plead prescription , and you will be lesse engaged , lesse able to punish them hereafter , in case they should grow stronger and more numerous . Principiis obstandum ; is ever the best policy . Fiftly , Let their party be as considerable , as potent as is falsely surmised by themselves , yet I humbly conceive , it stands neither with the Majesty , Honour , Power , nor Wisdome of a Parliament , to be afraid of doing Justice ( especially in maintenance of their own Ordinances , Priviledges whoever they discontent : In such a case , Fiat Justitia , ruet Caelum ; is the safest Resolution . Majestrates and inferiour Judges ( much more then supreamest Courts of Judicature ) must not * fear the faces nor Frowns of any Mortalls in discharging their duties , but execute Justice and Judgement , what ever comes of it , and trust God with the Event . Sixtly , The not doing Exemplary Justice in such leading cases of publike Concernment , will render your Parliamentary Authority , Ordinances , Proceedings more contemptible to your own party , then ever they were unto the Kings : yea , animate the Country Club-men and every inconsiderable Sectary , not only to Jeat , contemn , disobey your Ordinances and Commands , but at last to prescribe Laws unto you , [ as * Iack Cade and his Confederates did to the Parliament in the 29. of Hen. 6. ] Which will by consequence bring Parliaments into contempt , and so speedy desolation upon all our Dominions , after so many successefull proceedings . Up therefore and be doing Justice upon some few chiefe offenders of this kinde for the present , to prevent execution upon many others , if not ruin on us all , for the future , and God himselfe will no doubt be with you ; * You neede not fear what flesh can do unto you , or Sectaries speake or write against you : whose ensuing scurrilous Libellous Seditious passages will so publikely discover their uncharitable , unchristian , Libellous , slandering , tumultuous dispositions , and hypocriticall , false , froward , licentious tempers , to all the world , as will render them odious to all sober minded , peaceable , consciencious , modest Christians , if not to themselves , and all ingenious persons of their own Sects ; and so , through Gods blessing , reduce many of them to the bosome of our Church , from which they have formerly revolted . It is not my intention by any the premisses to soure or exasperate your Honours in the least degree against any peaceable , Consciencious , Orthodox , or truly Religious Christians , seduced by the Independent party ; or to stir up any kind of persecution against such ; whose consciences will ( I doubt not ) in due time be fully satisfied , perswaded to submit to that Presbyteriall Church-Goverment and Discipline , which you have now resolved to establish in our Churches ▪ there being nought there in repugnant to Gods word , or which any well-informed Conscience , can have cause to scruple at . Towards such as these , it is most just and reasonable , all Christian Charity , meeknesse , long-suffering , brotherly love , and fitting liberty should be Indulged for the present , till God shall further open their eyes and turn their hearts unto us . For whose better sati●faction in the irregularities of their new concealed Independent way , I have here-unto subjoyned some Letters and other Papers lately sent me from the Summer Islands ; whereby they may discover , the faction ; arrogance , pride and Cruelty of the Independent Ministers there , and that the Liberty of conscience they plead for , & pretend they grant to Presbyterians , others ; and the peaceablenesse of their way , is but a meere fiction , contradicted by their practise ; and likewise discern , how they lead their followers by a meere implicite faith ; impose upon them a Popish blind Obedience ; exercise a meere Papall Authority and unlymited dangerous Arbytrary power over them and others ; pretending an Vtopian Government after the mind of Christ , which is no where written in his word ; nor in any classicall Authors , Ancient or Modern , but founded only in their own Fancies , not yet fully discover'd , nor set down in writing , nor agreed on among themselves , nor published to others for their better satisfaction . The serious Consideration whereof may happily reclaime our Independents here from the error of their seperating destructive ways , and ease the oppressed Planters of those Islands from that Independent yoake of Bondage under which they so much groane , as to cry out to You for releife of their sore oppressions in their Letters : which I shall beseech your Honors in their behalfe ( since they have made their addresses to your Tribunall by my mediation ) seriously to lay to heart , and seasonably to redresse . Thus humbly craving Pardon from your Honorable Assembly for my true-hearted Zeale to do you faithfull service , by this unburthening of my conscience , and presenting You with this Fresh discovery of those New Wandring-starres and Firebrands who revile , oppugne your Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction , Proceedings , Ordinances ; disturb the much-desired peace of Church , State , ( which we should all earnestly endeavour in these distracted Times ; ) I humbly recommend all your faithfull undertakings for the security , tranquility of both , to Gods owne blessing with my devoutest Orisons to the throne of Grace , and ever remaine , Your Honours , the Republikes , Churches , most devoted Servant , WILLIAM PRYNNE . A fresh Discovery of prodigious New-Wandring-Blasing-Stars and Fire-brands , stiling themselves NEVV-LIGHTS : Firing our CHURCH and STATE into New Combustions . THe Apostle Paul , led by a Propheticall Spirit , hath left us such an exact Character of the last times , and of the exorbitant tempers of many Christian Professor living in them , as never suited with any age so fitly as this wherein we live , nor with any generation of people , so well , as those New-Lights and Sectaries , sprung up among us , who ( being many of them Anabaptists ) have all new-christned themselves of late , by the common name of Independents : This character we finde recorded , 2 Tim. 3. 1. to 10. This know also , that in the last dayes perillous times shall come : ( and what times were ever more perillous then the present ? ) For men shall be lovers of themselves , coveteous , boasters , proud , blasphemers , disobedient to Parents ( Naturall , Civill , Ecclesiasticall ) unthankefull , unholy ; without naturall affection , trace-breakers , false accusers , incontinent , fierce , dispisers of those that are good ; Traytors , heady , high-minded , lovers of pleasures ( of their own bellies , lusts , wayes , opinions , fancies ) more then lovers of God ; having a form of Godlinesse , but denying the power thereof : FROM SVCHTVRNE AWAY . But some might demand of him , by what distinguishing marke may we know who these persons are ? The Apostle therefore subjoynes such a symptome , as suits most exactly with our new Separating Lights & Conventiclers , who forsake the publike assemblies , and creep into private houses , working principally ( as the * Devill did at first ) upon the weakest Sex : For of this sort are they WHICH CREEP INTO HOVSES ( thus interpreted by the Apostle : Heb. 10. 25. Not forsaking the assembling of our selves together , or the publike Assemblies , as the MANNER OF SOME IS , and of our Sectaries now ) and lead Captive SILLY WOMEN , laden with sinnes , led away with diverse lusts : EVER LEARNING AND NEVER ABLE TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRVTH ( as those Independent Seekers are , who like * Wandring Stars , gad every day after New-Lights , New-fashions of Church Government , wavering like empty Clouds without wa●er , or waves of the sea , driven with the wind and tossed not knowing yet what Government they would have , or where to fix ; Believing and practising all things , with a reserve , to alter their opinions and practise every day upon discovery of further light , 〈◊〉 the Independent Apologists professe for themselves , and advise all others to do . Now because such House-creepers and New-lights , have usually lofty conceits of their own opinions , judgements , wayes ; as if the truth of God were monopolized unto them , and therefore all the World should speedily submit to their foolish dictates , and erronious by-paths : the Apostle immediately passeth this censure of their persons and proceedings . Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses , so do these also resist the truth : men of corrupt mindes , reprobate ( or of no judgement ) concerning the faith : but they shall proceed no further , for their folly shall be manifest unto all men , as theirs also was . The very detection of their abominable , seditious , seducing practises , shall put a stop to their proceedings , and frustrate all their expectation . Now if any man should doubt whether this prophesie of the Apostle were really intended of Separatists and Sectaries ; the Holy Ghost hath resolved it in direct termes in the generall Epistle of Jude , v. 17 , 18 , 19. But beloved , remember that the words which were spoken before of the Apostles of our Lord Iesus Christ ( and among others of the Apostle Paul in the for ecited Text ) How that they told them , there should be mockers in the last time , who should walk after their own ungodly lusts ( not after the Spirit and Word of God which they most pretend to : and would you know who these are ? ) These be they who SEPARATE THEMSELVES , sensuall , having not the Spirit . To which the Apostle Peter addes these further descriptions of them . 2 Pet , 2. 10 , 11 , 12 , 14 , 18 , 19. That they despise government , are presumptuous , felfe-willed , speak evill of Dignities , bring railing accusations against them , speak evill of the things they understand not , beguile unstable soules having hearts exercised with covetous practises , being clouds carried with a tempest , Wels without water , who when they speak great swelling words of vanity , allure through the lusts of the flesh , through much wantonnes ; ( of spirit as well as flesh ) those who are clean escaped from them who live in error : While they promise them liberty ( the liberty of conscience to professe what Religion they list , to use what Church government they please , without controll of Parliament , Synod , or Magistrates ) they themselves are the servants of corruption ; and as Iude , v. 13. prove Raging waves of the sea , foaming out their own shame , wandring starres , to whom the blacknesse of darknesse is reserved for ever . All which descriptions , how properly they suit with our NewIndependent-lights and Incendiaries , I shall clearly demonstrate out of severall clauses in their late seditious Anti-Parliamentary Impressions , betraying the rottennesse of their hearts , the pride , sedition , and rebellion of their spirits , which I shall reduce to these ten Sections . 1. Seditious , scandalous , libellous , and uncharitable passages against the authority and jurisdiction of Parliaments , Synods , and temporall Magistrates in generall , in Ecclesiasticall affaires . 2. Against sundry Ordinances and proceedings of this present Parliament in particular . 3. Against the Nationall Covenant prescribed by Parliament . 4. Against the present Assembly of Divines , sitting and acting by order of Parliament . 5. Against the Directory ratified by Ordinance of Parliament . 6. Against our Brethren of Scotland , whom of late they much applanded . 7. Against Presbyterians and Presbyterian government in generall . 8. Against the Church of England , her Worship , Ministers , and Government in generall . 9. Against such who have out of conscience written or preached against their seditious wayes , and Libels . 10. Seditious Queres , Passages , and Practises , to excite mutinies and popular commotions against the Parliament , and disobedience to its commands . Section I. Containing divers seditious , scandalous , libellous passages against the authority and jurisdiction of Parliaments , Synods , and temporall Magistrates in generall , in Ecclesiasticall affaires , in the late writings of several Independent New-lights , and Firebrands . I Shall begin with a Copy of a Letter written by John Lilburne , Lieu , Colonell , ( the Ringleader of this Regiment of New-Firebrands ) to William Prynne Esq ; upon the comming out of his last book , intituled , Truth triumphing over Falsehood , Antiquity over●Novelty : Of which Letter there have bin three Impressions made by him , without license ; contrary to the Ordinance of both Houses , restraining the printing or dispersing of unlicensed , libellous , & seditious Pamphlets : whre he p. 4. writes thus . Sir , in your last book that you put out , you spend a great deale of paines in citing old rusty Authors , to prove that Kings , Councels , Synods , and States , have for so many hundred yeares medled with matters of Religion . I grant you they have ; but I demand of you , by what right , or by what authority out of the Word of God they have so done ? Hath God the Father , or Jesus Christ his Sonne given them any allowance in this ? Or have they not hereby rather fulfilled the prophesies of the Scripture , which saith , Rev. 17. 17. That the Kings of the Earth shall give their power unto the Beast till the Word of God be fulfilled , which they have done in assisting the Popes to joyne the Ecclesiasticall and Civill State together , making the Golden Lawes of Christ to depend upon the Leaden Lawes of Man ; yea upon such Lawes , as was just suitable to their tyrannicall lusts , and which might the most advance their wicked ends and designes : and in the doing of this , they have set up a perfect Antichrist against GOD'S CHRIST , yea , England is not free from this . And to hold , that Kings , Parliaments , Synods , States , have any thing to do in matters of Religion and Church-Government , he concludes pag. 5. to be a setting of the Potentates of the earth together by the eares with Christ ( who is to rule all Nations , Rev. 12. 5. ) to pluck his Crown from his head , his Scepter out of his hand , and his person out of his throne and State , that his Father hath given him to raign gloriously in . Which is thus backed by Henry Robinson the ( supposed ) Author of the Answer to Mr. William Prynnes 12. Questions concerning Church-Government , pag. 6. Particular Churches , members of a Kingdome and Nation , are not obliged in point of Conscience and Christianity , to submit unto whatsoever publike Church Government , Rites , and Discipline , a Nationall Councell , Synod , and Parliament shall conceive most consonant to Gods Word , unlesse it prove so in the whole Kingdomes , Nations , and those very particular Churches Judgement , pag. 8. The grounds of Independent Government , attribute nothing to the Magistrate in Church affaires further then the Magistrate is a member of their Churches and Assemblies , pag. 12. You can no more Justifie a Nationall Church of Christians shall likewise go up to the Temple of Jerusalem from whence by the same Prophesie , they are also to receive the Word of God , and not from Parliament , Pope , Synod or Presbytery . Mr. Henry Burton in his Vindication of Churches commonly called Independent , &c. p. 49 , 50 , 51 , &c : The Church is a spirituall kingdome , whose only King is Christ , and not Man : It is a spirituall Re-publick , whose only Law-giver is Christ and not Man. No man nor power on earth , hath a Kingly power over this kingdome . No earthly Lawgiver may give lawes for the government of this Republick . No man can or ought to undertake the government of this communion of Saints . No humane power or law may intermeddle to prescribe rules for the government or form of this spirituall house . NOT COUNCELS , NOT SENATES . This is Christs Royall Prerogative , which is uncommunicable to ANY , TO ALL THE POWERS ON EARTH , &c. he adds , p. 60 , 61. We challenge you to shew us , any Parliament , Councell , Synod , ever since the Apostles , that could or can say thus , It seemed good to the Holy Ghost and us , to determine controversies of Religion , to make and impose Canons to binde all men , &c. Shew this to us at this time , and we will obey . But if you cannot , as you never can ; never let any man presse upon us that Scripture , that Synod , which hath no parallell in the whole world , and so is no precedent or patterne , for any Councell , Synod , Parliaments . A short Answer to Adam Stewarts second part of his over-grown Duply to the Two Brethren ; with certaine difficults questions easily answered : printed ( without license ) 1644. supposed to be written by Mr. Iohn Goodwin , p. 13 , 17. But perhaps you 'l say , there is an Act of Parliament , a Civill law declaring heresie , or any different from the State opinions , such as for the present are in fashion to be censurable by the civill power ; I answer , not without all due respect unto the lawes , and such as made them , that if there be any distinction between a Church-state and a civill-state , which all Christians hitherto acknowledge , the enacting civill lawes to punish spirituall offences , is not only a solecisme or impropriety in state , but an incroaching on the Churches power , a profaning of the Keyes , and injurious to the offender , who by this meanes is punished both beyond the degree and nature of his offence . If the blessed Spirit should at any time bear witnesse unto your spirit , or unto the spirit of a whole Parliament and Synod , what were this to the spirits of other men ? must not they wait with patience untill the blessed Spirit be pleased to visit their spirits likewise , before they can joyne with yours or the Assemblies spirit ? But if the Synods determination of this or that controversie should seem good unto the holy Ghost , as the Churches decrees of Jerusalem did , must they therefore be imposed upon the Countrey , the whole world ? Is not this to equallize your Synodall Canons with those decrees of the Apostolicall Church of Jerusalem , and to make Scripture of yours , as well as theirs ? is not this to adde to Scripture ? nay , to alter it , p. 28. But if King and Parliament may not force a new Religion or Sect , suppose Presbyterian , upon the kingdome , much lesse can the Synod , which neither has not yet pretends as is alleaged , to use the materiall sword ? And if for matters of religion all power originally is in Christ , as you sometimes acknowledge , How can King , Parliament , or Synod , wrest it from him ? Nay what think you ? is it not secondarily in the people , as well as civill power , which you affirme in the same page ? and so doubtlesse is spirituall power , unlesse you will make God to have provided mankinde better of a safegard , or liberty to defend their bodies , than their soules : If then the spirituall power be so inherently in the people next under Christ , as that they cannot so well renounce and part from it in many respects , by what they may of civill ; how can it be thought by any one , that the King , Parliament , Synod , though never so much importun'd by a thousand such Asses , should goe about to settle a new Presbyterian Scotch government , with an intention to force a conformity of the whole Kingdome , three quarters whereof cannot as yet be thought to submit unto it willingly or for conscience sake , Pag. 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36. Qu. 5. Is it not an ungodly thing to suffer men to be of any Religion ? Ans . No , For both our Saviour his Apostles , and the Primitive Christians did the same : neither is it in the power of flesh and blood to hinder it . Qu. 6. Is it not the most unseemely sight to see the people of one Citty run seambling from their Parishes to twenty Conventicles where so many severall doctrines are taught ? An. No , but farre more monstrous and abominable in the eyes of God , for people of twenty severall opinions for feare or favour to assemble and Joyn together hyprocritically in one way of worship or Church discipline . Q. 8. Ought we not then at least to keepe our different opinions and Religion unto our selves in obedience to the Civill Magistrate that commands it ? An. No , because it is better to obey God then man. Qu. 9. If Jesuited Papists and other subtile Hereticks be suffered , will they not likely seduce many unto their erronious by-pathe ? Ans . Though a Tolleration of erronious opinions may gaine some to sathan , yet truth being therewith to be published and improved will in all probabillity , not onely gaine so many more to God ; but any one thus wonne to God , unto his truth , is worth thousands of those that fall from it . Qu. 10. But may not the multiplying of Heresies stifle or expell the truth like as the abounding of tares and weedes often choake the wheate and for this cause not to be permitted ? An. Though it seeme to be many of the first , yet our Saviour in the parable of Tares . Math. 13. teaches us a quite contrary doctrine , and forbids ( Heresies ) the Tares to be pulled up before [ the day of Judgment ] the harvest . v. 30. 39. least the wheate , the children of the Kingdome true professors , v. 30. 39. be therewith rooted up . Qu. 21. Is it not a pious Act to compell a Company of carelesse Idle people to heare a good sermon , to do a good worke whether they will or no ; Ans . No more pious an Act , then for Papists to use the like compulsion towards Iewes and Protestants , inforcing them to heare their sermons , Masse , or Vespers . Q. 24. May not the Civill Goverment interpose to punish such Church members with whom the spirituall by reason of their refractorinesse cannot prevaile ? Answ . Nothing lesse , since the Civill State or government has no more power , nor vertue to make a Papist turne Protestant in England , then it can prevaile to make a Protestant become a Papist in Spaine . Qu. 29. But can there be any hurt in forceing refractory people to be present at Religious orthodox assemblies , where if they will , they may be informed of the truth . An. Yes , first because there can come no good thereof through want of willingnesse , which God onely reguards in him which is thus compelled ; and secondly , because this ( forceing ) is a doing evill that good may come thereof , which is prohibited , Rom. 3. 8. The Falshood of M. W. Prynnes Truth triumphing , &c. printed in London 1645. without license ( written by H. Robinson , who hath set up a private unlicensed printing Presse ) determines thus : p. 19. 20. 26. But did , the only wise God think we resolve to create man after his own Image , to estate him in such a sad and execrable condition , worse then that of beasts , wolves , Bears & Tigres , as that he must necessarily tyrannize or be Tyrannized over both in soul and body and yet it cannot possibly be otherwise ; if you will grant a power to Kings , Parliaments or Synods , to require conformity from others in any thing which is not agreeable to their consciences ; for if such a Latitude and height of Iurisdiction be granted but to the more orthodox Kings Parliaments and Synods ; both Papists , Lutherans , Calvinists and Independants pretending and really takeing themselves to be the most orthodox , are bound in conscience to lay Clayme to , and put in Execution this power of Compelling all the world unto their uniformity , and so infallibly produce the most cursed enmity and hatred betwixt all the people but differing in opinion exceeding that of Cannibals , or the profoundest of Antipathics betweene any rationall creatures whatsoever . You say the oposites to Parliaments Ecclesiasticall Jurisdictions have formerly and more especially in this Present Parliament addressed severall Petitions to this High and honorable Court for Reformation of the Church , &c. wherein under favour , I conceive you have mis-apprehended their proceedings & Intentions , which doubtlesse was for the most part , or best affected , that the Parliament , in whom they acknowledge the Soveraigne power to reside , would permit , Cou●tenance and encourage all godly men of gifts in preaching down Heresies , Errors , Idolatry , Popery , &c. Many whereof had either beene formerly established by Law , or not permitted to be preached downe , through the Prelates corruption contrary to the Law. This is the best , even all the Reformation , which the Civill Magistrate , as Civill , has a Capassity of compassing against all Heresies and Errors , which must necessarily be vanquished by the sword of the Spirit and cannot possibly be suppressed by carnall weapons or the civill sword ; they may destroy the flesh , but cannot properly be said to touch and worke upon the Spirit . T is no small dis-service which you do both Parliament and Assembly , in thus exposing their proceedings , to be questioned by no little , and that the * most conscionable and best affected party of the kingdome , such spirits of contention as this of yours , were those which made the first great breach among the Parliaments friends , Master John Goodwins Theomathia , pag. 48 , 49 , 50. The generality and promiscuous multitude of the World , who have a right of nominating persons to a Parliamentary trust and power , are but a Secular Root , out of which the Independent Brethren conceive , an impossibility that a spirituall extraction should be made : A man may as well bring a clean thing out of an unclean , ( in Jobs expression ) as make a spirituall extraction out of this secular root , who have no Authority nor power from Christ to nominate or appoint who shall be the men , that shall order the affaires of Christs kingdome , or institute the government of his Church ; Therefore there is an impossiblity that a legitimate Ecclesiasticall power , should according to the minde of Christ , or any precept or president of Scripture be by them conferred upon any man , or that the persons so elected should have a power by vertue of such nomination or election , to enact Laws or Statutes in matters of religion ; & to order under Mulcts and Penalties , how we shall worship and serve God. Section II. Comprizing their seditious , scandalous , libellous and daring passages against sundry Ordinances and Proceedings of this present Parliament in particular not to be paralel'd in any Age , nor tolerable in this . THeir intolerable libellous seditious passages of this nature are so many and various that I must branch them into severall Heads . I shall 1. begin with their Invectives against the severall Ordinances of both Houses of Parliament , for the regulating of Printing , and suppressing the great late abuses , and frequent disorders , in printing many false , scandalous , seditious , libellous and unlicensed Pamphlets , to the great defamation of Religion and Government . John Libourne in his unlicensed , printed Libell , intituled , A copy of a Letter to Master Prynne , thus declares against these Ordinances pag. 2 , 3. But being that b you and the Black-coats in the Synod , have not dealt fairly with your Antagonists , in stopping the Presse against us , while things are in debate , yea , robbing us of our Liberty ( as we are Subjects ) in time of freedome , when the Parliament is sitting , who are sufficiently able to punish that man * whatsoever he be ) that shall abuse his Penne ; so that whilst we are with the hazard of our dearest lives , fighting for the Subjects Liberty , we are brought into Egyptian bondage in this and other particulars , by the Black-coats , who I am afraid will prove more cruell Task masters then their deare Fathers the Bishops ; who cowardly sit at home , in my apprehension , for no other end but to breed faction and division amongst the c wel-affected to to the Parliament , promoting thereby their owne interest , which is Lazinesse , Pride , Covetousnesse and Domination , endeavouring to lay lower then the dust , a generation of men whom they falsly call Sectaries , that have in the uprightnesse of their hearts , without Synodianlike ends , ventured all they have in the world for the good of the Parliament , and the Common-wealth of England , and who may bid defiance to all their adversaries , that brand them with unfaithfulnesse ; so that by meanes of which , I have not been able that way , yet to accomplish my earnest desire ; and truly it argues no manhood nor valour in you not the Black-coats , by force to throw us downe and tye our hands , and then to fall upon us , to beat and buffet us ; for if you had not been men that had been afraid of your Cause , you would have been willing to have fought and contended with us upon even ground and equall termes namely , that the d Presse might be as open for us as for you , and as it was at the beginning of this Parliament ; which I conceive , the Parliament did of purpose , that so the free borne English Subjects might enjoy their e Liberty and Priviledge , which the Bishops had learned of the Spanish Inquisition to rob them of , by locking it up under the key of an Imprimatur , in whose tyrannicall steps the Synod treads ; so that you and they think you may rayle at us cum privilegio , and ranke us amongst the worst and basest of men , as f rooters up of Parliaments , and disturbers of States and Common-wealths . The scurrilous , blaspemous , unlicensed Libell , stiled , The Arraignment of Persecution ; thus contemptuously affronts & jeers this Ordinance , with the Parliament , Synod and Directory , in the very Title Page ; This is licensed and printed according to holy Order , but not entred into the Stationers Monopoly : and in the opposite page : Die Saturni , April . 6. 1645. It is Decreed and Ordained by the Reverend Assembly of Divines , now Assembled in holy convocation , that Doctor Burgesse and Master Edwands doe returne thanks unto the worthy Author of this Treatise , intituled , The Arraignment of persecution , for his g pious endeavours and vigilant care he hath therein , at the entreaty of this Synod . And it is further Ordained , that they doe desire him , to print and publish the said Treatise forthwith , and that it be recommended to the people , as h a divine Hand-maid to the right understanding of the Directory . And it is yet further Decreed and Ordained , that none shall presume to print or re-print the said Treatise , but whom he shall authorize under his owne hand writing , till this most holy Synod shall further Order . Scribes . Henry ROborough . Adoniran Byfield I appoint my divine Cozin MARTIN CLAW-CLERGY , Printer to the Assembly of Divines , and none else to print this Treatise . Young MARTIN MAR-PRIEST . What more audacious , jeering affront could be afforded to the Commons or Assembly , then this feigned libellous Order ? In the Book it selfe , page 2. Persecution had a thousand trucks , above all the rest , for to block up all passages . stop all mouths , and fortifie himselfe round ; he turned reverend imprima●ur : and here the pursuer was at a stand ; for all was as fast as the Devil and the Presbyters could make it : They sought to authority to i o●en the Presse , and still the Presbyters ( as the custome is ) were in the way , that nothing could be done . P. 10. This fellow Persecution stoppeth Presses , whereby men cannot make their just defence , suffers nothing to be licensed , printed , preached , or otherwise published , but what himselfe alloweth ; and having thus bound the hands , and stopt the mouths of all good men , then he comes forth in print against them , like an armed man , and furiously assaults them , exaults and exalts himselfe over them , faineth Arguments for them , and then like a valiant Champion , gives them a conquering Answer , and thus puts them to flight , and pursues them with revi●ings , scandals , forgeries , and opprobrious nick-names , as Anababaptists , Br●wnists , Independents , Scismatiques , Heretiques : Thus he dealeth with the godly party ; ( How godly you are , well appeareth to all the world by these your libellous , seditious , ungodly Pamphlets . ) The libellous Book in pursuance of this stiled , A sacred Decretall &c. proceeds in the same language , page 24. Lest they should fall upon our reare , under pretence of suppressing the Kings papers , we bounded the Presse with our k Presbyterian compasse ; that they could not without hazard of plundering , transgresse our reverend Imprimatur . Then issued out witlesse scholastick Tractates , against the Anabaptists , &c. Having thus neatly stopt their mouths , we sophisticated their Arguments , &c. and then with our politick Answers , we present them to the people with an Imprimatur . JAMES CRANFORD or the like . We imploy Doctor Featly's Devil ( a very reverend ten pound Sir John ) to make a discription of the Anabapti●●s , &c. and this foule spirit for the love he beares to the Black-coats at the Doctors decease , transmigrated into old Ephram Pag●t ( seldome lyes the Devil dead in a dry ditch ) so that the good old man to confute the l mortality of the soule , hath made himselfe sure of an immortall spirit . Many such scurrilous passages against the Ordinances for regulating printing , ( made by both Houses , speciall care and direction before the Assembly met ) are scattered in their libellous pamphlets , which I pretermit , wherein they write , ●s if there were neither heaven nor hell . Onely I shall adde , that some of these persons have acted as contemptuously against these Ordinances , as they have written and printed . For Master Henry Robinson ( the supposed Author of the Arraignment of persecution . A sacr●d Decretal , M●●tyns Eccho , and other most scurrilous , seditious Libels ) hath maintained a private Printing-presse , and sent for Printers from Amsterdam , wherewith he hath printed most of the late scandalous , libellous Books against the Parliament ; and though he hath been formerly sent for before the Committee of Examinations for this offence , which was passed by in silence ; yet he hath since presumed and proceeded herein in a farre higher straine then ever : besides John L●lburne being questioned before that Committee by speciall Order of the Commons House for printing his libellous Letter ▪ contrary to th●se Ordinances ▪ hath pending his very Examinations ▪ contemptuously printed and dispersed abroad his false and scandalous Reasons delivered in to that Committee , for printing his former libellous Letter , with some marginall ●nno●ations and a scandalous , libellous Petition , Remonstrance ( as formerly Articles ) against Colonell King ; ( to omit other printed unlicensed Papers ) an insolent contempt not to be parallel'd , at least not to be tolerated . Secondly , I shall proceed to their libellous , scurrilous and seditious Invectives against the Ordinance for payment of Tythes ; which Iohn L●lburne in his forementioned libellous Letter thus affronts charging the Parliament with no lesse then perjury and breach of their Covenant , for making it . Page 4. 27. If you put the parliament in mind of their Covenant , tell them . I think they have sworne to root out all Popery , and therefore have lately abolished the Common-prayer ( that great Idol ) but yet have established Tythes , &c. the very n root and support of popery ; which I humbly conceive is a contradiction of their Covenant ; and which will be ● greater snare then the Common-prayer to many of the precious consciences of Gods people , whose duty is , in my judgement , to dye in prison , before they act or stoop unto so dishonourable a thing as this is to their Lord and Master , as to maintaine the black-coats with Tythes , whom they look upon as the professed enemies of their anointed Christ ; he that payes o Tythes , is subject to the whole law of tythes , in which there was a Lambe to be brought for a sinne Offering , which is abolished ; also , he that was to take Tythes , was one that was to offer sacrifice daily for sinne , which if any doe so now , it is to deny Christ come in the flesh , and to be the alone sacrifice for sinne by his death , and so overthrow all our comfort , joy and hope . A most insolent , scurrilous and seditious passage to stirre up the people to rebell against this Ordinance . This Libell is thus seconded in the seditious pamphlet , instiled the Arraignment of persecution , in the Epistle Dedicatory . To the Reverend , learned Prolocutor , Assessors , the Commissioners of the Church of Scotland , and the rest of the Venerable Assembly of Divines now sitting in holy Convocation at Westminster . Reverend Sirs , According to my duty , at your divine entreaty I have reduced those pious instructions received from you unto such a pleasing forme as , I hope , shall not only affect , but abundantly edifie the people of this Kingdome under your holy jurisdiction , for considering your spirituall care over them , and how your time hath been token up wholy in the procurement of that sacred Ordinance for Tythes , wisely thought o● before the Directory , for he is an Infidell and denieth the faith , that doth not provide for his Family , &c. and pag. 26. lib. Consc . My Lord , the Defendant smels of a fat benefice ; see , see his pockets are full of presbiterian steeples , the spires stick under his Girdle , ha , ha , ha : instead of Weather-cocks , every spire hath got a black-box upon it , and in it the pure and imaculate Ordinance for Tythes , Oblations , &c. sure shortly instead of Moses and Aaron , and the two tables , we shall have Sir Simon and Sir John , holding the late solemne League and covenant , and that demure , spotlesse , pretty , lovely , sacred , divine , and holy Ordinance for tythes ( the two Tables of our new Presbyterian Gospell ) painted upon all the Churches in England : O brave Sir Simon , the Bels in your pocket chime all-in , ours chime all-out ; I pray give you a funerall Homily for your friends here , before you depart ; here 's twenty shillings for your paines ; you know 't is sacriledge to bring downe the price , as it was in the beginning , is now , and ever shall be ▪ world without end , Amen . Sop. 38. My Lord , but our dissembly Doctors teach otherwise ; yet I think if your Lordship should settle Anabaptistry or the like , even that which they now persecute and threaten , preach and pray against , and forwarne the people of as hereticall and damnable , provided you should endow it with goodly fat Benefices , and sanctifie it with the halowed Ordinance for Tythes , offerings , oblations &c. questionlesse the generality of those persecutors of Anabaptists , would have the wit to turne Anabaptists , for their Religion is moved upon the wheele of the State : Our Temporizing Doctors , our state Protestant Ministers are not so simple to swim against the streame , they are wiser in their generation , for they know most wealth goes that way ; as long as our Ordinance is laden with Tythes , offerings oblations , they 'le be sure to give fire ; but should the State deprive their Religion of all Ecclesiasticall revenue , of parsonages , tythes , &c. yea , should it be this very Presbytery they so aime at , that they should so impoverish , certainly we should have more parishes then Presbyters , more steeples then Doctors ; then they would not be so hot for Presbytery , or zealous to persecute its opposers ; I would your Lordship would make tryall ; call in but your Ordinance for tythes , and turne them to the good will of people , and then — a tythe-Pig will be sold for a pennie . Page 44. there is this scurrilous Quere put among others . 5. Whether the late divine Ordinance for tythes , offerings , oblations and conventions , be not better Gospel , and in all Presbyterian wisdome to be preferred and provided before the Directory for the worship of God ? O cives , cives , quaerenda pecunia primum Virtus post nummos . Many more clauses of like nature are in this prophane Libell , which I pretermit . But that which is the most audacious , contemptuous , seditious , publike affront of all others against the Ordinance , is the prophane , scurrilous Libell , intituled . A Sacred DECRETALL nor Hue and cry from his superlative holinesse , Sir Simon Synod , for the apprehension of reverend young MARTIN MAR-PRIEST : In the front whereof there is the picture of a Bull , tossing Sir Simon Synod on his hornes , and trampling the ordinance for Tythes under his feet , with this inscription upon it , ORD . for TYTHES . And page 2. this explanation of it ; nothing appeareth but a Bull tossing Sir John upon his hornes , and stamping the blessed Ordinance for tythes under his cloven feet ; O PROFANE MARTIN ! O wicked MARTIN ! O sacrilegious MARTIN ! O blasphemous MARTIN ! what ? tosse a Presbyter , and prophane the holy Ordinance for tythes ? MARTIN'S not a benefic'd man , that 's infallible divinity ; wherefore being thus jeer'd and bul'd , we Decree and Ordaine &c. Page 7. 8. 10. the subtill tell-tale must be taken , else all 's mart'd ; both Parliament and people will understand our deceit , and then Sir John may goe whistle for his tythes , if the people once understand their owne right : and that the exaction of tythes IS MEERE THEFT and ROBBERY : they 'le have the wit ( if they be wise ) to keep their owne ; cease hiring us to cheat and delude them to their faces , and we shall be laid levell with the mechanick illiterate Laicks ; a wickednesse not to be mentioned in the Church of God. Page 10. 11. Else how should we have got in our Tythes , though now , God be thanked and the Parliament , we have an Ordinance for it : In case Martin runne , push or gore at the Ordinance for tythes with the right horne , at the Directory with the left horne , let all the trained bands in the Kingdome he speedily raised to confute him , that we may sophistically conclude our Presbyterian premises , with take him Goaler . Martyns Eccho proceeds in the like dialect , page 3. 4. 14. ( ô divine pillage , gracefull children ! ) if he had considered your pious providence to make sure the ordinance for tythes , before you could be inspired with the Directory , he would first have had his 400. l. per annum with the Deane of Pauls house , confirmed by the Ordinance of Parliament upon him during his naturall life , like as our Brother Burges hath ( a super-Episcopall Induction , &c. ) If Sir John Synod shall renounce the Ordinance of tythes , be content with the good will of the vulgar , &c. then Martyn will cease libelling against him : In the mean time you are to provide that order may be taken , that the supervisers make diligent search and enquiry after all conventicles and private meetings , &c. for they are very dangerous and destructive to your proceedings ; for truly their practice and obedience to Christ will make your Law and Gospel , your O●d . for tythes , and your Directory the two great commandements , the fulfilling of the Law , and the Prophets , your Fathers , of none effect . Many such passages I find against the Ordinance for tythes ; the very designe of these libellous and seditious Sectaries being to incite the people to with-hold all Tythes and maintainance from their Ministers , and so to subvert the Ministery , that none but their illiterate Tub-preachers may instruct mens souls ; and this ( I feare ) brings many Ministers into question as scandalous and malignant , who might else sit quiet would they desert their Tythes , and renounce their ministery to please these Sectaries . Thirdly , I shall recite some of their contumelious libellous Invectives against the Ordinances of both Houses of the 26 of April : That no person or persons be permitted to 〈…〉 Minister . The seditious , libell●●● pamphlet intituled ▪ A sacred synodicall Decretal ; or 〈…〉 from 〈◊〉 Simon Synod , for the apprehending of Martyn Ma-Priest : ( the Quintessence of scurrility , blasphemy and sedition ) writes thus , pag. 5. Yea hee 'l not stick to tell the people , that the inhans●●ng and ingrossing of Interpretations , Preachings and Discipline into our owne hands , is a meere Monopoly of the spirit , worse then the Monopoly of soape , &c. and that the NEW ORDINANCE of the 26. of April , that no person or persons be permitted to preach that is not ordained a Minister , &c. is but a Patent of the spirit , to get the whole trade into their owne hands , and so rob the people with what Ware , and of what price we please , thereby onely to advance and enrich themselves , impoverish and delude them , look in their faces and pick their pockets : If preaching should not be reduc'd and confined in the ancient bounds of the Clergy , the Mechanicks would out-strip the Scholasticks in teaching and * knowledge would so encrease and multip●y among the common-people , and preaching grow so common with them , that we should grow out of esteem , and all things that are good and dainty depart from us ; therefore it was wisely prevented in time . Pag. 17. Martyn will tell the people , that we ( Sir Simon Synod ) FORGED THE NEW ORDINANCE ( that none may preach that is not ordained Minister , on purpose to make the Sectaries fly before us ( to use the Doctors phrase ) like lightning before the thunder . Their preaching in the Army is very destructive to our Cloth ; therefore the Ordinance was wisely commended to his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax to be executed there , which occasioned a pretty story betwixt an English-man and one of Jemmy's owne Countrymen : quoth the Scotch-man , Man , is it fit that Colonell Cromwels Souldiers should preach in their Quarters , to take away the ministeriall function out of the Ministers hands ? Why man ( quoth the English man ) doe they so ? quoth the Scotch-man , I say man it is a common thing amongst them ; truly saith the English man , I remember they made a gallant Sermon at Marston-Moore neer York ( where they were Instruments to save this Kingdome ) but your Country-men were in such a fright , they durst not stay to heare them : MARTIN prayes ( notwithstanding the Ordinance ) they may make many such Sermons , for that was one of the best Sermons that hath been preached in the Kingdome since our troubles began . Pag. 21. Indeed Sir Johns gummes being lately rub'd with a Parliament Corall ( the late Ordinance that none may treach that is not ordained a Minister ) is mad to put his boarish tuskes , his huge great iron fangs in execution ; to devour , rend , teare and crush these Hereticks . And therefore we wisely consulted among our selves of a COMMITTEE OF EXAMINATIONS to be chosen out of us . It must not be esteemed a Court of Inquisition ▪ that 's Popery : nor a renovation of the High-commission that 's Antichristian ; onely an inlet to a thorow Reformation , that 's a godly name and may doe much good ▪ &c. How contemptuously they have opposed this very Ordinance in their practise , sending our their Emissaries , Captaines and Souldiers every where to preach in corners , and giving tickets of the time and place of their conventicles ( some of them boasting of working miracles , and casting devils out of men possessed by their exercis●es at the Jesuits and Papists doe ) is so experimentally knowne to all and proved before the Committee of Examinations , in the case of Captaine ( newly ) Hobson , a Taylor , and his confederate Lay-preachers , who lately exercised their new ministerial function neer Neuport Painel , railing against our Church , Ministery and childrens baptisme , that it needs rather Reformation by , then Information to the higher Powers . I shall close this Section with some generall passages , affronting and jeering all Ordinances of Parliament in direct termes . The new most seditious Libell , called Martyns Eccho , published the last week , stiles Ordinances of Parliament TOYES : page 11. You must be carefull that your Directory and all other yout Ecclesiastical Acts , be with great sanctity and reverence ador'd amongst the people , or else your esteem will goe downe ; and this cannot be done without some severe Lawes , ordinances and the like to that end , which you must put the Parliament upon ; you know your power and influence upon them , they 'le gratifie you with SVCH TOYES , &c. The late seditious pamphlet , stiled A sacred Decretal , is yet more vile ; pag. 3. 4. O ye classicall Clerks and Sextous of the three Kingdomes , demolish and pull downe all the Martyns nests from your Church-wals and steeples , and have a spirituall care ( as you will answer the contempt of the new ordinance ) that hereafter no birds build , chatter , doe their businesse , or sing there , but Church-owles , Jack-dawes , otherwise called Sir Johns , blind Bats , Presbyterian Woodcocks , and the like : O ye two Houses of Parliament , make another Ordinance to make all the MARTINS flye the three Kingdomes the next midsommer with Cuckowes and Swallowes , that we may have a blew-cap Reformation among Bats , Owles , Jack-dawes and Woodcocks ( and then blew-cap for us . ) I could furnish you with more such Independent stuffe , but I am loth to defile more paper with this infernal language of rai●ing Rabshakeh's ; and shall here appeale to every ingenuous mans conscience , whether he can with any shadow of reason or charity beleeve , that this froward , libellous generation of Independent Sectaries , who thus publikely libell , inveigh and oppose themselves against the jurisdiction , Ordinances and proceedings of Parliament , are the most p holy , religious , conscientious , best affected party ; the most precious Saints and generation of Gods dearest ones ; the Parliaments best and faithfullest friends who have to their utmost power , and divers of them beyond their ability , supported & ventured their lives in the Parliaments cause and service ; doing them more reall and faithfull service then any other generation of men in England , and the onely Vindicators of the Parliaments Priviledges and Subjects Liberties against presbiterian and synodical usurpations ; ( as they boast in every one of these their Libels against the Parliament and its proceedings ; ) Or whether they are nor in truth those q despisers of government , those evill speakers against dignities , those resisters of the higher powers , prophecied of the last times ; who have forgotten Saint Paul's Canon , Rom. 13. 1. Let every soule be subject to the higher powers , &c. and Tit. 3. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers , to obey Magistrates , &c. Yea , the most desperate unparallel'd , publike contemners , affronters , deriders of the Parliaments power , Ordinances , proceedings that ever breathed in our English Climate : who under the pretext name and colour of the wel-affected , faithfull , godly party , and stoutest Champions for the Parliament , endeavour by degrees to advance themselves ( by policy and the Sword ) above it , and trample its authority ( as they doe the Ordinance for Tythes , and others ) in the very Front of their sacred Decretal , under their cloven feet . Doubtlesse they can never fight cordially for the Parliament and its proceedings ( but onely for their owne designes and interests ) who that seditiously , contemptuously speak , write , print against them ; and if their insolencies against the parliament , Synod , Magistrates , be already growne so intolerable , whiles their faction is yet but in the birth , how transcendently arogant and contumelious will they prove when they have accroached greater power , both in our Armies and Councels ? God give our supreame councell hearts , wisdome , zeale and fervency seriously to suppresse and punish these Epidemicall growing insolencies in due time , for feare they become masterlesse , remedilesse in the end ; else these Anabaptistical sectaries , these Germane opinions and practises will ( I feare ) sodainly involve us in the Germane , Anabaptisticall distractions , insolencies , warres and disolations , recorded by Sleidan and others , for Englands admonition . Section III. Containing scandalous , seditious , scurrilous passages against the Nationall Vow and Covenant , prescribed by Parliament . THis National Vow and covenant was deemed at first the onely probable means under God to unite our three Kingdomes and the protestant party of all sorts together in a mutuall , brotherly , inviolable League against the common enemies of our Religion , parliament , Lawes and Liberties : It was therefore universally prescribed to the Members of both Houses , the Assembly of Divines , Lawyers of all sorts , the Officers and Souldiers in the Army , and to the Ministers and people of all conditions under the parliaments power in all our three Dominions , being refused , oppugned at first apparently by none but papists , Royalists or Malignants : And the Houses were so impartiall in the prescription of it , that such Members of the Lords or Commons House , who did but scruple the taking of it , were suspended the Houses till they did conforme . But now of late , a generation of Independent Sectaries , conceiving this Covenant to thwart their licentious , schismaticall whimseys , not onely generally refuse to take it , and plead a speciall priviledge and exemption from it ( as if they were more priviledged persons then any Peeres , Commons or Subjects whatsoever , and must be left at large to doe what they lift , when all others are obliged , ( and which is strange to me and others , some Independent Ministers , ) if not Members of Parliament who have taken it themselves , and enjoyned it to others , have yet adventured to plead for an exemption of this meer refractory party from it , which much encourageth them in their obstinate refusall of it , and hath so animated this seditious , lawlesse generation , that they have lately in print , not onely oppugned , but derided , libelled against this sacred Covenant ( which we have all most solemnly in Gods presence sworne , and under our hands subscribed to maintaine to the utmost of our power , euen with the hazard of our lives and fortunes ) which , I beseech you , let us all now most chearfully , really observe , by proceeding against the contemners infringers of it , or else for ever as readily , as solemnly renounce it , to our eternall infamy , as we at first chearfully subscribed to it . I shall begin with John Lilbournes Letter : pag. 6. 7. It may be in stead of satisfying my desire , you will run and complaine to the Parliament , and presse them with their Covenant , to take vengeance upon me . If you doe , I weigh is not ; for I blesse God I am fitted to doe or suffer whatsoever the Parliament shall impose upon me ; but if you doe , take these two along with you : if you put them in mind of their Covenant , tell them , I think they have sworne to root out all Popery , but yet have established Tythes , the very root and support of Popery , which I humbly conceive is a contradiction to their Covenant &c. A bold censure and scandall . The Arraignment of persecution , thus traduceth and jeers the reverend Assembly of Divines and Covenannt together : page 33. 34. Persecution , Is thy name perfect Reformation ? Perse . Yes my Lord : Judge . Who gave you this name ? I , Reason , His God-fathers & God-mothers in his Baptisme , wherin he was made a Member of the Assembly , and an inheritor of the Kingdome of Antichrist . Judge , Who are your God-fathers and God-mothers ? Pers . My Lord , Master Ecclesiasticall supremacy , and Master Scotch-government are my God-fathers ; Mistris State-ambition , and Mistris Church-revenue are my God-mothers , and I was sprinkled into the Assembly of Divines at the taking of the late SOLEMNE LEAGVE AND COVENANT . Judg. 'T is strange that at the making of the late solemne League and Covenant , blood-thirsty persecution should be anabaptized present Reformation : then HERE 's A DESIGNE OF BLOOD IN THE COVENANT , if under the name of Reformation the Clergy have infused the trayterous , blood-thirsty spirit of persecution into it . J. Human. My Lord , there was never any Nationall or provinciall Synod but strengthned the hand of persecution , and that under the vizor of Religion , J. Reason , As soon as these underling Divines are from under their Episcopall Taskmasters , and beginning to encroach upon your Lordships power , they presently take this notorious , bloody traytor persecution , stript by your Lordship of his High-commission habit , and out of their zeale dresse him in a divine synodicall Garbe , and change name from persecution , and christen him Reformation , so to engage your Lordship and the Kingdome of England and Scotland in blood , to settle and establish bloody persecution BY COVENANT , over the Consciences of honest and faithfull men to the State , under the specious and godly pretence of Reformation : page 39. By the late SOLEMNE LEAGVE and COVENANT , good Lord deliver us . The sacred Decretal runnes in the same straine : page 13. 19. When we had introduc'd the Brethren of the holy League , we so joyned their hands in the Synodian hands of Presbytery ▪ that their League could not be inviolate , their COVENANT ( the bed of their contract ) undefiled if our presbitry were not concluded . Martyn will tell the people , that we contrive Oaths and COVENANTS meerly to ensnare and catch the people in our wiles ; make them carry a face of Reformation according to the Word of God , and thereby betray their innocent subscription to our presbyterian construction . John Lilbourne in the unlicensed printed Reasons of sending this Letter ; pag 4. complaines against the Parliament ; that the COVENANT was as earnestly prest upon tender consciences , though their faithfulnesse were no what doubtfull , as upon Newtrals and Malignants , and refusing , because of some expressions , put from Offices of trust , and publike imployments . Yet most of our sectaries and Independents ( in immitation of the Cavaleers ) have entred into Ants covenants against this SOLEMNE COVENANT , in their private Congregations , to defend● and maintaine their owne Independent government even to blood &c. whatever forme of government the Parliament shall establish ; the very extremity and height of seisme and sedition , if not of professed rebellion against supreame Authority ; which makes them thus to villifie , traduce and contemptuously refuse the taking of this SOLEMN COVENANT , and plead exemption from it , for feare of dis-ingaging so faithfull considerable A PARTY as they have in the Army ; who in time ( perchance ) will prescribe their new Church-covenants unto us , or else exclude us from our Native soyle , as now they doe from their Independent Congregations and the Sacraments , unlesse we will submit unto them . Section IV. Containing sundry scurrilous , seditious , libellous , railing and blasphemous Invectives against the Assembly of Divines , the Presbyterian Members of it , and their proceedings , though summoned , nominated , continued and directed in all things by Ordinances of both Houses of Parliament . BEfore this Assembly met by Order of both Houses , or had given intimation what kind of Ecclesiasticall Government they intended to fix upon , our Independent sectaries not only petitioned for such an Assembly to be called , but made meanes that as many of their party as possible might be elected Members of it . But when at last they discerned the Assembly and Parliament to dis-affect their anomolous , absurd Independent way , as having no foundation in Divinity nor Policy , and tending to utter confusion in Church , State ; and thereupon to incline to a Presbiteriall government , embraced by all reformed Churches in the Christian world ; upon this they presently begin to declaime against the Assembly and their proceedings in private , and soon after to libell against them in-publike , with such unchristian , uncivill , approbrious , Billingsgate termes , as ( I am confident ) no Oxford Aulicus or Satyricall cavaleere is able to paralell , their very tongues and pens , being doubtlesse r set on fire of hell : And not contented herewith , they lately conspired together to exhibit a petition to the Parliament , for present dissolving the Assembly and sending them hence to country cures ( to prevent the setling of any Church-government , ) to which end , they met at the Windmil Taverne , where Lievteu . Col. John Lilbourne ( a fit instrument for such a seditious designe ) sate in the chaire , and Master Hugh Peter suggested the advice , which was accordingly inserted into the Petition ; but the counsell-men ( smelling out the designe ) when the Petition came to their hands , most discreetly left out that request , as seditious and unjust ; which yet the libellous Author of Martyns Echho . page 15. hath since in wish renewed in these scandalous termes . You have as neere as you can made a third party , in labouring by your Jesuiticall machiavilian subtilty , to divide the Parliament , contrary to the trust reposed in them from the godly party , who have assisted them with their estates and blood , and to deny those their faithfull friends of their just deservings , their purchased freedomes , which should they doe , they would be branded as infamous to posterity , even unfaithfull , ungratefull , &c. at meliora spero , I hope better of them if your wicked Machiavilian Assembly were but taken from them and sent to their particular charges . In what sort they have libelled against them , hath partly appeared in other Sections , but I shall give you a more particular account thereof in this . I shall begin with that most infamous , seditious , railing Libell , intituled , The Arraignment of persecution , the whole scope whereof against the Assembly , is thus boldly expressed in the very Title page , The Arraignment of Master Persecution , presented to the consideration of the House of Commons , and to all the Common people of England : In the prosecution whereof , the Iesuiticall designes and secret encroachments of his Defendants , Sir Simon Synod , and the John of all Sir Johns , Sir John Presbiter , upon the liberty of the subject , is detected and laid open , by reverend young Martyn Marpriest , sonne to old Martyn the Metropolitan ; printed by Martyn Claw-Clergy , Printer to the reverend Assembly of Divines , for Bartholinew Bang-Priest , and are to be sold at his shop in Toleration-street , at the signe of the subjects liberty , right opposite to Persecution-court , 1645. The seigned License and Epistle Dedicatory to the Assembly before it are altogether libellous , as is the whole book , against the Assembly and its Members : I shall give you only a taste of some phrases and epithites in it , viz. Such a holy such a reverend Assembly , such a Quagmire of croaking , skip-jack Presbiters , A reverend synodian , disguised with a sophisticall paire of breeches , saving your presence in Bocardo , Sir Simon Synod : New upstart frisking Presbiters , Synodian Cormorants , the Synodian Whore of Babylon ; the traiterous Synod , called the Assembly of Divines , presbiterian horse-leeches , blood thirsty Cattle ; this great gore-bellied idoll called the Assembly of Divines , Arch-Jesuiticall traytors ; the Jesuiticall and traiterous designes of the Synod ; our dissembly Doctors , a Consistory of devils , and the like . These be the charitable , modest , Independent Epithites which this libeller bestowes upon them . See next his libellous and blasphemous speeches against and censure of them , and the good end his charity wisheth to them . Page 1● . The Synod is guided by the holy Ghost sent in a cloke-bagge from Scotland , as of old from Rome in the Councell of Trent : Because the Assembly have sadled the Parliament , it is unlawfull for the Presbiters to goe on foot : page 29. The traiterous Synod called the Assembly of Divines , labours with might and main to establish and settle this traiterous spirit ( of persecution ) in the land . page 35. 36. It is most certaine that this fellow , whose name Sir Simon faineth to be Reformation , is absolute Persecution , so that had these Reformers but as much power as Queen Marie's Clergy , their reformation , would conclude in fire and faggot . Judg. Oh insufferable Assembly ! I see , 't is dangerous for a state to pin their faith upon the sleeve of the Clergy . J. Reason . Further my Lord , whereas others are impoverished , spend their estates , engage and loose their lives in this Quarrell they are enriched and advanced by it , save their purses and persons , cram and fill their greedy guts , too filthy to be carried to a Beare , heap up wealth to themselves , and give not a penny , while others ( against whom they exclaime ) venture and expend all ; yea my Lord , this great gorebelly Idol , called the Assembly of divines , is not ashamed in this time of state-necessity , to gull up and devour more at one meale , then would make a feast for Bel and the Dragon : for besides all their fat Benefices , forsooth they must have their foure shillings apeece by the day for sitting in constollidation , and poore men , when they had filled all benefices with good Trencher-men of their owne presbiterian Tribe , they move your Lorpship , that all Ministers may be s wholy freed from all taxations , that now the trade of presbiter is the best trade in England ; all are taxed , and it goes free ; poore men that have no bread to still the cry of their children , must either pay and goe in person to the warres , while these devouring Church lubbers live at ease , feed on dainties , neither pay nor goe themselves , but preach out our very hearts ; they make it a case of conscience to give all , but wise men they 'le give none : Let the sick , the lame and maimed souldiers , and those that have lost their limbs and begge in streets ; let women that have lost their Husbands , let parents that have lost their children , let children that have lost their parents , and let all that have or suffer oppression and misery in and for the publike Cause consider this , and be no longer ridden and jaded by Clergy masters ; but to give the devill his due , one thing to their commendations I have observed , that they are so zealously affected with the honour of their Cloth , that 't were pitty to disrobe them of their cassock Garbe , to be led in a string from Westminster to Algate in Leatherne Jackets , and Mattockes on their shoulders : and my Lord , though some thinke they would doe the State more good in leatherne jackets and Mattockes , then in long cloakes and cassockes , yet my think they would doe the state better service with their canonical girdles , were the knot tyed in the right place . page 36. 37. Primacy , Metropolitanisme , prelacy , &c. are shrunk into the presbytery , and our High-commission turned into an Assembly of Divines . My Lord , they have sate even till they have runne mad , you might doe well to adjourne , them to Bedlam ; for my Lord , they are raging mad to have the innocent blood of the Anabaptists , Brownists , Independents &c. My Lord , they have over-studied themselves & even wracked their wits to find out a Religion for us ; poore men they have beene mightily puzled about it , it hath cost them the consumption of many : fat pig , chicken , capon , &c. the infusion of many a cup of sacke to bring it to birth , and after such dolorous pangs and bitter troubles for almost these two yeers , who would have thought they would be delivered of such a ridiculous vermine , called a Presbyter ; parturiunt montes , nascitur ridiculus mus : And now my Lord , after this montanous delivery , they are at their wits end , what dressing to put it out in ; all the Taylors in the Kingdome are not able to content them , what to doe they know not , and now the matter 's worse then ever it was ; they had thought to have shewne the world it in the godly shape of Reformation , but upon examination , 't is found to be Persecution ; a sad event ! there is no way now but Bedlam for our Doctors , it may chance to chastise them into their wits againe , and then upon their second thoughts , it may be , they 're bethink themselves to put a blew bonnet upon'● , and then it will passe from England to Scotland , and Scotland to England againe without question or controle . Page 93. Good my Lord have mercy upon me ; I beseech your honour even for the Clergy sake have mercy upon me ; consider my Lord , that in my death is their ruine , it will be the greatest inroad upon the Divines of Christendome , that ever was made : Oh! I beseech you my Lord. by the Mystery of their holy Convocation , by their agony and bloody sweat , by their crosse and passion , at my shamefull approaching death and burial , Good Lord deliver me . By their glorious resurrection and assention from the Pulpit above the State ; by the comming of the holy Ghost to them in a cloak-bag from Scotland , Good Lord deliver me . By the late solemne League and Covenant ; by the 400. and 50. l. for the Copy of their Directory , because they could get no more , by all the fat Benefices and goodly revenues of the Clergy , Good Lord deliver me . Page 43. 44. It is the sentence of this Court concerning Sir Simon and Sir Iohn Presbyter , who have thus Jesuitically endeavoured to pervert the Justce of this Court , That Sir Simon be committed close prisoner to King Henry the eights chappell , there to be kept in Parliamentary safe custody , till the Great Assiges , held in the first yeere of the Raigne of our Soveraigne Lord Christ ( when the Kingdom and the greatnesse of the Kingdoms under the whole Heaven shall be given to the Saints of the most high ) there and then to be arraigned with the rest of his holy Tribe ▪ whether universal , national , provincial or consistorial counsels or Synods , whatsoever before his Highnesse the King of Kings and Lord of Lords ; and my Lord in the meane time to keep his Holinesse in action , I beseech your Honour that he may Synodicate , a full resolution to these ensuing Queries , 1. Whether it doth not as much conduce to the subjects liberty still to be subjected to Episcopal usurpation , as to be given over to Presbyterian cruelty ? Whether Saint Peters chaire doth not become a Presbyter , as well as a Bishop ? &c. As for Sir John Presbit●r , this Court hath voted him to the uncleane , filthy , impious ▪ unholy dark and worldly Dungeon , called jure Humano , &c. as for Persecution , the sentence of this Court is , that thou shalt return to the place from whence thou camest to wit the noysome and filthy Cage of every uncleane and hateful bird , The Clergy of Christendome there to be fast bound with inquisition , synodical , classical , Pres●byter , al chains , untill the appearing of that great and terrible J●dge of the whole earth ; who shall take thee alive , with Sir Simon and his sonne Sir John and cast thee with them and their Confederates into the Lake of fire and brimstone , where the Beast and the false Prophet are , there to be tormented day and right 〈◊〉 ever and ever . Here is the Independents incomparible charity to the Assembly , Presbyters and their Adherents , to adjudge them thus to eternall torments in the fiery Lak● ; I fear their New-Lights originally sprung upthence , without more charity , sobriety , will undoubtedly be extinguished in this fiery region which they allot to others : the rest of the Invectives against the Assembly and Presbytery in this persecuting Arraignment . I shall passe by in silence and proceed to some fresher scurrilites of this kind . I find another most scurrlous Libell against the Assembly and their proceedings thus intituled ; A sacred Decretall , or Hue and Cry from his superlative Holinesse Sir Simon Synod , for the apprehension of reverend young Martin Ma●-priest ; wherein are displayed many witty synodian conceits , both pleasant and commodious ; printed by Martin Claw-Clergy , Printer to the reverend Assembly of Divines , for Bartholmew Bang-Priest , and are to be sold at his shop in Toleration-street , at the signe of the subjects Liberty , right opposite to Persecution● Court , and it concludes thus , Given at our Court of Inquisition in King Henry the sevenths Chappel June 6. 1635. William Twisse , Prolocutor . Cornelius Burges Assessor . Iohn White , Assessor . Adoniran Byfield Hen. Roborough S●ibes . This Libell brings in the Assembly , blasphemously abusing the sacred Scripture Names of God ( as El , Eloim , Jah , Theos , Adonas , &c. ) in Synodicall Convocation , classicall and Presbiteriall Exorcismes : & pag. 2. Gives the Assembly and Presbiters these most scurrilous , railing Epithites ; classicall Bore-p●gges , divine , white-faced Bull-calves ; Presbyterian Turkey-cocks , bidding them advance their learned Coxcombs , &c. Church-owles , Jack-dawes , blind Bats , Presbyterian Wood-cockes , Presbyterian Hangmen cruell executioners , terrible tormenters , synodian Canibals , the ravenous tythe-panched numerous headed Hydra of Divines : The holy ravenous Order of Syon-Jesuits , absolute Jesuites , onely a little worse : It begins thus , page 1. We the Parliament of Divines now Assembly in holy Convocation at Westminster , taking into our grave , learned and pious consideration , all the goodly fat Benefices of the Kingdome , the reverend estimation , honour and supremacy due unto the Clergy , and out of a godly care and pious providence as becommeth Divines ▪ for our owne guts , having used all subtilty and policy we in our divine wisdomes could devise , to take a goodly possession of the dearly beloved glorious inheritance of our Fathers the late Lord Bishops , their divine supremacy , their sweet , their wholsome and nourishing revenues , their deare , delicate , toothsome tythes , most supernaturall and pleasant to a divine pallate : After which it cals them The p●issant Assembly of Divines ( Lords Paramount over Church and State ) in Parliament Assembled at Westminster , divine Merchants , &c. Avers p. 18. That the Order . Jesuits may become Disciples to the Order of presby●ers for equivocations , mentall reservations , dispensations of Oathes , Covenants , &c. Chargeth the Assembly , p. 6. For dealing craft●ly with the Parliament and cheating the State. Adding this most scandalous , seditions passage , extreamly derogatory to the Parliaments honour . As the way of a serpent upon a rock is unknowable , so have our circumventions , underminigs and subtill contrivances beene ever invisible , insensible to them , and so silently , secretly and gradually , have intic'd them with the bait of Religion ; and caught them with a synodian hooke ; we held out the League and Covenant , the Cause of God , and the like , to the Kingdome , and at length plucks up a fish called a Parliament out of their proper Magisteriall Element , into our synodian spirituallity ; and thus neatly wrested the Scepter out of their bands , that they neither know nor perceive it ; that in truth the Assembly is Dissembled into the Parliament , and the two Houses made but a stalking horse to the designes of the Clergy : They say it is decreed and ordained by the Lords and Commons , &c. but in plaine English , it is the Assembly of Divines ; 't is true , 't is the Lords and Commons in the History , but the Assembly of Divines in the Mystery , as Martin wisely hinted in his License before the booke of the Arraignment ; for we are become the whole directive and coercive power both in Church and State , a supremacy due unto us , as well as to the Pope ; and though we give them ( as men doe bables to children ) the title of making and judging of Lawes , to please them , yet with such distinctions and limitations ( to speak this under the Rose ) that we intend for our selves , that which we give unto them , even as our Brethren of the society of Iesu doe concerning his Holinesse the Pope , in the infallibility and temporall power : this honour and priviledge was of divine right given , and anciently enjoyed by our reverend Fathers the Bishops ; and why should not we be heires unto it by our legitimate lineall descent ? All Lawes , Statutes and Ordinances , both concerning Church and State , were Decreed , Ordained and enacted by the Lords spiritual and temporal , &c. And why not now by the Assembly of Divines and Parliament now Assembled at Westminster ? this is not yet in the History , for indeed our matter is not yet ripe for such a discovery , &c. As all other wicked men , so these seditions Libellers grow worse and worse ; their next most seditious Libell against the Assembly and Parliaments proceedings being intituled , Martins Eccho , or a Remonstrance from his holinesse reverend young Martin Mar-priest , responsory to the late sacred synodical Decretal ; in all humility presented to the reverend pious and grave consideration of the right reverend Father in God , the universall Bishop of our soules his superlative Holinesse Sir Simon Synod . It begins thus . Whereas his Holinesse reverend young Martin Mar-priest ; taking into his grave and learned consideration the insufferable arrogance of our ambitions , aspiring Presbytery their super-prelaticall supremacy , their ravenous blood-thirsty malice against the poor Saints of the most high God , their inordinate , insatiable covetousnesse after the fat things of the Land , their unparallel'd hypocrisie , their plausible pretences ▪ their incomprehensible policy , craft and subtilty ; their cunning insensible encroachments upon the priviledges of Parliament , the just liberties of and freedome of the people ; their inchanting delusions wherewith they bewitch both Parliament and multitude , the cruell thraldome , inhumane slavery , insufferable bondage they would reforme us and our Children unto from generation to generation ; their powerfull endeavours to make the Parliament betray their trust , break their Oathes , pull downe old Courts of tyranny and oppression , to set up new ; free us from Episcopall persecution , to devour us with presbyterian cruelty ; convey our naturall rights and freedome to the pontifical usurpation of the Clergy , that neither we nor our children after us ( notwithstanding the expence of our estates ruine of our families , effusion of our blood to redeem them ) may live in the land without the hazard of imprisonment , losse of goods , banishment , hanging &c. except we be presbiterian : these and many other things of high concernment , reverend young Martin taking into his serious and deliberate consideration ▪ and seeing this eminent , irrecoverable ruine ready to devour both Parliament and people hang over their heads , threatning certaine destruction to us and our posterity , if not timely and sodainly prevented : Hereupon his Holinesse reverend young Martin , out of sincerity to God , and naturall love unto his distressed Country , most willingly became servant to your superlative Holinesse , to ease your burthen in this your toylsome time of Classical exaltation of a little State ambition and spiritual supremacy & as much as in him lyeth , to vindicate the priviledge of Parliament , our birth-rights and native freedome from your divine spirituality , that you may have the more time to stuffe your guts extend your panches eram your bellies , farcinate your ventricles t s●ort out Directories , blurt out Ordinances , grin at Christ , swell at his Sectaries , and for his meritorious pious endeavours Martin expected a reward , as very justly he might ; but to cloake your covetousnesse and ingratitude , you pick quarrels against him for some small failings in his Treatise ; I hope you will deale better with Master Prynne for his midnight dreames his distracted subitane apprehensions , I can tell you he expects it : But Martin might have considered your ingratitude to the Lord Bishops , from whom formerly you received the holy Ghost with all your spirituall preferments , and were first put into a capacity of Lording it , as you now doe over the people ; whom , like ungracious children , viperous vermine , inhumane Canibals , notwithstanding their grace and favour ; you have devoured up , and share their inheritance amongst you . ( O divine pilage ! gratefull children ! ) &c. page 4. 5. Yet that his Holinesse ( like yours ) might appeare immaculate and infallible to the whole world ; Martin proclaimeth and demonstrates to all persons Ecclesiasticall , by what name or title soever dignified or distinguished , whether Arch-bishop Calamie 's , or other inferiour single-sold Presbyters ; That his Holinesse , reverend young Martin Mar-priest , freely offerereth plenary pardon and remission to that traiterous , blood-thirsty Man-eater Sir Simon Synod , for his foule ingratitude , his malicious , mischievous , murtherous debates , consultations and conclusions , to shed the blood of his Holinesse reverend young Martin Mar-priest , and deliver him as a prey to the monstrous huge iron faings and venomous boarish tuskes of his sonne Jocke , and his bloody crue ( breake their teeth o God in their mouth ; break out the teeth of the young Lyons o Lord ; ) if the said savage , barbarous Caniball Sir Simon Synod , the next day of humiliation after the publishing hereof , shall very penetentially ( as if he were to preach a fast sermon ) come in unto reverend Martin , and humbly submit himselfe to his Holinesse , at his sanctuary in Toleration-street , right opposite to state-opression and synodian tyranny ; and there humbly before reverend young Martin confesse his evill , acknowledge his errors , a●d be heartily sorry for the same ; live sociably and quietly amongst his Neighbours , never molest or injure any man for Conscience , suffer his teeth and nayles to be pluckt out and pared by an honest Independent barber , that hereafter he may never bite nor scratch ; and then peaceably returne to his Parochial Charge , render up all the goodly fat Benefices in the Kingdome to supply the necessities of the State , pay their Arreares in the Army gratifie their sicke , same and maimed souldiers with a reward more honourable ( according to their deserts ) then a tiket to begge ; supply the calamity , poverty and misery of poore Widowes and Orphans , whose deare Husbands and Fathers have been slaine in the service of the State , and not ( out of synodian state-policy ) to save their charity , subject the innocent Babes to be led by the spirit into Indian deserts and Wildernesses , and under pretence of Authority , rob the tender mothers of the fruit of their wombs ( a wickednesse insufferable in a Common-wealth ) and to send the free-borne out of their native protection to forraigne destruction , least the cry of the fatherlesse and Widowes should call for reliefe out of their fat Benefices pontificiall revenues , &c. O the covetousnesse of the Priests and the mercy of God ( as the Germane saith ) endure for ever : If he shall hereto assent , renounce the Ordinance of tythes , be content with the good will of the vulger , lay downe his state-ambition and usurpation of the Civill power , suffer the Commons of the Land ( both rich and poore ) which are free-borne people , to enjoy quietly their owne nationall freedome , &c. he will not deride you any more . But if Sir Simon shall reject this grace and favour freely offered to him and to all the Sir Iohns in the Kingdome by his Holinesse , reverend young Martin Mar-priest , out of his divine clemency thus graciously extended from his holinesse proclaimeth to the whole assembly of Sir Iohns and to the whole Kingdome , that come bondage , come liberty , come life come death ; come what come will , by the grace of God , young Martin is resolved to u●mask your vilany to posterity , and lay a foundation for a future ; it not for the present recovery of the priviledge of Parliament , and liberties of the common people from your synodicall , classicall Presbyterian predominancy ; and therefore Sir Simon be advised betime , accept of this grace and favour offered , harden not your hearts as in the dayes of the Bishops , lest the fierce wrath of the Lord , even sodaine destruction fall upon you as it did upon them ; for be assured , swift and fearfull destruction and ruine does attend you and the Lord will avenge his quarrell at your hands and as it is done unto your Fathers the Bishops , so shall it be done unto you ; and if your rising ambition be not sodainly repel'd your rise●reign and fall will be terrible to the Kingdom : you may delude the people a while , but the time hasteneth that the x people wil cal you to an account the Lord grant it be not , as I fear y By the Sword. He addes p. 5. 6. Well Sir Simon , if you will not mend your manners , Martin will observe all your postures , and tels you plainly , that hee 'l not only fall upon your bones himselfe , but hee l set his celestiall brother . Christopher Scal●●kie his catechisticall brother , Rouland Rattle-priest , his divine Brethren Martin Claw-Clergy . Bartholmew Bang-priest , all upon your back , and amongst us all , we shall in time turne up the foundation of your classicall supremacy , and pull down your Synod your Spheare about your ears ; behold a troop commeth Sir Simon , Martin is of the Tribe of Gad , though a host of Sir Iohns overcome him , yet he shal over come at last , yea , heel 'e jeere you out of your black Cloaks , and make you ashamed of King Henry the seventh's Chappell , and he glad to work with your hands , or to be content with the good will of the vulgar , and then it will too late to compound with reverend MARTIN and his divine Brethren , therefore consider with your selfe Sir Simon before the mighty Acts of the house of Martin be come forth against you ; we do not intend to dally with you , wee 'l handle you with Mittins , thwack your Cassocks , rattle your Jackets , stamp upon the panch of your villany , and squeze out the filth and garbidge of your iniquity , till you stink in the nostrils of the common people ; yea , wee 'l beat you and your sonne JACK , guts and all , into a Mouse-hole . There 's no one of MARTINS Tribe , but is a man of Mettall , and hates a Tithe-devouring persecuting Priest , as he hates the Devill , scornes their bribes , and bids defiance to their Malice . These are to advise you , Sir Simon turne ye to MARTIN in Tolleration-street , ye stiffe necked generation of Priests , lest the fierce wrath and sore displeasure of mighty MARTIN fall upon you , confound you and your whole , Sir Johns generation , Root and Branch ; hearken ye rebellious Assembly unto MARTIN , persecute no more , take no more Tithes , be content with the good will of the Vulgar . Whether these most seditious menacing passages and railing Libels against the Assembly , Presbytery , and all Ecclesiasticall Parliamentary proceedings , be not published in print by seditious Seectaries to stirre up the people to mutinie against the Parliament , Assembly , Ministery , to fire us into new Civill warres and commotions among our selves , and that by the underhand plots of some Jesuiticall spirits , and Malignant Royallists , I shall humbly submit to the saddest thoughts of our supreame Councell , which is best able to judge of them , and most able to prevent the eminent dangers which they doe portend . I shall close this Section with a new printed Libell , intituled , The Nativity of Sir Iohn Presbyter ; Dedicated , To the Right Worshipfull the : ASS : of Divines , assembled at Westminster ; with a most rayling libellous Epistle ; to which these Verses in derision of it are subjoyned . Reverend Assembly up , arise , and jogge , For you have fairly fisht and caught a Frog . Now have you set two years , pray can you tell A man the way that Christ went downe to Hell ? In these two years what can a wise man think That ye have done , ought else but eat and drink ? Presbyterie ( climb'd up to the top of fame ) Directory and all from Scotland came ; O monstrous idlenesse ! alack and welly , Our learned Rabbies minds nought but their belly . Section V. Containing libellous , scurrilous , prophane , and unchristian passages against the Directory , established by Ordinance of Parliament . YOU have met with some of these Invectives already in the preceding Sections , which I shall not repeat ; but only adde two or three passages more of this nature , full of Athesticall and blasphemous scurrillity . The Araignment of Persecution , p. 44. desires , That his Holinesse Sir Simon Synod my Synodecate a full resolution to these ensuing Queres . Whether it would not have been more profitable for the kingdome of England to have forth with hired a Coach and twelve Horses , to have set a Directory from Scotland ; then to have spent the learned consultations , pious debates , and sacred conclusions of such an holy , such a reverend , such a heavenly , such a godly , such a learned , such a pious , such a grave , such a wise , such a solid , such a discreet , such a spirituall , such an Evangelicall , such an infallible , such a venerable , such a super-celestioll Queer of Angels , such a suparlative Assembly of Divines ; for almost these two yeares space , after the profuse and vast expence of above forty thousand pounds , besides their goodly fat Benefices , upon their devouring Guts , for an English DIRECTORY of worship , equivalent to the Scotch DIRECTORY ? Whether this Directory standing in so many thousands to sumble it together , and the Copy sold at 400 and 50 l. be not of more value then the writings of the Prophets and Apostles ? The sacred Synodicall Decretall or Hue and Cry , useth the like Dialect , p. 23. Be it secula seculorum , as authentick as the Directory , &c. We had better have set two years longer in our most holy Consultations , and made our forty thousand four hundred pound Directory , a Directory of fourscore thousand eight hundred pound value . Pag. 5. Martin will tell the Country , That we sanctifie our new DIRECTORY Gospell , but to the temper of the City : Tell the City , That the Country people know not what to do with it , except to stop their Bottles , unlesse we spend the State the other odde trifle of 40000 pounds , to divide it into Chapters and Verses ( the Lord put it into their hearts ; ) and that as the truth is , its sanctity is only grounded upon the Divine Ordinance for Tithes , ( some wiser then some ) for no longer Penny , no longer Pater-noster , I will defile no more Paper with such horrid blasphemies ; only adde , That Martins Ecco , p. 12. makes the Parliaments endeavouring to establish the Directory the cause of the losse of Leicester , in these words : And now the Parliament being busied to fortifie your Directory , &c. in the mean time Leicester is taken , thousands are put to the sword , &c. Which is sufficiently answered , by Sir Thomas Fairfax routing the Kings whole Army and re-taking Leicester , even whiles the Parliament was most busie in fortifying the Directory . But I proceed to another Section . Section VI. Containing their libellous , scandalous , seditious passages , against our Brethren of Scotland , to raise divisione between us and them , contrary to the Act of Pacification , and the late solemne League and Covenant . MAny are their intolerable libellous Invectives of this kinde . I shall transcribe but few . Hen. Robinson in his Answer to M. Py●nes 12 Questions , made the first assault upon our Brethren , in this Language . And what , think we made our Brethren the Scots so successelesse here in England , whilest the warres are now beginning to kindle in their own Countrey , if it were not that they joyne with this Nation , or rather provoke them to establish their so much idolized Presbyteriall discipline of persecutions ? when they themselves thought they had just cause to be highly offended with the same ( their own ) persecuting spirit in Episcopacy . When the Lord required the Israelites to appear before him at Jerusalem thrice a yeare , he promised , that no man should invade their habitations in their absence , Exod. 34. 23 , 24. which gracious providence of his , no doubt continues still protecting all such as are imployed by his command : but unlesse our Brethren of Scotland bethink themselves in time , and consider , that even as the persecuting Bishops of England attempting to impose their government in Scotland gave occasion to begin the warres in England : so if the persecuting Presbyters of Scotland continue to advance and get set up the Scotch government in England , it may likely bring all the three Kingdomes to make the seat of warre in Scotland : I would be loath to prophesie upon this occasion ; but do much fear , that in how bad condition soever both England and Ireland are at the present , if the warres last , but little longer Scotland will yet be farre worse . God of his infinite mercy open the eyes of all three Kingdomes in this their heavie visitation , reconciling himselfe unto them all , and them to one another , for his dear Sonne Christ Iesus sake . The Araignment of Persecution by way of jear and scorne , p. 3 , 8 , 9. 19 , 39 , 42. satyrically inveighes against and derides Scoth government , ranking it with Satan , Antichrist , the Spanish Inquisition , Councell of Trent , High Commission , &c. beings in Liberty of conscience , thus complaining . My Lord , Sir Simon Synod is like to pull out my throat , with the ravinous clawes of an Assembly ; and Master Scotch Government was fit to stab me with his Scoth Dagger : Iemmy put up thy Dagger ; Averres , The Synod is guided by the Holy Ghost sent in a Cloke-bag from Scotland , as of old from Rome to the Councell of Trent . Oft mentions by way of scorn and jeere , The advancing of the mickle Army into the South ; addes , you may easily perceive how they would pinch your Lordships nose with a paire of SCOTCH SPECTACLES , that your Lordship might see nothing but BLEW CAPS ; he hath plaistred up the wrinkles of his face with SCOTCH MORTER , &c. The Sacred Synodicall Decretall , p. 4. tels us , &c. of a Blew-capreformation , and then Blewcap for us , p. 7. Of the ay-blessed Divines of Scotland , p. 16. Of laying Rods in pisse for Crumwel ; let him take heed of a Scotch — : another course must be taken with Hereticks , else our Brethren cannot further engage ; God speed them well home againe , and let all the people in the kingdome say , Amen . p. 18. Of their running away at Maston-More . p. 20. Of an Angel in the Mount , upon whom o●● reverend Assembly of grave and learned Divines do daily wait , which Mount is Dunce-Hill ( which by translation out of the Originall ) by the Divines of Scotland ( whose countrey-man this Angel is ) is englished Mount Sion : with other such like stuffe . And Martins Eccho , p. 8. Our Scottish Brethren advanced lately as far into the South , as from Brampton-moore to Westmerland , for your assistance , are all yours , by vertue of the Holy League and Covenant , which they may in no wise falsifie , untill they see it convenient for them to do , as in the most sacred Exhortation to the taking of the said League and Covenant you have taught them . Many other such seditious passages , tending to sow division between both Nations , ( contrary to the fourth clause of the Nationall Covenant ) these New-Libels , have lately published , which I forbear to Register . Section VII . Containing most scurrilus , libellous , scandelous , railing invectives against Presbyterians , and Presbyterian government in generall , which many of them not long since so much applauded , desired , before the Bishops removall . WE have met with much of this scurrilous stuffe in other Sections ; to which some few additions only shall be made in this . Mr. Henry Robinson his FALSEHOOD , &c. shall leade up the Forelorne-hope : where thus he writes to the Christian Reader : Free thy conscience from the thraldome and bondage of those Egyptian Taskmasters , who care not what trash and trumpery they vent , so they may gaine Proselytes and contributions . Which he thus prosecutes , p. 9. But what availeth it to have the head of one Lordly Episcopall Prelate cut of , when a Hidra , a multitude , above seventy seven times as many Presbyteriall Prelates succeed instead thereof ? Prelatia , Prelacy , Prelacy , as we use it vulgarly , is a preferring one before another ; and the Presbyteriall government is much more truly said to be Prelaticall , then either Episcopall or Papall ; unlesse you will say that neither Episcopall nor Papall be Prelaticall at all . For in either of those governments there are but few Prelates ; but in the other there are , to wit , so many Prelates as there are Presbyters , each whereof is an absolute * Prelate ; that is , one preferred above his Brethren . The Araignment of Persecution , declaimes thus against Presbyterian government , p. 21. Both Papall and Episcopall government is better then Presbyterian , for they are , and have been more uniforme , and have continued many hundred years longer then Presbyterian , and were long before Presbytery was thought on : For alas , it was but a shift at a pinch the Devill made , when neither of the other would serve his turne , and so came up Presbyterie ; but what good the Devill will have of it I know not : for who knowes the luck of a lowsie Cur , he may prove a good Dog. The Sacred Synodicall Decretall inveighes thus against Presbyterian government , p. 11. Martin will put the Parliament and people in minde of their Protestation , and tell them , that by the same rule they pull downe the Bishops , they are bound to put downe the Presbyters , &c. For in Martins Astrologicall judgement , all the Plagues of Egypt were but a Flea-biting to what one Presbyterian Church will be ( vinci si possunt regales cestibus enses ) we having mortified Episcopall Hercules , and possest his Club. p. 19. Indeed the Pope is as truly Christian , and his function as equally Jure Divino , as our Presbyterie , conveyed from his Holiness● , by our Fathers the late Lord Bishops upon us . The unlicensed Nativity of Presbytery , said to be licensed by Rowland Rattle-Priest , a terrible Imprimatur : writes p. 5. That the Devill made the Vrchin Sir John Presbyter : an abject , a Fugitive , newly come out of Scotland , a Witch , a Rogue , and in apparell delighting in black as his Father the Devill ; fitter to be a Weather cock then a Divine : only the Evill Spirit of Mercury , presented him to be the Devils Goat-head . Section VIII . Conteining sundry Libellous , Schismaticall , uncharitable , and unchristian passages against the Church of England , her Worship and Ministers in generall . IOhn Lilburne in his Answer to nine Arguments , Printed without License , London , 1645. with his picture cut before it ; Writes thus of the Church of England , pag. 4. The Church of England is a true Whorish mother , and you are one of her base-begotten , and Bastardly children , for you know a Whore is a woman as truly as a true wife , and she may have children as proportionable , as the children of a true wife ; yet this doth not prove her children which are base-begotten are true-begotten children , because they have all the parts , and limbes of children , that are begotten in a true married estate and condition ; even so say I , the Church of England neither is , nor never was , truly married , joyned , or united to Jesus Christ , in that espousall band , which his true Churches are , and ought to be , but is one of Antichrists Nationall Whorish Churches , or Cities spoken of Rev. 16. 19. Vnited , joyned , knit to the Pope of Lambeth ; as Head and Husband thereof ; being substitute to the Pope of Rome , from whom he hath received his Arch-Episcopall power , and Authority . Pag. 18. Your Church is false , and Antichristian : Therefore if every Parish in England had power in themselves ( which in the least they have not ) to choose and make their own Officers , yet for all this they would be false , for a false and Antichristian Church as yours is , can never make true Officers and Ministers of Iesus Christ , and though that the Churches of the Separation , want Apostles in personall presence to lay hands upon their Officers which lawfully they choose out from among themselves , yet have they their Laws , Rules , and Directions in writing , which is their Office , and is of as great Authority as their personall presence . Pag. 19. And thus have I sufficiently by the Authority of the Sacred Word of God proved all your Officers , and Ministers false and Antichristian , and none of Christs , which if you can groundedly contradict , shew your best skill chalenge I you , and put you to prop , to hold up your tottering and sandy Church and Ministry , or else your great brags will prove no better then winde and Fables , and you your self found to be a Liar . Pag. 22. And as for these two things , Of Conversion , and confirmation , or building up in the wayes of God , which you speak of , if you mean by conversion , and opening of the eyes , to turn them from darknesse to light , and from the power of Satan unto God ; or if you mean by conversion , a deliverance from the power of darknesse , and a translation into the Kingdom of the Son of God , both of which the Apostles Ministry did accomplish in the hearts and lives of Gods people , Act. 26. 18. Coll. 1. 13. I absolutely deny it , that your Ministery in England doth this : And therefore I desire you to declare , what you mean by Conversion , and prove your definition by the holy Scripture , and also prove that you in England are so converted , which when you have done I shall further answer you by Gods assistance , and as for their building them up in the wayes of God , as all true Shepherds ought to build up their sheep , as Acts 26. 1 Pet. 5. Yet I deny it , that your Ministers do it , for how can they build them up in that , which they themselves are ignorant of , and enemies unto ? for as Jannes and Jambres which withstood Moses , so do these men also resist the Truth , being men of corrupt mindes , and destitute of the truth , 2 Tim. 3. 8. And do feed you with husks and Chaffe , being neither willing to imbrace it themselves , nor to let those that would , as their constant preaching and speaking against the truth of God , and the Kingdom of his Son doth witnesse , &c. I have taken the pains by the Word of God , and demonstrable Arguments grounded thereupon , to prove the Church of England Antichristian : I do promise you , I will by the strength of the Lord of Hosts , for ever seperate from Church , Ministery and Worship in England , all and every one of them , as Antichristian and false : Yet thus much I say , and do acknowledge , and the Scripture proves it , that God hath a people or an elect number in spirituall Babylon ; yea in the Kingdom of Antichrist , part of which the Church of England is , and none of them shall perish , but be eternally saved ; yet I say , it is the duty of all Gods Elect , and chosen ones , that are yet in the Whorish bosome of the Church of England , or in any part of Antichrists Regiment to separate away from it , and come out of it , least God plague them for their staying there . Pag. 23. All the Ministers of the Church of England are not true Ministers of Christ , but false and Antichristian Ministers of Antichrist . Pag. 24. And as for your Minor and Assumption , which is , that you in the Church of England do enjoy , and outwardly submit your selves to the true worship of God : It is most false , and a notorious lie and untruth , and as well might wicked Faux , and the rest of the Gunpowder-Plotters say , that they submitted unto Noble King James Laws and Scepter , when they went about to blow up the Parliament House , that so they might destroy him and all his ; for you do not only oppose and justle ou● the true worship of God , and throw down and trample upon the Scepter of Jesus Christ his son , but also you set up false and Antichristian Worship , the inventer of which is the Devil , and the Man of sin , his eldest and most obedient Son. Pag. 26 , 27. Now from that which I have said , I frame these Arguments : 1. That Worship which is of the Devils and Antichrists invention , institution and setting up , is no true Divine worship . But the Worship of the Church of England is of the Devils and Antichrists invention , institution and setting up , as Revel . 13. doth fully prove . Ergo , the Worship of the Church of England is no true Worship . 2. That Worship , which is a main means and Cause of pulling down the Kingdom of Iesus Christ , and establishing , maintaining , and upholding the Kingdom of the Devil and Antichrist , and sends more souls to Hell , then all the wickednesse , impiety , ungodlinesse , in the Kingdom doth besides , is no true worship of God , but ought to be detested and abhorred of all his people . But such is the worship of the Church of England ; Ergo , &c. Pag. 29. I absolutely deny your Argument , and affirme , that your Religion neither is the true Religion , nor that it leads men the true way to salvation . Pag. 37 , 38. I groundedly and absolutely deny , that either the Church of England is , or ever was a true Church , and till you have proved it true , all the pains that you have taken in proving that it is possible for corruptions & evil livers to be in a true Church , is spent in vain , and to no purpose , and I am confident , that you nor none else will ever be able to prove the Church of England true , nor any other Nationall Church : for Christ Jesus by his death did abolish the Nationall Church of the Iews , with all their Laws , Rites and Ceremonies thereof , and in the New Testament did never institute no Nationall Church , nor left no Laws , nor Officers for the governing thereof , but the Church that he instituted , are free and Independent bodies , or Congregations , depending upon none but only upon Christ their Head : Therefore Nationall Churches under the Gospel are of Antichrists , that man of sins institution and ordaining , who only hath ordained Laws and Officers of his own for the governing of them ; Therefore for you , or any other to say , and affirme , that this monstrous , ugly , botched and scabbed body , is Christs true Spouse , is dishonourable to his blessed being and Mediatorship . His Schismaticall seditious conclusion from all these Premises is this , pag. 35. Therefore let all Gods people , that yet are in the bosome of the Church of England , as they love their own inward peace , and spirituall joy , and look that their souls should prosper and flourish with grace and godlinesse look to it , and withdraw their spiritual obedience and subjection from all Antichrists Laws and worship , and joyne themselves as fellow Citizens of the City of God , to worship and serve him in Mount Sion the beauty of holinesse , and there only to yield all spirituall obedience to Christs spirituall Laws and Scepter . This language and opinion of his , concerning our English Church , and Ministry , is seconded by most Independents in their late Pamphlets ; of which you have had a bitter taste in the preceding Sections , and their practice proves as much . For first , though they proclaime Liberty of conscience to all Sects and Religions whatsoever ; yet they have so harsh an opinion of Presbyterians , and all others , who submit not to their Independent Modell ; that they esteem them no better then Heathens , Infidels , unbelievers ; and proclaim them in their Books to be * Men who deny , disclaim , and preach against Christs Kingly Government over his Churches ; men unconverted , or at least converted but in part , vvanting the main thing , to wit , Christs kingly Office : men visible out of the Covenant of Grace , who have not so much as an outward profession of Faith , who deny Christ to be their King ; to whose persons and infants , the very Sacraments and seals of grace , with all Church Communion , may , and ought to be denied , which is in effect to un-Christian , un-Church , un-Minister all Presbyterians , and to make them cast-awayes : If this be their charity to us already , what may we expect from them hereafter if their Faction bear the sway ? Secondly , when they gather any Independent Congregation , their practise is , for their Ministers solemnly to renounce and abjure their former Ordination in , and the people their Pristine Communion with the Church of England , and all Congregations else , whereof they have been Members , and then to new-mould themselves into an Independent Church ; which practise they have lately begun in the Plantations of the Summer Islands ; as a Friend of mine from thence informed me by a Letter dated , May 14. 1645. in these insuing termes . The Independent Church was set up here the last year , wherein they have covenanted to stand unto the death : but their Covenant is not fully exprest reserving power in themselves , especially in their Pastor , to alter it when they will , and as they think good ; they have exprest nothing in writing , though often urged to it , but he that joyns with them , must do it by a kinde of implicite faith , to imbrace what their Church doth or shall imbrace , not knowing what it is or will be : When they began it , their Minister called a Fast for all that would be present , where in the publique Congregation , our Ministers being then but three , Did lay down and renounce their Ordination and Ministry received in the Church of England , and so become ( as they said ) no Ministers ; but did joy● themselves together in Covenant by words only to become a Church ; first making a kinde of confession of their sins , and signifying that others might also joyn themselves to them , if they were such as after such confession they should approve of , and there was one principall Officer did then joyn himself with them ; they then continued weekly Lecturers still , yet as they said , not as Ministers , but only as private men to exercise their gifts : wherein they laboured to draw others to joyn with them , and every week received in some : but that confession of sins grew daily more and more out of date , the rather for that * some were threatned to be called in question at the Assises for some things which they confessed there ; so that at this time all is in a manner implicite , and though little or nothing be expressed by the party to be received in , yet he is not put back : But when they had gotten about thirty to joyne with them , they again called a Fast for all that would be present , where it seems having appointed one of our assistant Governors for their Prolocutor , he nominated Master White to be their Pastor , which the rest confirmed by erection of hands ; then it seems Master White nominated our other two Ministers , Master Copland and Master Golding for his ruling Elders , yet they continue to preach constantly as before , but Master White only doth Administer the Sacraments , and that only to such as have joyned themselves in their implicite Covenant with them . Their practise therefore and their writings demonstrate , what ungratefull sons , and unnaturall Vipers they are to our Mother Church and Ministers of England ; which hath little cause to harbour these Rebellious Apostate sons , who thus abominate , renounce both her and her Ministers , as Antichristian . Surely , some of their own Independent Faction , had other thoughts of her and her Ministry ( unlesse they dissembled before God and man , as they commonly do without blush or check ) but very few years since ; and among other the five Independent Apologists , and Master Hugh Peter , ( Solicit●r generall of the Independent Cause and Party ; ) whose Subscription before the Bishop of London , concerning our Church of England in the late Prelaticall times , when far more unreformed then now , I shall here present you with ; the Originall whereof I found in the Archbishops study , under Master Peter his own hand , c●dorsed with the Archbishops , thus . Master Hugh Peters Subscription before the Bishop of London , August 17. 1627. RIght Reverend Father in God , and my very good Lord ; being required to make known to your Lordship my Judgement concerning some thing propounded at my last being before your Lordship , from which Propositions though I never dissented , nor know any cause why I should be suspected , yet being ready and willing to obey your Lordship in all things , especially in so just a demand as this , I having consulted with Antiquity , and with our modern Hooker , and others , humbly desire your Lordship to accept the satisfaction following . 1. For the Church of England in generall ( I blesse God ) I am a member of it , and was baptized in it , and am not only assured it is a true Church , but am perswaded it is the most glorious and flourishing Church this day under the sun , which I desire to be truly thankfull for ; and for the Faith , Doctrine and Articles of that Church , and the maintenance of them , I hope the Lord will inable me to contend ; Tanquam ut pro aris & focis : Yea , I trust to lay down my life , if I were called thereunto . 2. For the Governour and Government thereof ; viz. The reverend Fathers , the Archbishops and Bishops , I acknowledge their Offices , and jurisdictions , and cannot see , but there would a fearfull ataxy follow , without the present Government , whereof I so approve , that I have , and do willingly submit to it , and them ; and have , and will presse the same upon others . 3 For the Ceremonies that are in use among us ( as I have already subscribed ) so I shall diligently and daily practise , neither have I ever been accused for neglect therein , where I have formerly exercised my Ministry , but to them do give my full approbation and allowance . 4. For the Book of Common-Prayer , the Lyturgie of the Church , and what is in them contained ( finding them agreeable unto the word of God ) I have used as other Ministers have done , and am resolved so to do , and have not been Refractory in this particular at any time , nor do I intend to be ( God willing ) and to these , I Subscribe with my heart and hand ; humbly , submitting them , and my self to your Lordships pleasure . Your Lordships in all humble service , HUGH PETER . London the 17. of August . 1627. IF Master Peter be now of another Judgement , it manifests either his grosse ignorance , or temporizing then , or his levity now , and that he is as unsteady in his opinion , as in his excentrick motion from place to place : But this is in verity , the essentiall property of our Lunacy New sights , who like the Moon ( whose light Predominates in them ) are alwayes changing ; yea , ever learning , and never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth ; which they continually intricate with their Independent doubts . Section IX . Containing Libellious , Scandalous , unchristian Censures , and Invectives against those Persons , who out of conscience have Written or Preached against the Independents Seditious , Schismaticall wayes and Practises . I Shall first begin with such Invectives as concern my self : What large Encomiums ( beyond my deserts ) I received from the Independent party , before I writ against their new wayes & opinions , only in a moderate & modest manner by way of Questions ; is very well known to themselves and others , being such and so many , that modesty forbids me to relate them ; lest I should be thought the Herald of my own praises and deserts : How many Libells , Scandals , and false reports of all kindes they have causlesly published of me since , by Speech and Printed Libells , only because I differ from them in opinion , and have in point of conscience ( being requested so to do ) declared my opinion of their new groundlesse wayes and Tenets , is very well known unto many , who have leisure to peruse the severall empty Pamphlets and Invectives daily published a gainst me : I shall give you a taste of some few in lieu of many . It pleased Iohn Lilburne among others , for whom I have done some courtesies , but never the least injury , or discourtesie in word or deed , upon the coming out of my Truth Triumphing over Falshood , &c. ( Licensed by a Committee of Parliament for the Presse ) before ever he had read the Book , to write a Libellous Letter to me concerning it , which he sent to the Presse and published in Print without License , before I received and perused it : which though answered in Print by others without my privity ; openly complained of in the Commons House , ( who referred it to the Committee of Examinations as a most Seditious Libell against the Parliament and Assembly ; ) yet I deemed it more worthy contempt then any Answer , as refuting not one syllable in my Book : In this Letter , he stiles me , An inciter of higher Powers to wage war with the King of Saints , and his Redeemed ones : An endeavourer to set the Princes of the earth together by the ears with Christ , to pluck his Crown from his head , his Scepter out of his hand , and his Person out of his Throne of State , that his Father hath given him to raign gloriously in : He most falsely chargeth me with this false Position : That there is no rule left in the word , how we may worship God ; but that Kings and States may set up what Religion they please , or may mould it to the manners of their people : Whereas there is not any such syllable in any of my Books , but the contrary profe●sedly asserted and the Controversies therein debated , concerne not the substance of Gods worship or Religion , but only the Circumstance of Church-Government : which I asserted then , on such grounds as their party hath not yet refu●ed ▪ not to be precisely set down & determined in the New Testament in all particulars , but yet conclude , that no Church Government ought to be set up , but that which is agreeable to the Scriptures , though not dogmatically and precisely prescribed in them : ●o that if this Libeller were not past all shame , he might have blush● to Print and ●●print so notorious a falshood , without retractation . After this he thus proceeds : Had I not seen your name to your Books , I should rather have judged them a Papists or a Iesuits , then Master Prynnes ; and without doubt , the Pope when he sees them , will CANONIZE YOU FOR A SAINT , in throwing down his enemy Christ . Certainly no Book of mine , either in the Front or Bulke , carries the least badge of a Priest or Jesuit in it ; and so far am I from demeriting any thing from the Pope , or to be Canonized by him for a Saint ; that I can without vanity or ostentation affirme before all the world , that I have done more disservice to Priests , Iesuits , and the Pope : made more discoveries of their Plots , and written more against them and Popery , then all the whole generation of Sectaries and Independents put together ; and I challenge all their Sects to equalize , or come near , what I have really performed in this particular ; so that if any man this day breathing in England deserve an Anathema Maranathae , from the Pope & his party , I have more cause to expect itthen any other : The whole Kingdom therefore will Proclaim him a notorious slanderer in this particular : He proceeds yet further , Surely ( he writes , but his words are no Oracles ) you have given away your ears , and have suffered as a busie-body in opposing the King and the Prelats : without doubt all is not Gold that glisters : for were you not a man that had more then truth to look after , namely your own ends and particular interests , which I am afraid you strive to set up more then the publike good , you should have importuned the Parliament to have continued their favour and respect to that people , that cannot prostrate their consciences to mans devices . Surely my conscience tells me , that I am free from this injurious calumny : For my ears , I blesse God I gave them not away , but lost them in a just quarrell , against all Law and Iustice , as both Houses of Parliament have unanimously adjudged : But whether you did not justly lose your ears for Sedition then , and deserve not to lose he remainder of them ( that I say no more ) for your Seditious and Libellious carriage now , is a great question among your most intelligent friends : For my opposing King and Prelates as a busie-body , perchance it might be your own case , it was never mine : What I have done against the unjust usurpations , and illegall excesses of either , I did it in a just and Legall way , upon such grounds and Authority , as was never yet controuled ; and this I dare make good without vainglory , that I have done more reall cordiall service with my pen against the Usurpations of Regality and Prelacy , in defence of the Subjects Liberties , and Parliaments jurisdiction , then all Independent Sectaries whatsoever , and that only out of a zeal to Gods glory and the publick good , without the least private end or Interest , which never yet entred into my thoughts , having suffered as much as any man of your Sect ( if not more ) for the Publick , without either seeking or receiving the least recompence , or reward ; having spent not only my time and Studies , but some hundreds of Pounds in the Republicks service since my inlargement , without craving or receiving one farthing recompence in any kinde ; whereas if I had sought my self , or been any way covetous or ambitious , I might perchance have obtained as advantagious and honourable preferments , as any Independents have aspired to , if not challenged as their right , for lesse meritorious publick services and sufferings then the least of mine . As for my importuning the Parliament for continuance of their favours to that people you speak of ; surely when I finde them more obsequious to the Parliaments just Ordinances and commands , lesse willfull and more conscientious ; I shall do them all the offices of Christian love ; but whiles contumnacy , obstinacy , licentiousnesse , uncharitablenesse and Schisme are most predominant in them , the greatest favour I can move the Parliament to indulge them , is to bridle these their extravagances with the severest Laws , and to prefer the publike safety of Church and State , before their private Lawlesse conceits and phantasticall opinions . He addes , That I am in this as cruell a Task-master as Pharaoh : and that the Son of God , and his Saints are but little beholding to me . Surely to confine Licencious lawlesse consciences to the rules of Gods word , the justLaws of the Realm , and rectified reason , can Proclaime me no Egyptian Task-master : but rather decl●re your Sect meer Libertines , who will not be Regnlated by , nor confined within these Bounds ; yea , I trust the Son of God and his true Saints are as much beholding to me ( in your sense ) as to the greatest Patriarchs of your Independent Tribes , be they whom they will. This Libeller being questioned before the Committee of Examinations concerning this Letter , by their speciall favour returned his Reasons why he sent it in writing , which he no sooner exhibited , but published in Print the next day after , to defame and slander me among his Confederates ; who give me now no other Epithites in their discourses ; but a Papist , a Persecutor of Gods Saints , an Enemy of Christs Kingdom , vvho deserve to lose my head for opposing them in this cause , &c. which I no more value , Then the Moon doth the barking of a lousie Cur. In this new unlicensed Paper , first he vaingloriously relates his own sufferings and deserts : Secondly , Traduceth the justice of the Parliament and others , against some seditions Sectaries ; misreciting many of their proceedings to the scandall of Publick justice , and the Parliament , pag. 3 , 4. Thirdly , pag. 5. He pretends my Books against Independents ( Licensed by Authority of a Committee of Parliament ) to be the principall causes of the rigid Proceedings against Separatists especially my Truths Triumphing over Falshood ; which being subsequent in time to all the particulars he recites , could certainly be no occasion of them ; and therefore he playes not only the Sophyster , but Slanderer in this particular . Fourthly , pag. 5 , 6. He misrepeats , and misapplies some Passages of mine , to all of his Sect in generall , and to HIMSELF and SVCH AS HE IS in the ARMY and ELSEWHERE : Whereas there is not one Syllable in my Passages to that purpose , but only against some particular Authors I there mention , and such of their Confederates , who maliciously and audaciously oppugne the undoubted Rights , Priviledges , and just Proceedings of Parliament , contrary to their Solemne Covenant , League , and Protestation ; and if you proclaim your self or any other in the Army or elsewhere to be of this Anti-Parliamentary Regiment ( as now you do ) I then professe my self an opposite to you , and shall make good against you what ever I have written , when and where you please . Fiftly , He writes , That I eagerly endeavour to incense the Parliament against him , and such as he is in the Army , and elsewhere , and in the Conclusion of my Independency examined , presse the cutting of them off by the sword , & executing wrath and vengeance on them upon pain of contracting the guilt of highest Perjury : A most malicious scandall : For first I never mentioned him or his in particular ; neither knew I how he stood inclined . Secondly , In my Independency examined ; I only in a generall discourse affert , that Kings and Civill Magistrates , have by the Law of God a Lawfull coercive power , thought not to restrain the sincere Preaching of the Gospel and truth of God , yet to suppresse , restrain , imprison , confine , banish the brea●hers of Heresies , Schismes , Erronious , seditious Doctrines , Enthusiasmes , or setters up of new Formes of Ecclesiasticall Government without Lawfull Authority , to the en●●ngering of mens souls , or disturbance of the Churches and Kingdoms Peace : These are my formall words which I there make good by Scripture , & Presidents in all Ages ( & will justifie by Gods assistance upon any occasion against all Sectaries & Independents whatsoever ) After which I close up this discourse in these very words : And if any Hereticks , false-Teachers , Schismaticks ( chuse which of these three ranks you and yours will fall under ) obstinatly refuse conformity after due admonition , and all good means used to reclaim them , the Poets Divinity and Policy must then take place , as well in Ecclesiasticall , as civill and naturall maladies . Cuncta prim tentanda , sed immedicabile Vulnius , * Ense rescidendum est , ne pars syncera trahatur . Is this any urging of the Parliament , To cut you and yours off by the sword ? and to execute wrath and vengeance on you ? If you be such obstinate Hereticks , Schismaticks , or false-Teachers , who fall within the compasse of my words , God forbid , but the sword of Iustice should be drawn out against you , as well as others , at least to chastise and reduce you to obedience , though not finally to cut you off , unlesse in case of absolute necessity : But if you are none of this obstinate Hereticall , Schismaticall Brigade ( as I make you not , unlesse you make your selves ) my generall indefinite words will relate , neither to your self in person ( whom I never once minded in my writings ) nor to any of your Tribe : And therefore in this particular , I charge you for a malicious slanderour and false Informer , demanding justice and reparation from you for this , and all the forementioned passages , wherein you have wilfully done me wrong . Sixtly , pag. 6. He injuriously chargeth me , as guilty of being an Incendiary , betwixt the Parliament and their faithfull friends and servants ; and that my actions and practises tend to no better end , but to make him and his partie ( VS ) to be sleighted and contemned , and that they a faithfull , conscientious , AND CONSIDERABLE PARTY IN THE ARMY and KINGDOM MIGHT BE DISINGAGED and CAVSED TO LAY DOWN THEIR ARMES , &c. After which , he concludes thus , pag. 7. Now I appeal to everie true hearted Englishman , that desires a speedie end of these Wars , of what evil consequence it would be to the Parliament and Kingdoms , to have such a faithfull and considerable partie as Mr. Prynne calumni●teth , and reproacheth as bad , if not worse then ever the Bishop of Canterbury did , should be causleslie cut off with the sword , or be disingaged by his means ( especiallie seeing the Kingdoms necessities is such , that they stand in need of the help of Forrainers ) In which Passage he intimates : First , that those Anti-Parliamentary seditious Sectaries , who confederate with this Libeller know their own particular ( pretended ) strength in the Army and Kingdom . Secondly , that they fight only for their own private interests , and to erect their own Church Government , not for Religion not the publick Cause ; since my very writing against their Schismaticall seditious wayes but in meer generall terms ( as this Libeller , one of their privy Cabinet Councell intimates ) and that by Authority of a Committee of Parliament , in just defence of the Parliaments undoubted Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction and Authority ( which they most affront of any men whatsoever ) Is a means to disingage , and cause them to lay down their Armes : Thirdly , I answer , that if he & his party be such faithfull friends and servants to the Parliament , and such a conscientious considerable party both in the Army and Kingdom as he pretends , my writing in defence of the Parliaments jurisdiction ( which they pretend to fight for ) can be no dis-ingagement or dis-couragement to them ; And therefore himself alone must be the Incendiary twixt them and the Parliament , and the dis-ingager of them to lay down their Armes , by these his slanderous Libells against the Parliaments jurisdiction , Priviledges , Proceedings , not I who have only Cordially maintained them ( according to my solemn Vow and Covenant ) by publike encouragement , and speciall approbation . I shal therefore challenge so much Iustice from this Epistoler , as publikely to retract all these his malicious Libellous slanders of me , without the least provocation given him on my part ; or else he must expect from God & all good men ( yea from his own best friends and party ) the brand of a most malicious Libeller , slanderer , Incendiary , and undergoe the punishment due to such . To this I might adde a whole bundle of Calumnies and injuries against me in Master Iohn Goodwins Calumny Arraigned and cast , wherein he chargeth me , pag. 2. for aspersing the Honourable Committee for Plundered Ministers and himself , in averting , that he was suspended and sequestred by that Committee ; which all the Committee then , and himself with his Confederates since experimentally know to be a reall truth , however they outfaced it for a time : His other Calumnies are so grosse , and triviall , that I will not waste Paper to refute them . These Libellers are not single , but thus seconded by a Brother of their Sect , one Henry Robinson in his Pamphlet intituled ; The Pretences of Master William Prynne , &c. ( A meer empty Libell fraught with nothing but railings , and slanders against me ) and in his latter Libell intituled : The Falshood of Master William Prynnes Truth Triumphing , in the Antiquity of Popish Princes and Parliaments : To which he attributes a sole Soveraign Legislative , Coercive power in all matters of Religion ; Discovered to be full of absurdities , contradictions , Sacriledge , and to make more in favour of Rome and Antichrist ▪ then all the Books and Pamphlets which were ever published , whether by Papall or Epi●copall Prelats or Parasites , since the Reformation : with twelve Queries , eight whereof visit Master Prynne the second time , because they could not be satisfied at the first ; Printed in London , 1645. Here is a large Libellous Title , but not one syllable of it so much as proved or made good in the Book : wherein he convinceth me , neither of Falshood nor absurdities , nor Contradictions , nor Sacriledge : And whereas he chargeth ; That my Truths Triumphing , &c. Makes more in favour of Rome , and Antichrist then all the Books and Pamphlets which were ever published by Papall or Episcopall Prelats or Parasites since the Reformation ( of which he makes not the least offer of proof in his Book ) I shall aver to all the world ( I hope without ostentation , being thus enforced to it ) and appeal to all men of Iudgement who have read it ; that it makes more against Rome , Antichrist , and the usurped power of Popish , Lordly Prelates and Clergymen in points of calling Councels , the Authority of Prelates , Clergy men and Synods in making binding Canons , &c. and other points therein debated then any Book or Pamphlet whatsoever of this Subject written by any Prelate , Clergy man , Laicke , or by all the whole Mungrell Regiment of Anabaptists , Sectaries or Independents put together : Therefore this Title of his ; is a most false malicious impudent slander , of a Libeller past shame , void both of truth and conscience . His passage against me , pag. 9. 10. Is much of kin to his Title Page , where thus he writes : The truth is , I cannot deny but Master Prynne was once by more then many , and they godly too , held to be a man of Piety ( and was highly honoured , in whose Books and Pamphlets notwithstanding which have been published of late ) may be observed more corrupted Principles , and a far worse spirit of persecution , then ever was discovered in the late Delinquent Decapitated Archbishop , from his first ascending unto his highest growth of Authority and greatnesse ; and in the Diary of his life , which I suppose Master Prynne Printed , not to do him honour ( though after Ages will not be tyed to be no wiser then Master Prynne ) I finde such eminent signes of a Morall Noble pious minde , according to such weak principles as he had been bred up in ( his own persecuting disposition , disabling him from being instructed better ) and particularly so ingenious a passage in his Funeral Sermon , whereby he justifies the Parliament in putting him to death ; as I may safely professe to all the world , I never yet could discerne any thing near of like piety , or ingenuity to be in Master Pryune , by all that ever I yet heard of him from first to last , or by all the books of his which ever came to my hands , wherein yet I have hitherto done him the honour in being at charges to buy as many , I mean one of every sort , as I could ever meet withall . Surely , I am much beholding to this Gentleman , for proclaiming me a man of more corrupt principles , and a person possessed with a worse spirit of persecution then the late Decapitated Archbishop , but the Archbishop far more obliged to him , in Canonizing him for such a Saint : As for his Diary , I published it as I found it , not so much to do him honour as right , which is due to the very Devill himself : But had this Libeller remembred , that I reserved the criminall part of his life , for two other Volumes , one of them already published ; and the first part of the other now at Presse , which will render him , the Archest Traitor and underminer of Religion , Laws , Liberties , Parliaments that ever breathed in English Aire ; or had he seriously considered his obstinate impenitency , and justificntion of his innocency ( though most criminall of all that for which he was condemned ) even on the very Scaffold ; he would have blushed at his large Encomiums of such a Traytor in affront of publike justice , to cast the greater blemish on my self , who was publikely called by Authority to bring him to his triall . Having thus reviled my person only for w●iting against Independent new wayes and fancies ; having naught else to object against me , he fals soul upon my very Profession of the Law in these reproachfull termes , pag. 21 , 22. Certainly t is none of Master Prynnes least oversights thus to bring himself a Lawyer , ( whose wrangling faculty sets and keeps all people at worse war amongst themselves , then all Forraign enemies can do ) into a Contest with Mr. Goodwin , &c. If Master Prynne were a man truly godly and conscientious , he might long ere this time have considered the unlawfulnesse of his very calling , acco●ding to the greatest part of Lawyers practise , in entertaining more causes then they can possibly take care of as they ought , in taking of excessive Fees , prolonging suits , and so involving the whole Kingdom in their Sophisticall quirks , tricks and quillets , as that a man can neither buy nor sell , speak nor do any thing , but he must be liable to fall into their tallons , without ever being able to redeem himself , the Lawyers having most of their mysteries written in little lesse then Heathen Language , and detaining us in such Ignorant captivity , as that we may not plead nor understand ; by which and such like devises of theirs , they are become the greatest grievance , crying loudest to heaven for Justice to be done upon them by this Parliament , next to the corrupted , depraved Clergy men . Surely these Independent Sectaries , resolve to extirpate all Lawyers and Clergy-men , as the greatest grievances under Heaven ; that so both Law and Gospel may be dispensed only by their Lawlesse , Gospellesse lips , hands : and this makes them raile at these two Honourable Professions , without which no Kingdom or Church can long subsist : For my own part , I blesse God , I am not ashamed of my Profession ; it s no dishonour unto me , ( since God himself hath honoured Zen● a Professour of it , Tit. 3. 13. ) and I trust I shall never dishonour it : and though some perchance abuse it ( as many do all other Callings ) 〈◊〉 makes it not unlawfull or a grievance , no more then other Callings , 〈◊〉 being the fault of the person , nor of the Profession : Take he●d therefore how you pr●ss● this Argument further , lest it reflect with disadvantage on your self , who have much abused the Profession of a Gentleman , by turning Lib●ller ; of a Merchant , in turning an Independent Preacher ; of a Minister , in becoming an unlicens●d Mr. Printer of all these new Seditious Libels , in an Alley in Bishopsgate street , the very name whereof , made you such a Panegyrist , to trumpet out the Archbishops P●ety and Gr●ces to the world , after his Execution as a Traytor . I shall rake no more in this Pamphleters nasty Kennel , which abounds with such fil●hy stincking stuffe , and Billingsgate Language as this . The Author of The Araignment of Persecution , thus makes himself merry with me , pag. 15. That Learned Gentleman , Just-as conformity of Lincolns Inne , Esq ; can throughly resolve you , both by Scripture Texts , Presede●ts of all sorts , and the constant uninterupted practises , examples of the Emminentest Emperours , Princes , Councels , Parliaments , &c. It is well these illiterate Ass●s are able thus to de●ide , what they can no wayes Answer or Re●ute by Scripture , Reason , or Authorities of any kinde , but their own brainsick fancies . He proceeds thus , pag. 39. By the Apochrypha writings , and Non-sense Arguments of Mr. Edwards : By the distracted thoughts , and subitane apprehensions of Mr. Prynne ; By the designe of the Clergy ; By their forced tears ; By their Hypocrisie ; By their false Glosses , Interpretations , and Sophystications , Good Lord deliver us . Here I am joyned with very good company , though in a Blasphemous railing Lyturgy , fit only for such Conventicles as this Libeller indoctrinates . The Compiler of the Sacred Synodicall Decretall , thus sports himself with Dr. Bastwick and me , pag. 22. Dr. Bastwick and Jockey shall be God-fathers , and the Whore of Babylon God-mother , and it shall be Christened , COMMON-COUNCELL OF PRESBYTERS : ( heare 's like to be a City well governed ) but it is not yet fit to be known by that Name , while the Childe is in the Cradle ; when it can go alone , it will be a pretty play-fellow for my son Iack , if the Doctor can but cure him of the Martin : 'T is true , he hath given him a good Cordiall against some Independent Qualmes , wherewith my son Iack hath been much oppressed , since Mr. Prynne hath been Outlaw'd by the Gospel , his Voluminous errours had the benefit ( Sir Reverence ) of the peoples posteriours to correct them , ( Let the Doctor have a care of his Bills ) Nam in posteriori pagina , omnia sua fic Corriguntur Errata : that 's a signe of some Grace ; who sayes Mr. Prynnes not an honest man , that hath consecrated so much to such a Reverend use ? But he shall have a better place when it falls , hee 's in the way of preferment , he doth supply the place of an Informer already , for he must do a little drudgery before he be a Judge . In what an uncivill , unchristian manner they have rayled against my ever honoured Brother Dr. Bastwick , as an Apostate , a fighter against God , an enemy of Iesus Christs , &c. only for writing against their Independent Novelties , himself hath at large related in his Postscript . How they have abused Dr. Twisse , Mr. Hindersham , Mr. Calamy , Mr. Marshall , Dr. Burges , Dr. Featly , Mr. Paget , and especially Mr. Edwards , ( whom they revile beyond all measure ) only for opposing their new Anarchicall Government , hath in part been formerly touched , and would be over-tedious particularly to relate : I shall therefore conclude with two passages more ; the one concerning Doctor Burges , the other Doctor Twisse and the Assembly , in their last Libell , called Martins Eccho , p. 7 8. Such hath been their good service to the Church and State , that for my part , it should not much trouble me , to see them as well knockt down : I mean to see Doctor Burges , and a competent number of his brethren , set down upon their Presbyterian Thrones , judging the Tribes of this our Israel ; Be ye mounted upon your great Coach-Horses , which trundle you too and fro , from London to Westminster ; mount all your new Canons , and advance like mighty men of valour , The horsemen and Chariots of Israel , even whole black Regiments of you into the fields , under the Conduct of your General●ssimo , William Twisse , Prolocutor ; and fire all your new cast Ordinances at once in the face of your enemies , and so finish your good work your selves , and trust your Sacred cause no longer in the hands of the profane . By this short taste , you may discern the most uncharitable , slanderous , lying , Libellous disposition of these new Independent lights , whose works are so full of infernall deeds of darknesse , and of the black Language of Hell. Section X. Containing seditious Queries , Passages and Practises to excite the people to mutiny , Sedition , Disobedience , and contumacy against the Parliaments proceedings , Ordinances , and to resume their power from them . I Have in the preceding Sections , already transcribed sundry clauses of this nature ; I shall remember you only of some few more , in two or three late unlicensed Libels . The Author of , an Answer to Mr. Prynnes twelve Questions concerning Church-Government ( supposed to be Master Henry Robinson ) pag. 2. makes this Quere : What if the Parliament sh●uld be for Popery again , Iudaisme or Tur●isme ? T is no offence to make a Quere , NOR IMPOSSIBLE TO COME TO PASSE : The greatest part of such as choose our Parliament men are thought to be Popishly or Malignantly affected : by the same Law and Doctrine the whole Kingdom must in consequence , and such obedience as you dictate , conforme themselves to Poperie , Iudaisme , or Turcisme , &c. And pag. 24. 25. He propounds these Queries , of purpose to blast the power , and Ecclesiasticall Proceedings of our present Parliament , and render them detestable , or contemptible to the people . Whether have not Parliaments and Synods of England in times past established Popery ? And whether may they not possibly do * so again hereafter ? Whether in case a Parliament and Synod should set up Popery , may they therein be disobeyed by the people ? If they may be disobeyed in one particular , whether may not they upon the like grounds be disobeyed in another ? Whether the people be not judge of the grounds for denying obedience to Parliament and Synod in such a case ? Whether the pretence of giving a Parliament and Synod power to establish Religion , and yet reserve in our own hands , a Prerogative of yeelding or denying obedience thereunto , as we our selves think good , be not an absolute * contradiction ? And lastly , Whether they that Attribute such a power to Parliaments and Synods , as they themselves will question and disobey , when * they think good ; do not in effect weaken and quite enervate the power of Parliaments , or else condemn themselves in censuring the Independents for withholding of obedience from Parliament and Synod in such things , wherein * they NEVER GAVE , OR MEANT EVER TO GIVE POWER ? If the whole Kingdom may denie obedience unto Popish Acts and Canons , or upon any other the like just occasion , and they themselves be judge whether the occasion be just or n● : Whether may not Independents a part of the Kingdom onlie , do the like in all respects ? Or whether ought they because a lesser part of the Kingdom , to yield obedience to Popish Acts and Canons because a Major part approve of , and agree with a Parliament and Synod in establishing them ? Whether would it not be an ungodlie course for anie people to hazard anie thing at the disposall of others , or to be carried by most voices , which may possiblie , if not more then probablie be decided in such a manner as the yielding obedience thereunto would be burthensom to their consciences , if not absolutelie sinfull ? Whether were it not an * ungodlie course for the whole Commons of a Kingdom so farre differing in Religion as that they professe before hand that they dare not yield to another , upon perill of damnation , to make choise of a Parliament and Synod , with entring into Vow and Covenant , to become afterwards all of that Religion , whatsoever the Parliament and Assembly should agree on ? Whether it be not absurd for men to say , they vvill be of such a Religion as shall be settled , before they see evidence to convince them ? And vvhether it be in the povver of man to be really of vvhat Religion he vvill , untill he see reason and demonstration for it ? If a representative State or * * Magistrate may have Laws for setting up of a Religion , or establish vvhat Church-Government they please ; vvhether have not the people the same povver originallie in themselves , to * assume again , and put it in execution vvhen they please ? And vvhether vvere this othervvise then to attribute unto a mixt multitude , to the vvorld , if not absolutely as it is distinguished from the Saints in Scripture , Ioh. 15. 18 , 19. and 17. 6 , 9 , 11 , 4. at least by some voices , to make choise of a Religion , Lavvs and Discipline , vvherevvith the Saints , houshold and Church of God must necessarilie be governed ? These seditious Quaere's are since reprinted and propounded by the same Author ( Henrie Robinson ) in another Libell of his , Intituled , The Falshood of Mr. William Prynnes Truth triumphing , &c. p. 26 , 27. to what other end , but to stir up the people to Mutiny , to rebellion against the Parliament and its proceedings ( a thing lately attempted by a mutinous Petition framed by Independents , but afterwards moderated by some discreeter persons , and by some late Libellous , seditious Pamphlets ) no wise man can conjecture . To omit many new seditious , mutinous Passages in the Arraignment tf Persecution , A sacred Decretall , and Martins Eccho ; compiled , published , printed , vended , dispersed by Independent Sectaries , who highly applaud them ; instead of excommunicating , detecting , suppressing , punishing the Authors and dispersers of them , I shall ( for brevity sake ) transcribe only this most seditious Oration in the close of Martins Eccho , directed to the common people , to excite them to mutiny and Rebellion against the Assembly , Parliament , their Military , Civil and Ecclesiasticall present proceedings , deserving no lesse then capitall punishment , being done in seditionem Regni , no lesse * then high Treason by the Common Law. Pag. 16. Rejoyce , Rejoyce good people , for this blessed Reformation , which is ready , like an evening Wolf , to seize upon you and yours : Loving Friends and Neighbours , stand still gaping with your mouths , and quietly bow down your backs , whilest you are bridled and sadled , and let the holy , humble , and * gentle Presbyterians get up and ride , they will doubtelesse deal very meekly with you , and not put you out of your place , though the proverb be , Set a Beggar on horse-back , and hee 'l ride to the Devil ; though they have spurs , yet they will not use them . You remember how the Bishops posted you furiously to and fro like Iehu the son of Nimshi , untill with foundring and surbats they have even wearied you of your lives ; the gentle Presbyters will in no wise ride you so hard , though some Malignants would make you believe , that Sir Iohn will never be off of your backs , because it is intended he shall have his holy Spirituall Courts in every Parish of the Kingdome ; but this benefit you are like to have , That if by his continuall riding hee so gall your backs and shoulders , that you can no longer endure , but cry out by reason of your severe oppression , you shall have Liberty granted you , To leap out of the Frying pan , into the fire , by making your * appeal to the Common-Councell of Presbyters ; forsooth , where when you shall come with this complaint , Your Fathers the Bishops made your yoke grieveous , and our Parochiall Presbyters , ( those Lyons Whelps ) do adde hereto : Now do you ease somewhat the grievous servitude , and heavy yoke put upon us . You may * expect from this Honorable Court , an Answer like unto that of Rehoboams to those distressed people , that cryed unto him , Our Fathers made your yokes heavy , but we will adde thereto : Our Fathers Chastised you with Whips , but we will Chastise you with Scorpions , and mend your selves as you can , for we are the Divine power , and consequently the Law-givers both of Church and State ; therefore you are to be content and submit your selves to your Superiors ; your severall Presbyters in you severall Parishes , that have the Rule over you , must in no wise be resisted , but as it is meet , be humbly obeyed in all things that they shall Command you ; and * their power is not to be questioned , for the same power which lately was resident in & confined to the breast of one man , to wit , an Archbishop , is inherent , and of Divine Right , in the body of a Presbytery , and conveyed equally to every particular Presbyter : therefore if this Episcopall power be offensive and obnoxious to you , never expect to have it otherwise , for your * Parliaments themselves cannot lawfully help you . Now have you not cause to rejoyce for this Iubilee , this year of deliverance from your Anti-christian servitude , to Aegyptian bondage ? Yes sure , therefore I say , Rejoyce and be glad , and again Rejoyce , lift up your heads , For doubtlesse your Redemption draweth nigh : The Righteous shall be delivered out of trouble , and the Wicked shall come in his stead , Prov. 11. 8 But in plain terms ( loving friends , Neighbours and Country-men ) let us a little reason together seriously : Have not you born the brunt and heat of this unnaturall War ? Is it not you that pay all the Taxes , Cessements , and oppressions whatsoever ? Is not the whole burthen laid upon your backs ? Burthen after burthen ? Even till your * backs break ? How many thousands of you , who were of great Estate , are even reduced your selves , your dear Wives and Children , to misery and poverty ? How many thousands and millions have you exhausted ? Yea , hath not your hands been liberall beyond your Abilities ? How freely have you brought in your Gold , your Silver , your Iewels , Rings &c. which in London , Middlesex and Essex , amoun●ed to above eleven Millions , besides threescore Millions extract●d out of the Counties , with the innumerable sums otherwise raised , and spent in this service ? Hath not your blood , the blood of your dear Children and Friends , been only engaged and spilt ? And is it not dayly shed in this Quarrell , while the * Presbyters clap you on the backs , animate , encourage , and Preach out your very lives and estates , and involve you in all these miseries , and themselves touch it not with the tip of their little finger ; You have your Hu●bands , your Sons and Servants , Imprested from you , and forsooth , a Priest must not be meddled withall , under Sacriledge , Blasphemy , or prophanenesse at least : They are * freed from all charges and Taxations , and all is laid upon you ; and notwithstanding your insufferable misery , your unsupportable charge and oppr●ssion , under which you groan , and are fit to expire , those greedi● wretches are not ashamed to exact their * tythes , though they pluck it out of your Childrens mouthes . There had been more need of an Ordinance to have Sessed the Priests , and imprested them to the Wars , for that vvould be more conducent for the Kingdoms good : For should the King set up his Episcopall Clergy , and the Parliament their Presbyterian Clergie , in the forefront of their battells , forlorne hopes , and put them instead of other honest innocent harmelesse soules , upon all their desperate attempts , without doubt they would as zealously preach for peace , as they doe now for war : they would quickly agree and turne as they were , rather then loose all . I am confident this would prove the most effectuall meanes for * our reconciliation , then any that hath beene yet attempted . Consider this I beseech you , call to minde all your former expences , ventures and cessements for this present warre , and the miserable condition you and the whole Kingdome strugleth in , as it were for life , and are now all ready to be devoured ; your estates are wasted , your men slaine , your hands weakned , and the Kingdome is fit to be over-run , your strength decayeth , and your enemy increaseth , and all your assistance hath beene conveyed through the hands of the b Presbyterian party , they have c born al offices , & have had all in their own disposing , but what is become of it ? Wisemen say , that the treasures and wealth , that hath been spent for the managing of this warre , would have maintained a greater warre seven yeares longer , some body have feathered their nests , though yours are bare : Now how thinke you , is it otherwise possible but the Kingdome must be ruined if this course be continued , and to adde more certainty of destruction to it , these men now in this our greatest extremity , labour to divide the d Parliament partie in twaine ; Before the Synod was assembled , the cries of the people were heard , their Petitions answered , miseries redressed , Monopolies remooved , oppressions eased , tender consciences respected , the servants of God delivered out of prisons , courts of tyranny and oppression suppressed , &c. But since their Session , the case is quite altered , nothing but Iesuiticall and Machivillian pollicy hath bin on foote , thousands of Petitions of poore Widdowes , Orphanes and all manner of distressed oppressed persons , who cry daiely and cannot be heard ; and these fat Preists can have Ordinance upon Ordinance for their ends ; they can have the sweat of other mens browes confirmed upon them by an Ordinance , whiles others e cannot have their just requests , for their owne rights Answered : though their Wives and Children perish ; our f Presbyterians wives must go like Ladyes , with their silke & Taffety , some with their fanns and silver watches forsooth hunging by their girdles , to please the pretty sweet faced , lovely Mopphet withall pretty things , t is pitty there 's not an Ordinance all this while , for them to weare Rattle● ; Consider this with your selves , & for what your estates and blood have beene engaged , The liberties of the subject , and the Protestant Religion , now how much after this vast expence , this sea of blood , of the subjects Liberties , have you attain'd ? even thus much , He that shall open his mouth freely for the Vindication of your Native Liberties , cannot doe it without the hazard of his own , yea of his life ; I know that the Priests thirst after my blood , but I call the God of heaven to witnesse , would it quench their thirst , and be a ransome for our posterity , I would freely offer it to the Common good● and as for the P●●testant Religion hath it not beene lock'd up in the breasts , of the Assembly ? hath not your faith beene pin'd upon their sleeve ? your estates spent , and your blood shed for the result of their mindes , right or wrong , and so have fough● for you know not what ? But it may be you 'l say , you have engaged for the suppression of Prelacy , High-Commission &c. you have indeed beat the bush , but the Presbyters have caught th●● Hare , instead of one High-commission , in the whole kingdome , you shall have one in * every Parish under the name of a Parochiall Sessions , besides the generall High-commission call'd the Common Councell of Presbyters ; Now have you not , to shu● the smoke , skippt into the fire ? is the matter any thing amended ? sure you have got a worthy Reformation : But it may be you have a better esteem of these new Courts , then of the old High-commission : Let me aske you ? do you thinke that they 'l be better then their patterne ? &c. Thus you may see what you are , to rely upon , if in conscience you cannot submit to any thing they command , you know your wages , you must be banished : and doe not our Presbyters not onely labour for the banishment , but for the lives of the Contrary minded to them ? And is not this thinke you , as evill measure as ever was measured out of the High-commission ? Wherfore I beseech you Friends , consider what you do , consider the frait of your bodies ; into what slavery you are fit to inthrall them . I know you would be loath your Children after you should be deprived of trading or living in the Kingdome , though they should differ a litle in opinion from others . I beseech you therfore , save your selves from this wicked Generation , who have spent your estates , your blood and all , and you are now worse then ever you were hitherto , all hath beene in their disposing , and you are betrayd , and daiely delivered as a prey to the Enemy : The Lord Deliver us , Amen . Whether this be not another Sheba , a Trumpeter to blow up popular sedition and Rebellion against the Parliament , Synod , and their proceedings , deserving Sheba's punishment ; and whether it be not more then time for the Honorable Court of Parliament to proceed severely against such Scismaticall Libellous and Seditious Mutiniers as these forementioned , let all wise men judge . If our foolish pitty and indulgence towards them ( according to the proverbe ) destroy our Citty , our Church , our Religion , our Parliament , our Realmes , let those superior Powers answer it , who have authority to prevent it ; I can with a good conscience professe and say , Liberavi animam meam , what ever censures , reproaches Scandals , Libels I suffer for my good intentions , from this Libellous Generation of * unreasonable men , who have litle faith and lesse Charity . Certain Queres propounded to Independent Ministers and their Members , convincing them in many things to be meer Papists , and swervers from the Word of God. 1. WHether Independent Ministers prescribing , and Members submitting to a New-forme of Church-Government , not yet fully knowne to , or agreed on among themselves ; nor reduced unto certainty by any of their Sect , but fluctuating and swimming in their Ministers giddy braines , with a reserve of altering , adding or diminishing at their pleasure ; be not a meere Popish blind obedience ? a receiving of a Church-Government with an implicit Popish faith , to believe as their Minister or Church believes , without knowing certainly and determinately what they do dogmatically believe ? and a plaine worshipping of they know not what , their Independent way and Government , being yet not fully delineated nor 〈◊〉 in writing by any of their party , though frequently pressed to it . 2. Whether Independent Ministers , Members , Churches denying the lawfull legislative , directive , coercive Authority , Jurisdiction of Parliaments , Councels , Synods , Kings , and Temporall Magistrates in all Ecclesiasticall affaires , or matters of Religion ; appropriating this power wholy to themselves and their Independent conventicles ; Their pleading of an exemption of themselues and Members from all secular Powers in Church matters , as being immediately subject herein to none but Christ : Their usurping Authority to erect and gather New Independent Churches not onely without , but against the command of Parliaments and Princes ; Their dayly practise of admitting , rejecting Church-members , & excluding godly Christians not onely from their Churches , but even from the Sacraments , and their children from baptisme in case they submit not to their New-fangled way : Their denying the liberty and benefit of Appeales from themselves to any superior Tribunall ; be it a Classis , Synod , or Parliament , by way of ●urisdiction but onely of advice . Their proclaimeing their owne Independent Churches , to be the onely true Churches of Christ ; and allothers f●lse , erronious , Antichristian , from which all must sever under paine of damnation ; Their imposing New O●thes and Covenants , under pain of exclusion from Church-communion on all their new members ; and binding them wholy to their wayes , Edicts ; Their stilling themselves supreame heads of the Church next under Christ ; and exalting themselves , above all that is called God , or worshipped , above all other Ministers or Christians whatsoever , as the ONLY Lights of the world , and tying the Scriptures to their owne new-fangled expositions ; be not an erecting of a meere arbitrary , tyrannicall , Pap●ll , Antichristian Jurisdiction in every Independent congregation , both over the soules , consciences , bodies of Christians , and a setting up of as many Petty Popes , as there are Independent Ministers or congregations ? 3. Whether Independents admitting Women , not onely to vote as members , but sometimes to preach , expound , and speake publikely as Predicants , in their Convent●cles , be not directly contrary to the Apostles Doctrine and practise , 1 Cor. 14. 34. 35. 1. Tim. 2. 11. 12. and a meer politick invention to engage that Sex to their par●y ? Whether their pretended Liberty of conscience for every man to bleeve , professe , and practise , what Religion he pleaseth , ( be it Paganisme , Judaisme , Turcisme , Popery ) without co●rtion or punishment by the magistrate , be not a like wicked Policy , contradictory to Scripture and Religion : which proclaimes a licen●iousnesse to practise any sinne with impunity ? and warrants Popes , Papists , Iesuits to murther Protestant Princes ; blow up Parliaments ; Massacre Heretiques ; absolve subjects from their allegiance ; Equivocate ; worship Images , Saints , Reliques , and their Breaden-god ; and commit any wickednesse for the advancement of the Catholique cause , because their Religion and Consciences hold them lawful . And how then can we justly punish any Traytor , Rebell , Murder , Adulterer , Swearer , Drunkard , Polyganist , Theef , in case he be really perswaded in his conscience , what he doth is lawfull ? 4. Whether the Independent Ministers in the Assembly will undertake to bind either themselves or all others of their party for the future , without any reserve of altering or changing their opinions and practise , to that Independent way of Church Government , which Mr. Thomas Goodwin , or they shall at last , after long expectation , set down in Writing ? If yea , that contradicts their owne Profession , and Prot●station in their Apollogy : takes away that liberty of conscience they contend for ; and Attributes a greater Authority to them alone to oblige their party , then to the whole Parliament or Synod . If no , then certainly it is vaine to exspect a set 〈◊〉 of Church-government from those fluctuating Divines , who till neither under-take to oblige themselves or others for the future , by anything they resolve on or practise for the present : and a meare sottishnesse for any people to depend upon such unstable weather-cocks , and roling stones , who know not where to rest or settle ; And that way certainly can be none of Christs , on which the very prime sticklers for it d●re not absolutely and immutably to fasten for the future , what ever they pretend for the present . 5. Whether publike preaching , prophefying , and expounding the Scriptures by Independent Souldiers , Taylors , Weavers , and other illiterate Mechanicks , neither publikely called to , not fitted for the Ministry , especially when and where there are able painfull preaching Ministers to instruct the people , be not a most exorbitant . arrogant , scandalous , and disorderly practice , no where warranted by Gods word , but directly condemned by Numb . 18. 21. 22 , 23. c. 16. 3. to 41. 2 Sam. 6. 6. 7 , 2 Chron. ●6 . 16. to 23. Ier. 14. 14. c. 27. 19. Hosea 4. 4. 9. Mal. 2. 7. 2 Chron. 17. 8. 9. Neb. 9. 4 , 5. c. 12. throughout . Mat. 28. 18. 19. 20. Mar. 16. 14. 15. 20. Acts 20. 28. Gal. 6. 6. Hebr. 13. 17. c. 5. 4. 1 Tim. 3. 2. c. 4. 14. 16. 2 Tim. 4. 2. 5. Rom. 10. 14. 15. 1 Cor. 12. 28. 29. c. 14. 29 to the end . Tit. 1. 7. 9. Contrary to the very light of Nature , the Priests among all heathen Nations whatsoever being distinguished from t●e people , and not all promiscuously Priests , Gen. 42. 22. 26. 2 King. 17. 32. 1 Kings 12. 31. 32. Zeph. 1. 4. Acts 14. 13. And quite opposite to the practice of all christian Churches in all ages ? ● 6. Whether Mr. Hanserd Knols ( the illitterate Anabaptist ) his Moderate Answer to Dr. Bastwicks booke , p. 19. 20. where he averres : That the condition upon which people are to be admitted into the Church , are Faith , Repentance , and BAPTISME ; and NONE OTHER . And whosoever ( poore as well as rich , bond as well as free , servants as well as masters ) * did make a profession of their faith in Christ Iesus ▪ land would be baptized ( he meanes re-baptized ) into ( he should say in ) the name of the Father , Son , and holy Spirit ▪ were admitted Members of the Church ; but such as did not beleeve , and would not be baptized ( though formerly baptized by others ) they would not admit into church communion . And that this hath bin the practise of some churches in this city , ●ithout urging or making any particular covenant with members upon admittance : Doth not herein diametrally contradict his other Independent brethren , who exact particular covenants , from their new admitted Members and do not re-baptize them ? Whether he hath not plaid the Anabaptisticall jugler with ▪ Mr. Cranford , in printing onely , Imprimatur IA : CRANFORD , in the title of his Booke , and leaving out the preceding formall words of his License , to the great abuse both of the Reader and Licenser , viz. I have perused this Treatise ( called A Moderate Answer to Dr. Bastwick ) which THOUGH● IUDGE ERRONIOUS , yet to satisfie the desire of a Friend , and prevent the cavils of some Adversaries , I oppose , Imprimatur Ia : Cranford . And whether these and such like practices proclaim not the Anabaptists such as * Dr. Foa●ly proves them : A False and lying sect , if not blasphemous too , as the premised Sections declare some of them to be ? A Transcript of a Letter lately written from the Sommer Islands , to William Prynne of Lincolnes Inne Esquire ; relating the Schismaticall , Tyrannicall , and Seditious Proceedings of the Independents there ; and how they Lord it over the soules and bodies of those who dare oppose them ; how contemptuously they speak against the power of Parliaments , the Church of England , and scandalize all others whatsoever , who are not of their Faction . Which Gods Providence newly brought to my hands from thence , when I was closing up the premised Discovery . Worshipfull Sir , ALI health , happinesse , and prosperity wished unto you ( as to mine owne soule . ) The occasions moveing me at present to trouble you with these unprofitable papers , are great and many ; and happily I being a stranger unto your Worship , you may account it more then boldnesse , yea even peremptory saucinesse , in me to presume to write and crave favour to and from one who never had the least knowledge of me . But the manifold reports I have heard of you by divers good Christians , emboldeneth me ; but especially seeing your good works which I have perused with care and diligence , which from Mr Sparks his brother I procured , enforceth me so much the more in this my boldnesse , not doubting but that you are a true hearted Christian , truly fearing God , embracing piety and hateing iniquity , a faithfull well-willer to the Church of God ; and to all the Israel of God , and to all true Israelites who with faithfull hearts love the Sion of God truly and sincerely , without hypocrisie or halting between opinions , dessenting from it in any by or false respects , the which are the only causes moving me hereunto : And for which I have suffered , and a●● and have beene these thirteen mōnthes * prisoner in bonds , for standing in defence , and an opposite unto , or against a certaine Independent Church , hatched and forged in the braines of our Divines ; and by them constituted , erected , and fully accomplished ; and with us held in great repute and adoration , yea and the Actors of it not as men , but even as demy gods , attributing that unto them , which is only proper unto God ; especially unto their Pastor Mr VVhite , the chiefe Actor of their Faction , a most seditious turbulent , and hatefull malicious person , and as politick as Achitophell , and as crafty and subtle as the Devill , having as he holds the world in hand , that by his wisedome none can excell him in the lawes , both Ecclesiasticall and Civill ; and therefore amongst us , ( a company of poore simple ignorant and undiscerning people ) he is so accounted of , as all his words are oracles , and himselfe no lesse sent from God ; and therefore whatsoever he saith , is and must be a law , whether it concernes Body , Soule , or Conscience ; for he cannot crre , so perfect is he in their conceits : And if * Christians in griefe and distractions of soule and conscience , at their courses , shall sue unto our Rulers for redresse of their factious aud seditious courses by way of humble petition , for a cessation of those things , till we shall heare from England , what Discipline the high Court of Parliament and Synod hath concluded upon , and that to embrace and follow ; then shall we presently be summoned to an Assizes , and there undergoe such penalties as by the Court shall be censured upon , or else , which they most ayme at , to have us , contrary to knowledge and conscience , acknowledge we have wronged them , and there in open Court before the Countrey confesse our selves sorry for what we have done ; this is our misery : yea if I shall speak , much more write in our owne defence against their Independent Church , laying open their factious and schismaticall government , and their envying against our Church , and Church government , and Discipline , though they have proofes and grounds sufficient by the word of God to convince them , the which I could never yet see disproved by them ; together with my name annexed thereunto , yet if he threaten me for boldnesse herein to have a Counsell Table called against me , I am sure of it , and there to bee baited and banded to and againe by a whole Counsell ; together with our Schismaticall Divines , even as a Beare at a stake , not one to speak one word in my defence , nor in the defence of Gods cause ; but with an unanimous consent and voyce my writings exclaimed against , pronounced Libels , and ignominious and slanderous writings , though none of them approved so to be , nor disproved for the Truth I stand for ; yet shall I be censured by them , for them , bound to my good behaviour , put in sureties ; and if at any time afterwards I shall divulge any thing either by pen or tongue against this Independent Church ▪ their Governours , or Government , Doctrine , or the like , I must then presently be declared infamous ▪ and lie in prison till to the contrary we heare out of England ; yea however , for want of Sureties in this case , to lie in prison notwithstanding till I can or doe put in Sureties ; the which I did for the space of five weeks , to my great damage and charge , and also detriment , being an aged poore man of 74 yeares of age ; and five nights in the cold winter time almost drowned in the prison with raine , and sore tempestuous weather , having no shelter to save my selfe dry : These , with other things , have I undergon , too large for to relate , and that chiefely from this White of this Independent Church , Pastor ; I meane by his meanes , for if hee sayit , it must and shall be by our Rulers , who indeed ought to be chiefe instruments in removing and casting out such venomous vermine out of both Church and Common-weal●● But how can it be expected , when they themselves are inconfederacy with him , and joyne hand in to work wickednesse ; therefore whoever speaks or writes against one , doth it against all ; therefore with a cunning sleight they put it off , as not being done in the behalfe of their Church ; but as that by it I labour the subversion of the peace of our Countrey as much as in me lay , as though our Countreys peace rested wholly upon the planting of this their Independent Church , whereby they have made more and greater breaches , as can be manifestly proved , then ever they will be able to make good , both in Church and Common wealth : yea in private families also , the husband against the wife , the wife against the husband , the children against the parents , the parents against the children ; and the like , according as your selfe have worthily noted in your twelve Interrogatories . Is not this a great misery in so little a spot , even a handfull of people ; Oh miserable times ! Oh unhappy conditions ! Now if you demand a title or name of this their Church , or from whence derived , I cannot answer you ; for I suppose themselves know not , only framed of their fancie and braines , only to get themselves a name , fame , and popular applause and estimation of the world : But thus much I am sure of , it is derived partly from the Anabaptists , partly from the Brownists , but most especially from the Donatists , having in it a smatch of each ; however they feign it to the Church of New England , which , as they say , is the purest Church this day in the world ; yet come they farre wide of it , so that it is but their saying not their doing . But grant that they were in their way aright , yet hold it we not requisite that their examples should be rules to us to walk by , seeing that both the one and the other have beene constituted and erected by an indirect way , without the advice and approbation of lawfull Authority of King , Parliament , and Synod , the which our men say they are not to attend or waite upon Princes nor Parliaments leisures , the cause being Christs owne , and depending only and alone upon him , and not upon any humane power : and they his servants , and Christ their Lord , it refteth on them in his behalfe to doe it , it being a spirituall and no carnall work . And againe some of them have said it , that Parliament and Synod can establish no other Church Discipline or Government then theirs , unlesse they will goe contrary to the word of God ; this hath beene publikely delivered : yea by the same party such stuffe hath beene delivered , that hath made all modest and shamefull faces to blush , eares to glow , and hearts to grieve that hath heard it ; yea and that upon dayes of humiliation , making divers people both objects and subjects openly to work upon ; thundering out punishments and judgements , both spirituall and temporall , against divers persons , as though they had both swords in their owne power , or as though they had absolutely knowne Gods secret decree ; and this hath beene held for sound and good Orthodox Doctrine , when divers have repented of their hearing ; and these not once nor twice , but often . Infinite might I relate , even from their owne mouthes , which would make wise men admire , but I must passe over them to avoyd tediousnesse to my selfe , and trouble to you . And that in your wisedome you may the better conceive of this their Church , The first beginning was a certaine Feast , held every week at severall houses , which Feast they called a loblolly Feast ; which for the common fare of our Countrey is as our watergruell in England , so they would have it but of a common food ; at which Feast each did strive to excell another in the difference of making it : after they had once gotten a certaine number unto them , and so of an ordinary food they made it extraordinary ; yea so extraordinary , that some in few meetings were forced to sell the feathers out of their bedding , for milk , butter , and creame to feed them withall , and to make their Loblolly the more dainty and toothsome ; others againe to maintaine this Feast , for one dayes entertainment , themselves and whole family must pinch for it two or three months after ; by which Feast , by the shew of neighbourhood or Feast of Love , though never none was found , in short time they encreased in every parish to a pretty number . At which Feast also their bellies and stomacks being well gormondized , the Minister propoundeth certaine questions unto them by way of catechising of his owne framing , for halfe an howre ; which each had in writing one from another , and like Schollers these their lessons to learne against each Wednesday , and great care was taken ; some for feare of reproofe , and some popular applause : and these ca●●chisings being ended , they then for an houre or two discourse of neighbours that would not joyne with them , traducing both names and persons ; this man is a drunkard , a whooremaster , and the like ; such a woman was light and wanton , and loved such and such a man ; such a man loved such a woman ; this was the manner and order of their Feasts , till at length themselves were most of them drunkards and whooremongers . The next thing was , a day in a week at noon for two houres space to catechise youth and children , upon a simple small Catechism set out by one Mr Oxenbridge , sonne to Doctor Oxenbridge of London , who with his wife especially were the first ground-works of this Faction : Who in time before it came to any perfection , departed from us , but left the cursed seed or fruit of their Faction behinde them : they being gone , this Mr White as chiefe , takes in hand to accomplish this businesse , which with another as forward , but better seene in it then themselves , one Mr Golding , a young head but well learned in Schismaticall Science , if not worse , joynes together , labours with and overcomes an ancient man , Mr Copeland by name ; and then on all hands with an unanimous consent , they joyne their forces for the erecting and establishing this their Church ; and then in stead of catechising youth , they would catechise ancient people young and old of both Sexes : This they could not well accomplish , being by divers withstood ; but seeing they could not bring that to passe , then would they not suffer any to communicate without examination before , and that as well Beleevers as others , yea them especially , though never so learned and sufficient , which bred a sore broile amongst us ; yet of many could they not have their wills , though put from the Sacrament . Then denied they to baptize children , unlesse the Parents rehearsed the Creed , and such as did had their children baptized , and such as would not , theirs were not . Then having made themselves strong by encreasing their company , they then began a weekly Lecture upon every Wednesday , one one week , another another week ; these exercises were wholly and only for the building up of this their Church : Exclaiming against our Church , both in Matter , Manner , Order , Government , Discipline , and Governours , applauding this their owne , the holiest , and purest Church upon the earth , next unto New England : here they deny all supream power of Magistracy , yea of the King himselfe , only to guide them in the channell , and to defend them and maintaine them in this their Church , Orders , and Discipline , to punish all such as shall oppose them : themselves being chiefe thereof under Christ , but especially their Pastor White , so pronounced by their Prolocutor , one of our present Governours in the house and presence of God , and the whole congregation , that he was * Supreame head of this Church next under Christ , and none above him : this was one Mr Painter a Cooper . Then the other two Ministers were chosen Elders , whereof Mr Golding the younger man in yeares was the chiefe , Mr Copeland the inferiour , next a Deacon one Mr Robert Cesteven a Counceller , and a great stickler ; thus have you as yet all the Officers : But before this choyce the baptizing of Infants was quite rejected and given over , holding a tenet , that children ought not to be baptized , but only such as were of yeares of discretion , and able to render an account of their faith , according to Mark 16. 16. with divers other places , saying , they were no Pastors , and therefore durst not * baptize one nor other , and that they had baptized more children already then they knew how to answer : this was Mr Whites owne speech unto my selfe upon a Lecture day , I having two of my children to baptize at the same time . Vpon this I confesse , and se●ing the great inconveniency that did arise thereon , and many children in the Countrey to be baptized , and many more like to be , I put pen to p●per and write unto our chiefe Governour Capt. VVilliam Sayle , foure or five sheets of paper , and presented as a new yeares gift , hee being the only man , as I supposed , to redresse and reforme by vertue of his place and power , all such erroneous and factious errours both in Church and Common weale ; but hard successe I found in my Epistle unto him : In the front of the work , I shewed him how I was perplexed both in minde and conscience for yeelding unto them through his instigations and perswasions , at an Assizes before , for another writing delivered by me unto Mr White himselfe , upon his and the rest their silencing themselves , leaving our Churches upon the Lords dayes , and gathering swarmes of people into their owne houses as Conventicles ; and there have reading , singing , praying , expounding , and preaching , yea if truth were knowne , the Sacrament also administred in their private houses ; and all these Ordinances denied in the houses of God , yea they were slighted , contemned , scorned , and rejected , even as Iakes : these at the beginning of constitution of their Church ; nay in one small tribe or parish three or foure such severall places of meetings , and the houses of God destitute . Secondly I writ against Independent Churches according to my poore understanding , I being a man of no learning , but especially against their Church , saying , had I power and approbation , I would shake the whole fabrick thereof ; this was taken very heynously . But to let passe other things contained therein , come we to the work , where first I maintained our Church of England against all Independent Churches , to be a true and a perfect Church ; yet so , as not being free or cleare from all defects , as no Church under heaven was , is , not never will be , comparing our Church with all other reformed Churches , and their defects and deformities . Secondly by seven wayes I maintained the lawfulnesse and the necessity of baptizing Infants , where I answered divers objections of the Anabaptists , and theirs also unto me in number fourteen , and laid downe their objections severally . Thirdly and lastly , I shewed who of necessity were bound , and therefore ought to baptize infants , namely those to whom God had given the dispensation of the Word and Sacraments , that is , such as God hath called to the Ministeriall function , and endued them with gifts and graces answerable for their Callings , such and none but such ought to meddle in the word or Sacraments ; here I shewed the duty of all who had children to baptize only to such , and to none but such : then next , the duty of Ministers , they being so sought to ; they ought , they must baptize them : next I confuted and condemned certain heretick● and schismaticks that denied and refused to baptize infants , and namely themselves ; and lastly concluded with a friendly exhortation to all Ministers to be carefull to perform their duty in this , and in all other points . This in brief was the summe and effect of my new yeares gift , of which I heard not a word for three weeks space , in which time , yea so soon as he had it , he shewes it to the Ministers , who all this time perused , scanned , and sifted it ; upon the which Mr White comes to my Schoole , salutes me kindely , with one with him to catch and beare witnesse what proceeded from me , at length uttered his mind ; amongst many other passages , that I perverted the Scripture to my own ends , saying I had abused the words of our Saviour , Luk 10. where he commandeth little children to come unto him , and forbid them not : you maintaine saith he , he meanes such children as suck the breast , here is your errour , saith he , and for this you shall smart ; but saith he , his meaning was , such as were newly converted to the faith , these , saith he , are those that Christ calls little children or babes , as in 1 Iohn 2. 1. Therefore for this your * absusing and wresting the Word , you shall answer it , and I doubt not but to crave so much favour of the Governour , as to call a Councell table , where you shall answer your abuses , and peremptory scandalous and libellous writings , and so at length we parted . The next week following I writ a Letter to the Governour , giving him to understand , I had taken him for an honest Christian friend , telling him withall ▪ I sent it not to them but unto him , supposing himselfe only would have made use of it for some better ends , and withall laving open Schismaticks more plainer then before , advising him upon them five marks or tokens to know them by , to search and see if he knew none or could finde none . Then I shewed , that Faction and Sedition did spring from these sinnes , Pride , Hypocrisie , and Ambition ; and from these three did arise presumption , and rebellion , both against God and man , shewing how and wherein ; praying these sinnes were not found amongst us , but neither named nor pointed at any that hold could be taken . The next Sahbath a warrant was served on me for my appearance at a Councell table the thirteenth of February 1644 , where being as before , I was so baited and banded to and againe , as wonder it was , and shortly * after clapt in prison : however nothing traverst that day , save only the Letter , nor my new years gift never questioned ; when and where I made mine appeale for England , where God blessing me , would I have beene at present , had it not fallen out , that in October last in the dead of the night , my house with all I had therein was burned , to my great losse and prejudice ; so that being altogether unable , I am forced with sorrow to stay behinde , as not being able to put clothes on my back ; having also burnt all my writings , which hath beene more griefe to me then the losse of all my meanes and goods , which was more then of mine owne I shall ever see againe . But having digressed from the proceeding of this Sect , I returne againe where I left : and having given over the baptizing of infants for a good season , at length they gave over preaching , as being no Ministers , as being made so in an Antichristian manner ; and no true Ministers till such time as they were new called and ordained by their holy Church ; which at length was accomplished : in which time they still continued their weekly Lectures ; whereat there was added , and they received members unto and into their Church daily , but after a most strange manner ; their exercise being ended , those that were to enter in , came upto the Chancell with great sobriety and shew of humility , and sorrow , with contrition , and wounding of conscience for sinne ; and there stand , but with much hypocrisie and dissimulation ; and there before the Pulpit , with all the holy brethren and sisters about them , they make a consession of their sinnes , are in outward shew sorry for them , with great contrition : upon which enquiry is made among them , what they think of their confession and contrition , and whether they are not worthy as members of their holy Church to bee received in ? answer is made , yea : then they tell them , they do accept of them , and with great applause they all receive them , all shaking and embracing and hugging them , with great joy , biding welcome brother , welcome sister . But such confessions and doings as you never saw the like ; insomuch that Law might justly take hold of many of them : but these open confessions have a pretty while bin left off , they being ashamed of it in regard the people mock them , telling them that this open auricular confession is meere idolatry and superstition ; therefore now they have private confessions ; and whosoever entereth into their church , must also enter into covenant to stand to and to maintain their church and church-discipline , orders , governours , and government , to the uttermost of their powers and abilities ; yea they must endeavour and strive therein even unto blood . And concerning baptizing of infants at the taking up againe of their ministery ; they also have taken up againe the use of the Sacraments , but only among themselves ; but for any that are not in or of their church , their children shall not bee baptized unlesse they will enter into their church , and covenant with them ; neither for the Sacrament of the Lords Supper , shall any partake thereof , but only their owne Flocks and Members , by which cause many people who have an ardent desire thereunto , have beene deprived of it , some * two yeares , some three yeares , some more some lesse , to their great griefe and sorrow ; And for the manner , forme , and order of the Sacrament amongst themselves , it is according to their Faction , derogating from our mother Church as I heare : and for all such as are not of them , nor adheres unto them , we are accounted as † heathens , yea even as dogs , or swine , and so reputed . Thus in briefe have I laid you downe the order and manner of their Church from the beginning to this present , which hath beene in agitation these foure or five yeares ; and whether it be yet fully perfected , I think themselves are ignorant of ; but now is their maine hope , that their great Pastor of their Church is now come for England , and that from and by the Parliament he will accomplish a full and absolute setling and establishing this their Church amongst us , by vertue and power from the Parliament , and by friends that he will raise , especially by the meanes of one Mr Holland , one that beares some place of eminency in Parliament , who is a great and extraordinary friend of his ; the which if he should accomplish this their wicked desires , then will they tyrannize over us , and bring a great confusion upon our whole Countrey , and raise civill warres among us , to our utter subversions , being in comparison but a handfull of people , to the great griefe and hearts sorrow of many honest Christian hearts , who desire the peace of Gods true Church , but for all false wayes we utterly abhorre . And now Worshipfull Sir , with favour give me leave to use by way of similitude the words of Mordecay unto Ester c. 4. 14. who knoweth whether thou art come to the Kingdome for such a time as this ? Even so say I to you Sir , what know you whether the God of mercy and consolation hath raised you up as an instrument or meanes for these distracted times ? yea , what know you , whether by your help and assistance you may not be a meanes and help for the release and delivery of many poore distressed and distracted Christians from the cruelty and tyranny of these Schismaticall Schismaticks , whose mercies are meere cruelties , which we know by woefull experience we shall finde . And however we are farre remote from you , yet we beseech you ( I speak in the behalfe of many ) let your goodnesse by your ayde and assistance even stretch it selfe to the utmost ends of the world , if occasion be offered , for the good of Gods Church and people ; and as your works comming by Gods blessings amongst us , to our great joy and comfort , and to the vexation of our malignant adversaries ; who notwithstanding slights them , saying , you have writ according to your understanding , and to the corruption of your owne heart , and that you have beene answered and foiled in your owne arguments ; perswading poore simple ignorant people unto any thing ; for divers having seene your twelve Interrogatories , struck them into such a damp and distemperature , that they knew not what to say or doe , untill their Pastor especially with their Elders , through deluding speeches , gave them as they suppose some comfort ; otherwise I perswade my selfe many of their adherents had revolted from them , and turned Cat in the pan . But no marvell though they sleight you ; for they doe sleight all the most reverend Divines and men of learning , wisedome , and gravity , whose lives have beene cautious , pious , and religious that have beene before them : let a man name any forreigne and domestick , some they will set at naught , others happly with a more reverend respect , yet sleight them ( as my selfe at times have produced at least a hundred upon occasions ) they will answer , they were good Reverend men in their dayes , and taught well according to their times ; though you name the Interpreters of the Scriptures , or bring in Beza or Iunius , upon their Annotations , yet say they , these were but men , subject to failings and errours , and their dayes were the times of ignorance , and of superstition , and the cleare light of the Gospel was not then so manifestly and so clearly made knowne unto them as now it is , the Lord revealing his will with a greater splendor in these latter dayes unto his Servants the Ministers then in former times , for the calling and gathering together of his Elect from the foure corners of the world , and by them in these latter times hath shewed a more nearer and easier way to Heaven then formerly ( O impious impiety ! ) wherewith they delude poore simple people , deceiving them , being voyd of understanding and discerning even to their destructions : for let a man discourse with them , and shew them their solly and their blindnesse , and shew them the erroneous wayes they are in ; this presently is their answer , * we doe know that our Teachers , who are our Leaders , they are wise , learned , religious , pious , and holy men , and they cannot erre , say they ; and they have paund their soules upon this way , and would they wilfully damne their soules were it not the right way , no t is impossible ; therefore we will never forsake this way , but whatever they say or teach we will build our Salvation upon it , and seale it with our blood : Thus have they taken poore soules captives and deceived them ; and through their delusions we have daily a falling away , forsaking the old way which is the true way , and turning to Sinne and Schisme , and erroneous Factions , which are new invented wayes never heard on till not much my time before . Wherefore we beseech you , we beseech you in the bowels of love and compassion , let the serious consideration hereof move you to enter list with this stout Champion , whose pride we know to be such , that hee will overcome ten thousand better then himselfe ; and not only to enter list , but also as God hath called you to , and seated you in a place in that high Court of Parliament ; that so you would oppose his enterprises and hinder him of his desired purposes , that so he may not come with Power and Authority from that High Court , to lord it and to beare rule over the Lords inheritance amongst us , but rather forced to recant , and lay downe all his and their Schismaticall courses , or confine them all together to some other place . Things comming into my minde one after another , causeth me not to set them downe so exactly in order as they hapned , but somewhat confusedly : I should have told you at first , this man , Mr White , was by the Company of Adventurers sent over some yeares since , Minister for our two Tribes , Pembrook and Devon , and by the Earle of Dorset then Governour , with the whole Company , they bound him in a bond of two hundred pound stirling to live with us peaceably and quietly , and to follow the Orders and Discipline of our Church for the space of three yeares after his arrivall ; which argued he was a man of a turbulent spirit in the place where he was , at Knights bridge neare Westminster * ; during this time of his bonds he was at hot a zealot as possible might or could be , both for the Book of Common-Prayer , as also for all other Ceremonies of the Church , as kneeling at the Sacrament , Crosse in Baptisme , Ring in the Marriage , and all other things whatsoever , so long at his bonds lasted : But suddenly after he turned upside downe , and after foure yeares hee began these things ; and seeing he could not accomplish his desire with us , he made shewes of leaving us and goe to another Charge that was vacant , unlesse we would sue unto him by † humble petition , as unto a Prince , which we refused to doe ; the other they did , and gave him a Call , and with their Call , a hogge of forty shillings price ; which Call he received and embraced , forsook us , and went unto them : He had not long beene there , but by some of our Tribe he was sued unto to come to us to baptize three children ; the which he did , he and his wife , Mr Copeland and his wife being witnesses to one ; where his Text being ( He that despiseth you , despiseth me ; and he that d●spiseth me , de●●iseth him that sent me ; ) At which time he did so exclaime against us , saying , we despised him and his Doctrine , and had cast both him and it from us , and so consequently God the Sonne , and God the Father , because we would not sue ▪ unto him by way of petition : When he also for our fact , pronounced a doome against us in his Pulpit , saying , Stand up ye of Pembrook Tribe and heare your doome , which was , you shall live here these twenty yeares without a preaching Minister ; comparing also our Reader to the Idoll Dagon ; the Reading-pew to the place of Desolation , saying , Here sits the Idoll of Abomination in the place of Desolation ; saying our Book of Common-Prayer was an Idoll also . And still in their weekly Exercises , defame they our Church , and Church Discipline , with the Orders and Manner thereof , crying , she is uncleane , she is uncleane , polluted , defiled with Antichristianisme , both in Church-government , Manners , Orders , and Discipline , yea throughout ; therefore say they , Come out of her my people , and take not of her pollutions , with divers such like ; yet for the man , I must confesse he hath beene and is a worthy and reverend Teacher , which causeth many , yea most people the easier and sooner to be deceived , as also by humble carriages , and pious walking , which is such , that as our Saviour saith , is able to deceive the very Elect , by their walking in sheeps clothing ; but sure I am , they are ravening wolves , and easily may be discerned by their fruits ; that is , by their Doctrines , the which however it sound good to simple people , and is as honey in their mouthes , but sure I am , they tend only and wholly to their owne Schismaticall Faction . And thus have I beene large in my Discourse , and troublesome unto you , though in briefe . Now Sir , you know that he who cutteth wood over his head , is in danger of the chips flying in his face ; so fareth it with me , I having beene an opposite against them , both by speaking and writings ; they are therefore become mine inveterat enemies , and have from time to time traduced me : and as the case once was yours , so is it and hath beene mine , having suffered much by our Rulers , through their meanes , they being all in a confederacy ; and likely , if he can possibly , suffer more ; but I hope will defend me from their cruelty by the help and meanes of you ; who are able to sympathize another mans case by his owne , and be the easier stirred up to compassionate my case , and to doe your best endeavour for me , and many more honest hearted people , who by me desire from you the like favours ; so shall I and them also be bound to pray for your prosperity here , and everlasting happinesse hereafter ; desiring you to keep this writing to your selfe , and make use of them , and not shew them to any , except to some sure friends , not but that any thing herein contained is also absolutely true , but that they are mine inveterate and malicious enemies , and if by the Parliament they should get their desires , then am I sure to suffer most exceedingly ; therefore I am forced to send to you underhand by way of Mr Spark , and another to write the subscription of his Letter , that my hand bee not seen ; such laying wait there is for any my writings . This Gentleman the Bearer , hath in some measure beene a co-partner with me in suffering , and hath had much trouble , and is now come for England to cleare himselfe from many false accusations laid to his charge , as also to maintaine the Countreys agrievances and his owne also : And if your Worship shall bee pleased to doe him any friendly office , either by word or Counsell , he will be thankfull , and so shall more ; and with my selfe in especiall be bound to pray for you , and ever rest your truly devoted and faithfull well-willer in heart till death to be commanded . Richard Beake . Sir , I desire your favour I may heare from your Worship , which will be a joy to me and many others , who rejoyce of you , and hope well in you . This Letter is seconded by sundry others from thence to the same effect , and to move the Honourable Houses of Parliament to take some speedy course for the quenching of those flames of Schisme and Sedition , which these New Independent Lights and Firebrands have kindled in this Plantation , and taking off the unsupportable yoak of Tyrannicall and Arbitrary Government over the Persons , Estates , and Consciences of the Free-borne English Subjects there , which these Lordly Tyrants have imposed on them , threatning ruine to this Plantation ; which I hope their Honours , and all others concerned in it , will seriously lay to heart . I shall adde to this two other Papers , ( to wit , a Petition , and Advertisement ) sent lately from the same Islands to me by Mr Richard Norwood , which fully discover the Schismaticall and arrogant Proceedings of the Independents there ; and refute their present Innovations in a substantiall satisfactory manner . To the Right Worshipfull our Worthy Governour Captaine Iosias Forster , and his Councell . Right Worshipfull and worthy Governour , &c. I Know you are not ignorant of the rent or division here begun , which though I beleeve ( as you have often testified ) you favour not , yet through your gentlenesse and forbearance towards the Authours and Abetters ; It growes very strong , and is like to prevaile ; which I suppose you know not , but may further understand if you be pleased to make enquiry , and to heare other men . For mine owne part I frame not this as a complaint or accusation against them , being but one man , and the matter concerns all ; besides I have seene the successe that others have had that wayes , and I know they are too strong a party for me or any one man to encounter with . But being very sensible of the danger approaching , lost by my silence I might seem to consent unto it , I thought it necessary to give notice , and to endeavour what in me lies to prevent it , whatsoever may befall me for so doing . Therfore I have written this Advertisement following , which I could wish might come to the hands of all . The intent and scope wherof is , to invite and perswade all to a cessation from setting up any new discipline and government amongst us untill we heare what is decreed by the Honorable Assembly of Parliament : Or if that cannot be obtained ( as I have small hope , considering how eagerly they pursue their ends , and how great a number they have gayned to their party ) yet that the authours would expresse punctually in writing , what manner of Discipline and Government it is which they would set up . And because ( it may be ) they will say , that they have already exprest it in their Sermons , especially in their Lectures ordayned for that purpose ; therefore I have set down thirty or more doubts of speciall moment which they have not yet cleared . Neither is it fit that our Religion or this part of it ( which they would seem to make a principall part ) should remain in their breasts only , for so they may adde , detract , or alter , as they please ; but ought to bee fully exprest in writing . And I beleeve they are scarce agreed themselves touching all points of their intended Discipline ; which you may perceive if you please to examine them severally , according to these or such other questions , as you shall think fit . Therefore in the first place ( according to my duty ) I humbly present this Advertisement to the consideration of your Worship and your Councell , to whom God hath committed the Government of this place , and of all persons here , and of whom he will certainly require it , if such an evill as is threatned should befall through your neglect . For although the great Antichrist and his Clergy did prevaile to perswade Christian Princes and Magistrates , that the Government of the Church and care of Religion pertained not to them , but to the Clergy , and the like , is now here preached amongst us : yet I verily trust , you entertain no such false principle . For , to establish true Religion , to maintain it , and to see that the duties of Religion be duly performed to God and man , is almost all that the Law requireth , and so is almost ( if not all ) the duty of the Christian Magistrate . And this being taken from him , and put upon the Clergy , he may serve as an officer to execute what the Clergy shall decree , but ceaseth in a manner wholly to be a Magistrate . Thus commending you to the tuition and direction of Almighty God. I rest March 6. 1642. Your Worships in all due observance , RICH. NORWOOD . An Advertisement to such here as have care of the Conservation of true Religion . IT is and ought to be the principall care of every good Christian , to conserve the knowledge and exercise of true Religion in himselfe and others , being the one thing necessary . But from this these times have much declined everywhere ; and even in our deare native Countrey , so farre as called for a speedy Reformation , or threatned ruine . And seeing little hope of the one , the latter was justly feared by many , and by my selfe ( I confesse ) amongst others , being the principall cause of my comming hither . But the Lord hath mercifully stayed those feares , and given us fresh hopes by the Reformation in so great a measure begun by the present Parliament , which also they endeavour through many difficulties to accomplish more fully . And considering how worthily they have begun , and what great things they have effected above all expectation , we have no cause to mis-doubt them , nor to anticipate their Honourable proceedings , but rather to attend what shall be determined by them ; especially considering that wee of this place , as wee have not beene much burthened , except by some Ministers ; so now we are altogether unburthened of the Ceremonies , and whatsoever else hath usually beene offensive to good Christians in England . For if we should set up a new Government or Discipline and forme of Religion here , wee must alter it againe when wee understand out of England what forme the Parliament have or shall establish : Some say no , our Ministers are as supreame heads under Christ of their severall Churches here , and not subordinate in these things Ecclesiasticall , to Parliament or any other power upon earth whatsoever : but this opinion savors too much of Antichristian pride and presumption . Others say , the Parliament will establish the same forme that our Ministers will set up here ; but these conjectures doe much wrong that Honourable Assembly ; for if the matter were so easie and evident , that our Ministers here can presently determine it ; then what need the Parliament so long to debate and consider of it ? What need such consultation with the ablest Divines in England , and many other from all parts ? And why hath there beene such difference of opinions touching this matter even amongst the most godly and learned in Christendome for these 100 years together . I remaines therefore , that wee must change againe when we heare from thence , and considering what changes have beene made by some already , if we should now make another change in setting up a new Discipline , and shortly after another when we heare out of England ; such mutability would neither be safe for this place , not suteable to the stedfastnesse of the Church and people of God , which is the Pillar and ground of truth , and must not be wavering , and carried about with every winde of Doctrine &c. The Apostle makes it a signe of a double minded man to be unstable in all his wayes : and in the Epistle to the Hebrewes ; Be not carried about with divers and strange Doctrines &c. And the Prophet saith , Why runnest thou about so much to change thy wayes ? It will be answered , we intend not to change , but to the better ; but withall remember , that such is alwayes the pretence , and oft-times the intent in all Innovations whatsoever . Therefore Solomon saith , My sonne feare God and the King , and meddle not with them that are given to change . Not but that even the best Christians may al●er sometimes in some circumstances of Religion ( some good and weighty causes requiring it ) but it must not be through levity , nor of an high minde , nor for selfe ends . A restlesse levity , and that with contempt of Authority , under pretence of greater and new lights , is a dangerous signe of an Anabaptisticall spirit . Therefore I say , what we change , ought to be done with the feare of God and the King. In the feare of God , namely according to his Word ; and with the feare of the King , that is , consenting with the Lawes and Soveraigne Authority set over us ; or at least not with an high hand in contempt thereof ; For every soule must be subject to the higher powers ; yea saith Chrysostome , though he be an Apostle , though an Evangelist , though a Prophet . Therefore I could wish ( as I have often perswaded ) that wee might stay for the determination of the Parliament in these things , and likewise the approbation of the Company in those that concern● them . But because some here are very impetuous , and a further change is daily preached and pressed amongst us , I have little hope to stop the violence of this streame . Therefore to the intent we may understand and consider what to doe , and ( as the saying is ) look before we leap , I should in the next place desire , as many others doe , and as it concerns us all to desire of them , and of our Ministers especially , that they would be pleased to set down in writing , whatsoever new thing in Doctrine or Discipline they would have us entertaine , different from the practice or tenents of the Church of England ; that so each thing being well considered , examined , and adjudged by the Word of God , we may entertaine or reject it accordingly . I know there are sundry Objections alleadged and pretended , more then I need to repeat or answer here ; For howsoever it is true that we are to submit our selves to the Word of God , I meane the holy Scriptures in all things ; yet not so to men , especially when they seek themselves in stead of Christ : No though they tell us , they are the mouth of God , and sit in Moses chaire ; and therefore must be heard and obeyed ; and that the government of the Church belongeth to them next under Christ , and that even Caiaphas , though a persecutor of Christ . yet when he had the place of High-priest he prophesied the truth . And though they tell us we must not strive with the Priest , nor reprove our R●prover ; and though they accuse us to have rejected and opposed more good Ministers then any other like place professing Christianity ( of which there is no shew of truth I know ) and that they which rebell against the Ministers , cannot be under the Government of Christ , with many heavy threats against such : And though they threaten to leave us destitute of the Word of God , if we make any resistance ; and though it be often alleadged , that we have rare and reverend Ministers , endued with new light , and that so great , as the like hath scarce beene since the Apostles times ; Nay I have heard some , and those of note , preferre it before that of the Apostles , at least in some things . And further , that all foure of our Ministers concluded of a new Discipline , and new courses of edification , whereof two being gone into England to agitate the businesse there with their friends , and in Parliament : God hath sent another from Providence almost miraculously , who was not of their counsell , and yet doth approve of all their proceedings , and as earnestly presse them as the rest . Besides ( say they ) all the chiefe professours in the Countrey are for the same ; yea the chiefe Authority in the Island , next the Governour . So that all things thus concurring , shewes ( say they ) that there is an extraordinary hand of God in the effecting of it ; and therefore wee ought quietly to yeeld our selves to them , least wee resist even God himselfe . These ( I say ) and other the like arguments in this case , however they may prevaile much with some that have other foundation for their Religion besides the Scriptures ; yet to an understanding man they will easily appeare to be of small value , as would be more evident in answering them particularly , which I shall readily doe if it bee needfull . But having no purpose here to dispute , but rather to invite to a cessation from these occasions of strife and controversie , or at least wise to a due consideration of what we doe ; I shall only answer in generall . It is a saying of Divines agreeable also to the experience of good Christians , That Satan never tempts more dangerously whether by himselfe or others , then when he doth most perswade us not to resist his temptations , but to yeeld our selves to them ; And even the Lord himselfe doth sometimes prove his Church and people , whether they will cleave unto him ( that is hold fast to his Word ) or unto other Lords , other lights , other spirits besides his , as Deuter. 13. 3. And so the Apostle foretelleth , there should be Schismes , and Heresies in the Church , as , For there must be heresies even among you , that they which are approved amongst you might be knowne . And so , But there were false Prophets also among the people , even as there shall be false Teachers among you . Therefore we must not take up our Religion upon the credit of men , how great soever they may seeme to be , but examine things by the word of God , and see that it be firmly grounded there . To the Law and to the testimony , if they speak not according to this word , it is because there is no light in them . Therefore they must prove by the word of God ( not by outward signes and wonders ) the things they teach , and would have practised . And first let us know them fully , and with those noble Bereans , search the Scriptures , and examine them throughly before we entertaine them . They tell us daily of a greater light , whereby they discerne these things , and other great and glorious things that are working and already begun in the world within these three yeares , and will shortly be accomplished , even so great and so excellent a change in the world as may seeme to be a heaven upon earth ; the Lord grant it , and hasten it ; but withall let us desire and expect these things with sobriety and watchfulnesse , lest whilst our eyes be taken up and dazzled with a present expectation of these high and glorious things , we see not the danger that is at our feet , but be caught in the snare before we be aware , remembring the words of our Saviour in this case , when his Disciples asked him saying , Lord wilt thou at this time restore the Kingdome to Israel , He answered , It is not for you to know the times or the seasons , which the Father hath put in his own power . I have read in some History of the West-Indies , that about 100 yeares since or more , the Iland Vianis ( which some of our men are now gone to discover ) and all those Ilands thereabout were Inhabited by certain Indians , which for ingenuity and feature surpassed many others ; these held the immortality of the soule , and thought that when it departed the body , it went to a kinde of Purgatory , which they supposed to be the cold Northern Mountaines congealed with frost and snow ; where after it was sufficiently purged , it went from thence into countreys more Southerly , and there abode for ever , enjoyning a thousand delights and pleasures . The Spaniards having knowledge of this opinion of theirs , and wanting men to work in their gold mines , came thither with Ships from Hispaniola or Cuba ( which are to the Southward ) and making some goodly shew , told these silly Indians that they were come from the Southern parts , places of great felicity , where the soules of all their Ancestors and friends departed were in all joy and happinesse ; and they were now come to transport them immediately thither , that they might never come at all into that Purgatory in the Northren parts : These simple people being dazelled with the conceit and imagination of these things , could not forethink their danger at hand , but came flocking to the Spaniards in great numbers ; who when they saw their opportunity set saile , and carryed them thence to their gold mines , where they were soone consumed with grievous service and slavery . In like sort it concernes us not to be so much transported with any glorious pretences of some great temporall freedome and felicity at hand , as to be drawne in any sort from the Church of England , especially as it is now reformed and in reforming , but to know fully of those that would draw us whither they would have us goe , and upon what grounds , that so we may search the Scriptures , and throughly examine those grounds thereby . God hath delivered our Nation ( as many others in Christendom ) from under the bondage of the great Antichrist , we have not prized this deliverance , nor made that use of this liberty , nor those many mercies and blessings accompanying it that we ought . And considering our great abuse of Gods favours , and in particular the sinnes of this place in all sorts , Magistrates , Ministers and people , and especially the evident unsoundnesse of those that are Professors here : It were just with God whilst we look for light to send us darknesse , and whilst we propose to our selves the speedy ruine of Antichrist , great freedome and glorious times ( all which the Lord can effect in his due time ) wee fall our selves into another servitude and bondage perhaps as grievous as the former , under petty Antichrists . For if that grand Antichrist come down ( as we have good hope ) and a company of Clergy-men should arise ( whether Ministers , or who else ) that should as it were divide his kingdome among them , by assuming every one to himselfe such a like power over his Church , or the people committed to his charge as the grand Antichrist usurped over the Catholique Church , and that as he did lure Divino ( which they pretend ) surely they would become so many petty Antichrists , and the Church should be brought into servitude and thraldome as before . And indeed , as the errour to which the Iewes were most inclined in generall , was to set up other gods , that is false gods , attributing something to them which was proper to the true God : So the errour to which Christians in generall are most inclined , is to set up false Christs ; that is Antichrists of the Clergy , attributing something to them that is peculiar to Christ himselfe , or to his Church , which is Christ mysticall ; As was foretold by the Apostles , and is evident by the experience of all Ages since Christ : And of which our Saviour himself seems to give warning , when he saith ; For there shal arise false Christs and false Prophets , and shall shew great signes and wonders , so that if it were possible , they should deceive the very Elect. And by such meanes , even the Pope himselfe and all his Clergy had their first rising , having the Suffrages and helpe of some that seemed otherwise to be good Christians . It behoves us therefore to be earnest with God in prayer , to walk more worthy of his grace , and the light of the Gospel vouchsafed unto us , least he send us strong delusions ; to be sober minded and watchfull , remembring there will bee alwayes some Antichrists , and that the Church and people of God is never like to be free from persecution , affliction , and temptation in this world ; And that we shall never have such Ministers , whom we may absolutely trust to for our Religion ( as some here professe to doe . ) Calvin in his Preface to Psychopannychia , hath those words , Is this to learn Christ , when a man shall apply his eare to any doctrines ; yea , though they bee true without the word of God ? If thou receive it as from man , wilt thou not as easily entertaine lies ? for what hath a man that is his own but vanity ? Therefore we must alwayes have the loynes of our minds girded and our lamps burning , and stand upon our guard our selves : And so follow men ( even the Apostles themselves ) as they follow Christ . The Apostle speaking of Ministers saith , Let 〈◊〉 man at his pleasure beare 〈◊〉 over you by humblenesse of mind● — advancing himselfe in those things which he never saw ( but are of his own devising ) rashly puft up with his fleshly minde . And in another place , Believe not every spirit , but try the spirits whether they are of God : And for trying the spirits , we must follow the rule of our Saviour , who saith , Beware of false Prophets which come to you in sheeps c●oathing , but inwardly they are ravening Woolves , yee shall know them by their fruits , &c. And their fruits are their conversation and doctrine : But the conversation of themselves and their adherents , being a thing more personall , and so apt to stirre up offence ( which I would avoid so much as I may ) I forebeare to prosecute . Their Doctrine then we must examine by the rule of Gods word ; which that we may the better doe being a matter that so much concerns us , we should desire as I have before said , we might have the particulars wherein they differ from the publike doctrine and practise of the Church of England set down in writing . This if they be not able , or shall disdaine to doe , as not accounting us worthy for whom they should doe it , they must not be offended , nor complaine of us that we are opposers in this matter of the Kingdome of Christ , and will not be ruled by them in the course of their Ministry ; for what discretion were it , to follow strangers we know not whither ? It s like they will say , they are no strangers , they have lived long here . But as we know one of them came by an accident very lately ; the other two though they have been long among us , yet they are in a manner strangers to us , for they are not the same men that formerly they were , having changed their opinions and practises in many things that we know , and it is like in many other things that we know not , and how farre they will proceed , and where they will make a stand wee know not , nor it may be they themselves . If they shall say ( as some pretend ) that the Government and Discipline which they would have us entertaine , is of it selfe evident by the word of God , to every one whose eyes are not blinded by the god of this world , & that they have declared it already in their Sermons , especially in their weekly Lectures , which it seemes they have instituted for that purpose : As hee that preached the third Lecture seemed to intimate , when speaking of this intended Church and Discipline , he said , His first reverend Brother had laid the foundation , his second reverend Brother had shewed what must be the materials of this building , namely , such and onely such as could bring good testimony of their conversion and holy conversation : And he was now to shew the forme and order to bee observed in every particular Church , and how each one was to be Superiour or Subordinate to others ( though he did not this at that time so farre as I understood . ) The same things or to the same purpose were againe repeated in the fourth Lecture . But I say , all this notwithstanding , the things are of themselves obscure and doubtfull ; which doubts they have not taken away , but rather encreased . Some of which doubts amongst many , I will here set down , not raised from speculations of things afarre off , and not like to trouble us , but such as arise from that which is frequently preached and pressed or practised amongst us . In which though I endeavour to understand things in the best sence , yet because they expresse not themselves plainely , I may mistake their meaning in some things , and therefore also doe the rather desire they would fully and plainly expresse their intent in writing : as one that am ready to joyn in whatsoever I understand , to tend truly and indeed to the advancement of the Kingdome , and Government Iesus of Christ , but would not be missed by the devices of men , under this or any other pretence whatsoever . 1. WHether they meane to set ut Vestries againe , for every Tribe as formerly they have done , and so to govern the severall parts of their charge by severall Ve●●ries of a douzen men in each Vestry ▪ whereof the Minister to be the chiefe ; and so to enquire , heare , and present Offenders as heretofore ? 2. Whether they meane to continue those weekly meetings which they call L●blolly Feasts , whereof also the Minister is the chiefe ; And what persons shall bee admitted to them , and upon what termes ? 3. Whether they meane to continue that Lordly or Masterly practise of universall Catechising all men and women weekly , begun here almost two yeares past , and pressed upon all with great vehemency ; And that all shall still be tied to answer according to that Catechise of Mr Oxenbridges , called Babes Milke , or some other ? These three practises as they have been used here , being as I conceived their own inventions , and not grounded on the word of God , nor the examples of the Primitive or other Reformed Churches , nor on the Lawes of our Land , but pressed upon us meerely by their own Authority , I did in some sort oppose at their first comming up ; namely , by testifying both privately and publikely my dislike of them , and the reasons why : But especially the last more at large , whereunto I was moved by Mr Iohn Oxenbridge , who took upon him to write a defence of this practise of universall Catechising all men and women , and of true Beleevers in speciall ; and to answer the Objections which I had made against it . But what he hath performed , and how well beseeming his worth and reputation , I leave to the j●dgemnt of such as have or shall peruse my Confutation of that his Defence and Answer , where I have put them together : Touching these three practises , I should move sundry questions , but that it seemes they are all laid down of late , and as it is thought will not be taken up againe , therefore we shall passe them over , that we may come to those new things which they urge now . 4. Whether this Discipline and forme of Religion , which they would set up , be the same in all points of moment with any other Reformed Church whatsoever , except perhaps in Providence , where it had no such successe as should induce us to embrace it . If they say , yes , in New-England , we are very doubtfull of that , ( not knowing certainely what is practised there ) the rather for that some have endeavoured to establish universall Catechising here upon that ground saying , it was generally used there , which appears not to be true : Besides , if such a Discipline be there , it is no leading example to us , partly because they have had no long experience of it , and partly because there may be much difference between the people there and here ; for if all Magistrates , Ministers and People were eminent in piety , we need not much care what Government were used , no , though it were wholy Arbitrary , for none would injure another ( and to this condition the Churches in the Apostles times seeme nearest to ●pproach . ) But here where it is farre otherwise , and in other places in generall , men must be wary what Discipline and Government they set up , presupposing it must come into evill mens hands as well as good , yea , and that more often . 5. Whether this Discipline be fully set down by any sound Divine , and not rather framed by themselves , borrowing from severall Churches , and severall Divines , what will best serve their turne ? And whether our three Ministers agree in all points touching the Discipline they would have us embrace ? 6. What severall Offices , and how many Officers shall be in every Church , and how subordinate one to another ? And whether the Minister shall not be the chiefe of those Officers , or as it were the supreme Moderator or Governour of them all , without whom nothing shall bee established , and also to have the principall hand in putting in and putting out these Officers ? for so they seeme to intimate . 7. Whether this Minister and his Officers will govern and censure the rest according to some lawes or in an Arbitrary way ? and if in an Arbitrary way , to whom shall they appeale if they have wrong ? And who shall question and judge the Minister if he decline from the truth , or be a wicked liver ? And whether this bee not like to prove a very tyrannicall government if it come into evill hands , which must be presupposed ? 8. If they will govern and judge according to some lawes ; what be those lawes ? whether some already extant , or some others which they will frame , and who they be that shall frame these lawes ? and what shall be the severall penalties or censures for Delinquents ? 9. What tryall ( in things of importance ) the party accused shall be allowed ? The Common Law of England ( to avoyd tyranny and injustice , to which the corrupted nature of man is much inclined , and even of Clergy men as well as others ) allowes a tryall by 12 indifferent men , which are honest and free men , of good ranke , having no dependance , nor are in feare of the Iudge , nor beare no ill will to the party accused , but such as are like to deale impartially , and that upon Oath . Whether he shall have that or some other so faire a tryall ? 10. What things they be which they will undertake to judge of ? and whether any thing shall bee wholy reserved to the judgement of the Civill Magistrate ? or whether the party offending , or the matter in controversie , shall be punished or judged of both , namely , by the Civill Magistrate , and also by th●se Ecclesiasticall Iudges ? 11. If they say they will judge only of Ecclesiasticall matters , what are those matters Ecclesiasticall , and how exempted from the jurisdiction and authority of the Christian Magistrate ? For the Pope and Bishop obtained of Kings that sundry things might bee called Ecclesiasticall , and so belong to their spirituall Courts ( as they call them ) which are no more Ecclesiasticall then other matters which belong not to them . 12 Whether these Ministers and other Officers shall be judged by the Christian Magistrate in all things as other men ? or how farre forth they shall bee under his jurisdiction and authority , and how farre forth exempted ? 13 From what places of Scripture is such a form of Government deduced , justified , or allowed ? 14 Who shall be the other members constituting these intended Churches , and who shall be excluded from them ? To this all or some of them at least seem to answer expresly , that they shall consist only of such as are truly regenerate , and can bring sufficient testimony of their conversion and holy conversation ; and all others shall be excluded as Heathens , Cananites , Publicans , &c. 15 And seeing they have said sometimes , and will , I suppose , grant , that not one fourth part , nor it may be , one tenth part of the people here or in England , are able to bring such sufficient testimony of their true conversion and holy conversation , and thereupon shall be excluded Christian society , and reputed as aforesaid , whether this will not breed a most dangerous division between Church and Common wealth , threatning the ruine of both ? 16. I suppose they cannot but be sensible in part , and foresee the desperate issues of such a Separation ; and therfore it would in the next place be known , whether they intend not to salve it by some politick course , contrary to these principles , and what good policy can be used to this purpose ? For mine own part , I can think of none ; for either they must frame Religion to the people as the Popes and Romish Clergy did heretofore , making it suteable to the dispositions of most men ; or else ( which is more usuall ) feign a people to Religion ; admitting and accounting whom they lift through partiality , favour , and sinister respects , to be truly religious , though they be not , and so receiving them into the Church as true converts , though they can bring no good testimony of their conversion and conversation . This policy ( I confesse ) may have faire pretences , and would advance them highly above all men ; As they which opening , no man can shut ; and shutting , no man can open ; this would set them a● Gods in the Temple of God , the Church , and bring them in infinite gaines . But it would set up many Antichrists , as busie , violent , and rigorous within the small spheare of their activity , as the great Antichrist hath been in his : It would turne Religion into policy , making it serve for humane purposes . The faith of our glorious Lord Jesus Christ should be had in respect of persons ; It would prove a tyrannicall usurpation over the true Church , as the popish policy hath done ; for which , as for sundry other reasons that might be alleadged ( if it were not palpably wicked ) it ought not to be suffered . 17. Whether there be any place of Scripture to justifie such a Separation as is afore mentioned ? they say , yes ; because John the Baptist said to the Scribes and Pharisees , O generation of Vipers , who hath forewarned you to fire from the wrath to come ? therefore a Minister may keep out of the Church such as cannot bring testimony of their true conversion and holy conversation ; This and other like reasons they alleadge , which are so insufficient , that they need no answer , especially having no purpose , as I have said , to dispute here . But a matter of so great consequence ought to be clearly and foundly proved ; which doubtlesse they can never doe . 18. What times they were wherein the Church did thus separate from it selfe all that could not bring sufficient testimony of their conversion and holy conversation ? because they say , in former times it was the usuall practice of the Church , but shew not in what times , nor where , nor for what causes . There is no doubt but those that live or fall into grosse or manifest sins , may be separated or excluded ; Also in times of persecution they would no doubt be very wary what strangers they did admit into the Church ; but that 's not the thing in question . 19. Many other doubts in this matter they leave untouched or uncleared ; As 1. Whether Infants shall be received into the Church by Baptism before they can bring this testimony ? 2. Whether those that have been baptized without such testimon● , have been rightly entred into the Church , or shall need to be baptized againe ? such a rumour there is spread , upon what occasion I know not . 3. What manner of testimony this must be ? 4. Who must give it , and whether a man 's own testimony may not serve in this case , and when ? &c. these and many other like should be cleared , which we passe over . 20. Whether they meane , that any man may of himselfe excommunicate another , when they say frequently , a man may , or I would passe a private excommunication against such or such a man ? 21. What they meane to alter in the administration of the Sacraments ? I heare there is much variety of late . The last child which I saw baptized , the Minister required the Father to say his Creed , which done , the Minister made an exposition of it , making some doubt also of some part of it , and then asked the Father if he would have his child baptized into that faith , who answering , yea , it was baptized ; and thus I heare he useth of late to baptize others . Now it would be knowne , why it may not serve the turne for the Father to testifie his assent to the Articles of the Creed &c. as heretofore hath been used ? 2. Whether the child and parent also may not be very uncertaine of the Faith into which the child was baptized ▪ seeing the Ministers exposition is not recorded ? 3. Whether they have the same opinion of the Creed that they seeme to have of the Scriptures , that it may not bee publikely read or repeated unlesse it be also expounded by a Minister , and why ? 4. Whether this tying of the Baptism to the Ministers exposition , may not serve as a fit opportunity for Hereticks ( not yet discovered ) to baptize children into their Heresie ? 22. Whether the Scriptures be not the word of God , able to make a man wise unto salvation , except only then , when they are pronounced and expounded by a Minister ? And whether the places of Scripture that we ( which are no Ministers ) alledge in any case , be not also the word of God , as true and of as much sorce as if they were pronounced by a Minister ? 23. Whether the writings of Eminent and approved Divines may not be read in the Church , when there is no Sermon ? Nay whether they may not prove more profitable then the Sermons of some schismaticall or other unworthy Ministers ? 24 Whether our English Common Prayer ( having never yet been called in ) may not be read in the Church , such things being altered or left out as have bin doubtfull or offensive to good Christians ? Or whether it is so faulty that it may not bee used at all ? Because they will not suffer it to bee read at all where they preach ; and as I heare , intend to abolish the reading of it quite . 25 Whether they will permit any other book of Common Prayer used in any other Reformed Church , or some other that may be framed , or that no set form at all may be used but such prayers only as the Minister doth then conceive , nor any thing read , no not out of the Scriptures , but what the Minister doth then expound ? 26 How long it is they mean when they say a few dayes , that they would have men that would be converted or receive a further degree of grace to exercise themselves in humiliation , before they shall partake of those enlightnings and comforts they speak of ? and after what manner this is to be done , and from what ground of Scripture ? 27 What Covenant it is which they perswade so much all the members of this Church to enter into at their admittance ( and which as is thought is already begunne ) whereby they must bee bound one to another ? and how farre forth they must assist and defend one another ? what are the particular parts and circumstances of this Covenant , and how it shall be confirmed , whether by subscription or by some solemn vow ? 28 Whether he which hath entred this Covenant , shall still remayn as hee was , a true member of the Church and Common wealth of England , or be of some other Reformed Church , or of some Separate & Independent Church ? 29 We grant there is often mention in Scriptures of a Covenant betwixt God and the people , &c. but whether there may be any warrant in Scripture for such a Covenant between all the members of this Church , as they would have ? They alleadge for it these words , And when Paul was come to Jerusalem , h● assayed to joyn himself with the Disciples : where say some , the word joyn that is in the originall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , signifies a joyning by covenant ; but I finde no such thing in my Lexicon . I finde the like word used where it is said , Then the Spirit said unto Phillip , go near and joyn thy self to yonder Chariot ; where , by joyning is meant no Covenant . Other places they alleadge , but we would see some to the purpose if they have any . 30 Whether it bee not injurious to the Honourable Assembly of Parliament , to pretend such Innovations or changes to be according to their minde , which they have never authorized , nor declared themselves to have any purpose to authorize or allow ? Many other doubts I have omitted , but by these which I have noted , is may sufficiently appeare , that though they have long preached of these matters , yet many things remaine very uncertaine . And if they would take the paines to set downe in writing , as aforesaid , all parts of their intended Discipline and Government , it would be very profitable to themselves ; for it would give them occasion more throughly to consider it , and more wisely to order it . Is there cause then that they should bee so incensed against those that make question of these things in a moderate and Christian way ? or whom they feare will oppose any of them , as to threaten them with the judgments of this life , and of the life to come ; yea , to assigne them the lowest places in hell , as if themselves were well acquainted , and had such power in disposing places there , as the Pope pretends to have in purgatory ? Surely we learne in our first entrance into learning , Qui dubitat , qui saepe rogat , mea dicta tenebit ; Is qui nil dubitat , nil capit inde boni . Is it just or reasonable they should accuse , censure , and defame such an one publikely in the Pulpit , where the party accused cannot , without offending the Congregation , and the Lawes , answer for himselfe , though he be innocent ? Surely in all equity the accusation , especially of one that is innocent , ought not to be more publike then his defence or answer is permitted to be . Is it suteable to Christian charity to use heavy imprecations or cursings against such , and when the hand of God is upon such a man in any affliction , as sicknesse losses , death , or the like ; to set him out in the Congregation by evident and well known circumstances , as an adversary to God , and as one whom God was now smiting to destruction for his opposition and obstinacy against the Kingdom and Government of Christ ( as they call this their intended Discipline . ) Doubtlesse it behoves Ministers to have some feare of God , and respect of man , and to lay aside these carnall weapons , whereby they would affright and terrifie us , that wee should not dare to quitch nor make the least resistance , whilst in the meane time they set up themselves as Lords over us in their intended Discipline , calling it the Kingdom and Govenment of Christ ; But if they would indeed set up the Kingdome of Christ , let them take the sword of the Spirit , which is the word of God , and make good what they deliver , by that . And for us ( as many I meane as have care of the preservation of true Religion ) let us hold fast to the word of God , and not be discouraged ; nor let that goe , though they upbraid us in a scoffing manner , saying , Come you Scripturian● , you Scripture-men that must have Scripture for what you will doe ; come , I will give you Scripture enough to overthrow your Religion , turne to Ezekiel &c. These and many other such speeches , what else doe they rellish but of a spirit of the old Antichrist , which being now more discovered and expelled from his former habitation , walks about through dry places , seeking himselfe an habitation in some other persons and places , where in a new disguise he may practise his wonted malice undiscovered . Let us stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ ha●h made us free , and not be drawne from the Church of England , which we know , to joyne our selves with any new separate and Independent Church which we know not ; although we heare many contumelious and reproachfull speeches uttered against the Church of England . They ought to be better affected , and to give that honour which is due , as they which have sucked her breasts , and received as their naturall , so their spirituall birth there , if ever they were new born . We ought to acknowledge , with thanksgiving the aboundant grace and mercy of God towards the Church of England ; who hath made it no lesse honourable then any other Reformed Church whatsoever , whether we consider the first Reformers , being men of fingular Piety , and blessed Martyrs of Christ ; Or the purity of Doctrine there publikely professed even to this present . Or the number of holy Martyrs , who have advisedly sealed that Doctrine with their blood : Or the eminent lights in the Ministry successively shining there in great number : Or the many and sincere Professors and Practisers of Religon there , ever since the Reformation ; Or lastly , if we consider the many great Deliverances which the Lord hath vouchsafed us , from the wicked plots and hostile attempts of the common adversary , crowning all with much prosperity , and causing the fame and glory of it to be spread throughout the world . These and the like have not been seene in their separate and Independent Churches . In the meane time , we deny not , but that besides our many other grievous sinnes , there have beene also many grosse faults and intollerable in the Ecclesiasticall Policy and Discipline , as it was abused by those that were intrusted with it , and many foule effects have thence proceeded , which have ( especially of late yeares ) corrupted Religion , eclipsed our glory , and laid it in the dust , caused the Lord to hide his gracious and loving countenance from us : And was like to have proved the remedilesse ruine of Church and Common-Wealth : Of which sinnes though wee all stand guilty before God , as having been Authors or Procurers of them ; yet it becomes not any , that is , or lately was a member of that Church , to upbraid her with these things in a despightfull manner : Such men according to that saying of the Apostle , Are jealous over us amisse , yea , they would ( alienate our affections , and ) exclude us ( from the Church of England ) that we should altogether love them . But these corruptions as they have beene for the most part forced upon the Church , by the usurped power of those which were intrusted , and pretended the greatest care of the Church ; so they have been , and wee trust will bee cast out and Reformed by the present Parliament . Now I would not be mistaken , as if I desired to derogate any thing from the dignity of that most eminent calling of the Ministry ; I have no such meaning , neither doe I think a worthy Minister to be unworthy or unfit for other the most eminent Offices or callings in Church or Common-wealth , were it not that he hath a most eminent calling already sufficient to take up the whole man , and unmeet to be yoaked with other callings , as the Apostle saith , who is sufficient for these things ; And the Apostles doe reject such employments with a kinde of contempt saying , It is not meat that we should leave the word of God to serve Tables , and a little after , we will give our selves continually to prayer , and to the Ministry of the Word , intimating that these things would hinder them from prayer and the ministry of the Word ; whereby it appeares , they would not be Deacons , nor take upon them any other Office in or over the Church , but spend themselves wholly in the word and prayer ; the like might be manifested by sundry other Scriptures . And the evill of it hath beene so generally observed in England , that ( as I heard ) Queene Elizabeth , when she had conferred upon a Minister authority and power to rule , was wont to say , I have spoyled a good Preacher to day . And surely ( if we observe it ) the desire of Superiority and Dominion in or over the Church , in Ministers and Clergy men , and the readinesse of Princes and people to conferre it upon them ; hath been a principall , if not the principall cause in corrupting Religion from time to time , and of setting up the great Antichrist , and many others , as might easily be shewed if it were not an argument too long for this place . Thus farre ( through the gracious assistance of God ) I have expressed my minde in this matter , to the intent I might stop , so much as in me lies , the setting up of a new Discipline and Government of our owne framing , seeing we are already freed of all those things that have usually beene burthensome and offensive to good Christians in England ; and that we expect daily the further determination and decree of the Honourable Assembly of Parliament in these things , Or if I cannot prevaile so farre as to stop it , yet that wee might look before we leap , and understand well what we doe before we doe it . Or if neither that may be obtained , yet hence it will appeare , that my selfe and some others deserve no blame , much lesse such evill speeches as are usually vented against us by some , because we will not rashly runne with them we know not whether . And lastly , I desire that this may be a publike testimony of my judgement in these things . For to be present , and heare them daily pressed , and to bee alwayes silent , is taken for a signe of consent and approbation . March 1. 1642. RICH. NORWOOD . Postscript . SInce this Advertisement of mine came abroad ( though but a month , ) what horrible forespeakings , threatnings , imprecations , and censures have beene publikely denounced against me in severall parts of the Countrey , I shall not need to repeat , being too well knowne . Neither will I answer them accordingly lest I also be like them ; I will only in the feare of God , and by the comfortable assistance of his holy Spirit apply that saying , How should they curse where God hath not cursed ? Or how should they detest where the Lord hath not detested ? And those words of David , It may be that the Lord will look on mine affliction , and doe me good for his cursing this day . A desperate thing it is for men to blaspheme against some good light ; and what is it , to acknowledge the good gifts and graces of God in those which they so bitterly preach against ; and to overwhelm them all with most foule and feigned susspicions and aspersions without cause ? As when they say , Satan will not use profane and wicked men , but he makes choise of those that are of good and able parts , men of a religious life , of a blamelesse conversation ; these close hypocrites he makes his instruments to oppose the Kingdom of Christ ( that is their intended Discipline ) &c. with other like speeches . I say it is very dangerous for men thus to give way to wrath and malice . The Scribes and Pharisces did see , and would no doubt have acknowledged the eminent gifts and graces that shined in our Saviour , if he would have applied them to the establishing of their Faction . But because he would not doe so , they maliciously traduced him , and said he had an uncleane spirit ; but he reproves their desperate wickednesse , shewing how nearly they did approach , or became guilty of the sinne against the Holy Ghost . And let every man take heed how they doe cunningly fasten slanders , or otherwise shew despight unto the spirit of Grace , because it will not be subordinate unto their ends . I could wish also they would consider the words of Marsilius Patavinus , in his Book entituled , Defender of the Peace , Where speaking of those that presume to frame or presse Orders , Decrees , and other parts of Discipline , without license of the true Law-giver or Prince , and endeavour to draw people to the observation of them by surreptitious words , as it were compelling them by threatning eternall damnation to such as transgresse them , or denouncing execrations , reproachfull speeches , excommunications , slanders , revilings , or other maledictions against them , or any of them , in word or writing ; such ( saith he ) are to suffer corporall punishment in a most high degree , as conspirators , and stirrers up of civill schisme , or division in a Common-wealth . For it is saith he , a most grievous kinde of treason , because it is committed directly against the Royall Majesty of the Prince and his Soveraigne Authority ; and tendeth to set up a plurality of supreame authorities or powers , and so of necessity to the dissolution or overthrow of every civill Government . They object also , that I am but a Lay-man , and therefore should not meddle with matters of Divinity , applying that Proverb Ne sutor ultra crepidam , and saying , that even the Sunne , Moone , and Starres , wherein he hath skill , should teach him that lesson , which alwayes move in their owne spheares , except they be wandring starres , for whom the blacknesse of darknesse is reserved for ever , with many other bitter expressions . But this is an old plea of the Popish Clergy , to hold the people in ignorance and thraldome , and should not be taken up by those that would seeme to be more opposite to Popery then Protestants are . That eminent and blessed Divine Doctor Sibbes was of another minde , who speaking in commendation of Mr Sherland ( that was no Preacher ) disdaines not to say he had good skill in controverted points of Divinity , and that he was a good Divine . And surely the calling of a Christian is of that importance , that he must , if need so require , omit whatsoever calling he have besides , to make good that one most necessary , neither can he justly be charged to move out of his spheare whensoever he meddles with matters of Christianity and Religion , especially such points as he is pressed to embrace and submit unto . The Apostle exhorts us all , that wee should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the Saints . And I may fitly answer them in the words of that renouned Souldier of Christ Doctor Bastwick who being checked by the Bishop of Canterbury in like sort as I am by these , that he being a Physitian , a Lay-man , should presume to write of some points in Divinity , answers in Latine , to this purpose in English . I writ a Book ( saith he ) not to finde my selfe employment or to stirre up strife , but of a Christian minde and affection , according to my duty to God and my Prince . The reproach of a Lay-man toucheth not me , for he which hath vowed himselfe to Christ is one of Gods Clergy . The ancient Church doth not acknowledge that surname of a Lay-man , but reckons it among the Soloecismes of the Beast . We have given , promised , and vowed unto Christ in Baptisme our name and faith ; and have solemnly denounced battell against the flesh , the world , the devill , herefie &c. against which wee must fight unlesse wee put off the reverence and respect of our Vow . How unseasonable is it then to ask by what authority we fight against these ? ( And a little after ) shall that be a fault in me , which is a praise to Divines ? They exercise physick , Grazing , merchantdize , they husband their grounds , plant , gather in their fruits , they all may doe all things , I envy not ; yet I wonder we should be so streightned , whilst they have such liberty . But if some blunt fellow should ask a Divine , Hear'st thou good man , what hast thou to doe with the Court , with privy Councell , with Seats of Judgement ? what hast thou to doe with renting lands , with planting vineyards , with breeding cattell , with money the provocation of all evills ? would he not check such a bold question with some sharp answer ? yes doubtlesse he would . What then should we doe when we are asked , What wee have to doe with God , with Christ , with Religion , with the Truth ? We will laugh to scorne such envious questions , and performe with diligence what God calls us to . Wee will endeavour with all chearfulnesse the defence of the truth , the conservation of Religion ▪ the observation of our fidelity and allegiance to that Soveraigne Authority which is over us ; rendring an account of our endeavours to him , to whom wee have vowed our selves &c. He that desires to see his defence more at large , may peruse his Apology to the English Prelates . Now I beseeth you brethren , mark them diligently which cause division and offences contrary to the Doctrine which yee have learned , and avoid them . 18. For they that are such serve not the Lord Iesus Christ , but their own● bellies ; and with faire speech and flattering , deceive the hearts of the simple . March 30. 1643. FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A91187-e540 a Psal . 73. 9. b Exod , 22. 28. Acts 23. 5. c 2 Pet. 2. 10. d 2 Thes . 2. 4. e 2 Pet. 2. 11. Rom. 13. f Mar. 15. 7. g Jer. 4. 19. k Martins Eccho . p. 5. 6. The Nativity of Sir Iohn Presbyter , p. 5. 9. 10. 1● . Note . n 1 Cor. 14. 34. 35. 1 Tim. 2. 11 , 12. * Which they used in New port Pa●●ell , ( contrary to the Governours Command . a Sl●idan , Com. l. 5. 10. Gastius , de Anabaptist : Erroribus . Bullinger advers . Anabaptist . Guil. de Bres C●ntr . Les Anabap●●stes . D. Featlies Dippers Dipt , p. 199. 200 , &c The History of the Anabaptists . Object . Answ . * Psal . 56. 4. Isa . 7. 4. Jer. ● . ● . 17 ▪ * See 31. H. 6. c. 1. * Psal . 56. 4. Notes for div A91187-e2770 Gen. 3. 1 , 2 , 12. 1 Tim. 2. 14. Jude 23. James 2. * Pray God you prove so . 1. Libellous seditious passages against the Ordinances in regulating Printing . b Neither I nor the black-coats , but the Parliament , were the sole Authors of these Ordinances . * And therefore you who have abused your pen , as much as any man. c You would say illaffected , as your Libels against their power , Ordinances , and proceedings evidence d So it is in an orderly & regular , though not in a Libellous & seditious way . e Liberty to Print Libels , standers , invectives against Parliamentary proceedings , is not the Subjects Liberty or priviledge but his claim and shame . f Your Libels , carriages proclaim them such . g Impious , & seditious , if you will not pious . h Rather a Diab●licall Libell against it . i Not to print modest and sober Trea●ies , but seditious Libels , 〈◊〉 , blasphemy . k It was a Parliamentary Ordinance of both Houses not made by Presbiterians . l It seems th●● Libeller denies the soules immortality , and writes as it there were no heaven nor hell . Libellous , seditious passages against the Ordinance for Tythes . n They were long before Popery ; and being the Ministers maintainance warranted not only by the law of Nature , of Nations , and the old Testament , but by the new too , 1 Cor. 9. 7. to 16. o If you add , by vertue & in 〈◊〉 of the Leviticall law to Leviticall Priests , your argument , might have some weight , but if by vertue of the fore-cited Gospel Texts , the law of the Land & common equity to Ministers of the Gospel ( as now Tyths are 〈◊〉 ) your 〈…〉 nonsense Luke 10. 7. 1 Tim. 5. 17 , 〈◊〉 . G●l . 6. 6. 〈…〉 . He should say 〈…〉 . p 〈…〉 q 〈…〉 . 〈◊〉 Pet. 2. 10. 〈◊〉 13. 2 , 3. r James 3. 6. 〈…〉 . Note . A most Independ●nt false calumny . s A grosse scandall , they never de●●red , but to be moderately taxed in equa●ity with others : 〈…〉 their . 〈…〉 . 〈…〉 . t A very modest Christian Phrase . Psal . 58. 〈…〉 well 〈…〉 Kingdom 〈…〉 . x 〈…〉 . y 〈…〉 * And is it not much more so in Independ . Churches , where the Minister in truth like a Pope rules all the rest at his pleasure ? will admit none but those of his own faction . Note Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Master Henry Burton his Vindication of the Churches commonly called Independent , p. 56. 62 , 63. Note . Note . Such were fit to make Independant Members . Note Note Note Note 2 Tim. 3. 7. * Gal. 5. 2● . Note . Note . Note . * You mean and conclude ; Erge , you must not obey them in pulling down Popery , and setting up a Presbyteri●ll Government againstus now . * Not so , but only in things simply civill , and directly against Gods word . We must not obey them in things against Gods word , but must obey them in all things not repugnant to it , is no contradiction . * No but when God commands us not to obey . * Note , the Parliament must have no more power then Independents give , or mean to give them . * Where any such are imposed on them by the Parliament , they may passively disobey , not seditiously oppose ; But this is not our present case , but the quite contrary . * A presumptu●us censure of the Vow and Covenant , and Parliaments pressing of it . * You Devil-like omit out of the Vow and Covenant , according to Gods word , &c. * A seditious Quere to stir up the people against the Parliament , and reseinds their Acts. * Glanvil . l. 14. p. 170. * You should rather say furious Sectaries and Anabaptistical Independents . * Your Independent Conventicles , admit of no appeal , and so are meerly Arbitrary and Tyrannicall * They may infall●bly expect it from your Independent Churches who claim by their own private usurped power , authority to exclude all from the Sacraments , & their Children from Baptisme , and imprison all such who submit not to , or oppose their Government upon just grounds of piety and policy . * Your Independent Churches power , is such who admit of no appeal or superiour Judicature , which Presbyterians plead for . * Against Independents proceedings , admitting no Appeals . * Doth not your neck deserve to be broken at Tiburn , for such seditious incitations to Rebellion & mutiny against the Parliament ? A loud lye . * Why not the Independents rather , who are guiltiest of the two , and boast so much of their number in the Army , and good service in the wars . * A most false , seditious slander , the contrary being true , that Presbyterian Ministers pay greater Taxes , according to their prop●rtion , then any other men , though many Independents scape scotfree . * Why may not Presbyterians as justly exact Tythes for their pains and maintenance , being due by Law , as Independent Ministers both Tythes and Contributions too , Independent Officers , Souldiers , pay ? * When all Ministers are destroyed on both sides , Independents Lay-preachers , and Sectaries will embrace peace , not before , b Some think most money sticks in Independents singers , who have beene most active in singering and disposing moneyes , of which some of them give very poore accounts . c Some thinke Independents have born two to one for the Presbyterians considering their number . d It s such libellous firebrands as you that doe it . e A grosse scandall to the Parliament , tending to mutiny . f This indeed is true of your Independents wives , who marry Ladyes and rich widdowes who go thus attyred . * This is true of your Independent Conventicles . * A most sedi 〈…〉 flander . * 2 Thes . 3. 2. * Acts 16. 30. 31 , 32 , 33. Acts 8. 12. 36 , 37. 38. 39. Acts 18. 8. Neither of which texts warrant your practice of Re-baptization of Christians formerly baptized by others . * The Dippe●s dip● . p. 204 ▪ &c. Notes for div A91187-e19500 * This is the Independents liberty of conscience where they have power in their hands . Note * Is this the liberty of conscience Independents plead so much for ? Let their own Law there bee their Iudge here . Independents Liberty and Charity to their brethren . Not Note Note their Insolency against the power of Parliaments . Note Note * A New Independent King and Pope . * Independents true Anabaptists . Note this schismaticall practise . Note . * This is the Lordly Anabaptisticall li●erty of conscience that Independents grant to their Orthodox Brethren . * Why should not independents hav● the like liberty of conscience as they grant their opposites ? Note the manner of ga●hering Independent Churches and ordi●ation of their Ministers . Such are fit members for lawlesse Independent Churches . Note this confederacy . * Is this liberty of conscience or rather tyrannizing over mens consciences ? † This is Independents charity and humility . Note Note Independen●s Atrogance and spirituall pride * Independents blinde obedience as bad or worse then Popish . * Independents formerly as Episcopall and Ceremonious as Presbyters . † Spirituall pride if not Papall . Notes for div A91187-e21030 〈…〉 . 〈…〉 . Prov. ● . 21. Rom. 13. 1. Note Objections O Arrogance● Answer 1 Cor. 11. 19. 2 Pet. 2. 1● Act. 1. ● . Act. ● . 7. Matth. 24. 24. 2 Thes . 2. 11. Luk. 12. 35. Cor. 11. 1. Col. 2. 1● . Ioh. 4. 1. Mat. 7. ●6 . A man would think that seeing there are twelve Lay-men ( a● they term them ) to one Cleargy-man , be could not retaine his power ●ver them , but experience shewes the contrary , that if he be an active Politition that hath authority on his side , and can make use of a Popists Princiciple which is in most men by nature , he may rule them almost as he list . Iam , 〈◊〉 . ● Tim. 3 , 15. Acts 9. 26. Acts 8. 29. 〈◊〉 6. 17. Gal. 5. 1. Gal. 4. 17. 2 Cor. 2. 16. Act. 6. 24 Notes for div A91187-e23120 Numb . 23. 1. 2 Sam. 16. 12. Rom. 16. 17. 
A33345	----	A true and faithful account of the four chiefest plantations of the English in America to wit, of Virginia, New-England, Bermudus, Barbados : with the temperature of the air, the nature of the soil, the rivers, mountains, beasts, fowls, birds, fishes, trees, plants, fruits, &c. : as also, of the natives of Virginia, and New-England, their religion, customs, fishing, hunting, &c. / collected by Samuel Clarke ... Clarke, Samuel, 1599-1682. 1670 Approx. 374 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 64 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-12 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A33345 Wing C4558 ESTC R17743 11935895 ocm 11935895 51178 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. A33345) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 51178) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 864:24) A true and faithful account of the four chiefest plantations of the English in America to wit, of Virginia, New-England, Bermudus, Barbados : with the temperature of the air, the nature of the soil, the rivers, mountains, beasts, fowls, birds, fishes, trees, plants, fruits, &c. : as also, of the natives of Virginia, and New-England, their religion, customs, fishing, hunting, &c. / collected by Samuel Clarke ... Clarke, Samuel, 1599-1682. 85 [i.e.91], [1], 35 p. Printed for Robert Clavel, Thomas Passenger, William Cadman, William Whitwood, Thomas Sawbridge, and William Birch, London : 1670. Reproduction of original in William L. Clements Library. "Examples of the wonderful works of God in the creatures": 35 p. at end. 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. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. 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 America -- Description and travel. Virginia -- Description and travel. Bermuda Islands -- Description and travel. New England -- Description and travel. Barbados -- Description and travel. 2005-02 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2005-03 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2005-04 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2005-04 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-10 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A True , and Faithful ACCOUNT OF THE FOUR CHIEFEST PLANTATIONS OF THE English in America . TO WIT , Of VIRGINIA . NEW-ENGLAND . BERMVDVS . BARBADOS . With the temperature of the Air : The nature of the Soil : The Rivers , Mountains , Beasts , Fowls , Birds , Fishes , Trees , Plants , Fruits , &c. AS ALSO , Of the Natives of Virginia , and New-England , their Religion , Customs , Fishing , Huntings , &c. COLLECTED By Samuel Clarke , sometimes Pastor in Saint Bennet-Fink , London . LONDON , Printed for Robert Clavel , Thomas Passenger , William Cadman , William Whitwood , Thomas Sawbridge , and William Birch . 1670. THE DESCRIPTION OF VIRGINIA , AND THE PLANTATION OF THE ENGLISH . The temperature of the Air ; the nature of the Soile , the Rivers , Mountains , Beasts , Fowls , Birds , Fishes , Trees , Plants , Fruits , &c. As also of the Natives , their Religion , Customs , Fishings , Huntings , Treachery , &c. ANNO Christi , 1584. Sr. Walter Rawleigh obtained of Queen Elizabeth of glorious memory , a Patent for discovering , and Peopling of unknown Countries , not actually possessed by any Christian Prince , Dated March 25. and in the 26th . year of her Reign : In prosecution whereof April 27th . he set forth two Barks under the Command of Mr. Philip Amadas , and Mr. Arther Barlow , which arrived on that part of America , which that Virgin Queen named Virginia : and thereof in her Majesties name there took possession July 13. And having taken a view of , and liking the Country ; and having had conference , and some trading with the Savages , observing about fourteen sorts of sweet smelling timber Trees , and many other commodities ; bringing with them two of the Savages , they returned home in September following . Anno Christi , 1585. Sr. Richard Greenvile was sent by Sr. Walter Rawleigh with a Fleet of seven Sail , which Landed in the Isle of St. John de Porto Rico. May 12. and there fortified themselves , and built a Pinace . The Spaniards promised to furnish them with Victuals , but did not : whereupon , they took two Spanish Frigots . In Hispaniola they had friendly greetings , and some trade with the Spaniards ; from whence they came to an Anchor at Wokocon , whereby the unskilfullness of the Master , their Admiral strook on ground and sunk : July 25. They returned for England , and by the way they took a Spanish Ship of Three hundred Tun , richly laden . In Virginia they left a Colony under the Goverment of Mr. Ralph Lane and others , besides an hundred men . The Governour wrote from his new Fort in Virginia , that if they had Kine , and Horses in a reasonable proportion , no Country in Christendom was to be compared to it . They discovered from Roanoack to the Chesipians above one hundred and thirty miles , and to Chawanock North-West , as far . In the beginning of June 1586. the Natives conspired against the English , for which , the chiefest of them lost his head : and Sr. Francis Drake coming thither after he had Sacked diverse of the Spanish Towns , took the Colony with 〈◊〉 his Victorious Fleet , and brought them into England . The same year Sr. Walter Rawleigh 〈◊〉 sent a Ship of an hundred Tun with Provisions for the Colony , which arrived at Hatorask presently after they were come away wherefore having sought them in vain , she returned with her provisions 〈◊〉 England : About a fortnight after her departure , Sr. Kichard Greenvile , General of Virginia , with three Ships arrived there , and neither hearing of the Ship , nor the Colony which he had left there the year before ; after long search in vain , he left fifteen men to keep possession of the Country in the Isle of Roanoack , furnished for two years , and so returned , by the way spoiling some Towns of the Azores , and taking diverse Spaniards . Anno Christi , 1587. Sr. Walter Rawleigh ( notwithstanding former discouragements ) sent another Colony of One hundred and fifty Persons under the Government of Mr. John White , with twelve Assistants , to which he gave a Charter , and incorporated them by the name of Governors and Assistance of the City of Rawleigh in Virginia . These arrived July 22. at Hatorask , where they went ashore to seek the fifteen men left there the year before , intending to plant at Chesopiok : But they were informed by a Native called Manteo , that the Savages had secretly slain some of them , and the other were fled they knew not whither . This Manteo was afterwards Baptized , and by Sr. Walter Rawleigh was made Lieutenant of Roanock . Here also Mrs. Dare the Governours Daughter was delivered of a Daughter , that was Baptized by the name of Virginia . Aug. the 27. they departed and returned into England . The Commodities that are in Virginia . Oak of an excellent grain ; straight , tall , and long , Elme , Beech , Birch , very tall and great , of whose Bark the Natives make their Canows ; Nut-Hasil , Hasil , Alder , Cherry-Tree , Maple , Eive , Spruce , Aspe , Fir in great abundance and many other Fruits , Trees which the English knew not . From the Firrs issues much Turpentine , and Tar , and Pitch . Eagles , Hearn , Shaws , Cranes , large Ducks and Mallard , Geese , Swans , Wigeon , Sharks , Crows , Ravens , Kites , Sea-Mews , Pidgeons , Turtle-Doves , Turkies , and many other Fowles and Birds unknown ; Hawks of diverse kinds . Deer Red and Follow , Bears , Wolves , Beavers , Otters , Hares , Conies , Martens , Sables , Hogs , Porcupins , Polecats , Cats wild and great , Dogs , whereof some like Foxes , Elks , and some Lyons , Squirrils of three sorts , some flying Squirils , Hares , &c. Whales , Porpoises , Seales , Cod very large , Haddocks , Herring , Plaise , Thornback , Rack-Fish , Lobsters , Crabs , Mussels , Wilks , Cony-Fish , Lump-Fish , Whitings , Salmonds in great plenty . Tobacco , Vines , Strawberries , Rasberries , Goosberries , Hartleberries , Corants , Roses , Pease , Angellica , Ground-nuts . The Wood that is most common is Oak , and Walnut , many of their Oak are so tall and strait , that they will bear Thirty inches square of good Timber for Twenty yards long : there are two or three several kinds of them : There are , also two or three kinds of Walnuts , there are Cyprus Trees , some of which are neer three fathom about the Root , very strait and fifty , sixty , yea eighty foot without a branch . There are also some Mulberry Trees , and Chesnut Trees , whose fruit equalizeth the best in France , or Italy ; they have Plums of three sorts , Cherries , Vines , Gassafras Trees . Virginia lies in the Latitude of 43. Degrees and 20. Minutes , North. Anno Christ , 1606. King James ( of happy memory ) granted a Pattent to sundry Persons to Plant along the Coast of Virginia , where they pleased between 34. Degrees and 45. of Northerly Latitude , in the main Land , and the Islands thereunto adjoyning within a hundred miles of the Coast thereof . In pursuance whereof , there were some Ships sent the same year to begin a Plantation in the more Southerly part of Virginia . Virginia is a Country in America that lies between the Degrees of 34. and 44. of North Latitude . On the East it s bounded with the grear Ocean . On the South with Florida . On the North with Nova Francia . But for the West the limits are unknown . The Plantation which was begun in the year 1606. was under the Degree of 37. 38. and 39. where the tempreture of the air , after they were well seasoned , agreed well with the constitutions of the English. They sound the Summer as hot as in Spain : the Winter as cold as in France or England : The heat of Summer is in June , July , and August , but commonly a cool Briefs asswages the vehemency of the heat : The chiefest Winter is in half - December , January , February , and half March. The Winds are variable , which yet purifie the air , as doth the Thunder and Lightning , which sometimes is very terrible . Sometimes there are great droughts , and othersometimes great raines , yet the European Fruits planted there prospered well . There is but one entrance by Sea into the Country , and that is at the mouth of a very goodly Bay , which is about eighteen or twenty miles wide . The Cape of the South side is called Cape Henry : the Land there is white sand , and along the shore are great plenty of Pines , and Firrs The North Cape is called Cape-Charles : The Isles before it are called Smiths Isles . The Country is full of large and pleasant navigable Rivers . In it are Mountains , Hills , Plains , Valleys , Rivers , and Brooks ; this Bay lieth North and South , in which the water flowes near two hundred miles , and hath a Channel for One hundred and forty miles , of depth between seven and fifteen fathom : the breadth makes ten or fourteen miles . Northward from the Bay the Land is Mountanous , from which fall some Brooks , which after make five Navigable Rivers : the entrance of these Rivers into the Bay being within twenty or fifteen miles one of another . The Mountains are of divers natures , some of Stone for Millstones , some of Marble , &c. and many pieces of Chrystal are brought down from them by the raines . The Soil generally is lusty and rich , being generally of a black sandy mould : In some places a fat slimy clay : In other places gravel . The Countrey generally hath such pleasant plain Hills , and fertile Valleys , one prettily crossing another , and watered so conveniently with sweet Brooks , and chrystal Streams as if Artists had devised them . By the Rivers are many Marshes , some of 20 , 30 , 100. yea 200 Acres , some more , some less . On the West side of the Bay , and neerest to its mouth , is the River called Powhatan , according to the name of a principal Countrey that lies upon it : the mouth of it is near three miles in breadth : It s Navigable One hundred and fifty miles as the Channel goes : In the farthest place which the English discovered , are Falls , Rocks , and Shoales which hinder any farther Navigation . In a Peninsula on the North side of this River , the English first planted , in a place which they called James Town . As our men passed up one of their Rivers , there came to them some called Sasquesahanocks with Skins , Bows , Arrows , Targets , Beads , Swords , and Tobacco-pipes for Presents . They were great and well proportioned men , so to the English they seemed like Giants ; with much ado they were restrained from adoring their discoverers . Their Language well seeming their proportion , sounding from them as it were a great voice in a Vault : their attire was the skins of Bears , and Wolves . One had a Wolves-head hanging in a Chain for a Jewel : his Tobacco-pipe was three quarters of a yard long , prettily carved with a Bird , a Bear , a Dear , being at the great end sufficient to beat out a mans brains : their Bows , Arrows , and Clubs are suitable to their proportions . One of the biggest of them had the calf of his Legg measured , which was three quarters of a yard about , and all the rest of his limbs answerable thereto . His Arrows were five quarters long , headed with Flints , formed like a heart , an inch broad , and an inch and an half long , which he wore in a Wolves Skin at his back : In one hand a Bow , and in the other a Club. The Natives of Virgina have generally black hair , but few of them have Beards . The men have half their heads shaven , the hair of the other half long : The Women are their Barbers , who with two Shells grate away the hair of what fashion they please . The Womens hair is cut in many fashions according to their eyes , but ever some part of it is long . They are very strong , of able bodies and nimble : they can lie in the Woods under a Tree by the fire in the coldest Weather , and amongst the Grass and Weeds in Summer : They are inconstant , crafty , timerous , quick of apprehension , and very ingenious . They are very covetous of Copper , Beads , and such trash . They are soon angry , and so malicious , that they seldom forget an injury . They seldom steal one from another , lest their Connivers should reveal it . Their Women are careful to avoid suspition of dishonesty without the leave of their Husbands . Each House-keeper knows his own Lands , and Gardens , and most live of their own labour . They are sometimes covered with the Skins of wild Beasts , which in Winter are dressed with the Hair inward , but in Summer without . The better sort use large Mantles of Dear-skins , some Embroidered with white Beads , some with Copper , and others are painted . But the common sort have scarce wherewith to cover their nakedness , but with Grass or Leaves . Some have Mantles made of Turkey Feathers , so handsomly wrought , and Woven with Thred , that nothing could be discerned but Feathers . These were exceeding neat and warm . The Women are covered about their middles with a Skin , and much ashamed to be seen bare . They adorn themselves with Copper and Painting ; They Have , their Leggs , Hands , Breasts , and Faces cunningly wrought with divers Works , as Beasts , Serpents , &c. artificially wrought in their flesh with spots . In each Ear commonly they have three holes , whereat they hang Chains , Bracelets , or Copper . Some of their men wear in those holes a small green , and yellow coloured Snake , near half a yard long , which crawling and wrapping her self about his neck , oftentimes familiarly kisses his lips : Others wear a dead Rat tied by the tail . Some on their heads wear the wing of a Bird , or some large Feathers with the tail of a Rattle-Snake . Many have the skin of a Hawk , or some strange Fowl , stuffed with the Wings stretched abroad . Others a piece of Copper ; And some the hand of an enemy dried . Their heads and shoulders are painted red , with a certain Powder mixed with Oyl , which they hold in Summer to preserve them from heat , and in Winter from cold . He is most gallant that is most monstrous to behold . Their habitations are mostly by the Rivers , or not far from some fresh Spring . Their houses are built like our Arbours , of small Sprigs bowed and tied together , and so close covered with Mats , or the bark of Trees , that notwithstanding Wind , Rain , or Weather , they are as warm as Stoves , but smoky , though they leave a hole on the top right over the Fire . Their Lodging is by the Fire side on little Hurdles made of Reeds , and covered with a Mat. On these round about the house they lie , heads and points , one by another , covered with Mats or Skins , and some stark naked : Of these they are from six to twenty in an house . Their houses are in the mid'd of their Fields or Gardens , which are plots of ground : From twenty to one hundred , or two hundred of these houses stand something near together . Men , Women , and Children have their several names according to the phansie of their Parents . Their Women are easily delivered of child , yet they love their children very dearly ; and to make them hardy , in the coldest Mornings they wash them in the Rivers , and by Painting and Ointments they so tan their skins , that after a year or two no Weather will hurt them . The Men spend their time in Fishing , Hunting , Wars , and such manly Exercises , scorning to be seen about any Womanly Exercise , which makes the Women very painful , and the men oft very idle ; The women and children do all the work ; they make Mats , Baskets , Pots , Morters ; they pound their Corn , make their Bread , prepare their victuals , plant and gather their Corn , bear all kinds of burdens , &c. Their Fire they kindle by chafing a dry pointed stick in a hole of little square piece of Wood , which taking fire , will kindle Moss , Leaves , and such dry things . In March and April is their Fishing time , wherein they live on Fish , Turkies , and Squerrils . In May and June they plant their Fields , and then they live most upon Acrons , Walnuts and Fish : Some upon Crabs , Oisters , land Tortoises , Strawberries , Mulberries , &c. In June , July , and August , they feed upon the roots of Tocknough , Berries , Fish , and green Wheat ; and their bodies alter with their Diet , as those of Deer , and wild beasts do : And accordingly they are Fat or Lean , Strong or Weak . They use much their Bows and Arrows in Fishing , Hunting , and the Wars . They bring their Bows to the form of ours , by scraping them with a Shell : Their Arrows are made of strait young Sprigs , which they head with bone , two or three inches long : With these they shoot at Squirils . Other Arrows they have made of Reeds , pieced with Wood , and headed with Christals or Flint , &c. For Knives they have the splinters of a Reed , wherewith they cut the Feathers of their Arrows into form : With these Knives they will joynt a Deer , or any other Beast , shape their Shooes , Buskings , Mantles , &c. To make the notch of their Arrows , they have the Tooth of a Bever set in a stick , with which they grate it by degrees . Their Arrow heads they quickly make with a little bone , which they ever wear at their bracer , of a splint of stone or glass , in form of a Heart which they glew to their Arrows ; their Glew they make of the Sinews of Deer , and the tops of Deer Horns which will not dissolve in cold water . In their Wars they use round Targets made of the Bark of Trees , and Swords of Wood , or the Horn of a Deer put through a piece of Wood , in the form of a Pickax . Their Fishing is much in Boats , which they make of one Tree , by burning , and scraping with Stones and Shels till they have made it in the form of a Trough . Some of them are a Ell deep , and fourty and fifty foot long , and will bear from ten to fourty men , according to their bigness : For Oars they use paddles and sticks , with which they will Row faster than our Barges . The Women use to spin the Bark of Trees , Deer Sinews , or a kind of Grass called Pemmenaud , of which they make a very good thred , which serves for many uses about their houses , Apparel , Fishing-nets , Lines for Angles : Their hooks are either a bone grated in the form of a hooked Pin , or of the splinter of a Bone tied to the cleft of a little stick , and with the end of the Line they tie on the bait . They also use long Arrows tied to a Line , with which they shoot at Fishes in the River , or Darts which they throw at them . They take extream pains in their Huntings and Fishings , whereunto they are enured from their Child-hood : And by their continual rangings about , they know all the places and Advantages most frequented with Deer , Beasts , Fishes , Fowls , Rooks , Bemes . At their Huntings they leave their Habitations , and in several companies go to the most Desert places with their Families towards the Mountains , or heads of Rivers where there is plenty of Game . It 's a marvel how they can pass these Deserts of three or four dayes journey over , without missing their way . The Women bear their Hunting Houses after them with Corn , Acrons , Mortars , and Bagg and Baggage which they use . When they come to the place of Exercise , every man endeavours to shew his best Dexterity ; for hereby they get their Wives . They will shoot level about fourty yards , near the Mark , and one hundred and twenty is their best at Random . When they have found the Deer , they environ them with Fires , and betwixt the Fires they place themselves ; and some take their stand in the mid'st . The Deer being frighted with the Fires , and their voices they chase them so long within that Circle , that oftimes they kill six , eight , ten , or fifteen at a hunting . Sometimes also when they find them in a point of Land , they force them into a River , where with their Boats they kill them . When they have shot a Dear by Land , they follow him like Blood-hounds , by the blood and stain , and oftimes so take him . Hares , Partridges , Turkies , or Eggs , fat or lean , young or old , they devour all they can come by . When they intend Wars , the Werowances Corks , consult with their Priests and Connivers , and Ancient Alleys , and Friend : They have Captains over every Nation , which are lusty young men . They rarely make Wars for Lands or Goods , but for Women and Children , Before the battel they paint and disguise themselves in the fiercest manner they can devise : Either Army hath his General , they take their stands a Musquet shot one from another : Rank themselves fifteen a breast , and so place themselves , that the Rear can shoot as well as the Front. Then from either part a Messenger is sent with these conditions , That whosoever is vanquished , upon their submission within two dayes after , shall live ; but their Wives and Children shall be prize for the Conquerors ; upon the return of the Messengers , they approach in their Order . On each Flank is a Serjeant , and in the Reer a Lieutenant , all duly keeping their places ; yet leaping and singing as they go . Upon the first flight of their Arrows they give an horrible shout ; and when their Arrows are spent , they joyn together , charging and retiring , each rank seconding the former : As they get advantage , they catch their Enemy by the hair of his head , and then down he goes , and with his Wooden Sword he beats out his brains , &c. Their Musick is a thick Cane on which they Pipe as on a Recorder . For their Wars they have a great deep Platter of Wood , which they cover with a skin , upon which they beat as upon a Drum ; of these they have Base , Tenor , Countertenor , Mean , and Trebble . If any great person come to the Habitation of a Werowanee , they spread a Mat for him to sit upon , setting themselves just opposite to him ; then all the company with a tunable voice of shouting , bid him welcome . Then some of the chiefest make an Oration to him , which they do with such vehemency that they sweat till they drop again . Such victuals as they have they spend freely upon him ; and where his Lodging is prepared , they set a woman finely painted with Red to be his bedfellow . Their trading with the English is for Copper , Beads , &c. for which they give Skins , Fowl , Fish , Flesh , Mais , &c. They have a Religion amongst them : All things that were able to hurt them beyond their prevention , they adore with Divine Worship : As fire , water , thunder , lightning ; The great Guns of the English , Muskets , Horses , &c. But their chief God is the Devil whom they call Oke , and serve him more for fear than love . In their Temples they have his image in an ilfavoured shape , and adorned with Chains , Copper , and Beads , and covered with a skin . By him is commonly the Sepulchres of their Kings : Their bodies are first bowelled , then dried upon Hurdles ; About their neck , and most of their joynts they hang Bracelets , Chains of Copper , Pearl , and then they wrap them up in white Skins , and roule them in Mats for their Winding-sheets , laying them orderly in their Tombs , which are Arches made of Mats : the rest of their Wealth they set at their feet in Baskets . For their ordinary Burials they dig a deep hole in the Earth , and the Corps being wrapped in Skins , and Mats , with their Jewels , they lay them upon sticks in the ground ; and then covet them with Earth . The Burial being ended , the Women having their faces painted with black , sit twenty four hours in their houses mourning and lamenting by turns , with such yellings and howlings as may express their great sorrow . In the Woods they have some great houses filled with the Images of their Kings and Devils , and Tombs of their predecessors , which they count so holy , that none but their Priests , and Kings dare come into them . They have a chief Priest , differenced from the inferiour by the Ornaments of his head , which are twelve , sixteen , or more Snake-skins stuffed with Moss , the Skins of Weesels and other Vermin ; all which they tye by the Tails , so as the Tails meet on the top of their head like a Tassel , about which a Crown of Feathers ; the Skins hang down about him , and almost cover his face . The Priests faces are painted as ugly as they can devise , and they carry Rattles in their hands . Their Devotion is most in Songs , which the chief Priests begins , and the rest follow . Their Solemn Meetings are upon great distress of want , fear of Enemies , times of Triumph , and of gathering their Fruits ; at which time all both men , women and children meet together . The people are very Barbarous , yet have they Government amongst them , and their Governours are well obeyed by their subjects . The form of their Government is Monarchical . One of their Chief Rulers is called Powhatan from the place of his Habitation : Some part of the Countrey came to him by Inheritance , the rest by Conquest . In several parts of his Dominion he hath Houses built like Arbors , some thirty or fourty yards long ; and in each house provision for his entertainment according to the times . About the Kings person is ordinarily attending a Guard of fourty or fifty of his tallest men : every night upon the four quarters of his House stand four Sentinels , and every half hour , one from the Corps dugard doth hollow , unto which each of the Sentinels doth answer ; If any fail , he is extreamly beaten . One House he hath wherein he keepeth his treasure of Skins , Copper , Pearl , and Beads , which he stores up against his burial ; none comes to this House but the Priest. At the four corners stand as Sentinels four Images of a Dragon , a Bear , a Leopard , and Giant-like man , all ilfavouredly made according to their best workmanship . Their King hath as many women as he will , whereof , when he lies on his bed , one sitteth at his Head , and another at his Feet : But when he sits , one sits on his Right Hand , another on his Left. When he is weary of any of them he bestows them upon those that deserves best at his Hands . When he Dines or Sups , one of his Women , before and after Meat , brings him Water in a Wooden platter to wash his Hands . Another waits with a bunch of Feathers to wipe upon instead of a Towel , and the Feathers were dried again . His Kingdom descends not to his Sons , but first to his brethren , and after their decease to his sisters , and to the heirs of his eldest sister . They have no letters whereby to write or read ; the only Law whereby he Rules is Custome ; or else his Will is his Law which must be obeyed . His inferiour Kings whom they call Werowances , are tied to Rule by Customes , yet have they power of Life and Death : they all know their several Lands , and Habitations , and Limit , to Fish , Fowl , and Hunt in : but they hold all of their great King , to whom they pay tribute of Skins , Beads , Copper , Pearl , Deer , Turkies , wild Beasts , and Corn ; with great fear and adoration they all obey him . At his feet they present whatsoever he commands ; at his frown their greatest spirit will tremble : Offenders he causeth to be broyled to death ; or their brains to be beaten out ; their ordinary correction is to beat them with Cudgels , for which yet they will never cry nor complain . Anno Christi 1611. the L. de La Ware upon his return from Virginia , gave this account of it . That the number of men which he left there was above two hundred , the most in health , and provided of ten moneths victuals in the Store house , besides other quantities of Corn , and shew much friendship . For the securing of the Colony he built three Fronts : two of them being seated near Point Comfort , had adjoyning to them a large circuit of ground , open , and fit for Corn. The third Fort was at the Falls , upon an Island environed with Corn ground . The Country is wonderful fertile and rich : The English Cattel were much encreased , and did thrive excellent well . The kine in a hard Winter when the ground was covered with Snow , lived ( with one anothers help ) upon the Grass which they found , and prospered well ; the Swine encreased much . That year Captain Argoll went with his Ship up Pembroke River , where he met with the King of Pastancy , and procured of him and his Subjects Eleven hundred bushes of Corn , besides three hundred for his own Company , with which he returned to James's Town , and delivered it into the Store . Then did he return and discover Pembroke River to the head of it , which was about Sixty five Leagues within Land , and Navigable for any Ship : then marching into the Country , he found great store of Beasts as big as Kine , of which , they killed two , and found them to be good and wholesom meat , and yet easie to be killed being but heavy , and slow Creatures . He found also a Mine and a strange kind of Earth , which the Indian used for Physick , and it cures the pain of the Belly : He found also a Water issuing out of the Earth which tasted like Allom water ; it was good and wholsom : He found an Earth like a Gum , white and clear ; and another red , like Terra Sigillata : an other white , and so light , that being cast into water , it swims . Their Dear have usually three or four Fawns at a time , none under two : and our English Goates in Virginia oft times bring forth three ; and mostly two young ones , so fruitful is the Country : they have Beavers , Otters , Foxes , Racoons , ( as good meat as a Lamb ) Hares , wild Catts with rich Furrs ; Musk-Rats , &c. wild Pidgeons in Winter numberless , the flocks of them will be three or four hours together flying over , so thick that they obscure the very Light ; Turkies far bigger than ours that will run as fast as a Gray-hound , Buzzards , Snites , Partridges , Owles , Swans , Geese , Brants , Droeis , Shell-Drakes , Teal , Widgeon , Curlews , Puits , Black-birds , Hedg-Sparrows , Oxeies , Wood-peckers , and in Winter flocks of Parakitoes . Their Rivers are plentifully stored with Fish : as Sturgeon , Porpass , Base , Carp , Shad , Herring , Eele , Cat-Fish , Pearch , Trout , Flat-Fish , Sheeps-head , Drummers , Jarsishes , Craifishes , Crabs , Oisters , &c. At one hale they have caught as much Sturgeon , Base , and other great Fish as hath loaded a Frigot . They have without Art , Grapes , Mulberries , Maricocks like a Lemmon , whose blossome may admit comparison with our most pleasant and beautiful Flowers , and the fruit is exceeding delightful to the tast . Many goodly Groves of Chincomen-Trees , that have husks like a Chesnut , and are good meat either raw or boiled . Chesnuts great store , and Walnuts plenty of three sorts ; Filberts , Crabs smaller but sowrer than ours . Anno Christi , 1613. Mr. Alex. Whitaker , who was Minister to the Colony , writing to a Friend in London , gives this account of the Natives . They acknowledg ( saith he ) that there is a great good God , but know him not , having the eyes of their understandings yet blinded ; wherefore they serve the Devil for fear , after a most base manner , sacrificing somtime their own children to him : His Image they paint upon one side of a Toad-stool , much like to a deformed Monster : Their Priests are no other , but such as our English Witches are . They live naked in body , as if the shame of their sin deserved no covering : they esteem it a virtue to lie , deceive , and steal , as their Master the Devil teacheth them . The Natives are not so simple as some have conceited : For they are of Body strong , lusty , and very nimble ; they are a very understanding Generation , quick of apprehension , sudden in their dispatches , subtile in their dealings , exquisite in their inventions , and industrious in their labour . The World hath no better marks-men with their Bows , and Arrows than they be : they will kill Birds flying , Fishes swimming , and Beasts running : They shoot with marvellous strength , for they shot one of our English , being unarmed , quite through the Body , and nailed both his Armes to his Body with one Arrow . Their service to their God is answerable to their lives , being performed with great fear and attention , and many strange dumb shews are used in it , stretching forth their limbs , and straining their bodies exceedingly . They stand in great awe of their Priests which are a Generation of Vipers , even of Satans own brood . The manner of their life is much like that of the Popish Hermites : For they live alone in the Woods , in Houses sequestred from the common course of men ; neither is any man suffered to come into their House for to speak with them but when the Priest calls them . He takes no care for his Victuals , for all necessaries of bread , water , &c. are brought to a place near to his House , and are there left which he fetches at his pleasure . If they would have Rain , or have lost any thing , they have recourse to him , who Conjures for them , and many times he prevaileth . If they be sick , he is their Physitian : if they be wounded , he sucks them . At his command they make War and Peace neither do they any thing of moment without him . They have an evil Government amongst them , a rude kind of Common-wealth , and rough Government , wherein they both honour , and obey their Kings , Parents , and Governours : they observe the limits of their own Possessions . Murther is rarely heard off : Adultery , and other gross offences are severely punished . The whole Continent of Virginia situated within the Degrees of 34. and 47. is a place beautified by God with all the Ornaments of Nature , and enriched with his earthly Treasures . That part of it which the English chiefly possess , begins at the Bay of Chesapheac , and stretching it self in Northerly Latitude to the Degrees of 39. 40. and is interlined with seven most goodly Rivers , the least wherof is equal to our Thames : and all these Rivers are so nearly joyned , as that there is not very much distance of ground between either of them , and those several pieces of Land betwixt them are every where watered with many veins , and creeks , which sundry wayes do cross the Land , and make it almost Navigable from one River to another , the commodity whereof is very great to the Planters , in respect of the speedy and easie Transportation of Goods from one River to another . The River Powhatan ebbs and flowes One hundred and forty miles into the Main ; at the mouth whereof are the two Forts of Henry and Charles . Forty two miles upward is the first and Mother Town of the English seated , called James Town : and seventy miles beyond that upward , is the Town of Henerico built . Ten mile beyond this is a place called the Falls , because the River hath there a great descent , falling down between many Mineral Rocks which be there . Twelve miles beyond these Falls is a Chrystal Rock with which the Indians use to head most of their Arrows . The higher ground in Virginia is much like to the mould of France , being clay and Sand mixed together at the top , but digging any depth , its red Clay full of glistering spangles . As for Iron , Steel , Antimony , and Terra Sigillata , they are very frequent . The air of the Country , especially about Henerico , and upwards , is very temperate , and agrees well with our English bodies . The extremity of Summer is not hot as in Spain , nor the cold in Winter so sharp as ours in England . The Spring and Harvest are the two longest seasons , and very pleasant . The Summer and Winter are both but short . The Winter for the most part is dry and fair ; but the Summer ofttimes watered with great and sudden showers of Rain , whereby the cold of Winter is warmed , and the heat of Summer is cooled . Amongst the Beasts in Virginia , there are two kinds most strange . One of them is the Female Possowne , which hath a bag under her belly , out of which she will let forth her young ones , and take them in again at her pleasure . The other is the flying Squerril , which , by the help of certain broad flaps of Skin , growing on each side of her fore-legs , will fly from one Tree to another at twenty or thirty paces distance , and more if she have the benefit of a little puff of Wind. The English Kine , Goats , Hoggs , &c. prosper very well . They have Hawkes of several sorts , and amongst them Auspreis , Fishing Hawkes , and Cormorants . In the Winter they have great store of Cranes , Herons , Pidgeons , Patridges , and Black-birds . The Rivers and Creeks are over-spread with Swans , Geese , Brants , Divers , and those other named before . The Woods have many kinds of Rare and delightful Birds . The Rivers abound with Fish , both small and great , as Pike , Carp , Eele , Perches of six several sorts , &c. The Sea-fish come into their Rivers in March , and continue till the end of September . Frst come in great Skuls of Herrings : Then big Shads , and Rock-fish follow them . Then Trouts , Base , Flounders , and other dainty Fishes come in before the other be gone . Then come in multitudes of great Sturgeons , and divers others . Some five miles about Henerico by land , but by water fourteen miles . Sr. Tho. Dale , Anno Christi 1611. began to build a City , called the New Bermoodas , situated very commodiously , whereunto he laid out , and annexed to be belonging to that Corporation for ever : many miles of Wood-lands , and Champion , which he divided into several Hundreds . As the Upper and the Nether Hundreds Roch-Dale Hundreds , Wests-Sherley Hundred , and Diggs his Hundred . Anno Christi 1614. Pacahuntas , the beloved Daughter of the great King Powhatan , having been carefully instructed in the Christian Religion , by the care of Sr. Tho. Dale , and having made some good progress therein , renounced publickly her Countrey Idolatry , and openly confessed her Christian Faith , and desiring it , was baptized by the name of Rebecca , and was afterwards married to one Mr. Rolph an English Gentleman of good repute , her Father and friends giving their approbation to it , and her Vncle gave her to him in the Church . Anno Christi 1616. Sr. Tho. Dale returning into England , there came over with him Mr. Rolfe , with Rebecca , his Convert and Consort , and Tomocomo , one of Powhatans Counsellors ; Mr. Rolfs Wife Rebecca , though she carried her self very civilly and lovingly to her Husband , yet did she behave her self as the Daughter of a King , and was accordingly respected by divers persons of Honour here in England , in their hopeful zeal by her means to advance Christianity in these Countries . As she was with her Husband returning into Virginia , at Gravesend she fell sick , and came to her end and Grave , having given great demonstration of her Christian Faith and Hope . The English in Virginia Anno Christi 1620. were divided into several Burroughs , each man having his share of Land duly set out for him , to hold and enjoy to him and his Heirs for ever . The publick Lands also for the Company were set out by themselves ; the Governours share by it self ; the Colledges by it self , and for each particular Burrough ; the Ministers Gleab also was set out and bounded , their being 200. l. per annum allowed to each Minister for each Town . They are all Governed according to the laudable Form of Justice used in England . The Governour is so restrained by a Counsel joyned with him , that he cannot wrong any man , who may not have any speedy remedy . In the years 1619. and 1620. there were 9. or ten ships sent to Virginia , wherein were 1261. persons ; most of them being for publick uses , As to plant the Governours Land , 80. persons ; Tenants for the Companies Land 130. Tenants for the Colledge Land , 100. Tenants for the Ministers Gleab-Lands 50. Young Maids to make Wives for so many of the Planters 90. Boyes for Apprentices 100. Servants for the publick , 50. Some were imployed to bring up thirty of the Infidels children in true Religion and Civility . The Commodities which the Planters were directed to apply themselves to , were Iron ; for the making whereof , 130 men were sent over to set up Iron work ; Proof having been made of the excellency of that Iron . Cordage : For which ( beside Hemp ) order was given for the planting of Silk-grass ( naturally growing in those Parts ) in great abundance , which makes the best Cordage , and Linnen in the World. Of this every Housholder was bound to set 100. Plants ; and the Governour himself set five thousand . Pot-ashes , and Soap-ashes ; Pitch and Tar. for the making whereof , divers Polanders were sent over . Timber of all sorts , with Masts , Planks , and Boords for provision of Shipping , &c. there being not so good Timber for all uses in any Countrey whatsoever ; and for the help in these works , provision was sent of Men and Materials for the setting up of sundry Saw-mills . Silk : For which the Countrey is exceeding proper , having an innumerable of the best Mulberry-trees , and some Silk-worms naturally found upon them , producing excellent Silk , and to further this work , many seeds of the best Silk-worms were sent over . Vines ; Whereof the Countrey naturally yields great store , and of sundry sorts ▪ which by good culture might be brought to excellent perfection : for effecting whereof divers Skilful Vegneroons were sent , with store also from hence of Vine Plants of the best sort . Salt : Which work were ordered to be set up in great plenty , not only to serve the Colony , but to promote the great Fishings upon those Coasts . Divers persons of publick spirits gave much to the furtherance of this Plantation . Two unknown persons gave Plate and other necessaries for the furnishing of two Communion Tables . Mis. Mary Robinson gave 200. l. towards the building of a Church in Virginia . An unknown person sent the Treasurer 550. l. in gold for the bringing up of some of the Infidels children in the knowledge of God , and true Religion , and in fit Trades whereby they might live honestly in the World. Mr. Nicholas Ferrar by Will gave 300. l. to the Colledge in Virginia , to be paid when there should be ten of the Infidels children placed in it . And in the mean time 24. l. per annum to be distributed unto three discreet and godly men in the Colony , which should bring up three of the Infidels children in the Christian Religion , and in some good course to live by . An other unknown person gave 10. l. to advance the plantation . Anno Christi 1620. the Right honourable Henry E. of Southampton was made Treasurer ; from which time to the year 1624. there were 24. Ships sent to Virginia : And there were divers persons set for the making of Beads , wherewith to trade with the Natives , and for making of Glass of all sorts : And 55. young Maids were sent to make Wives for the Planters . Also a Magazine of all necessaries was sent for the Colony , to the value of 2000. l. besides Goods , sent by private persons great store . Twenty five persons were sent to build Boats , Pinnaces , and ships for the use of the Colony in the Fishing Trade , and for further discovery . The Plants of Cotten Wool Trees prosper well , and so did Indigo Seeds , Oranges , Lemons , Sugar Canes , Cassary , Pines , Plantanes , Potatoes , and sundry other Indian Fruits . Some of the English East-India Company gave seventy pound , eight shillings sixpence , towards the building of a Free Schoole in Virginia , to be called the East-India School . Another unknown person added to it the sum of thirty pound . And another sent in Gold twenty five pound . Another unknown person gave thirty pound ; for which there was to be allowed fourty shillings a year for ever , for a Sermon Preached before the Virginia Company . Another gave a rich Bible , and a great Church Bible , and other Books to be sent to Virginia , and an exact Map of America . The Books were valued at ten pound . Mr. Tho. Bargrave , a Minister in Virginia , when he died , left for the use of the Colledge his Library worth one hundred Marks . 〈◊〉 Anno Christi 1621. The treacherous Natives , notwithstanding all the Courtesies and kind Usage by the English to them , most Perfidiously , and Treacherously murthered above three hundred of them , and would have done the like to all the rest , but that God ( through his infinite Goodness and Mercy ) moved the heart of one of them , who was Converted to Christianity , to Discover the same a few hours before it was put in Execution , the like Massacres have been since . A DESCRIPTION OF THE BERMUDAS , OR Sommers Islands : THE FIRST DISCOVERY , AND PLANTATION of it by the ENGLISH . The Temperature of the Aier ; The Nature of the Soil , Trees , Plants , Fruits , Hearbs , Fishes , Fowls , and other Commodities thereof . THese Islands were first Discovered by one Bermudas , from whence they received that name ; and afterwards from Sr. George Sommers an English-man , they were called Sommers Islands . They lie in the Western Ocean , and in that part of the World commonly called America , and vulgarly the West-Indies . Their Latitude , or Elevation is 32. Degrees , 25. Minutes , which is almost the same with the Madaeraes . They are environed round about with Rocks , which North-ward , and Westward , and Southward extend far , by reason whereof they are very strong , there being only three places whereby Ships can come into them , which places also are well fortified . But within there is room to entertain a great Fleet : In most places the Rocks appear at a low water , and are not much covered at an high water , for it Ebbs and Flows there not above five Foot. The Shoar for the most part is a Rock , so hardned by the Sun , Wind , and Sea , that it s not apt to be worn by the Waves , whose violence also is broken by the Rocks before they come at the Shoar . The mould is of diverse colours , neither Clay nor Sand but betwixt both : The red which resembleth Clay is worst : The white resembing Sand , and blackish is good : the brown betwixt them both is best . Under the Mould two or three foot deep , is a kind of white substance which they call Rock : the Trees usually fasten their roots in it , and draw their nourishment from it ; neither indeed is it Rock or Stone , nor so hard , though for the most part harder than Chalk ; not so white , but like a Pumice , and Spongy , easily receiving and retaining much water ; and in some places Clay is found under it : The hardest kind of it ( which is commonly under the red ground ) is not so spongy , nor retains much water , but lies in the ground like Quarries , as it were thick slates , one upon another . Most of their fresh water ( whereof they have good store ) comes out of the Sea , drayning through the sand , or thorow the aforesaid substance which they call the Rock , and leaving its saltness behind it , in the passage becometh fresh . Somtimes they dig Wells of fresh water within four or five paces of the Sea-side : and usually they Ebb and Flow as the Sea doth . The Air is most commonly clear , very temperate , moist , with a moderate heat , very healthful , and apt for the Generation , and nourishing of all things : so that there is scarce any thing that is transported from England thither , but it yields a far greater encrease : and if it be any living thing , it becomes fatter and better liking then in England : By which means the Countrey was so replenished with Hens and Turkeys , within the space of three or four years not being looked after , many of them forsook the Houses , and became wild and so encreased abundantly . the like encrease there was of Hogs and other Cattle according to their kinds . There seems to be a continual Spring , which is the cause that some few things come not to that maturity and perfection as were requisite . And though the Trees do shed their leaves , yet are they always full of green . Their Corn is the same which is used in most parts of the West-Indies : to wit , Maiz which , to such as are used to it , is more hearty and nourishing than our English Wheat , and yields a far greater encrease , as sometimes a pound of one or two graines : Of this Corn , and divers other things without either plowing or diging the ground , they have two Harvests every year : For they set about March which they gather in July : and again in August which is ripe in December . And little slips of Fig-Trees , and Vines do usually bear fruit within a year after they are planted , sometimes in half a year : the like fertility they have in other things . There is scarce at any time to be perceived either Frost or Snow , nor any extream heat , for there is alwayes some wind stirring which clears and cools the Air : Their Summers and Winters observe the same times with ours , but their longest dayes and nights are shorter than ours in England by almost two hours and an half : as also their shortest dayes and nights are as much longer then ours : For their longest dayes are about fourteen hours , and their shortest ten . When its noon with us , its morning with them , and when it s about five a Clock in the evening with us , its noon with them ; so that while the Sun declines with us it rises with them , as also it doth in Virginia , its apt to Thunder and Lighten all the year long , and oft times more terrible than in England , yet never any are hurt by it . There is no Venemous Creature in this Country : the yellow Spider which is there making her Webb as it were of Silk , and bringing forth her young of Eggs , like little drops of quick-silver , neither is it perceived to be Venemous , yet there is a plant that climbs Trees like our Ivy , the leafe like that of a Vine , that is somewhat venomous , but of no great force . There is great store and variety of Fish , and so good as these parts of the World afford not the like , which being mostly unknown to the English , they gave them such names as best liked them : As Rock-Fish , Groops , Porgie-Fish , Hog-Fish , Angle-Fish , Cavallies , Yellow-tailes , Spanish-Makerels , Mullets , Bream , Cony-Fish , Morrayes , Sting-Rays , Flying-Fish , &c. The like they did by the Fowl , as Cohoos , Sandbirds , Hearns , Duck , Teal , Pemblicoes , Castle-Boobies , Hawks , &c. At the first Plantation of this Country by the English it was all over grown with Woods , and Plants of several kinds ; and to such as were unknown to them they gave such names as best pleased themselves : such as were known retained their old names ; as Cedars , Palmitoes , Black-wood , White-wood , Yellow-wood , Mulberry-trees , Stopper , trees , Lawrel , Olive-trees , Mangrowes , Pepper-trees , Yellow-berry-weed , Red-weed , &c. These and many others they found of Natures Planting : But since they have Inhabited it , there have been brought , as well from the Indies as from other parts of the World , sundry other Plants , as Vines of several kinds , Sugar-canes , Fig-trees , Apple-trees , Oranges , Lemons , Pomgranates , Plantanes , Pines , Parsnips , Raddishes , Artichocks , Pottatoes , Cassavie , Indico , &c. In so much that it s now become like a spacious Garden , or Orchyard of many pleasant , and profitable things . There are many Tortoises , which they call Turtles : they are in the shape of their bodies like Crab-Fishes , and have four fins , they are as big as three or four men can carry , the upper part of them in covered with a great shell , weighing about half a hundred weight , the flesh that cleaves to the inside of it being roasted against the fire , is almost like the marrow of Beef , excellent good ; but the shell of it self harder than horn : She hath also a shell on her belly , but not so hard as the other , for when it s boiled it becomes soft like the gristles of Beef , and is good meat : These live in the Sea , spending the Spring , and Summer time about these Islands , but where they spend the rest of the year is not known ; they are like to Fowl in respect of the smallness and shape of their heads , and necks , which are wrinkled like a Turkey , but white , and not so sharp bil'd ; they breed their young of Eggs which they lay , in their Flesh they resemble beasts , for it eats like Veal , but more hard and sollid : They alwayes feed upon grass growing at the bottom of the water , neither can they abide any longer under the water then they hold their breath , which the old ones will do long , but the young ones being chased to and fro cannot continue two minutes without coming up to breath . Shortly after their coming to those Islands the Male and Female couple , which they call Cooting , this they continue about three dayes together , during which time they will scarce separate though a Boat come to them , nor hardly when , they are smitten . Not long after , the she Turtle comes up by night upon some sandy Bay , and further up than the water uses to flow , where she digs a hole with her Fin upon the sand about two foot deep , and coming up several nights there layes her Eggs , about half a bushel ( which are about the bigness of a Hens Egge , but as round as a ball ) and each time covers them with sand very curiously , so that a man can hardly find the place : These Eggs in time are hatched by the heat of the Sun , and so creep out of the Earth , the Dam coming no more at them . They are no bigger than a mans hand at first , which some Fish will devour : they grow slowly and seem to live long ; they will sleep on the top of the water , and used to sleep on the Land till the Countrey was Inhabited . They will live also out of the water about three weeks , and that without meat , but then they mourn , and pine away . Being turned upon their backs when they are on the Land , they cannot without help , or some disadvantage recover themselves ; by which means , when they come a shore to lay their Eggs , they are easily taken ; as also they are when they are Cooting . Otherwise they are taken mostly by night , by making a great Light in a Boat to which they will resort , so that a man standing ready , with a staff in his hand wherein is a sharp Iron , four square with a line fastned to it , This Iron he strikes into the upper shell of the Turtle where it sticks fast , and after she hath tired her self a while with swimming about , she is easily taken : the head being cut off they will live twenty four hours , so that if you cut the flesh with a knife , or touch it , it will tremble , and shrink away ; there is no meat that will keep longer , either fresh or salt . There is a Fruit called a prickled Pear , growing in such places as are scarce fit for any thing else , namely , upon Rocks and Cliffs , and commonly by the Sea-side , as if the Salt water did something help to the generating and nourishing of them : The Tree grows certain years before it bears Fruit , and then it continues bearing very many years , having almost all the year long fruit upon it . Though it be called a Tree it hath scarce any body or branches , but consisteth in a manner wholly of leaves and fruit soft and brittle ; many of these Pears grow upon and about a leaf without any stalk at all , and having some prickles about the top ; being opened the juyce is of a crimson colour , and they are full of seeds within . There are gray and white Hearns , gray and green Plovers , wild Ducks and Mallards , Coots , Redshanks , Sea-widgeons , Gray-Bitterns , Cormorants ; many smal Birds like Sparrows and Robbins , Wood-peckers , Crows , Falcons , Jerfalcons , Hobbies , &c. The Cohow , is so called from his voice , a night bird , being all day hid in the Rocks . The Egge-Bird which comes constantly in the beginning of May , when they begin to lay Eggs almost as big as Hens , and continue laying till Midsummer , and are very tame , their young are excellent meat , their Eggs are white , and the Cohows , speckled like a Turkeys Egg , as big as Hens . The Tropick Bird hath his name from the place where he is most seen . The Pemblico is seldom seen by day , and by her crying foretells Tempests . For Plants . The poison Weed , in shape like our Ivy , with the touch of it causeth Redness , and itching , but after a while pass away of themselves , without farther hurt . The Red Weed is a tall Plant , whose stalk is covered with Red Rind . The Root steeped , or a little of the Juice drank alone , is a strong vomit , and effectual against Distempers of the stomach . There is a kind of Woodbind near the Sea , that runs up about Trees likk a Vine : The Fruit is somewhat like a Bean , but flatter , which eaten , purges strongly , yet without harm : There is another small Tree that causeth Costiveness . There is also a Plant like a Bramble , that bears a long yellow Fruit with a hard snell , and within is a hard Berry which purges gently . Red Pepper is a Fruit like our Barberries , which bruised with the teeth sets all the Mouth on a heat , for the time violent , but swallowed whole have the same operation with pepper . The Sea-Feather is a Plant growing on the Rock in the bottom of the Sea , in form of a Vine-leaf , but far larger , with veines of a palish Red , interlaced , and weaved each into the other . There are also store of Indian Pompeons , the water Melon , and the Musk-Mellon , the most delicate Pineapple , Papawes , &c. Ambergriece is many times found upon the shoar . The most troublesome things in these Islands are the Winds , especially in the Spring and Autumn . The Hurricanes have sometimes done much hurt : Muskito's are very troublesome : There is a certain Bugg which creeping into Chests , by their illsented Dung defile all , besides their eating . There are Pismires or Ants in the Summer times so troublesome that they are forced to dry their Figgs upon high Frames , anointing their feet with Tar which stops their passage . Worms in the Earth are destructive to their Corn , and Tobacco , causing them much labour every morning to destroy them , which else would derstoy all . There have bee● large Lizards which are now destroyed by Cats . Spiders are large by of beautiful colours , as if adorned with Silver , Gold , and Pearl . Their Webs in Summer woven from tree to tree are perfect raw silk , both in substance and colour , and so strong , that Birds bigger than Blackbirds are snared in their Nets . Of these Bermudus Islands there are many , some say five hundred , if we call all them Islands that lye by themselves compassed with the Sea , of which some are larger and others less , they lye all in the Figure of a Crescent , within the circuit of six or seven Leagues at most ; the greatest of them is about sixteen miles in length from the East North-East , to the West South-West , standing in thirty two Degrees and twenty Minutes . About these Islands are seen many Whales , attended with the Sword-Fish and the Thresher . The Sword-Fish with his sharp and needle-like Fin pricking him into the belly when he would dive and sink into the Sea , and when he starts up from his Wounds , the Thresher with his Club Fins beats him down again . Here is also a kind of Web-footed Fowl , of the bigness of our green Plovers , which all Summer are not seen , but in the darkest nights of November and December ( for in the night only they feed ) would come abroad , making a strange hollow and harsh howling ; their colour is inclining to russet , with white bellies , and the long feathers of their wings are russet and white , they breed in those of the Islands that are farthest in the Sea , and there in the ground they have their burrows , like Conies . Of these , the English at their first coming , with a lighted bough have taken three hundred in an hour . Afterwards they found out this devise to take them , by standing on the Rocks or Sand by the Sea-side , they would hollow , laugh , and make the strangest noise that possibly they could , with which noise these birds would come flocking to the place , and settle upon the very Armes and Head of him that so cryed , still creeping nearer and answering that noise themselves , by which means our men would weigh them in their hands , and those that weighed heaviest and were best they took , the other they let go , and thus they have taken twenty dozen of the best of them in two hours space ; they are fat and plump like a Partridge , and very well relished . In January they gat great store of their Eggs which are as big and as well relished as our Hen Eggs ; These they call Sea-Owles , because of their hooting , they have crooked Bills and will bite shrewdly . Not long after the English had planted in this Island , which was about the year 1620. it pleased God to send a great Plague upon them by reason of a few Rats that came in a Meal Ship , which though at first few in number , yet within the space of two years they multiplyed so exceedingly , that they did not only fill those places where they first landed , but swimming from place to place they spread themselves all over the Country , insomuch , as there was no Island though severed by the Sea from all others , and many miles distant from the place where they first began , but was pestred with them ; they had their nests almost in every Tree , and in all places had their Burrows in the ground , like Conies to harbour in : they spared not the Fruits of either Plants or Trees , nay , nor the Plants themselves , but eat all up . When the Planters had set their Corn , they would come by troops the night following , or as soon as it spict , dig it up again and eat it . If by diligent watching any of it escaped till it came to easing , it would very hardly scape them : yea , it was a difficult matter when they had it in their Houses to save it from them , for they became noysom even to the persons of Men. They used all diligence for the destroying of them , nourishing many Catts , wild and tame ; they used Ratsbane , and many set the Woods on fire , so that the fire ran half a mile or more before it was extinguished . Every man in the Country was enjoyned to set twelve Traps , and some voluntarily set neer an hundred , which they visited twice or thrice in a night . yea , they trained up their Dogs to hunt them , wherein they grew so expert , that a good Dog in two or three hours space would kill ●●rty or fifty Rats . Other means they also used , yet nothing would prevail , finding them still to encrease upon them . This was a cause of great distress to the Planters ; for by this means they were kept destitute of bread for a year or two , so as when they had it afterwards again , they were so weaned from it , that they would easily forget or neglect to eat it with their meat . By this means they were so destitute of food that many died , and the rest became very feeble and weak , whereof some being so , would not , and others could not stir abroad to seek relief , but dyed in their Houses . And such as did go abroad were subject through weakness to be suddenly surprized with a disease called the Feages , wherein they had neither pain , nor sensible sickness , but as it were the highest degree of weakness , depriving them of power and ability to execute any bodily exercise , as working , walking , &c. Being thus taken , if any body was present that could minister to them any relief , they would strait wayes recover , otherwise they died there . About this time there came to these Islands a company of Ravens which continued with them all the time of this mortality and then departed from them . Never any being seen there before or since : But it pleased God at length , that the extremity of their distress began to abate , partly by supplies sent them out of England , and partly by some rest and ease that they got thereby . Yet the Rats continued for some time after , notwithstanding all the devises and industry that they used to destroy them . But suddenly it pleased God , ( by what means was not known ) so to take them away , that the wild Catts and Dogs that lived upon them were famished , and many of them leaving the Woods came down to the Houses , and to such places where they used to garbish their Fish , and so became tame . Here are many wild Palm-Trees growing , in fashion , leaves and branches resembling the true Palme : The Tree is high and strait , sappy , and spungious , having no branches but in the uppermost part of it , and in the top grow leaves about the head of it : ( the most inmost part whereof they call the Palmeto , and it is the heart and pith of the Tree , so white and thin as that it will pill off pleats , as smooth and delicate as white Sattin , into twenty folds in which a man may write , as in Paper ) where they spread and fall downwards about the Tree like an over-blown Rose : The leaves are as broad as an Italian Vmbrello , under one of which a man may well shelter his whole Body from rain , for being stiff and smooth , the rain easily slides off . The Palmito , or soft top roasted , tastes like a fried Melon , and being sod , it eates like a Cabbage , but is far less offensive to the Stomach . From under the broken Rocks they take forth Cray-Fishes oft times greater than any of our English Lobsters . They have also aboundance of Crabs , Oisters , and Wilks ; at one draught they have taken small and great about a Thousand Fishes , as Pilchards , Breams , Mullets , Rock-Fish , &c. Every Cave and Creek being furnished with aboundance of them , which lie there sucking in the water which falls from the high Hills mingled with the juyce of the Palms and Cedars , and such other sweet woods , whereby they become both fat and wholsome . There are Sparrows fat and plenty ; Robbins of diverse colours green and yellow , &c. Many of the Turtles before mentioned , be of a mighty bigness , insomuch as one of them will suffice Seventy , or eighty men at a meal , especially , if she be a she Turtle , which will have five hundred Eggs in her , being as many as fifty or sixty men can eat at a meal , they are very good and wholesome meat . There are Mulberry Trees , Olive Trees , Cedars of colour red , and very sweet , which bear a kind of berry that is very pleasant to eat . The top of the Palmito Tree is in season , and good all the year , if you take but an Hatchet and cut it , or an Augur and bore it , it yields a very pleasant Liquor , much like to our sweet wines : it bears likewise a berry in the bigness of a Prune , and in taste much like it . Anno Christi 1609. Sr. Thomas Gates , and Sr. George Sommers , as they were going to Virginia suffered Shipwrack at these Islands , where they continued till May , 1610. in which time they built there a Ship and a Pinace of Cedar , in which they departed to Virginia , leaving only two men behind them : and shortly after some of them came back to the Sommer Islands , where Sr. George Sommers dying , his men ( contrary to his last charge given unto them ) went for England , leaving behind them three men who stayed voluntarily , who shortly after found in Sommerset Island a very great Treasure of Ambergreece valued at nine or ten thousand pounds Sterling . The discovery of these Islands being made known in England to the Virginia Company by these men that returned , they sold it to One hundred and twenty Persons of the same Company , who obtained a Charter from His Majesty : and in April 1612. sent thither a Ship called the Plough , with about Eighty men and women in it , who arrived there in safety in July , where they found the three men that had voluntarily stayed there before as you heard . These men had Planted Corn , great store of Wheat , Beans , Tobacco , and Melons , with many other good things for the use of man : Besides they had wrought upon Timber , in squaring and sawing Cedar Trees &c. They were no sooner come within a League of the Land but a company of Fish met them , and never left them till they came to an Anchor within the Haven , of which with Hooks and Lines they took more than their whole Company was able to eat . Two dayes after they went out with their Net and Boat , and if they would have loaded two Boates they might have done it , which also they might have daily , there was such plenty of them . The day after they went to the Bird Islands , where with their hands they took up as many Birds as they pleased , they were so tame . They took up three for every Boy and Girl , and four for every Man. Then sent they out some for wild Hogs , who brought home some , that did eat as well as our English Mutton . Anno Christi , 1612. Mr. R. Moor was sent over thither Governour for three years , who spent the greatest part of his time in fortifying the Country , and training the people to Martial Exercises . He built nine or ten Forts , and planted Ordnances upon them . To him succeeded Captain Tucker , Anno Christi 1616. who spent his three years in Husbanding the Country , Planting , and nourishing all such things as were fit either for Trade , or for the sustentation , and use of the Inhabitants . He also added to the Fortifications , and made some inclosures . The The Country also was then divided , wherein every Adventurer had his share allotted to him , whereupon the Planters built them substantial Houses , cleared their ground , and Planted all things necessary , so that in a short time the Country began to approach near unto that happiness wherein it now floweth . Nevv-England Described , AND THE PLANTATION THEREOF BY THE ENGLISH Of the Beasts , Fowles , Birds , Fishes , Trees , Plants , Fruits , &c. Of the Natives , of their Religion , Customs , Fishings , Huntings , &c. THE place whereon the English have setled their Colonies is judged either to be an Island surrounded on the North with the great River Canada , and on the South with Hudsons River , or a Peninsula , these two Rivers over lapping one another , having their rise from two great Lakes which are not far distant each from other . Massechusets Bay lyeth under the Degree of 42. and 43. bearing South-West from the Lands-end of Old England ; at the bottom of which Bay are scituated most of the English Plantations . The Bay is both safe , spacious , and deep ; free from such cockling Seas as run upon the Coasts of Ireland , and in the Channels of England : without stiff running Currents , Rocks , Shelves , Bars , or Quicksands . When you have sailed two or three Leagues towards the bottom , you may see the two Capes bidding you welcome . These Capes thrust themselves out into the Sea in form of a Crescent , or half Moon , the surrounding Shoar being high , and shewing many white Cliffs , with diverse intermixtures of low-sand , out of which , diverse Rivers empty themselves into the Sea , with many openings , wherein is good Harbouring for Ships of any burthen : The Harbours are New-Plimouth , Cape Anu , Salem , and Marvil-Head , all which afford good ground for Anchorage , being Land-lockt from Wind , and Seas . The chief and usual Harbour is the still Bay of Massechusets , which is also aboard the Plantations : it s a safe and pleasant Harbour within , having but one secure entrance , and that no broader than for three Ships to enter abreast , but within there is Anchorage for five hundred Ships . This Harbour is made by many Islands , whose high Clifts shoulder out the boisterous Seas , yet may easily deceive the unskilful Pilot , presenting many fair openings , and broad sownds , whose Waters are too shallow for ships , though Navigable for Boats , and small Pinnases . The entrance into the great Haven is called Nant●scot , which is two Leagues from Boston . From hence they may sail to the River of Wessaguscus , Naponset , Charles River , and Mistick River , on all which are seated many towns . Here also they may have fresh supplies of Wood and water from the adjacent Islands , with good Timber to repair their Weather-beaten Ships : As also Masts , or Yards , there being store of such Trees as are useful for the purpose . The places which are inhabited by the English , are the best ground , and sweetest Climate in all those parts , bearing the name of New England , the Air agreeing well with our English bodies , being High Land and a sharp Air , and though they border upon the Sea-Coast , yet are they seldom obscured with Mists , or unwholesome Foggs , or cold Weather from the Sea , which lies East , and South from the Land. And in the extremity of Winter , the North-East , and South-winds comming from the Sea , produce warm weather , and bringing in the Seas , loosen the frozen Bayes , carrying away the Ice with their Tides : Melting the Snow , and thawing the ground : Only the North-west Winds coming over the Land , cause extream cold weather , accompanied with deep Snows , and bitter Frosts , so that in two or three dayes the Rivers will bear Man or Horse . But these Winds seldom blow above three dayes together , after which the Weather is more tollerable . And though the cold be sometimes great , yet is there good store of wood for housing and fires , which makes the Winter less tedious : And this very cold Weather lasts but eight or ten weeks , beginning with December , and ending about the tenth of February . Neither doth the piercing colds of Winter produce so many ill effects , as the raw Winters here with us in England . But these hard Winters are commonly the forerunners of a pleasant Spring , and fertile Summer , being judged also to make much for the health of our English bodies . The Summers are hotter than here with us , because of their more Southerly Latitude , yet are they tollerable , being oft cooled with fresh Winds . The Summers are commonly hot and dry , there being seldom any Rain , yet are the Harvests good , the Indian Corn requiring more heat than wet to ripen it : And for the English corn , the nightly Dews refresh it , till it grows up to shade its Roots with its own substance from the parching Sun. The times of most Rain are in April , and about Michaelmas . The early Spring and long Summers make the Autumns and Winters to be but short . In the Springs when the Grass begins to put forth , it grows apace , so that , whereas it was black by reason of Winters blasts , in a fortnights space there will be grass a foot high . New England being nearer the Aequinoctial than Old England ; the days and nights be more equally divided . In Summer the dayes be two hours shorter , and in Winter two hours longer than with us . Virginia having no Winter to speak of , but extream hot Summers , hath dried up much English blood ; and by the pestiferous Diseases , hath swept away many lusty persons , changing their complexions , not into swarthiness , but into Paleness ; which comes not from any want of food , the Soil being fertile , and pleasant , and they having plenty of Corn , and Cattel , but rather from the Climate , which indeed is found to be too Hot for our English Constitutions , which New England is not . In New England Men and Women keep their natural Complexions , in so much as Seamen wonder when they arive in those parts , to see their Countrey men look so Fresh and Ruddy ; neither are they much troubled with Inflammations , or such Diseases as are increased by too much heat . The two chief Messengers of Death , are Feavours , and Callentures ; but they are easily cured if taken in time , and as easily prevented , if men take care of their bodies . As for our common Diseases they be Strangers in New England . Few ever have the small Pox , Measels , Green-sickness , Headach , Stone , Consumption , &c. yea many that have carried Coughs and Consumptions thither , have been perfectly cured of them . There are as sweet , lusty Children born there , as in any other Nation , and more double births than with us here : The Women likewise recover more speedily , and gather strength after child-birth sooner than in Old England . The Soil for the general is a warm kind of Earth , there being little cold spewing Land , no Moorish Fens , nor Quagmires : The lowest Grounds be the Marshes , which are ovrflown by the Spring-Tides : They are Rich Ground , and yield plenty of Hay , which feeds their Cattel as well as the best Upland Hay with us : And yet they have plenty of Upland Hay also , which grows commonly between the Marshes and the Woods : And in many places where the Trees grow thin , they get good Hay also . And near the Plantations there are many Meddows never overflowed , and free from all Wood , where they have as much Grass as can be turned over with a Sithe , and as high as a mans middle , and some higher , so that a good Workman will Mow three Loads in a day . Indeed this Grass is courser than with us , yet is it not sower , but the Cattel eat , and thrive very well with it : and are generally larger , and give more Milk than with us , and bring forth young as well , and are freer from diseases than the Cattel here . There is so much Hay Ground in the Country , that none need fear want , though their Cattel should encrease to thousands , there being some thousands of Acres that were yet never medled with ; and the more their Grass is Mowed , the thicker it grows ; and where Cattel use to graze , in the Woods , the Ground is much improved , growing more grassy , and less full of Weeds ; and there is such plenty of Grass in the Woods , that the Beasts need not Fodder till December ; at which time men begin to house their milch beasts and Calves . In the Upland Grounds the Soil varies , in some places Clay , in others Gravel , and some are of a Red Sand , all which are covered with a black Mould , usually a foot or little less deep . The English Manure their ground with Fish , whereof they have such plenty , that they know not how otherwise to dispose of them , yet the Indians being too lazy to catch Fish , plant Corn eight or ten years in one place , without any such help , where they have yet a good Crop. Such is the rankness of the ground , that it must be Planted the first year with Indian Corn , before it will be fit for English Seed . The ground in some places is of a soft mould , in others so tough and hard , that five Yoke of Oxen can scarce plow it , but after the first breaking up , it is so easie , that one Yoak of Oxen and an Horse may plow it . Our English Corn prospers well , especially Rye , Oats , and Barly . The ground affords very good Kitchin Gardens , for Turnips , Parsnips , Carrots , Radishes , Pumpions , Muskmellons , Squashes , Cucumbers , Onions , and all other English Roots and Hearbs prospers as well there as with us , and usually are larger and fairer . There are store of Herbs both for Meat and Medicine , not only in Gardens , but in Woods , as sweet Marjoram , Purslane , Sorrel , Penniroyal , Saxifrage , Bayes , &c. Also Strawberries in abundance , very large , some being two inches about . There be also Goosberries , Bilberries , Rasberries , Treackleberries , Hurtleberries , Currants , which being dried in the Sun , are not much inferiour to those we have from Zant. There is also Hemp and Flax , some that grows naturally , and some that is Planted by the English , and Rape-seed . There is Iron , Stone , and plenty of other stones both rough and smooth , plenty of Slate to cover houses , and Clay whereof they make Tiles and Bricks , and probably other Minerals . The Country is excellently watered , and there are store of Springs which yield sweet water that is fatter than ours , and of a more jetty colour and they that drink it , are as healthy , and lusty as those that drink Beer . None hitherto have been constrained to digg deep for this Water , or to fetch it far , or to fetch it from several places ; the same water serving for washing , brewing , and all other uses . There be also several spacious Ponds in many places , out of which run many pleasant and sweet streams both Winter and Summer , at which the Cattel quench their thirst , and upon which may be built Water-Mills for necessary uses . There is also great store of Wood , not only for Fewel , but for the building of Ships , Houses , and Mills . The Timber grows strait and tall , some Trees being twenty , and others thirty foot high before they spread forth their branches . They are not very thick , yet many of them are are sufficient to make Mill-posts ; some being three foot and a half in the Diameter . Neither do they grow so close , but that in many places a man man may ride a hunting amongst them . There is no underwood but in swamps , and wet low grounds , in which are Osiers , Hazels , and such like . Of these Swamps , some are ten , some twenty , some thirty miles . For the Indians use to burn the under-wood in other places in November , when the Grass and Leaves are withered and dry , which otherwise would marr their beloved sport of Hunting : But where the Indians died of the plague , not many years ago , there is much underwood between Wessaguscus , and Plimouth , because it hath not thus been burned . The several sorts of Timber are thus expressed . Trees both on Hills and Plains in plenty be , The long-liv ' Oake , and mournful Cypress Tree , Sky-towring Pines , and Chesnuts coated rough , The lasting Cedar , with the Walnut tough ; The Rosin-dropping Fir for Masts in use , The Boatmen seek for Oars , light , neat grown Spruse ; The brittle Ash , the ever trembling Aspes , The broad spread Elme , whose concave harbours Wasps ; The watry spungy Alder good for nought , Small Elder by th' Indian Fletchers sought , The knotty Maple , pallid Birch , Haw thorns , The Horn-bound Tree that to be cloven scorns ; Which from the tender Vine oft takes his Spouse , Who twines imbracing arms abut his Boughs ; Within this Indian Orchard Fruitr be some , The ruddy Cherry and the jetty Plumb , Snake murthering Hasel with sweet Saxafrage , Whose spouts in Beer allayes hot Feavers rage , The Diars Shumack , with more Trees there be , That are both good for use , and and rare to see . The chief and common Timber for ordinary use is Oake , and Walnut . Of Oakes there be three kinds , Red , White , and Black , whereof one kind is fittest for Clap-board , others for sawn-board , others for shipping , and others for houses . They yield also much Mast for Hoggs , especially every third year , the Acron being bigger than our English : The Walnut-trees are tougher than ours , and last time out of mind : The hut is smaller than ours , but not inferiour in sweetness and goodness , having no bitter Pill . In some places there is a Tree that bears a Nut as bigg as a small Pear . The Cedars are not very big , not being above eighteen inches in Diameter , neither is it very high , and its fitter for ornament than substance , being of colour White and Red like Yew , & smells like Juniper , they use it commonly for sieling of Houses , for making of Chests , Boxes , and Staves . The Fir , and Pine-trees grow in many places , shooting up exceeding high , especially the Pine : They afford good Masts , Boards , Rozin , and Turpentine , they grow in some places for ten miles together , close by the Rivers sides , where by ships they may easily be transported to any desired Ports . Their Ash is blittle , and therefore good for little , so that the Walnut is used for it . The Horn-bound tree is exceeding tough , which makes it very difficult to be cleft , yet it s very good for Bowls and Dishes , not being subject to crack : It grows with broad-spread Arms , the Vines winding their curling branches about them , which afford great store of Grapes , very bigg , both Grapes and Clusters , sweet and good . They are of two sorts , Red and white : there is also a smaller Grape growing in the Islands , which is sooner ripe , and more delicious ; doubtless as good wine might be made of them as at Burdeaux in France , it lying under the same degree : The Cherry Trees yield great store of Cherries , which grow on Clusters like Grapes ; they are smaller than ours and not so good , if not very ripe : The Plumbs are somewhat better , being black and yellow , as big as Damasens , and indifferently well tasted . The White Thorn yields Hawes as big as our Cherries , which are pleasant to the tast , better than their Cherries . The Beasts be as followeth . The Kingly Lion , and the strong-arm'd Bear , The large-limb'd Moosis , with the tripping ●ear ; Quil-darting Porcupines , and Rackcames be , Castled in the hollow of an aged Tree : The skipping Squirrel , Cony , Purblind Hare , Immured in the self same Castle are , Lest red-eyed Ferrets , wildly Foxes should Them undermine , if Rampir'd but with mould , The grim-fac't Ounce , and ravenous howling Woolf , Whose meager pauch , sucks like a swallowing gulph , Black-grittering Otters , and rich coated Bever , The Civet-sented Muscat smelling ever . Lions there be some , but seen very rarely . Bears are common , which be most fierce in Strawberry time , when they have young ones ; they will go upright iike a man , climb trees , and swim to the Islands : At which time if an Indian see him , he will swim after him , and overtaking him , they go to Water-cuffs for bloody noses , and scratched sides ; at last the man prevails , gets on his back , and so rides him on those watry Plains , till the Bear can bear him no longer . In the Winter they retire to Cliffs of Rocks , and thick Swamps to shelter them from the cold , where they live by sleeping and sucking their Paws , and with that will be as fat as they are in Sommer : Yet the Woolves will devour them : A kennel of them setting upon a single Bear , will tear him in pieces . They are good meat , and seldom prey upon the English Cattel , or offer to assault any man , except they be vexed with a shot . The Moose is somewhat like our Red Deer as big as an Ox , slow of foot , headed like a Buck , some being two yards wide in the head ; his flesh is as good as Beef , his Hide is good for clothing ; they bring forth three young ones at a time ; fourty miles to the North-East of Massechusets Bay , there be great store of them ; they are oft devoured by the Woolves . The Fallow Dear are much bigger than ours , of a brighter colour , more inclining to Red , with spotted bellies ; They keep near to the Sea , that that they may swim to the Islands when they are chased by the Woolves They have commonly three young ones at a time , which they hide a mile from each other , giving them suck by turns , and this they do , that if the Woolf should find one , they may save the other ; their horns grow strait , over-hanging their heads , so that they cannot feed on things that grow low , till they have mused their heads . The Porcupine is small , not much unlike to an Hedghog , only somewhat bigger : He stands upon his Guard against man or beast , darting his quills into their Leggs or Hides , if they approach too near him . The Rackoon is a deep furred Beast , not much unlike a Badger , having a Tail like a Fox , and is as good meat as a Lamb. In the day time they sleep in hollow Trees , in the light nights they feed on Clams by the Sea side , where they are taken with Doggs . The Squirrels be of three sorts , the great gray Squirrel , almost as big as our Conies . Another almost like our English Squirrels ; the third is a flying Squirrel , which is not very big , with a great deal of loose skin , which she spreads square when she flies , which with the help of the Wind , wafts her Batlike body from place to place . The Conies are much like ours in England . The Hares are some of them white , and a yard long ; both these creatures harbour themselves from the Foxes in hollow Trees , having a hole at the entrance no bigger than they can creep into . The hurtful Creatures are Squncks , Ferrets , Foxes , whereof some be black , and their Furrs of great esteem . The Ounce , or wild Cat is as big as a Mungrel . It s by nature fierce and dangerous , fearing neither Dogg nor Man : He kills Deer , which he effects thus : Knowing the Deers tracts , he lies lurking in long weeds , and the Deer passing by , he suddenly leaps upon his back , from thence he gets to his neck , and scratches out his throat . He kills Geese also ; for being much of the same colour , he places himself close by the water , holding up his bob tail , which is like a Gooses neck , which the Geese approaching nigh to visit , with a sudden jerk he apprehends his desired prey . The English kill many of them , and account them good meat . Their Skins have a deep Fur , Spotted White and Black on the belly . The Woolves differ something from those in other Countries ; they never yet set upon any man or woman , neither do they hurt Horses or Cows ; But Swine , Goats , and red Calves ( which they take for Deer ) are oft killed by them . In Autumn and the Spring they most frequent our English Plantations , following the Deer which at those times come down to those parts : They are made like a Mongrel , big-boned , thin paunched , deep breasted , having a thick neck and head , prick ears , and a long snout , with dangerous teeth , long stairing hair , and a great bush tail . Many good Mastiffs have been spoiled by them . Once a fair Grayhound , ran at them , and was torn in pieces before he could be rescued ; they have no Joynts from the Head to the Tail. Some of them are black , and one of their skins is worth five or six pound . Of Beasts living in the Water . Their Otters are most of them black , and their skins are almost as good as Bevers ; Their Oyl is of rare use for many things . Martins also have a good Fur for their bigness . Musquashes are almost like Beavers , but not so big , the Males stones smells as sweet as Musk , and being killed in Winter or the Spring they never loose their sweetness : they are no bigger than Cony-skins , and yet are sold for five shillings a piece . One good Skin will perfume a whole house full of Clothes . The Bevers wisdom and understanding makes him come nigh to a reasonable creature . His body is thick and short , with short leggs , feet like a Mole before , and behind like a Goose , a broad tail like a shoo-sole , very tough and strong : His head is something like an Otters , saving that his fore-teeth be like Conies , two above and two beneath , sharp and broad , with which he cuts down Trees as big as a mans thigh , or bigger , which afterwards he divides into lengths according to the uses they are appointed for . If one Beaver be too weak to carry the Log , than another helps him : If two be too weak , three or four will assist , being placed three to three , which set their teeth in one anothers tough tails , and laying the load on the hindermost , they draw the Logg to the desired place , they tow it in the water , the youngest getting under it , bearing it up that it may swim the lighter . They build their houses of Wood and Clay , close by a Ponds side , and knowing their seasons , they build their houses answerably , three stories high , that when the Land Floods come they may shift higher , and when the waters fall , they remove lower . These houses are so strong that no Creature , save an industrious man with his penetrating tools can pierce them , their ingress and egress being under water . They make very good Ponds ; for knowing where a stream runs from between two rising Hills , they will pitch down Piles of Wood placing smaller Rubbish before it , with clay and sods , not leaving till by their Art and Industry they have made a firm and curious Dam-head , which may cause admiration in wise men . They keep themselves to their own Families , never parting so long as they are able to keep house together . Their wisdom secures them from the English , who seldom kill any of them , wanting time and patience to lay a long siege , or to be often deceived by their cunning evasions . So that all our Beavers come from the Indians , whose time and experience fits them for that imployment . Of the Birds , and Fowls both of Land and Water . They are expressed in these Verses . The princely Eagle , and the soaring Hawks , Within their unknown wayes ther 's none can chawk : The Hum-Bird for some Queens rich Cage more fit Than in the vacant wilderness to sit . The swift-wing'd Swallow sweeping to and fro , As swift as arrow from Tartarian bow . When as Aurora's infant day new Springs , There th' morning mounting Lark her sweet layes sings . The harmonious Thrush , swift Pigeon , Turtle Dove Who to her Mate doth ever constant prove . The Turkey , Pheasant , Heathcock , Partridge rare , The Carrion-tearing Crow , and hurtful Stare ; The long-liv'd Raven , th' ominous Screach-Owl , Who tell ( as old wives say ) disasters foul . The drowsie Madge that leaves her day-lov'd nest To fly abroad when day-birds are at rest : The Eele murthering Hern , and greedy Cormorant , That neer the Creeks in Moorish Marshes haunt . The bellowing Bittern , with the long legg'd Crane . Presaging Winters hard , and dearth of Graine . The Silver-Swan that tunes her mournful breath To sing the Dirg of her approaching death : The tatling Oldwives , and the cackling Geese , The fearful Gull that shuns the murdering piece : The strong wing'd Mallard , with the nimble Teal , And ill-shap't Loon , who his harsh notes doth sweal ; There Widgins , Shildrakes , and Humilitee , Snites , Dropps , Sea-Larks in whole millions flee . The Eagles be of two sorts , one like ours in England , the other somewhat bigger , with a great white head , and white tail , commonly called Gripes , they prey upon Ducks , and Geese , and such Fish as are cast upon the Sea-shore ; yet is there a certain black Hawk that will beat this Eagle , so that he is constrained to soar so high , that his enemy cannot reach him : The Hawk is much prized by the Indians , who account him a Sagamores ransom . There are diverse kinds of Hens , Partridges , Heathcocks , and Ducks . The Hum-bird is no bigger than an Hornet , having Spider-like legs , small claws , a very small Bill ; in colour she represents the glorious Rainbow : As she flies she makes a noise like a Humble-Bee . The Pidgeons are more like Turtles than ours , and of the same colour , and have long tailes like a Mag Pie , their Feathers are fewer , but their Bodies as big as our House-Doves , they come into the Country to go home-ward in the beginning of their Spring : at which time ( saith my Author ) I have seen innumerable ; so that I could neither discern beginning nor ending , the length nor breadth of these Millions of Millions : neither could the shouting of People , the report of Guns , nor the pelting of Hail-shot turn them out of their course , but thus they have continued for four or five hours together : and at Michaelmas they return Southward : yet some there are all the year long , which are often killed . They build some thirty miles Northward ; from the English Plantation in Pine-Trees , joyning nest to nest , and Tree to Tree by their nests , so that the Sun never sees the ground in that place , from whence the Indians fetch whole Loads of them . The Turkey is a long Fowl , of a black colour , yet is his flesh white , he is much bigger than our English Turkey ; He hath long Leggs wherewith he can run as fast as a Dog , and can fly as fast as a Goose : Of these are forty , fifty , sixty , and sometimes an hundred in a flock : They feed on Acorns , Haws , and Berries , and some will frequent the English Corn. When the ground is covered with Snow , they go to the Sea-side and feed on Shrimps , and Fishes : If you watch them where they Pearch at night , about ten or eleven a clock at night you may shoot as oft as you will , for they stir not except they be wounded : they continue all the year long , and weigh forty pounds and more apeice . Pheasants are rare ; but Heath-Cocks , and Partridges are common , whereof our English kill many . Ravens and Crows , are much like those in other Countries . There are no Magpies , Jayes , Cockcooes , Jackdaws , Sparrows , &c. The Stares are bigger than ours , and are as black as Crows , which do much hurt among the young Corn , and they are so bold that they fear not Guns . Owles are of two sorts , the one is small speckled like a Partridg with eares : The other is almost as big as an Eagle and is very good meat . Cormorants are as common as other Fowles , they devour much Fish. A tame Cormorant , and two or three good Dogs in the water make excellent sport : Cranes are as tall as a man , their bodies not much unlike the Turkies , they are rarely fat . Also many Swans frequent the Rivers and Ponds , which are very good meat . There be three sorts of Geese ; The Brant Goose like one of our wild Geese . A white Goose about the bigness of ours : Of these there will be sometimes two or three thousand in a flock . The third is a grey Goose with a black neck , and a black and white head much bigger than our English : They are killed both flying and sitting . The Ducks are very large , and in great abundance ; and so is their Teale . Their Old-wives never leave tatling day nor night , they are somewhat bigger than a Duck. The Loon is ill-shaped like a Cormorant , but he can neither go nor fly ; He makes a noise somestime like a Sowgelders Horn. The Humilites , or Simplicites rather , be of two sorts ; The one as big as green Plover , the other is less ; they are so simple that one may drive them on heaps , and then shoot at them , and the living will settle themselves on the same place again where the dead are , while you shoot again , so that sometimes above twelve score have been killed at two shoots . OF FISH . There are great store , and much variety of Fishes thus enumerated . The King of the Waters , the Sea-shouldering Whale ; The snuffing Grampus , with the oylie Seal , The storm-presaging Porpus , Herring-Hogg , Line-shearing Shark , the Cat-fish and the Sea-dogg ; The scale-fenc'd Sturgeon , wry-mouth'd Hollibut ; The flouncing Salmon , Codfish , Greedigut ; Cole , Haddock , Haike , the Thornback and Scate , Whose slimy outside makes him seld in date ; The stately Bass , old Neptunes fleeting Post , That tides it out and in from Sea to Coast ; Consorting Herrings , and the bony Shad. Big-bellied Alewives , Macrils richly clad With Rain-bow colours , the Frost-fish and the Smelt , As good as ever Lady Gustus felt . The spotted Lamprons , Eeles , the Lamperies , That seek fresh water-Brooks with Argu's-eyes . These watry Villages , with thousands more Do pass and repass neer the Verdant shore . Shell-fish of all sorts . The luscious Lobster with the Crabfish raw , The Brittish Oyster , Muscle , Periwig And the Tortoise sought by the Indian Squaw ; Which to the flats dance many a Winters Jigg : To dive for Cockles , and to dig for clams , Whereby her lazy husbands guts she crams . The Seal , called also the Sea-Calf , whose Skin is good for divers uses , and his body between Fish and Flesh , neither delectable to the Pallat , nor well agreeing with the Stomack . His Oyl is used in Lamps . The Shark is as big as a man , some as big as a Horse , with three rows of teeth in his mouth , with which he Snaps in two the Fishers Lines ; he will bite off a mans Armor Legg at a bit , they are oft taken , and serve for nothing but to manure the Ground . There are many Sturgious , but the most are caught at Cape Cod , and in the River of Meramack , whence they are brought to England , they are twelve , fourteen , and some eighteen foot long . The Salmon is as good as ours , and in great plenty in some places : The Hollibut is like our Plaice or Turbut , some being two yards long , and one broad , and a food thick . Thornback and Scate is given to the Doggs , being so common in many places . The Bass is one of the best Fishes , being a Delicate and fat Fish : He hath a bone in his head that contain a Saucerful of Marrow sweet and good , pleasant and wholesome ; they are three or four foot long , they take them with a Hook and Line , and in three hours a man may catch a dozen or twenty of them . The Herrings are much like ours . Alewives are much like Herrings , which in the end of April come into the fresh Rivers to spawn , in such multitudes as is incredible , pressing up in such shallow waters where they can scarce swim , and they are so eager , that no beating with poles can keep them back till they have spawned . Their Shads are far bigger than ours : The Makarels be of two sorts ; In the beginning of the year the great ones are upon the Coast , some 18. inches long : In Sommer come the smaller kind , they are taken with Hooks and Lines baited with a piece of Red Cloth. There be many Eels in the salt water , especially where grass grows , they are caught in Weels baited with pieces of Lobsters : Sometimes a man thus takes a busnel in a night , they are wholesome and pleasant meat . Lamprons and Lampries are little esteemed . Lobsters are in plenty in most places , very large , and some being twenty pound weight , they are taken at low water amongst the Rocks ; the smaller are the better ; but because of their plenty they are little esteemed . The Oysters be great , in form of a shoo-horn , some of a foot long , they breed in certain banks , which are bare after every Spring-tide ; each makes two good mouthfuls . The Periwig lies in the Oase like a head of hair , which being touched , draws back it self leaving nothing to be seen but a small round hole , Muscles are in such plenty that they give them their Hoggs . Clams are not much unlike to Cockles , lying under the Sand , every six or seven of them having a round hole at which they take in Air and Water , they are in great plenty , and help much to feed their Swine both Winter and Sommer ; for the Swine being used to them , will constantly repair every ebb to the places , where they root them up and eat them . Some are as big as a Penny Loaf , which the Indians count great dainties . A Description of the Plantations in New-England as they were Anno Christi , 1633. The outmost Plantation to the Southward , which by the Indians is called Wichaguscusset , is but a small Village , yet pleasant and healthful , having good ground , store of good Timber , and of Meddow ground ; there is a spacious Harbor for shipping before the Town ; they have store of Fish of all sorts , and of Swine , which they feed with Acrons and Clams , and an Alewife River . Three miles to the North is Mount Wolleston , a fertile soil , very convenient for Farmers houses , there being great store of plain ground without Trees . Near this place are Maschusets Fields , where the greatest Sagamore in the Country lived before the Plague cleared all : Their greatest inconvenience is that there are not so many Springs as in other places ; nor can Boats come in at low water , nor Ships ride near the Shore . Six miles further to the North lieth Dorchester , the greatest Town in New-England , well Wooded and Watered with good Arrable and Hay ground , fair comfortable Fields and pleasant Gardens : Here are many Cattel , as Kine , Goats , and Swine . It hath a good Harbor for ships ; there is begun the fishing in the Bay , which proved so profitable , that many since have followed them there . A mile from thence lies Roxberry , a fair and handsome Country Town ; the Inhabitants are rich : It lies in the Mains , and yet is well Wooded and watered , having a clear Brook running through the Town , where are great store of Smelts , whence it s called Smelt-River . A quarter of a mile on the North of it is another River , called Stony River , upon which is built a water Mill. Here is good store of Corn and Meddow Ground . Westward from the Town it s somewhat Rocky , whence it s called Roxberry ; the Inhabitants have fair houses , , store of Cattel , Come-fields paled in , and fruitful Gardens . Their goods are brought in Boats from Boston , which is the nearest Harbor . Boston is two miles North-East from Roxberry . It s Situation is very pleasant , being a Peninsula hemmed on the South with the Bay of Roxberry . On the North with Charles River , the Marshes on the back side being not half a quarter of a mile over , so that a little fencing secures their cattel from the Wolves . Their greatest want is of Wood and Meddow ground , which they supply from the adjacent Islands , both for Timber , Fire-wood , and Hay ; they are not troubled with Wolves , Rattlesnakes nor Musketoes , being bare of Wood to shelter them . It s the chief place for shipping and Merchandize . This neck of Land is about four miles in compass , almost square : Having on the South at one corner a great broad Hill , whereon is built a Fort , which commands all Ships in any Harbour in the Hill Bay. On the North side is another Hill of the same bigness , whereon stands a Windmil . To the North-West is an high Mountain , with three little Hills on the top , whence it is called Tremount . From hence you may see all the Islands that lie before the Bay , and such Ships as are upon the Sea Coast. Here are rich Corn Fields , and fruitful Gardens : The Inhabitants grow rich ; they have sweet and pleasant Springs ; and for their enlargement , they have taken to themselves Farm-Houses in a place called Muddy River , two miles off , where is good Timber , Ground , Marsh-Land , and Meddows , and there they keep their Swine or other Cattel in the Summer , and bring them to Boston in the Winter . On the North side of Charles River is Charles Town , which is another neck of Land , on whose Northern side runs Mistick River . This Town may well be paralled with Boston , being upon a bare neck , and therefore forced to borrow conveniencies from the Main , and to get Farmes in the Country . Here is a Ferry-boat to carry Passengers over Charles River , which is a deep Channel , and a quarter of a mile over . Here may ride fourty ships at a time . Up higher is a broad Bay that is two miles over , into which run Stony River , and Muddy River . In the middle of this Bay is an Oyster bank . Medfod Village is scituated towards the North-West of this Bay , in a Creek : A very fertile and pleasant place : It s a mile and a half from Charles Town . At the bottom of this Bay the River is very narrow . By the side of this River stands New-Town , three miles from Charles Town . It s a neat and well compacted Town , having many fair buildings , and at first was intended for a City ; The Inhabitants are mostly rich , and have many Cattel of all sorts , and many hundred Acres of Ground paled in . On the other side of the River lies their Meddow and Marsh Ground for Hay Half a mile thence is Water Town , nothing inferiour for Land , Wood , Meddows and Water : Within half a mile of it is a great Pond , which is divided between those two Towns ; And a mile and a half from this Town is a fall of fresh waters , which through Charles River fall into the Ocean : A little below this fall they have made weires , where they catch great store of Shads , and Alewives , an hundred thousand of them in two Tides . Mastick is three miles from Charles Town ; seated pleasantly by the waters side . At the head of this River are very spacious Ponds to which the Alewives press to cast their Spawn , where multitudes are taken . On the West side of this River the Governour hath a Farm where he keeps most of his Cattel . On the East side is Mr. Craddocks Plantation , who impailed in a Park for Deer , and some ships have been built there . Winnisimet is a very pleasant place for situation , and stands commodiously . It s but a mile from Charles Town , the River only parting them . It s the lasts Town in the Bay. The chief Islands that secure the Harbor from Winds and Waves , are first Deere Island , within a flight shot from Bullin Point . It s so called , because the Deer often swim thither to escape the Woolves , where sixteen of them have been killed in a day . The next is Long Island , so called from its length . Other Islands are Nodless Isle , Round Isle ; the Governours Garden , having in it an Orchard , Garden , and other conveniencies : Also Slate Island , Glass Island , Bird Island , &c. they all abound with Wood , Water , and Meddows : In these they put their Cattel for safety , whil'st their Corn is on the Ground . The Towns without the Bay are nearer the Main , and reap a greater benefit from the Sea , in regard of the plenty of Fish and Fowl , and so live more plentifully than those that are more remoat from the Sea in the Island Plantations . Six miles North-East from Winnisimet is Sagus , is pleasant for situation , seated at the bottom of a Bay , which is made on the one side with a surrounding Shore , and on the other side with a long Sandy Beach : It s in the circumference six miles , well Woodded with Oakes , Pines , and Cedars ; It s also well watered with fresh Springs , and a great Pond in the middle , before which is a spacious Marsh. One Black William an Indian Duke , out of his generosity , gave this place to the Plantation of Sagus , so that none else can claim it ; when a storm hath been , or is like to be , there will be a roaring like thunder which may be heard six miles off . On the North side of this Bay are two great Marshes , divided by a pleasant River that runs between them . The Marsh is crossed with divers Creeks where are store of Geese and Ducks , and convenient Ponds wherein to make Decoys . There are also fruitful Meddows , and four great Ponds like little Lakes wherein is store of fresh Fish ; out of which , within a mile of the Town runs a curious fresh Brook which is rarely frozen by reason of its warmness : and upon it is built a Water Mill. For Wood there is store , as Oake , Walnut , Cedar , Elme , and Aspe : Here was sown much English Corn. Here the Bass continues from the midst of April till Michaelmas , and not above half that time in the Bay. There is also much Rock-Cod , and Macharil , so that shoals of Bass have driven shoals of Macharil to the end of the sandy bank , which the Inhabitants have gathered up in Wheel barrows . Here are many Muscle banks , and Clam-banks , and Lobsters amongst the Rocks , and grassy holes . Four miles from Saugus stands Salem , on the middle of a neck of Land very pleasantly , between two Rivers on the North and South . The place is but barren sandy Land , yet for seven years together it brought forth excellent Corn , being manured with Fish every third year : Yet there is good ground , and good Timber by the Sea side , and divers fresh Springs . Beyond the River is a very good soil , where they have Farms . Here also they have store of Fish , as Basses , Eels , Lobsters , Clams , &c. They cross the River in Canows made of whole Pine Trees , two foot and an half wide , and twenty foot long , in which also they go a Fowling , sometimes two Leagues into the Sea. It hath two good Harbours , which lie within Derbins Fort. Marvil Head lies four miles South from Salem , a very good place for a Plantation , especially for such as will set up a Trade of Fishing : There are good Harbours for Boats , and good riding for ships . Agowomen is nine miles to the North from Salem near the Sea , and another good place for a Plantation . It abounds with Fish and Flesh , of Fowls , and Beasts , hath great Meddows and Marshes , and Arable grounds , many good Rivers and Harbours , and no Rattle Snakes . Merrimack lies eight miles beyond that , where is a River Navigable for twenty miles , and all along the side of it fresh Marshes , in some places three miles broad . In the River is Sturgion , Salmon , Bass , and divers other kinds of Fish. Three miles beyond this River is the out side of Massecusets Patent ; wherein these are the Towns that were begun in the year , 1633. Of the Evils , and Hurtful things in the Plantation . Those that bring the greatest prejudice to the Planters , are the ravenous Woolves , which destroy the weaker Cattel , of which we heard before . Then the Rattle Snake which is usually a yard and a half long , as thick in the middle as the small of a mans Legg , with a yellow belly : Her back is spotted with black , russet , and green , placed like scales . At her taile is a rattle with which she makes a noise when she is molested , or when any come near to her : Her neck seems no bigger than a mans thumb , yet can she swallow a Squirrel , having a wide mouth with teeth as sharp as needles , wherein her poyson lies , for she hath no sting : when a man is bitten by her , the poyson spreads so suddenly through the veins to the heart that in an hour it causes death , unless he hath the Antidote to expel the poyson , which is a Root called Snake-weed , which must be champed , the spittle swallowed , and the Root applyed to the sore ; this is a certain cure . This Weed is rank poyson if it be taken by any man that is not bitten , unless it be Phisically compounded with other things . He that is bitten by these Snakes , his fresh becomes as spotted as a Lepers , till he be perfectly cured . She is naturally the most sleepy and unnimble Creature that is , never offering to leap at , or bite any man , if he tread not upon her : In hot weather they desire to lie in paths in the Sun , where they sleep soundly ; A small switch will easily kill them . If a Beast be bitten , they cut his flesh in divers places , and thrust in this Weed , which is a sure Cure. In many places of the Country there be none of them ; As at Plimouth , New-Town , &c. In some places they live on one side the River , and if they swim over , as soon as they come into the Woods , they turn up their yellow bellies and die . Other Snakes there be , which yet never hurt eitheir man or Beast . There be also store of Froggs , which in the Spring time chirp , and whistle like Birds , and in the end of Sommer croake like other Frogs . There are also Toads that will creep to the top of Trees , and sit croaking there to the wonderment of strangers . There be also Pismires , and Spiders , but neither Fleshworms , nor Moles . There be wild Bees or Wasps that guard the Grapes , making her Cobweb nest amongst the Leaves : Also a great Fly , like to our Horse flies , which bite and fetch blood from man or beast , and are most troublesome where most Cattel be . There is also a Gurnipper , which is a Fly as small as a Flea , and where it bites it causes much itching , and scratching . Also the Muskito like to our Gnats : Such as are bitten by them fall a scratching , which makes their hands and faces swell ; but this is only the first year , for they never swell the second year . Here also are Flies called Cantharides , so much used by Chirurgions ; and divers sorts of Butterflies . Of the Natives inhabiting those parts of New-England . The Country is divided ( as it were ) into Shires , every several Shire under a several King. On the East , and North-East are the Churchers , and Tarenteens . In the Southern parts are the Pequants , and Naragansets . On the West are the Connectacuts , and Mowhacks . Those on the North of them are called Aberginians , who before the sweeping Plague scorned the confrontments of such as now count themselves but the scum of the Country , and that would soon root them out , were it not for the English. The Churchers are a cruel bloody people , which were wont to come down upon their poor neighbours , bruitishly spoyling their Corn , burning their houses , slaying their men , ravishing the Women , yea sometimes eating a man , one part after another before his face whil'st he was alive : But they say , they dare not meddle with a white faced man , accompanied with his hotmouthed weapon . They are tall of stature , have long grim Visages , slender wasted , and exceeding great arms and thighs , wherein their strength lies ; with a Fillip of their finger they will kill a Dogg : They live upon Fruits , Herbs , and Roots , but that which they most desire is Mans flesh . If they catch a stranger they keep him in as good plight as they can , giving him their best fare , and daily pipe to him , paint him , and dance about him , till at last they begin to eat him piece-meal : They are desperate in Wars , securing their bodies with Sea-horse Skins , and Barks of Trees made impenitrable , wearing Head-pieces of the same : Their Weapons are Tamahauks , which are Staves of two foot and a half long , and a knob at the end as big as a Foot-ball ; these they carry in their right hand , and in their left a Javelin , or short spear headed with a sharp Sea-horse Tooth ; they are both deadly Weapons . The Tarenteens are little less savage , only they eat not mans flesh : They are enemies to the Indians amongst the English , and kill as many of them as they can meet with . They are the more insolent because they have Guns , which they trade for with the French , who will sell his eyes , they say , for Beaver . So soon as a Boat comes to an Anchor , they enquire for Sack and strong Liquors , which they much affect ever since the English traded it with them , so that they will scarce exchange their Beaver for any thing else . These are wise , high spirited , constant in friendship one to another , true in their promises , and more industrious than most others . The Pequants are a stately Warlike People , just in their Dealings ; requiters of Courtesies , and affable to the English. The Narragansetz are the most numerous people in those parts , the richest and most industrious : They are also the most curious Minters of their Wampamprag and Mowhacks , which they make of the most inmost wreaths of Perriwinckles shells ; the Northern , Eastern , and Western Indies fetch all their Coin from them : As also they make curious Pendants and Blacelets , and stone Pipes which hold a quarter of an ounce of Tobacco ; these they make with Steel Drills , and other Instruments , and so ingenuous they are , that they will imitate the English Mold so exactly that were it not for matter and Colour you , could not distinguish them ; they make these Pipes of green or black stone ; they made also Pots , wherein they dressed their Victuals before they knew the use of our Brass : They seek rather to grow rich by Industry , than famous by deeds of chivalry . The Aberginians are mostly between five and six foot high , straight bodied , strong lim'd , smooth skin'd , merry countenanced , of complexion something more swarthy than a Spaniard ; black haired , high foreheaded , black eyed , out-nosed , having broad shoulders , brawny Arms , long and slender hands , out-breasts , small wasts , lank bellies , handsome legs , thighs , flat knees , and small feet . It s beyond belief to conceive how such lusty bodies should be supported by such slender foot : Their houses are mean , their lodging as homely , their commons scant , their drink Water , and Nature their best cloathing : You shall never see any monstrous person amongst them , or one whom sickness hath deformed , or casualty made decrepit ; most are fifty years old before a wrinkled brow , or Gray Hairs bewrayes their age : their smooth Skins proceeds from the oft anointing their bodies with Oyl of Fishes , and fat of Eagles , and Rackoones , which secures them also against Muskitoes : Their black hair is Natural , but made more jetty by oyling , dying , and daily dressing : Sometimes they wear long hair like women , sometimes they tie it up short like a horse tail : their boyes must not wear their hair long , till they be sixteen year old , and then also but by degrees , some leave a foretop , others a long lock on the crown , or one on each side the head , as best pleases their fancy : They will not endure any Hair on their Chins , but scrub it up by the roots : And if they see one with the appearance of a Beard , they say he is an English mans Bastard . Their cloathing is a piece of cloth of a yard and a half long put between their Groyns tied with Snake-skins about their middle , with a flap before , and hanging like a tail behind . The more Aged in the Winter wear Leather Drawers like Irish Trowzes ; their shooes are of their own making , cut out of a Mooses Hide ; have and some skins which they cast about them like Irish Mantles , being either Bear , Mooses , or Beaver-skins sewed together , &c. and in the Winter deep Fur'd Catskins , which they wear upon that Arm that is most exposed to the weather . When they are disposed to Trade , they choose a good course Blanket , or piece of Broad Cloth , which they make a Coat of by Day , and a covering by Night : They love not to be imprisoned in Cloaths after our Mode . Though they be poor , yet are they proud , which discovers it self by their affecting Ornaments , as Pendants in their Ears , forms of Birds , Beasts , and Fishes carved out of Bones , Shels , and Stones , with long Bracelets of their curiously wrought Wampompeag , and Mowhacks , which they wear about their loins . Many of their better sort bear upon their cheeks the Pourtaictures of Beasts , and Fowls , which they make by rasing of their skin with a small sharp Instrument , under which they convey a kind of black unchageable Ink which makes them apparent and permanent : Others have impressions down the out side of their Arms and Breasts like Stars , which they imprint by searing Irons . A Sagamore with a Hum-bird in his Ear for a Pendant , a black Hawke on his Head for a Plume , Mawhack instead of a Gold Chain , store of Wampompeag about his Loins , his Bow in his Hand , his Quiver at his back , and six naked Indians for his Guard , thinks himself nothing inferiour to the great Cham , and will say that he is all one with King Charles . Of their Diet , Cookery , Meal-times and Hospitality . In the Winter time they have all sorts of Fowls , Beasts , and Pond-fish , with some Roots , Indian Beans , and Clams . In the Sommer they have all manner of Sea Fish , with all sorts of Berries . These they roast or boil in great Kettles , which they gat by trading with the French , and now of the English : Before , they had good earthen Pots of their own making ; their Spits are cloven sticks sharpned at one end and thrust into the ground , a dozen of them with Flesh and Fish about a fire , turning them as they see occasion . This they present to their Guests , dishing it in a rude manner , and set on the ground , without Linnen , Trenchers , or Knives ; to this they presently fall aboard without Bread , Salt , or Beer , lolling after the Turkish fashion , not ceasing till their full bellies leave empty platters . Their Indian Corn they seeth whole , like Beans , eating three or four corns with a mouthful of Fish or Flesh , filling up thinks with their Broth. In Sommer when their Corn is spent Isquoterquashes is their best Bread , like our young Pumpions . When our English invite them to meat , they eat very moderately , though at home without measure . They all meet friends at a Kettle , save their Wives , who attend at their backs for their bony fragments . They keep no set meals , but when their store is spent , they bite on the bit , till they meet with fresh supplies , their Wives trudging to the Clam-banks when other Provision fails . It s the greatest discourtesie you can shew them , not to eat of their Delicates , of which they are as free as Emperors , and not to sup of their Broth made thick with Fish , Fowl and Beasts , all boiled together . Of their Dispositions , good Qualities , as Friendship , Constancy , Truth , and Affability . These Indians are of an Affable , Courteous , and well-disposed Nature , ready to communicate the best of their wealth to the mutual good one of another , and the less abundance they have , the more conspicuous is their love , in that they are as willing to part with their mite in poverty , as their Treasure in Plenty . He that kills a Deer sends for his friends and eats it merrily . He that receives but a piece of Bread from an English hand , gives part of it to his Comrades , and they eat it together lovingly . Yea , a friend can command a friends house , and whatsoever is his ( saving his Wife ) and have it freely : and nothing sooner disjoyns them than ingratitude , accounting an ungrateful person , a double Robber , not only of a mans curtesie , but of his thanks , which he might have from another for the same profered and received kindness . They so love each other , that they cannot endure to see one of their Countrymen wronged , but will defend them stiffly , plead for them strongly , and justifie their integrity in any warrantableaction . They are true , and faithful to the English , and have been the disclosers of all such treacheries as have been designed by other Indians against them . If any roaving ship be upon the Coast , and chance to harbour in any unusual Port , they will give the English notice of it , which hath been no small advantage . When the English have travelled far into the Couutry , they readily entertain them into their houses , quarter them in their Rooms , and provide for them the best victuals they can , and give them kind entertainment , if it be for two or three weeks together . They are also ready to guide them through the unbeaten Wildernesses , and if any loose their way , they will not leave them till they have brought them to their desired place . They are very careful to keep good correspondence with our English Magistrates , being ready to execute any service which they require of them . If any Malefactor withdraw himself from condigne punishment , they will hunt him out , and not rest till they have delivered him up to Justice . They are kind and affable , very wary with whom they enter into friendship ; nothing is more hateful to them than a churlish disposition , or dissimulation : They speak seldom , and then utter not many words , and those they do , they deliver very gravely . They never fall out amongst themselves , nor abuse each other in language . Yea , though in Gaming they lose all their little all , yet is the Loser as merry as the Winner , and they part good friends . Of their Hardness . Their hardness is to be admired , no ordinary pains causing them so much to alter their Countenance : Beat them , whip them , pinch them , punch them , if they resolve otherwise , they will not winch for it : and though naturally they fear death , yet the unexpected approach of a mortal wound by Sword , Bullet , &c. strike no more terrour , causes no more exclamation , no more complaint , than if it were a shot into the Trunk of a Tree . Some have been shot in at the Mouth , and out under the Ear , others into the Breast ; others run through the flanks with Darts , others received desperate wounds , and yet , either by their rare skill in simples , or by Charms have been cured in a short time . In the night they dare not stir out of their houses , for fear of their Abamaco [ the Devil ] they will rather lie by an English fire all night , than go a quarter of mile in the dark to their own houses . Of their wondering at their first sight of any new Invention . They being strangers to Arts , are ravished at the first view of any new Invention : They took the first Ship they saw for a mourning Island , the Masts to be Trees , the Sails , white Clouds , and the discharging of great Guns , to be Thunder and Lightning : But this moving Island being stopped by its Anchor , they manned out their Canows to go and pick strabones in it ; but by the way , being saluted with a broad side , they cryed out , with much hoggery , so big walk , and so big speak , and by and by kill ; this made them to turn back , and approach no more till they were sent for . They wondred much at the first Wind Mill which the English erected , for its strange whirking motion , and the sharp teeth , biting the Corn so small , and its long Arms , neither durst they stay in so tottering a Tabernacle . The first Plowman they saw was accounted a Jugler , the Plow tearing up more ground in a day , then their Clamshels could scrape up in a moneth . yet are they so ingenious , and dexterous in using the Ax or Hatchet , that probably they would soon learn any Trade , were they not so much wedded to idleness ; so that they had rather starve than work . In brief , they be wise in their carriage , subtile in their Trading , true in their promise , just in paying their Debts : Though their poverty may make them slow , yet are they sure : Some having died in the English debt , have by Will left Beaver for their satisfaction : They be constant in friendship , merrily conceited in Discourse , not Luxurious , in Youth , nor froward in Old Age. Of their Kings Government , and Subjects obedience . Their Kings inherit , the Son alwayes succeeding his Father . If there be no Son , the Queen Rules , if no Queen , the next of the blood Royal ; If any other intrude , he is counted a Usurper ; and if his fair carriage win not their love , they will soon unking him . The Kings have not many Laws to Rule by , nor have they any yearly Revenews , yet are they so feared , or beloved , that half their Subjects estates are at their service , and their persons at his command . Though he hath no Kingly Rules to make him glorious , no guard to secure him , no Courtlike attendance , nor sumptuous Pallaces , yet they account him their Soveraign , and yield chearful subjection to him , going and coming at his beck without questioning a reason , though the matter thwart their wills . Such as commit Treason , or lay violent hands on their lawful Soveraign , die without mercy . Once a year he takes his progress , attended with a dozen of his best Subjects , to view his Countrey , to recreate himself , and to establish good Order . When he comes into any house , without any other Complements , they desire him to sit down on the ground ( having neither Stools nor Cushions ) and after a while all that are present sit down by him , one of his Seniors making an Oration gratulatory to his Majesty for his love , and the many good things they enjoy under his Government . A King of large Dominions hath his Vice-Royes under him to mannage his State Affairs , and to keep his Subjects in good Decorum . For their Laws , as their evil manners come short of other Nations , so they need not so many Laws , yet some they have , which they inflict upon notorious Malefactors , as Traytors , Murtherers , &c. He that deserves death , being apprehended , is brought before the King ; and some of his wisest men , and if upon trial he be found guilty , the Executioner comes in , blindfolds him , and sets him in the publick , and brains him with a Club ; they have no other punishment save Admonitions , or reproofs for smaller offences . Of their Marriages . The Kings and great Pawwoos , or Connirers may have two or three Wives , yet seldom use it ; others have but one . When a man desires to marry , he first gets the good will of the Maid or Widdow , then the consent of her friends , then , if the King like , the match is made , her Dowry of Wamponpeag paid , and so the King joyns their hands never to part till Death , unless she prove a Whore , for which they may put them away . Of their Worship , Invocations , and Conjurations . As its natural to all Mortals to worship something , so do these . They acknowledge specially two , Ketar , who is their God , to Whom they sacrifice when they have a good Crop. Him they Invocate for fair weather , for Rain , for recovery of their sick , &c. But if they prevail not , their Powwows betake themselves to their Conjurations , and Charmes , by which they effect very strange things , and many times work great Cures . But since the English came amongst them , they are much reformed , and most of them have left these Diabolical practices . Of their Wars . For places of retreat in times of danger they make Forts of fourty or fifty foot square , of young Timber Trees ten or twelve foot high rammed into the ground , the Earth being cast up within for their shelter , and with loop holes through which they shoot their Arrows . In war their only Weapons are Bows and Arrows , only their Captains have long Spears , on which , if they return Conquerors , they carry the chiefest of their enemies heads ; for they use to cut off their heads , hands , and feet to carry home to their Wives and Children as Trophies of their renowned Victories : They also at such times paint their Faces with diversities of colours to make them the more terrible to their foes ; They put on also their rich Jewels , Pendants , Wampompeag , &c. to mind them that they fight , not only for their Lives , Wives and Children , but for their Goods , Lands , and Liberties ; they fight without all order , and when they have spent their Arrows , they run away . They are trained up to their Bows from their childhood , and are excellent Marks-men : They run swiftly , and swim almost naturally . Of their Huntings . They have neither Beagles , Hounds , nor Grayhounds , but supply all themselves : In the season of the year they have Hunting Houses in the places to which the Deer resort , in which they keep their Rendesvouze , with their Snares , and all the Accoutrements for that imployment . When they see a Deer Moose , or bear , they labour to get the wind of him , and coming neer they shoot him quite through , if the bones hinder not . They hunt also Wolves , wild Cats , Rackoones , Otters , Beavers , and Musquashes , trading both their Skins and flesh to the English : They have also other devises wherewith to kill their game . Of their Fishings . They are very expert in fishing , knowing all kinds of baits fit for each several sorts of fish , and for all seasons of the year . They know also when to fish in the Rivers , when at the Rocks , when in the Bayes , and when at the Seas : Before the English furnished them with Hooks and Lines , they made Lines of their own Hemp , curiously wrought , stronger than ours , and used bone-hooks ; They make also strong Nets , wherewith they , catch Sturgion ; and in the night they go forth in their canooes with a blazing Torch , which they wave up and down , with which the Sturgion being delighted , playes about it , turning up her white belly , into which they thrust a bearded Dart , her back being impenetrable , and so hale her to the shoar . They look out also for sleeping Seals , whose Oyl they much esteem , using it for divers things . Of their Arts and Manufactures . They dress all manner of Skins , by scraping and rubbing , and curiously paint them with unchangable colours , and sometimes take off the hair , especially if they be not in season . They make handsome Bows , which they string with Mooses sinews : Their Arrows they make of young Eldern , which they feather with Eagles feathers , and head them with Brass in shape of a Triangle . Their Cordage is so even , smooth , and soft , that its liker Silk than Hemp. Their Canows are either made of Pine-trees , which , before they had English Tools , they burned hollow scraping them smooth with the shels of Clams , and Oysters , cutting their out-sides with Hatchets of Stone : Others they make of Birch rinds , which are so light that a man may carry one of them on his back . In these tottering Boats they will go to Sea , scudding over the waves , rowing with a Paddle : If a Wave turn her over , by swimming they turn her up , and get into her again . Of their Death , Burials , and mournings . Though these Indians have lusty and healthful bodies , not knowing many diseases incident to others Countries , as Feavers , Plurisies , Callentures , Agues , Obstructions , Consumptions , Convulsions , Apoplexies , Dropsies , Gout , Stone , Toothach , Pox , Meazles , &c. so that some of them live to sixty , seventy , eighty , yea , one hundred years before death summons them hence ; yet when death approaches , and all hope of recovery is past , then to see and hear their heavy sobbs , and deep fetched sighs , their grieved hearts , and brinish tears , and doleful cryes , would fetch tears from an heart of stone . Their grief being asswaged , they commit the bodies of their friends to the Earth , over whose grave for a long time they weep , groan , and howl , continuing annual mournings , with a stiff black paint on their faces : They mourn without hope , and yet hold the immortality of the Soul , that it shall pass to the South-West Elysium , a kind of Paradise , wherein they shall for ever abide , solacing themselves in Odoriferous Gardens , fruitful Corn-fields , green Meddows , Bathing in cool streams of pleasant Rivers , and shelter themselves from heat and cold in state-Pallaces framed by Dame Nature ; at the Portal of this Elisium they say there lies a great Dogg , whose currish snarlings excludes unworthy intruders : wherefore they bury them with Bows and Arrows , and store of Wampompeag , and Mouhak● , either to affright the affronting Cerberus , or to purchase greater prerogatives in that in Paradise . But evil livers they go to the infernal dwellings of Abamacho , there to be tormented . Of their Women , their Dispositions , Imployments , Vsage by their Husbands , their Apparel , and Modesty . These Indians scorn the tutorings of their Wives , or to admit them as their equals , though their qualities , and industry may justly claim the preheminence , and command better usage , and more conjugal esteem , their persons and features being every way correspondent , their qualifications more excellent , being more loving , pitiful , and modest , mild , provident , and laborious than their lazy husbands . Their imployments are many , for they build their houses in fashion like our Garden Arbors , but rounder , very strong and handsome , covered with close wrought Mats of their own weaving , which deny entrance to a drop of Rain , though it be fierce and long , neither can the North winds find a crany whereat to enter ; they be warmer then ours : At the top is a square hole for the smoake to pass out , which is close covered in rainy weather : Yet when they have a good fire , they are so smoky , that they are fain to lie down under the smoake . Their Sommer houses when Families are dispersed upon divers occasions , are less : their winter houses are fifty or sixty foot long ; fourty or fifty men lodging in one of them ; and when their husbands require it , the Wives are fain to carry their houses on their backs to Fishing and Hunting places ; or to a planting place , where it abides the longest . The Wives also plant their corn , which they keep so clear from weeds , with their Clam-shell Hooes , as if it were a Garden rather than a Corn-field ; neither suffering Weeds nor Worms to hurt it . Their Corn being ripe , they dry it in the Sun , and convey it into their Barns , which be great holes digged in the ground like brass Pots , lining them with Rinds of Trees , into which they put their Corn , covering it from their Gurmundizing Husbands , who else would eat up all their allowed portion , and reserved Seed if they knew where to find it . But our English Hoggs having found a way to open their Barn-doors , and to rob their Garners ; they are fain to make use of their Husbands help to rowl the bodies of Trees over them , to secure them against these Swine , whose thievery they hate as much as they do to eat their flesh . Another of their imployments is , in their Sommer processions to get Lobsters for their husbands , wherewith they bait their hooks when they go a fishing for Bass & Codfish . This is their every days walk be the weather cold or hot , the Waters rough or calm , they must dive sometimes over head and ears for a Lobster , which often shakes them by the hands , with a churlish nip , and so bids them adieu . The Tide being spent they trudg home two or three miles with an hundred weight of Lobsters on their backs , but if they meet with none , they have a hundred scouls from their churlish Hsbands , and an hungry belly for two dayes after . When their Husbands have caught any fish they bring it in their Canows as far as they can by Water , and there they leave it , sending their Wives to fetch it home , or they must fast , which done , they must dress it , cook it , dish it , and present it , and see it eaten before their faces , and their Loggerships having filled their paunches , their poor Wives must scramble for their scraps . In the Sommer when Lobsters be in their plenty and prime , these Indian women dry them to keep for Winter , erecting Scaffolds in the hot Sun , and making fires underneath them , by the Smoake whereof the flies are driven away , till the fish remain hard & dry : Thus also they dry Bass , and other Fishes without salt , cutting them very thin that they may dry the sooner before the Flies spoil them , or the Rain wet them , having a great care to hang them in their smoaky houses in the night , and dankish weather . In Sommer also they gather Flags , of which they make Mats for Houses ; also Hemp and Rushes with dying stuff , of which they make curious Baskets with intermingled colours , and Pourtraictures of Antique Imagery . These Baskets are of all sizes , from a Quart to a Quarter , in which they carry their Luggage . In Winter they are their Husbands Caterers , trugging to the Clam-banks for their belly-timber : they are also their porters to lug home their Venison , which their laziness exposeth to the Wolves , till their Wives impose it upon their shoulders . They also sew thir husbands shooes , and weave Turkey Feathers for them , besides all their housholds drudgery which daily goes through their hands , and a big belly hinders no business , nor doth their childbirth hinder much time , but the young child being greased and sooted , wrapped up in a Beavers Skin , bound to his good behaviour , with his feet up to his Bum , upon a board two foot long , and one foot broad , his face being exposed to the most nipping weather , this little Pappouse travels about with his barefooted Mother , to paddle in the Icy Clamb-banks , being not above three or four dayes old . The womens carriage is very Civil , smiles being the greatest grace of their mirth . Their Musick is Lullabies to quiet their Children , who yet are generally as quiet as if they had neither Spleen nor Lungs . To hear one of these Indian Women unseen , a good ear might easily mistake their untaught voice for the warbling of a well tuned Instrument . Their modesty suggest them to wear more cloathes than their Husbands , having alwayes a short Coat of cloth , or Skin wrapped like a Blanket about their loins reaching to their hams , which they never put off in company . If a husband sels his Wives Beaver Petticote , as sometimes he doth , she will not put it off , till she hath another to put on . Their mild carriage and obedience to their husbands is very commendable ; notwithstanding all their churlishness , and salvage inhumanity towards them , yet will they not frown , nor offer to word it with their Lords , nor presume to proclaim their superiority to the usurping of the least tittle of their Husbands charter , but are contentedly quiet with their helpless condition , esteeming it to be the Womans portion . Since the arrival of the English comparison hath made their yoake more miserable : For seeing the kind usage of the English men towards their wives , they cannot but as much condemn their own husbands unkindness , as they commend the English mens love . But in the mean time , their husbands commend themselves for their wit in keeping their wives in subjection , and to labour as much as they condemn the English husbands for their indulgence and folly in spoiling such good working creatures . These Indian women do oft resort to the houses of the English wherewith those of their own Sex , they do somewhat ease their misery by complaining of their thraldom , and seldom part without some relief ; and if their husbands come to seek for their Spaws ( for so they call all women ) and do begin to bluster for their idleness , the English woman betakes her to her Arms , which are the warlike Ladle , and the scalding Liquor , threatning blistering to the naked Runaway , who is soon driven back by such hot comminations . In a word , the love of these women to the English , deserves no small esteem , whom they are ever presenting with something that is rare or desired , as Strawberries , Hurtleberries , Rasberries , Gooseberries , Cherries , Plums , Fish , and such other gifts as their poor Treasury affords . New Englands Prospect . Of their Religion . The Natives of New-England conceive of many Divine powers : but one whom they call Keihtan ( they say ) is the principal , and maker of all the rest , and himself is made by none . He created the Heavens , Earth , Sea , and all Creatures contained therein . He also made one man and one Woman , of whom oll mankind came . But how they came to be so far dispersed , they know not . At first ( they say ) there was no Sachem or King , but Keihtan , who dwells above the Heavens , whither all good men go when they die to see their friends , and have their fill of all thins . Thither bad men go also , and knock at his door , but he bids them walk abroad , for there is no piace for such , so that they wander in restless want , and penury . Never man saw this Kiehtan ; only old men tell them of him , and bid them tell their children ; yea , to charge them to tell it to their posterities , and to lay the like charge upon them . This power they acknowledge to be good ; and when they would obtain any great matter , they meet together , and cry unto him ; and when they have plenty and victory , &c. they sing , dance , give thanks , and hang up Garlands in memory thereof . Another power they worship called Hobbamock , which is the Devil ; Him they call upon to cure their wounds , and Diseases . And when they are curable , he perswades them that he sends the same for some conceived anger against them ; but upon their calling upon him , he can , and doth help them . But when they are mortal and incurable , he tells them that Kiehtan is angry , and sends them , whom none can cure , which makes them doubt whether he be simply good , and therefore in sickness they never call upon him . This Hobbamock appears in sundry forms unto them ; As in the shape of a Man , a Deer , a Fawn , an Eagle , &c. But most ordinarily like a snake . He appears not to all , but to the chiefest , and most judicious amongst them , though all of them strive to attain that Hellish honor . He chiefly appears to three sorts of persons : Of the first Rank they are few , and they are highly esteemed of , and they think that no weapon can kill them : The second sort are called Powahs : and the third Priests . The Powahs chief Office is to call upon the Devil , and to cure the sick and wounded . The common people joyn with him in his Invocations , by saying Amen to what he saith . The Powah is eager and free in speech , fierce in countenance , and joyneth many Antick and laborious gestures with the same over the party diseased . If the party be wounded , they suck his wounds ; but if they be curable , the Snake or Eagle sits on his shoulders and licks the same . Him none sees but the Powah . If the party be otherwise diseased , its sufficient if in any shape he but comes into the house , and it is an undoubted sign of recovery . The Powahs in their speech promise to sacrifice many Skins of Beasts , Kettles , Hatchets , Beads , Knives , and the best things they have to the Fiend , if he help the diseased party . When women are in desperate and extraordinary hard travel in in Child-birth , they send for the Powahs to help them . Many sacrifices they use , and sometimes kill their Children . The Nanohiggansets exceed in their blind Devotion , and have great spacious houses , into which their Priests only come . Thither at certain times most of the People resort and sacrifice almost all their riches to their gods , as Kettles , Skins , Hatchets , Beads , Knives , &c. all which the Priest casts into a great fire made in the midst of that house , where they are consumed . To this Offering every man brings freely , and he that brings most , is best esteemed . The Priests are men of great courage and wisdom , and to these the Devil also appears more familiarly than to others , and covenants with them to preserve them from death by wounds of Arrows , Knives , Hatchets , &c. One of these will chase almost an hundred of their enemies : They are highly esteemed of all , and are of the Sachems Councel , without whom he will neither make War , nor undertake any great matter . In War the Sachems for their more safety , go in the midst of them . They are usually men of the greatest stature and strength , and such as will endure most hardness , and yet are discreet , and courteous in their carriages , scorning theft , lying , and base dealing , and stand as much upon their Reputation as any men . And to encrease the number of these , they train up the likeliest Boyes from their Childhood unto great hardness , and cause them to abstain from dainty meat , and to observe divers other Rules , to the end that the Devil may appear to them when they are of age . They also cause them to drink the Juice of Centuary , and other bitter Herbs , till they vomit it into a platter , which they must drink again , till at length , through extraordinary pressing of Nature , it looke like blood : And this the Boyes will do at first eagerly , and so continue , till by reason of faintness they can scarce stand on their leggs , and then they must go forth into the cold . Also they beat their shins with sticks , and cause them to run through Bushes , Stumps , and Brambles to make them hardy and acceptable to the Devil , that so in time he may appear unto them . Their Sachems are not all Kings , but only some few of them , to whom the rest resort for protection , and pay them Homage : Neither may they make War without their knowledge and approbation . Every Sachim takes care for the Widdows , Fatherless , Aged , or maimed , if their friends be dead , or not able to provide for them . A Sachim will not marry any but such as are equal in birth to him , lest his Seed prove ignoble ; and though they have many other wives , yet are they but Concubines , or servants , and yield obedience to the Queen , who orders the Family , and them in it . The other Subjects do the same , and will adhere to the first during their lives , but put away the other at their pleasure . Their Government is successive , not elective . If the Sachims child be young when his Father dies , he is committed to the Protection , and Tuition of some one amongst them , who rules for him till he be of age . Every Sachem knows the bounds and limits of his Kingdom , out of which , if any of his men desire Land wherein to set their Corn , he gives them as much as they can use . In these limits , he that Hunts and kills any Venison , gives the Sachim his Fee ; if it be killed on the Land , he hath part of the flesh ; if in the water , then the Skin only : The great Sachems or Kings know not their bounds so well . All Travellers or Strangers usually lie at the Sachims house , and when they come , they tell them how long they will stay , and whither they are going ; during which time they are entertained according to their quality . Once a year the Priests provoke the People to bestow much Corn on the Sachim , and accordingly at a certain time and place , the people bring many Baskets of Corn , and make a great Stack thereof near to the Sachems house . There the Priests stands ready to return them thanks in the name of the Sachim , who fetches the same , and is no less thankful , bestowing many gifts upon them . When any are visited with sickness , their friends resort to them to comfort them , and oft continue with them till death or recovery ; If they dye they stay to mourn for them , which they perform night and morning for many dayes after their Burial : But if they recover , because their sickness was chargeable , they send them Corn and other gifts , whereupon they Feast , and Dance . When they bury their dead , they sew the Corps up in a Mat , and so bury it . If a Sachim dyes , they cover him with many curious Mats , and bury all his Riches with him , and inclose the Grave with a Pale . If it be a child , the Father will put all his own special Jewels , and Ornaments into the grave with it : Yea , he will cut his Hair , and disfigure himself , in token of his great sorrow . If it be the Master or Dame of the Family , they will pull down the Mats , and leave the Frame of the house standing , and bury them in , or near the same , and either remove their Dwelling , or give over house-keeping . The younger sort reverence the Elder , and do all mean Offices for them when they are together , though they be strangers . Boyes and Girls may not wear their hair like men and women , but are distinguished thereby . One is not accounted a man , till he doth some notable act , and shews his Courage and Resolution answerable to his place : The men take much Tobacco , but it s counted very odious in a Boy so to do . All their Names are significant and variable . For when they come to be men and women , they alter them according to their deeds , or dispositions . When a Maid is given in Marriage , she first cuts her hair , and then wears a covering on her head till her hair is grown again . Of their Women some are so modest , that they will scarce talk together whilst men are by , and are very chast : Others are light , lascivious , and wanton . If a Woman hath a bad Husband , or affect him not ; If there be War between that and any other people , she will run away from him to the contrary party , where she never wants welcome ; for where there be most women , there is most plenty . When a Woman hath her Courses , she retires her self from all other company , and lives in a house apart ; After which she washes her self , and all that she hath touched or used , after which she is received into her Husbands Bed or Family . The Husband will beat his Wife , or put her away for Adultery . Yet some common Strumpets there are , but they are such as either were never married , or are Widdows , or that have been put away for Adultery : For no man will take such an one to wife . In matters of injustice or dishonest dealing , the Sachim examines and punisheth the same . In cases of theft ; For the first offence he is disgracefully rebuked : For the second , he is beaten by the Sachim with a Cudgle on the naked back : For the third , he is beaten with many stripes , and hath his Nose slit , that all men may both know and shun him . If one kill another , he certainly dies for it . The Sachim not only sentenceth the Malefactor , but executeth the same with his own hands , if the party be present , otherwise he sends his own Knife , if he be sentenced to dye by the hands of another that executes the same . But if the Offender be to receive any other punishment , he will not receive it but from the Sachim himself , before whom being naked , he kneels , and will not offer to run away , though he beat him never so much , it being a greater disparagement for a man to cry when he is corrected , than was his offence and punishment . They are a very witty and ingenious people : They keep account of the time by the Moon , or by Sommers or Winters ; They know divers of the Stars by name : They have also many names for the Winds : They will guess shrewdly at the Wind and Weather before hand , by observations in the Heavens . Their Language is very copious and large , and hard to be learned ; And though in an hundred miles distance their Languages differ , yet not so much , but they can understand each other . Instead of Records and Chonicles , where any Remarkable Act is done , in memory of it , either in the very place , or by some Path neer adjoyning , they make a round hole in the Ground a foot deep , and as much over , which , when others passing by , behold , they enquire the cause and occasion of it , which being once known , they carefully acquaint others with it . And lest such holes should be filled , as men pass by , they will oft renew them . So that if a man travels , and can understand his Guide , his Journey will be less tedious , by the many Historical Discourses that will be related to him . You have heard before of the State of New-England in the year 1633. when she was but in her childhood , but being now grown up to more maturity ; Take this account of it , which was written by a Reverend Minister , in January 1668 / 9 , who had lived there 40. years , and therefore hath great reason , and good opportunities to be acquainted with the condition of it . WHen we came first to New-England in the year 169. there was then but one Town in the Country , viz. that of New-Plimmouth , which had stood alone for nine years . From that time to this year now beginning 1669. is just fourty years ; in which time there has been an increase of fourty Churches in this Colony ( but many more in the rest . ) And Towns in all New-England , 120. which for the most part lie along the Sea Coast for somewhat more than two hundred miles ; only upon Connecticut River , there are thirteen Towns lying neer together ; and about the Massacusets Bay , here are above thirty Towns within two , three , four , or five miles asunder . And from the Sea , which hath rendred Boston a very considerable place , and the Metropolis of New-England , all the other Towns on the Sea Coast , and those in the Country depending upon it . I have lately heard some Merchants that knew old Boston , say that this is far bigger , and hath ten times more Trade than that , having many Ships and Catches , and they say no less than an hundred Catches went from the Country this winter to trade in Virginia ; besides many others to the West Indies , and to several parts of Europe . It was doubted for some years , whether there would be a staple Commodity in New-England ; but God and time have shewed many , as Furs , Fish , Masts , Pipestaves , and Deal-board , and such plenty of Corn and Cattel , that abundance of Provision has been yearly transported for the supply of English Plantations , the West-Indies , and other parts ; in so much as though many Gentlemen of great Estates in the first year spent their Estates , and some of them that were very brave men of publick spirits , were brought very low , both they and theirs : Yet in the latter years , many that have risen out of the dust , by a way of Trading and Merchandising , have grown unto great Estates ; some to ten , others to twenty , yea thirty or fourty thousand pound estate . In the year 1643. began the combination of the united Colonies of New-England , which have much encrersed since then ; every one of them having their distinct Pattents , except New-Haven , which for want of a Pattent , was since the coming in of our King , taken into the Colony of Connecticut ; And though very many of the first commers are now dead and gone , yet there is grown up such a numerous Posterity here , that it 's thought there are twenty times more English people now in the Country , then ever came into it . And it 's believed by many observing men , that there are many above ten hundred thousand souls . Most of the first Magistrates are dead , and not above two left in the Massacusets ; but one in Plymouth , one at Connecticut , and not one at New-Haven . There came over from England at several times , chiefly before the year 1640. ninety fore Ministers , of which twenty seven returned to England again , and there are now dead in the Country thirty six ; and as yet living in the Country thirty one . The Ministers bred up in New-England , are one hundred thirty two , of which two are dead in the Country , fourty one have removed to England , most of them from our Colledges , besides other Schollars that have in England turned to other Professions , and eighty one that are now living in the Country , employed in the Ministery in several places . There have been several Synods in New-England ; The first at Cambridge , in the year 1637. wherein the Antinomian ▪ and Familistical Errors were confuted and condemned by the Word of God. The second at Cambridge in the year 1646. wherein the Magistrates power and Duty in Matters of Religion , and the Nature and Power of Synods was cleared . The third , in the year 1648. where it was declared , that in Point of Doctrine , these Churches consented to the Confession of Faith , put forth by the Assembly at Westminster ; and in Point of Discipline , the Platform of the Discipline of these Churches , was then published . The fourth was at Boston in the year 1662. concerning the Subject of Baptism , and Consociation of Churches . It hath pleased the Lord to give such a blessing to the Gospel among the Indians , that in divers places there are not only many civilized , but divers that are truly Godly , and shame the English , and are much hated by others of their own Country men , though that Work has met with many Obstructions and Remoraes ; chiefly by the Death of some of the Choicest Instruments , and many of the best of the Indians ; Yet it may be well believed , that there is such a Seed of the Gospel scattered among them , which will grow unto a further Harvest in God's time . THE DESCRIPTION OF THE ISLAND OF BARBADOS : With an Account of the Trees , Plants , Herbs , Roots , Fowls , Birds , Beasts , Fishes , Insects , &c. As also of their Sugar-Canes , Ingenio's and manner of making their Sugars . THE first Discovery made of this Island was by a Ship of Sir William Curte'us , which returning from Pernambock in Brasile , being driven by foul Weather upon this Coast , chanced to fall upon this Island , which is not far out of the way , being one of the most Windwardly Islands of all the Carribies ; and Anchoring before it , they stayed some time to inform themselves of the nature of of the place , which by tryals in several places , they found to be so over grown with Wood , as that there could be no Champion Ground discovered wheron to Plant ; Nor found they any Beasts , or Cattel there , save Hoggs , whereof there were abundance . The Portugals having long before put some on shore for breed , in case they should at any time by foul Weather be driven to , or cast upon on this Island , that so they might there find fresh meat to serve them upon such an exigence . And the Fruits and Roots that grew there , afforeded them so great plenty of food , that now they were multiplied abundantly . In so much as the Indians of the Leeward Islands that were within sight , coming thither in their Canoos , and finding such Game to hunt as these Hoggs were , whose flesh was so sweet , and excellent in tast , they came often thither a hunting , staying sometimes a moneth together before they returned home , leaving behind them certain tokens of their being there , which were Pots of several sizes made of Clay , so finely tempered , and turned with such Art , as the like to them for fineness of Mettle , and curiosity of turning , are not made in England , in which they boiled their meat . This discovery being made , and advice thereof sent to their friends in England ; other ships were sent with Men , Provisions , and Working Tools , to cut down the Woods , and clear the Ground wherein to plant Provisions for their sustentation , till then , finding Food but straglingly in the Woods . But when they had cleared some quantity of Land , they Planted Potato's , Plantines , and Maies , or Indian Wheat , with some other Fruits , which together with the Hoggs , which they found there , served only to keep life and soul together . And their supplies from England coming so slow , and so uncertainly , they were oft driven to great extremities : And the Tobacco that grew there , was so earthy and worthless , as that it gave them little or no return from England , or other places ; so that for a while they lingered in a doubtful condition . For the Woods were so thick , and most of the Trees so large and massy , as that they were not to be faln by so few hands : And when they were laid along , the Boughs were so thick and and unweldy , as required more help of strong and active men to lop , and remove them off the ground ; which continued so for many years , in somuch as they Planted Potato's , Maies , and Bonavists between the Boughs as the Trees lay on the ground . Yet not long after they planted Indigo , and ordered it so well , as that it sold in London at very good Rates : And their Cotten Woll , and Fustick Wood , proved very good and staple Commodities : So that having these four sorts of commodities , to traffique with all ; Some Ships were invited in hope of gain by that Trade , to come and visit them , bringing for exchange , such Commodities as they wanted , to wit , Working-Tools , Iron , Steel , Clothes , Shirts , Drawers , Hose and Shooes , Hats , and more Hands . So that beginning to find good by this Trade , they set themselves hard to work , and lived in much better condition . But when their Sugar-Canes had been planted three or four years , they found that to be the principal Plant whereby to raise the value of the whole Island ; and therefore bent all their endeavours to improve their knowledge and skill in Planting them , and making Sugar . Which knowledg , though they studied hard , was long in Learning . This Island which we call Barbado's lies in thirteen Degrees and about thirty Minutes of Northern Latitude : The usual Bay into which Ships put , is Carlile Bay , which without exception is the best in the Island , and is somewhat more than a League over , and from the Points of the Land to the bottom of the Bay , is twice as much . Upon the innermost part of this Bay stands a Town called the Bridge ; for that a long Bridge was at first made over a little Nook of the Sea , which yet indeed is rather a Bogg than a Sea. This Town is ill scituated ; the Planters looking more after conveniencie than health . But one house being erected , another was set up by it for Neighbourhood , and than a third , and a fourth , till at last it became a Town : Divers storehouses were also built there wherein , to stow their goods , being so neer and convenient for the Harbour . But their great oversight was to build a Town in so unhealthfull a place . For the ground being somewhat lower within the Land than the Sea banks are , the Spring-Tides flow over , and so remain there , making much of that flat a kind of Bog , or Marish , which sends out so loathsome a Savour , as cannot but breed ill blood , and probably is the occasion of much sickness to those that live there . The ground on either side this Bay ( but chiefly that to the Eastward ) is much firmer , and lies higher , and therefore with some charge , may be made as convenient as the Bridge , and much more healthfnl . Three more Bayes there be of note in this Island . One to the Eastward of this , which they call Austins Bay : The other are to the West of Carlile-Bay . The first whereof is called Mackfields Bay ; the other Spikes Bay ; but neither of these three are environed with Land , as Carlile Bay is ; but being to the Leeward of the Island , and of good Anchorage , they seldome are in danger , unless in the time of the Turnado , when the Winds turn about to the South ; And then if they be not well moved , the Ships are subject to fall foul one upon another , and sometimes are driven a ground . For the Leeward part of the Island , being rather shelvy than Rocky , they are seldom or never cast away . The leng the hot Island is twenty eight miles , and the breadth in some places seventeen miles , in others twelve ; so that they make about three hundred nitety two square miles in the whole Island . It rises highest in the middle , so that when you come within sight of this happy Island , the nearer you come , the more beautiful it appears to the Eye . For being in it self exceeding beautiful , it 's best discerned , and best judged of when your eyes become full Mistris of the Object . There you may see the high , large , and lofty Trees with their spreading branches , and flourishing tops , which seem to be beholding to the Earth and Roots that gave them such plenty of sap for their Nourishment , which makes them grow to that perfection of beauty and largeness : Whil'st they by way of gratitude return their cool shade to secure and shelter the Earth from the Suns heat , which otherwise would scorch and dry it up . So that Bounty and Goodness in the one , and Gratefulness in the other , serve to make up this Beauty , which alwayes would lie empty and waste . By the Commodity of the Scituation of this Island , which is highest in the midst , the Inhabitants within have these advantages . First , a free prospect into the Sea ; then a reception of a opure and refreshing air , and Breezes that come from thence : The Plantations overlooking one another , so as the more in most parts are not debarred , nor restrained of their liberties of the view to the Sea by those that dwell between them and it . Whil'st the Sun is in the Aequinoctial , or within ten degrees of either side , there is little change in the length of the dayes , for at six and six the Sun rises and sets : But when it s nearer the Tropick of Capricorn , and in thirty seven degrees from them , then the dayes are something shorter , and this shortning begins about the end of October . Eight Moneths in the year the Weather is very hot , yet not scalding , but that Servants , both Christians and Slaves labour and travel ten hours in a day . For as the Sun rises , there rises with it a cool Brees of Wind ; and the higher , and hotter the Sun rises , the stronger and cooler the Breeses are , and blow alwaeis from the North-East and by East , except in the time of the Turnado : For then it sometimes chops about into the South for an hour or two , and so returns about again to the Point where it was . The other four Moneths it is not so hot , but is near the temper of the Air in England in the midst of May. And though in the hot season the Planters sweat much , yet do they not find that faintness which we find in England in the end of July , or in the beginning of August . But with this heat , there is such a moisture as must of necessity cause the Air to be unwholsome . The Planters there are s●eldom thirsty , unless they over heat their bodies with extraordinary labour , or with drinking strong drink , as our English Spririts , or French Brandy , or the drink of the Island , which is made of the scummings of the Coppers that boil the Sugar , which they call Kill-devil . For though some of these be needful in such hot Countries when they are used temperately , yet the immoderate use of them over-heats the bodie , which causeth Costiveness , and Gripings in the Bowels ; which is a Disease that is very frequent there , and hardly cured , and of which many die . Their blood also is thinner and paler than ours in England : Nor is their Meat so well relished as it is with us , but flat and insipid ; the Hogs-flesh only excepted , which is as good as any in the World. Their Horses and Cattel seldom drink , and when they do , it s but in a little quantity , except they be over heated with working . The moisture of the Air causes all their Knives , Tweeses , Keys , Needles , Swords , &c. to rust , and that in an instant . For if you grind your rusty Knife upon a Grind-stone , wipe it dry , and put it into your sheath , and pocket , in a little time after draw it again , and you shall find it beginning to rust all over ; which in longer time will eat into the Steel and spoil the Blade . Locks also which are not often used , will rust in the Wards and become useless . And Clocks and Watches will seldom or never go true , and all this is occasioned by the moistness of the Air. This great heat and moisture together is certainly the cause that Trees and Plants , grow to such a vast height , and largeness as they do there . There is nothing so much wanting in this Island as Springs and Rivers of Waters ; there being but very few , and those small and inconsiderable . There is but one River , which may yet be termed rather a Lake than a River . The Springs that run into it are never able to fill it : And out-let to the Sea it hath none ; but at Spring-Tides the Sea comes in and fills it , and at Neep-Tide it cannot run out again , the Sea-banks being higher than it . Yet some of it issues out through the Sand , and leaves a mixture of fresh and salt water behind it . Sometimes these Spring-tides bring some Fishes into it , which will remain there , being more willing to live in this mixt water , then in the salt . Sometimes there have been taken in it Fishes as big as Salmons , which have been over-grown with fat and very sweet and firm . But Fish is not often taken in this place , by reason that the whole Lake is filled with Trees and Roots , so that no Net can be drawn , nor Hook laid , without danger of breaking and losing . The River or Lake reaches not within Land above twelve score yards , and there is no part of it so broad , but that you may cast a Coit over it . The Spring-tides about this Island seldom rise above four or five foot upright . Into these Rivolets there come from the Sea little Lobsters , but wanting the great Claws before , they are the sweetest , and fullest of Fish that can be eaten . But the water which the people in this Island most relie upon , is rain-water , which they keep in Ponds , and have descents to them , so that what falls upon other grounds about , may run into them ; the bottom of these Ponds are Clay . For if the water find any leak to the Rocky part , it gets into the clifts and sinks in an instant . About the end of December these Ponds are filled , and with the help they have by weekly showers , they mostly continue so , yet sometimes they find a want . This water they use upon all occasions , and to all purposes , as to boil their Meat , to make their Drink , to wash their Linnen , &c. In these Ponds are neither Fish nor Fry , nor any living or moving things , except some Flies that fall into them ; but the water is clear and well tasted ; here their Cattel drink also . They also save rain water from the houses , by Gutters at the Eves which carries it down into Cisterns . If any tumult or disturbance be in the Island , the next neighbour to it discharges a Musquet , which gives an Allarum to the whole Island . For upon the report of that , the next shoots , and so the next , and the next , ill it go through all , and upon hearing of this all make ready . Of their Bread. Bread which is the staff and stay of mans life , is not so good here as in England ; Yet do they account it both nourishing and strengthening . It 's made of the root of a small Tree or Shrub , which is called Cussary . This Root is large and round , like the body of a small Still , and as they gather it , they cut sticks or blanches that grow neerest to it of the same Tree , which they put into the ground , and they grow : So that as they gather one , they plant another . This Root when its first gathered is an absolute poison , and yet by good ordering it becomes wholesome and nourishing . First , they wash it clean , and lean it against a wheel , whose sole is about a foot broad , covered with Latine made rough like a greater . This Wheel is turned about with the foot , as Cutlers use to turn theirs , and as it grates the Root , it falls down into a large Trough which is appointed to receive it . This they put into a strong piece of double Canvas , or Sack-cloth , and press it so hard , that all the juice is squeezed out , and then drying it in the Sun , its fit to make Bread , which they do after this manner . They have a Plate of Iron round , about twenty inches in the Diameter , a little hollowed in the mid'st , with three feet like a Pot , above six inches high , that they may keep fire under . They heat this Pone ( as they call it ) so hot as that it may bake but not burn . Then the Indians ( who are best acquainted with the making of it ) cast the Meal upon the Pone the whole breadth of it , and put it down with their hands , and it will presently stick together , and when they think that that side is enough , they turn it with a thing like a Battle-dore ; and so turn and re-turn it till it be enough , which is presently done . Then laying it upon a flat boord , they make others , till they have made enough for the whole family . They make it as thin as a Wafer , and yet purely white and crisp . Salt they never use in it , though probably it would give it a better relish . They can hardly make Py-crust of it ; For as they knead , or roul it , it will crack or chop , so that it will not hold any Liquor , neither with , nor without Butter or Eggs. There is another sort of Bread which is mixed , being made of the flower of Maise , and Cussary : For the Maise of its self will make no Bread , it is so extream heavy : But these two being mixed , they make it into large Cakes two inches thick , which tastes most like to our English Bread. Yet the Negroes use the Maise another way . For they tost the ears of it at the fire , and so eat it warm off the fire . The Christian Servants are fed with this Maise , who pound it in a large Morter , and boil it in water to the thickness of Frumentry , and then put it into a Tray and so eat it ; they give it them cold , and scarce afford them salt to it ; This they call Lob-lolly . The third sort of Bread which they use , is only Potatoes , which are the dryest , and largest which they can choose , and this is the most common sort of Bread used at the Planters Tables . Of their Drink . Their Drink is of sundry sorts . The first , and that which is most used in the Island is Mobby ; a Drink made of Potatoes ; thus , They put the Potatoes into a Tub of water , and with a Broom wash them clean ; Then taking them out , they put them into a large Brass or Iron Pot , and put to them so much water as will only cover a third part of them , then covering the Pot close with a thick double cloth , that no steam can get out , they stew them over a gentle fire , and when they are enough , take them out , and with their hands squeeze and break them very small in fair water , letting them stand till the water hath drawn all the spirits out of the Roots , which will be done in an hour or two . Then they put the Liquor and Roots into a large linnen Bag , and let it run through that into a Jar , and within two hours it will begin to work : and the next day it's fit to be drunk ; And as they will have it stronger or weaker , they put in a greater or a less quantity of Roots . This Drink being temperately made , doth not at all fly up into the head , but is sprightly , thirst-cooling drink . If it be put up into Runlets , it will last four or five dayes , and drink the quicker . It is much like Renish Wine on the Must. There are two several layers wherein these Roots grow ; The one makes the Skins of the Potatoes white , the other Red , and the Red Roots make the Drink Red like Claret Wine , the other white . This is the most general Drink used in the Island , but it breeds Hydropick Humours . Another drink they have which is much wholsomer , though not altogether so pleasant , which they call Perino , much used by the Indians , which is made of the Cussavy Root . This they cause their old toothless women to chaw in their mouthes , and so spit into water , which in three or four hours will work and purge it self of the poisonous quality . This Drink will keep a moneth or two , and drink somewhat like our English Beer . Grippo is a third sort of Drink , but few make it well , and it 's rarely used . Punch is a fourth sort , which is made of Water and Sugar mixt together , which in ten dayes standing will be very strong , and fit for Labourers . A fifth is made of wild Plumbs which they have in great abundance upon very large Trees . These they press and strain , and they have a very sharp and fine Flavour : But this being troublesome in making is seldom used . But the Drink made of the Plantane is far beyond all these . These they gather when they are full ripe , and in the heighth of their sweetness , and peeling off the Skin , they wash them in water well boiled ; and after they have stood a night , they strain it , and bottle it up , and at a weeks end drink it . It s a very strong and pleasant Drink , as strong as Sack , and will fly up into the head , and therefore must be used moderately . The seventh sort of Drink they make of the Skimmings of their Sugar , which is exceeding strong , but not very pleasant : This is commonly , and indeed too much used , many being made drunk by it . This they call Kill-Devil . The eighth sort of Drink they call Beveridge , made of Spring-water , White-Sugar , and Juice of Oringes . And this is not only pleasant , but wholesome . The last and best sort of Drink which the World affords , is the incomparable Wine of Pines . And this is made of the pure juice of the fruit it self without mixture of Water , or any thing else , having in it self a natural compound of all the most excellent tasts that the world can yield . I'ts too pure to keep long . It will be fine within three or four dayes . They make it by pressing the Fruit , and straining the Liquor , and keep it in Bottles . Three sorts of Meat . They have several sorts of Meat there , whereof the Hoggs-flesh is the most general , and indeed the best which the Island affords . For the Swine feeding daily upon Fruit , the Nuts of Locust , Pompianes , the bodies of the Plantanes , Bonanas , Sugar-Canes , and Maise , make their flesh to be exceeding sweet . At the first coming of the English thither , they found Hoggs of four hundred pound weight , the Intrals taken out , and their Heads cut off . Beef they seldome have any that feeds upon that Island , except it die of it self : Only such a Planter as was Sir James Drax ( who lived there like a Prince ) may now and then kill one . Turkies they have large , fat and full of gravy . Also our English Pullen , and Muscovy Ducks , which being larded with the fat of their Pork , and seasoned with Pepper and Salt , is an excellent Bak'd Meat . Turtle Doves they have of two sorts , and very good meat . There are also Pidgeons which come from the Lee-ward Islands in September , and stay till Christmas to feed upon Fruits . Many of these they kill upon the Trees , and they are exceeding fat , and tast excellently . Tame Rabbets they have , but they tast faintly , more like Chickens then Rabbets . They have also divers sorts of Birds , but none that they use for Food . Of their Fish. Now for fish , the Island want not plenty about it , yet the Planters look so much after their profit on the Land , that they will not spare time to catch it , nor to send to the Bridge to buy that which is caught to their hands . But when any have a mind to feast themselves with Fish , they go to the Taverns at the Bridge where they have plenty , and well drest . Butter they seldom have that will beat thick ; but instead thereof they use Vineger , Spice , and fry much of their Fish in Oyl , and eat it hot ; yet some they pickle , and eat it cold . Yet Collonel Humphrey Walrond having his Plantation near the Sea , hath a Saine to catch Fish withall , which his own servants and Slaves put to Sea twice or thrice a week , and bring home store of small and great Fishes , as Snappers red and gray , Cavallos , Macarel , Mullets , Cony-Fish , and divers other sorts of firm and sweet Fish ; and some bigger then Salmons , of the rarest colours that can be imagined , being from the back fin which is the middle of the Fish , to the end of the tail , of a most pure grass green , as shining as Satin : The Fins and Tail dappled with a most rare hair-colour ; and from the back Fin to the Head , a pure hair-colour dappled with green . The Scales as big as an half Crown piece . It is an exccent sweet Fish ; only there is one kind of Fish here wanting , which are very rife in the adjacent Islands , which is the green Turtle , which the best meat that the Sea affords . In other places they take an infinite number of them by turning them upon their backs with staves , where they lie till they are fetcht away . A large Turtle will have in her body half a bushel of Eggs. When they are to kill one of them , they lay it on his back upon a table , and when he sees them come with a knife to kill him , he vapours out the most grievous sighs that ever you heard creature make , and sheds as large tears as a Stag. He hath a joynt or crevis about an inch within the utmost edge of his shell , into which they put the knife and rip up his belly , which they call his Calipee , and take out his bowels , and heart , which had three distinct points , and this being laid in a dish will stir and pant ten hours after the Fish is dead : It 's of a delicate taste and very nourishing . Of The Quelquechoses . The Quelquechoses with which they furnish out their Tables at a feast are , Eggs potcht , and laid upon Sippets soaked in Butter , and juice of Limes and Sugar , with plumpt Currans strewed upon them , and Cloves , Mace , Cinamon strewed upon that , with a little Salt. Eggs boiled , rosted , and fried with Collops . Buttered Eggs , and Amulet of Eggs , with the juice of Limes and Sugar , a Fraize , and a Tansie , Custards and Cheese cakes , Puffs , Cream boiled to a heighth with yolks of Eggs , and seasoned with Sugar and Spice , Jelly which they make of a young Pig , Caves-feet , and a Cock ; Cream alone , and some several wayes with the help of Limes , Lemmons , and Oranges ; and into some they put Plantanes , Gnavers , and Bonanoes stew'd , or preserved with Sugar , and the same fruit also preserved without Cream , and to draw down a cup of Wine , they have dried Neats Tongues , Westfalia-Bacon , Caviare , Pickled-Herring , Botargo , all which are brought to them . From Old and New England , Virginia , and Holland they have Beef , and Pork ; As al Ling , Haberdine , Cod , poor - John , Makarels , and Herrings pickled , and Sturgeon . Pickled Turtles they have from the Lee-ward Islands . Of these things they have had in these latter years such store , that the Negroes are allowed for each man two Makarels a week , and every woman one , which are given them Saturday-nights , after which they have their allowance of plantanes , which is every one a large bunch or two two little ones to serve them for a weeks provision . And if any Cattel die by chance , or by any disease , the Christian servants eat the bodies , and the Negroes the Skins , Head , and Intrals , which is divided to them by the Overseers . If a Horse dies , the Negroes have the whole bodies , and this they think a high Feast , with which poor souls were never better contented : And the Drink which the servants have to this Diet , is nothing but Mobby , and sometimes a little Beveridge ; but the Negroes have nothing but water . When the chief Planters make a Feast for their friends , it s either made by such as live within Land , or neer the Sea side . For this Inland Plantation , my Author instanceth in Sir James Draxe , at whose Table he hath seen these several sorts of Meat well dressed : And this Feast was alwayes made when he killed a Beef , which he fed very fat , by allowing it a dozen Acres of Bonavist to feed in . First , he mentions Beef as the greatest rarity in that Island of which he had these Dishes ; A Rump boiled , a Chine rosted , a large piece of the breast rosted , a Cheek baked , the Tongue and part of the Tripes in Minced-pies , feasoned with sweet Herbs finely minced , Suet , Spice and Corrans . The Leggs , pallats , and other ingredients for an Oleo Podigro , and Maribones . The Guests having eaten well hereof , the Dishes were taken away , and then came in a potato-pudding , a Dish of Scotch Collips , of a Legg of Pork , Fricacy of the same , a dish of boiled Chickens , a shoulder of a young Goat ; a Kid with a Pudding in his belly , a young Pigg exceeding fat and sweet ; a shoulder of Mutton which is there a rare Dish : A Pastry made of the side of a young Goat , and a side of a young Porket upon it , well seasoned with pepper , Salt , and some Nutmegs : A Loin of Veal , to which they have plenty of Oringes , Lemons , and Limes ; three young Turkies in a Dish , two Capons very large and fat , two Hens with Eggs in a Dish ; four Ducklings , eight Turtle Doves , and three Rabbets ; And for cold Baked Meats , two Muscovy Ducks larded and seasoned with pepper and salt : And when these are taken from the Table , another course is set on , of Westphalia Bacon , dried Neats Tongues , Botargo , pickled Oysters , Caviare , Anchoves , Olives , and mixt amongst these , Custards , Cream , some alone , some with preserved Plantanes , Bonanoes , Gnavers , and these Fruits preserved by themselves ; Cheesecakes , Puffs , sometimes Tansies , Fraises , or Amulets : And for raw fruit , Plantaxes , Bonanoes . Gnavers , Milions , prickled Pears , Anchove pears , prickled Apples , Custard Apples , Water Milions , and Pines , better then all the rest . And to this they had for Drink , Mobby , Beveridge , Brandy , Kill-Devil , Drink of the Plantanes , Claret , White , and Rhenish Wine , Sherry , Canary , Red Sack , Wine of Fiall , besides several sorts of Spirits that come from England . Now for a Plantation neer the Sea , he instances in Collonel Walronds , who though he wants Sheep , Goats , and Beef , yet he makes a plentiful supply in sundry sorts of Fish , which the other wants . For all other sorts of Meat which were at Sir James Draxe his Table , he found at Collonel Walronds , as also Mullets , Maquerels , Parrat-fish , Snappers , red and grey , Carallos , Terbums , Crabs , Lobsters , long Fish , with divers others for which they have no names . Besides he dwelling so neer the Haven , hath of all the Rarities that are brought into the Island from other parts ; As Wine of all Kinds , Oyl , Olives , Capers , Sturgeon , Neats-Tongues , Anchoves , Caviare , Botago , with all sorts of salt meats , both Flesh and Fish ; As Beef , Pork , pease , Ling , Habberdine , Cod , poor - John , &c. Above one hundred sail of ships come yearly to this Island that bring servants and slaves , men and Women , Horses , Beasts , Asinegoes , and Cammels ; Utensils for boiling of Sugar ; and all manner of Tools for Tradesmen , Iron , Steel , Lead , Brass , Pewter : Cloth of all sorts both Linen and Woollen , Stuffs , Hats , Stockings , Shooes , Gloves , Swords , Knives , Locks , &c. and many other things . And they carry back Indigo , Cotten-wool , Tobacco , Sugar , Ginger , and Fustick wood . Of their several sorts of Timber . Timber for building they have great choice and plenty : As the Locust Trees which are so long and big as may serve for Beams in a very large room , Their bodies are strait , above fifty foot long , the Diameter of the Body about three foot and a half : The Timber hereof is hard , heavy , and firm , not apt to bend , and lasting . The Mastick Trees not altogether so large as the former , but tougher . The Bully Tree is somewhat less , but in other qualities goes beyond the former . It 's strong , lasting , yet not heavy , nor so hard for the Tools to work upon . The Red Wood , and Yellow prickled Wood are good Timber , and higher then the Locusts . The Cedar is the best of all , it works smooth , and looks beautifully ; Of it they make Wainscot , Tables , and Stools . They have Iron Wood , and another sort that will endure wet and dry : Of these they make Shingles , wherewith they cover their houses , because it will neither warp nor crack . Of their Stone . They have two sorts of Stone for building : The one lies in Quarries ; but these are small rough , and somewhat porous : Being burnt they make excellent Lime , white , and firm , by the help whereof they bind their Stones and make them to endure the weather . The other sort of stone they find in Rocks , and Massy pieces in the Ground which are soft , and therefore they saw them to what Dimensions they please , and the longer it lies above ground the harder it grows . Hangings they use not in their houses , because they would be spoiled by the Ants , eaten by the Cockroaches , and Rats . Of their Servants and Slaves . In the Island are three sorts of Men , Master , Servants , and Slaves . The Slaves and their Posterity being subject to their Masters for ever , they take more care of them then of their Servants , which are theirs but for five years by the Law of the Island . So that for the time the servants have the worser lives : For they are put to hard labour , ill lodging , and slighted diet . Formerly the servants had no bone-meat at all , except a Beast died , and then they were feasted as long as that lasted . Till they had planted good store of Plantans the Negroes were fed with Bonavisto , and Lob-Lolly , and some ears of Maise tosted ; but now they are well pleased with their Plantans , wherein they much delight , and thus they dress it . It 's gathered for them before it's full ripe , by the keeper off the Plantan Groves , who is an able Negro , and laid upon heaps till they fetch them away , which they do every Saturday night about five a clock ; for then they give over work sooner then ordinary , partly for this work , and partly because the fire in the Furnace is to be put out , and the Ingenio to be made clear ; besides they are to wash , shave , and trim themselves against the Sabbath . It is a fine sight to see an hundred of these Negroes , men and women , every one with a Grass-green bunch of Plantans on their heads , every bunch twice so big as their heads , all marchin gone after another . Having brought it home , they pill off the skin of so much as they will use , and boil it , making it into Balls , and so eat it . One bunch a week is a Negroes allowance , which they have no bread , nor drink but water , their Lodging at night is a boord , with nothing under , nor any thing above upon them . The usage of the Christian Servants is much as the Master is , whether merciful , or cruel . Such as are merciful , use their servants well , both in Meat , Drink , and Lodging . But the lives of such servants as have cruel Masters , is most miserable . When any ships bring servants thither , the Planters buy such of them as they like , and with a Guide send them to their Plantations , where they must presently build them a Cabin , or else lie upon the Ground . These Cabins are made with sticks , wit hs , and Plantane Leaves , under some little shade that may keep off the Rain . The food is a few Potatoes for meat , and water or Mobby for drink . At six of the clock in the Morning they are rung out to work with a Bell , with a rigid Overseer to command them , till the Bell ring again at eleven of the clock , and then they go to Dinner , either with a Mess of Lob-lolly Bonavist , or Potatoes . At one of the Clock they are rung out again , where they work till six , and then home to a Supper of the same . But now their lives are much better ; For most servants lie in Hamocks , in warm rooms , and when they come home wet from work , they have shifts of shirts and Drawers , which is all the Clothes they wear , and are fed with Bone-meat twice or thrice in a week . Of their great Fires . Sometimes through carelesness of servants , whole fields of Sugar Canes , and Houses have been burnt down : For if the Canes take fire , there is no quenching of them , they burn so furiously , and make a terrible noise ; For each knot of every Cane , gives as great a report as a Pistol . There is no way to stop it but by cutting down , and removing all the Canes before it for the breadth of twenty or thirty foot down the wind ; and there the Negroes stand and beat it out as it creeps along ; and some of them are so earnest to stop it , as with their naked feet to tread , and to roll their naked bodies upon it , so little do they regard their own smart in regard of their Masters benefit . When Negroes are brought to be sold , the Planters go to the ship to buy them , where they find them stark naked , and therefore cannot be deceived in any outward infirmity . The strongest , youngest , and most beautiful yield the best prizes ; thirty pound is the price for the best , and about twenty five pound for a woman Negro ; Children are much cheaper . They are very chast people . For when at sometimes they are altogether naked , they will not so much as cast their eyes upon those parts which ought to be covered . Jealous they are of their wives , and , and take it hainously if any make the least Courtship to them . And if any woman hath two children at a birth , her Husband provides a cord to hang her , concluding that she hath been false to his bed : And if by the authority of his Master , he be overawed , yet he never loves her after . The Planters allow some of them two or three Wives , but no women above one husband . When a Wife is brought to bed , the Husband removes into another room , leaving his Wife upon a boord on which she lies , and calls a neighbour to her , who makes her a little fire near her feet , and that serves for Possets , Broths , and Candles . In a fortnight she is at her work again with her Pickaninny ( so they call their Children ) at her back , as merry as any other . They have times of suckling their Children , and refreshing themselves in the fields ; and good reason , for they carry a burden on their backs , and work too . Some of them when their children are three years old , as they stoop in their weeding-work , will set their Pickaninnies a stride on their backs , where he will spur his Mother with his heels , and crow on her back , clapping his hands as if he meant to fly , which the Mother is so well pleased with , that she will continue her painful stooping work longer then she would do , rather then discompose her jovial Pickaninny , so glad she is to see him merry . The Sabbath dayes they have wholly to their pleasures : In the afternoons they have Kettle-Drums to make them Musick , and they all go to dancing , the men by themselves , and the women by themselves , and sometimes the men wrestle amongst themselves . When any of them die , they make a grave , and bury him in the evening , clapping their hands , and making a doleful sound with their voices . They are cowardly , and therefore bloody , when they have advantages . If you threaten before you punish them , they will hang themselves to avoid the punishment . If they have bruises or strains , they anoint themselves with a kind of Oyl that comes out of Barbary that cures them . When they are sick , or inwardly distempered , a little Kill-Devil revives , and comforts them . The young Maids have usually large breasts that stand strutting out , hard and firm , but when they are old , and have had children , their breasts hang down below their Navels . They are excellent Swimmers and Divers , both men and women . Some Indians they have from the Neighbouring Islands , or from the Continent , whose Women are better versed in ordering the Cussavy , and making Bread then the Negroes ; As also for making Mobby . The men they use for foot-men , and killing of Fish. One of them will go out with his Bows and Arrows , and in a dayes time will kill more Fish then will serve a Family of a dozen persons whil'st it is good . They are very active and learn any thing sooner then the Negroes : Their Women have small breasts , long black hair : Clothes they scorn to wear , especially if they be well shaped , only they wear something before their privities . One of these women being got with child by a Christian servant , when the time of her travel came , being loth to be delivered amongst the men , went alone to a Wood , where was a Pond of water , by which she was delivered , and washing her Child in the Water , within three hours came home again with her Child in her Arms , which was a lusty boy . Some of the Planters feed daily two hundred mouthes , and keep them in such good order , as there is no mutinies amongst them , though they be of several Nations . Their first work is Weeding , which if it be neglected but a little time , all is in danger of being spoiled . After Weeding comes Planting , especially in May , and November : But Canes may be planted at all times , that so one Field may be ready after another . Commonly one Field contains about twelve Acres . Of their Beasts and Cattel . Some Camels they have which are brought to them , and they are very useful for carrying down Sugar to the Bridge , or bringing from thence Hogsheads of Wine , Beer , or Vineger , which Horses cannot do , neither can Carts pass , the wayes are so Rocky and uneven . One of these will carry one thousand six hundred pound weight , and therefore the surest of any beast . Some Horses they have which are brought from several Countries , and they use them either for the Ingenio , or for the saddle . Some Bulls and Cows they have from the Isle of May , and Bonavista . The Bulls and Oxen they use for labour in the Ingenio's , and the Cows for the Pail . A Calf here will bring a Calf in fourteen moneths . Asinegoes they have which are of excellent use for carrying Sugar to the Bridge : For they will go where Horses cannot , by reason of the gullies , and deep wayes : One of them will carry one hundred and fifty pound weight , and some two hundred . Hogs they have in abundance which they keep ininclosures ; and they use to sell them alive for 4 d. a pound , and sometime for 6 d. if they be dear . Sheep they have but few , neither do they thrive in that Pasture . Yet the Ews have constantly two Lambs , but their flesh doth not eat well . Some sheep they have from Guinny , and Binny , that have hair instead of wooll , and their flesh is more like to Mutton then the other . Goats they have in great plenty , and they prosper well , and tast like our Goats : They live in the Woods , and are always inclosed . Of their Birds and Fowls . Birds they have , but two sorts worth the mentioning . The biggest is a Buzzard , somewhat less then ours , and swifter of wing ; The only good they do , is , that they sometimes kill Rats . The other is the larger Turtle Dove , of which there is great store . It 's handsomer both in shape and colour then ours in England , and is very good meat . There is also a lesser Turtle , a far finer Bird then she . It 's of the shape of a Partridge , her colour grey , and a red brown under the wings . There is also a bird like a Thrush , of a melancholly look , and her feathers stand alwayes ruffling ; she hath loud and very sweet notes . Another there is much like a Ren , but as big as a Trush , she alwayes looks very merry and jolly . There are great flocks of Blackbirds with white eyes , they have a harsh note like our Jayes in England : they are great devourers of Corn , and blossoms of Trees . They have a kind of Stares which walk , but hop not as other Birds do . They have other like Feldefares with big heads , and therefore they call them Councellers , they have a strange tune , consisting of quarter notes , composed of five tones , and every one a quarter note higher then the other . They have Sparrows , Haysocks , Finches , yellow-Hammers , Titoies , and divers others , for which they have no names : And the humming bird , not much bigger then a humble Bee , wheerof I have one . Sometimes Teals come to their Ponds , which they kill with their Guns . The like they do with Fowls called Oxen and Kine . There is another that they call a man of War , much bigger then a Heron , and flies out to Sea to see what ships are coming , and when he returns , they know that ships are neer . There are Bats that come abroad in the evening and feed on Flies . Of Snakes and Insects . There are some Snakes of a yard long ; The harm they do is in Dove-Houses , into which if they can get , they devour the young ones ; And they will skim the Milk-pans when they can get to them . There is no venomous beast in the Island . There are Scorpions some as big as Rats , smooth , and coloured like a snake , their bellies inclining to yellow , very nimble and quick , they hurt none ; The Snakes and they will fight long , and in the end the Snake prevails , and devours the other . Frogs and Toads they have none . There would be Lizzards but that the Cats kill them ; They love much to be where men are , and will gaze in their faces , and hearken to their discourse ; Their bodies are about four inches long , and their tails neer as much , headed like a snake in their colour , when they please , a pure grass-green on the back , blewish towards the sides , and yellowish towards the belly , and four nimble legs , and as cold as Froggs . They have Cock-roaches of the bigness and shape of a Beetle , of a pure hair-colour ; They appear in the evening , and they will fly to your bed , and if you be sleeping , he will bite till he fetches blood , and presently begon , that you seldom find them . The Muskitoes bites and string worse then Gnats . Next to these are Merriwings , and of so evial a substance , that you can hardly discern them but by the noise of their wings ; when they sting , there arises a little knob which will continue so a whole day . Caterpillers sometimes they have in great abundance , which do much harm , devouring the Potato-plants to the very Roots . Flies they have of so many kinds , from two inches long with great horns to the least Atome , so that it 's too tedious to speak of them all . They have Ants and Pismires of a small size , but of a great industry ; they are every where , in hollow ground amongst the root of Trees , upon the Bodie , Branches , Leaves , and Fruit of all Trees ; without houses , within their houses , upon their sides , walls , windows , Roofs , Tables , Cupboords , Stools , Beds , Floors , all within and without are covered with them . When they find a dead Cockroch , though he be bigger then a hundred of them , yet they will take hold of him and lift him up , and away they carry him , some going by to assist those that are weary ; some ( like Officers ) lead the way to shew the hole into which he must pass , and if his body do lie a cross that it cannot go into the hole , they give notice to the carriers , that presently turn his body endwise before it come to the hole , and that without any stop , and they never pull contrary wayes . The Planters which are so curious to prevent their coming upon their Tables , Cupboards , and Beds , have little troughs filled with water for the feet of these to stand in ; yet all will not prevail , for they will get in the scieling , and so fall down upon them . To keep them from the shelves on which their meat stands , they are forced to hang them to the roof with ropes , and to tar those ropes and the roofs over them . When a Carpet upon a Table is covered over with them , if you kill many , and let them alone but a while , they will carry away all the dead ones . If you set Sugar upon a Table which you have first freed from them , some in the room will presently smell it , and make towards it as fast as they can , and having found it , return again without medling with it , and gives notice of this booty , and then they come in thousands and ten thousands , and in an instant fetch it all away ; so that there is no place safe from these over-busie Creatures . Another sort of Ants there are far larger , that make their nests as big as Bee-hives , of clay against a wall or Tree , and sometimes within houses , they make them of several little cels . These the Cockrocha , and Lizards make their prey upon ; wherefore for their own security , they make several Galleries , some of five or six yards long of Clay also , through which they pass undiscovered : Their Avenues go out amongst Laaves or Moss , that they may not be perceived : By often breaking down their Nests , they are now most of them driven into the woods . Spiders they have , most beautiful and large , and very curious in their Webs , and not venomous . Another harmful creature they call Chegoes , in shape not much unlike a Lowse , no bigger then a Mite that breeds in Cheese , their colour is blewish ; They get through your stockings into a place of you Skin , most commonly under the Nailes of your Toes , and they lay their Off-spring as big as a small Tare , which will make you go very lamely , and put you to much smarting pain . The Indian Women will put in a small Needle at the hole , and winding the point about the bag , loosen him from the flesh , and so take him out , but the place will fester and rankle a fortnight after they are gone . Some little Animals there are in the Woods no bigger then Crickets , that lie all day in holes , but after Sun setting they begin their tunes , having exceeding shrill voices like a pack of small Beagles . This Musick hath no intermission till morning , and then all is hush't . There are many small Crabs that live upon the Land , of a reddish colour , they are coming from the Sea all the year long ( excepting March ) and hide themselves in Holes , and hollow Trees , and come into their Houses and Gardens , where they eat Herbs . The Negroes will eat them , and count them good meat . In March they come all out of their Holes and march to the Sea in such multitudes as that they cover the Earth : No Hedge , Wall , or House can stop them , but they will over all . Now for Trees . Amongst the Trees , there is none of more use then the Physick Nut , and yet hath it poison secretly lodged in it , but that poison makes good Physick : This Tree grows to be eighteen foot high ; There are none like it for beauty , and use in the Island . It hath many Sprigs upon it of four , five , and six foot long , which they lop off one after another , and of them make stakes of above four long , and stick them in the ground an inch deep , close to one another , and keep them even with a Rail on either side , and in a moneths space they will take root , and send forth Leaves ; and in another moneth will be rooted so fast , that they take away the the Railes . These Leaves are large , smooth , and beautifully shaped , of a full green , looking like green Sattin hang'd on a line , so even they hang naturally . Their Stems grow apace , rather in bigness then in heighth , and within a while imbody themselves one into another , and then they become a very strong fence , and so close that a Rat cannot pass through them , neither will Cattel or Vermin willingly come near them . And as it 's a beautiful and useful fence for Gardens and Orchards , and to keep in Conies , Turkies , Muscovy-Ducks , so it excellently fences in their Pastures which they would inclose . Their Fruit also is Phisical : Five of its kernels eaten in a morning fasting , causes both Vomits and Stools . This Nut is like to a white Pear-Plumb , and of a yellowish colour , and of yellowish colour , having on it as great a peelp as a Plumb , which being taken off , you come to the stone of a blackish colour , and within that is a kernel that will part in the middle , where you shall find a thin Film of a faint Carnetion colour . Take off that Film , and you may eat the Kernel safely without any operation at all , and it 's as sweet as a Jordans Almond . The Leaves are sharp some like a Vine Leaf , but thrice as big , and much thicker . The poison Tree is very beautiful , almost as large as the Locust : Her Leaves as large and beautiful as the Lawrel Leaves , and very like them . As they cut down these Trees they have Cipers over their Faces : For if any of their Sap flies into their eyes , it makes them blind for a moneth after . Of this Timber they make most of the Vessels wherein they cure their Sugar . There is a Mantionel Tree whose Fruit is Poison . The Fruit is like an Apple John , and ( they say ) that the Indians invenom their Arrows with it . The Cussavy is rather a Shrub then a Tree , the Sprigs as big as a Broom-staff , crooked and ill shaped ; The Leaves grow so thick as to cover them , and they grow in bunches , each of them an inch broad , and six or seven inches long , of a Dark Green. The growth of the Roots , and the use of them is set down before . Coloquintida is a very beautiful Fruit , as big as an Ostrages Egg , of an ill taste , the rind smooth , with various Greens interlaced with murries , yellows , and faint Carnations . Cassia Fistula is a Tree which grows exceeding fast . A Seed of it being set will in one year grow to be eight foot high , and as thick as a walking staff . The Leaf is like that of an Ash , but much longer , and of a darker colour . The Fruit when it 's ripe is of shape like a black Puddling , sometimes sixteen inches long , the pulp of it is Progatine , and a great cooler of the reins . There is a Plant very like a Sugar Cane : If it be chewed in the mouth , it causes the Tongue and Throat so to swell , that the party cannot speak for two dayes . There are Tammerine Trees , and Palm Trees planted which were brought from the East-India . The Palm yields excellent Wine , which is thus gathered : They cut off the Bark in such a part of the Tree , where a Bottle may be fitly placed , and the Liquor that runs into it , is excellent good for a day , and no longer . It 's a very delicious Liquor . The Fig-Trees are very large , but bear a small and contemptible fruit , neither are the Leaves like ours , nor so long by a fifth part . The bodies of the Trees are as long as our Elms. The Cherry Tree is not altogether so large , the fruit is useless and insiped ; The colour some resembling our Cherries , and the shape not unlike . The Citron is a small Tree , though she bears a great Fruit , which weighs it down to the Ground , the Stalk of a dark colour , the Leaf shaped like that of Limon , but of a dark green . The Orange Trees do not prosper so well , neither is their Fruit so kindly as those of Bermudas : Large they are , and full of juice , but not delicious ; besides ther full of Seeds , and their rinds thin and pale . These Trees do not last in their prime above seven years . The Limon Tree is much handsomer and larger ; Their fruits is large and full of juice , and of a fragrant smell . The Lime tree is like a thick Holly-bush in England , and as full of prickles . When they make a Hedge of them about their houses , it 's an excellent fence both against the Negroes , and Cattel . It 's commonly of seven or eight foot high , extreamly thick of Leaves , and Fruit , and prickles . The leaves and fruit like those of the Limon-tree , yet in the tast of rind , and juice it differs exceedingly . It 's very fit for sauce , but eats not well alone . The Prickled Apple-tree grows on a tree with very thick leaves , large and of a deep green , shaped like our Walnut leaves . The fruit is in fashion in heart of an Oke , and of that bigness ; Green on the outside with many Prickles on it . The tast is very like that of a musty Limon . The Pilchard Pear is much purer in tast , and better of shape , not much unlike a Greenfield Pear , of a faint green , inter mixed with some yellow near the stalk : The body of a mixt red , partly Crimson , partly stammel , with prickles of yellow near the top , the end being larger then the middle . The Pomgranate is a beautiful tree , the leaves small and green , mixed with an Olive colour ; the blossoms large , well shaped , and of a pure Scarlet colour . The young trees being set in rows , and kept in with cutting , make a very fine hedge . The fruit is well known amongst us . The Papa is but a small tree ; the bark of a faint willow colour , the Leaves large , and of colour like the bark ; the Branches grow out four , or five of one heighth , and spread almost level from the place where they sprang out ; about two foot higher are such other branches spreading in the same manner . The top is handsomly formed , the fruit as big Turnips , growing close to the body of the tree where the branches grow , and of somewhat a fainter willow colour . The tree is soft , with a Knife a man may cut down one that is as thick as a mans legg . They boil the the fruit , and eat it for Sauce with Pork like Turnips . The Gnaver-tree is bodied and shaped like a Cherry-tree , the Leaves somewhat larger and stiffer ; the fruit of the bigness of a small Limon , and near of the colour , only the upper end is somewhat blunter : It 's soft and of a delicate tast , within is a pulpy substance full of small seeds , like a Figg , some are white , and some of a Stammel colour . These when they have passed through the body of man or Beast , wheresover they are emptied , they grow , and do much hurt in the pastures where Cattel go that eat of them : For they over run all , and are hardly rooted out . The fruit differs in tast , some rank , some sweet . The rind preserved is delicate meat . Some Cocos there are , they are seldom above eighty or ninety foot high . Their branches come out in several parts of the trees , leaving spaces between the several heights : The Nuts grow where the lower bows break out : The Nuts are of several sizes , mostly as big as a Foot-ball , having a green Skin without ▪ and between that and the shell a pulpy substance , of which when it 's dry they make ropes , being like Hemp hurds . The shell is full of a clear and well-tasted Liquor , very delicious ; It 's lined within with a substance as thick as itself , of a white colour that tasts better then a Walnut : The Leaves of this tree in colour are like the Olive leaves . The Custard Apple grows on a tree full of Branches , and large leaves : The fruit when ripe , is as big as the largest Pomwater , and of the colour of a Warden ; they cut a hole in the lesser end , and so eat out the meat with a Spoon : It tasts exceeding like to a Custard . It hath many smooth seeds in it . The Macow-tree is one of the strangest trees in the Island , the Body and Branches being stuck all over with prickles , as black as jet , from one to seven inches long , sharp at point , and taperwise all the way , and waved as some Swords are ; they are hard and excellent for tooth-pikes . The tree is of the size of a Willow-tree , the Leaves of that colour and shape , but very stiff and hard . At the top is a large tuft of Fruit , but not to be eaten , being for shape like that which the Ciprus-tree bears : The body is straight , the branches comely , and the top round . Date-trees are in colour like these , but the leaves longer . The Mangrave , though she be not tall , yet is she of large extent . For there drops from her Limbs a kind of Gum which hangs together till it touch the Ground , and then it takes root : So that this tree so multiplies , that a troop of Horse may well hide themselves in it . Of the Bark they make very strong Ropes : And the Indians spin it into a fine thred as Flax make . Of it they make Hamocks , and divers things which they wear . The Calibash-tree bears Leaves , of a full and rich green , and in great plenty ; Her Fruit is as big as that of a Coco , but not to be eaten : Round as a Ball , and green , smooth , and shining : they grow close to the body of the tree , or Boughs , without stalks . Of this round Fruit they make dishes , Bowls , and Cups , and other Utensils . They look very beautiful on the tree . There are Bay-trees whose Leaves are so Aromatick , as three or four of them will amply supply the place of Cloves , Mace , and Cinamon in dressing any Dish of Meat . It 's in shape and colour like ours in England . The Cedar is the most useful timber in the Island . It 's strong , lasting , and not very heavy , and therefore good for building . It works smoothly , and hath a fair grain , and therefore is much used for Wainscot , Chairs , Stools , and other Utensils ; the Leaves are like those of the Ash-trees in England , but somewhat bigger . The Mastick-tree is very tall , but the body is slender , and therefore to support her , she hath spurs above seven foot from the ground , fixt into the body , and reach from the tree to the roots : So broad that they make round tables of them , above three foot and an half in the Diameter . This tree hath commonly a double top , one side being somewhat higher then the other . The Fruit is of a Stammel colour , and hath neither Skin nor stone , and is unwholsome . The leaves of it grow of such an heighth , that the form cannot be discerned till they fall down . Some of these trees are about sixty foot high . The Bully-tree is somewhat less , but excellent wood to work on : It bears a fruit like our Bullies . Her body is strait , and well shap't , her Branches proportionable ; the timber very lasting . Red-wood is an handsome tree of a midling size , the body about two foot and and an half in the Diameter : the timber works so well that workmen commend it above all other . Prickled yellow wood is as good as the red-wood , strong and lasting : Good for building , and all work without doors . Iron-wood is so extream hard , that it breaks the Axes that fall it . It is so heavy that it is seldom used in buildings . It is good for any use without doors . For neither Sun nor Rain can soften it . It 's much used for Coggs to the Rollers . Signum vitae , they use for the same purpose . They send much of it to England : where it 's used for Bowls , Cabinets , Drinking Cups , &c. The Loust-tree is like a Tuscane Pillar , plain and massie : For the burden it bears being great and ponderous , ought to have a body proportionable thereunto . Some of them are four foot in the Diameter near the root , and 30. foot high growing taper-wise . The Head is neither too heavy , nor too light , the branches large ; the Springs , Leaves , and Nuts so thick , that one may lie upon them . The Nuts are 3. inches and a half long , and two inches broad , and an inch thick : the shell somewhat thick , of an hair colour : the leaves bigger then those of our Ashes . In every Nut are three or four Kernels . In times of Famine poor people eat them for their sustenance . There is also a bastard Locust-tree that looks fair , but will not last . The Palmeto hath a body of fourty five or fifty foot high , the Diameter , seldom above sixteen inches : the rind , of a poor Ash color full of wrinkles ; the Leaves about two foot and a half long , in bunches as if twenty long flag-leaves were tied together by the broad ends : with bundles of these they thatch houses very neatly , which is dry , warm , and lasting . The Palmeto Royal is the stateliest tree that grows on Earth , for beauty and largeness not to be parallel'd . When she is about ten or twelve years old , she is about seventeen foot high ; that part which touches the ground is round like 〈◊〉 Inkhorn , above which the body of the tree is less , like that part which holds the pen. The body is tawny , and purple , with rings of white and green mixed , that go round about , and stand at six inches distance . About six foot and an half high , grow the bottom of the stalks , thin as Parchment , enwrapping one another so close , as to make a continued stem of the same bigness for two foot and an half above the others , every one of those Skins bearing a stalk which lessens insensibly from the Skin to the Point . These Branches are of several lengths , the most inward are the highest ; and each stalk is adorned with leaves , and each of these leaves sharp at either end ; the Stem is of a pure grass green shining like Velom , and all the Branches with the Leaves of a full grass green , and speading every way , and the highest of them eight foot above the stem . The Branches sprout from the middle of tree , one at once , and as it opens it spreads the Leaves abroad , at which time the eldest Branch withers , and hangs down till the wind blows it off . Then comes forth another , and another , and still there is a Pike , and a dead leaf , a Pike and a dead Leaf as the tree growes higher and higher , which is till she be one hundred years old . About thirty or fourty yeas old she begins to bear her fruit , which is of the bigness of large Grapes , some green , some yellow , some purple , and then they are ripe when they come to be purple , and fall down ; and then the Green turns yellow , and the yellow purple , and so take their turns till the tree gives over bearing . These trees grow till some of them be two hundred , yea three hundred foot high . The top of this tree is of a vast extent , for from the point of the branches on the one side , to the point of the stalk on the other side is seventy eight foot , yet are none of the roots of this tree bigger then a Swans Quil ; But there are many of them , and they fasten themselves in the Rock which makes the Tree , though so high , and big , able to stand against all wind and weather . The wood of this tree is so hard and tough , that it breakes the Axes of those those that fell it . There are many other sorts of trees , some exceeding large aud beautiful , for which they have no names . Of Plants . The Ginger is a Root that brings forth blades like the blades of Wheat , but broader , and thicker : They are of a Popinary colour , and the blossome of a pure Scarlet . When the Ginger is ripe , they dig it up , being the Root , and scrape off the outward skin to kill the spirits of it , for else it would grow perpetually . Others scald it to kill the spirits , and that will be black and hard as Wood , whereas the scraped Ginger is white , and soft , and hath a cleaner , and quicker tast . Red Pepper . There are two sorts of Red Pepper ; the one like Coral , of a Crimson and Scarlet colour mixt : the fruit about three inches long , and shines more then the best polished Coral . The other is of the same colour , and glisters as much , but is shaped like a large Button of a Cloake ; they have both the same quality ; so violently strong , that when they break but the Skin , it causes them to Cough for a quarter of an hour after the fruit is removed ; But whil'st they are grabling of it , they never give over . It grows on a little shrub no bigger then a Goosbberry-bush . They have excellent good Cucumbers from the beginning of November , to the end of February , they eat them cold with Oyle , Vineger , and Pepper . But boiled or fried they use them for sauce with Mutton , Pork , Turkies , and Muscovy Ducks . Millions they have likewise for those four moneths : For the most part larger then ours in England , and eat moister . Some of them are sixteen inches long . The Water Million is one of the goodliest Fruits that grows : Some as big as Cloak-bags ; purely Green , engravened with Straw-colour . No inch of the Rind is alike , and they are as smooth as polished Glass ; within , they are like an Apple for colour , but in tast waterish and wallowish . It 's rarely cooling and excellent against the Stone . The Seeds are of a pure Purple ; they are full of these seeds . Grapes they have which are indifferently well tasted , but they are never ripe together : There are alwayes some green , some ripe , and some rotten Grapes in a Bunch , and therefore they cannot make Wine of them . The fruit of the Plantane is of great use , and beauty too . In Planting them they put a root into the ground six inches deep , and in a very short time there will come out three or four sprouts , whereof one hath the precedence . As this Sprout grows , it springs from the intrinsick part of the Stem , and the out Leaves hang down and rot ; But still new ones come within , and rise up as the Palmeto does , like a Pike which opens with the Sun , and becomes a Leaf , and when it 's eight or ten foot high , the Pikes and Leaves will be of their full bigness , and so continue till the last Sprout comes forth , which is the Soul of the Plant , and will never be a Leaf : But is the Stem upon which the fruit must grow . When the Leaves come to their full bigness , they rot no more , but continue in their first beauty , a rich green with stripes of yellow . These Leaves are most of them above six foot long , and two foot broad ; smooth , shining , and stiff as a Lawrel Leaf , falling from the middle to the end like a Feather : And when it comes to the full heighth , the Leaves will be fifteen or sixteen foot high , the Stem upon which the fruit grows being a foot higher , with a green branch on the top , which branch is very heavy , and then the leaves open and shew the Blossome , which is of a pure purple , and like a heart with the point downwards , being of a pound weight ; when this is fallen , the Fruit grows . In six moneths space this Plant will be grown , and the fruit ripe , which is pleasant , wholesome , and nourishing , yellow when it 's ripe : But the Negroes desire it green , for they eat it boiled , and it 's the only food they live upon . When it 's gathered they cut down the Plant , and give it to the Hoggs , for it will grow no more . In three moneths another Sprout will come to bear , and so another , and another for ever . Groves they make of these Plants of twenty Acres of ground so planting them in every room that they can walk dry under the leaves , and be shaded from the Sun. The wild Plantane grows much as the other doth , but the leaves not so broad , and more upright : The Fruit of a Scarlet colour , and almost three square , but good for nothing . The Bonano differs nothing from the Plantane in the Body and Leaves , but only that the leaves are somewhat less , and the body hath here and there some blackish spots , the Blossome no bigger then a large Rose bud , of a faint Purple and Ash colour mixt , the Stalk that bears it , is adorned with small Blossomes , of several colours : The Fruit stands upright like a bunch of Puddings , each of them between four and five inches long . The Fruit is sweeter then that of the Plantane , and therefore the Negroes will not meddle with it . It 's near as beautiful a trees as the ●antane . The Pine is excellent in the Superlative Degree , both for beauty and tast . It s a full year before it bring forth ripe fruit , but when it comes to be eaten , nothing of rare tast that can be thought on that is not there . A Slip taken from the body of this Plant , and set in the ground , will not presently take root , but the Crown that grows upon the Fruit itself will sooner come to perfection . In a quarter of a year it will be a foot high , and the leaves about seven or eight inches long , appearing like a Semicircle : The colour mostly Frost upon Green , intermixt with Cornation , and the edges of the Leaves have teeth like Sawes . The Leaves fall one over another , the points of the lowest touching the ground . In a quarter of a year more , the Blossome appears on the top of the stem , as large as a great Cornation , the colours , Cornation , Crimson , and Scarlet , in streaks intermixt with yellow , blew , and peach colour-leaves , intermixed again with Purple , Sky-colour , Orange-tauny , Gridaline , and Gingeline , White , and Philamot : So that the flower represents the variety to the sight , which the fruit doth to the tast . When the flowers are fallen , there appears a little bunch of the bigness of a Walnut , which hath in it all these colours mixt , which were disper'st in the Leaves , and so it grows bigger for two moneths more ; when it 's perfect , it is of an Oval Form , and at the upper end grows out a Crown of Leaves much like the former in colour , but more beautiful . Some of them six inches long ; the out Leaves shorter by degrees . This Fruit is inclosed with a Rind , which begins with a Skrew at the Stalk , and so goes round to the top , or Crown , gently rising , which Screw is about a quarter of an inch broad , and the figures that are imbroidered upon it , near of the like dimension , and divisions between ; Which divisions are never one over another in the screw , but are always under the middle of the Figures above , which so vary in their colours , as that if you see one hundred Pines , they are not like one another ; And every of those Figures hath a little tuft , some Green , some Yellow , some Ash-colour , and some Carnation . There are two sorts of Pines , the King and the Queen-Pine . The Queen is far more delicate , and hath her Colours of all Greens , which shadows intermixt with faint Cornations , but most of all , Frost upon Green , and Sea-greens . The King-Pine hath mostly all sorts of yellows shadowed with Grass-greens . Some of them are fourteen inches long , and six in the Diameter : Most of them having heavy bodies , and slender stalks , bowed down till they are on the ground . Some of them have a dozen little ones round about the prime Fruit , which are ripe by turns , and all very good . When it 's ripe it hath an admirable smell , when they come to eat them , they first cut off the Crown , and send that to be planted : Then they pare off the most beautiful Rind , and cut the Fruit into slices in a Dish , and there issues out a Liquor as clear as Spring-water about six spoonful , which in tast is in a high degree delicious , and in eating the Fruit , the delicate variety of tasts will change and flow so fast upon your Pallat , as your fancy can hardly keep way with them , to distinguish the one from other . How they Plant their Sugar-Canes . They dig a small Trench of six inches broad , and as deep , in a straight line , the whole length of the ground where they plant them , then they lay two Canes one by another along the bottom of the Trench , and so continue them the whole lengh of the trenches , then they cover them with earth ; and at two foot distance they do the like , till they have planted all the Field . But they plant not too much together , but so that it may ripen successively , that their work may come in in order , that they be not idle : for if they be not cut and used when they are ripe , they will rot . From these Canes thus buried , comes forth a sprout at every knot . They begin to appear a moneth after their setting , and in a moneth more they are two foot high at the least , and in the mean time they weed them , and supply where there are any defects . These Canes with their tops are about eight foot high , the bodies about an inch in the Diameter ; the Knots five or six inches distant one from the another . When they are ripe they cut them with little hand Bills , six inches above the ground , and divide the tops from the Canes ; And then holding the Cane by the upper end , they strip off all the blades , which with the tops they give to their Horses ; the Canes they bind in Faggots , and send them home upon Asinegoes , each of them carrying three Faggots ; two upon crooked sticks on the sides , and one in the middle . And these Creatures being used to it , will of themselves go and come without a guide . The place where they unload them , is a little plat of ground near to the Mill-house which they call a Barbica . Being laid in the Barbica , they w●●k them out clean , not suffering them to grow stale ; for in two dayes the Juice will turn sower , and spoil all ; And in the next place , they grind them with Horses under three Rollers , whose Centers being of Brass , Steel , turn very easily : But when the Canes are between the Rollers , it 's a good draught for five Oxen or two Horses . In a little time then all the Juice is pressed out , and then two Negro Girls take out the Canes , and corry them away , laying them on a heap at a Distance . Under the Rollers there is a Reciever into which the Liquor falls , and from thence by a Pipe of Lead , is carried into a Cistern , which is near the stairs that goes down from the Mill to the Boyling-House . From thence it passes through a Gutter to the Clarifying Copper : And as it Clarifies in the first Copper , and the Scum rises , it 's conveyed to a second Copper , where it 's again scummed , both which scums being very Drossy , are thrown away ; But the Skimming of the other three Coppers are conveyed to the Stilling-house , where it stands in Cisterns till it be a little sowre . Thus the Liquor is refined from one Copper to another , and the more Coppers it passes through , the finer and purer it is . When it comes to the tach it must have much keeling and stirring , and as it boiles , they throw into the four last Coppers a Liquor made of Water and Wit hs , which they call Temp , without which the Sugar would be clammy and never kern . When it 's boiled enough , they poure two spoonfulls of Sallet-Oyl into the Tach , and then it gives over to bubble , then after much keeling they take it out of the Tach with Ladles , and remove it into the cooling Cistern . This work continues from Monday morning till Saturday night , without any intermission , day and night , with fresh supplies of Men , Horses , and cattel . The Liquor being so cool as that it 's fit to put into Pots ; first stopping the sharp end of the Pots with Plantane Leaves , they fill them , and let it stand till it be cold , which will be in two dayes and two nights ; Then they remove them into the Trying-house , and pulling out the stopples ; the Molosses runs out into a Gutter that carries it into Cisterns again , and that they call Peneles , which is a Sugar somewhat inferiour to Muscovados , which will sweeten pretty well , and is of a reasonable good colour . When it 's well cured , they remove the Pots from the Curing Room into the Knocking Room , and turning them upside down , they knock them till the Sugar falls out , in which there are three sorts . The first is Brown , Frothy , and light ; The bottom is of a darker colour , Gross and Heavy , and full of Molosses , both which they cut away and boil them again with Molosses for Peneles . The midle , which is more then two thirds of the whole , is a White colour , dry , and sweet , which they send to their Storehouses at the Bridge , there to be put in Casks and Chests to be shipt away . Though the Muscovado Sugars require but a moneths time in making , after it is boiled , yet White Sugar requires four Moneths , and it s made thus . They take Clay and temper it with Water to the thickness of Frumentry , and pour it on the top of the Muscovado-Sugar as it stands in the Potts , and there let it remain four Moneths , and when it comes to be knock't out of the Pots , the top and bottom will be like Muscovadoes , but the middle perfect White , and excellent Lump Sugar . The Skimmings before spoken of , when they have stood till they are a little soure , they still it ; and the first spirit that comes , is a small Liquor , which they call Low-Wines , which they Still over again , and then comes off a very strong Spirit , which is very Soveraign when they are ill with Colds , which the Negroes are oft subject to , having nothing to lye upon but aboard , and nothing to cover them . And though the Dayes be hot , the Nights be cold , and they coming hot , and sweating from their dayes labour , are subject to catch cold ; and when they feel themselves amiss , one dram of these Spirits cures them . And the Christian Servants , when their Spirits are exhausted by their hard labour and sweating in the Sun ten hours every day , and their stomacks weakened , a Dram or two of these Spirits is a great comfort and refreshing to them . They make much money also of them by selling them at the bridge , so that they make weekly so long as they work , 30. l. Sterling , besides what is drunk by their servants and slaves . WIT HS . There is another Plant which they call a With , which is exceeding harmful ; For it pulls down all it can reach to , Canes and all other Plants . If it comes into a Garden , it will wind about all Hearbs , and Plants that have stalks , and pull them down and destroy them . If into an Orchard , it will climb up by the bodies of the Trees into the Branches , and draws them as it were into a purse ( for out of the main stock hundred of sprigs will grow ) and if any other Tree be near it will find the way to it , and pull the tops of them together , and hinder the growth of the Fruit ; and cut the main stock at bottom in hope to kill it ; the moisture in the Branches above will cast down a new root into the ground ; yea , it will reach the highest Timber , and so enwrap their branches as to hinder their growth ; and oftentimes it fastens one Tree to another , so that one shall hinder the growth of another . If you clear a passage of ten foot broad between a Wood where it grows , and your Canes over night , and come the next morning , and you shall find the way crossed all over with Wit hs , and got near to the Canes , and if they once get amongst them , you cannot destroy the one without the other ; for wheresoever they touch ground , they get new Roots , and so creep into every place , and as they go pull all down . Yet have they some good virtues ; for they serve for all uses where ropes or cords are required ; as for binding their Wood and Canes into Faggots , &c. And without them they were in an ill condition , having no other wood fit for hoops for their Hogsheads , Barrels , and Tubs ; and they can have them of what length and bigness they please ; And for such uses they are very good . There are several kinds of these Wit hs , some that bear fruit somewhat bigger then the Cod of a Bean , which being divided long-wise with a Knife you shall perceive the most various and beatiful colours that can be , and so well matched , as to make up a very great beauty . Many Canes there be in the Island , some large enough to hide five hundred men ; the runaway Negroes oft shelter themselves in for a long time , and in the nights range abroad , and steal Pigs , Plantanes , Potatoes , and Pullen , and feast all day upon what they stole in the night : And the nights being dark , and their bodies black , escape undiscovered . Another sort of Wit hs they have that are made of the Gum of Trees , which falls from the boughs drop after drop , one hanging by another till they touch the ground , from whence they receive nourishment and grow larger : And if three or four of them come down so near as to touch one another , and the wind twists them together , they appear like ropes . Aloes they have growing there very good , and its a beautiful Plant , and the leaves four Inches broad , and three quarters of an inch thick , and a foot and half long , with prickles on each side , and the last Sprout which rises in the middle , bears yellow Flowers , one above another , which are two foot higher then the Leaves . These thick Leaves they take and cut them through , and out of them issues the Aloes , which they set in the Sun that rarifies it , and makes it fit to keep : They save the first running , for if it run too long it will be much worse . This Plant in England we call Semper vivens . Of this is there to be be made an admirable Medicine for a Burn or Scald . An Ointment foor a burn or Scald , thus , Take Semper vivens , Plantane Leaves , and the green Rind of Elder , of each a like quantity , and boil them in Sallet Oyl , till all the Tincture be drawn in boyling . Then strain out the Oyl well , and put it on the fire again , and put to it a small quantity of the Spirits of Wine , and so much Yellow Wax as will bring it to the consistence of a Linement to keep it for use . There also the sensible Plant , which closes the Leaves upon any touch with your hand , or that end of the staff by which you hold , and in a little time will open again . There are few flowers in the Island , and none of them sweet . The White Lilly , and Red Lilly are much fairer then ours , and very beautiful , but neither of them sweet . The Saint Jago Flower is very beautiful , but of an unpleasing smell . Another flower they have that opens not till Sun setting , and is closed all day , and therefore they call it the Flower of the Moon . It grows in great tufts , the Leaves like a heart , the point turning back : The flower is of a most pure Purple . After the flower appears the seed , black with an eye of Purple , of the shape of a small Button , so finely wrought , and tough with all , as it may well trim a suit of Apparel . There is Purceane so plentifully every where , as makes it disesteemed . Herbs , and Roots . There are brought from England , Rosemary , Time , Winter-Savory , Sweet-Marjerom , Pot-Marjerom , Parsly , Penny-royal , Camomil , Sage , Tansie , Lavender , Cotton , Garlick , Onions , Coleworts , Cabbage , Turnips , Redishes , Marigold , Lettice , Taragon , Southern-wood , &c. all which prosper well . There is a Root which was brought thither by the Negroes , Large , dry and well tasted . It 's good boyled to eat with Pork , mixt with Butter , Vineger , and Pepper ; It 's as big as three of our largest Turnips . The strength of the Island . This Island is strong by scituation ; For there cannot be any safe Landing , but where the Harbours , and Bayes are , which lie to the South-West , and those places are so Defencible by Nature , as with small cost they are strongly fortified . In the year one thousand six hundred and fifty they were able to muster ten thousand Foot , as good , and Resolute men as any in the World , and a thousand good Horse , and since then , they are much increased . Their Laws and Government . Their Laws are like ours in England , and they are governed by a Governour , and ten of his Council ; four Courts of Justice in Civil Laws which divide the Countrey into four Circuits . Justices of Peace , Constables , Churchwardens , and Tithingmen . Five Sessions in a year were held for trial of Criminal Causes , and Appeals from Inferiour Courts . When the Governour pleases to call an Assembly for the last Appeals , and making new Laws , or abolishing the Old ; It consists of the Governour , his Councel , and two Burgesses chosen by every Parish . There are in the Island eleven Parishes : No Tithe paid to the Minister , but a yearly allowance of a Pound of Tobacco upon an Acre of every mans Land , besides Church-Duties for Marriages , Baptizings , and Burials . Their Weather . Four Moneths in the year the Weather is colder then in the other eight , and those are November , December , January , and February ; yet are they hotter then with us in May. There is no general Fall of the Leaf , every Tree having a particular time for it self , as if two Locust-trees stand but at a stones cast distance , one lets fall her leaves in January , another in March , another in July , another in September . The Leaves when Fallen under the Tree , being most of them large and stiff , when they were growing , and full of veins from the middle stalk to the upper end , when the thin part of the Leaf is consumed , those veins appear like Skelletons , with the strangest works and beautifullest Forms that can be imagined . Negroes Heads . They also find in the Sands things that they call Negroes-heads , about two Inches long , with a Forehead , Eyes , Nose , Mouth , Chin , and part of the Neck : They are alwayes found loose in the Sands , without any Root . It is black as Jet , but whence it comes they know not . TAR . They have no Mines , not so much as of Coles in the Islands . There flows out of the Rock an Unctious substance , somewhat like Tar : It is excellent good to stop a Flux being drunk : And for all Aches , and Bruises , being anointed with it . It is so subtile that being put into the hand and rubbed there , it works through the back of it . PITCH , and MOVNTIACK . There is another Gumming Substance that is black and hard as Pitch , and is used as Pitch ; they call call it Mountiack . An Excellent REMEDY Against the STONE . MY Author relates this Story concerning himself , that during his abode in the Barbadoes , he was taken with such a fit of the Stone , that for fourteen dayes together he made not one drop of water ; But when he despaired of life ; God sent him such a Remedy as the World cannot afford a better . For within ten hours after this taking of it , he found himself not only eased , but cured : It brought away all the stones and gravel that stopped the passage , and his water came as freely from him as ever before , and caried before it such quantities of broken stones , and gravel that the like hath hardly been seen . And afterwards being in the like torment , he used the same remedy , and found the same ease . The Medicine was this , Take the Pizle of a green Turtle that lives in the Sea , dry it with a moderate heat , pound it in a Morter , and take as much of this Powder as will lie upon a shilling , in Beer , Ale , or Whitewine , and in a short time it will work the cure . These Turtles are frequent in the Chariby , and Lucayick Islands near to the Barbadoes , to which many of them are brought . Three sorts of Turtles . There are 3. sorts of Turtles : The Loggerhead-Turtle , the Hawks-bill-Turtle , and the green Turtle , which is of a less magnitude , but far excelling the other two in wholesomness , and rareness of tast . That part of the Island which is the most remote from the Bridge , ( the onely place of Trading ) by reason of deep and steep Gullies interposing the passage , is almost stopt . Besides , the Land there is not so rich and fit to bear Canes as the other : Yet it 's very useful for planting , Provisions of Corn , Bonavist , Cassavy , Potatoes , &c. As also of Fruit , as Oranges , Limons , Lymes , Plantanes , Bonanoes : Likewise for breeding of Hoggs , Sheep , Goats , Cattel , and Poultry to furnish either parts of the Island which wants those Commodities . The Sugar Canes are fifteen Moneths from the time of their planting , before they come to be fully ripe . From the Island of Bonavista they have Horses brought to them , whose Hooves are so hard and tough , that they ride them at the Barbadoes down sharp and steep Rocks , without shooes : And no Goat goes surer on the sides of Rocks , or Hills then they . FINIS . ( Here place the Examples of Minerals and Stones . ) EXAMPLES OF THE Wonderful Works OF GOD IN THE CREATURES . CHAP. I. Of strange Stones , Earth , and Minerals . 1. IN Cornwal , near unto a place called Pensans , is that famous stone called Main-Amber : which is a great Rock advanced upon some other of meaner size , with so equal a counterpoize , that a man may stir it with the push of his finger , but to remove it quite out of his place , a great number of men are not able . Camb. Brit. p. 188. The like is in the Country of Stratherne in Scotland . 2. In Summerset-shire , near unto Cainsham are found in Stone-quarries , stones resembling Serpents , winding round in manner of a wreath , the head bearing up in the Circumference , and the end of the tail , taking up the centre within : but most of them are headless . Camb. Brit. p. 236. 3. In Gloucestershire upon the Hills near Alderly are found certain stones , resembling Cockles , Periwinckles , and Oisters , which seem to be the gaimsome works of nature , or such shells turned into stone . Camb. Brit. p. 363. 4. In Yorkshire , about Whitby are found certain stones fashioned like Serpents , foulded and wraped round , as in a wreath , so that a man would verily think that they had been somtimes Serpents turned into stone . Camb. Brit. p. 718. 5. Also in the same Country at Huntly Nabb , there lye scattering here and there amongst the Rocks , stones of divers bigness , so Artificially by nature shaped round in manner of a Globe , that one would take them to be big bullets made by the Turners hand , for shot to be discharged out of great Ordnance ; in which , if you break them , are found stony Serpents , enwrapped round like a wreath : but most of them are headlesse . Camb. Brit. p. 721. 6. In the County of Cornwal near unto St. Neots , there are a number of good great Rocks heaped up together , and under them one stone of lesser size , fashioned naturally in the form of a Cheese lying in presse , whereupon it s named Wring-cheese . Camb. Brit. p. 192. 7. In Richmondshire amongst the ragged Rocks , are found stones like unto Periwinckles , Cockles , and other shell fish . Camb. Brit. p. 727. 8. In the County of Hereford , a hill which they call Marcley-hill , in the year 1571. ( as though it had wakened on a sudden out of a deep sleep ) roused it self up , and for the space of three dayes together moving and shewing it self ( as mighty , and huge an heape as it was ) with roaring noise in a fearful sort , and overturning all things that stood in the way , advanced it self forward , to the wondrous astonishment of the beholders . Camb. Brit. p. 630. 9. In Glamorganshire in a Rock or Cliffe , by the Sea side , there appeareth a very little Chink , unto which , if you lay your ear , you shall hear a noise as if it were of Smiths at Work , one while the blowing of the bellows , another while the striking of the sledge , and Hammer ; sometimes the sound of the grindstone , and Iron tools rubbing against it , the hissing Sparks also of Steel-Gads within holes as they are beaten , and the puffing noise of the Fire burning in the Furnace . Camb. Brit. page 643. This is called Merlins Cave . 10. At Aspley Gowick in Bedfordshire , near unto Woburn , there is a kind of earth that turns Wood into Stone : For proof whereof there was a Wooden Ladder in the Monastry of Woburn , that having lien a good while covered in that earth , was digged forth again all Stone . Camb. Brit. p. 401. I have a peece of Wood turned into Stone by that earth . 11. In Kile in Scotland , there is a Rock about twelve foot high , and as much in breadth , called the Deaf-Craig : For though a man call never so loud , or shoot off a Gun on the one side , yet his fellow on the other side cannot hear the noise . Description of Scotland . 12. In Argile there is a stone found in diverse places , which being laid under straw , or stubble , doth set it on fire , by reason of the great heat that it gathereth there . Idem . 13. It is most strange , yet true , that the Armes of the Duke of Rohan in France , which are Fusils , or Lozenges , are to be seen in the wood , and stones , through all his Country : so that if you break a stone in the middest , or lopp a bough of a Tree , you shall behold the the grain thereof ( by some secret cause in nature ) Diamonded , or streaked in the fashion of a Lozeng . Camb. Brit. 14. In Warwick-shire , the Armes of the Shugburies , which are starres , are found in the stones in their own Manner of Shugbury ; so that break the stone where you will , and there is the exact fashion of a star in the end of it . Idem , I have some of these stones . 15. In the Kingdom of Fesse in Affrica there is a Mountain called Beniguazeval , in the top whereof there is a Cave that casteth out fire perpetually . Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 807. 16. In Prussia there is great store of Amber , which groweth like Coral in a mountain of the North-Sea , which is clean covered with water : by the violence of the waves beating against this Rock , the Amber is oft broken off , and cast up by the Sea into their Havens . 17. About Bever Castle in Lincoln-shire , are found the stones called Astroites , which resemble little stars joyned one with another , wherein are to be seen at every Corner , five beams , or rayes , & in the middest of every ray is to be seen a small hollownesse . Camb. Brit. 18. We have Corral , Amber , Emralds , Calcedony , Pearl , Onix , Sardonix , Sardis , Bezar , Hemathist , and the Turquoise from Arabia , Indostan , and Persia. Pearls , Berils , Saphires , and Adamants , from Zeilan . Jasper , Cornelion , Agate , Heliotrope , Jacinth , and Chrysolite , from Malabar , Narsinga , and Cochin-china . Diamonds from Borneo , and Gulkunda . Gold , Silver , Rubies , Saphires , Granats , Topaz , Emeralds , Smaradg , Espinels , Cats-eyes , and Porcellane , from Pegu , Siam , Bengala , Sumatra , Japan , and China . CHAP. II. Examples of the rare Works of God in the Creatures . Of Trees , Hearbs , Plants , and Gums . 1. OF Date-Trees some are Males , and other Females : the Male brings forth Flowers onely ; the Female Fruit , but the Flowers of the Female will not open unlesse the boughs , and Flowers of the male be joyned unto them : and if they be not thus coupled , the Dates will prove stark naught , and have great stones in them , Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 823. 2. Neer unto the Grand-Cairo in Egypt , is a Garden environed with a strong Wall ; in the Garden is a large fountain , and in the middest of it groweth the only Balm-tree bearing true balm , that is in the world : it hath a short stock or body , and beareth leaves like unto Vine-leaves , but not altogether so long . Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 838. 3. In the Country of Indostan they have a pleasant clear liquor which they call Taddy , issuing from a spongy Tree that grows straight , and tall , without boughs to the top , and there spreads out into branches , somwhat like to an English Colewort , where they make incisions , under which they hang earthen pots to preserve the influence : that which distils forth in the night , is as pleasing to the taste , as any white Wine , if drunk betimes in the morning ; and of a peircing , and medicinable quallity , excellent against the stone . But in the heat of the day the Sun alters it , so that it becomes heady , Ill-relished , and unwholesome . P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1469. 4. For Cotton Wooll , they plant seeds , which grow up into shrubs like unto our Rose-bushes : It blows first into a yellow blossome , which falling off , there remains a Cod about the bignesse of a mans thumb , in which the substance is moist , and yellow , but as it ripens , it swells bigger , till it break the Cod , and in short time becomes as White as Snow , and then they gather it . P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1470. 5. The Cynamon tree is a small tree , and low , having leaves like to our Bay-tree : In the month of March , or April , when the sap goeth up to the top of the tree , they cut the bark off the tree round about in length ; from knot to knot , or from joynt to joynt , above , and below , and then easily with their hands they take it away , laying it in the Sun to dry , and yet for all this the tree dyes not , but against the next year it will have a new bark , and that which is gathered every year is the best Cynamon : that which grows longer is great , and not so good . P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1709. 6. In India is a tree called Arbore de Ray's or the Tree of roots , it groweth first up like other trees , and spreadeth the branches , out of which there come strings , which seem a far off to be cords of hemp , which growing longer till they reach the ground , there take root again : so that in the end one tree will cover a great peece of ground , one root crossing within another like a Maze , each of these young trees will in time grow so big , that it cannot be discerned which is the principal trunk , or body of the tree . 6. There is also a tree called Arbore-triste , or the sorrowful-tree , so called , because it never beareth blossoms but in the night-time , and so it doth , and continueth all the year long : So soon as the Sun sets , there is not one blossom seen upon the tree , but presently within half an hour after , there are as many blossoms as the tree can bear , pleasant to behold , and smelling very sweet ; and as soon as the day comes , and the Sun is rising , they all presently fall off , and not one is to be seen on the tree , which seems as though it were dead , till evening comes again , and then it begins to blossom as it did before : it s as big as a Plumb-tree : it groweth up quickly , and if you break but a branch of the tree , and set it into the earth , it presently takes root , and grows , and within a few days after it beareth blossoms , which are like Orange-tree-blossoms , the flower white , and in the bottom somewhat yellow , and redish . P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1780. 8. There is also an herb in India , called by the Portugals , Herba sentida , or feeling Herb , which if a man touch , or throw Sand , or any other thing upon it , presently it becomes as though it were withered , closing the leaves together , and it comes not to it self a gain , as long as the man standeth by it , but presently after he is gone , it openeth the leaves again , which become stiffe , and fair , as though they were newly grown : and touching it again , it shuts , and becomes withered as before , so that its a pleasure to behold the strange nature of it P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1781. 9. Pepper is planted at the root of some other tree , and runs up it like Ivie : the leaves are like the Orange-leaves , but somewhat smaller , green , and sharpe at ends : the Pepper groweth in bunches like Grapes , but lesse , and thinner ; they are always green till they begin to drye , and ripen , which is in December , and January , at which time it turns black , and is gathered . Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 1782. 10. The best Ginger grows in Malabar ; it groweth like thin , and young Netherland Reeds , two or three spans high , the root whereof is the Ginger , which is gathered in December , and January . P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1782. 11. The Clove-trees are like Bay-trees , the blossoms at the first white , then green , and at last red , and hard , which are the Cloves ; these Cloves grow very thick together , and in great numbers : In the place where these trees grow , there is neither grass , nor green herbs , but is wholly drye , for that those trees draw all the moisture unto them . P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1783. 12. The Nutmeg-tree is like a Pear-tree , but that its lesse , and with round leaves , the fruit is like great round Peaches , the inward part whereof is the Nutmeg ; this hath about it an hard shell like wood , and the shell is covered over with Nutmeg-flowers , which is the Mace , and over it is the fruit , which without , is like the fruit of a Peach . P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1783. 13. Gumme-Lac comes most from Pegu : where are certain very great Pismires with wings , which fly up the trees like Plumb-trees , out of which trees comes a certain Gumme which the Pismires suck up , and then they make the Lac round about the branches of the trees , as Bees make Wax ; and when it is full , the owners come , and breaking off the branches , lay them to dry ; and being dry , the branches shrink out , and the Lac remains . P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1783. 14. Amber-greese , is usually cast upon the Sea-shore , which as some suppose , is the dung of the Whale ; or as others , the sperme , or seed of the Whale consolidated by lying in the Sea. P. Pil. v. 2. p. 772. 15 The Herb Addad is bitter , and the root of it so venemous , that one drop of the juice will kill a man within the space of one hour . P. Pil. v. 2. p. 850. 16 Of Palm-trees , which they keep with watering , and cutting every year , they make Velvets , Satins , Taffaties , Damasks , Sarcenets , and such like , all which are spun out of the leaves cleansed , and drawn into long threads . P. Pil. v. 2. p. 985. 17. Frankincense grows in Arabia , and is the gumme that issueth out of trees . Idem . p. 1781. 18. In Mozambique , Manna is procreated of the dew of Heaven , falling on a certain tree , on which it hardens like Sugar , sticking to the wood like Rozen , whence it s gathered , and put into jars , and is used much for purging in India . Idem . p. 1554. 19. Mastick-trees grow only in the Island of Sio : the trees are low shrubs , with little crooked boughs , and leaves : In the end of August they begin their Mastick-harvest , men cutting the bark of the Tree with Iron instruments ; out of which the Gum distills uncessantly for almost three months together . Idem . p. 1812. 20. Spunges are gathered from the sides of Rocks , fifteen fathom under water , about the bottom of the Streights of Gibralter , the people that get them , being trained up in diving from their child-hood , so that they can indure to stay very long under water , as if it were their habitable Element . 21. In Manica , is a tree called the Resurrection-tree , which for the greatest part of the year is without leaf , or greenness : but if one cut off a bough , and put it into the water , in the space of ten houres , it springs , and flourisheth with green leaves ; but draw it out of the water , as soon as it is dry , it remaineth as it was before . Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 1537. 22. There is in the Island of Teneriff ( which is one of the Canaries ) a Tree as big as an Oke of a middle size , the bark white like Hornbeam , six , or seven yards high , with ragged boughs , the leaf like the Bay-leaf . It beareth neither fruit , nor flower ; it stands on the side of an hill , in the day its withered , and drops all night ( a cloud hanging thereon ) so that it yeelds water sufficient for the whole Island , wherein are eight thousand souls , and about an hundred thousand Cammels , Mules , Goats , &c. The water falls from it into a pond made of brick , paved with stone ; from whence it s conveyed into several ponds , thorough the whole Island . They also water therewith their Corn-ground , for they have no other water in the Island , except Rain-water . The Pond holds twenty thousand Tun of water , and is filled in one night . Many of our English that have been there have attested the truth hereof . Idem . p. 1369. Concerning which Tree , Sylvester the Poet made these Verses : In th' I le of Iron ( one of those same Seven Whereto our Elders happy name have given ) The Savage People never drink the streams Of Wells , and Rivers , as in other Realms . Their drink is in the Air ! their gushing spring , A weeping Tree out of it self doth wring . A Tree , whose tender-bearded-Root being spread In dryest sand , his sweating-Leaf doth shed A most Sweet Liquor ; and ( like as the Vine Untimely cut , weeps ( at her wound ) the Wine In pearled tears ) incessantly distils A royal stream , which all their Cisterns fills Throughout the Island : for all hither hie , And all their Vessels cannot draw it drye ! 23. Aloes growes in the Island of Socotera , which is nothing but Semper vivum , it is so full of a Rosin-like juice , that the leaves are ready to break with it : which leaves they cut in small peeces , and cast them into a clean pit made in the ground , and paved : there it lies to ferment in the heat of the Sun , whereby the juice floweth forth , which they put in skins , and hang them up in the wind to drye , whereby it hardens . P. Pil. v. 1. p. 419. 24. Indico groweth in the Moguls Country , having a small leaf like that of Sena : the branches are of a wooddy substance like Broom : It grows not above a yard high , the stalk about the bignesse of a mans thumb : The seed is included in a small round Cod of an inch long . This once sowed lasteth three years : that of the first year makes a weighty reddish Indico , that sinks in water , being not yet come to its perfection : that of the second year is rich , very light , and of a perfect Violet-colour , swiming on the water : that of the third year is weighty , blackish , and the worst of the three . This herb , when it s cut , is put into a Cistern , and pressed down with stones , then covered over with water , where it remains till the substance of the herb is gone into the water : then it s drawn forth into another Cistern , and laboured with staves till it be like Batter , then they let it seeth , and so scum off the water two or three times , till nothing but a thick substance remains , which taking forth , they spread on a cloath , dry it in the Sun , then make it into balls , dry it on the sand , which causes the sandy foot : That is best , which is of a pure grain ; Violet-colour , is glossie , dry , and light . Idem . p. 430. 25. Sir James Lancaster in his East-Indy Voyage , in the Isle of Sombrero found on the Sea-sands , a young twig growing up to a tree , and offering to pluck up the same , it shrank down into the ground , and when it was by strength pulled up , a great Worm was the root of it , and as the Tree groweth in greatnesse , the Worm diminisheth : This Tree plucked up , the leaves and pill stripped off , by that time its dryed , is turned into a hard stone ; so that this Worm was twice transformed into different natures , after a wondrous manner : Of these he brought home many . P. Pil. v. 1. p. 152. 26. About Saffron Walden in Essex , there grows great store of Saffron , which was first brought into England , in the reign of King Edward the third . This in the month of July every third year , being plucked up , and after twenty dayes , having the root split , and set again in the earth , about the end of September it putteth forth a whitish-blew flower ; out of the midst where of there come three chives , which are gathered in the morning before Sun-rising , and being plucked out of the flower , are dried by a soft fire ; and so great is the increase that commeth thereof , that out of every Acre of ground , there are made fourscore , or an hundred pound weight of Saffron , whilst it is moist , which being dryed , yeeld some twenty pound weight . And the ground which three years together hath brought Saffron , is so enriched thereby , that it will bear very good Barley , many yeares together without dung , or manuring . Camb. Brit. p. 453. 27. All along the shores of the Red-sea are abundance of Palm-Trees of a very strange nature : They grow in couples , Male and Female : both thrust forth cods full of seed : but the Female is only fruitful , and that not except growing by the male , and having her seed mixed with his . The pith of these Trees is an excellent sallet , better than an Artechoke : Of the branches are made bedsteads , Lattices , &c. Of the leaves , Baskets , Mats , Fans , &c. Of the outward husk of the cod , cordage ; of the inward , brushes . The fruit it beareth is like a Fig , and finally it is said to yeild whatsoever is necessary for the life of Man. It is the nature of this tree , that if never so great a weight be laid upon it , it will lift & raise up it self the more ; for which it was given to conquerors in token of victory . Herb. Trav. 28. In Italy there grows an Herb called Balilisco , which hath this innate property ; that if it be laid under a stone in some moist place , in two days space it produceth a Scorpion : Raimunds Mercu. Ital. 29. The Assa-Faetida Tree is like our Bryer in height , the Leaves resemble Fig-leaves , the root is like our Radish : though the smell be so bace , yet the taste is so pleasing , that no meat , no sauce , on vessel is pleasing to the Gusarat● pallats where it grows , except it rellish of it . Herb. Trav. 30 Benjamin is either pure , cleer , and white , or yellow , and streaked : This Gum issues from an high tree , small , and furnished with fruitlesse branches ; the leaves are not unlike to those of the Olive : Pegu and Siam yeild the best . 31. The Coco tree is very rife in the East-Indies . In the whole world there is not a tree more profitable than this is , neither do men reap more benefit of any other tree than of this . The heart of the Tree makes good timber , planks , and masts for ships : with the leaves thereof they make sails , with the rind of it they make cordage : A Gum that grows out of it caulks the ship : the fruit of it is a kind of Nut , which being full of kernel , and a sweet liquor , serves for meat and drink : much wine also it yeilds , & of the wine they make Sugar , and Placetto . The wine they gather in the spring of the year out of the middle of the Tree , from whence there runs continually a white thin liquor , at which time they put a vessel under it , and take it away full every morning , and evening , and then distilling it , they make a very strong liquor of it . Of the Nuts also they make great store of Oil : out of the tree they make Bows , Bedsteads : of the leaves also they make very fine mats , which whilest green , are full of an excellent sweet liquor , with which if a man be thirsty , he may satisfie himself : with the bark they make spoons , dishes , and platters for meat . The first rind of the Nut they stamp , and make thereof perfect Ockam : and the store of these Nuts serve for merchandise . So that out of this one Tree , they build and rig ships , furnish them with meat , drink , utensils , and merchandise , without the least help of any other whatsoever . Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 1466. and 1704. 32. Mr. Herbert in his Travels thus describes it . The Tree that bears the Coco , is strait , & lofty , without any branches , save at the very top , where it spreads its beautiful plumes , and Nuts like Pearles , or Pendants adorning them . It is good Timber for Canoes , Masts , Anchors : The leaves for Tents or thatching : the rind for sailes , Matteresses , Cables , and Linnen : the shels for furniture : the meat for victualling . The Nut is covered with a thick rind equal in bignesse to a Cabbage . The shell is like the skull of a man , or rather a deaths-head , the eyes , nose , and mouth , being easily discerned : within it is contained a quart of sweet and excellent liquor , like new white-wine , but far more aromatick tasted : the meat or kernel , is better relished than our Phelberds , and is enough to satisfy the appetite of two reasonable men . — The Indian Nut alone Is cloathing , meat , and trencher , drink , and Can. Boat , Cable , Sail , Mast , Needle , all in one . Herb. And Sylvester hath set them forth to the life in these verses . The Indian Isles most admirable be , In those rare fruits call'd Coquos commonly ; The which alone far richer wonder yeilds , Then all our Groves , Meads , gardens , orchards , Fields . What wouldst thou drink ? the wounded leaves drop wine . Lackst thou fine linnen ? dresse the tender rine . Dresse it like Flax , spin it , then weave it well , It shall thy Camrick , and thy Lawn excell . Longst thou for Butter , bite the poulpous part , For never better came to any mart . Do'st need good Oyle ? then boult it to , and fro , And passing Oyl it soon becometh so . Or Vinegar ? to whet thine appetite ; Why , Sun it well ; and it will sharply bite . Or want's thou Sugar ? steep the same a stownd , And sweeter Sugar is not to be found . 'T is what you will ; or will be what you would : Should Midas touch it , sure it would be gold . And God , all-good , to crown our life with Bayes , The Earth with plenty , and his Name with praise , Had done enough , if he had made no more But this one plant , so full of choicest store ; Save that the world ( where , one thing breeds satiety ) Could not be fair , without so great variety . 32. The Plantan Tree is of a reasonable height ; the body about the bigness of a mans thigh , compacted of many leaves , wrapped one upon another , adorned with leaves in stead of boughs from the very ground , which are for the most part about two ells long , and an ell broad , having a large rib in the middle thereof . The fruit is a bunch of ten , or twelve Plantans , each a span long , and as big almost as a mans wrist ; the rind being stripped off , the fruit is yellowish , and of a pleasant taste . Pur. Pil. p. 416. 33. The Cedars of Mount Libanus grow higher than Pines , and so big , that four or five men with their armes can but fathom them ; the boughs rise not upward , but stretch out a cross , largely spread , and thickly enfolded one in another , as if done by Art , so that men may sit , and lie along upon the boughs : the leaves are thick , narrow , hard , prickly , and alwayes green ; the wood is hard , incorruptible , and sweet smelling ; the fruit like the Cones of Cypress , gummy , and marvellous fragrant . Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 1500. 34. In Africa are many Palmeta trees , whence they draw a sweet , and wholsome Wine , by cutting , or boring holes into the body of the Tree , into which a Cane is put that receives the sap , and conveys it into Gourds : It tastes like white Wine , but it will not last above four and twenty hours . Idem . 35. In New-Spain there are many trees which they call Manguey : It hath great , and large leaves , at the end whereof is a strong , and sharp point , which they use for pins , and needles , and out of the leaf they draw a kind of thred which they use much to few with . The body of the Tree is big , which when it is tender , they cut , and out of the hole proceeds a liquor which they drink like water , being fresh , and sweet . This liquor being sodden , becomes Wine , which being kept till it be sower , makes good Vinegar : Boil it it a litle more than for Wine , and it makes a fine Syrup ; and boil it till it be thick , and it makes Hony. Idem . v. 3. p. 957. 36. There is a certain Tree in New-Spain called Tunalls , in whose leaves breed certain small worms , which are covered with a fine web , compassing them in daintily . This in the season they gather , and let it drye , and this is that Cochenille , so famous , and dear , wherewith they Dye in grain . Idem . 37. The Jack , or Giack is an high tree , and uneasy to be ascended ; the Jack for shew and bigness resembles a Pumpeon : without , it is of a gold yellow , mixt with veins ; within , its soft , and tender , full of golden coloured cloves , each full of kernels , not unlike a great French Bean , but more round , each of them hath an hard stone within it , the fruit is somewhat unpleasant at the first taste ; t is glutinous , and clammy in the mouth , but very restorative , and good for the back . 38. The Ananas is not inferiour to the Jack in bulk , and roundnesse : It ariseth from no seed , or sowing , but from a root like an Artichok : when they are ripe they shew themselves , and are not above two foot high : without , it is covered with a drie rind , hard , and skaley ; within , its wholesome and pleasant , and though a little of it seems to satiate the appetite , yet the stomach likes it well , and its easie of digestion . 39. The Duroyen is somewhat like the Jack , in shape round , the inward vertue , is far greater than the outward beauty : at first opening it hath an unpleasant smell : the meat is whitish , and divided into a dozen cells , or partitions , filled with stones as big as Chesnuts , white and cordial . It s a fruit nutritive , and dainty , and may well be called an Epitome of all the best , and rarest fruits in the the Orient . 40. The Arec-tree is almost as high as a Cedar , but more like the Palmeto : I'ts of a fuzzie , hollow substance , adorned at every top with Plumes , wherein the fruit hangs in clusters ; it s in shape and bigness like a Wallnut ; white and hard within ; hath neither taste , nor smell : they never eat it alone , but wrap it in a leaf of Bettle , and are frequently chawing of it : some adde to it a kinde of Lime made of Oister-shels , it cures the Chollick , removes Melancholly , kills Worms , provokes lust , purges the maw , and prevents hunger . It s much used in the East-Indies . 41. The Palmeto-tree is long , strait , round , and soft , without leaf , bough , or branch , save at the top , and those are few , green , and sedgie : under which branches there appear certain codded seeds : Both the Male , and Female bear blossoms , but the Female only beares fruit , and yet not that , unlesse a flowring branch of the Male tree be yearly inoculated : The leaves serve for many uses . At the top of this tree there is a soft pith , in which consists the life of it : for that being cut out , the Tree dyes . This pith is in bignesse like small Cabbage , in taste like a nut kernel , and being boiled it eats like a Colly-flower . But of more value is the Palmeta Wine , which is sweet , pleasant , and nourishing in colour , and taste not unlike Muskadine : It purges , cures obstructions , and kills the Worms . If it stand two dayes in the Sun it makes good Vinegar . The Wine is thus gotten . They cut a small hole in two or three Trees that grow together , which in a short time are filled with the sap that issues in them , which with a Cane , or Quill , they draw forth . Pur. Pil. 42. In Summersetshire , near unto Glastenbury , in Wiral Park was that famous Hawthorn tree , which used upon Christmas day to sprout forth as fresh as in May ; but now it s cut down . Camb. Brit. p. 227. 43. In the Marishes of Egypt grow those sedgie reeds , called Papyri , whereof formerly they made Paper , and from whence ours that is made of rags assumed that name . They divide it into thin flakes , whereinto it naturally parteth : then laying them on a Table , and moistening them with the glutinous water of Nilus , they press them together , dry them in the Sun , and then they are fitted for use . Pur. Pil. v. 2 p. 898. CHAP. III. The wonderful works of God in the Creatures . Of strange Fountains , Rivers , and Waters . 1. IN the Bishoprick of Durham in Derlington field , there are 3 pits of a wonderful depth , called by the Vulgar Hell-Kettles , in which the water by an Antiperistasis , or reverberation of the cold air , striking thereupon , waxeth hot ; which pits have passage under ground , into the River Teese , as Archbishop Guthbert Tonstal observed , by finding that Goose in the River which he had marked , and let down into these pits . Camb. Brit. p. 737. 2. In Yorkshire , neer unto Knasburow Castle is a Well , in which the waters spring not up out of the veins of the earth , but distil , and trickle down , dropping from the Rocks hanging over it , whence it s called Dropping-Well : into which , what wood soever is put , it will in a short space be turned into stone . Camb. Brit. p. 700. 3. In Caermardenshire , neer unto Careg Castle , there is a fountain that twice in four and twenty hours ebbeth , and twice floweth , resembling the unstable motions of the main Sea. Camb. Brit. p. 650. 4. In Westmerland , hard by Shape , there is a Well , or Fountain , which after the manner of Euripus ebbeth , and floweth many times in a day . Camb. Brit. p. 762. 5. In Ireland is a Fountain , whose water killeth all those Beasts that drink thereof , but hurteth not the people , though they usually drink of it . Ortelius . 6. Near unto Lutterworth in Leicester-shire , there is a spring of water so cold , that in a short time it turneth straws , and sticks , into stone . Camb. Brit. p. 518. 7. In Derbyshire in the Peak-Forrest not far from Buxtone , is a Well which in a wonderful manner doth ordinarily ebb , and flow , four times in the space of one hour , or thereabouts , keeping his just tides . Camb. Brit. p. 558. 8. Also in the same Country at the spring head of Wie there rise , and walm up , nine Fountains of hot waters , commonly called Buxton Wells , very sovereign for the stomach , sinews , and whole body . Camb. Brit. p. 557. 9. In Scotland on the bank of Ratra neer unto Stang's Castle , there is a Cave , wherein the water distilling naturally by drops from the head of the Vault , is presently turned into Pyramidal stones ; and were not the said hole or Cave , otherwiles rid , and cleansed , the whole space as far as up to the vault , would in a short time be filled therewith . Camb. Brit. Scotl. p. 48. 10 In Scotland in the Countrey of Murray , there is a River called Naes , the water whereof is almost always warm , and at no time so cold that it freezeth , yea , in the most cold time of winter , broken ice falling into it , is dissolved with the heat thereof . Defcrip . of Scotl. 11. Also in Galloway , the Loch called Loch-Merton , is of such a strang nature , that the one half of it doth never freeze in the coldest winter . Descrip. of Scotl. 12. In Lenox is a great Loch or Meer , called Loch-Lowmond , in length twenty four miles , and eight in breadth , wherein are three strang things : First , Excellent good Fish without any sins : Secondly , a floating Island whereon many Kine feed : And thirdly , Tempestuous waves rageing without winds , yea , in the greatest calms . Desc. of Scotl. 13. There is a certain Island called Lounda in the Kingdom of Congo , wherein is no fresh water ( being a very sandy ground ) but if you dig but the depth of two or three hand breadths , you shall find sweet water , the best in all those Countryes : and ( which is most strang ) when the Ocean ebbeth , this water grows brackish , but when it flows to the top , it is most sweet . P. Pil. v. 2. p. 989. 14. Not far from Casbine , the Regal City in Persia is a fountain of a strang , and wonderful nature , out of which there continually springeth , and issueth a marvellous quantity of black Oil , which serveth in all parts of Persia to burn in their houses , and is usually carried all over the Countrey upon Kine , and Asses , whereof you may often meet three or four hundred in company . P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1431. 15. About three days journey from old Balylon , is a Town called Ait , and neer unto that is a valley of pitch very marvellous to behold , wherein are many Springs , throwing out abundantly a kind of black substance , like unto Tar , and Pitch , which serveth all the Country thereabout to staunch their barques and boats with : every one of which springs makes a noise like to a Smith's Forge in puffing and blowing out the matter , which never ceaseth day nor night , and the noise is hard a mile off : the Moors call it Hell-mouth . P. Pil. v. p. 1437. 16. Clitumnus is a River in Italy , which makes all the Oxen that drink of it , white . Fulk . Meteor . Lib. 4. 17. The River Melas in Boeotia makes all the Sheep that drink of it , black . Plin. 18. The Fountain of Jupiter Hammon , is cold in the day time , and hot at midnight . 19. The Fountain of the Sun hath its water extream cold , and sweet at noon ; and boiling hot , and bitter at midnight . Plin. lib. 2. c. 103. Augustine . 20. There is a River in Palestine called the Sabbatical River , which runs with a violent and swift stream all the week ; but every Sabbath it remains dry , Joseph . de Bel. Jud. l. 7. c. 24. Some question the truth of this . 21. In Idumae● is a Fountain called the Fountain of Job , which for one quarter of the year is troubled and muddy ; the next quarter bloody , the third green , and the fourth clear . Isiod . 22. The River Astaces in the Isle of Pontus uses sometimes to overflow the fields , after which whatsoever sheep , or milch-Cattle feed thereon give black milk . Plin. l. 2. c. 103. 23. Furius Camillus being Censor in Rome , the Lake Albanus being environed with Mountains on every side , in the time of Autumn when other Lakes and Rivers were almost dry , the waters of this Lake after a wondrous manner began to swell , and rise upwards , till at last they were equall with the tops of the Mountains , and after a while they brake thorow one of those Mountains , overflowing and bearing all down before them till they emptied themselves into the Sea. Plut. 24. The River d ee in Merionneth-shire in Wales , though it run through Pimble-Meer , yet it remaineth intire , and mingles not its streams with the waters of the Lake . Cam. Brit. 25. Ana a River in Spain , burieth it self in the earth , and runneth under ground fifteen miles together , whereupon the Spaniards brag that they have a bridg whereon ten thousand Catle feed dayly . 26. Pliny tells us of a Fountain called Dodon , which always decreaseth from midnight till noon , and encreaseth from noon till midnight . 27. He also tells us of certain Fountains in an Island neer Italy , which always increase and decrease according to the ebbing , and flowing of the Sea. 28. Aristotle writeth of a Well in Sicilie , whose water is so sharp , that the Inhabitants use it instead of Vinegar . 29. In Bohemia neer to the City of Bilen is a Well of such excellent water , that the Inhabitants use to drink of it in a morning instead of burnt wine . Dr. Fulk . 30. In Paphlagonia is a Well , which hath the taste of wine , and it makes men drunk which drink of it ; whence Du-Bartas , Salonian Fountain , and thou Andrian Spring , Out of what Cellars do you daily bring The oyl , and wine that you abound with so ? O Earth , do these within thine entrals grow ? &c. 31. Aelian mentioneth a Fountain in Boeotia neer to Thebes , which makes Horses run mad if they drink of it . 32. Pliny mentioneth a water in Sclavonia which is extream cold , and yet if a man throw his cloath cloak upon it , it is presently set on fire . 33. Other waters there are which discolour the fleeces of the sheep which drink of them : whence Du-Bartas , Cerona , Xanth , and Cephisus do make , The thirsty flocks that of their waters take , Black , red , and white : And neer the crimson deep , Th' Arabian Fountain maketh crimson sheep . 34. And again . What should I of th' Illyrian Fountain tell ? What shall I say of the Dodonean Well ? Whereof the first sets any cloathes on fire ; Th' other doth quench ( who but will this admire ) A burning Torch : and when the same is quenched , Lights it again , if it again be drenched . 35. In the Province of Dara in Lybia , there is a certain River , which sometimes so overfloweth the banks that it is like a sea , yet in the Summer it is so shallow , that any one may passe over it on foot . If it overflow about the beginning of Aprill , it brings great plenty to the whole region ; if not , there follows great scarcity of Corn. Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 823. 36. In the Kingdom of Tunis neer unto the City El-Hamma , is a hot River , which by diverse Channels is carried through the City , the water of it being so hot that few can endure to go into it , yet having set it to cool a whole day , the people drink of it . Idem . p. 821. 37. In Africa , there is a River called Margania , and by it a salt spring which turns all the wood is thrown into it , into hard stone . Idem . p. 1547. 38. The River Meander is famous for its six hundred windings , and turnings , in and out : whence that of the Poet , Quique recurvatis ludit Maeander in undis . Maeander plays his watry pranks , Within his crooked winding banks . 39. Groenland in the Hyperborean Sea , was discovered Anno Christi 1380. it hath in it the Monastery of St. Thomas situate in the North-East part thereof at the foot of a Mountain , where there is a River so hot , that they use to boil their meat in it , and it serves for other such purposes as fire doth with us , Isac . Chron. p , 275. 40 The river Hypanis in Scythia every day brings forth little bladders , out of which come certain flies which are thus , bred in the morning , are fledge at noon , and dye at night . Fit Emblems of the vain , and short life of Man. 41 The famous River of Nilus in Egypt useth once in the year to overflow her banks , whereby the whole Country is watered . It usually beginneth to overflow upon the seventeenth of June , and increaseth daily , sometimes two , sometimes three fingers , and sometimes half a cubit high on a day . The increase of it is known by a Pillar erected in a Cistern , whereinto the water is conveyed by a Sluce ; which Pillar is divided into eighteen parts , each a cubit higher than the other . If the water reach no higher than to the fifteenth cubit , they expect a fruitful year : if it stay between the twelfth , and fifteenth cubit , the increase of that year will be but mean. If it reach not to the twelfth , it s a sign of scarcity . If it rise to the eighteenth , the scarcity will be greater , in regard of too much moisture . This River continueth forty dayes increasing , and forty dayes decreasing . Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 838. 42. Another thing is wonderful , which is this : In the Grand Cairo ( which is the Metropolis of Egypt ) the Plague useth many times to be very violent , till the River begins to overflow its banks , at which time it doth instantly cease . So that whereas five hundred a day dyed the day before , not one doth die the day following . Idem . p. 897. 43. In the County of Devon , not far from the Town of Lidford , at a Bridg , the River Lid is gathered into a strait , and pent in between Rocks , whereon it runneth down a main , and the ground daily waxing deeper , and deeper under it , his water is not seen , only a roaring noise is heard , to the great wonder of those that pass by . Camb. Brit. p. 199. 44. In Warwickshire , at Nevenham Regis , three fountains arise out of the ground , strained through an Allom Mine : the water whereof carrieth the colour , and tast of Milk , which cureth ulcers in the bladder , or kidneys caused by the stone , and provoketh urine abundantly ; Green wounds it cleanseth , closeth up , and quickly healeth ; being drunk with salt it looseth , and with Sugar it bindeth the belly . About fifty years ago these Wells were famous , and in great request , many resorting to them , and the water by others was sent for far and near . Idem . p. 562. 45. In Herefordshire , a little beneath Richards Castle , Nature , who never disports her self more in shewing wonders , than in waters , hath brought forth a pretty well , which is alwayes full of little fish bones , although they be drawn out from time , to time , whence it s commonly called Bone-Well . Idem . p. 619. 46. In Yorkshire , upon the Sea-shore by Sken-grave , when the winds are laid , and the weather is most calm upon the Sea : the water lying level and plain without any noise : there is heard here many times on a sudden , a great way off , as it were , an horrible , and fearful groaning , which affrights the Fishermen at those times , so that they dare not launce forth into the Sea. Idem . p. 720. 47. Pliny tells us of the Fountain Chymaera , that is set on fire with water , and put out with earth , or hey . Plin. nat . Hist. Lib. 2. c. 106 , 107. 48. The same Author also tells us , that in the hot deserts of India grows a certain kind of Flax that lives in the fire , and consumes not : we have seen ( saith he ) table-cloathes made of it , burning in fires at feasts , by which they have been cleansed from their stains , and spots , and made whiter by the fire than they could be by water . 49. At Belgrad in Hungary , where Danubius , and Sava ( two great Rivers ) meet , their waters mingle no more than water and Oil : not that either flote above other , but joyn unmixed ; so that near the middle of the River I have gone in a boat ( saith Sir Henry Blunt in his voyage into the Levant ) and tasted of the Danow , as clear , and pure as a well ; then putting mine hand an inch further , I have taken of the Sava , as troubled as a street-channel , tasting the gravel in my teeth . Thus they ran sixty miles together , and for a dayes journey I have been an eye-witness of it . CHAP. IV. The wonderful works of God in the Creatures . Of strange Fishes . 1 ANno Christi 1204. at Oreford in Suffolk , a fish was taken by the Fishermen at Sea , in shape resembling a wild man , and by them was presented to Sir Bartholomew de Glanvil , Keeper of Oreford Castle . In all his limbs and members he resembled a man , had hair in all the usual parts of his body , only his head was bald . The Knight caused meat to be set before him , which he greedily devoured , and did eat fish raw , or sod : that which was raw he pressed with his hand , till he had squeezed out all the moisture : He uttered not any speech , though to try him , they hung him up by the heels , and grievously tormented him . He would get him to his Couch at the setting of the Sun , and rise again at the Sun-rising . One day they brought him to the haven , and let him go into the Sea , but to prevent his escape , they set three rows of very strong nets before him to catch him again at their pleasure : but he , straitwayes diving to the bottom , crept under all their nets , and shewed himself again to them , and so often diving , he still came up , and looked upon them that stood on the shore , as it were mocking of them . At length after he had sported himself a great while in the water , and there was no hope of his return , he came back to them of his own accord , and remained with them two months after . But finally , when he was negligently looked to , he went to the Sea , and was never after seen , or heard of . Fabians Chron. 2. Anno Christi 1404. some women of Edam in the Low-Countries , as they were going in their barks to their cattel in Purmer-Meer , they often saw at the ebbing of the water , a Sea-women playing up and down , whereat at the first they were afraid , but after a while , incouraging one another , they made with their boats towards her , and the water by this time being not deep enough for her to dive in , they took her by force , and drew her into the boat , and so carried her to Edam , where in time she grew familiar , and fed of ordinary meats : and being sent from thence to Herlem , she lived about fifteen years , but never spake , seeking often to get away into the water . Belg. Common-Wealth . p. 102. 3. In the Seas , near unto Sofala are many Women-Fishes ; which from the belly to the neck are very like a woman ▪ The Females have breasts like womens , with which also they nourish their young . From the belly downward they have thick , and long tails , with fins like a Dolphin : the skin on the belly is white ; on the back rougher , than a Dolphins . They have arms , which from the elbows end in fins , and so have no hands : the face is plain , round , and bigger than a mans , deformed , and without humane semblance : They have wide mouths , thick hanging lips like a Hound ; four teeth hanging out almost a span long like the tusk of a Boar : and their nostrils are like a Calves . Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 1546. 4. Upon the coasts of Brasile are often found Meer-Men , which are like unto men of a good stature , but that their eyes are very hollow . 5. Captain Richard Whitburn in his description of Newfound-land , writes that Anno Christi 1610. early in a morning as he was standing by the water side , in the harbour of St Johns , he espied a strong Creature swimming very swiftly towards him like a women , looking chearfully upon him : Her Face , Eyes , Nose , Mouth , Chin , Ears , Neck , and Forehead were like a womans . It was very beautiful , and in those parts well proportioned , having hair hanging down round about the head : He seeing it come within a pikes length of him , stepped back , whereupon it dived under water , swimming to another place , whereby he beheld the shoulders , and back down to the middle , which was as square , white , and smooth as the back of a man ; from the middle to the hinder part it pointed in proportion like a broad-hooked Arrow : Afterwards it came to a Boat wherein some of his men were , attempting to come in to them , till one of them struck it a full blow upon the head : Others of them saw it afterwards also . 6. About Brasile are many Meer-Men , and Meer-Women , that have long hair , and are very beautiful . They often catch the Indians as they are swimming , imbracing them , and kissing them ; and clasp them so hard , that they crush them to death , and when they perceive that they are dead , they give some sighs , as if they were sorry Pur. Pil. v. 4. p. 1315. 7. There are also another sort of them , that resemble Children , and are no bigger , that are no ways hurtful . Idem . 8. The Torpedo is a strange kind of fish , which a man holding in his hand , if it stir not , it produceth no effect ; but if it move it self never so little , it so torments the body of him that holds it , that his arteries , joints , sinews , & all his members feel exceeding great pain , with a certain numness , and as soon as he layeth it out of his hand , all that pain , and numness , is gone also . P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1183. See more of it afterwards . 9. In Sofala are many River-horses , as big as two of our horses , with thick , and short hinder legs , having five clawes on each fore-foot , and four on the hinder ; the mouth is wide , and full of teeth , four of which are above two spans long a peece ; the two lower stand upright ; the two upper are turned like a Boars tush ; they live in the water , but feed on the land upon grass : they have teats wherewith they nourish their young ones : Their Hides are thicker than an Oxes ; they are all of an ash-colour Gray , with white strakes on their faces , or white Stars in their foreheads . Idem . p. 1544. 10. In the mouth of the River of Goa , there was taken a fish of the bigness of a Cur-Dog , with a snout like an Hog , small eyes , no ears , but two holes in-stead thereof : It had four feet like an Elephant : the tail was flat , but at the end round , and somewhat sharp : It snorted like a Hog ; the Body , Head , Tail , and Legs , were covered with broad Scals as hard as Iron , so that no weapon could peirce them : when he was beaten , he would rowle himself round like an Urchin , and could by no strength be opened , till he opened of his own accord . Idem . p. 1774. 11. There are also Toad-Fishes of about a span long , painted , having fair Eyes : when they are taken out of the water , they snort , and swell much : their poison lies only in the skin , and that being flaid off , the Indians eat them . Idem . p. 1314. 12. The Cuttle-Fish hath a hood alwayes full of black water , like Ink , which when she is pursued by other fishes that would devour her , she casts it forth , which so darkens and foileth the water , that she thereby escapeth . Idem . 13. There are a sort of fishes , whose wonderful making magnifieth their Creator , who for their safety hath given them fins , which serve in-stead of wings : they are of such a delicate skin interlaced with fine bones as may cause admiration in the beholder : These fishes are like to Pilcherds , only a little rounder , and bigger : they flye best with a side wind , but longer than their wings are wet , they cannot flye ; so that their longest flight is about a quarter of a mile . The Dolphins , and Bonitos do continually hunt after them , to prey upon them : whereupon for safety they take the air : but then there is a Fowle called an Alcatrace , much like a Hern , which hovers in the air to seize upon them . Incidit in Scyllam qui vult vitare Caribdim . Out of the frying Pan into the fire , as our Proverb hath it . 14. There is often a strang fight in the Sea between the Whale and his enemies , viz. The Swordfish , and the Thresher . The Swordfish is not great , but strongly made , and between his neck and shoulders he hath a bone like a Sword , of about five inches broad , and above three foot long , full of prickles on either side . The Thresher is a bigger fish , whose tail is broad , and thick , and very weighty . The fight is in this manner ; the Swordfish placeth himself under the belly of the Whale , and the Thresher above with his tail thresheth upon the head of the Whale , till he forceth him to give way , which the Swordfish perceiving , wounds him in the belly with the Sword , and so forceth him to rise up again . In this manner they torment him , that the fight is sometimes heard above three leagues off , the Whales roaring being heard much further , his onely remedy in this case is to get to the shore , which he laboureth to do as soon as he sees his enemies : for then there can fight but one with him , and for either of them hand to hand he is too good . Pur. Pil. v. 4. p. 1377. 15. Mr. Herbert in his East-Indy voyage , relates of a Shark taken by one of their men , that was nine foot and an half in length , and they found in her paunch fifty and five young ones , each of them a foot in length , all which go out and in at their pleasures : She is armed with a double row of venemous teeth : and is guided to her prey by a little Musculus , or Pilot-fish that scuds to and fro to bring intelligence , the Shark for his kindnesse suffering it to suck when it pleaseth . 16. The Sea Tortoise is not much differing from those at land , only her shell is flatter : by overturning them they are easily taken , being hereby dis-enabled either to sink , or help themselves : they taste waterish , and cause Fluxes : they superabound in eggs , one of them having in her neer two thousand , which eggs are pale , and round , and will never be made hard with boiling . Herberts Travels . p. 26. 17. In the Indian Sea is an Eagle-fish , whose eyes are five quarters asunder , from the end of one fin to the end of the other are above four yards : Its mouth and teeth resemble a Portcullis : it hath a long small tail , and it is rather to be wondered at then to be eaten . 18. In Le-Maires voyage about the world , a certain fish , or Sea monster , with an horn , struck against the ship with such violence , that shook it , whereupon the Master looking overboard , saw the Sea all bloody , but knew not what should be the cause , till coming into Port-Desire , where they cleansed and trimmed their ship , they found seven foot under water , a Horn sticking in the ship , for bignesse , and fashion like an Elephants tooth : yet not hollow , but all solid of hard bone , which had pierced through three double planks , and was entred into a rib of the ship , it stuck about half a foot deep in the ship , and by great force was broken off , which caused that great monster to bleed so much as discoloured the water . Pur. Pil. v. 1. p. 90. 19. The Mannaty is a strange fish resembling a Cow : Her face is like a Buffalo's , her eyes small and round , having hard gums instead of teeth : they feed much on the shore , which makes them taste like flesh of veal : their intrails differ little from a Cows : their bodies are commonly three yards long , and one broad , they swim slowly wanting fins , in the place whereof they have two things like paps , which are their stilts when they creep on the shore to graze , where they sleep long , sucking in the cool aire : they cannot keep under water above half an hour . The stone generated in their head is most esteemed , being soveraign against choller adust , the stone collick ; and dissenteryes , if beaten small infused in wine , and drunk fasting . Herb. Trav. p. 26. See more afterwards . 20. The Carvel comes of the foam of the sea , every where floating upon the surface of the Ocean , of a round form , throwing abroad her strings like so many lines , which she can spread at pleasure , therewith angling for small fishes , which she catches at leasure : you may call her a Sea-Spider : for when she sees her web too weak , she can blow an infectious breath foaming death , or such a sting as if she had borrowed it from a Scorpion . Idem . 21. In the East-Indies is a trade wind , which they call a Briese , or Monson , which blows West all April , May , June , July , August , and part of September , and East the rest of the year : Only on the East of Sumatra , it blows five months East , and five months West , and the other two variable . This is well known to our East-Indy Merchants . 22. The Torpedo is a Fish like a Bream , but somwhat thicker : some Marriners having one of them in a net , went to take it forth , but one of them presently cryed out that he had lost the use of his hands , and armes : another that was bare-legged putting his foot to it , lost the sence of his leg : but after a while their feeling returned again : whereupon calling their Cook , they bade him to take and dresse it , who laying both his hands thereon , made grievous moan that he felt not his hands : but when its dead it produceth no such effect , but is good meat . Pur. Pil. p. 1568. 23. About Jamica in the West-Indies , is a Fish called a Manati which is of a strange shape , and nature : It brings forth her young ones alive , and nourisheth them with Milk from her teats , feeding upon grass in the fields , but lives for the most part in the water : the hinder-parts of it are like unto a Cow , and it eats like veal . Idem . v. 3. p. 930. 24. In Brasile are Oxe-fishes , which are very good meat : For head , hair , skin , cheeks , and tongue , they are like Oxen : their eyes small with lids to open and shut ; which no other fish hath : It breatheth , and therefore cannot be long under water : Instead of fore-feet , it hath two arms of a cubit long , with two round hands , and on them five fingers close together , with nails like a mans ; under these arms the female hath paps wherewith she nourisheth her young , she brings forth but one at once . It hath no fins but the tail , which is also round and close : their bones are all maffie , and white like Ivory : of this Fish they make great store of sweet Oil : they feed most upon the land . Idem . v. 4. p. 1313. 25. In Sir Fran. Drakes voyage about the world , when they came to the Island of Celebes , which is wholly overgrown with wood : amongst the Trees night by night , they saw infinite swarms of fiery worms flying in the air , their bodies no bigger than of our English Flyes , which made such a shew , and gave such a light , as if every twig or tree had been a burning candle . In which place also were great store of Bats , as big as large Hens . Pur. Pil. v. 1. p. 56. 26. In Captain Saris his voyage to Bantam , about mid-night , they fell into the strangest , and fearfullest water that ever any of them had seen , the water giving such a glaring light about the ship , that they they could discern letters in a book thereby , whereas a little before it was so dark , that they could discern nothing . This made them fear that it had been the breach of sunken ground : But finding that they had failed half an hour in it , and saw no alteration , they perceived at length , that it was a multitude of Cuttle-fish that made this fearful shew . Pur. Pil. p. 352. CHAP. V. The wonderful works of God in the Creatures . Of strange Fowls , and Birds . 1. IN one of the Scottish Islands there is a rare kind of Fowl unknown to other Countrys , called Colca , little lesse than a Goose : They come thither every year in the spring , hatch , and nourish their young ones : About which time they cast all their feathers , and become stark naked all their bodies over , and then they get themselves to the Sea , and are no more seen till the next spring : Their feathers have no quill , as other feathers have , but are all like unto Down , wherein is no hardnesse . Descr. of Scot. 2. In the North Seas of Scotland are great loggs of Timber found , in which are ingendred after a marvellous manner , a sort of Geese , called Claik-geese : and they do hang by the beak till they are grown to perfection , and then they receive life and fall off : they are many times found , & kept in admiration for their rare manner of Generation : They are very fat , and delicious to be eaten . Idem . Some question the truth hereof . 3. Storks are so careful of their parents ? that when they grow old , and so are unable to help themselves , the young ones feed them : and when in passing the Sea their wings fail them , the young ones will take them on their backs , and carry them over . And this is remarkable about them . 4. The Town of Delph in the Low-Countries is so seated for the breeding , and feeding of those Birds , that it is hard to see an house wherein they do not build . In this Town upon the third of May , Anno Christi 1536. a great fire happened when the young Storks were grown pretty big : the old ones perceiving the fire to approach to their Nests , attempted to carry away their young ones , but could not , they were so weighty , which they perceiving , never ceased with their spread wings to cover them , till they all perished in the flames together . Belg. Common Wealth . p. 63. 5. In America there are certain small Birds called Viemalim , with small and long bills , that live upon the dew , and of the juice of Flowers , and roses , like Bees : their feathers are of very curious colours : they dye , or sleep every year in October , sitting upon the bough of a Tree in a warm place , and in Aprill following , when the Flowers are sprung , they awake again . I have one of them . 6. In the Arabian Deserts there are great store of Ostriches , that go in flocks , and often affright passengers that are strangers , with their fearful schr●eches , appearing a farr off like a Troop of horsmen . Their bodies are too heavy to be born up by their wings , which , though uselesse for flight , yet serve them to run with greater speed , so that a swift Horse can scarce overtake them : whatsoever they finde , be it stones or iron , they greedily swallow it down , and concoct it : when they have laid their eggs , ( which are as big as a Culverin Bullet ) they forget where they left them , and so return no more to them : but they are hatched by the heat of the Sun in the warm sands : hence those expressions , Lam. 4. 3. The Daughter of my people is become cruel , like the Ostriches in the wildernesse : whereupon she is made the Embleme of folly , Job 39. 14. &c. She leaveth her eggs in the earth , and warmeth them in the dust , and forgets that the foot may crush them , &c. 7. In Brasile there is a little bird , which they call The risen , or Awaken Bird , because it sleeps six months , and awakes the other six . It hath a Cap on its head of no one colour , but on what side soever you look , it sheweth Red , Green , Black , and other colours , all very fine , and shining : the Breast also shews great variety of colours , especially Yellow , more fine then Gold ; the Body is Grey , and it hath a very long small Bill , and yet the tongue is twice as long as the Bill : it flyes very swiftly , and makes a humming like a Bee. It always feeds flying . Pur. Pil. 8. In Socotera there are Bats , whose bodies are almost as big as a Conies , their Heads are like Foxes with an hairy Furr upon them : In other things they are like our Bats . One of them being killed by some English , his wings when they were extended , were an ell in length . their Cry is shril and loud . Idem . 9. In Italy are the Flies Cantharides , which by day are of a Green shining colour , but in the night they shine in the Air , like flying Glow-Worms , with Fire in their Tailes . Raimunds Mercu. Ital. 10. In China there is a Fowl of a prodigious shape , and bignesse : It is three foot high : the body being exceeding great , more than a man can fathom : their feathers are all white like a Swans , their feet broad like Fowls that swim : their neck half a fathom long , and their beak half an ell , the upper part of it being crooked . From the nether part of the beak there hangs a very great and capable bag of a yellow golden colour , resembling Parchment . With these Fowls the Natives use to fish , as we do in England with Cormorants . They will catch fish with great dexterity , and when they have filled their great bag , which will hold divers fishes of two foot long a peece , they will bring them to their Masters . Pur. Pil. v. 2. 1643. 11. In the African Desarts is a certain Fowle called a Nesir , some call it a Vultur . It s bigger than a Crane . In flying it mounts very high , yet at the sight of a dead carkass , it descends immediatly . She lives long , and in extream old age looseth her feathers , and then returning to her nest , is there fed by the young ones of the same kind . Idem . 12. Near unto the Streights of Magellane , there is an Island called Penguin Island , wherein are abundance of Fowls called Penguins that go upright , their wings , in stead of feathers , are only covered with down , which hang down like sleeves faced with white . They flye not , but walk in paths of their own making , and keep their divisions and quarters orderly . They are a strange Fowle , or rather , a miscellaneous creature , of Beast , Bird , and Fish : but most of Bird. Pur. Pil. v. 1. p. 536. 13. In the Isle of Man , there is a sort of Sea-Fowles called Puffins , they are of a very unctious constitution , and breed in Cony-holes ( the Conies leaving their burrows for that time ) they are never seen with their young , but very early in the morning , and late in the evening : they nourish their young ( as it is conceived ) with Oil drawn from their own bodyes , and dropped into their mouths ; for that being opened , there is found in their crops no other sustenance , save a single Sorrel-leaf , which the old give their young ( as is conjectured ) for digestions-sake ; the flesh of them , whilst raw , not savoury , but powdered , it may be ranked with Anchoves , and Caviare ; profitable they are in their feathers , and oil , which they use much about their Wooll . 14. the Isle of Mauritius is a Fowle called a Dodo ; Her body is round , and extream fat , which makes her pace slow : few of them weigh less than fifty pound : Her Wings are so small , that they cannot lift her above the ground : Her head is variously dressed , the one half-hooded with downy black feathers ; the other wholly naked , of a whitish colour , as if a transparent Lawn had covered it : her bill is very hooked , bending downwards , the breathing place being in the midst of it , from which part to the end , the colour is light green , mixt with a pale yellow : Her eyes are round , and small , and bright as Diamonds : her cloathing is of the finest down ; her train is of three or four short-feathers , her legs thick , and black ; her tallons sharp ; her stomach so hot , that she digests stones , or Iron , as doth the Ostrich . 15. In Lincolnshire there is a Bird called a Dotterel , so named of his doltish foolishness : It s a bird of an apish kinde , ready to imitate what it sees done : they are caught by Candle-light by the Fowlers gestures ; for if he put forth and arm , they stretch forth a wing : if he sets forward a leg , or hold up his head , they likewise do the same : In brief , whatsoever the Fowler doth , the same also doth this foolish bird , until it be caught within the net . Camb. Brit. p. 543. 16. There is an Island called Bas , bordering upon Lathaien in Scotland , unto which there resort a multitude of Sea fowls , especially of Soland Geese , which bring with them such abundance of Fish , that , as it is reported , an hundred souldiers that lay there in Garrison for defence of the place , fed upon no other meat , but the fish that was thus brought to them : And the said Fowls also bring such a number of sticks , and twigs , wherewith to build their nests , that thereby the inhabitants are also abundantly provided of fewel for the fire : and such a mighty gain is made of their feathers , and oil , that no man would scarcely beleeve it , but he that hath seen it . Camb. Brit. of Scotland . p. 12 , 13. 17. In Magallanes voyage about the world , the King of the Island of Bacchian sent the King of Spain two dead birds of a strange shape : they were as big as Turtle-Doves , with little heads , and long bills , long small legs , and no wings , but in-stead thereof certain long feathers of divers colours , and tails like Turtle-Doves : all their other feathers were of a tawny colour ; they flye not , but when the wind blows ; and they call them Birds of God. Pur. Pil v. 1. p. 44. 18. In Sofala in the East-Indies is a kinde of Bird called Minga , green , and yellow , very fair , about the bigness of a Pigeon , which never treads on the ground , their feet being so short , that they can scarce be discerned : they settle on trees , of the fruit whereof they live : when they drink , they flye on the tops of the water ; and if they fall on the ground , they cannot rise again ; their flesh is fat and savoury . Idem . p. 1546. CHAP. VI. The wonderful works of God in the Creatures . Of strange Beasts , and Serpents . 1. WHilst Sir Thomas Row , our English Ambassador , was at the great Moguls Court , he saw many stately Elephants brought before the Emperour : some of which being Lord-Elephants ( as they called them ) had their chain bells , and furniture of gold , and silver , each of them having eight , or ten other Elephants waiting on him : they were some twelve companies in all , and as they passed by , they all bowed down before the King very handsomely . Pur. Pil. v. 1. p. 550. 2. Though these Elephants be the largest of all beasts , yet are they very tractable , unless at such times when they are mad through lust : some of them are thirteen , and some fifteen foot high ; their colour is usually black , their skins thick , and smooth without hair ; they delight much to bathe themselves in water , and are excellent swimmers , their pace is about three miles an hour ; of all Beasts they are most sure of foot , so that they never stumble , or fall to indanger their rider : they lye down , and rise again at pleasure , as other beasts do ; they are most docible creatures , doing almost whatsoever their Keeper commands them . If he bid one of them affright a man , he will make towards him , as he would tread him in pieces ; and yet when he comes at him , do him no hurt : If he bid him abuse , or disgrace a man , he will take dirt , or kennel-water in his trunk , and dash it in his face , &c. Their trunks are long , grissely snouts hanging down betwixt their teeth , which ( as a hand ) they make use of upon all occasions . Some Elephants the great Mogul keeps for execution of malefactors ; who being brought to suffer death by that mighty beast , if the Keeper bid him dispatch the offender presently , he will immediately with his foot pash him in peeces : If he bid him torture him slowly , he will break his joynts by degrees one after another , as men are broken upon the wheel . 2. An English Merchant of good credit being at Adsmeer ( a City where the great Mogul then was ) saw a great Elephant daily brought through the Market-place , where an Hearb-woman used to give him an handful of hearbs as he passed by . This Elephant afterwards being mad ; brake his chains , and took his way through the Market-place ; the people being affrighted , hasted to secure themselves , amongst whom was this Hearb-woman , who through fear , and haste , forgat her little childe . The Elephant comming to the place where she usually sate , stopt , and seeing a child lye about her hearbs , took it up gently with his Trunk , and without harm , laid it upon a stall hard by , and then proceeded in his furious course . Idem . p. 1472. The Males Testicles lie about his forehead : the Females teates are betwixt her fore-legs ; they carry their young two years in their wombs : conceive but once in seven years : they are thirty years before they come to their full growth , and fulfil the accustomed age of a man before they die . 3. As Pyrrus King of Epyrus was assaulting the City of Argos , one of his Elephants called Nicon . i. e. Conquering , being entred the City , perceiving that his governour was stricken down to the ground from his back with terrible blows ; ran upon them that came back upon him , overthrowing friends , and foes , one in anothers neck , till at length , having found the body of his slain Master , he lift him up from the ground with his trunk , and carrying him upon his two tushes ; returned back with great fury , treading all under feet whom he found in his way . Plut. In vita Pyrri . 4. The Lion hath the Jackall for his Usher , which is a litle black , shag-haired beast , of the bigness of a Spaniel , which when the evening comes , hunts for his prey , and comming on the foot , follows the scent with open crye : to which the Lion as chief Hunt gives diligent ear , following for his advantage : If the Jackall set up his chase before the Lion comes in , he howles out mainly , and then the Lion seizeth on it , making a grumbling noise , whilst his servant stands by barking , and when the Lyon hath done , the Jackal feeds on the relicks Idem . p. 1575. See more afterwards , Example seventeen . 5. The Panther hath a very sweet smell , so that other Beasts are much taken therewith , but they are terrified with the ugly deformity of his face ; and therefore as he goes he hides that part between his legs , and will not look towards them till he hath gotten them within his compasse , which when he hath done , he devours them without mercy : so deals the Devil with wicked men , strewing their way to Hell with variety of worldly delights , and profits ( the thorns of affliction must not touch their flesh , nor Hells terrors come within their thoughts ) till he hath made them past feeling , then he devours them . Plin. nat . Hist. L. 8 C. 17. 6. The Rhynoceros is so called because of the horn in his nose : he is a large beast , as big as our fairest Oxe in England : His skin lyeth plated , and as it were in wrinkles upon his back : Their Horn , Teeth , Claws , yea flesh , and blood , are good against poyson , which , as is conceived , proceeds from the Herbs which they feed on in Bengala , where are most store of them . 7. The Camelopardalus is the highest of Beasts , so that a man on horseback may ride upright under his belly , his neck is long , so that he usually feedeth upon the leaves of trees : his colour is white and speckled , his hinder legs are shorter than his former , so that he cannot graze but with difficulty . P. Pil. p. 1381. He is also called a Jaraff . 8. In India is a certain beast called a Buffelo , which is very large , hath a thick and smooth skin , but without hair : She gives good milk , and her flesh is like Beefe . Idem . p. 1469. 9. In the same Country also are certain wild Goats , whose Horns are good against poison , Pur. Pil. p. 472. 10. In the Country of Indostan in the East-Indies , are large white Apes , as big as our Grey-hounds , which will eat young Birds , whereupon Nature hath taught their Dams this subtilty : they build their Nests on the utmost bowes at the end of slender twigs : where they hang them like Purse-nets to which the Apes cannot possibly come : yet many times with their Hands they will shake those boughs till the nests break , and fall down , and then they will devour them . Pur. Pilgrimage p. 1475. 11. The Camelion is of the shape , and bigness of a Lizzard , it is a deformed lean , and crooked creature , having a long and slender tail , like a Mouse , and is of a slow pace . It lives only upon Flys . It changeth colours according to the variety of places where it comes . It is a great Enemy to venemous Serpents ; for when it sees any lie sleeping under a Tree , it gets upon a bough just over the Serpents head , & voideth out of its mouth , as it were a long thred of spittle , with around drop hanging at the end , which falling on the Serpents head , immediately kills him P. Pil. p. 848. 12. There was lately found in Catalunia , in the Mountains of Cerdania , a certain Monster , that had humane shape as far as the waste , and downwards it was like a Satyre : He had many heads , Arms , & Eyes , and a mouth of extraordinary bigness , wherewith he made a noise like a Bull : His picture was sent by Don John of Austria ( now Governour of the Low Countrys ) to the King of Spain , and afterwards many Coppies thereof were drawn , and sent abroad by Ambassadors , and other persons to several Princes , and States in Europe . Hist. of this Iron age . 13. In Brasile is a certain Beast called a Tamandua or Ant-Bear of the bignesse of a great dog , more round than long , and the tail above twice so long as the body , and so full of hair that under it he shelters himself from rain , heat , cold , and wind . His head is small ; and hath a thin snout : his mouth round , with a tongue three quarters of a yard long : he is diligent in seeking Ant-hills , which he teareth with his claws , and then thrusts in his long tongue , upon which the Ants run , and when it is full , he licks them in ; and this is all his food . Pur. Pil. v. 4. p. 1301. 14. The Armadillo is of the bignesse of a Pig , and of a white colour : It hath a long snout , and the body is covered with shels like Plates , wherewith they are armed : for they are so hard that no arrow will pierce them except in the Flanks , where they are softer : their flesh is good to eat , they dig holes in the ground with their snouts , in which they lye . Idem . 15. The Porcupine hath bristles , or quils , white and black , of a span and an half long , which they can cast : and they have this quality , that where one of these bristles enters into the flesh , if it be not pulled out presently , it will work it selfe quite through ; they are of a good flesh , and taste . 16. The Civet-Cat exceeds the Castor for bignesse , her head is little , her eyes clear ; hath a long muzzle ; sharp , and offensive teeth . Her hair is parti-coloured , harsh , and bristley , yellow above , and whiter downwards ; The pocket wherein the Civet is bred is neer the genitory , which is taken forth with a spoon or stick ; But when she is wild , she casts it forth of her own accord , and by the scent it is found by the passengers . 17. The Lyons in Affrick , are more fierce than in colder Countryes ; here was one of their skins brought into England , which from the snout to the top of the tail , contained one and twenty foot in length . They engender backwards as do Camels , Elephants , Rhinoceroses , Ounces , and Tygers . They spare such men as prostrate themselves to them , and prey rather upon men than women , and not at all on Infants , except compelled by hunger . His tail is his Scepter , by which he expresses his passion . He shrinks not at danger , except some covert of woods hides him from witnesses , and then he will take the benefit of flight , which otherwise he seems to disdain . 18. The Hyaena hath no joints in her neck , and therefore stirs not her neck , but with the bending of her whole body . She hath one continued tooth through her whole mouth . 19. In Africk are many wild Asses , whereof one male hath many females , and he is so jealous , that he bites off the stones of the young males , if the suspicious female prevent him not by bringing forth in a close place . 20. The Dabuh is a simple Creature , like to a Wolf , but that his legs and feet are like to a mans , they which know his haunt , with a Taber , & singing , will bring him out of his den , and captivate his ears with their Musick , whilst another captivateth his legs with a rope . 21. The Zebra is a very beautiful Creature , resembling a curiously shaped horse , but not all out so swift , all over-laid with party coloured laces , and guards , from head to tail . 22. In Sofala there is a certain creature called Inhazaras as big as a hog , & somewhat like , with thin black hair , having on his hinder feet five fingers like unto a mans , and four on his forefeet ; they live meerly upon Ants , by thursting their tongues which are two spans and an half long into an Ant-hil , whereon the Ants running , they pull them into their mouths , and so eat them : some call them Ant-Bears . Pur. Pil. 23. There is in Affrica a certain monster called Pongo , in the whole proportion like unto a man , but that it is bigger . It hath a mans face , hollow eyes , long hair upon the brows , his face and ears being without hair : but his body is all hairy of a dunish colour , &c. He differs from a man only in his legs , which have no calves : he goes alwayes upright upon his legs , and he carries his hands clasped in the nape of his neck , when he walkes upon the ground : They use to sleep in trees , and live upon fruits and nuts . Idem . v. 2. p. 982. 24. In Congo there is a strange Creature as big as a Ram , that hath wings like a Dragon , a long tail , and great chaps , with diverse rows of teeth : They feed upon raw flesh . Idem . p. 1003. 25. In Affrica there is a beast called a Dabuk , in bignesse and shape , resembling a Wolf , saving that his legs & feet are like a mans . He useth to take dead men out of their graves , and eat them . Idem . p. 847. 26. In the Kingom of Mexico there are Kine , with bunches on their backs , about the bigness of our bulls , having little horns , and more hair on their foreparts than behind , which is like wooll : On the back-bone they have maines like horses , and long hair from their Knees downward , with much long hair on their throats : They are meat , drink , shooes , houses , fire , vessels , and their masters whole substance . 27. Other Creatures there are as big as horses , which the Spaniards for their fine Wooll call Sheep : One of their horns usually weigheth fifty pounds . P. Pil. v. 4. p. 1561. 28. In Virginia is a beast called a Possown , the female whereof hath a bag under her belly , from whence she letteth forth her young ones , and taketh them in again at her pleasure . Idem . p. 1772. 29. In Socotera are Sheep , whose tails weigh twenty eight pounds a peece , which therefore are usually cut off from the Ewes , least they should hinder their breeding . 30. In the Great Mogols Countrey there are Asses with horns , whereof they make diverse sorts of drinking cups , of excellent vertue . Some judging them to be the right Unicorns horn . Idem . p. 436. 31. Most certain it is , that the Irish Cows will not give down their Milk , unless their own Calves be set by their sides , either alive , or else the skin of the dead Calf must be stuffed with straw , and set by them . Camb. Brit. of Ireland . p. 1145. 32. In the Island of Orknay the Ewes are of such fecundity , that they bring forth constantly two , and many times three Lambs a peece ; There be neither ravenous nor venemous creatures there ; nor if transported thither , will they live in that Island . Description of Scotl. 33. There are three sorts of Camels : the first sort are gross , and tall of stature : these will usually carry one thousand pound weight a peece ; when they are to be loaden , being beaten on the knees , and neck with a cudgel , they will kneel down ; and when they feel their load sufficient , they will rise up again of themselves . The second sort of them have two bunches on their backs , and are fit either for burthen , or to ride on . The third sort are of a slender , and low stature , called Dromedaries , unfit for burthens , but they excel in swiftness , so that in the space of one day they will travel one hundred miles , and will so continue for eight , or ten dayes together , with very little provender ; and they will abstain from drink , eight , ten , and sometimes fifteen dayes together , without any inconvenience , as they travel through the Deserts . 34. Musk is taken from a little reddish beast , that they beat with many blows in one place , that so the blood may gather into it : and when the skin is by this means swoln , and full of blood , they bind it strait , that the blood may not issue forth , and being put into one , or more bladders , its dryed on the beasts back , till the bladder fall off of it self ; and so that blood after a month becomes excellent musk . Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 1500. 35. Amongst the Blackmoors , there is a strange beast called a Carbuncle , which is seen only by night , having a stone in his forehead that shineth incredibly , and giving him light whereby to feed : But when he hears the lest noise , he presently lets fall over it a skin , which he hath as a natural covering , least his splendor should betray him . Pur. Pil. v. 1. p. 416. 36. In Abassia are Kine with horns like unto Harts-horns : Others there be that have but one Horn in the midst of their foreheads of about a span and an half long , turning upward . Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 1495. 37. There is in the Country of Mexico a kinde of sheep , which all things considered , is a beast of the greatest profit , and least charge that is : For from them they draw meat and cloathing : They use them also to carry all their burthens , having need neither of shooes nor saddles , nor yet of Oats , so that they serve their Masters for nought , feeding only on Grass which they find in the fields : There are two kinds of these creatures , the one bearing Wooll , the other are bare , which are the better for burthen ; they are bigger than great Sheep , and less than Calves ; they have long necks like a Cammel . They are of divers colours , some white , some black , and others grey , or spotted ; Their flesh is good meat , but that of their Lambs is best : Of their Wooll the Indians make cloath some courser , other finer like half-silk ; they also make Carpets , and Coverings , and other exquisite works of it , which last long , and have a very good gloss ; they die it into sundry colours : upon these the Spaniards carry their bars of silver ; one of these sheep carrying about an hundred and fifty pound weight . 37. In the stomach , or belly of this beast , is found the Bezar's stone ; sometimes one alone , sometimes two , three , or foure : They are different in form , greatness , and colour ; some like Filbeards , others like Walnuts : Some as big as Pigeons Eggs , some as big as Hens Eggs : In form some are round , some oval , and of other formes . For their colour , some are black , some white , some grey , dark green , and some as if they had been gilded : they are all made of divers filmes , and skins one upon another . P. Pil. v. 3. p. 969. 38. There is in Italy the Tarantula ( a kind of Serpent ) the venome whereof hath such an operation , that whosoever is stung with it , falleth a dancing , and capering , and nothing can allay it but Musick . Raimunds Mercu. Ital. Examples of Dogs love to their Masters . 39. When the Athenians quit their City , and betook themselves to Sea , upon Xerxes his invasion of Greece , Xantippus the Father of Pericles had a Dog , which for sorrow that his Master had left him behind him , cast himself after him into the Sea , swimming still by the Gallies side wherein his Master was , till he came to the Isle of Salamina , where so soon as the poor Cur landed , his breath failed him , and he dyed presently . Plut In vita Themist . CHAP. VII . Admirable Works done by the art of man. 1. PRotogenes the Rhodian , an exquisite Painter , bestowed seven years in drawing a most curious picture , which when Apelles beheld , he stood amazed at the excellency of the workmanship , so that for a while he could not speak , but afterwards he said , This is an admirable work , and of huge labour , yet he wants an Orator to extol his workmanship to the skies . When King Demetrius besiedged the City of Rhodes , he took the suburbs , and in them this picture , whereupon the Citizens sent to him , requesting him not to deface it ; to whom he answered , That he would sooner burn the Picture of his Father , than hurt a peece of such admirable Workmanship . Diod. Sic. Plut. Glasses malleable . 2. Anno Christi 1610. amongst other rare Presents sent from the Sophy of Persia , to the King of Spain , were six drinking glasses so exquisitely tempered , that they could not be broken . Turk . Hist. p. 1273. Stone-henge Described . 3. About six miles from Salisbury , upon the plains , is to be seen a huge , and monstrous peece of work , such as Cicero calleth insanam substructionem . For within the circuit of a ditch , there are erected in the manner of a Crown , in three ranks , or courses , one whithin another , certain mighty , and unwrought stones , whereof some are twenty eight foot high , and seven broad ; upon the heads of which , others like overtwhart peeces do bear , and rest cross-wise with tenents , and mortesses , so as the whole frame seemeth to hang , whereof it s commonly called Stone-henge . Camb. Brit. 4. In Westmerland hard by Shape , there be hung stones in form of Pyramids , some of them nine foot high , and fourteen foot thick , ranged directly as it were in a row for a mile in length , with equal distance almost between them . Camb. Brit. p. 762. Mausolus his Tombe Described . 5. Artimesia Queen of Halicarnassus , when her husband Mausolus dyed , built him a stately Tomb , accounted for the rare workmanship , and costly magnificence one of the worlds Wonders . It was five and twenty cubits high , and supported with six and thirty curious pillars , of which Martial thus writeth : Are nam vacuo pendentia Mausolaea , laudibus immodicis Cares ad astra ferunt . The Mausolaea hanging in the skie , the men of Caria's praises Deifie . 6. When Sir Thomas Row was Ambassador there , the Great Mogul built a stately Monument for his Father : it was about twenty years in building , and three thousand men working daily at it : it was built square , three quarters of a mile in compass : it was made with seven heights one above another , and each narrower than other , till you come to the top where the herse is : At the outward Gate is a most stately Palace , and Gardens walled about , at least three miles in compass ; all built at a vast charge . Pur. Pil. p. 226. 7. Mr. Herbert , who saw it afterwards , thus describes it . It consists ( saith he ) of four large squares , each about three hundred paces long , the matter is Freestone polished , having at each Angle , a small Tower of party coloured Marble . Ten Foot higher is another Tarras , on each side beautified with three such Towers . The third Gallery hath two Towers , on each side . The fourth , one . The fifth , half , and a small square Gallery mounting to a Royal Pyree , within which is the Mummy of Ecbar ; bedded in a Coffin of pure Gold. The whole structure is built in the midst of a spacious and curious Garden , surrounded with a Wall of red stone , and planted with beautiful and odoriferous flowers . Porsennah's Tomb Described . Porsenna King of Hetruria● , not far from the City of Clusium , built for himself a Monument of square stone , each side of it was three hundred Foot broad , and fifty Foot High ; within which square Basis , there was an inextricable Labyrinth , into which whosoever adventured without a Clue , could find no passage out . Upon this square he erected five Pyramids , four in the corners , and one in the midst ; in the bottom they were seventy five Foot broad , and each of them one hundred and fifty Foot high , on the top was one Brass Circle , and covering for them all , from which there hung Bells fastened with Chains , which being moved with the Winde , gave a sound a far off : Upon this brazen Circle stood other four Pyramids , each of them one hundred Foot high ; and upon them ( being covered with another plain ) were again erected five other Pyramids , the height whereof my Author was ashamed to name : So foolishly did he waste the wealth of his Kingdom , that in the end the commendation of the Artificer should be the greatest . Pliny out of Varro ; and Greaves out of him . 8. In the Great Moguls Country , from Agra to Lahar ( which are the two chief Cities in this Empire ) is about four hundred English miles : The Country in all that distant , being even without Mountains or Hills : And the High-way betwixt them , is planted on both sides with Trees , like unto a delicate walk . P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1468. The Trees are Mulberry-trees . And in all this way , ever and anon , are Inns built by several Kings , and great men , for the Entertainment of strangers : In which you may have a Chamber for your self , room for your Hourse , and Horse-meat , but little for your Servant : When a man hath taken up his Lodging , no other may dispossess him . In the Morning about break a day , all make ready to depart , at which time the Gates are opened , and none suffered to depart sooner for fear of Theeves . P. 520. The first Invention of Printing . 9. Laurence Jans , a rich Citizen of Harlem in the Low-Countries , walking forth one day into the neighbouring Woods for recreation , began to cut in pieces of wood the Letters of his Name , Printing them on the back of his hand ; which pleasing him well , he cut three or four Lines which he beat with Ink , and printed them upon Paper , wherewith he much joyed , and determined to find out another kind of Ink more fastening , and holding , and so with his Kinsman Thomas Peterse , found out another way to print whole Sheets , but of one side only , which are yet to be seen in the said Town : Afterwards he changed his Letters of Wood into Lead , and after that into Tin , and so by degrees this famous Art of Printing grew to perfection . Belg. Common-Wealth . p. 57. 11. Some say that John Guttenburg of Strasburg , was the first Inventer of it , Anno Christi 1440. In which City he first practised it , and removing from thence to Mentz , there perfected it . They say that Tullies Offices was the first Book that ever was printed . P. Ramus Schol. Math. L. 2. 12. It doth with wonderful celerity convey Learning from one Country , and Age , to another . Imprimit ille die , quantum vix scribitur anno . The most famous Printers were . 13. Aldus Manutius , and after him Paulus his Son in Venice . In France , Crispinus , Henry Stevens , Father to Charles ; and Charles to Robert ; Robert to Henry , and Henry to Paul , all Printers . 14. Christopher Plantine of Antwerp , was a most Famous and Learned Printer . 15. Frobenius , that was Erasmus his Faithful Printer . 16. Daniel Bombergus , an excellent Printer of the Hebrew Bible , and many other Hebrew Books , &c. The first Invention of Guns . 17. A German Fryer of the Order of St. Francis , called Bertholdus Swart , being very studious of Chymistry , as he was one Evening ( for the finding out of some Experiment ) very busie in tempering Brimstone , Sulphureous powder of dryed Earth , and certain other Ingredients in a Morter , which he covered with a stone : When it grew dark , he took his Tinder-box to light him a Candle , a Sparke whereof by chance flying into the Mortar , caught hold of the Brimstone , and Salt-Peter , and firing , with a sudden flash blew up the stone . The cunning Chymist gues●ng what it was which wrought this effect , never left till he found out the certainty , and then taking an Iron Pipe , he crammed it full of the same Ingredient , together with some stones , and so putting fire to it , he saw that with great fury , and noise it discharged it self : Soon after which , he communicated this his Invention to the Venetians , who , having been often vanquished by the Genowayes , did by the help of these Bombards , or Guns , give them a notable discomfiture . Anno Christi 1380. Bucholtz . 18. At Middleburg in Zealand , in the Steeple of the Abby-Church , there is a Bell of eighteen thousand weight to strike the Hours on , and twenty four small ones which serve for the Chymes . Belg. Common-wealth . p. 162. A Description of the situation of Utrecht in the Low-Countries . Utrecht in the Low-Countries , is so situated , that one may go to what Town he please of fifty , that lye round about it in one day . And in a Summers day , if one go early from Utrecht , he may dine at any one of twenty six Towns , where he pleaseth , and return to his own House to Supper . Idem . p. 200. Trajan built a Bridge over the River Ister , or Danow , containing twenty Arches , each Arch being one hundred and fifty Foot high , sixty thick , and one hundred and seventy Foot distant one from another : So that the whole length of it was four thousand seven hundred and seventy Foot , which was almost a mile long . The River was very deep , and swift , and the bottom not firm ground , neither could the stream be diverted any other way ; all which made the Work far more difficult , and admirable . Ancus Martius , the fourth King of Rome , built a Wooden Bridge over the River Tybur , yet without Nails , or Pins , so that in times of War it might be taken down : Afterwards Aemilius the Consul built it of stone : And lastly Antoninus Pius the Emperour built it of Marble . FINIS . Soli Deo Gloria . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A33345-e190 Trees , Fowles Beasts Fishes Plants , Fruits , and Herbs , Virginia's Situation . Their Summers and Winters . The Natives described . Their Apparel . Habitations and Houses . Their Lodging and Beds . Their child-birth and children . Women laborious and men idle . Their several Diets . Their Bows and Arrows . Their weapons in War. The Fishing Boats , and furniture . Their Huntings . Their Wars . Their Musick . Their trading . Their Religion . Their Sepulchers , and Burials . Their mournings : The Priests Attire . Their Civil Government . The Kings Women and attendants . Their Goverment by Customs . Of the Plantation of the English. Elks Fruitfulness of the Deer . Their Beasts and Fowles ▪ Their Fish. Their Fruits . The qualities of the Natives . Their Priests . Their Government . The Countrey described . Strange Beasts . Their Hawks and other Fowl. Birds and Fish. Bermudas City . Powhatans Daughter converted baptized and married . She comes into England . Her death . Vrginia divided . How Governed : Persons sent over . Commodities , their Iron , Pot , and Sope ashes Pitch and Tar. Timber . Silk . Vines . Salt. Gifts to the Plantation . Persons sent over . Gifts to promote the Plantation . Notes for div A33345-e4680 The nature of its soil . The temperature of the air . It s fertility . Their Summers , and Winters . No venomous Creature there . Fish Fowl Trees and Plants . Tortoises or Turtles described . The prickl Pear . Fowls and Birds . Plants . Things offensive . Their number & bigness . Whale-fight . Strange Birds . Rat-plague Palm Trees . Shel-Fish . Other Fish Birds . More Planters sent over . Of Governours . Notes for div A33345-e6130 The good God , How they increase the Priests . Their Government . They maintain their Kings . Their charity . Their Burials , and mournings Their behaviour . Their names of their marriages , Their Women . Their modesty . Their Justice Punishments . Their integrity . Their Language . Their Chonicles . Notes for div A33345-e13150 Barbadoes first discovered . Hoggs found there . Hunted by the Indians . Fine Pots . The first Painters . Indico Planted . Cotton , and Fustick . Sugar Canes planted . The scituation of the Island . The chief Towns unhealthful . The Baies . The bigness of the Island . Ils beauty The length of the Days The temperature . Diseases , The moistness of the air . A want of water . The only River or Lake . Excellent Lobsters . Their ponds . Speedy warning of dangers Bread of C●ssury . How it s made . Bread of Maise , and Cussary together . Lob-Lolly Potatoes used for Bread. Their drink Mobby , how made . Perino how made . Grippo . Punch . Plantane drink . Kill-devil . Beveridge Pine-drink the best of all . Hogs flesh . Beef . Turkies . Pullin , and Muscovy Ducks . Turtle Doves . Pidgeons . Rabbets . Several sorts of fish . The green Turtle . Quasquechoses . Flesh and Fish. The Negroes alowance . An Inland Feast . A Feast near the Sea. Merchandize imported and exported . Timber Trees . Locusts . Mastick Trees . Bully Trees . Red wood Yellow wood . Cedars Iron-Wood . Stone for buildings . Of their servants and slaves . How their servants are used . Dreadful fire . How quenched . Of the Negroes . Their chastiy . Their jealousie . Of their easie travel Dancing . The Funerals , And Physick . Negro . Maids and Wives . Indians . Camels . Horses . Bulls and Cows . Asinegoes . Hoggs . Sheep . Goats . Birds and Fowls . Buzzards . Turtle Doves . Thrush . Blackbirds Stares . Counsellers . The Humming Bird. Teals , Oxen , Kine : A man of Wyr . Snakes . Scorpious Lizzards . Cochoaches . The Muskitoes . Merriwings . Caterpillars . Other flies . Ants and Pismires . Ants. Spiders . Negroes . Crickets . Crabs . The physick Nut. The poison tree . A mantionel tree . Cussavy . Coloquintida . Cassia Fistula . A strange Tamarine Trees . Palm-trees Figg trees . Cherry-trees . Citron Trees . Orange Trees . Limon Trees . Lime-trees Prickled Apple Trees . Prickled Pear-trees . Pomgranate Trees Papa-trees Gnaver Trees . Coco-trees Custard-Apple trees Mucow Trees . Date Trees , Mungrave Trees . Calibash Trees . Bay-trees . Cedar Mastick Trees . Bully Trees , Red-wood Trees . Prickled yellow wood . Iron Wood. Lignum vitae . Locust Trees , Bastard Locust trees . Palmeto trees . Palms to Royal Trees . Plantanes . Wild plantanes . tanes . Bonanoes . Sugar . Canes . Old wit hs . Aloes . 
A12461	----	The generall historie of Virginia, New-England, and the Summer Isles with the names of the adventurers, planters, and governours from their first beginning. an⁰: 1584. to this present 1624. With the procedings of those severall colonies and the accidents that befell them in all their journyes and discoveries. Also the maps and descriptions of all those countryes, their commodities, people, government, customes, and religion yet knowne. Divided into sixe bookes. By Captaine Iohn Smith sometymes governour in those countryes & admirall of New England. Smith, John, 1580-1631. 1624 Approx. 1124 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 137 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2006-02 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A12461 STC 22790 ESTC S111882 99847142 99847142 12162 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. A12461) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 12162) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1335:9) The generall historie of Virginia, New-England, and the Summer Isles with the names of the adventurers, planters, and governours from their first beginning. an⁰: 1584. to this present 1624. With the procedings of those severall colonies and the accidents that befell them in all their journyes and discoveries. Also the maps and descriptions of all those countryes, their commodities, people, government, customes, and religion yet knowne. Divided into sixe bookes. By Captaine Iohn Smith sometymes governour in those countryes & admirall of New England. Smith, John, 1580-1631. Barra, John, ca. 1574-1634, engraver. [14], 96, 105-248 p., [6] plates (4 folded) : ports., maps Printed by I[ohn] D[awson] and I[ohn] H[aviland] for Michael Sparkes, London : 1624. Largely a collected edition of his "A description of New England", "A map of Virginia", "New Englands trials", and "A true relation of such occurrences and accidents of noate as hath hapned in Virginia since the first planting of that collony, which is now resident in the south part thereof, till the last returne from thence". The title page is engraved and signed: Grauen by Iohn Barra. "Dawson pr[inted]. )(² , A-N⁴. Haviland pr[inted]. P-Ii⁴"--STC. Some copies have an errata slip. For details on various states see Sabin. Reproduction of the original in Harvard University. 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. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. 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 Indians of North America -- Virginia -- Early works to 1800. Virginia -- History -- Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775 -- Early works to 1800. Virginia -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800. New England -- History -- Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775 -- Early works to 1800. Bermuda Islands -- History -- Early works to 1800. 2005-04 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2005-10 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2005-11 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2005-11 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2006-01 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE GENERALL HISTORIE OF Virginia , New-England , and the Summer Isles : with the names of the Adventurers , Planters , and Governours from their first beginning An : 1584. to this present 1624. WITH THE PROCEDINGS OF THOSE SEVERALL COLONIES and the Accidents that befell them in all their Journyes and Discoveries . Also the Maps and Descriptions of all those Countryes , their Commodities , people , Government , Customes , and Religion yet knowne . DIVIDED INTO SIXE BOOKES . By Captaine IOHN SMITH sometymes Governour in those Countryes & Admirall of New England . LONDON Printed by I.D. and I.H. for Michael Sparkes . 1624. TO THE ILLVSTRIOVS AND MOST NOBLE PRINCESSE , the Lady FRANCIS , Duchesse of RICHMOND and LENOX . MAy it please your Grace , This History , as for the raritie and varietie of the subiect , so much more for the judicious Eyes it is like to vndergoe , and most of all for that great Name , whereof it dareth implore Protection , might and ought to haue beene clad in better robes then my rude military hand can cut out in Paper Ornaments . But because , of the most things therein , I am no Compiler by hear-say , but haue beene a reall Actor ; I take my selfe to haue a propertie in them : and therefore haue beene bold to challenge them to come vnder the reach of my owne rough Pen. That , which hath beene indured and passed through with hardship and danger , is thereby sweetned to the Actor , when he becometh the Relator . I haue deeply hazarded my selfe in doing and suffering , and why should I sticke to hazard my reputation in Recording ? He that acteth two parts is the more borne withall if he come short , or fayle in one of them . Where shall we looke to finde a Iulius Caesar , whose atchieuments shine as cleare in his owne Commentaries , as they did in the field ? I confesse , my hand , though able to weild a weapon among the Barbarous , yet well may tremble in handling a Pen among so many Indicious : especially when I am so bold as to call so piercing , and so glorious an Eye , as your Grace , to view these poore ragged lines Yet my comfort is , that heretofore honorable and vertuous Ladies , and comparable but amongst themselues , haue offred me rescue and protection in my greatest dangers : even in forraine parts , I haue felt reliefe from that sex . The beauteous Lady Tragabigzanda , when I was a slaue to the Turkes , did all she could to secure me . When I overcame the Bashaw of Nalbrits in Tartaria , the charitable Lady Call●mata supplyed my necessities . In the vtmost of many extremities , that blessed Pokahontas , the great Kings daughter of Virginia , oft saved my life . When I escaped the crueltie of Pirats and most furious stormes , a long time alone in a small Boat at Sea , and driven ashore in France , the good Lady Madam Chanoyes , bountifully assisted me . And so verily these my adventures haue tasted the same influence from your Gratious hand , which hath given birth to the publication of this Narration . If therefore your Grace shall daigne to cast your eye on this poore Booke , view I pray you rather your owne Bountie ( without which it had dyed in the wombe ) then my imperfections , which haue no helpe but the shrine of your glorious Name to be sheltered from censorious condemnation . Vouchsafe some glimpse of your honorable aspect , to accept these my labours ; to protect them vnder the shadow of your excellent Name : which will inable them to be presented to the Kings royall Maiestie , the most admired Prince Charles , and the Queene of Bohemia : your sweet Recommendations will make it the worthier of their good countenances . And as all my endevours are their due tribute : so this Page shall record to posteritie , that my service shall be to pray to God , that you may still continue the renowned of your sexe , the most honored of men , and the highly blessed of God. Your Graces faithfull and devoted servant , IOHN SMITH . ¶ A Preface of foure Poynts . THis plaine History humbly sheweth the truth ; that our most royall King Iames hath place and opportunitie to inlarge his ancient Dominions without wronging any ; ( which is a condition most agreeable to his most iust & pious resolutions : ) and the Prince his Highness may see where to plant new Colonies . The gaining Prouinces addeth to the Kings Crown : but the reducing Heathen people to ciuilitie and true Religion , bringeth honour to the King of Heauen . If his Princely wisedome and powerfull hand , renowned through the world for admirable government , please but to set these now Estates into order ; their composure will be singular : the counsell of divers is confused ; the generall Stocke is consumed ; nothing but the touch of the Kings sacred hand can erect a Monarchy . Most noble Lords and worthy Gentlemen , it is your Honors that haue imployed great paines and large expence in laying the foundation of this State , wherein much hath beene buried vnder ground , yet some thing hath sprung vp , and giuen you a taste of your adventures . Let no difficulties alter your noble intentions . The action is an honour to your Country : and the issue may well reimburse you your summes expended . Our practices haue hitherto beene but assayes , and are still to be amended . Let your bountie supply the necessities of weake beginnings , and your excellent iudgements rectifie the proceedings ; the returne cannot choose in the end but bring you good Commodities , and good contentments , by your aduancing shipping and fishing so vsefull vnto our Nation . Yee valiant and generous spirits , personall possessors of these new-found Territories , banish from among you Cowardise , covetousnes , iealousies , and idlenes , enemies to the raising your honours and fortunes ; vertue , industry , and amitie , will make you good and great , and your merits liue to ensuing Ages . You that in contempt of necessities , hazard your liues and estates , imploying your studies & labours in these faire endevours , liue and prosper as I desire my soule should prosper . For my selfe let emulation and enuie cease , I ever intended my actions should be vpright : now my care hath beene that my Relations should giue every man they concerne , their due . But had I not discovered and liued in the most of those parts , I could not possibly haue collected the substantiall truth from such a number of variable Relations , that would haue made a Volume at least of a thousand sheets . Though the beginning may seeme harsh in regard of the Antiquities , breuitie , and names ; a pleasanter Discourse ensues . The stile of a Souldier is not eloquent , but honest and iustifiable ; so I desire all my friends and well-wishers to excuse and accept it , and if any be so noble as to respect it , he that brought New England to light , though long since brought in obscuritie , he is againe to be found a true servant to all good designes . So I ever rest yours to command , IOHN SMITH . A Gentleman desirous to be vnknowne , yet a great Benefactor to Virginia , his loue to the Author , the Company , and History . STay , reade , behold , skill , courage , knowledge , Arts ; Wonder of Nature : Mirror of our Clime . Mars , Vulcan , Neptune striue to haue their parts , Rare Ornaments , rich honours of our time . From far fetcht Indies , and Virginia's soyle , Here Smith is come to shew his Art and skill : He was the Smith that hammered famins foyle , And on Powhatan's Emperour had his will. Though first Colūbus , Indies true Christofer ; Cabots , braue Florida , much admirer ; Meta Incognita , rare Martin Frobisher ; Gilberts braue Humphery , Neptunes deuourer ; Captaine Amadis , Raleighs discouerer ; Sir Richard Grenvill , Zealands braue coaster : Drake , doomes , drowne , death , Spaines scorner ; Gosnolds Relates , Pring prime observer . Though these be gone , and left behinde a name , Yet Smith is here to Anvile out a peece To after Ages , and eternall Fame , That we may haue the golden Iasons fleece . He Vulcan like di● forge a true Plantation , And chain'd their Kings , to his immortall glory ; Restoring peace and plentie to the Nation , Regaining honour to this worthy Story . By him the Infidels had due correction , He blew the bellowes still of peace and plentie : He made the Indians bow vnto subiection , And Planters ne're return'd to Albion empty . The Colonies pin'd , staru'd , staring , bones so feeble , By his braue proiects , proued strong againe : The Souldiers ' lowance he did seeke to treble , And made the Salvage in vncouth place remaine . He left the Countrey in prosperous happie state , And plenty stood with peace at each mans doore : Regarding not the Salvage loue nor hate : Thēselues grew well , the Indiās wondrous poore . This there he did and now is home return'd , To shew vs all that never thither goe : That in his heart , he deepely oft hath mourn'd , Because the Action goeth on so slow . Braue , graue , Wise , Rich , prize Benefactors , Replant , want , continue still good Actors . Be kinde , and finde , bring eyes to blind ; By Gods great might , giue Indians light . Spend money , Bloud , to doe that good , That may giue Indians heav'nly food . And God no lesse , you still shall blesse ; Both you and yours the Lands possesse . S. M. See here behold as in a Glasse , All that is , or is and was . T. T. 1624. Samuel Purchas of his friend Captaine Iohn Smith , and his Virginia . LOe here SMITHS Forge , where Forgery's Ro●gue-branded , True Pegasus is shoo'd , fetters are forged For Silke-sotts , Milk-sops , base Sloth , farre hence landed , ( Soile-chang'd , * Soule-soil'd still ) Englands dregs , discharged , To plant ( supplant ! ) Virginia , home-disgorged : Where vertues praise frames good men Stories armour 'Gainst Time , Achilles-like , with best Arts charged ; Pallas , all-arm'd , all-learn'd , can teach Sword-Grammer , Can Pens of Pikes ; Armes t' Arts ; to Scholar , Souldier , hammer : Can Pilgrim make a Maker ; all so-well Hath taught Smith scoure my rustie out-worne Muse , And so coniur'd her in Virginian Cell , That things vnlearned long by want of vse , Shee fresh areeds me read , without abuse By fabling . Arthurs great Acts little made By greater lies she saith ; seales Faith excuse a T' Island , Groonland , Estotiland to wade After lie-legends ; Malgo , Brandon , are Wares braide . The Fryer of Linne b frights her with his black Art ; Nor Brittish Bards can tell where Madoc c planted . Cabots , Thorns , Elyots truth haue wenne her heart ; Eldest di●cov'rers of New Worlds Cont'nent ( granted So had iust Fates . ) Colon and Vespuce panted ; This got the name d , last , least of Three ; the Other New Worlds Isles found first : Cabot is most chanted In Three-Mens-song ; did more New World discover Then both , then any ; an hundred degrees coasted over . Haile S ir Sebastian , Englands Northern Pole , Virginia's finder ; Virgin Eliza nam'd it , Ga●e't Raleigh . ( Rut , Prat , Hore , I not enrole ) Amadas rites to English right first fram'd it . Lane planted , return'd , nor had English tam'd it : Greenviles and Whites men all slaine ; New Plantation IAMES founds , Sloth confounds , feare , pride , faction sham'd it : Smiths Forge mends all , makes chaines for Savage Nation , Frees , feeds the rest ; the rest reade in his Bookes Relation . Thomas Macarnesse to his worthy friend and Countryman , Captaine Iohn Smith . WHo loues to liue at home , yet looke abroad , And know both passen and vnpassen road , The prime Plantation of an vnknowne shore , The men , the manners , fruitfulnesse , and store : Read but this little Booke , and then confesse , The lesse thou lik'st and lou'st , thou liu'st the lesse . He writ it with great labour , for thy good , Twice over , now in paper , 'fore in blood ; It cost him deare , both paines , without an ayme Of private profit , for thy publicke gaine . That thou mightst read and know and safely see , What he by practice , thou by Theoree . Commend him for his loyall loving heart , Or else come mend him , and take thou his part . To his friend Captaine Iohn Smith , and his Worke. I Know not how Desert more great can rise , Then out of Danger t' ane for good mens Good ; Nor who doth better winne th' Olympian prize , Than he whose Countryes Honor stirres his bloud ; Private respects haue private expectation , Publicke designes , should publish reputation . This Gentleman whose Volumne heere is stoard With strange discoverie of GODS strangest Creatures , Giues vs full view , how he hath Sayl'd , and Oar'd , And Marcht , full many myles , whose rough defeatures , Hath beene as bold , as puissant , vp to binde Their barbarous strength 's , to follow him dog-linde . But wit , nor valour , now adayes payes scores For estimation ; all goes now by wealth , Or friends ; tush ● thrust the beggar out of dores That is not Purse-lyn'd ; those which liue by stealth Shall haue their haunts ; no matter what 's the guest In many places ; monies well come best . But those who well discerne , esteeme not so : Nor I of thee braue Smith , that hast beat out Thy Iron thus ; though I but little know To what t' hast seene ; yet I in this am stout : My thoughts , maps to my minde some accidents , That makes mee see thy greater presidents . Io : Done. To my worthy friend Captaine Iohn Smith . How great a part of knowledge had wee lost , Both of Virginia and the Summer Isles , Had not thy carefull diligence and cost Inform'd vs thus , with thy industrious stile ! Like Caesar now thou writ'st what thou hast done , These acts , this Booke will liue while ther 's a Sunne . Edw : Worseley . To his much respected Friend Captaine Iohn Smith . ENvie avant . For Smith , whose Anvill was Experience , Could take his heat , knew how and when to Strike , Wrought well this Peece ; till After-negligence Mistaking temper , Cold , or Scorch'd ; or like Vnskilfull workmen , that can never Fyle Nor Pollish it , that takes in Forge such toyle : Heere Noble Smith , thou shewest the Temper true , Which other Tampring - Tempres never knew . Ro : Norton . To his loving friend Captaine Iohn Smith . WHere actions speake the praises of a man , There , Pennes that vse to flatter silent be , Or if they speake , it is to scorne or scanne ; For such with vertue seldome doe agree . When I looke backe on all thy labours past , Thy travels , perils , losses oft ●ustaind By Sea and Land ; and ( which is worst and last ) Neglect or small reward , so dearely gaind . I doe admire thy still vndanted spirit ; vnwearied yet to worke thy Countries good . This be thy praise then , due vnto thy merit ; For it th' hast venter'd life ; and lost thy blood . 1. 2. 3. 1. 2. 3. Truth , travayle , and Neglect , pure , painefull , most vnkinde , 1. 2. 3. 1. 2. 3. Doth proue , consume , dismay , the soule , the corps , the minde . Edw : Ingham . To my deare friend by true Vertue ennobled Captaine Iohn Smith . MOre then enough I cannot thee commend : Whos 's both abilities and Loue doe tend So to advance the good of that Estate , By English charge , and Planters propagate Through heapes of painfull hazards ; in the first Of which , that Colony thy Care hath nurst . And often that effected but with ten That after thee , and now , three hundred men Haue faild in , 'mong the Salvages ; who shake At bruit of Thee , as Spaine at Name of Drake . Which well appeares ; considering the while Thou governedst , nor force of theirs , ne guile Lessend a man of thine ; but since ( I rue ) In Brittish blood they deeply did imbrue Their Heathen hands . And ( truth to say ) we see , Our selues wee lost , vntimely leaving Thee . Nor yet perceiue I any got betweene Thee and thy merit ; which hath better beene In prayse ; or profit much ; if counted iust ; Free from the Weales abuse , or wronged trust . Some few particulars perhaps haue sped ; But wherein hath the publicke prospered ? Or is there more of those Vast Countries knowne , Then by thy Labours and Relations showne First , best ? And shall wee loue Thee now the lesse ? Farre be ●t ! fit condignely to expresse Thankes , by new Charge , or recompence ; by whom , Such past good hath , such future good may come . David Wiffin . Noble Captaine Smith , my worthy Friend NOt like the Age wherein thou liu'st , to lie Buried in basenesse , sloth , or Ribaldrie ( For most doe thus ) hast thou thy selfe applide ; But , in faire Actions , Merits height descride : Which ( like foure Theaters to set thee forth ) The worlds foure Quarters testifie thy worth . The last whereof ( America ) best showes Thy paines , and prayse ; and what to thee shee owes , ( Although thy Sommer shone on th' Elder Three , In as great Deeds as great varietie ) For opening to Her Selfe Her Selfe , in Two * Of Her large Members ; Now Ours , to our view . Thereby endearing vs to thy desart , That doubly dost them to our hands impart ; There by thy Worke , Heere by thy Workes ; By each Maist thou Fames lasting Wreath ( for guerdon ) reach . And so become , in after Times t' ensue , A President for others , So to doe . William Grent . To his worthily affected Friend , Captaine Iohn Smith . AMongst so many that by learned skill , Haue given iust prayse to thee , and to thy Booke , Deare friend receiue this pledge of my good will , Whereon , if thou with acceptation looke , And thinke it worthie , ranke amongst the rest : Vse thy discretion , I haue done my best . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Contents of the generall History , divided into six Books . The first Booke . THE first voyage to the new World , by Madock Prince of Wales . The next by Ha●no Prince of Carthage , and how it was offred K. Hen. 7. by Chr. Cullumbus , that vndertooke it for the Spanyards . 1492. How Iohn Cabot was imployed by King Hen. the 7. and found the Continent before Cullumbus . Also Sir Martin Frobisher , and Sir Humphrey Gilbert ranged towards the North. And how Captaine Amidas was sent to discover the coast of Florida by Sir Water Raleigh and his associates . And the Country Wingandacoa was called Virginia by Q●cene Elizabeth . Page 1 — 4. Sir Richard Greenvill sent thither with 108. he left for a plantation . The discovery of the Rivers Chawonok and Moratoc . The trechery of their King , who with eight more were slaine , and they all returned to England againe the same yeare with Sir Francis Drake . pag. 5 — 9. The Observations of Master Heriot . Of their commodities , victuall , fru●ts , beasts , fishes , and foules . Their Religion , and beliefe of God , of the Creation of the world , and man ; the immortalitie of the soule ; the subtiltie of their Priests ; the peoples simplicitie , and desire of salvation ; and other Accidents . pag. 9 — 12. Sir Rich : Greenvill sent to supply them . Not finding them , left fiftie . Their successe . page 13. Master White sent to relieue them , found they were all slaine , yet left 115. more , and departed . Returning the second time , he could not heare of them ; his Observations and Accidents . pag. 14 — 16. A discovery by Captaine Gosnoll of Elizabeths Isles ; his Observations , Relations , and returne . pag. 17.18 . The voyage of Captaine Pring to the same Coast. The discovery of Captaine Waymouth ; his Observations , Relations , and returne . pag. 18 — 20. A Map of the old Virginia , with the figures of the Salvages . The second Booke . Of Virginia now planted , discovered by Captaine SMITH . THe Latitude , Temperature , and Capes ; a description of Chisapeack Bay , and s●aven navigable Rivers that fall into it , with their severall Inhabitants , and diversitie of Language , pag. 21 — 25. Of things growing Naturally , as woods , fruits , gummes , berries , herbs , roots ; also of beasts , birds , and fishes ; how they divide the yeare , prepare their ground , plant their corne , and vse it , and other victuall page . 25. — 29. What commodities may be had by industry . The description of the people , their numbers , constitutions , dispositions , attyre , buildings , lodgings and gardens , their vsage of children , striking of fire making their Bowes and Arrowes , kniues swords , targets , and boats : how they spinne , make fish-hooks , and ginnes , and their order of hunting . Consultations and order in Warres . pag. 29 — 33. Their musicke , entertainment , trade , Physicke , Chirurgery and Charmes . Their Religion , God , burials ordinary and extraordinary , Temples , Priests , Ornaments , solemnities , Coniurations , Altars , sacrifices , black boyes , and resurrection . pag. 34 — 36. The manner of their government , their Emperor ; his attendants , watch , treasury , wiues , successors & authority : tenure of their lands , and manner of punishment , with some words of their Language Englished . pag. 37 — 40. And a Mappe of the Countrey of Virginia now planted . The third Booke . Of the Accidents and Proceedings of the English. THeir orders of government , Accidents in going , first landing and governement setled . pag. 41.42 . The Salvages assault the Fort , the ships returne , their names were left , occasion of sicknes , plenty vnexpected , the building of Iames Towne , the beginning of Trade , two proiects to abandon the Country . pag. 43 — 46. Their first attempts vpon the Salvages . Captaine Smith taken prisoner ; their order of Triumph , and how he should haue beene executed , was preserved , saved Iames towne from being surprised , how they Contured him . Powhata● entertained him , would haue slaine him ; how Pocahontas his daughter saved him , and sent him to Iames Towne . The third plot to abandon the Countrey suppressed . pag. 47 — 49. Their first Supply and Accidents . The Salvages opinion of our God. Captaine Smith revisits Powhatan ; Iames Towne burnt ; A co●ceited gold mine ; A needlesse charge ; Captaine Newports returne for England . pag 50 — 53. Iames Towne rebuilt , with a Church and Store-house ; The Salvages plot to murther all the English ; their insolencies suppressed . Different opinions among the Councell . p. 53. Their names landed in this Supply . p. 54. The discovery of the Bay of Chriapeack . Their fight and conference with the Kuskarawaoks ; Ambuscadoes prevented in the river Patawomek ; A mine like Antimony . pag. 55 — 58. How to deale with the Salvages . Smith neare killed with a Stingray . With many other Accidents in the discovery . A needlesse misery at Iames towne redressed . pag. 58 — 59. The second Voyage to discover the Bay. Their Incounter with the Massawomekes and Tockwhoghs ; the Sasquesahanoughs offer subiectio to the English. The exceeding loue of the Salvage Mos●o Their fight with the Rapahanocks ; their fight with the Manahokes . The King of Hasla●ing●'s brother taken prisoner ; his relation of those mountainers ▪ p●ac● 〈◊〉 with all those Nations . pag. 5●-64 . The ●iscovery of the r●ver Payankatank ; then sight with the N●ndsamunds , & Chisapeacks ; their returne to Iames town . p. 65. The Presidency surrendred to Cap. Smith . The second Supply by Captaine Newport , many Presents sent from England to Powhatan , his scorne ▪ Consultations ; factions suppressed ; Cap. Smith visiteth Powhatan ; Pocahontas entertaines him with a Maske ; the Coronation of Powhatan , and Conditions . pag. 68. The discovery of the Monacans ; a punishment for swearing ; the Chickahamanians forced to Contribution ; the abuses of the Mariners ; Master Scriveners voyage to Werowocomoco . pag. 68 — 70. Captaine Smiths Relation to England of the estate of the Colony : the names of them arrived in this Supply . pag. 71.72 . Nandsamund forced to Contribution . The first Marriage in Virginia . Apamatuck discovered . pag. 73. Captaine Smiths iourney to Pamavnkee . The discovery of the Chawwonocks . Smiths discourse to Powhatan ; His reply and slattery ; and his discourse of Peace and Warre . Powhatans plot to murther Smith , discovered by his daughter Pocahontas , pag. 77. Their escape at Pamavnkee . The Dutchmen deceiue Captaine Winne , and arme the Salvages ; sixteene English beset by seven hundred Salvages , Smith takes their King Opechankanough prisoner ; the Salvages excuse & reconcilement . p. 77. — 80. Master Scrivener and others drowned ; Master Wiffins desperate iourney to Pamavnkee ; Powhatan constraines his men again to be trecherous ; he is forced to fraught their Ship ; Smith poysoned ; the Dutch mens trechery . pag. 80 — 82. The Dutch-mens plot to murther Smith . He taketh the King of Paspahegh prisoner , and others ; they become all subiect to the English. pag. 84. A Salv●ge smoothered , yet recovered ; three or foure Salvages slaine in drying stolne powder . Great extremity occasioned by ratts ; Bread made of dryed Sturgeon ; the punishment for loyterers ; the discovery of the Mangoags . Captaine Argals first arrivall ; the inconveniences in a Plantation . p. 84 — 89. The government altered ; the arrivall of the third Supply ; mutinies ; Nandsamund planted ; breach of peace with the Salvages ; Powhatans chiefe seat bought for Copper ; Mutinies . pag. 90.91 . Captaine Smith blowne vp with Gun-powder ; a bloudy intent ; the causes why he left the Country and his Commission ; his returne for England ; the ends of the Dutch-men . Certaine Verses of seaven Gentlemen . p 95. The fourth Booke . With their Proceedings after the alteration of the Government . HOw the mutiners proceeded ; the Salvage , revolt ; the planting point Comfort , Them at Nandsamund , and the Fals , defeated by the Salvages . Captaine Ratliff , with thirtie slaine by Powhatan . The fruits of improvidence . The arrivall of Sir Thomas Gates . Iames Towne abandoned . The arrivall of the Lord La Warre ; their actions , and both their returnes . pag. 105 — 108. The government left to Captaine Percie ; & his proceedings . The arrivall of Sir Thomas Dale , and his actions . pag. 109 — 110. The second arrivall of Sir Thomas Gates ; the building Henerico , and the Bermudas ; how Captaine Argall tooke Pocahontas prisoner . Dales voyage to Pamavnkee . The marriage of Pocahontas to Master Rolfe . Articles of Peace with the Salvages . p. 110. — 114. The government left to Sir Thomas Dale . Captaine Argals voyage to port Royall . Master Hamers to Powhatan ; and their Accidents . pag. 115.116 . The manner of the Lottery . A Spanish Shippe in Virginia . Dale with Pocahontas comes for England . Capt. Yerley left Deputy Governour ; his warres and peace with the Chickahamanians , and proceedings . pag. 117 — 121. A relation to Queene Anne of the quality & conditiō of Pocahontas ; how the Queen entertained her ; Capt. Argall sent governor ; the death of Powhatan ; ten English slaine ; Argals accidents and proceedings . The Lord de la Warre sent againe governour ; his death . A relation of their present estates . Haile-stones 8. inches about . pag. 121 — 125. Sir George Yerley sent g●vernor ; Waraskoyack planted . A parliament in Virginia ; foure Corporations appointed ; the adventures of Cap. Ward ; the number of ships and men sent this yeare ; gifts given ; Patents granted . pag. 125 — 127. A desperate Sea fight by Captaine Chester with two Spanish men of warre ; the names of the Adventurers . pag. 128 — 138. Notes and observations . A relation of their estates by Master Stockam . The arrivall of Sir Francis Wyat with nine ships . Master Gockings plantation ; and their accidents ; the number of ships and men sent this yeare ; gifts given , Patents granted p. 139 — 141. Master Poties iourneyes to Pawtuxunt , and other places , with his accidents pag. 141. — 143. Capt. Each sent to build Forts and Barks . The cause and manner of the Massacre ; the numbers slaine ; the providence of Cap. Nuse ; Cap. Chroshaw his voyage to Patowomek . pag. 143 — 151. Capt. Smiths offer to the Company to suppresse the Salvages . Their answer ; the manner of the Satlery ; Chroshaw stayes at Patawomek ; the escape of Waters and his wife . Cap. Hamar goes to Patawomek ; Chroshaws plot for all their preservations . Capt. Madison sent to Patawomek . Cap. Powell kils three Salvages . Sir George Yerleys iourney to Acomack . The misery of Captaine Nuse . The kindness of the King of Patawomek ; a vile policy of a Salvage ; Madisons mischiefe vnto the Patawomeks . It was not well don to make Opechankanough drinke healths . 300. surpriseth Nandsamund and Pamavnkee . The opinion of Cap. Smith how to subiect the Salvages . The arriuall of Cap. Butler in Virginia , and other Accidents . pag. 152 — 161. The losse of Cap. Spilman and 26. men . A particular of such necessaries as are fit for private persons or families . pag. 161.162 . A briefe relation by Cap. Smith to his Mai●sties Commissioners , for the reformation of Virginia . The 7 questions the right Worthie Commissioners demanded , and his answers ; how the King hath pleased to take it into his consideration . pag. 163 — 168. At this present two ships are going ; more a preparing ; new Commissions sent . A Proclamation , no Tobacco be vsed in Englād , but what shall come from Virginia , or the Somer Isles ; quere the Proclamation . The fift Booke . A Mappe of the Somer Isles and Fortresses . The description of the Isles , the fruits , fishes , soyle , ayre , beasts , birds , with the relation of the shipwrack of Henry May. pag. 169 — 173. The shipwrack of Sir Tho : Gates , and Sir George Somers ; their accidents , deliverāce and arrivall in Virginia . Somers returne to the Isles ; his death , and Epitaph , the accidents hapned ; three men lived there alone two yeares . pag. 174 — 177. Master More sent to make a plantation . A peece of Amber Greece found of 80. pound weight ; much dissension ; Mores industrie in fortifying and waighing Ordnance out of the wra●ks . Their first Supply ; a strange increase of Potatoes . The attempt of 2 Spanish ships ; a great mortality ; a strange being of Ravens ; a new Supply , with their Accidents , and Moores returne . pag. 177 — 180. The rent of the six governours ; a wonderfull accident of Hilliard , not much lesse then a miracle . pag. 181.182 . The government of Ca. Tuckar ; Assises ; the strange adventure of 5 men in a boat ; plants from the West Indies ; the endevours of Cap. Powell ; Assises . The Country neer devoured with ratts ; their strange confusion . The divisions of the Isles into Tribes , and Tribes into shares , by Mr. Norwood ; the names of the adventurers , and their shares . p. 182 — 189. The first Magazin ; two exployts of desperate fugitiues . The returne of Cap. Tuckar . Cap Kendall left deputy-governor , & their Accidents . pag. 189-191 . The government of Cap. Butler ; A platforme burnt , and much hurt by a Hericano . The refortifying the Kings Castle . The arrivall of two Dutch Frigots . The rebuilding the Mount , and a Tombe for Sir George Somers . The reformation of their lawes and officers . Their Assises . A Parliament . Their acts ; their opinion of the Magazin . The building three Bridges . The generall Assises ; A strange deliverance of a Spanish wracke . A strange Sodomy ; many Ordnances got from wracks . Their estates present . p. 191-199 . Master Barnard sent to be governour ; his arrivall , death , and funerall , with the proceedings of Mr. Harrison his successor , & Cap. Woodhouse their governor . pag. 200-201 . Certaine Verses of Master Withers , and other Gentlemen . The sixt Booke . A Mappe of New-England . How this Country hath bin accounted but a miserable Desert . Captain Smiths first voyage ; what peace and warres he had with the Salvages , and within 6. moneths returned with 1500l. worths of commodities ; got Prince Charles to call it New-England . A Table of the old names and the new . pag. 203 ▪ 205. Cap. Hobsons voyage to Capan ; the Londoners apprehend it . The situation : notes for ignorant vndertakers . The description of the Country . Staple Commodities ; present proofe of the healthfulnesse of the clime . Observations of the Hollanders chiefe trade . p. 209. Examples of the altitude comparatiuely ; the reasons why to plant it . An example of the gaines every yeare ; a description of 15. severall Countries in particular . Of their Kings , rivers , harbors , Isles , mountains , landmarks , fruits , woods , birds , fishes , beasts , &c. and how as well Gentlemen , as mecanicks , may be imployed , & get much wealth , with the reasons and causes of the defaylements . p. 206 — 221. Cap. Smiths second voyage ; his ship neere foundered in the Sea ; He reimbarketh himselfe ; incountreth the English Pyrats ; fought with the French Pyrates ; is betrayed by 4. French men of warre ; how he was released ; his men ran from him with ship and all ; how he lived with the French men ; what fights they had , what prizes they tooke ; the French mens ingratitude . 13 sayle cast away : how he escaped , proceeded in France , returned for England , and punished them ran from him . pag. 222 — 227. The yearely trialls of New-England ; the benefit of fishing , as Mr. Dee , and divers report , and approoved by the Hollanders Records ; how it becomes so well apprehended , that more then 150. haue gone thither to fish , with an estimate of their gaines , with many observations and Accidents . pag. 228-230 . A Plantation in New-England ; their first landing ; divers iourneys & accidents ; the description of the harbors , bayes , lakes , and that place they inhabit , called New-Plimouth ; conference with the Salvages ; and kinde vsage of the King of the Massasoyts ; a strange policie of Tusquantum . pag. 230 — 234. The Salvages make warres for their friendships ; the English revenge their friends iniuries . Notes and observations . They lived two yeares without Supplyes ; the death of Tusquantum ; they contriue to murther the English ; how the English did cure a King sicke to death ; two most desperate Salvages ; the courage of Cap. Standish ; the Salvages sue for peace . pag. 235 — 239. A most remarkable observation of Gods loue . 40 sayle fished th●re this yeare ; the religion of the Salvages ; the government ; an answer to obiections ; considerations ; the charge ; the order of the Western men . p. 140 — 142. The effects of shipping ; the Popes order for the East and West Indies How to build a little navy royall ; contention for New-Englād . The necessitie of martiall power . p. 243-244 . The charge to set forth a ship of a 100. tuns , both to make a fishing voyage , & increase the plantation . The facilitie of the fishing lately observed . Their present estate at New-Plimouth , and order of government . It s not his part that is the best Translator , To render word for word to every Author . HOW ANCIENT AVTHORS REPORT , THE NEVV-VVORLD , Now called America , was discovered : and part thereof first Planted by the ENGLISH , called VIRGINIA , with the Accidents and Proceedings of the same . ❧ The first Booke . FOR the Stories of Arthur , Malgo , and Brandon , that say a thousand yeares agoe they were in the North of America ; or the Fryer of Linn that by his blacke Art went to the North pole in the yeare 1360. in that I know them not . Let this suffice . The Chronicles of Wales report , that Madock , sonne to Owen Quineth , Prince of Wales seeing his two brethren at debate who should inherit , prepared certaine Ships , with men and munition , and left his Country to seeke aduentures by Sea : leauing Ireland North he sayled west till he came to a Land vnknowne . Returning home and relating what pleasant and fruitfull Countries he had seene without Inhabitants , and for what barren ground his brethren and kindred did murther one another , he provided a number of Ships , and got with him such men and women as were desirous to liue in quietnesse , that arriued with him in this new Land in the yeare 1170 : Left many of his people there and returned for more . But where this place was no History can show . The Spanyards say Hanno a Prince of Carthage was the first : and the next Christopher Cullumbus , a Genoesian , whom they sent to discover those vnknowne parts . 1492. But we finde by Records , Cullumbus offered his seruice in the yeare 1488. to King Henry the seauenth ; and by accident vndertooke it for the Spanyards . In the Interim King Henry gaue a Commission to Iohn Cabot , and his three sonnes , Sebastian , Lewis , and Sautius . Iohn and Sebastian well provided , setting sayle , ranged a great part of this vnknowne world , in the yeare 1497. For though Cullumbus had found certaine Iles , it was 1498. ere he saw the Continent , which was a yeare after Cabot . Now Americus came a long time after , though the whole Continent to this day is called America after his name , yet Sebastian Cabot discovered much more then them all , for he sayled to about forty degrees Southward of the lyne , and to sixty-seauen towards the North : for which King Henry the eight Knighted him and made him grand Pilate of England . Being very aged King Edward the sixt gaue him a Pention of 166l. 13● . 4d. yearely . By his directions Sir Hugh Willowby was sent to finde out the Country of Russia , but the next yeare he was found frozen to death in his Ship , and all his Company . Mr Martin Frobisher was sent in the yeare 1576. by our most gracious Queene Elizabeth , to search for the Northwest passage , and Meta incognita : for which he was Knighted , honored , and well rewarded . Sir Humphrey Gilbert a worthy Knight attempted a Plantation in some of those parts : and obtained Letters Pattents to his desire : but with this Proviso , He should maintaine possession in some of those vast Countries within the tearme of sixe yeares . Yet when he was provided with a Navy able to incounter a Kings power , even here at home they fell in diuisions , and so into confusion , that they gaue over the Designe ere it was begun , notwithstanding all this losse , his vndanted spirit began againe , but his Fleet fell with New-found land , and he perished in his returne , as at large you may read in the third Volume of the English Voyages , written by Mr Hackluit . Vpon all those Relations and inducements , Sir Walter Raleigh , a noble Gentleman , and then in great esteeme , vndertooke to send to discover to the Southward . And though his occasions and other imployments were such he could not goe himselfe , yet he procured her Maiesties Letters Pattents , and perswaded many worthy Knights and Gentlemen to adventure with him to finde a place fit for a Plantation . Their Proceedings followeth . The most famous , renowned , and euer worthy of all memory , for her courage , learning , iudgement , and vertue , Queene Elizabeth , granted her Letters Patents to Sir Walter Raleigh for the discovering and planting new Lands & Countries , not actually possessed by any Christians . This Patenty got to be his assistants Sir Richard Grenvell the valiant , Mr William Sanderson a great friend to all such noble and worthy actions , and divers other Gentlemen and Marchants , who with all speede prouided two small Barkes well furnished with all necessaries , vnder the command of Captaine Philip Amidas and Captaine Barlow . The 27. of Aprill they set sayle from the Thames , the tenth of May passed the Canaries , and the tenth of Iune the West Indies : which vnneedfull Southerly course , ( but then no better was knowne ) occasioned them in that season much sicknesse . The second of Iuly they fell with the coast of Florida in shoule water , where they felt a most dilicate sweete smell , though they saw no land , which ere long they espied , thinking it the Continent : an hundred and twenty myles they sayled not finding any harbor . The first that appeared , with much difficulty they entred , and anchored , and after thankes to God they went to view the next Land adioyning to take possession of it for the Queenes most excellent Maiestie : which done , they found their first landing place very sandy and low , but so full of grapes that the very surge of the Sea sometimes over-flowed them : of which they found such plenty in all places , both on the sand , the greene soyle and hils , as in the plaines as well on euery little shrub , as also climbing towardes the tops of high Cedars , that they did thinke in the world were not the like abundance . We passed by the Sea-side towards the tops of the next hills being not high : from whence we might see the Sea on both sides , and found it an I le of twentie myles in length , and six in breadth , the vallyes replenished with goodly tall Cedars . Discharging our Muskets , such a flocke of Cranes , the most white , arose by vs , with such a cry as if an Army of men had shouted altogether . This I le hath many goodly Woods , and Decre , Conies , and Foule in incredible abundance , and vsing the Authors owne phrase , the Woods are not such as you finde in Bohemia , Moscovia , or Hercinia , barren and fruitlesse , but the highest and reddest Cedars of the world , bettering them of the Assores , Indies , or Libanus : Pynes , Cypres , Saxefras , the Lentisk that beareth Mastick , and many other of excellent smell and qualitie . Till the third day we saw not any of the people , then in a little Boat three of them appeared , one of them went on shore , to whom wee rowed , and he attended vs without any signe of feare ; after he had spoke much though we vnderstood not a word , of his owne accord he came boldly aboord vs , we gaue him a shirt , a hat , wine and meate , which he liked well , and after he had well viewed the barkes and vs , he went away in his owne Boat , and within a quarter of a myle of vs in halfe an houre , had loaden his Boat with fish , with which he came againe to the poynt of land , and there devided it in two parts , poynting one part to the Ship , the other to the Pinnace , and so departed . The next d●y came diuers Boats , and in one of them the Kings Brother , with forty or fifty men , proper people , and their behauiour very ciuill ; his name was Granganame● , the King is called Wingina , the Country Wingandacoa . Leauing his Boats a little from our Ships , he came with his trayne to the poynt : where spreading a Matte he sat downe . Though we came to him well armed , he made signes to vs to sit downe without any shew of feare , stroking his head and brest , and also ours , to expresse his loue . After he had made a long speech vnto vs , we presented him with diuers toyes , which he kindly accepted . He was greatly regarded by his people , for none of them did sit , nor speake a word , but foure , on whom we bestowed presents also , but he tooke all from them , making signes all things did belong to him . The King himselfe in a conflict with a King his next neighbour and mortall enemy , was shot in two places through the body , and the thigh , yet recouered : whereby he lay at his chiefe towne six dayes iourney from thence . A day or two after shewing them what we had , Granganamco taking most liking to a Pewter dish , made a hole in it , hung it about his necke for a brest-plate : for which he gaue vs twenty Deere skins , worth twenty Crownes ; and for a Copper Kettell , fiftie skins , worth fiftie Crownes . Much other trucke we had , and after two dayes he came aboord , and did eate and drinke with vs very merrily . Not long after he brought his wife and children , they were but of meane stature , but well fauoured and very bashfull ; she had a long coat of Leather , and about her privities a peece of the same , about her forehead a band of white Corrall , and so had her husband , in her eares were bracelets of pearle , hanging downe to her middle , or the bignesse of great Pease ; the rest of the women had Pendants of Copper , and the Noblemen fiue or sixe in an eare ; his apparrell as his wiues , onely the women weare their haire long on both sides , and the men but on one ; they are of colour yellow , but their hayre is blacke , yet we saw children that had very fayre Chesnut coloured hayre . After that these women had beene here with vs , there came downe from all parts great store of people , with Leather , Corrall , and diuers kinde of dyes , but when Granganameo was present , none durst trade but himselfe , and them that wore red Copper on their heads , as he did . When euer he came , he would signifie by so many fires he came with so many boats , that we might know his strength . Their Boats are but one great tree , which is but burnt in the forme of a trough with gins and fire , till it be as they would haue it . For an armour he would haue ingaged vs a bagge of pearle , but we refused , as not regarding it , that wee might the better learn where it grew . He was very iust of his promise , for oft we trusted him , and he would come within his day to keepe his word . He sent vs commonly euery day a brace of Bucks , Conies , Hares , and fish , sometimes Mellons , Walnuts , Cucumbers . Pease , and diuers rootes . This Author sayth , their corne groweth three times in fiue moneths ; in May they sow , in Iuly reape ; in Iune they sow , in August reape ; in Iuly sow , in August reape . We put some of our Pease in the ground , which in ten dayes were 14. ynches high . The soyle is most plentifull , sweete , wholesome , and fruitfull of all o●her , there are about 14. seuerall sorts of sweete smelling tymber trees : the most parts of the vnderwood , Bayes and such like : such Okes as we , but far greater and better . After this acquaintance , my selfe with seauen more went twenty myle into the Riuer Occam , that runneth toward the Cittie Skicoack , and the euening following we came to an I le called Roanoak , from the harbour where we entred 7. leagues ; at the North end was 9. houses , builded with Cedar , fortified round with sharpe trees , and the entrance like a Turnpik . When we came towards it , the wife of Granganameo came running out to meete vs , ( her husband was absent ) commanding her people to draw our Boat ashore for beating on the billowes , other she appoynted to carry vs on their backes a land , others to bring our Ores into the house for stealing . When we came into the other roome , ( for there was fiue in the house ) she caused vs to sit downe by a great fire ; after tooke off our clothes and washed them , of some our stockings , and some our feete in warme water , and she her selfe tooke much paines to see all things well ordered , and to provide vs victuall . After we had thus dryed our selues , she brought vs into an Inner roome , where she set on the bord standing a long the house somewhat like frumentie , sodden venison , and rosted fish ; in like manner mellons raw , boyled rootes and fruites of diuers kindes . There drinke is commonly water boyled with Ginger , sometimes with Saxefras , and wholsome herbes , but whilest the Crape lasteth they drinke wine . More loue she could not expresse to entertaine vs ; they care but onely to defend themselues from the short winter , and feede on what they finde naturall in sommer . In this fea●ting house was their Idoll of whom they ●ould vs vncredible things . When we were at meate two or three of her men came amongst vs with their Bowes and Arrowes , which caused vs to take our armes in hand . She perceiuing our distrust , caused their Bowes and Arrowes to be broken , and they be●ten out of the gate : but the euening approaching we returned to our boate , where at she much grieuing brought our supper halfe boyled , pots and all , but when she saw vs , but put our boat a little off from the shoar and lye at Anchor , perceiuing our Ielousie , she sent diuers men & 30. women to sit al night on the shoare side against vs , and sent vs fiue Mats to couer vs from the raine , doing all she could to perswade vs to her house . Though there was no cause of doubt , we would not aduenture : for on our safety depended the voyage : but a more kinde louing people cannot be . Beyond this I le is the maine land and the great riuer Occam , on which standeth a Towne called Pomeiock , and six dayes higher , their City Skicoak : those people neuer saw it , but say there fathers affirme it to be aboue two houres iourney about . Into this riuer falleth an other called Cipo , where is found many Mustells wherein are Pearles : likewise another Riuer called Nomapona , on the one side whereof standeth a great towne called Chawanock , the Lord of the Country is not subiect to Wingandacoa . Beyond him an other king they cal Menatonon . These 3. are in league each with other . Towards the south . 4. dayes iourney is Sequotan , the southermost part of Wingandacoa . Adioyning to Secotan beginneth the country Pomouik , belonging to the King called Piamacum , in the Country Nusiok vpon the great riuer Neus . These haue mortall warres with Wingina , King of Wingandacoa . Betwixt Piemacum and the Lord of Secotan , a peace was concluded : notwithstanding there is a mortall malice in the Secotuns , because this Piemacum invited diuers men , and 30. women to a feast , and when they were altogether merry before their Idoll , which is but a meere illusion of the Deuill , they sudainly slew all the men of Secotan , and kept the women for their vse . Beyond Roanoak are many Isles full of fruits and other Naturall increases , with many Townes a long the side of the Continent . Those Iles lye 200. myles in length , and betweene them and the mayne , a great long sea , in some places . 20. 40. or 50. myles broad , in other more , somewhere lesse . And in this sea are 100. Iles of diuers bignesses , but to get into it , you haue but 3. passages and they very dangerous . Though this you see for most part be but the relations of Saluages , because it is the first , I thought it not a mis●e to remember them as they are written by them that returned & ariued in England about the middest of September the same yeare . This discouery was so welcome into England that it pleased her M●iestie to call this Country of Wingandacoa , Virginia , by which name now you are to vnderstand how it was planted , disolued , reuned , and enlarged , The Performers of this voyage were these following . Philip Amadas . Captaine Arthur Barlow . Captaine William Grenuill . Iohn Wood. Iames Browewich . Henry Greene. Beniamen Wood. Simon Ferdinando . Of the Companie . Nicholas Peryman . Of the Companie . Iohn Hewes . Of the Companie . Sir Richard Grenuills voyage to Virginia , for Sir Walter Raleigh . ●●85 . THe 9. of Aprill he departed from Plimouth with 7. sayle : the chiefe men with him in command , were Master Ralph Layne , Master Thomas Candish Master Iohn Arundel , Master Stukley , Master Bremige , Master Vincent , Master H●ryot and Master Iohn Clarke . The 14. day we fell with the Canaries , and the 7. of May with Dominico in the West Indies : we landed at Portorico , after with much a doe at Izabella on the north of Hispaniola , passing by many Iles. Vpon the 20. we fell with the mayne of Florida , and were put in great danger vpon Cape Fear . The 26. we Anchored at Wocokon , where the admiral had like to beene cast away , presently we sent to Wingina to Roanoak , and Master Arundell went to the mayne , with Manteo a saluage , and that day to Croo●on . The 11. The Generall victualed for 8. dayes , with a selected company went to the maine , and discovered the Townes of Pomeiok , Aquascogoc , Secctan , and the great Lake called Paquipe . At Aquascogoc the Indians stole a siluer Cup , wherefore we burnt the Towne and spoyled their corne , so returned to our fleete at Tocokon . Whence we wayed for Hatorask , where we rested , and Granganimeo , King Wingina's brother with M●nteo came abord our Admirall , the Admirall went for Weapomeiok , & Master Iohn Arundell for England . Our Generall in his way home tooke a rich loaden ship of 300. tunns , with which he ariued at Plimouth the 18. of September . 1585. These were left vnder the command of Master Ralph Layne to inhabite the Country , but they returned within a yeare . Philip Amidas Admirall . Master Thomas Heryot . Master Acton . Master Stafford . Master Thomas Luddington . Master Maruyn . Cap. Vaghan . Master Gardiner . Master Kendall . Master Predeox . Master Rogers . Master Haruy. Master Snelling . Master Antony Russe . Master Allen. Master Michaell Pollison . Master Thomas Bockner . Master Iames mason . Master Dauid Salter . Master Iames Skinner . With diuers others to the number of 108. Touching the most remarkeable things of the Country and our proceeding from the 17 of August 1585. till the 18. of Iune 1586. we made Roanoack our habitation . The vtmost of our discouery Southward was Secotan as we esteemed 80. leagues from Roanoacke . The passage from thence was thought a broad sound within the maine , being without kenning of land , yet full of flats and shoulds that our Pinnasse could not passe , & we had but one boat with 4. ores , that would carry but 15. men with their prouisions for 7. dayes : so that because the winter approached we left those discoueries till a stronger supply . To the Northward ; our farthest was to a Towne of the Chesapeacks , from Roanoack 130. myles . The passage is very shallow and dangerous by reason of the breadth of the sound and the little succour for a storme , but this teritory being 15. myle from the shoare , for pleasantnest of seate , for temporature of climate , fertility of soyle and comoditie of the Sea , besides beares , good woods , Saxefras , Walnuts &c. is not to be , excelled by any other whatsoeuer . There be sundry other Kings they call Weroances as the Mangoacks , Trypaniks and opposians , which came to visit vs. To the northwest our farthest was Chawonock from Roanoack 130. myles our passage lyeth through a broad sound , but all fresh water , and the channell Nauigable for a Ship , but out of it full of shoules . The townes by the way by the water , are Passaquenock the womens towne , Chepanoe , Weapomciok ; from Muscamunge wee enter the riuer and iurisdiction of Chawonock , there it beginneth to straiten , and at Chawonock it is as Thames at Lambeth : betwixt them as we passed is goodly high land on the left hand , and there is a towne called Ohanock , where is a great corne field , it is subiect to Chawonock , which is the greatest Prouince vpon the riuer , and the Towne it selfe can put seuen hundred men into the field , besides the forces of the re●t . The King is lame , but hath more vnderstanding then all the rest . The river of Moratoc is more famous then all the rest , and openeth into the sound of Weapometok , and where there is but a very small currant in Chawonock , it hath so strong a currant from the Southwest , as we doubted how to row against it . Strange things they report of the head of this riuer , and of Moratoc it selfe , a principall towne on it , & is thirtie or fortie dayes Iourney to the head . This lame King is called Menatonon . When I had him prisoner two dayes , he told mee that 3. d●yes Iourney in a Canow vp the riuer Chawonock , then landing & going foure dayes Iourney Northeast , there is a King whose Country lyeth on the Sea , but his best place of strength is an Iland in a Bay inuironed with deepe water , where he taketh that abundance of Pearle , that not onely his skins , and his nobles , but also his beds and houses are garnished therewith . This king was at Chawonock two yeares agoe to trade with blacke pearle , his worst sort whereof I had a rope , but they were naught ; but that King he sayth hath store of white , and had trafficke with white men , for whom he reserued them ; he promised me guides to him , but aduised me to goe strong , for he was vnwilling strangers should come in his Country , for his Country is populous and valiant men . If a supply had come in Aprill , I resolued to haue sent a small Barke to the Northward to haue found it , whilest I with small Boates and 200. men would haue gone to the head of the riuer Chawonock , with sufficient guides by land , inskonsing my selfe euery two dayes , where I would leaue Garrisons for my retreat till I came to this Bay. Very neare vnto it is the riuer of Moratoc , directly from the West , the head of it springeth out of a mayne Rocke , which standeth so neare the Sea , that in stormes the Sea beats ouer it into this fresh spring , that of it selfe at the surse is a violent streame . I intended with two Wherries and fortie persons to haue Menatonons sonne for guide , to try this presently , till I could meete with some of the Moratocks , or Mangoaks , but hoping of getting more victuall from the Saluages , we as narrowly escaped staruing in that Discouery as euer men did . For Pemissapan who had changed his name of Wingina vpon the death of his brother Granganameo , had giuen both the Chawonests , and Mangoaks word of my purpose : also he told me the Chawonocks had assembled two or three thousand to assault me at Roanok , vrging me daily to goe against them , and them against vs ; a great assembly I found at my comming thether , which suddaine approach did so dismay them , that we had the better of them : & this confederacy against vs was procured by Pemissapan himselfe our chiefe friend we trusted ; he sent word also to the Moratoks and the Mangoaks , I came to inuade them , that they all fled vp into the high Country , so that where I assured my selfe both of succour and prouision , I found all abandoned . But being thus farre on my iourney 160. myles from home , and but victuals for two dayes , besides the casualties of crosse winds , stormes , and the Saluages trechery , though we intended no hurt to any : I gaue my Company to vnderstand we were onely drawne forth vpon these vaine hopes by the Saluages to bring vs to confusion : a Councell we held , to goe forward or returne , but they all were absolutely resolued but three , that whilst there was but one pynt of Corne for a man , they would not leaue the search of that riuer ; for they had two Mastiue Dogs , which boyled with Saxefras leaues ( if the worst fell out ) vpon them and the pottage they would liue two dayes , which would bring them to the sound , where they should finde fish-for two dayes more to passe it to Roanock , which two dayes they had rather fast then goe backe a foote , till they had seene the Mangoaks either as friends or foes . Though I did forsee the danger and misery , yet the desire I had to see the Mangoaks was , for that there is a prouince called Chaunis Temoatan , frequented by them and well knowne to all those Countries , where is a mine of Copper they call Wassador ; they say they take it out of a riuer that falleth swiftly from high rocks in shallow water , in great Bowles , couered with leather , leauing a part open to receiue the mettall , which by the change of the colour of the water where the spout falleth , they suddainly chop downe , and haue the Bowlefull , which they cast into the fire , it presently melteth , and doth yeeld in fiue parts at the first melting two parts mettall for three of Ore. The Mangoaks haue such plenty of it , they beautifie their houses with great plates thereof : this the Salvages report ; and young Skiko the King of Chawonocks sonne my prisoner , that had beene prisoner among the Mangoak● , but neuer at Chaunis Temoatan , for he sayd that was twentie dayes iourney ove● and ●rom the Mangoaks . Menatonon also confirmed all this , and promised me guids to this mettall Country ; by Land to the Mangoaks is but one dayes iourney , but seauen by water , which made me so willing to haue met them for some assay of this mettall : but when we came there we found no creature , onely we might see where had beene their fires . After our two dayes iourney , and our victuals spent , in the euening we heard some call as we thought Manteo , who was with me in the boat ; this made vs glad , he made them a friendly answer , which they answered with a song we thought for welcome , but he told vs they came to fight . Presently they did let flie their Arrowes about the boat , but did no hurt , the other boat scouring the shore we landed : but they all were fled , and how to finde them wee knew not . So the next morning we returned to the mouth of the riuer , that cost vs foure dayes rowing vp , and here our dogs pottage stood vs in good stead , for we had nothing els : the next day we fasted being windbound , and could not passe the sound , but the day following we came to Chippanum , where the people were fled , but their wires afforded vs fish : thus being neare spent , the next day God brought vs to Roanocke . I conclude a good Mine , or the South sea will make this Country quickly inhabited , and so for pleasure and profit comparable with any in the world : otherwise there will be nothing worth the fetching . Provided there be found a better harbour then yet there is , which must be Northward if there be any . Master Vaughan , no lesse hoped of the goodnesse of the Mine , then Master Heriot that the riuer Moratocks head , either riseth by the Bay of Mexico , or very neare the South Sea , or some part that openeth neare the same , which cannot with that facilitie be done as from the Bay of Pearles , by insconsing foure dayes iourney to the Chawonoks , Mangoaks , and Moratocks , &c. The conspiracy of Pemissapan ; the Discouery of it ; and our returne for England with Sir Francis Drake . ENsenore a Saluage , father to Pemissapan , the best friend we had after the death of Granganimeo , when I was in those Discoueries , could not prevaile any thing with the King from destroying vs , that all this time God had preserued , by his good counsell to the King to be friendly vnto vs. Pemissapan thinking as the brute was in this last iourney we were slaine and starued , began to blaspheme our God that would suffer it , and not defend vs , so that old Ensenore had no more credit for vs : for he began by all the deuises he could to inuade vs. But in the beginning of this brute , when they saw vs all returne , the report false , and had Manteo , and three Saluages more with vs , how little we esteemed all the people we met , and feared neither hunger , killing , or any thing , and had brought their greatest Kings sonne prisoner with vs to Roanock : it a little asswaged all his deuises , and brought Ensenore in respect againe , that our God was good , and wee their friends , and our foes should perish , for we could do● them more hurt being dead , then liuing , and that being an hundred myles from them , shot , and strucke them sicke to death , and that when we die it is but for a time , then we returne againe . But that which wrought the most feare among them was the handy-worke of Almightie God. For certaine dayes after my returne , Menatonon sent messengers to me with Pearle , and Okisco King of Weopomcoke , to yeeld himselfe seruant to the Queene of England . Okisco with twenty-foure of his principall men came to Pemissapan to acknowledge this dutie and subiection , and would performe it . All which so changed the heart of Pemissapan , that vpon the aduise of Ensenore , when we were ready to famish they came and made vs wires , and planted their fields they intended to abandon ( we not hauing one corne till the next haruest to sustaine vs ) . This being done our old friend Ensenore dyed the twenty of Aprill , then all our enemies wrought with Pemissapan to put in practise his deuises , which he easily imbraced , though they had planted corne by vs , and at Dasamonpeack two leagues from vs. Yet they got Okisco our tributary to get seuen or eight hundred ( and the Mandoages with the Chisapeans should doe the like ) to meete ( as their custome is ) to solemnize the Funerall of Ensenore . Halfe of whom should lye hid , to cut off the straglers , seeking crabs and prouision : the rest come out of the mayne vpon the Signall by fire . Twenty of the principall of Pemissapans men had charge in the night to beset my house , put fire in the Reeds that couered it , which might cause me run out so naked and amazed , they might without danger knocke out my braines . The same order for Mr Heriots , and the rest : for all should haue beene fired at an instant . In the meane time they should sell vs nothing , and in the night spoyle our wires , to make nenessitie disperse vs. For if we were but ten together , a hundred of them would not meddle with vs. So our famine increased , I was forced to send Captaine Stafford to Croatan , with twentie to feed himselfe , and see if he could espie any sayle passe the coast ; Mr Predeox with ten to Hatarask vpon the same occasion : and other small parties to the Mayne to liue vpon rootes and Oysters . Pemissapan sequestring himselfe , I should not importune him for victuall , and to draw his troupes , found not the Chawonests so forward as he expected , being a people more faithfull and powerfull , and desired our friendships , and was offended with him for raising such tales , and all his proiects were revealed to me by Skico my prisoner ; who finding himselfe as well vsed by me , as Pemissapan tould me all . These troubles caused me send to Pemissapan , to put suspition in his head , I was to goe presently to Croatan to meete a Fleete came to me , though I knew no such matter : and that he would lend me m●n to fish and hunt . He sent me word he would come himselfe to Roanock ; but delaying time eight dayes that all his men were there to be assembled , not liking so much company , I resolued the next day to goe visit him , but first to giue them in the I le a Canvisado , and at an instant to seaze on all their Canows about the I le . But the towne tooke the Alarum before I ment it . For when I sent to take the Canows , he met one going from the shore , ouerthrew her and cut off two Salvages heads ; wherevpon the cry arose , being by their spyes perceiued : for they kept as good watch over vs , as we of them . Vpon this they to their Bowes , and we to our Armes : three or foure of them at the first were slaine , the rest fled into the woods . The next morning I went to Dassamonpeack and sent Pemissapan word I was going to Croatan , and tooke him in my way to complaine Osocon would haue stole my prisoner Skico . Herevpon he did abide my comming , & being among eight of the principall est . I gaue the watchword to my men , and immediately they had that they purposed for vs. Himselfe being shot through with a Pistoll fell downe as dead , but presently start vp and ran away from them all , till an Irish Boy shot him over the buttocks , where they tooke him and cut off his head . Seauen dayes after Captaine Stafforton sent to me he descryed twentie-three Sayle . The next day came to me himselfe ( of whom I must say this , from the first to the last , he neither spared labour , or perill by land or sea , fayre weather , or foule , to performe any serious seruice committed to him . ) He brought me a letter from Sir Francis Drake , whose generous mind offered to supply all my defects , of shipping , boats , munition , victuall , clothes , and men to further this action : and vpon good consultation and deliberation , he appointed me a ship of 70. tuns , with an hundred men , and foure moneths victuals , two Pinnaces , foure small Boats , with two sufficient Masters , with sufficient Gangs . All this being made ready for me , suddenly arose such a storme for foure dayes , that had like to haue driuen the whole Fleete on shore : many of them were forced to the Sea , whereof my ship so lately giuen me was one , with all my prouision and Company appoynted . Notwithstanding , the storme ceasing , the Generall appointed me a ship of 170. tuns , with all prouisions as before , to carry me into England the next August , or when I had performed such Discoueries as I thought fit . Yet they durst not vndertake to bring her into the harbour , but she must ride in the road , leauing the care of the rest to my selfe , advising me to consider with my Company what was fittest , and with my best speed returne him answer . Herevpon calling my Company together , who were all as priuy of the Generals offer as my selfe ; their whole request was , ( in regard of all those former miseries , and no hope of the returne of Sir Richard Grenvill , ) and with a generall consent , they desired me to vrge him , we might all goe with him for England in his Fleete ; for whose reliefe in that storme he had sustained more perill of wrack , then in all his honorable actions against his enemies . So with prayses to God we set sayle in Iune 1586. and arriued in Portsmouth the 27. of Iuly the same yeare : Leaving this remembrance to posteritie . To reason lend me thine attentiue eares , Exempt thy selfe from mind-distracting cares : Least that's here thus proiected for thy good ; By thee reiected be , ere vnderstood . Written by Mr Ralph Layne , Governour . The Observations of Mr. Thomas Heriot in this Voyage . For Marchandize and Victualls . WHat before is writ , is also confirmed by that learned Mathematician Mr Thomas Heriot , with them in the Country , whose particular Relation of all the Beasts , Birds , Fishes , Foules , Fruites , and Rootes , and how they may be vsefull ; because I haue writ it before for the most part in the Discourse of Captaine Amidas , and Captaine Layne , except Silk grasse , Wormesilke , Flax like Hempe , Allum , Wapeith , or Terra sigillata , Tar , Rosen , & Turpentine , Civet-cats , Iron ore , Copper that hold Silver , Coprose and Pearle : Let those briefes suffice , because I would not trouble you with one thing twice . Dyes . For Dyes , Showmack , the herbe Wasebur , little rootes called Chapacor , and the barke of a tree called by the Inhabitants Tangomockonominge , which are for divers sorts of Reds . What more then is related is an herbe in Dutch called Melden , described like an Orange , growing foure foote high ; the seede will make good broth , and the stalke burnt to ashes makes a kinde of Salt : other Salt they know not , and we vsed of it for Pot-herbs . Of their Tobacco we found plenty , which they esteeme their chiefe Physicke . Ground nuts , Tiswaw we call China roots ; they grow in clusters , and bring forth a bryer stalke , but the leafe is far vnlike , which will climbe vp to the top of the highest tree : the vse knowne is to cut it in small peeces , then stampe & straine it with water , and boyled makes a gelly good to eate . Cassavia growes in Marishes , which the Indians oft vse for bread and broth . Habascon is like a Parsnip , naught of it selfe , except compounded : and their Leekes like those in England . Sequenummener , a kinde of Berry like Capers , and three kinde of Berries like Acornes , called Sagatamenor , Osamenor , and Pummuckoner . Saquenuckot and Maquowoc , two kinde of beasts , greater then Conies , and very good meate ; in some places such plenty of gray Conies , like hayres , that all the people make them mantels of their skins . I haue the names of 28. severall sorts that are dispersed in the Country : of which 12. kindes we haue discouered and good to eate ; but the Salvages sometimes kill a Lyon and eate him . There is plentie of Sturgeon in February , March , Aprill , and May ; all Herings in abundance ; some such as ours , but the most part of 18.20 . or 24. ynche● long , and more . Trouts Porpisses , Rayes , Mullers , Old-wiues , Pla●ce , Tortoises both by Sea and Land : Crabs , Oysters , Mussels , Scalops , Periwinckles , Crevises , Secanank : we haue the Pictures of 12. sorts more , but their names we know not . Turkeys , Stockdoues , Partridges , Cranes , Hernes , Swans , Geese , Parrots , Faulcons , Merlins I haue the names in their language of 86. severall sorts . Their woods are such as ours in England for the most part , except Rakeock a grea● sweet tree , whereof they make their Canowes : and Ascopo , a kinde of tree like Lowrell , and Saxefras . Their Natures and Manners . Their Clothing , Townes , Houses , Warres , Arts , Tooles , handy crafts , and educations , are much like them in that part of Virginia we now inhabite : which at large you may reade in the Description thereof . But the relation of their Religion is strange , as this Author reporteth . Some Religion they haue , which although it be farre from the truth , yet being as it is there is hope it may be the easier reformed . They beleeue there are many gods which they call Mantoac , but of different sorts and degrees . Also that there is one chiefe God that hath beene from all eternitie , who as they say when he purposed first to make the world , made first other gods of a principall order , to be as instruments to be vsed in the Creation and government to follow : And after the Sunne , Moone , and Starres , as pettie gods ; and the instruments of the other order more principall . First ( they say ) were made waters , out of which by the gods were made all diversitie of creatures that are visible or invisible . For mankinde they say a Woman was made first , which by the working of one of the gods conceiued and brought forth children ; and so they had their beginning , but how many yeares or ages since they know not ; having no Records but onely Tradition from Father to sonne . They thinke that all the gods are of humane shape , and therefore represent them by Images in the formes of men ; which they call Kewasowok : one alone is called Kewasa ; them they place in their Temples , where they worship , pray , sing , and make many offerings . The common sort thinke them also gods . They beleeue the immortalitie of the Soule , when life departing from the body , according to the good or bad workes it hath done , it is c●rried vp to the Tabernacles of the gods , to perpetuall happpinesse , or to Popogusso , a great pit : which they thinke to be at the furthest parts of the world , where the Sunne sets , and there burne continually . To confirme this they told me of two men that had beene lately dead , and revived againe ; the one hapned but few yeares before our comming into the country ; of a bad man , which being dead and buried , the next day the earth over him being seene to moue , was taken vp , who told them his soule was very neare entering into Popogusso , had not one of the gods saued him and gaue him leaue to returne againe , to teach his friends what they should doe to avoyd such torment . The other hapned the same yeare we were there , but sixtie myles from vs , which they told me for news , that one being dead , buried , & taken vp as the first , shewed , that although his body had layne dead in the graue , yet his soule liued , and had travailed far in a long broad way , on both sides whereof grew more sweet , fayre , and delicate trees and fruits , then ever he had seene before ; at length he came to most braue and fayre houses , neare which he met his Father , that was dead long agoe , who gaue him charge to goe backe , to shew his friends what good there was to doe , to inioy the pleasures of that place ; which when hee had done hee should come againe . What subtiltie so ever be in the Weroances , and Priests ; this opinion worketh so much in the common sort , that they haue great respect to their Governours : and as great care to avoyde torment after death , and to enioy blisse . Yet they haue divers sorts of punishments according to the offence , according to the greatnesse of the fact . And this is the sum of their Religion , which I learned by having speciall familiaritie with their Priests , wherein they were not so sure grounded , nor gaue such credit , but through conversing with vs , they were brought into great doubts of their owne , and no small admiration of ours : of which many desired to learne more then we had meanes for want of vtterance in their Language to expresse . Most things they saw with vs as Mathematicall Instruments , Sea Compasses ; the vertue of the Loadstone , Perspectiue Glasses , burning Glasses : Clocks to goe of themselues ; Bookes , writing , Guns , and such like ; so far exceeded their capacities , that they thought they were rather the workes of gods then men ; or at least the gods had taught vs how to make them , which loued vs so much better then them ; & caused many of them giue credit to what wespake concerning our God. In all places where I came , I did my best to make his immortall glory knowne . And I told them , although the Bible I shewed them , contained all ; yet of it selfe , it was not of any such vertue as I thought they did conceiue . Notwithstanding many would be glad to touch it , to kisse , and imbrace it , to hold it to their breasts , and heads , and stroke all their body over with it . The King Wingina where we dwelt , would oft be with vs at Prayer . Twice he was exceeding sicke and like to dye . And doubting of any helpe from his Priests , thinking he was in such danger for offending vs and our God , sent for some of vs to pray , and be a meanes to our God , he might liue with him after death . And so did many other in the like case . One other strange Accident ( leauing others ) will I mention before I end , which mooued the whole Country that either knew or heard of vs , to haue vs in wonderfull admiration . There was no Towne where they had practised any villany against vs ( we leaving it vnpunished , because we sought by all possible meanes to winne them by gentlenes ) but within a few dayes after our departure , they began to dye ; in some Townes twenty , in some forty , in some sixty , and in one an hundred and twenty , which was very many in respect of their numbers . And this hapned in no place ( we could learn ) where we had bin , but where they had vsed some practise to betray vs. And this disease was so strange , they neither knew what it was , nor how to cure it ; nor had they knowne the like time out of minde ; a thing specially observed by vs , as also by themselues , in so much that some of them who were our friends , especially Wingina , had observed such effects in foure or fiue Townes , that they were perswaded it was the worke of God through our meanes : and that we by him might kill and slay whom we would , without weapons , and not come neare them . And therevpon , when they had any vnderstanding , that any of their enemies abused vs in our Iourneyes , they would intreat vs , we would be a meanes to our God , that they , as the others that had dealt ill with vs , might dye in like sort : although we shewed them their requests were vngodly ; and that our GOD would not subiect himselfe to any such requests of men , but all things as he pleased came to passe : and that we to shew our selues his true servants , ought rather to pray for the contrary : yet because the effect sell out so suddenly after , according to their desires , they thought it came to passe by our meanes , and would come giue vs thankes in their manner , that though we satisfied them not in words , yet in deeds we had fulfilled their desires . This marueilous Accident in all the Country wrought so strange opinions of vs , that they could not tell whether to thinke vs gods or men . And the rather that all the space of their sicknesse , there was no man of ours knowne to die , or much sicke . They noted also we had no women , nor cared for any of theirs : some therefore thought we were not borne of women , and therefore not mortall , but that we were men of an old generation many yeares past , & risen againe from immortalitie . Some would Prophesie there were more of our generation yet to come , to kill theirs and take their places . Those that were to come after vs they imagined to be in the ayre , yet invisible and without bodies : and that they by our intreaties , for loue of vs , did make the people die as they did , by shooting invisible bullets into them . To confirme this , their Physicians to excuse their Ignorance in curing the disease , would make the simple people beleeue , that the strings of bloud they sucked out of the sicke bodies , were the strings wherein the invisible bullets were tyed , and cast . Some thought we shot them our selues from the place where we dwelt , and killed the people that had offended vs , as we listed , how farre distant soever . And others said it was the speciall worke of God for our sakes , as we had cause in some sort to thinke no lesse , whatsoever some doe , or may imagine to the contrary ; especially some Astrologers by the eclipse of the Sunne we saw that yeare before our Voyage , and by a Comet which began to appeare but a few dayes before the sicknesse began : but to exclude them from being the speciall causes of so speciall an Accident , there are farther reasons then I thinke fit to present or alledge . These their opinions I haue set downe , that you may see there is hope to imbrace the truth , and honor , obey , feare and loue vs , by good dealing and government : though some of our company towards the latter end , before we came away with Sir Francis Drake shewed themselues too furious , in slaying some of the people in some Townes , vpon causes that on our part might haue bin borne with more mildnesse ; notwithstanding they iustly had deserued it . The best neverthelesse in this , as in all actions besides , is to be indevoured and hoped ; and of the worst that may happen , notice to be taken with consideration ; and as much as may be eschewed ; the better to allure them hereafter to Civilitie and Christianitie . Thus you may see , How Nature her selfe delights her selfe in sundry Instruments , That sundry things be done to decke the earth with Ornaments ; Nor suffers she her servants all should runne one race , But wills the walke of every one frame in a divers pace ; That divers wayes and divers workes , the world might better grace . Written by Thomas Heriot , one of the Voyage . How Sir Richard Grenvill went to relieue them . IN the yeare of our Lord 1586. Sir Walter Raleigh and his Associates prepared a ship of a hundred tun , fraughted plentifully of all things necessary : but before they set sayle from England it was Easter . And arriving at Hatora●k , they after some time spent in seeking the Collony vp in the Country , and not finding them , returned with all the provision againe to England . About 14. or 15. dayes after , Sir Richard Grenvill accompanied with three ships well appoynted , arrived there . Who not finding the aforesaid ship according to his expectation , nor hearing any newes of the Collony there seated , and left by him as is said 1585. travailing vp and downe to seeke them , but when he could heare no newes of them , and found their habitation abandoned , vnwilling to lose the possession of the Country , after good deliberation he landed fiftie men in the I le of Roanoak , plentifully furnished with all manner of provision for two yeares : and so returned for England . Where many began strangely to discant of those crosse beginnings , and him ; which caused me remember an old saying of Euripides . Who broacheth ought that 's new , to fooles vntaught , Himselfe shall iudged be vnwise , and good for naught . Three Ships more sent to relieue them by Mr. White . WE went the old course by the west Indies , and Simon Ferdinando our continuall Pilot mistaking Virginia for Cape Fear , we sayled not much to haue beene cast away , vpon the conceit of our all-knowing Ferdinando , had it not beene prevented by the vigilancy of Captaine Stafford . We came to Hatorask the 22. of Iuly , and with fortie of our best men , intending at Roanoack to find the 50 men left by Sir Richard Grenvill . But we found nothing but the bones of a man , and where the Plantation had beene , the houses vnhurt , but overgrowne with weeds , and the Fort defaced , which much perplexed vs. By the History it seemes Simon Ferdinando did what he could to bring this voyage to confusion ; but yet they all arrived at Hatorask . They repayred the old houses at Roanock , and Master George How , one of the Councell , stragling abroad , was slaine by the Salvages . Not long after Master Stafford with 20. men went to Croatan with Manteo , whose friends dwelled there : of whom we thought to haue some newes of our 50 men . They at first made shew to fight , but when they heard Manteo , they threw away their Armes , and were friends , and desired there might be a token giuen to be knowne by , least we might hurt them by misprision , as the yeare before one had bin by Master Layne , that was ever their friend , and there present yet lame . The next day we had conference with them concerning the people of Secotan , Aquascogoc , and Pomeiok , willing them of Croatan to see if they would accept our friendship , and renew our old acquaintance : which they willingly imbraced , and promised to bring their King and Governours to Roanoak , to confirme it . We also vnderstood that Master Howe was slaine by the men of Wingina , of Dassamonpeack : and by them of Roanoack , that the fiftie men left by Sir Richard Grenvill , were suddainly set vpon by three hundred of Secotan , Aquascogoc , and Dassamonpeack . First they intruded themselues among 11 of them by friendship , one they slew , the rest retyring to their houses , they set them on fire , that our men with what came next to hand were forced to make their passage among them ; where one of them was shot in the mouth , and presently dyed , and a Salvage slaine by him . On both sides more were hurt ; but our men retyring to the water side , got their boat , & ere they had rowed a quarter of a myle towards Hatorask , they tooke vp foure of their fellowes , gathering Crabs and Oysters : at last they landed on a little I le by Hatorask , where they remained a while , but after departed they knew not whether . So taking our leaues of the Croatans , we came to our Fleet at Hatorask . The Governour having long expected the King and Governours of Pomeiok , Secotan , Aquascogoc , and Dassamonpeack , and the 7. dayes expired , and no newes of them , being also informed by those of Croatan , that they of Dassamonpeack slew Master How , and were at the driving our men from Raonoack he thought no longer to deferre the revenge . Wherefore about midnight , with Captaine Stafford , and twentie-foure men , whereof Manteo was one , for our guide , ( that behaved himselfe towards vs as a most faithfull English man ) he set forward . The next day by breake of day we landed , and got beyond their houses , where seeing them sit by the fire we assaulted them . The miserable soules amazed fled into the Reeds , where one was shot through , and we thought to haue beene fully revenged , but we were deceiued , for they were our friends come from Croatan to gather their corne , because they vnderstood our enemies were fled after the death of Master How , and left all behinde them for the birds . But they had like to haue payd too deare for it , had we not chanced vpon a Weroances wife , with a childe at her backe , and a Salvage that knew Captaine Stafford , that ran to him calling him by his name . Being thus disappointed of our purpose , we gathered the fruit we found ripe , left the rest vnspoyled , and tooke Menatonon his wife with her childe , and the rest with vs to Roanoak . Though this mistake grieued Manteo , yet he imputed it to their own folly , because they had not kept promise to come to the governor at the day appointed . The 13. of August our Salvage Manteo was Christened , and called Lord of Dassamonpeack , in reward of his faithfulnesse . And the 18th , Ellinor the Governours daughter , and wife to Ananias Dare , was delivered of a daughter in Roanoak ; which being the first Christian there borne , was called Virginia . Our ships being ready to depart , such a storme arose , as the Admirall was forced to cut her Cables : and it was six dayes ere she could recover the shore , that made vs doubt she had beene lost , because the most of her best men were on shore . At this time Controversies did grow betwixt our Governour and the Assistants , about choosing one of them 12. to goe as Factor for them all to England ; for all refused saue one , whom all men thought most insufficient : the Conclusion was by a generall consent , they would haue the Governour goe himselfe , for that they thought none would so truly procure there supplyes as he . Which though he did what he could to excuse it , yet their importunitie would not cease till he vndertooke it , and had it vnder all their hands how vnwilling he was , but that necessity and reason did doubly constraine him . At their setting sayle for England , waighing Anchor , twelue of the men in the flyboat were throwne from the Capstern , by the breaking of a barre , and most of them so hurt , that some never recovered it . The second time they had the like fortune , being but 15. they cut the Cable and kept company with their Admirall to Flowres and Coruos ; the Admirall stayed there looking for purchase : but the flyboats men grew so weake they were driuen to Smerwick in the West of Ireland . The Governour went for England ; and Simon Ferdinando with much adoe at last arrived at Portsmouth . 1587. The Names of those were landed in this Plantation were , Iohn White Governour . Roger Bayley . Ananias Dare. Simon Ferdinando . Christopher Couper . Thomas Stevens . Iohn Samson . Thomas Smith . Dionis Haruie . Roger Prat. George How. Antony Cage . With divers others to the number of about 115. The fift Voyage to Virginia ; vndertaken by Mr. Iohn White . 1589. THe 20. of March three ships went from Plimouth , and passed betwixt Barbary and Mogadoro to Dominico in the West Indies . After we had done some exployts in those parts , the third of August wee fell with the low sandy Iles westward of Wokokon . But by reason of ill weather it was the 11 , ere we could Anchor there ; and on the 12. we came to Croatan , where is a great breach in 35 degrees and a halfe , in the Northeast poynt of the I le . The 15. we came to Hatorask in 36. degrees & a terse , at 4. fadom , 3 leagues from shore : where we might perceiue a smoake at the place where I left the Colony , 1587. The next morning Captaine Cooke , Captaine Spicer , & their companies , with two boats left ●ur ships , and discharged some Ordnance to giue them notice of our comming , but when we came there , we found no man , nor signe of any that had beene there lately : and so returned to our Boats. The next morning we prepared againe for Roanoack . Captaine Spicer had then sent his Boat ashore for water , so it was ten of the Clocke ere we put from the ships , which rode two myles from the shore . The Admirals boat , being a myle before the other , as she passed the bar , a sea broke into the boat and filled her halfe full of water : but by Gods good will , and the carefull stearage of Captaine Cook , though our provisions were much wet we safe escaped , the wind blew hard at Northeast , which caused so great a current and a breach vpon the barre ; Captaine Spicer passed halfe over , but by the indiscreet steering of Ralph Skinner , their boat was overset , the men that could catch hold hung about her , the next sea cast her on ground , where some let goe their hold to wade to shore , but the sea beat them downe . The boat thus tossed vp and downe Captaine Spicer and Skinner hung there till they were drowne ; but 4. that could swim a little , kept themselues in deeper water , were saued by the meanes of Captaine Cook , that presently vpon the oversetting of their boat , shipped himselfe to saue what he could . Thus of eleuen , seuen of the chiefest were drowned . This so discomfited all the Saylers , we had much to do to get them any more to seeke further for the Planters , but by their Captaines forwardnes at last they fitted themselues againe for Hatorask in 2 boats , with 19 persons . It was late ere we arrived , but seeing a fire through the woods , we sounded a Trumpet , but no answer could we heare . The next morning we went to it , but could see nothing but the grasse , and some rotten trees burning . We went vp and downe the I le , and at last found three faire Romane Letters carved . C.R.O. which presently we knew to signifie the place where I should find them , according to a secret note betweene them & me : which was to write the name of the place they would be in , vpon some tree , dore , or post : and if they had beene in any distresse , to signifie it by making a crosse over it . For at my departure they intended to goe fiftie myles into the mayne . But we found no signe of distresse ; then we went to a place where they were left in sundry houses , but we found them all taken downe , and the place strongly inclosed with a high Palizado , very Fortlike ; and in one of the chiefe Posts carued in fayre capitall Letters CROATAN , without any signe of distresse , and many barres of Iron , two pigs of Lead , foure Fowlers , Iron shot , and such like heauie things throwne here and there , overgrowne with grasse and weeds . We went by the shore to seeke for their boats but could find none , nor any of the Ordnance I left them . At last some of the Sailers found divers Chists had beene hidden and digged vp againe , and much of the goods spoyled , and scattered vp and downe , which when I saw , I knew three of them to be my owne ; but bookes , pictures , and all things els were spoyled . Though it much grieued me , yet it did much comfort me that I did know they were at Croatan ; so we returned to our Ships , but had like to haue bin cast away by a great storme that continued all that night . The next morning we weighed Anchor for Croatan : having the Anchor a-pike , the Cable broke , by the meanes whereof we lost another : letting fall the third , the ship yet went so fast a drift , we fayled not much there to haue split . But God bringing vs into deeper water ; considering we had but one Anchor , and our provision neare spent , we resolued to goe forthwith to S. Iohns Ile , Hispaniola , or Trinidado , to refresh our selues and seeke for purchase that Winter , and the next Spring come againe to seeke our Country-men . But our Vice Admirall would not , but went directly for England , and we our course for Trinidado . But within two dayes after , the wind changing , we were constrained for the Westerne Iles to refresh our selues , where we met with many of the Queenes ships our owne consort , and divers others , the 23. of Seeptember 1590. And thus we left seeking our Colony , that was neuer any of them found , nor seene to this day 1622. And this was the conclusion of this Plantation , after so much time , labour , and charge consumed . Whereby we see ; Not all at once , nor all alike , nor ever hath it beene , That God doth offer and confer his blessings vpon men . Written by Master Iohn White . A briefe Relation of the Description of Elizabeths Ile , and some others towards the North part of Virginia ; and what els they discovered in the yeare 1602. by Captaine Bartholomew Gosnoll , and Captaine Bartholomew Gilbert ; and divers other Gentlemen their Associates . ALL hopes of Virginia thus abandoned , it lay dead and obscured from 1590. till this yeare 1602. that Captaine Gosnoll , with 32. and himselfe in a small Barke , set sayle from Dartmouth vpon the 26. of March. Though the wind favoured vs not at the first , but forced vs as far Southward as the Asores , which was not much out of our way ; we ran directly west from thence , whereby we made our iourney shorter then heretofore by 500. leagues : the weaknesse of our ship , the badnes of our saylers , and our ignorance of the coast , caused vs carry but a low sayle , that made our passage longer then we expected . On fryday the 11. of May we made land , it was somewhat low , where appeared certaine hummocks or hills in it : the shore white sand , but very rockie , yet overgrowne with fayre trees . Comming to an Anchor , 8 Indians in a Baske shallop , with mast and sayle came boldly aboord vs. It seemed by their signes & such things as they had , some Biskiners had fished there : being about the latitude of 43. But the harbour being naught , & doubting the weather , we went not ashore , but waighed , and stood to the Southward into the Sea. The next morning we found our selues imbayed with a mightie headland : within a league of the shore we anchored , and Captaine Gosnoll , my selfe , & three others went to it in our boat , being a white sand & a bold coast . Though the weather was hot , we marched to the highest hils we could see , where we perceiued this headland part of the mayn , neare invironed with Ilands . As we were returning to our ship , a good proper , lusty young man came to vs , with whom we had but small conference , and so we left him . Herein 5. or 6. houres we tooke more Cod then we knew what to doe with , which made vs perswade our selues , there might be found a good fishing in March , Aprill , and May. At length we came among these fayre Iles , some a league , 2.3.5 . or 6. from the Mayne , by one of them we anchored . We found it foure myles in compasse , without house or inhabitant . In it is a lake neare a myle in circuit ; the rest overgrowne with trees , which so well as the bushes , were so overgrowne with Vines , we could scarce passe them . And by the blossomes we might perceiue there would be plenty of Strawberries , Respises , Gousberries , and divers other fruits : besides , Deere and other Beasts we saw , and Cranes , Hernes , with divers other sorts of fowle ; which made vs call it Martha's Vineyard . The rest of the Isles are replenished with such like ; very rocky , and much tinctured stone like Minerall . Though we met many Indians , yet we could not see their habitations : they gaue vs fish , Tobacco , and such things as they had . But the next Isle we arrived at was but two leagues from the Maine , & 16. myle about , invironed so with creekes and coves , it seemed like many Isles linked together by small passages like bridges . In it is many places of plaine grasse , and such other fruits , and berries as before were mentioned . In mid-May we did sow Wheat , Barley , Oates , & Pease , which in 14. dayes sprung vp 9. inches . The soyle is fat and lusty : the crust therof gray , a foot or lesse in depth . It is full of high timbred Okes , their leaues thrise so broad as ours : Cedar straight and tall , Beech , Holly , Walnut , Hazell , Cherry trees like ours , but the stalke beareth the blossom or fruit thereof like a cluster of Grapes , forty or fiftie in a bunch . There is a tree of Orange colour , whose barke in the filing is as smooth as Velvet . There is a lake of fresh water three myles in compasse , in the midst an Isle containing an acre or thereabout , overgrowne with wood : here are many Tortoises , and abundance of all sorts of foules , whose young ones we tooke and cate at our pleasure . Grounds nuts as big as egges , as good as Potatoes , and 40. on a string , not two ynches vnder ground . All sorts of shell fish , as Schalops , Mussels , Cockles , Crabs , Lobsters , Welks , Oysters , exceeding good and very great ; but not to cloy you with particulars , what God and nature hath bestowed on those places , I refer you to the Authors owne writing at large . We called this Isle Elizabeths Isle , from whence we went right over to the mayne , where we stood a while as ravished at the beautie and dilicacy of the sweetnesse , besides divers cleare lakes , whereof we saw no end , & meadows very large and full of greene grasse , &c. Here we espyed 7. Salvages , at first they expressed some feare , but by our courteous vsage of them , they followed vs to the necke of Land , which we thought had beene severed from the Mayne , but we found it otherwise . Here we imagined was a river , but because the day was farre spent , we left to discover it till better leasure . But of good Harbours , there is no doubt , considering the Land is all rocky and broken lands . The next day we determined to fortifie our selues in the Isle in the lake . Three weekes we spent in building vs there a house . But the second day after our comming from the Mayne , 11. Canows with neare 50. Salvag●s came towards vs. Being vnwilling they should see our building , we went to , & exchanged with them Kniues , Hatchets , Beades , Bels , and such trifles , for some Bevers , Lyzards , Martins , Foxes , wilde Catte skinnes , and such like . We saw them haue much red Copper , whereof they make chaines , collars , and drinking cups , which they so little esteemed they would giue vs for small toyes , & signified vnto vs they had it out of the earth in the Mayne : three dayes they stayed with vs , but every night retyred two or three myle from vs : after with many signes of loue and friendship they departed , seaven of them staying behind , that did helpe vs to dig and carry Saxafras , and doe any thing they could , being of a comely proportion and the best condition of any Salvages we had yet incountred . They haue no Beards but counterfeits , as they did thinke ours also was : for which they would haue changed with some of our men that had great beards . Some of the baser sort would steale ; but the better sort , we found very civill and iust . We saw but three of their women , and they were but of meane stature , attyred in skins like the men , but fat and well favoured . The wholesomenesse and temperature of this climate , doth not onely argue the people to be answerable to this Description , but also of a perfect constitution of body , actiue , strong , healthfull , and very witty , as the sundry toyes by them so cunningly wrought may well testifie . For our selues , we found our selues rather increase in health and strength then otherwise ; for all our toyle , bad dyet and lodging ; yet not one of vs was touched with any sicknesse . Twelue intended here a while to haue stayed , but vpon better consideration , how meanely we were provided , we left this Island ( with as many true sorrowfull eyes as were before desirous to see it ) the 18. of Iune , and arrived at E●mouth , the 23 of Iuly . But yet mans minde doth such it selfe explay , As Gods great Will doth frame it every way . And , Such thoughts men haue , on earth that doe but liue , As men may craue , but God doth onely giue . Written by Iohn Brierton one of the Voyage . A Voyage of Captaine Martin Pring , with two Barks from Bristow , for the North part of Virginia . 1603. BY the inducements and perswasions of Mr Richard Hackluite , Mr Iohn Whitson being Maior , with his brethren the Aldermen , & most of the Merchants of the Citie of Bristow , raised a stocke of 1000l. to furnish out two Barkes , the one of 50. tuns , with 30. men and boyes , the other 26. tuns , with 13. men and boyes , having Martin Pring an vnderstanding Gentleman , and a sufficient Mariner for Captaine , and Robert Salterne his Assistant , who had bin with Captaine Gosnoll there the yeare before for Pilot. Though they were much crossed by contrary windes vpon the coast of England , and the death of that ever most memorable , miracle of the world , our most deare soveraigne Lady and Queene Elizabeth : yet at last they passed by the westerne Isles , and about the 7. of Iune , fell vpon the north part of Virginia , about the degrees of fortie three . Where they found plentie of most sorts of fish , and saw a high country full of great woods of sundry sorts . As they ranged the coast at a place they named Whitson Bay , they were kindly vsed by the Natiues , that came to them , in troupes , of tens , twenties , & thirties , and sometimes more . But because in this Voyage for most part they followed the course of Captaine Gosnoll , and haue made no relation but to the same effect he writ before , we will thus conclude ; Lay hands vnto this worke with all thy wit , But pray that God would speed and perfit it . Robert Salterne . A relation of a Discovery towards the Northward of Virginia , by Captaine George Waymouth 1605. imployed thether by the right Honorable Thomas Arundell , Baron of Warder , in the Raigne of our most royall King IAMES . VPon tuesday the fift of March we set sayle from Ratcliffe , but by contrary winds we were forced into Dartmouth till the last of this moneth , then with 29. as good sea men , & all necessary provisiōs as could possibly be gotten , we put to sea ; and the 24 of Aprill fell with Flowres and Coruos . We intended as we were directed towards the Southward of 39. But the winds so crossed vs wee fell more Northwards about 41. and 20. minuits , we sounded at 100. fathom , & by that we had run 6 leagues we had but 5. yet saw no land ; from the mayne top we descryed a whitish sandy clift , West North-west some 6. leagues from vs , but ere we had run two leagues further we found many shoules and breaches , sometimes in 4. fadom and the next throw 15. or 18. Being thus imbayed among those shoules , we were constrained to put back againe , which we did with no small danger , though both the winde and weather were as fayre as we could desire . Thus we parted from the Land , which we had not before so much desired , and at the first sight reioyced , as now we all ioyfully praysed God that he had delivered vs from so eminent danger . Here we found excellent Cod , and saw many Whales as we had done 2. or 3. daies before . Being thus constrained to put to sea , the want of wood & water caused vs take the best advantage of the winde , to fall with the shore wheresoever : but we found our Sea cards most directly false . The 17. of May we made the Land againe , but it blew so hard , we durst not approach it . The next day it appeared to vs a mayne high land , but we found it an Island of 6. myles in compasse : within a league of it we came to an anchor , and went on shore for wood & water , of which we found sufficient . The water gushing forth downe the rocky clifts in many places , which are all overgrown with Firre , Birch , Beech , & Oke , as the Verge is with Gousberries , Strawberries , wild Pease , and Rose bushes , and much foule of divers sorts that breed among the rockes : here as in all places els where we came , we found Cod enough . From hence we might discerne the mayne land and very high mountaines , the next day because we rode too open to the Sea , we waighed , and came to the Isles adioyning to the mayn : among which we found an excellent rode , defended from all windes , for ships of any burthen , in 6.7.8.9 . or 10. fadom vpon a clay oze . This was vpon a Whitsonday , wherefore we called it Pentecost Harbour . Here I cannot omit for foolish feare of imputation of flattery , the painfull industry of our Captaine , who as at Sea he was alwayes most carefull & vigilant , so at land he refused no paines : but his labour was ever as much or rather more then any mans ; which not onely incouraged others with better content , but also effected much with great expedition . We digged a Garden the 22. of May , where among our garden-seeds we sowed Pease and Barley , which in 16. dayes grew vp 8. ynches , although this was but the crust of the ground , and much inferiour to the mould we after found in the mayne . After we had taken order for all our necessary businesses , we marched through two of these Isles . The biggest was 4. or 5. myles in compasse ; we found here all sorts of ordinary trees , besides , Vines , Currants , Spruce , Yew , Angelica , and divers gummes : in so much many of our company wished themselues setled here . Vpon the 30. our Captaine with 13. went to discover the mayne : we in the ship espyed 3. Canowes that came towards the ship . Which after they had well viewed , one of them came aboord with 3. men , and by our good vsage of them not long after the rest , two dayes we had their companies , in all respects they are but like them at Elizabeths Isles , therefore this may suffice for their description . In this time our Captain had discovered a fayre river , trending into the mayne 40 myles , and returned backe to bring in the ship . The Salvages also kept their words and brought vs 40. Bever , Oter , and sable skins , for the value of 5. shillings in kniues , glasses , combes , and such toyes , and thus we vsed them so kindly as we could , because we intended to inhabit in their Country , they lying aboord with vs and we ashore with them ; but it was but as changing man for man as hostages , and in this manner many times we had their companies . At last they desired our Captaine to goe with them to the mayne to trade with their Bashabes , which is their chiefe Lord , which we did , our boat well manned with 14. yet would they row faster with 3. Ores in their Canowes then we with 8. but when we saw our old acquaintance , would not stay aboord vs as before for hostage , but did what they could to draw vs into a narrow c●ke , we exchanged one Owen Griffin with them for a yong fellow of theirs , that he might see if he could discover any trechery , as he did , for he found there assembled 283. Salvages with bowes & arrows , but not any thing at all to trade as they pretended . These things considered , we conceited them to be but as all Salvages ever had beene , kinde till they found opportunitie to do mischiefe . Wherefoer we determined to take some of them , before they should suspect we had discovered their plot , lest they should absent themselues from vs , so the first that ever after came into the ship were three which we kept , and two we tooke on shore with much adoe , with two Canowes , their bowes and arrowes . Some time we spent in sounding all the Isles , channels , and inlets thereabouts , and we found 4. severall waies a ship might be brought into this Bay. In the interim there came 2. Canowes more boldly aboord vs , signifying we should bring our ship to the place where he dwelt to trade . We excused our selues why we could not , but vsed them kindly , yet got them away with all the speed we could , that they should not be perceiued by them in the houle , then we went vp the river 26. myles , of which I had rather not write , then by my relation detract from it , it is in breadth a myle , neare 40. myles ; and a channell of 6.7.8.9 . or 10. fadom , & on both sides every halfe myle gallant Coues , to containe in many of them 100 sayle , where they may lye on Oze without Cable or Anchor , onely mored with a Hanser , and it floweth 18. foot , that you may make , docke , or carine ships with much facilitie : besides the land is most rich , trending all along on both sides in an equall plaine , neither rocky nor mountainous , but verged with a greene border of grasse , doth make tender to the beholder her pleasant fertilitie , if by cleansing away the woods she were converted into meadow . The woods are great , and tall , such as are spoken of in the Islelands , and well watered with many fresh springs . Our men that had seene Oranoque so famous in the worlds eares , Reogrande , Loyer , & Slion , report , though they be great & goodly rivers , yet are not comparable to it . Leaving our ship we went higher , till we were 7. myles higher then the salt water flowed ; we marched towards the mountains we had seene , but the weather was so hot , & our labour so great , as our Captaine was contented to returne : after we had erected a crosse we left this faire land and river , in which the higher we went the better we liked it , and returned to our ship . By the way we met a Canow that much desired one of our men to go vp to their Basshabes , but we knew their intents , and so turned them off ; and though we had both time and provision to haue discovered much more , and might haue found peradventure good trade , yet because our company was but small , we would not hazzard so hopefull a businesse as this was , either for our private , or particular ends , being more regardfull of a publicke good , and promulgating Gods holy Church by planting Christianity , which was the intent of our adventurers so well as ours ; returning by the Isles in the entry of the Sound we called them St Georges Isles , & because on sunday we set out of England , on sunday also the 16. of Iune we departed hence . When we had run 30. leagues we had 40. fadom , ●hen 70. then 100. After 2. or 3. watches more we were in 24. fadoms , where we tooke so much Cod as we did know what to doe with , and the 18. of Iuly came to Dartmouth , and all our men as well God be thanked as when they went forth . Thus may you see ; God hath not all his gifts bestowed on all or any one , Words sweetest , and wits sharpest , courage , strength of bone ; All rarities of minde and parts doe all concurre in none . Written by Iames Rosier one of the Voyage . VIRGINIA ❧ The second Booke . THE SIXT VOYAGE . 1606. To another part of Virginia , where now are Planted our English Colonies , Whom God increase and preserue : Discovered and Described by Captaine IOHN SMITH , sometimes Governour of the Countrey . BY these former relations you may see what incōveniences still crossed those good intents , and how great a mattter it was all this time to finde but a Harbour , although there be so many . But this Virginia is a Country in America betweene the degrees of 34. and 45. of the North latitude . The bounds thereof on the East side are the great Ocean : on the South lyeth Florida : on the North nova Francia : as for the West thereof , the limits are vnknowne . Of all this Country we purpose nor to speake , but onely of that part which was planted by the English men in the yeare of our Lord , 1606. And this is vnder the degrees 37.38 . and 39. The temperature of this Country doth agree well with English constitutions , being once seasoned to the Country . Which appeared by this , that though by many occasions our people fell sicke ; yet did they recover by very small meanes , and continued in health , though there were other great causes , not onely to haue made them sicke , but even to end their dayes , &c. The Sommer is hot as in Spaine ; the Winter cold as in France or England . The heat of sommer is in Iune , Iuly , and August , but commonly the coole Breeses asswage the vehemency of the heat . The chiefe of winter is halfe December , Ianuary , February , and halfe March. The colde is extreame sharpe , but here the Proverbe is true , that no extreame long continueth . In the yeare 1607. was an extraordinary frost in most of Europe , and this frost was found as extreame in Virginia . But the next yeare for 8. or 10. dayes of ill weather , other 14. dayes would be as Sommer . The windes here are variable , but the like thunder and lightning to purifie the ayre , I haue seldome either seene or heard in Europe . From the Southwest came the greatest gusts with thunder and heat . The Northwest winde is commonly coole and bringeth faire weather with it . From the North is the greatest cold , and from the East and Southeast as from the Barmudas , fogs and raines . Some times there are great droughts , other times much raine , yet great necessitie of neither , by reason we see not but that all the raritie of needfull fruits in Europe , may be there in great plentie , by the industry of men , as appeareth by those we there Planted . There is but one entrance by Sea into this Country , and that is at the mouth of a very goodly Bay , 18. or 20. myles broad . The cape on the South is called Cape Henry , in honour of our most noble Prince . The land white hilly sands like vnto the Downes , and all along the shores great plentie of Pines and Firres . The north Cape is called Cape Charles , in honour of the worthy Duke of Yorke . The Isles before it , Smith's Isles , by the name of the discover . Within is a country that may haue the prerogatiue over the most pleasant places knowne , for large and pleasant navigable Rivers , heaven & earth never agreed better to frame a place for mans habitation ; were it fully manured and inhabited by industrious people . Here are mountaines , hils , plaines , valleyes , rivers , and brookes , all running most pleasantly into a faire Bay , compassed but for the mouth , with fruitfull and delightsome land . In the Bay and rivers are many Isles both great & small , some woody , some plaine , most of them low and not inhabited . This Bay lyeth North and South , in which the water floweth neare 200. myles , and hath a channell for 140 myles , of depth betwixt 6 and 15 fadome , holding in breadth for the most part 10 or 14 myles . From the head of the Bay to the Northwest , the land is mountanous , and so in a manner from thence by a Southwest line ; So that the more Southward , the farther off from the Bay are those mountaines . From which fall certaine brookes which after come to fiue principall navigable rivers . These run from the Northwest into the South east , and so into the West side of the Bay , where the fall of every River is within 20 or 15 myles one of another . The mountaines are of divers natures : for at the head of the Bay the rockes are of a composition like Mill stones . Some of Marble , &c. And many peeces like Christall we found , as throwne downe by water from those mountaines . For in Winter they are covered with much snow , and when it dissolveth the waters fall with such violence , that it causeth great inundations in some narrow valleyes , which is scarce perceived being once in the rivers . These waters wash from the rocks such glistering tinctures , that the ground in some places seemeth as guilded , where both the rocks and the earth are so splendent to behold , that better iudgements then ours might haue beene perswaded , they contained more then probabilities . The vesture of the earth in most places doth manifestly proue the nature of the soyle to be lusty and very rich . The colour of the earth we found in diverse places , resembleth bole Armoniac , terra sigillata , and Lemnia , Fullers earth , Marle , and divers other such appearances . But generally for the most part it is a blacke sandy mould , in some places a fat slimy clay , in other places a very barren gravell . But the best ground is knowne by the vesture it beareth , as by the greatnesse of trees , or abundance of weeds , &c. The Country is not mountanous , nor yet low , but such pleasant plaine hils , and fertile valleyes , one prettily crossing another , & watered so conveniently with fresh brookes and springs , no lesse commodious , then delightsome . By the rivers are many plaine marishes , containing some 20 some 100. some 200 Acres , some more , some lesse . Other plaines there are few , but onely where the Salvages inhabit : but all overgrowne with trees & weeds , being a plaine wildernesse as God first made it . On the west side of the Bay , we sayd were 5. faire and delightfull navigable rivers . The first of those , and the next to the mouth of the Bay hath his course from the West Northwest . It is called Powhatan , according to the name of a principall country that lyeth vpon it . The mouth of this river is neare three myles in breadth , yet doe the shoules force the Channell so neare the land , that a Sacre will overshoot it at point blanke . It is navigable 150 myles , the shouldes and soundings are here needlesse to be expressed . It falleth from Rockes farre west in a Country inhabited by a nation they call Monacans . But where it commeth into our discovery it is Powhatan . In the farthest place that was diligently observed , are falles , rockes , shoules , &c. which makes it past navigation any higher . Thence in the running downeward , the river is enriched with many goodly brookes , which are maintained by an infinit number of small rundles and pleasant springs , that disperse themselues for best service , as do the veines of a mans body . From the South there fals into it : First , the pleasant river of Apamatuck . Next more to the East are two small rivers of Quiyoughcohanocke . A little farther is a Bay wherein falleth 3 or 4 prettie brookes & creekes that halfe intrench the Inhabitants of Warraskoyac , then the river of Nandsamund , and lastly the brooke of Chisapeack . From the North side is the river of Chickahamania , the backe river of Iames Towne ; another by the Cedar Isle , where we liued ten weekes vpon Oysters , then a convenient harbour for Fisher boats at Kecoughtan , that so turneth it selfe into Bayes and Creekes , it makes that place very pleasant to inhabit ; their cornefields being girded therein in a manner as Peninsulaes . The most of these rivers are inhabited by severall nations , or rather families , of the name of the rivers . They haue also over those some Governour , as their King , which they call Werowances . In a Peninsula on the North side of this river are the English Planted in a place by them called Iames Towne , in honour of the Kings most excellent Maiestie . The first and next the rivers mouth are the Kecoughtans , who besides their women & children , haue not past 20. fighting men . The Paspaheghes ( on whose land is seated Iames Towne , some 40. myles from the Bay ) haue not past 40. The river called Chickahamania neare 250. The Weanocks 100. The Arrowhatocks 30. The place called Powhatan , some 40. On the South side this river the Appamatucks haue sixtie fighting men . The Quiyougcohanocks 25. The Nandsamūds 200. The Chesapeacks 100. Of this last place the Bay beareth the name . In all these places is a severall commander , which they call Werowance , except the Chickahamanians , who are governed by the Priests and their Assistants , or their Elders called Caw-cawwassoughes . In sommer no place affordeth more plentie of Sturgeon , nor in winter more abundance of foule , especially in the time of frost . I tooke once 52 Sturgeons at a draught , at another 68. From the later end of May till the end of Iune are taken few , but yong Sturgeons of two foot , or a yard long . From thence till the midst of September , them of two or three yards long and few others . And in 4 or 5 , houres with one Net were ordinarily taken 7 or 8 : often more , seldome lesse . In the small rivers all the yeare there is good plentie of small fish , so that with hookes those that would take paines had sufficient . Foureteene myles Northward from the river Powhatan , is the river Pamavnkee , which is navigable 60 or 70 myles , but with Catches and small Barkes 30 or 40 myles farther . At the ordinary flowing of the salt water , it divideth it selfe into two gallant branches . On the South side inhabit the people of Youghtanund , who haue about 60 men for warres . On the North branch Mattapament , who haue 30 men . Where this river is divided the Country is called Pamavnkee , and nourisheth neare 300 able men . About 25. myles lower on the North side of this river is Werawocomoco , where their great King inhabited when I was delivered him prisoner ; yet there are not past 40 able men . Ten or twelue myles lower , on the South side of this river , is Chiskiack , which hath some 40 or 50 men . These , as also Apamatuck , Irrohatock , and Powhatan , are their great Kings chiefe alliance , and inhabitants . The rest his Conquests . Before we come to the third river that falleth from the mountaines , there is another river ( some 30 myles navigable ) that commeth from the Inland , called Payankatanke , the Inhabitants are about 50 or 60 serviceable men . The third navigable river is called Toppahanock . ( This is navigable some 130 myles ) At the top of it inhabit the people called Mannahoacks amongst the mountaines , but they are aboue the place we described . Vpon this river on the North side are the people Cuttatawomen , with 30 fighting men . Higher are the Moraughtacunds , with 80. Beyond them Rapahanock with 100. Far aboue is another Cuttatawomen with 20. On the South is the pleasant seat of Nantaughtacund having 150 men . This river also as the two former , is replenished with fish and foule . The fourth river is called Patawomeke , 6 or 7 myles in breadth . It is navigable 140 myles , and fed as the rest with many sweet rivers and springs , which fall from the bordering hils . These hils many of them are planted , and yeeld no lesse plentie and varietie of fruit , then the river exceedeth with abundance of fish . It is inhabited on both sides . First on the South side at the very entrance is Wighcocomoco & hath some 130 men , beyond them Sekacawone with 30. The Onawmanient with 100. And the Patawomekes more then 200. Here doth the river divide it selfe into 3 or 4 convenient branches . The greatest of the least is called Quiyough , trending Northwest , but the river it selfe turneth Northeast , and is still a navigable streame . On the Westerne side of this bought is Tauxenent with 40 men . On the North of this river is Secowocomoco with 40. Somewhat further Potapaco with 20. In the East part is Pamacaeack with 60. After Moyowance with 100. And lastly , Nacotchtanke with 80. The river aboue this place maketh his passage downe a low pleasant valley overshaddowed in many places with high rocky mountaines ; from whence distill innumerable sweet and pleasant springs . The fift river is called Pawtuxunt , of a lesse proportion then the rest ; but the channell is 16 fadome deepe in some places . Here are infinit skuls of divers kindes of fish more then elswhere . Vpon this river dwell the people called Acquintanacksuak , Pawtuxunt , and Mattapanient . Two hundred men was the greatest strength that could be there perceived . But they inhabit together , and not so dispersed as the rest . These of all other we found most civill to giue intertainement . Thirtie leagues Northward is a river not inhabited , yet navigable ; for the red clay resembling bole Armoniack we called it Bolus . At the end of the Bay where it is 6 or 7 myles in breadth , it divides it selfe into 4. branches , the best commeth Northwest from among the mountaines , but though Canows may goe a dayes iourney or two vp it , we could not get two myles vp it with our boat for rockes . Vpon it is seated the Sasquesahanocks , neare it North and by West runneth a creeke a myle and a halfe : at the head whereof the Eble left vs on shore , where we found many trees cut with hatchets . The next tyde keeping the shore to seeke for some Salvages ; ( for within thirtie leagues sayling , we saw not any , being a barren Country , ) we went vp another small river like a creeke 6 or 7 myle . From thence returning we met 7 Canowes of the Massowomeks , with whom we had conference by signes , for we vnderstood one another scarce a word : the next day we discovered the small river & people of Tockwhogh trending Eastward . Having lost our Grapnell among the rocks of Sasquesahanocks , we were then neare 200 myles from home , and our Barge about two runs , and had in it but 12 men to performe this Discovery , wherein we lay aboue 12 weekes vpon those great waters in those vnknowne Countries , having nothing but a little meale , oatemeale and water to feed vs , and scarce halfe sufficient of that for halfe that time , but what provision we got among the Salvages , and such rootes and fish as we caught by accident , and Gods direction ; nor had we a Mariner nor any had skill to trim the sayles but two saylers and my selfe , the rest being Gentlemen , or them were as ignorant in such toyle and labour . Yet necessitie in a short time by good words and examples made them doe that that caused them ever after to feare no colours . What I did with this small meanes I leaue to the Reader to iudge , and the Mappe I made of the Country , which is but a small matter in regard of the magnitude thereof . But to proceed , 60 of those Sasquesahanocks came to vs with skins , Bowes , Arrows , Targets , Beads , Swords , and Tobacco pipes for presents . Such great and well proportioned men are seldome seene , for they seemed like Giants to the English , yea and to the neighbours , yet seemed of an honest and simple disposition , with much adoe restrained from adoring vs as Gods. Those are the strangest people of all those Countries , both in language & attire ; for their language it may well beseeme their proportions , sounding from them , as a voyce in a vault . Their attire is the skinnes of Beares , and Woolues , some haue Cassacks made of Beares heads & skinnes , that a mans head goes through the skinnes neck , and the eares of the Beare fastned to his shoulders , the nose and teeth hanging downe his breast , another Beares face split behind him , and at the end of the nose hung a Pawe , the halfe sleeues comming to the elbowes were the neckes of Beares , and the armes through the mouth with pawes hanging at their noses . One had the head of a Woolfe hanging in a chaine for a Iewell , his Tobacco pipe three quarters of a yard long , prettily carued with a Bird , a Deere , or some such devise at the great end , sufficient to beat out ones braines : with Bowes , Arrowes , and clubs , sutable to their greatnesse . These are scarse knowne to Powhatan . They can make neare 600 able men , and are pallifadoed in their Townes to defend them from the Massawomekes their mortall enemies . Fiue of their chiefe Werowances came aboord vs , and crossed the Bay in their Barge . The picture of the greatest of them is signified in the Mappe . The calfe of whose leg was three quarters of a yard about , and all the rest of his limbes so answerable to that proportion , that he seemed the goodliest man we ever beheld . His hayre , the one side was long , the other shore close with a ridge over his crowne like a cocks combe . His arrowes were fiue quarters long , headed with the splinters of a white christall-like stone , in forme of a heart , an inch broad , and an inch and a halfe or more long . These he wore in a Woolues skinne at his backe for his Quiver , his bow in the one hand and his clubbe in the other , as is described . On the East side the Bay , is the river Tockwhogh , and vpon it a people that can make 100 men , seated some seaven myles within the river : where they haue a Fort very well pallisadoed and mantelled with barkes of trees . Next them is Ozinies with sixty men . More to the South of that East side of the Bay , the river Rapahanock , neere vnto which is the river Kuskarawaock , Vpon which is seated a people with 200 men . After that , is the river Tants Wighcocomoco , & on it a people with 100 men . The people of those rivers are of little stature , of another language from the rest , & very rude . But they on the river Acohanock with 40 men , & they of Accomack 80 men doth equalize any of the Territories of Powhatan , and speake his language , who over all those doth rule as King. Southward we went to some parts of Chawonock and the Mangoags to search for them left by Mr White . Amongst those people are thus many severall Nations of sundry Languages , that environ Powhatans Territories . The Chawonockes , the Mangoags , the Monacans , the Mannahokes , the Masawomekes , the Powhatans , the Sasquesahanocks , the Atquanachukes , the Tockwoghes , and the Kuscarawaokes . All those not any one vnderstandeth another but by Interpreters . Their severall habitations are more plainly described by this annexed Mappe , which will present to the eye , the way of the mountaines , and current of the rivers , with their severall turnings , bayes , shoules , Isles , Inlets , and creekes , the breadth of the waters , the distances of places , and such like . In which Mappe obserue this , that as far as you see the little Crosses on rivers , mountaines , or other places haue beene discovered ; the rest was had by information of the Savages , and are set downe according to their instructions . Thus haue I walkt a wayless way , with vncouth pace , Which yet no Christian man did ever trace : But yet I know this not affects the minde , Which eares doth heare , as that which eyes doe finde . Of such things which are naturally in Virginia , and how they vse them . VIRGINIA doth afford many excellent vegetables , and liuing Creatures , yet grasse there is little or none , but what groweth in low Marishes : for all the Countrey is overgrowne with trees , whose droppings continually turneth their grasse to weeds , by reason of the rancknes of the ground , which would soone be amended by good husbandry . The wood that is most common is Oke and Walnut , many of their Okes are so tall & straight , that they will beare two foote and a halfe square of good timber for 20 yards long ; Of this wood there is two or three severall kinds . The Acornes of one kinde , whose barke is more white then the other , & somewhat sweetish , which being boyled , at last affords a sweet oyle , that they keepe in gourds to annoint their heads and ioynts . The fruit they eate made in bread or otherwise . There is also some Elme , some blacke Walnut tree , and some Ash : of Ash and Elme they make sope Ashes . If the trees be very great , the Ashes will be good , and melt to hard lumps , but if they be small , it will be but powder , and not so good as the other . Of walnuts there is 2 or 3 kindes ; there is a kinde of wood we called Cypres , because both the wood , the fruit , and leafe did most resemble it , and of those trees there are some neare three fadome about at the foot , very straight , and 50 , 60 , or 80 foot without a branch . By the dwelling of the Salvages are some great Mulbery trees , and in some parts of the Countrey , they are found growing naturally in prettie groues . There was an assay made to make silke , and surely the wormes prospered excellent well , till the master workeman fell sicke . During which time they were eaten with Rats . In some parts were found some Chesnuts , whose wild fruit equalize the best in France , Spaine , Germany , or Italy . Plums there are of three sorts . The red and white are like our hedge plums , but the other which they call Putchamins , grow as high as a Palmeta : the fruit is like a Medler ; it is first greene , then yellow , and red when it is ripe ; if it be not ripe , it will draw a mans mouth awry , with much torment , but when it is ripe , it is as delicious as an Apricot . They haue Cherries , and those are much like a Damson , but for their tastes and colour we called them Cherries . We saw some few Crabs , but very small and bitter . Of vines great abundance in many parts that climbe the toppes of the highest trees in some places , but these beare but few grapes . Except by the rivers & savage habitations , where they are not overshadowed from the sunne , they are covered with fruit , though never pruined nor manured . Of those hedge grapes we made neere twentie gallons of wine , which was like our French Brittish wine , but certainely they would proue good were they well manured . There is another sort of grape neere as great as a Cherry , this they call Messamins , they be satte , and the iuyce thicke . Neither doth the taste so well please when they are made in wine . They haue a small fruit growing on little trees , husked like a Chesnut , but the fruit most like a very small Acorne . This they call Chechinquamins , which they esteeme a great daintie . They haue a berry much like our Gooseberry , in greatnesse , colour , and tast ; those they call Rawcomens , and doe eat them raw or boyled . Of these naturall fruits they liue a great part of the yeare , which they vse in this manner ; The Walnuts , Chesnuts , Acornes , and Chechinquamins are dryed to keepe . When they need walnuts they breake them betweene two stones , yet some part of the shels will cleaue to the fruit . Then doe they dry them againe vpon a Mat over a hurdle . After they put it into a morter of wood , and beat it very small : that done they mix it with water , that the shels may sinke to the bottome . This water will be coloured as milke , which they call Pawcohiccora , and keepe it for their vse . The fruit like Medlers they call Putchamins , they cast vpon hurdles on a Mat , and preserue them as Pruines . Of their Chesnuts and Chechinquamins boyled , they make both broath and bread for their chiefe men , or at their greatest feasts . Besides those fruit trees , there is a white Popular , and another tree like vnto it , that yeeldeth a very cleare and an odoriferous Gumme like Turpentine , which some called Balsom . There are also Cedars and Saxafras trees . They also yeeld gummes in a small proportion of themselues . Wee tryed conclusions to extract it out of the wood , but nature afforded more then our arts . In the watry valleyes groweth a Berry which they call Ocoughtanamnis very much like vnto Capers . These they dry in sommer . When they eat them they boile them neare halfe a day ; for otherwise they differ not much from poyson . Mattoum groweth as our Bents . The feed is not much vnlike to Rie , though much smaller . This they vse for a daintie bread buttered with deare suet . During Sommer there are either Strawberries , which ripen in Aprill , or Mulberries which ripen in May and Iune . Raspises , hurts ; or a fruit that the inhabitants call Maracocks , which is a pleasant wholsome fruit much like a Lemond . Many herbes in the spring are cōmonly dispersed throughout the woods , good for brothes and sallets , as Violets , Purslain , Sorrell , &c. Besides many we vsed whose names we know not . The chiefe root they haue for food is called Tockawhoughe . It groweth like a flagge in Marishes . In one day a Salvage will gather sufficient for a weeke . These roots are much of the greatnesse and taste of Potatoes . They vse to cover a great many of them with Oke leaues and Ferne , and then cover all with earth in the manner of a Cole-pit ; over it , on each side , they continue a great fire 24 houres before they dare eat it . Raw it is no better then poyson , and being rosted , except it be tender and the heat abated , or sliced and dryed in the Sunne , mixed with sorrell and meale or such like , it will prickle and torment the throat extreamely , and yet in sommer they vse this ordinarily for bread . They haue another roote which they call Wighsacan : as th' other feedeth the body , so this cureth their hurts and diseases . It is a small root which they bruise and apply to the wound . Pocones is a small root that groweth in the mountaines , which being dryed and beate in powder turneth red . And this they vse for swellings , aches , annointing their ioynts , painting their heads and garments . They account it very precious , and of much worth . Musquaspen is a roote of the bignesse of a finger , and as red as bloud . In drying ; it will wither almost to nothing . This they vse to paint their Mattes , Targets , and such like . There is also Pellitory of Spaine , Sasafrage , and divers other simples , which the Apothecaries gathered , and commended to be good , and medicinable . In the low Marishes grow plots of Onyons , containing an Acre of ground or more in many places ; but they are small , not past the bignesse of the toppe of ones Thumbe . Of beasts the chiefe are Deere , nothing differing from ours . In the deserts towards the heads of the rivers , there are many , but amongst the rivers few . There is a beast they call Aroughcun , much like a badger , but vseth to liue on trees as Squirrels doe . Their Squirrels some are neare as great as our smallest sort of wilde Rabbets , some blackish or blacke and white , but the most are gray . A small beast they haue they call Assapanick , but we call them flying Squirrels , because spreading their legs , and so stretching the largenesse of their skins , that they haue beene seene to fly 30 or 40 yards . An Opassom hath a head like a Swine , and a taile like a Rat , and is of the bignesse of a Cat. Vnder her belly shee hath a bagge , wherein she lodgeth , carrieth , and suckleth her young . A Mussascus is a beast of the forme and nature of our water Rats , but many of them smell exceeding strongly of Muske . Their Hares no bigger then our Conies , and few of them to be found . Their Beares are very little in comparison of those of Muscovia and Tartaria . The Beaver is as big as an ordinary water dog , but his legs exceeding short . His forefeete like a dogs , his hinder feet like a Swans . His taile somewhat like the forme of a Racket , bare without haire , which to eat the Salvages esteeme a great delicate . They haue many Otters , which as the Beaver's they take with snares , and esteeme the skins great ornaments , and of all those beasts they vse to feed when they catch them . An Vtchunquoyes is like a wilde Cat. Their Foxes are like our silver haired Conies , of a small proportion , and not smelling like those in England . Their Dogges of that Country are like their Woolues , and cannot barke but howle , and the Woolues not much bigger then our English Foxes . Martins , Powlecats , Weesels , and Minkes we know they haue , because we haue seene many of their skinnes , though very seldome any of them aliue . But one thing is strange , that we could never perceiue their Vermine destroy our Hennes , Egges , nor Chickens , nor doe any hurt , nor their flyes nor serpents any way pernicious , where in the South parts of America they are alwayes dangerous , and often deadly . Of Birds the Eagle is the greatest devourer . Hawkes there be of divers sorts , as our Falconers called them : Sparrow-hawkes , Lanarets , Goshawkes , Falcons and Osperayes , but they all prey most vpon fish . Their Partridges are little bigger then our Quailes . Wilde Turkies are as bigge as our tame . There are Woosels or Blackbirds with red shoulders , Thrushes and divers sorts of small Birds , some red , some blew , scarce so bigge as a Wrenne , but few in Sommer . In Winter there are great plentie of Swans , Cranes , gray and white with blacke wings , Herons , Geese , Brants , Ducke , Wigeon , Dotterell , Oxeies , Parrats , and Pigeons . Of all those sorts great abundance , and some other strange kinds , to vs vnknowne by name . But in Sommer not any , or a very few to be seene . Of fish we were best acquainted with Sturgeon , Grampus , Porpus , Seales , Stingraies , whose tailes are very dangerous . Bretts , Mullets , white Salmonds , Trowts , Soles , Plaice , Herrings , Conyfish , Rockfish , Eeles , Lampreys●punc ; Catfish , Shades●punc ; P●arch of three sorts , Crabs , Shrimps , Crevises , Oysters , Cocles , and M●scles . But the most strange fish is a small one , so like the picture of St George his Dragon , as possible can be , except his legs and wings , and the Toadefish , which will swell till it be like to burst , when it commeth into the ayre . Concerning the entrailes of the earth , little can be said for certaintie . There wanted good Refiners ; for those that tooke vpon them to haue skill this way , tooke vp the washings from the mountaines , and some moskered shining stones and spangles which the waters brought downe , flattering themselues in their owne vaine conceits to haue beene supposed what they were not , by the meanes of that ore , if it proued as their arts and iudgements expected . Onely this is certaine , that many regions lying in the same latitude , afford Mines very rich of divers natures . The crust also of these rockes would easily perswade a man to beleeue there are other Mines then yron and steele , if there were but meanes and men of experience that knew the Mine from Spar. Of their Planted fruits in Virginia , and how they vse them . THey divide the yeare into fiue seasons . Their winter some call Popanow , the spring Cattapeuk , the sommer Cohattayough , the earing of their Corne Nepinough , the harvest and fall of leafe Taquitock . From September vntill the midst of November are the chiefe feasts & sacrifice . Then haue they plentie of fruits as well planted as naturall , as corne , greene and ripe , fish , fowle , and wilde beasts exceeding fat . The greatest labour they take , is in planting their corne , for the Country naturally is overgrowne with wood . To prepare the ground they bruise the barke of the trees neare the root , then doe they scortch the roots with fire that they grow no more . The next yeare with a crooked peece of wood they beat vp the weeds by the rootes , and in that mould they plant their Corne. Their manner is this . They make a hole in the earth with a sticke and into it they put foure graines of wheate and two of beanes These hol●s they make foure foote one from another ; Their women and children do continually keepe it with weeding , and when it is growne middle high , they hill it about like a hop-yard . In Aprill they begin to plant , but their chiefe plantation is in May , and so they continue till the midst of Iune . What they plant in Aprill they reape in August , for May in September , for Iune in October ; Every stalke of their corne commonly beareth two eares , some three , seldome any foure , many but one , and some none . Every care ordinarily hath betwixt 200 and 500 graines . The stalke being greene hath a sweet iuice in it , somewhat like a sugar Cane , which is the cause that when they gather their corne greene , they sucke the stalkes : for as we gather greene pease , so doe they their corne being greene , which excelleth their old . They plant also pease they call Assentamen● , which are the same they call in Italy , Fag●h . Their Beanes are the same the Turkes call Garnanses , but these they much esteeme for dainties . Their corne they rost in the eare greene , and bruising it in a morter of wood with a Polt , lap it in rowles in the leaues of their corne , and so boyle it for a daintie . They also reserue that corne late planted that will not ripe , by roasting it in hot ashes , the heat thereof drying it . In winter they esteeme it being boyled with beanes for a rare dish , they call Pausarowmena . Their old wheat they first steepe a night in hot water , in the morning pounding it in a morter . They vse a small basket for their Temmes , then pound againe the great , and so separating by dashing their hand in the basket , receiue the flower in a platter made of wood , scraped to that forme with burning and shels . Tempering this flower with water , they make it either in cakes , covering them with ashes till they be baked , and then washing them in faire water , they drie presently with their owne heat : or else boyle them in water , eating the broth with the bread which they call Ponap . The grouces and peeces of the cornes remaining , by fanning in a Platter or in the wind , away , the branne they boyle 3 or 4 houres with water , which is an ordinary food they call Vstatahamen . But some more thriftie then cleanly , doe burne the core of the eare to powder , which they call Pungnough , mingling that in their meale , but it never tasted well in bread , nor broth . Their fish & flesh they boyle either very tenderly , or boyle it so long on hurdles over the fire , or else after the Spanish fashion , putting it on a spit , they turne first the one side , then the other , till it be as drie as their ierkin Beefe in the west Indies , that they may keepe it a moneth or more without putrifying . The broth of fish or flesh they eat as commonly as the meat . In May also amongst their corne they plant Pumpeons , and a fruit like vnto a muske mellon , but lesse and worse , which they call Macocks . These increase exceedingly , and ripen in the beginning of Iuly , and continue vntill September . They plant also Maracocks a wild fruit like a Lemmon , which also increase infinitely . They begin to ripe in September , and continue till the end of October . When all their fruits be gathered , little els they plant , and this is done by their women and children ; neither doth this long suffice them , for neare three parts of the yeare , they onely obserue times and seasons , and liue of what the Country naturally affordeth from hand to mouth , &c. The Commodities in Virginia , or that may be had by Industrie . THe mildnesse of the ayre , the fertilitie of the soyle , and situation of the rivers are so propitious to the nature and vse of man , as no place is more convenient for pleasure , profit , and mans sustenance , vnder that latitude or climat . Here will liue any beasts , as horses , goats , sheepe , asses , hens , &c. as appeared by them that were carried thether . The waters , Isles , and shoales , are full of safe harbours for ships of warre or marchandize , for boats of all sorts , for transportation or fishing , &c. The Bay and rivers haue much marchantable fish , and places fit for Salt coats , building of ships , making of Iron , &c. Muscovia and Polonia doe yearely receiue many thousands , for pitch , tarre , sope-ashes , Rosen , Flax , Cordage , Sturgeon , Masts . Yards , Wainscot , Firres , Glasse , and such like ; also Swethland for Iron and Copper . France in like manner , for Wine , Canvas , and Salt. Spaine asmuch for Iron , Steele , Figges , Reasons , and Sackes . Italy with Silkes and Velvets consumes our chiefe Commodities . Holland maintaines it selfe by fishing and trading at our owne doores . All these temporize with other for necessities , but all as vncertaine as peace or warres . Besides the charge , travell , and danger in transporting them , by seas , lands , stormes , and Pyrats . Then how much hath Virginia the prerogatiue of all those flourishing Kingdomes , for the benefit of our Land , when as within one hundred myles all those are to be had , either ready provided by nature , or else to be prepared , were there but industrious men to labour . Onely of Copper we may doubt is wanting , but there is good probabilitie that both Copper and better Minerals are there to be had for their labour . Other Countries haue it . So then here is a place , a nurse for souldiers , a practise for mariners , a trade for marchants , a reward for the good , and that which is most of all , a businesse ( most acceptable to God ) to bring such poore Infidels to the knowledge of God and his holy Gospell . Of the naturall Inhabitants of VIRGINIA . THe land is not populous , for the men be few ; their far greater number is of women and children . Within 60 myles of Iames Towne , there are about some 5000 people , but of able men fit for their warres scarce 1500. To nourish so many together they haue yet no meanes , because they make so small a benefit of their land , be it never so fertile . Six or seauen hundred haue beene the most hath beene seene together , when they gathered themselues to haue surprised mee at Pamavnkee , having but fifteene to withstand the worst of their fury . As small as the proportion of ground that hath yet beene discovered , is in comparison of that yet vnknowne : the people differ very much in stature , especially in language , as before is expressed . Some being very great as the Sasquesahanecks ; others very little , as the Wighcocomocoes : but generally tall and straight , of a comely proportion , and of a colour browne when they are of any age , but they are borne white . Their hayre is generally blacke , but few haue any beards . The men weare halfe their beards shaven , the other halfe long ; for Barbers they vse their women , who with two shels will grate away the hayre , of any fashion they please . The women are cut in many fashions , agreeable to their yeares , but ever some part remaineth long . They are very strong , of an able body and full of agilitie , able to endure to lie in the woods vnder a tree by the fire , in the worst of winter , or in the weedes and grasse , in Ambuscado in the Sommer . They are inconstant in every thing , but what feare constraineth them to keepe . Craftie , timerous , quicke of apprehension , and very ingenuous . Some are of disposition fearefull , some bold , most cautelous , all Savage . Generally covetous of Copper , Beads , and such like trash . They are soone moued to anger , and so malicious , that they seldome forget an iniury : they seldome steale one from another , least their coniurers should reveale it , and so they be pursued and punished . That they are thus feared is certaine , but that any can reueale their offences by coniuration I am doubtfull . Their women are carefull not to be suspected of dishonestie without the leaue of their husbands . Each houshold knoweth their owne lands , and gardens , and most liue of their owne labours . For their apparell , they are sometime covered with the skinnes of wilde beasts , which in Winter are dressed with the hayre , but in Sommer without . The better sort vse large mantels of Deare skins , not much differing in fashion from the Irish mantels . Some imbrodered with white beads , some with Copper , other painted after their manner . But the common sort haue scarce to cover their nakednesse , but with grasse , the leaues of trees , or such like . We haue seene some vse mantels made of Turky feathers , so prettily wrought & woven with threads that nothing could be discerned but the feathers . That was exceeding warme and very handsome . But the women are alwayes covered about their middles with a skin , and very shamefast to be seene bare . They adorne themselues most with copper beads and paintings . Their women , some haue their legs , hands , breasts and face cunningly imbrodered with divers workes , as beasts , serpents , artificially wrought into their flesh with blacke spots . In each eare commonly they haue 3 great holes , whereat they hang chaines , bracelets , or copper . Some of their men weare in those holes , a small greene and yellow coloured snake , neare halfe a yard in length , which crawling and lapping her selfe about his necke oftentimes familiarly would kisse his lips . Others weare a dead Rat tyed by the taile . Some on their heads weare the wing of a bird , or some large feather with a Rattell . Those Rattels are somewhat like the chape of a Rapier , but lesse , which they take from the taile of a snake . Many haue the whole skinne of a Hawke or some strange foule , stuffed with the wings abroad . Others a broad peece of Copper , and some the hand of their enemy dryed . Their heads and shoulders are painted red with the roote Pocone brayed to powder , mixed with oyle , this they hold in sommer to preserue them from the heate , and in winter from the cold . Many other formes of paintings they vse , but he is the most gallant that is the most monstrous to behold . Their buildings and habitations are for the most part by the rivers , or not farre distant from some fresh spring . Their houses are built like our Arbors , of small young springs bowed and tyed , and so close covered with Mats , or the barkes of trees very handsomely , that notwithstanding either winde , raine , or weather , they are as warme as stooues , but very smoaky , yet at the toppe of the house there is a hole made for the smoake to goe into right over the fire . Against the fire they lie on little hurdles of Reeds covered with a Mat , borne from the ground a foote and more by a hurdle of wood . On these round about the house they lie heads and points one by th' other against the fire , some covered with Mats , some with skins , and some starke naked lie on the ground , from 6 to 20 in a house . Their houses are in the midst of their fields or gardens , which are small plots of ground . Some 20 acres , some 40. some 100. some 200. some more , some lesse . In some places from 2 to 50 of those houses together , or but a little separated by groues of trees . Neare their habitations is little small wood or old trees on the ground by reason of their burning of them for fire . So that a man may gallop a horse amongst these woods any way , but where the creekes or Rivers shall hinder . Men , women , and children haue their severall names according to the severall humor of their Parents . Their women ( they say ) are easily delivered of childe , yet doe they loue children very dearely . To make them hardie , in the coldest mornings they them wash in the rivers , and by painting and oyntments so tanne their skinnes , that after a yeare or two , no weather will hurt them . The men bestow their times in fishing , hunting , warres , and such man-like exercises , scorning to be seene in any woman-like exercise , which is the cause that the women be very painefull , and the men often idle . The women and children doe the rest of the worke . They make mats , baskets , pots , morters , pound their corne , make their bread , prepare their victuals , plant their corne , gather their corne , beare all kind of burdens , and such like . Their fire they kindle presently by chafing a dry pointed sticke in a hole of a little square peece of wood , that firing it selfe , will so fire mosse , leaues , or any such like dry thing , that will quickly burne . In March and Aprill they liue much vpon their fishing wires ; and feed on fish , Turkies , and Squirrels . In May and Iune they plant their fields , and liue most of Acornes , Walnuts , and fish . But to amend their dyet , some disperse themselues in small companies , and liue vpon fish , beasts , crabs , oysters , land Tortoises , strawberries , mulberries , and such like . In Iune , Iuly , and August , they feed vpon the rootes of Tocknough berries , fish , and greene wheat . It is strange to see how their bodies alter with their dyet , even as the deere & wilde beasts they seeme fat and leane , strong and weake . Powhatan their great King , and some others that are provident , rost their fish and flesh vpon hurdles as before is expressed , and keepe it till scarce times . For fishing , hunting , and warres they vse much their bow and arrowes . They bring their bowes to the forme of ours by the scraping of a shell . Their arrowes are made some of straight young sprigs , which they head with bone , some 2 or 3 ynches long . These they vse to shoot at Squirrels on trees . Another sort of arrowes they vse made of Reeds . These are peeced with wood , headed with splinters of christall , or some sharpe stone , the spurres of a Turkey , or the bill of some bird . For his knife he hath the splinter of a Reed to cut his feathers in forme . With this knife also , he will ioynt a Deere , or any beast , shape his shooes , buskins , mantels , &c. To make the noch of his arrow he hath the tooth of a Beaver , set in a sticke , wherewith he grateth it by degrees . His arrow head he quickly maketh with a little bone , which he ever weareth at his bracert , of any splint of a stone , or glasse in the forme of a heart , and these they glew to the end of their arrowes . With the sinewes of Deere , and the tops of Deeres hornes boyled to a ielly , they make a glew that will not dissolue in cold water . For their warres also they vse Targets that are round and made of the barkes of trees , and a sword of wood at their backes , but oftentimes they vse for swords the horne of a Deere put through a peece of wood in forme of a Pickaxe . Some a long stone sharpned at both ends , vsed in the same manner . This they were wont to vse also for hatchets , but now by trucking they haue plentie of the same forme of yron . And those are their chiefe instruments and armes . Their fishing is much in Boats. These they make of one tree by burning and scratching away the coales with stones and shels , till they haue made it in forme of a Trough . Some of them are an elne deepe , and fortie or fiftie foote in length , and some will beare 40 men , but the most ordinary are smaller , and will beare 10 , 20 , or 30. according to their bignesse . In stead of Oares , they vse Paddles and stickes , with which they will row faster then our Barges . Betwixt their hands and thighes , their women vse to spin , the barkes of trees , Deere sinewes , or a kind of grasse they call Pemmenaw , of these they make a thread very even and readily . This thread serveth for many vses . As about their housing , apparell , as also they make nets for fishing , for the quantitie as formally braded as ours . They make also with it lines for angles . Their hookes are either a bone grated as they noch their arrowes in the forme of a crooked pinne or fish-hooke , or of the splinter of a bone tyed to the clift of a little sticke , and with the end of the line , they tie on the bait . They vse also long arrowes tyed in a line , wherewith they shoote at fish in the rivers . But they of Accawmack vse staues like vnto Iauelins headed with bone . With these they dart fish swimming in the water . They haue also many artificiall wires , in which they get abundance of fish . In their hunting and fishing they take extreame paines ; yet it being their ordinary exercise from their infancy , they esteeme it a pleasure and are very proud to be expert therein . And by their continuall ranging , and travell , they know all the advantages and places most frequented with Deere , Beasts , Fish , Foule , Roots , and Berries . At their huntings they leaue their habitations , and reduce themselues into companies , as the Tartars doe , and goe to the most desert places with their families , where they spend their time in hunting and fowling vp towards the mountaines , by the heads of their rivers , where there is plentie of game . For betwixt the rivers the grounds are so narrowe , that little commeth here which they devoure not . It is a marvell they can so directly passe these deserts , some 3 or 4 dayes iourney without habitation . Their hunting houses are like vnto Arbours covered with Mats . These their women beare after them , with Corne , Acornes , Morters , and all bag and baggage they vse . When they come to the place of exercise , every man doth his best to shew his dexteritie , for by their excelling in those qualities , they get their wiues . Fortie yards will they shoot levell , or very neare the marke , and 120 is their best at Random . At their huntings in the deserts they are commonly two or three hundred together . Having found the Deere , they environ them with many fires , & betwixt the fires they place themselues . And some take their stands in the midsts . The Deere being thus feared by the fires , and their voyces , they chase them so long within that circle , that many times they kill 6 , 8 , 10 , or 15 at a hunting . They vse also to driue them into some narrow poynt of land , when they find that advantage ; and so force them into the river , where with their boats they haue Ambuscadoes to kill them . When they haue shot a Deere by land , they follow him like bloud-hounds by the bloud , and straine , and oftentimes so take them . Hares , Partridges , Turkies , or Egges , fat or leane , young or old , they devoure all they can catch in their power . In one of these huntings they found me in the discovery of the head of the river of Chickahamania , where they slew my men , and tooke me prisoner in a Bogmire , where I saw those exercises , and gathered these Observations . One Salvage hunting alone , vseth the skinne of a Deere slit on the one side , and so put on his arme , through the neck , so that his hand comes to the head which is stuffed , and the hornes , head , eyes , eares , and every part as artificially counterfeited as they can devise . Thus shrowding his body in the skinne by stalking , he approacheth the Deere , creeping on the ground from one tree to another . If the Deere chance to find fault , or stand at gaze , he turneth the head with his hand to his best advantage to seeme like a Deere , also gazing and licking himselfe . So watching his best advantage to approach , having shot him , he chaseth him by his bloud and straine till he get him . When they intend any warres , the Werowances vsually haue the advice of their their Priests and Coniurers , and their allies , and ancient friends , but chiefely the Priests determine their resolution . Every Werowance , or some lustie fellow , they appoint Captaine over every nation . They seldome make warre for lands or goods , but for women and children , and principally for revenge . They haue many enemies , namely , all their westernly Countries beyond the mountaines , and the heads of the rivers . Vpon the head of the Powhatans are the Monacans , whose chiefe habitation is at Rasauweak , vnto whom the Mowhemenchughes , the Massinnacacks , the Monahassanughs , the Monasickapanoughs , and other nations pay tributes . Vpon the head of the river of Toppahanock is a people called Mannahoacks . To these are contributers the Tauxanias , the Shackaconias , the Ontponeas , the Tegninateos , the Whonkenteaes , the Stegarakes , the Hassinnungaes , and divers others , all confederates with the Monacans , though many different in language , and be very barbarous , liuing for the most part of wild beasts and fruits . Beyond the mountaines from whence is the head of the river Patawomeke , the Salvages report inhabit their most mortall enemies , the Massawomekes , vpon a great salt water , which by all likelihood is either some part of Cannada , some great lake , or some inlet of some sea that falleth into the South sea . These Massawomekes are a great nation and very populous . For the heads of all those rivers , especially the Pattawomekes , the Pautuxuntes , the Sasquesa●anocks , the Tockwoughes are continually tormented by them : of whose crueltie , they generally complained , and very importunate they were with me , and my company to free them from these tormentors . To this purpose they offered food , conduct , assistance , and continuall subiection . Which I concluded to effect . But the councell then present emulating my successe , would not thinke it fit to spare me fortie men to be hazzarded in those vnknowne regions , having passed ( as before was spoken of ) but with 12 , an● so was lost that opportunitie . Seaven boats full of these Massawomekes wee encountred at the head of the Bay ; whose Targets , Baskets , Swords , Tobaccopipes , Platters , Bowes , and Arrowes , and every thing shewed , they much exceeded them of our parts , and their dexteritie in their small boats , made of the barkes of trees , sowed with barke and well luted with gumme , argueth that they are seated vpon some great water . Against all these enemies the Powhatans are constrained sometimes to fight . Their chiefe attempts are by Stratagems , trecheries , or surprisals . Yet the Werowances women and children they put not to death , but keepe them Captiues . They haue a method in warre , and for our pleasures they shewed it vs , and it was in this manner performed at Mattapanient . Having painted and disguised themselues in the fiercest manner they could devise . They divided themselues into two Companies , neare a hundred in a company . The one company called Monacans , the other Powhatans . Either army had their Captaine . These as enemies tooke their stands a musket shot one from another ; ranked themselues 15 a breast , and each ranke from another 4 or 5 yards , not in fyle , but in the opening betwixt their fyles . So the Reare could shoot as conveniently as the Front. Having thus pitched the fields : from either part went a messenger with these conditions , that whosoever were vanquished , such as escape vpon their submission in two dayes after should liue , but their wiues and children should be prize for the Conquerours . The messengers were no sooner returned , but they approached in their orders ; On each flanke a Serieant , and in the Reare an Officer for Lieutenant , all duly keeping their orders , yet leaping and singing after their accustomed tune , which they onely vse in Warres . Vpon the first flight of arrowes they gaue such horrible shouts and screeches , as so many infernall hell hounds could not haue made them more terrible . When they had spent their arrowes , they ioyned together pre●tily , charging and retyring , every ranke seconding other . As they got advantage they catched their enemies by the hayre of the head , and downe he came that was taken . His enemy with his wooden sword seemed to beat out his braines , and still they crept to the Reare , to maintaine the skirmish . The Monacans decreasing , the Powhatans charged them in the forme of a halfe Moone ; they vnwilling to be inclosed , fled all in a troope to their Ambuscadoes , on whom they led them very cunningly . The Monacans disperse themselues among the fresh men , wherevpon the Powhatans retired , with all speed to their seconds ; which the Monacans seeing , tooke that advantage to retire againe to their owne battell , and so each returned to their owne quarter . All their actions , voyces , and gestures , both in charging and retiring were so strained to the height of their qualitie and nature , that the strangenesse thereof made it seeme very delightfull . For their Musicke they vse a thicke Cane , on which they pipe as on a Recorder . For their warres they haue a great deepe platter of wood . They cover the mouth thereof with a skin , at each corner they tie a walnut , which meeting on the backside neere the bottome , with a small rope they twitch them together till it be so tought and stiffe , that they may beat vpon it as vpon a drumme . But their chiefe instruments are Rattles made of small gourds , or Pumpeons shels . Of these they haue Base , Tenor , Countertenor , Meane , and Treble . These mingled with their voyces sometimes twenty or thirtie together , make such a terrible noise as would rather affright , then delight any man. If any great commander arriue at the habitation of a Werowance , they spread a Mat as the Turkes doe a Carpet for him to sit vpon . Vpon another right opposite they sit themselues . Then doe all with a tunable voice of shouting bid him welcome . After this doe two or more of their chiefest men make an Oration , testifying their loue . Which they doe with such vehemency , and so great passions , that they sweat till they drop , and are so out of breath they can scarce speake . So that a man would take them to be exceeding angry , or stark mad . Such victuall as they haue , they spend freely , and at night where his lodging is appointed , they set a woman fresh painted red with Pocones and oyle , to be his bed-fellow . Their manner of trading is for copper , beads , and such like , for which they giue such commodities as they haue , as skins , foule , fish , flesh , and their Country Corne. But their victualls are their chiefest riches . Every spring they make themselues sicke with drinking the iuyce of a roote they call Wighsacan , and water ; whereof they powre so great a quantitie , that it purgeth them in a very violent manner ; so that in three or foure dayes after , they scarce recover their former health . Sometimes they are troubled with dropsies , swellings , aches , and such like diseases ; for cure whereof they build a Stoue in the forme of a Doue-house with mats , so close that a few coales therein covered with a pot , will make the patient sweat extreamely . For swellings also they vse small peeces of touchwood , in the forme of cloues , which pricking on the griefe they burne close to the flesh , and from thence draw the corruption with their mouth . With this roote Wighsacan they ordinarily heale greene wounds . But to scarrifie a swelling , or make incision , their best instruments are some splinted stone . Old vlcers , or putrified hurts are seldome seene cured amongst them . They haue many professed Phisicians , who with their charmes and Rattles , with an infernall rout of words and actions , will seeme to sucke their inward griefe from their navels , or their grieued places ; but of our Chirurgians they were so conceited , that they beleeued any Plaister would heale any hurt . But 't is not alwayes in Phisicians skill , To heale the Patient that is sicke and ill : For sometimes sicknesse on the Patients part , Proues stronger farre then all Phisicians art . Of their Religion . THere is yet in Virginia no place discovered to be so Savage , in which they haue not a Religion , Deere , and Bow , and Arrowes . All things that are able to doe them hurt beyond their prevention , they adore with their kinde of divine worship ; as the fire , water , lightning , thunder , our Ordnance , peeces , horses , &c. But their chiefe God they worship is the Devill . Him they call Okee , and serue him more of feare then loue . They say they haue conference with him , and fashion themselues as neare to his shape as they can imagine . In their Temples they haue his image euill favouredly carved , and then painted and adorned with chaines of copper , and beads , and covered with a skin , in such manner as the deformitie may well suit with such a God. By him is commonly the sepulcher of their Kings . Their bodies are first bowelled , then dried vpon hurdles till they be very dry , and so about the most of their ioynts and necke they hang bracelets , or chaines of copper , pearle , and such like , as they vse to weare , their inwards they stuffe with copper beads , hatchets , and such trash . Then lappe they them very carefully in white skins , and so rowle them in mats for their winding sheets . And in the Tombe which is an arch made of mats , they lay them orderly . What remaineth of this kinde of wealth their Kings haue , they set at their feet in baskets . These Temples and bodies are kept by their Priests . For their ordinary burials , they dig a deepe hole in the earth with sharpe stakes , and the corpse being lapped in skins and mats with their iewels , they lay them vpon stickes in the ground , and so cover them with earth . The buriall ended , the women being painted all their faces with blacke cole and oyle , doe sit twenty-foure houres in the houses mourning and lamenting by turnes , with such yelling and howling , as may expresse their great passions . In every Territory of a Werowance is a Temple and a Priest , two or three or more . Their principall Temple or place of superstition is at Vitamussack at Pamavnk●e , neare vnto which is a house , Temple , or place of Powhatans . Vpon the top of certaine red sandy hils in the woods , there are three great houses filled with images of their Kings , and Devils , and Tombes of their Predecessors . Those houses are neare sixtie foot in length built arbour-wise , after their building . This place they count so holy as that but the Priests & Kings dare come into them ; nor the Salvages dare not goe vp the river in boats by it , but they solemnly cast some peece of copper , white beads , or Pocones into the river , for feare their Okee should be offended and revenged of them . Thus , Feare was the first their Gods begot : Till feare began , their Gods were not . In this place commonly are resident seauen Priests . The chiefe differed from the rest in his ornaments , but inferior Priests could hardly be knowne from the common people , but that they had not so many holes in their eares to hang their iewels at . The ornaments of the chiefe Priest were certaine attires for his head made thus . They tooke a dosen , or 16 , or more snakes skins and stuffed them with mosse , and of Weesels and other Vermines skins a good many . All these they tie by their tailes , so as all their tailes meete in the toppe of their head like a great Tassell . Round about this Tassell is as it were a crowne of feathers , the skins hang round about his head , necke , and shoulders , and in a manner cover his face . The faces of all their Priests are painted as vgly as they can devise , in their hands they had every one his Rattle , some base , some smaller . Their devotion was most in songs , which the chiefe Priest beginneth and the rest followed him , sometimes he maketh invocations with broken sentences by starts and strange passions , and at every pause , the rest giue a short groane . Thus seeke they in deepe foolishnesse , To climbe the height of happinesse . It could not be perceiued that they keepe any day as more holy then other ; But onely in some great distresse of want , feare of enemies , times of triumph and gathering together their fruits , the whole Country of men , women , and children come together to solemnities . The manner of their devotion is , sometimes to make a great fire , in the house or fields , and all to sing and dance about it with Rattles and shouts together , foure or fiue houres . Sometimes they set a man in the midst , and about him they dance and sing , he all the while clapping his hands , as if he would keepe time , and after their songs and dauncings ended they goe to ●heir Feasts . Through God begetting feare , Mans blinded minde did reare A hell-god to the ghosts ; A heaven-god to the hoasts ; Yea God vnto the Seas : Feare did create all these . They haue also divers coniurations , one they made when I was their prisoner ; of which hereafter you shall reade at large . They haue also certaine Altar stones they call Pawcorances , but these stand from their Temples , some by their houses , others in the woods and wildernes●es , where they haue had any extraordinary accident , or incounter . And as you travell , at those stones they will tell you the cause why they were there erected , which from age to age they instruct their children , as their best records of antiquities . Vpon these they offer bloud , Deere suet , and Tobacco . This they doe when they returne from the Warres , from hunting , and vpon many other occasions . They haue also another superstition that they vse in stormes , when the waters are rough in the Rivers and Sea coasts . Their Coniurers runne to the water sides , or passing in their boats , after many hellish outcryes and invocations , they cast Tobacco , Copper , Pocones , or such trash into the water , to pacific that God whom they thinke to be very angry in those stormes . Before their dinners and suppers the better sort will take the first bit , and cast it in the fire , which is all the grace they are knowne to vse . In some part of the Country they haue yearely a sacrifice of children . Such a one was at Quiyoughcohanock some ten myles from Iames Towne , and thus performed . Fifteene of the properest young boyes , betweene ten and fifteene yeares of age they painted white . Having brought them forth , the people spent the forenoon● in dancing and singing about them with Rattles . In the afternoone they put those children to the roote of a tree . By them all the men stood in a guard , every one having a Bastinado in his hand , made of reeds bound together . This made a lane betweene them all along , through which there were appointed fiue young men to fetch these children : so every one of the fiue went through the guard to fetch a childe each after other by turnes , the guard fiercely beating them with their Bastinadoes , and they patiently enduring and receiuing all ▪ defending the children with their naked bodies from the vnmercifull blowes , that pay them soundly , though the children escape . All this while the women weepe and cry out very passionately , prouiding mats , skins , mosse , and dry wood , as things fitting their childrens funerals . After the children were thus passed the guard , the guard tore down the trees , branches & boughs , with such violence that they rent the body , and made wreaths for their heads , or bedecked their hayre with the leaues . What els was done with the children , was not seene , but they were all cast on a heape , in a valley as dead , where th●y made a great feast for all the company . The Werowance being demanded the meaning of ●his sacrifice , answered that the children were not all dead , but that the Okee or Divell did sucke the bloud from their left breast , who chanced to be his by lot , till they were dead , but the rest were kept in the wildernesse by the young men till nine moneths were expired , during which time they must not converse with any , and of these were made their Priests and Coniurers . This sacrifice they held to be so necessary , that if they should omit it , their Okee or Devill , and all their other Quiyoughcosughes , which are their other Gods , would let them haue no Deere , Turkies , Corne , nor fish , and yet besides , he would make a great slaughter amongst them . They thinke that their Werowances and Priests which they also esteeme Quiyoughcosughes , when they are dead , doe goe beyond the mountaines towards the setting of the sunne , and ever remaine there in forme of their Okee , with their heads painted with oyle and Pocones , finely trimmed with feathers , and shall haue beads , hatchets , copper , and Tobacco , doing nothing but dance and sing , with all their Predecessors . But the common people they suppose shall not liue after death , but rot in their graues like dead dogs . To divert them from this blind Idolatry , we did our best endevours , chiefly with the Werowance of Quiyoughcohanock , whose devotion , apprehension , and good disposition , much exceeded any in those Countries , with whom although we could not as yet prevaile , to forsake his false Gods , yet this he did beleeue that our God as much exceeded theirs , as our Gunnes did their Bowes & Arrowes , and many times did send to me to Iames Towne , intreating me to pray to my God for raine , for their Gods would not send them any . And in this lamentable ignorance doe these poore soules sacrifice themselues to the Devill , not knowing their Creator ; and we had not language sufficient , so plainly to expresse it as make them vnderstand it ; which God grant they may . For , Religion 't is that doth distinguish vs , From their bruit humor , well we may it know ; That can with vnderstanding argue thus , Our God is truth , but they cannot doe so . Of the manner of the Virginians Government . ALthough the Country people be very barbarous , yet haue they amongst them such government , as that their Magistrates for good commanding , and their people for due subiection , and obeying , excell many places that would be counted very civill . The forme of their Common-wealth is a Monarchicall government , one as Emperour ruleth ouer many Kings or Governours . Their chiefe ruler is called Powhatan , and taketh his name of his principall place of dwelling called Powhatan . But his proper name is Wahunsonacock . Some Countries he hath which haue beene his ancestors , and came vnto him by inheritance , as the Country called Powhatan , Arrohateck , Appamatuck , Pamavnkee , Youghtanund , and Mattapanient . All the rest of his Territories expressed in the Mappe , they report haue beene his severall Conquests . In all his ancient inheritances , he hath houses built after their manner like arbours , some 30. some 40. yards long , and at every house provision for his entertainement according to the time . At Werowcomoco on the Northside of the river Pamavnkee , was his residence , when I was delivered him prisoner , some 14 myles from Iames Towne , where for the most part , he was resident , but at last he tooke so little pleasure in our neare neighbourhood , that he retired himselfe to Orapakes , in the desert betwixt Chickahaman●a and Youghtanund . He is of personage a tall well proportioned man , with a sower looke , his head somwhat gray , his beard so thinne , that it seemeth none at all , his age neare sixtie ; of a very able and hardy body to endure any labour . About his person ordinarily attendeth a guard of 40 or 50 of the tallest men his Country doth afford . Every night vpon the foure quarters of his house are foure Sentinels , each from other a flight shoot , and at every halfe houre one from the Corps du guard doth hollow , shaking his lips with his finger betweene them ; vnto whom every Sentinell doth answer round from his stand : if any faile , they presently send forth an officer that beateth him extreamely . A myle from Orapakes in a thicket of wood , he hath a house in which he keepeth his kinde of Treasure , as skinnes , copper , pearle , and beads , which he storeth vp against the time of his death and buriall . Here also is his store of red paint for oyntment , bowes and arrowes , Targets and clubs . This house is fiftie or sixtie yards in length , frequented onely by Priests . At the foure corners of this house stand foure Images as Sentinels , one of a Dragon , another a Beare , the third like a Leopard , and the fourth like a giantlike man , all made evill favouredly , according to their best workemanship . He hath as many women as he will , whereof when he lieth on his bed , one sitteth at his head , and another at his feet , but when he sitteth , one sitteth on his right hand and another on his left . As he is weary of his women , he bestoweth them on those that best deserue them at his hands . When he dineth or suppeth , one of his women before and after meat , bringeth him water in a wooden platter to wash his hands . Another waiteth with a bunch of feathers to wipe them in stead of a Towell , and the feathers when he hath wiped are dryed againe . His kingdomes descend not to his sonnes nor children , but first to his brethren , whereof he hath 3. namely , Opitchapan , Opechancanough , and Catataugh , and after their decease to his sisters . First to the eldest sister , then to the rest , and after them to the heires male or female of the eldest sister , but never to the heires of the males . He nor any of his people vnderstand any letters , whereby to write or reade , onely the lawes whereby he ruleth is custome . Yet when he listeth his will is a law and must be obeyed : not onely as a King , but as halfe a God they esteeme him . His inferiour Kings whom they call Werowances , are tyed to rule by customes , and haue power of life and death at their command in t●at nature . But this word Werowance , which we call and construe for a King , is a common word , whereby they call all commanders : for they haue but few words in their language , and but few occasions to vse any officers more then one commander , which commonly they call Werowance , or Caucorouse , which is Captaine . They all know their severall lands , and habitations , and limits , to fish , soule , or hunt in , but they hold all of their great Werowance Powhatan , vnto whom they pay tribute of skinnes , beads , copper , pearle , deere , turkies , wild beasts , and corne . What he commandeth they dare not disobey in the least thing . It is strange to see with what great feare and adoration , all these people doe obey this Powhatan . For at his feet they present whatsoever he commandeth , and at the least frowne of his brow , their greatest spirits will tremble with feare : and no marvell , for he is very terrible & tyrannous in punishing such as offend him . For example , he caused certaine malefactors to be bound hand and foot , then having of many fires gathered great store of burning coales , they rake these coales round in the forme of a cockpit , and in the midst they cast the offenders to broyle to death . Sometimes he causeth the heads of them that offend him , to be laid vpon the altar or sacrificing stone , and one with clubbes beats out their braines . When he would punish any notorious enemy or malefactor , he causeth him to be tyed to a tree , and with Mussell shels or reeds , the executioner cutteth off his ioynts one after another , ever casting what they cut of into the fire ; then doth he proceed with shels and reeds to case the skinne from his head and face ; then doe they rip his belly and so burne him with the tree and all . Thus themselues reported they executed George Cassen . Their ordinary correction is to beate them with cudgels . We haue seene a man kneeling on his knees , and at Powhatans command , two men haue beate him on the bare skin , till he hath fallen senselesse in a sound , and yet never cry nor complained . And he made a woman for playing the whore , sit vpon a great stone , on her bare breech twenty-foure houres , onely with corne and water , every three dayes , till nine dayes were past , yet he loued her exceedingly : notwithstanding there are common whores by profession . In the yeare 1608 , he surprised the people of Payankatank his neare neighbours and subiects . The occasion was to vs vnknowne , but the manner was thus . First he sent divers of his men as to lodge amongst them that night , then the Ambuscadoes environed all their houses , and at the houre appointed , they all fell to the spoyle , twenty-foure men they slew , the long haire of the one side of their heads , with the skinne cased off with shels or reeds , they brought away . They surprised also the women , and the children , and the Werowance . All these they presented to Powhatan . The Werowance , women and children became his prisoners , and doe him service . The lockes of haire with their skinnes he hanged on a line betwixt two trees . And thus he made ostentation of his triumph at Werowocomoco , where he intended to haue done as much to mee and my company . And this is as much as my memory can call to minde worthy of note ; which I haue purposely collected , to satisfie my friends of the true worth and qualitie of Virginia . Yet some bad natures will not sticke to slander the Countrey , that will slovenly spit at all things , especially in company where they can finde none to contradict them . Who though they were scarce en●r ten myles from Iames Towne , or at the most but at the falles ; yet holding it a great disgrace that amongst so much action , their actions were nothing , exclaime of all things , though they never adventured to know any thing ; nor euer did any thing but devoure the fruits of other mens labours . Being for most part of such tender educations , and small experience in Martiall accidents , because they found not English Cities , nor such faire houses , nor at their owne wishes any of their accustomed dainties , with feather beds and downe pillowes , Tavernes and Alehouses in every breathing place , neither such plentie of gold and silver and dissolute libertie , as they expected , had little or no care or any thing , but to pamper their bellies , to fly away with our Pinnaces , or procure their meanes to returne for England . For the Country was to them a misery , a ruine , a death , a hell , and their reports here , and their actions there according . Some other there were that had yearely stipends to passe to and againe for transportation : who to keepe the mysterie of the businesse in themselues , though they had neither time nor meanes to know much of themselues ; yet all mens actions or relations they so formally tuned to the temporizing times simplicitie , as they could make their ignorances seeme much more , then all the true actors could by their experience . And those with their great words deluded the world with such strange promises , as abused the businesse much worse then the rest . For the businesse being builded vpon the foundation of their fained experience , the planters , the money and meanes haue still miscarried : yet they ever returning , and the planters so farre absent , who could contradict their excuses ? which , still to maintaine their vaine glory and estimation , from time to time haue vsed such diligence as made them passe for truths , though nothing more false . And that the adventurers might be thus abused , let no man wonder ; for the wisest liuing is soonest abused by him that hath a faire tongue and a dissembling heart . There were many in Virginia meerely proiecting , verball , and idle contemplators , and those so devoted to pure idlenesse , that though they had liued two or three yeares in Virginia , lordly , necessitie it selfe could not compell them to passe the Peninsula , or Pallisadoes of Iames Towne , and those witty spirits , what would they not affirme in the behalfe of our transporters , to get victuall from their ships , or obtaine their good words in England , to get their passes . Thus from the clamors , and the ignorance of false informers , are sprung those disasters that sprung in Virginia : and our ingenious verbalists were no lesse plague to vs in Virginia , then the Locusts to the Egyptians . For the labour of twentie or thirtie of the best onely preserved in Christianitie by their industry , the idle livers of neare two hundred of the rest : who liuing neere ten moneths of such naturall meanes , as the Country naturally of it selfe afforded , notwithstanding all this , and the worst fury of the Salvages , the extremitie of sicknesse , mutinies , faction , ignorances , and want of victuall ; in all that time I lost but seaven or eight men , yet subiected the salvages to our desired obedience , and receiued contribution from thirtie fiue of their Kings , to protect and assist them against any that should assault them , in which order they continued true and faithfull , and as subiects to his Maiestie , so long after as I did governe there , vntill I left the Countrey : since , how they haue revolted , the Countrie lost , and againe replanted , and the businesses hath succeded from time to time , I referre you to the relations of them returned from Virginia , that haue beene more diligent in such Observations . Iohn Smith writ this with his owne hand . Because many doe desire to know the manner of their Language , I haue inserted these few words . KA katorawines yowo . What call you this . Nemarough , a man. Crenepo , a woman . Marowanchesso , a boy . Yehawkans , Houses . Matchcores , Skins , or garments . Mockasins , Shooes . Tussan , Beds . Pokatawer , Fire . Attawp , A bow . Attonce , Arrowes . Monacookes , Swords . Aumouhhowgh , A Target . Pawcussacks , Gunnes . Tomahacks , Axes . Tockahacks , Pickaxes . Pamesacks , Kniues . Accowprets , Sheares . Pawpecones , Pipes . Mattassin , Copper Vssawassin , Iron , Brasse , Silver , or any white mettall . Musses , Woods . Attasskuss , Leaues , weeds , or grasse . Chepsin , Land. Shacquohocan . A stone . Wepenter , A cookold . Suckahanna , Water . Noughmass , Fish. Copotone , Sturgeon . Weghshaughes , Flesh. Sawwehone , Bloud . Netoppew , Friends . Marrapough , Enemies . Maskapow , the worst of the enemies . Mawchick chammay , The best of friends Casacunnakack , peya quagh acquintan vttasantasough , In how many daies will there come hither any more English Ships . Their Numbers . Necut , 1. Ningh , 2. Nuss , 3. Yowgh , 4. Paranske , 5. Comotinch , 6. Toppawoss , 7 Nusswash , 8. Kekatawgh , 9. Kaskeke 10 They count no more but by tennes as followeth . Case , how many . Ninghsapooeksku , 20. Nussapooeksku , 30. Yowghapooeksku , 40. Parankestassapoocksku , 50. Comatinchtassapooeksku , 60. Nussswashtassapooeksku , 70. Kekataughtassapooeksku , 90. Necuttoughtysinough , 100. Necuttwevnquaough , 1000. Rawcosowghs , Dayes . Keskowghes , Sunnes . Toppquough . Nights . Nepaww●showghs , Moones . Pawpaxsoughes , Yeares . Pummahumps , Starres . Osies , Heavens . Okees , Gods. Quiyoughcosoughs , Pettie Gods , and their affinities . Righcomoughes , Deaths . Kekughes , Liues . Mowchick woyawgh tawgh ●oeragh kaqueremecher , I am very hungry ? what shall I eate ? Tawnor nehiegh Powhatan , Where dwels Powhatan . Mache , nehiegh yourowgh , Orapaks . Now he dwels a great way hence at Orapaks . Vittapitchewayne anpechitchs nehawper Werowacomoco , You lie , he staid ever at Werowacomoco . Kator nehiegh mattagh neer vttapitchewayne , Truely he is there I doe not lie . Spaughtynere keragh werowance mawmarinough k●katē wawgh peyaquaugh . Run you then to the King Mawmarynough and bid him come hither . Vtteke , e peya weyack wighwhip , Get you gone , & come againe quickly . Kekaten Pokahontas patiaquagh niugh tanks manotyens neer mowchick rawrenock audowgh , Bid Pokahontas bring hither two little Baskets , and I will giue her white Beads to make her a Chaine . FINIS . OULD VIRGINIA C : S Their triumph about him C : Smith bound to a tree to be shott to death 1602 C. S. How they tooke him prisoner in the Oaze 1607 C.S. C. Smith bindeth a saluage to his arme , fighteth with the King of Pamaunkee and all his company , and slew 3 of them . C : Smith takes the King of Paspahegh prisoner . Ao. 1609. A Coniurer . Their Idoll A priest Their Coniuration about C : Smith 160● A description of part of the adventures of Cap : Smith in Virginia . A state of 10 Leau●es . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Graven and extracted out of the generall history of Virginia , New England , and Som̄er Ises , by Robert Vaughan . C. Smith taketh the King of Pamavnkee prisoner 1608 The Countrey wee now call Virginia beginneth at Cape Henry aistant from Roanoack 60 miles , where was Sr. Raleigh's psantation . and because the people differ very little from t●em of Powhatan in any thing , I have inserted those figures in this place because of the conveniency . C.S. King Powhatan com̄ands C. Smith to be slayne , his daughter Pokahontas begge his life his thankfullness and how he subiected 30 of their kings . reade ● history . printed by Iames Reeve ❧ The third Booke . THE PROCEEDINGS AND ACCIDENTS OF The English Colony in Virginia , Extracted from the Authors following , by WILLIAM SIMONS , Doctour of Divinitie . CHAPTER I. IT might well be thought , a Countrie so faire ( as Virginia is ) and a people so tractable , would long ere this haue beene quietly possessed , to the satisfaction of the adventurers , & the eternizing of the memory of those that effected it . But because all the world doe see a defailement ; this following Treatise shall giue satisfaction to all indifferent Readers , how the businesse hath bin carried : where no doubt they will easily vnderstand and answer to their question , how it came to passe there was no better speed and successe in those proceedings . Captaine Bartholomew Gosnoll , one of the first movers of this plantation , having many yeares solicited many of his friends , but found small assistants ; at last prevailed with some Gentlemen , as Captaine Iohn Smith , Mr Edward-maria Wingfield , Mr Robert Hunt , and divers others , who depended a yeare vpon his proiects , but nothing could be effected , till by their great charge and industrie , it came to be apprehended by certaine of the Nobilitie , Gentry , and Marchants , so that his Maiestie by his letters patents , gaue commission for establishing Councels , to direct here ; and to governe , and to execute there . To effect this , was spent another yeare , and by that , three ships were provided , one of 100 Tuns , another of 40. and a Pinnace of 20. The transportation of the company was committed to Captaine Christopher Newport , a Marriner well practised for the Westerne parts of America . But their orders for government were put in a box , not to be opened , nor the governours knowne vntill they arrived in Virginia . On the 19 of December , 1606. we set sayle from Blackwall , but by vnprosperous winds , were kept six weekes in the sight of England ; all which time , Mr Hunt our Preacher , was so weake and sicke , that few expected his recovery . Yet although he were but twentie myles from his habitation ( the time we were in the Downes ) and notwithstanding the stormy weather , nor the scandalous imputations ( of some few , little better then Atheists , of the greatest ranke amongst vs ) suggested against him , all this could never force from him so much as a seeming desire to leaue the busines , but preferred the service of God , in so good a voyage , before any affection to contest with his godlesse foes , whose disasterous designes ( could they haue prevailed ) had even then overthrowne the businesse , so many discontents did then arise , had he not with the water of patience , and his godly exhortations ( but chiefly by his true devoted examples ) quenched those flames of envie , and dissention . We watered at the Canaries , we traded with the Salvages at Dominica ; three weekes we spent in refreshing our selues amongst these west-India Isles ; in Gwardalupa we found a bath so hot , as in it we boyled Porck as well as over the fire . And at a little Isle called Monica , we tooke from the bushes with our hands , neare two hogsh-heads full of Birds in three or foure houres . In Mevis , Mona , and the Virgin Isles , we spent some time , where , with a lothsome beast like a Crocodil , called a Gwayn , Tortoises , Pellicans , Parrots , and fishes , we daily feasted . Gone from thence in search of Virginia , the company was not a little discomforted , seeing the Marriners had 3 dayes passed their reckoning and found no land , so that Captaine Ratliffe ( Captaine of the Pinnace ) rather desired to beare vp the helme to returne for England , then make further search . But God the guider of all good actions , forcing them by an extreame storme to hull all night , did driue them by his providence to their desired Port , beyond all their expectations , for never any of them had seene that coast . The first land they made they called Cape Henry ; where thirtie of them recreating themselues on shore , were assaulted by fiue Salvages , who hurt two of the English very dangerously . That night was the box opened , and the orders read , in which Bartholomew Gosnoll , Iohn Smith , Edward Wingfield , Christopher Newport , Iohn Ratliffe , Iohn Martin , and George Kendall , were named to be the Councell , and to choose a President amongst them for a yeare , who with the Councell should governe . Matters of moment were to be examined by a Iury , but determined by the maior part of the Councell , in which the President had two voyces . Vntill the 13 of May they sought a place to plant in , then the Councell was sworne , Mr Wingfield was chosen President , and an Oration made , why Captaine Smith was not admitted of the Councell as the rest . Now falleth every man to worke , the Councell contriue the Fort , the rest cut downe trees to make place to pitch their Tents ; some provide clapbord to relade the ships , some make gardens , some nets , &c. The Salvages often visited vs kindly . The Presidents overweening iealousie would admit no exercise at armes , or fortification , but the boughs of trees cast together in the forme of a halfe moone by the extraordinary paines and diligence of Captaine Kendall . Newport , Smith , and twentie others , were sent to discover the head of the river : by divers small habitations they passed , in six dayes they arrived at a Towne called Powhatan , consisting of some twelue houses , pleasantly seated on a hill ; before it three fertile Isles , about it many of their cornefields , the place is very pleasant , and strong by nature , of this place the Prince is called Powhatan , and his people Powhatans , to this place the river is navigable : but higher within a myle , by reason of the Rockes and Isles , there is not passage for a small Boat , this they call the Falles , the people in all parts kindly intreated them , till being returned within twentie myles of Iames towne , they gaue iust cause of iealousie , but had God not blessed the discoverers otherwise then those at the Fort , there had then beene an end of that plantation ; for at the Fort , where they arrived the next day , they found 17 men hurt , and a boy slaine by the Salvages , and had it not chanced a crosse barre shot from the Ships strooke downe a bough from a tree amongst them , that caused them to retire , our men had all beene slaine , being securely all at worke , and their armes in dry fats . Herevpon the President was contented the Fort should be pallisadoed , the Ordnance mounted , his men armed and exercised , for many were the assaults , and ambuscadoes of the Salvages , & our men by their disorderly stragling were often hurt , when the Salvages by the nimblenesse of their heeles well escaped . What toyle we had , with so small a power to guard our workemen adayes , watch all night , resist our enemies , and effect our businesse , to relade the ships , cut downe trees , and prepare the ground to plant our Corne , &c , I referre to the Readers consideration . Six weekes being spent in this manner , Captaine Newport ( who was hired onely for our transportation ) was to returne with the ships . Now Captaine Smith , who all this time from their departure from the Canaries was restrained as a prisoner vpon the scandalous suggestions of some of the chiefe ( envying his repute ) who fained he intended to vsurpe the government , murther the Councell , and make himselfe King , that his confederats were dispersed in all the three ships , and that divers of his confederats that revealed it , would affirme it , for this he was committed as a prisoner : thirteene weekes he remained thus suspected , and by that time the ships should returne they pretended out of their commisserations , to referre him to the Councell in England to receiue a check , rather then by particulating his designes make him so odious to the world , as to touch his life , or vtterly overthrow his reputation . But he so much scorned their charitie , and publikely defied the vttermost of their crueltie , he wisely prevented their policies , though he could not suppresse their envies , yet so well he demeaned himselfe in this businesse , as all the company did see his innocency , and his adversaries malice , and those suborned to accuse him , accused his accusers of subornation ; many vntruthes were alledged against him ; but being so apparently disproved , begat a generall hatred in the hearts of the company against such vniust Commanders , that the President was adiudged to giue him 200l. so that all he had was seized vpon , in part of satisfaction , which Smith presently returned to the Store for the generall vse of the Colony . Many were the mischiefes that daily sprung from their ignorant ( yet ambitious ) spirits ; but the good Doctrine and exhortation of our Preacher Mr Hunt reconciled them , and caused Captaine Smith to be admitted of the Councell ; the next day all receiued the Communion , the day following the Salvages voluntarily desired peace , and Captaine Newport returned for England with newes ; leaving in Virginia 100. the 15 of Iune 1607. By this obserue ; Good men did ne'r their Countries ruine bring . But when evill men shall iniuries beginne ; Not caring to corrupt and violate The iudgements-seats for their owne Lucr's sake : Then looke that Country cannot long haue peace , Though for the present it haue rest and ease . The names of them that were the first Planters , were these following . Councel . Mr Edward Maria Wingfield . Captaine Bartholomew Gosnoll . Captaine Iohn Smith . Captaine Iohn Ratliffe . Captaine Iohn Martin . Captaine George Kendall . Gent. Mr Robert Hunt Preacher . Mr George Percie . Anthony Gosnoll . George Flower . Cap. Gabriell Archer . Robert Fenton . Robert Ford. William Bruster . Edward Harrington . Dru Pickhouse . Thomas Iacob . Iohn Brookes . Ellis Kingston . Thomas Sands . Beniamin Beast . Iehu Robinson . Thomas Mouton . Eustace Clovill . Stephen Halthrop . Kellam Throgmorton . Edward Morish . Nathaniell Powell . Edward Browne . Robert Bebethland . Iohn Penington . Ieremy Alicock . George Walker . Thomas Studley . Richard Crofts . Nicholas Houlgraue . Thomas Webbt . Iohn Waller . Iohn Short. William Tankard . William Smethes . Francis Snarsbrough . Richard Simons . Edward Brookes . Richard Dixon . Iohn Martin . Roger Cooke . Anthony Gosnold . Tho : Wotton , Chirurg . Iohn Stevenson . Thomas Gore . Henry Adling . Francis Midwinter . Richard Frith . Carpenters . William Laxon . Edward Pising . Thomas Emry . Robert Small . Labourers . Iohn Laydon . William Cassen . George Cassen . Thomas Cassen . William Rodes . William White . Old Edward . Henry Tavin . George Goulding . Iohn Dods . William Iohnson . William Vnger . Iam : Read , Blacksmith . Ionas Profit , Sailer . Tho : Cowper , Barber . Will : Garret , Bricklayer . Edward Brinto , Mason . William Loue , Taylor . Nic : Scot , Drum. Wil : Wilkinson , Chirurg . Samuell Collier , boy . Nat. Pecock , boy . Iames Brumfield , boy . Richard Mutton , boy . With divers others to the number of 100. CHAP. II. What happened till the first supply . BEing thus left to our fortunes , it fortuned that within ten dayes scarce ten amongst vs could either goe , or well stand , such extreame weaknes and sicknes oppressed vs. And thereat none need marvaile , if they consider the cause and reason , which was this ; whilest the ships stayed , our allowance was somewhat bettered , by a daily proportion of Bisket , which the sailers would pilfer to sell , giue , or exchange with vs , for money , Saxefras , furres , or loue . But when they departed , there remained neither taverne , beere ▪ house , nor place of reliefe , but the common Kettell . Had we beene as free from all sinnes as gluttony , and drunkennesse , we might haue beene canonized for Saints ; But our President would never haue beene admitted , for ingrossing to his private , Oatmeale , Sacke , Oyle , Aqua-vitae , Beefe , Egges , or what not , but the Kettell ; that indeed he allowed equally to be distributed , and that was halfe a pint of wheat , and as much barley boyled with water for a man a day , and this having fryed some 26. weekes in the ships hold , contained as many wormes as graines ; so that we might truely call it rather so much bran then corne , our drinke was water , our lodgings Castles in the ayre : with this lodging and dyet , our extreame toile in bearing and planting Pallisadoes , so strained and bruised vs , and our continuall labour in the extremitie of the heat had so weakned vs , as were cause sufficient to haue made vs as miserable in our natiue Countrey , or any other place in the world . From May , to September , those that escaped , liued vpon Sturgeon , and Sea-crabs , fiftie in this time we buried , the rest seeing the Presidents proiects to escape these miseries in our Pinnace by flight ( who all this time had neither felt want nor sicknes ) so moved our dead spirits , as we deposed him ; and established Ratcliffe in his place , ( Gosnoll being dead ) Kendall deposed , Smith newly recovered , Martin and Ratcliffe was by his care preserved and relieued , and the most of the souldiers recovered , with the skilfull diligence of Mr Thomas Wotton our Chirurgian generall . But now was all our provision spent , the Sturgeon gone , all helps abandoned , each houre expecting the fury of the Salvages ; when God the patron of all good indevours , in that desperate extremitie so changed the hearts of the Salvages , that they brought such plenty of their fruits , and provision , as no man wanted . And now where some affirmed it was ill done of the Councell to send forth men so badly provided , this incontradictable reason will shew them plainely they are too ill advised to nourish such ill conceits ; first , the fault of our going was our owne , what could be thought fitting or necessary we had , but what we should find , or want , or where we should be , we were all ignorant , and supposing to make our passage in two moneths , with victuall to liue , and the advantage of the spring to worke ; we were at Sea fiue moneths , where we both spent our victuall and lost the opportunitie of the time , and season to plant , by the vnskilfull presumption of our ignorant transporters , that vnderstood not at all , what they vndertooke . Such actions haue ever since the worlds beginning beene subiect to such accidents , and every thing of worth is found full of difficulties , but nothing so difficult as to establish a Common-wealth so farre remote from men and meanes , and where mens mindes are so vntoward as neither doe well themselues , nor suffer others . But to proceed . The new President and Martin , being little beloved , of weake iudgement in dangers , and lesse industrie in peace , committed the managing of all things abroad to Captaine Smith : who by his owne example , good words , and faire promises , set some to mow , others to binde thatch , some to build houses , others to thatch them , himselfe alwayes bearing the greatest taske for his owne share , so that in short time , he provided most of them lodgings , neglecting any for himselfe . This done , seeing the Salvages superfluitie beginne to decrease ( with some of his workemen ) shipped himselfe in the Shallop to search the Country for trade . The want of the language , knowledge to mannage his boat without sailes , the want of a sufficient power , ( knowing the multitude of the Salvages ) apparell for his men , and other necessaries , were infinite impediments , yet no discouragement . Being but six or seauen in company he went downe the river to Kecoughtan , where at first they scorned him , as a famished man , and would in derision offer him a handfull of Corne , a peece of bread , for their swords and muskets , and such like proportions also for their apparell . But seeing by trade and courtesie there was nothing to be had , he made bold to try such conclusions as necessitie inforced , though contrary to his Commission : Let fly his muskets , ran his boat on shore , whereat they all fled into the woods . So marching towards their houses , they might see great heapes of corne : much adoe he had to restraine his hungry souldiers from present taking of it , expecting as it hapned that the Salvages would assault them , as not long after they did with a most hydeous noyse . Sixtie or seaventie of them , some blacke , some red , some white , some party-coloured , came in a square order , singing and dauncing out of the woods , with their Okee ( which was an Idoll made of skinnes , stuffed with mosse , all painted and hung with chaines and copper ) borne before them : and in this manner being well armed , with Clubs , Targets , Bowes and Arrowes , they charged the English , that so kindly receiued them with their muskets loaden with Pistoll shot , that downe fell their God , and divers lay sprauling on the ground ; the rest fled againe to the woods , and ere long sent one of their Quiyoughkasoucks to offer peace , and redeeme their Okee . Smith told them , if onely six of them would come vnarmed and loade his boat , he would not only be their friend , but restore them their Okee , and giue them Beads , Copper , and Hatchets besides : which on both sides was to their contents performed : and then they brought him Venison , Turkies , wild-foule , bread , and what they had , singing and dauncing in signe of friendship till they departed . In his returne he discovered the Towne and Country of Warraskoyack . Thus God vnboundlesse by his power , Made them thus kind , would vs deuour . Smith perceiving ( notwithstanding their late miserie ) not any regarded but from hand to mouth ( the company being well recovered ) caused the Pinnace to be provided with things fitting to get provision for the yeare following ; but in the interim he made 3. or 4. iournies and discovered the people of Chickahamania : yet what he carefully provided the rest carelesly spent . Wingfield and Kendall liuing in disgrace , seeing all things at randome in the absence of Smith , the companies dislike of their Presidents weaknes , and their small loue to Martins never mending sicknes , strengthened themselues with the sailers , and other confederates to regaine their former credit and authority , or at least such meanes abord the Pinnace , ( being fitted to saile as Smith had appointed for trade ) to alter her course and to goe for England . Smith vnexpectedly returning had the plot discovered to him , much trouble he had to prevent it , till with store of sakre and musket shot he forced them stay or sinke in the riuer , which action cost the life of captaine Kendall . These brawles are so disgustfull , as some will say they were better forgotten , yet all men of good iudgement will conclude , it were better their basenes should be manifest to the world , then the busines beare the scorne and shame of their excused disorders . The President and captaine Archer not long after intended also to haue abandoned the country , which proiect also was curbed , and suppressed by Smith . The Spaniard never more greedily desired gold then he victuall , nor his souldiers more to abandon the Country , then he to keepe it . But finding plentie of Corne in the riuer of Chickahamania where hundreds of Salvages in diuers places stood with baskets expecting his comming . And now the winter approaching , the rivers became so covered with swans , geese , duckes , and cranes , that we daily feasted with good bread , Virginia pease , pumpions , and putchamins , fish , fowle , and diverse sorts of wild beasts as fat as we could eate them : so that none of our Tuftasfaty humorists desired to goe for England . But our Comaedies never endured long without a Tragedie ; some idle exceptions being muttered against Captaine Smith , for not discovering the head of Chickahamania river , and taxed by the Councell , to be too slow in so worthy an attempt . The next voyage hee proceeded so farre that with much labour by cutting of trees in sunder he made his passage , but when his Barge could passe no farther , he left her in a broad bay out of danger of shot , commanding none should goe a shore till his returne : himselfe with two English and two Salvages went vp higher in a Canowe , but hee was not long absent , but his men went a shore , whose want of government , gaue both occasion and opportunity to the Salvages to surprise one George Cassen , whom they slew , and much failed not to haue cut of the boat and all the rest . Smith little dreaming of that accident , being got to the marshes at the rivers head , twentie myles in the desert , had his * two men slaine ( as is supposed ) sleeping by the Canowe , whilst himselfe by fowling sought them victuall , who finding he was beset with 200. Salvages , two of them hee slew , still defending himselfe with the ayd of a Salvage his guid , whom he bound to his arme with his garters , and vsed him as a buckler , yet he was shot in his thigh a little , and had many arrowes that stucke in his cloathes but no great hurt , till at last they tooke him prisoner . When this newes came to Iames towne , much was their sorrow for his losse , fewe expecting what ensued . Sixe or seuen weekes those Barbarians kept him prisoner , many strange triumphes and coniurations they made of him , yet hee so demeaned himselfe amongst them , as he not onely diverted them from surprising the Fort , but procured his owne libertie , and got himselfe and his company such estimation amongst them , that those Salvages admired him more then their owne Quiyouckosucks . The manner how they vsed and deliuered him , is as followeth . The Salvages hauing drawne from George Cassen whether Captaine Smith was gone , prosecuting that oportunity they followed him with . 300. bowmen , conducted by the King of Pamavnkee , who in diuisions searching the turnings of the riuer , found Robinson and Emry by the fire side , those they shot full of arrowes and slew . Then finding the Captaine ▪ as is said , that vsed the Salvage that was his guide as his sheld ( three of them being slaine and diuers other so gauld ) all the rest would not come neere him . Thinking thus to haue returned to his boat , regarding them , as he marched , more then his way , slipped vp to the middle in an oasie creeke & his Salvage with him , yet durst they not come to him till being neere dead with cold , he threw away his armes . Then according to their composition they drew him forth and led him to the fire , where his men were slaine . Diligently they chafed his benummed limbs . He demanding for their Captaine , they shewed him Opechankanough , King of Pamavnkee , to whom he gaue a round Ivory double compass Dyall . Much they marvailed at the playing of the Fly and Needle , which they could see so plainely , and yet not touch it , because of the glasse that covered them . But when he demonstrated by that Globe-like Iewell , the roundnesse of the earth and skies , the spheare of the Sunne , Moone , and Starres , and how the Sunne did chase the night round about the world continually ; the greatnesse of the Land and Sea , the diversitie of Nations , varietie of complexions , and how we were to them Antipodes , and many other such like matters , they all stood as amazed with admiration . Notwithstanding , within an houre after they tyed him to a tree , and as many as could stand about him prepared to shoot him , but the King holding vp the Compass in his hand , they all laid downe their Bowes and Arrowes , and in a triumphant manner led him to Orapaks , where he was after their manner kindly feasted , and well vsed . Their order in conducting him was thus ; Drawing themselues all in fyle , the King in the middest had all their Peeces and Swords borne before him . Captaine Smith was led after him by three great Salvages , holding him fast by each arme : and on each side six went in fyle with their Arrowes nocked . But arriving at the Towne ( which was but onely thirtie or fortie hunting houses made of Mats , which they remoue as they please , as we our tents ) all the women and children staring to behold him , the souldiers nrst all in fyle performed the forme of a Bissom so well as could be ; and on each flanke , officers as Serieants to see them keepe their orders . A good time they continued this exercise , and then cast themselues in a ring , dauncing in such severall Postures , and singing and yelling out such hellish notes and screeches ; being strangely painted , every one his quiver of Arrowes , and at his backe a club ; on his arme a Fox or an Otters skinne , or some such matter for his vambrace ; their heads and shoulders painted red , with Oyle and Pocones mingled together , which Scarlet-like colour made an exceeding handsome shew ; his Bow in his hand , and the skinne of a Bird with her wings abroad dryed , tyed on his head , a peece of copper , a white shell , a long feather , with a small rattle growing at the tayles of their snaks tyed to it , or some such like toy . All this while Smith and the King stood in the middest guarded , as before is said , and after three dances they all departed . Smith they conducted to a long house , where thirtie or fortie tall fellowes did guard him , and ere long more bread and venison was brought him then would haue served twentie men , I thinke his stomacke at that time was not very good ; what he left they put in baskets and tyed over his head . About midnight they set the meate againe before him , all this time not one of them would eate a bit with him , till the next morning they brought him as much more , and then did they eate all the old , & reserved the new as they had done the other , which made him thinke they would fat him to eat him . Yet in this desperate estate to defend him from the cold , one Maocassater brought him his gowne , in requitall of some beads and toyes Smith had given him at his first arrivall in Virginia . Two dayes after a man would haue slaine him ( but that the guard prevented it ) for the death of his sonne , to whom they conducted him to recover the poore man then breathing his last . Smith told them that at Iames towne he had a water would doe it , if they would let him fetch it , but they would not permit that ; but made all the preparations they could to assault Iames towne , crauing his advice , and for recompence he should haue life , libertie , land , and women . In part of a Table booke he writ his minde to them at the Fort , what was intended , how they should follow that direction to affright the messengers , and without fayle send him such things as he writ for . And an Inventory with them . The difficultie and danger , he told the Salvages , of the Mines , great gunnes , and other Engins exceedingly affrighted them , yet according to his request they went to Iames towne , in as bitter weather as could be of fro●t and snow , and within three dayes returned with an answer . But when they came to Iame towne , seeing men sally out as he had told them they would , they fled ; yet in the night they came againe to the same place where he had told them they should receiue an answer , and such things as he had promised them , which they found accordingly , and with which they returned with no small expedition , to the wonder of them all that heard it , that he could either divine , or the paper could speake : then they led him to the Youthtanunds , the Mattapanicuts , the Payankatanks , the Nantaughtacunds , and Onawmanients vpon the rivers of Rapahanock , and Patawomek , over all those rivers , and backe againe by divers other severall Nations , to the Kings habitation at Pamavnkee , where they entertained him with most strange and fearefull Coniurations ; As if neare led to hell , Amongst the Devils to dwell . Not long after , early in a morning a great fire was made in a long house , and a mat spread on the one side , as on the other , on the one they caused him to sit , and all the guard went out of the house , and presently came skipping in a great grim fellow , all painted over with coale , mingled with oyle ; and many Snakes and Wesels skins stuffed with mosse , and all their tayles tyed together , so as they met on the crowne of his head in a tassell ; and round about the tassell was as a Coronet of feathers , the skins hanging round about his head , backe , and shoulders , and in a manner covered his face ; with a hellish voyce and a rattle in his hand . With most strange gestures and passions he began his invocation , and environed the fire with a circle of meale ; which done , three more such like devils came rushing in with the like antique tricks , painted halfe blacke , halfe red : but all their eyes were painted white , and some red stroakes like Mutchato's , along their cheekes : round about him those fiends daunced a pretty while , and then came in three more as vgly as the rest ; with red eyes , and white stroakes over their blacke faces , at last they all sat downe right against him ; three of them on the one hand of the chiefe Priest , and three on the other . Then all with their rattles began a song , which ended , the chiefe Priest layd downe fiue wheat cornes : then strayning his armes and hands with such violence that he sweat , and his veynes swelled , he began a short Oration : at the conclusion they all gaue a short groane ; and then layd down three graines more . After that , began their song againe , and then another Oration , ever laying downe so many cornes as before , till they had twice incirculed the fire ; that done , they tooke a bunch of little stickes prepared for that purpose , continuing still their devotion , and at the end of every song and Oration , they layd downe a slicke betwixt the divisions of Corne. Till night , neither he nor they did either eate or drinke , and then they feasted merrily , with the best provisions they could make . Three dayes they vsed this Ceremony ; the meaning whereof they told him , was to know if he intended them well or no. The circle of meale signified their Country , the circles of corne the bounds of the Sea , and the stickes his Country . They imagined the world to be flat and round , like a trencher , and they in the middest . After this they brought him a bagge of gunpowder , which they carefully preserved till the next spring , to plant as they did their corne ; because they would be acquainted with the nature of that seede . Opitchapam the Kings brother invited him to his house , where , with as many platters of bread , soule , and wild beasts , as did environ him , he bid him wellcome ; but not any of them would eate a bit with him , but put vp all the remainder in Baskets . At his returne to Opechancanoughs , all the Kings women , and their children , flocked about him for their parts , as a due by Custome , to be merry with such fragments . But his waking mind in hydeous dreames did oft see wondrous shapes , Of bodies strange , and huge in growth , and of stupendious makes . At last they brought him to Meronocomoco , where was Powhatan their Emperor . Here more then two hundred of those grim Courtiers stood wondering at him , as he had beene a monster ; till Powhatan and his trayne had put themselues in their greatest braveries . Before a fire vpon a seat like a bedsted , he sat covered with a great robe , made of Rarowcun skinnes , and all the tayles hanging by . On either hand did sit a young wench of 16 or 18 yeares , and along on each side the house , two rowes of men , and behind them as many women , with all their heads and shoulders painted red ; many of their heads bedecked with the white downe of Birds ; but every one with something : and a great chayne of white beads about their necks . At his entrance before the King , all the people gaue a great shout . The Queene of Appamatuck was appointed to bring him water to wash his hands , and another brought him a bunch of feathers , in stead of a Towell to dry them : having feasted him after their best barbarous manner they could , a long consultation was held , but the conclusion was , two great stones were brought before Powhatan : then as many as could layd hands on him , dragged him to them , and thereon laid his head , and being ready with their clubs , to beate out his braines , Pocahontas the Kings dearest daughter , when no intreaty could prevaile , got his head in her armes , and laid her owne vpon his to saue him from death : whereat the Emperour was contented he should liue to make him hatchets , and her bells , beads , and copper ; for they thought him aswell of all occupations as themselues . For the King himselfe will make his owne robes , shooes , bowes , arrowes , pots ; plant , hunt , or doe any thing so well as the rest . They say he bore a pleasant shew , But sure his heart was sad . For who can pleasant be , and rest , That liues in feare and dread : And having life suspected , doth It still suspected lead . Two dayes after , Powhatan having disguised himselfe in the most fearefullest manner he could , caused Cap t : Smith to be brought forth to a great house in the woods , and there vpon a mat by the fire to be left alone . Not long after from behinde a mat that divided the house , was made the most dolefullest noyse he ever heard ; then Powhatan more like a devill then a man with some two hundred more as blacke as himselfe , came vnto him and told him now they were friends , and presently he should goe to Iames towne , to send him two great gunnes , and a gryndstone , for which he would giue him the Country of Capahowosick , and for ever esteeme him as his sonne Nantaquoud . So to Iames towne with 12 guides Powhatan sent him . That night they quarterd in the woods , he still expecting ( as he had done all this long time of his imprisonment ) every houre to be put to one death or other : for all their feasting . But almightie God ( by his divine providence ) had mollified the hearts of those sterne Barbarians with compassion . The next morning betimes they came to the Fort , where Smith having vsed the Salvages with what kindnesse he could , he shewed Rawhunt , Powhatans trusty servant two demi-Culverings & a mill-stone to carry Powhatan : they found them somewhat too heavie ; but when they did see him discharge them , being loaded with stones , among the boughs of a great tree loaded with Isickles , the yee and branches came so tumbling downe , that the poore Salvages ran away halfe dead with feare . But at last we regained some conference with them , and gaue them such toyes ; and sent to Powhatan , his women , and children such presents , as gaue them in generall full content . Now in Iames Towne they were all in combustion , the strongest preparing once more to run away with the Pinnace ; which with the hazzard of his life , with Sakre falcon and musket shot , Smith forced now the third time to stay or sinke . Some no better then they should be , had plotted with the President , the next day to haue ▪ put him to death by the Leviticall law , for the liues of Robinson and Emry , pretending the fault was his that had led them to their ends : but he quickly tooke such order with such Lawyers , that he layd them by the heeles till he sent some of them prisoners for England . Now ever once in foure or fiue dayes , Pocahontas with her attendants , brought him so much provision , that saved many of their liues , that els for all this had starved with hunger . Thus from numbe death our good God sent reliefe , The sweete asswager of all other griefe . His relation of the plenty he had seene , especially at Warawocomoco , and of the state and bountie of Powhatan , ( which till that time was vnknowne ) so revived their dead spirits ( especially the loue of Pocahontas ) as all mens feare was abandoned . Thus you may see what difficulties still crossed any good indevour : and the good successe of the businesse being thus oft brought to the very period of destruction ; yet you see by what strange means God hath still delivered it . As for the insufficiency of them admitted in Commission , that error could not be prevented by the Electors ; there being no other choise ; and all strangers to each others education , qualities , or disposition . And if any deeme it a shame to our Nation to haue any mention made of those inormities , let them pervse the Histories of the Spanyards Discoveries and Plantations , where they may see how many mutinies , disorders , and dissentions haue accompanied them , and crossed their attempts : which being knowne to be particular mens offences ; doth take away the generall scorne and contempt , which malice , presumption , covetousnesse , or ignorance might produce ; to the scandall and reproach of those , whose actions and valiant resolutions deserue a more worthy respect . Now whether it had beene better for Captaine Smith , to haue concluded with any of those severall proiects , to haue abandoned the Countrey , with some ten or twelue of them , who were called the better sort , and haue left Mr Hunt our Preacher , Master Anthony Gosnoll , a most honest , worthy , and industrious Gentleman , Master Thomas Wotton , and some 27 others of his Countrymen to the fury of the Salvages , famine , and all manner of mischiefes , and inconveniences , ( for they were but fortie in all to keepe possession of this large Country ; ) or starue himselfe with them for company , for want of lodging : or but adventuring abroad to make them provision , or by his opposition to preserue the action , and saue all their liues ; I leaue to the censure of all honest men to consider . But We men imagine in our Iolitie , That 't is all one , or good or bad to be . But then anone wee alter this againe , If happily wee feele the sence of paine ; For then we 're turn'd into a mourning vaine . Written by Thomas Studley , the first Cape Merchant in Virginia , Robert Fenton , Edward Harrington , and I. S. CHAP. III. The Arrivall of the first supply , with their Proceedings , and the Ships returne . ALL this time our care was not so much to abandon the Countrey ; but the Treasurer and Councell in England , were as diligent & carefull to supply vs. Two good ships they sent vs , with neare a hundred men , well furnished with all things could be imagined necessary , both for them and vs ; The one commanded by Captaine Newport : the other by Captaine Francis Nelson , an honest man , and an expert Marriner . But such was the lewardnesse of his Ship ( that though he was within the sight of Cape Henry ) by stormy contrary winds was he forced so farre to Sea , that the West Indies was the next land , for the repaire of his Masts , and reliefe of wood and water . But Newport got in and arrived at Iames Towne , not long after the redemption of Captaine Smith . To whom the Salvages , as is sayd , every other day repaired , with such provisions that sufficiently did serue them from hand to mouth : part alwayes they brought him as Presents from their Kings , or Pocahontas ; the rest he as their Market Clarke set the price himselfe , how they should sell : so he had inchanted these poore soules being their prisoner ; and now Newport , whom he called his Father arriving , neare as directly as he foretold , they esteemed him as an Oracle , and had them at that submission he might command them what he listed . That God that created all things they knew he adored for his God : they would also in their discourses tearme the God of Captaine Smith . Thus the Almightie was the bringer on , The guide , path , terme , all which was God alone . But the President and Councell so much envied his estimation among the Salvages , ( though we all in generall equally participated with him of the good thereof , ) that they wrought it into the Salvages vnderstandings ( by their great bounty in giving foure times more for their commodities then Smith appointed ) that their greatnesse and authoritie as much exceeded his , as their bountie and liberalitie . Now the arrivall of this first supply so overioyed vs , that wee could not devise too much to please the Marriners . We gaue them libertie to trucke or trade at their pleasures . But in a short time it followed , that could not be had for a pound of Copper , which before was sould vs for an ounce : thus ambition and sufferance cut the throat of our trade , but confirmed their opinion of the greatnesse of Capt. Newport , ( wherewith Smith had possessed Powhatan ) especially by the great presents Newport often sent him , before he could prepare the Pinnace to goe and visti him : so that this great Savage desired also to see him . A great coyle there was to set him forward . When he went he was accompanied with Captaine Smith , & Mr Scrivener , a very wise vnderstanding Gentleman , newly arrived and admitted of the Councell , with thirtie or fortie choisen men for their guard . Arriving at Werowocomoco , Newports conceit of this great Savage bred many doubts and suspitions of trecheries , which Smith to make appeare was needlesse , with twentie men well appointed , vndertooke to encounter the worst that could happen : Knowing All is but one , and selfe-same hand , that thus Both one while scourgeth , and that helpeth vs. Nathaniell Powell . Gent. Robert Behethland . Gent. Mitchell ●hittiplace . Gent. William ●hittiplace . Gent. Anthony Gosnoll . Gent. Richard Wyssin . Gent. Iohn Taverner . Gent. William Dyer . Gent. Thomas Coe . Gent. Thomas Hope . Gent. Anas Todkill . Gent. These , with nine others ( whose names I haue forgotten ) comming a-shore , landed amongst a many of creekes , over which they were to passe such poore bridges , onely made of a few cratches , thrust in the ose , and three or foure poles laid on them , and at the end of them the like , tyed together onely with barkes of trees , that it made them much suspect those bridges were but traps . Which caused Smith to make diverse Salvages goe over first , keeping some of the chiefe as hostage till halfe his men were passed , to make a guard for himselfe and the rest . But finding all things well , by two or three hundred Salvages they were kindly conducted to their towne . Where Powhatan strained himselfe to the vtmost of his greatnesse to entertaine them , with great shouts of ioy , Orations of protestations ; and with the most plenty of victualls he could provide to feast them . Sitting vpon his bed of mats , his pillow of leather imbrodered ( after their rude manner with pearle and white Beads ) his attyre a faire robe of skinnes as large as an Irish mantell : at his head and feete a handsome young woman : on each side his house sat twentie of his Concubines , their heads and shoulders painted red , with a great chaine of white beads about each of their neckes . Before those sat his chiefest men in like order in his arbour-like house , and more then fortie platters of fine bread stood as a guard in two fyles on each side the doore . Foure or fiue hundred people made a guard behinde them for our passage ; and Proclamation was made , none vpon paine of death to presume to doe vs any wrong or discourtesie . With many pretty Discourses to renew their old acquaintance , this great King and our Captaine spent the time , till the ebbe left our Barge aground . Then renewing their feasts with feares , dauncing and singing , and such like nurth , we quartered that night with Powhatan . The next day Newport came a shore and receiued as much content as those people could giue him : a boy named Thomas Salvage was then giuen vnto Powhatan , whom Newport called his sonne ; for whom Powhatan gaue him Namontack his trustie servant , and one of a shrewd , subtill capacitie . Three or foure dayes more we spent in feasting , dauncing , and trading , wherein Powhatan carried himselfe so proudly , yet discreetly ( in his salvage manner ) as made vs all admire his naturall gifts , considering his education . As scorning to trade as his subiects did ; he bespake Newport in this manner . Captaine Newport it is not agreeable to my greatnesse , in this pedling manner to trade for triftes ; and I esteeme you also a great Werowance . Therefore lay me downe all your commodities together ; what I like I will take , and in recompence giue you what I thinke fitting their value . Captaine Smith being our interpreter , regarding Newport as his father , knowing best the disposition of Powhatan , could vs his intent was but onely to cheate vs ; yet Captaine Newport thinking to out braue this Salvage in ostentation of greatnesse , and so to bewitch him with his bountie , as to haue what he listed , it so hapned , that Powhatan hauing his desire , valued his corne at such a rate , that I thinke it better cheape in Spaine : for we had not foure bushells for that we expected to haue twentie hogsheads . This bred some vnkindnesse betweene our two Captaines ; Newport seeking to please the vnsatiable desire of the Salvage , Smith to cause the Salvage to please him ; but smothering his distast to avoyd the Saluages suspition , glanced in the eyes of Powhatan many trifles , who fixed his humor vpon a few blew beades . A long time he importunately desired them , but Smith seemed so much the more to affect them , as being composed of a most rare substance of the coulour of the skyes , and not to be worne but by the greatest kings in the world . This made him halfe madde to be the owner of such strange Iewells : so that ere we departed , for a pound or two of blew beades , be brought ouer my king for 2. or 300. Bushells of corne ; yet parted good friends . The like entertainment we found of Opechankanough king of Pamavnkee , whom also he in like manner fitted ( at the like rates ) with blew beads , which grew by this meanes , of that estimation , that none durst weare any of them but their great kings , their wiues and children . And so we returned all well to Iames towne , where this new supply being lodged with the rest , accidentally fired their quarters and so the towne , which being but thatched with reeds , the fire was so fierce as it burnt their Pallisado's , ( though eight or ten yards distant ) with their Armes , bedding , apparell , and much priuate prouision . Good Master Hunt our Preacher lost all his Library and all he had but the cloathes on his backe : yet none neuer heard him repine at his losse . This happned in the winter in that extreame frost . 1607. Now though we had victuall sufficient I meane onely of Oatmeale , meale and corne , yet the Ship staying 14. weekes when shee might as wel haue beene gone in 14. dayes , spent a great part of that , and neare all the rest that was sent to be landed . When they departed what there discretion could spare vs , to make a little poore meale or two , we called feastes , to relish our mouthes : of each somwhat they left vs , yet I must confesse , those that had either money , spare clothes credit to giue billes of paiment , gold rings , furrs , or any such commodities , were euer welcome to this remouing tauerne , such was our patience to obay such vile Commanders , and buy our owne provisions at 15. times the value , suffering them feast ( we bearing the charge ) yet must not repine , but fast , least we should incurre the censure of factious and seditious persons : and then leakage , ship-rats , and other casuallties occasioned them losse , but the vessels and remnants ( for totals ) we were glad to receaue with all our hearts to make vp the account , highly commending their prouidence for preseruing that , least they should discourage any more to come to vs. Now for all this plenty our ordynary was but meale and water , so that this great charge little releeued our wants , whereby with the extremitie of the bitter cold frost and those defects , more then halfe of vs dyed ; I cannot deny but both Smith and Skriuener did their best to amend what was amisse , but with the President went the maior part , that there hornes were to short . But the worst was our guilded refiners with their golden promises made all men their slaues in hope of recompences ; there was no talke , no hope , no worke , but dig gold , wash gold , refine gold , loade gold , such a bruit of gold , that one mad fellow desired to be buried in the sands least they should by there art make gold of his bones : little neede there was and lesse reason , the ship should stay , there wages run on , our victualls consume 14. weekes , that the Mariners might say , they did helpe to build such a golden Church that we can say the raine washed neere to nothing in 14. dayes . Were it that captaine Smith would not applaude all those golden inventions , because they admitted him not to the sight of their trialls nor golden consultations , I know not ; but I haue heard him oft question with Captaine Martin & tell him , except he could shew him a more substantiall triall , he was not inamoured with their durty skill , breathing out these and many other passions , neuer any thing did more torment him , then to see all necessary busines neglected , to fraught such a drunken ship with so much guilded durt . Till then we neuer accounted , Captaine Newport a refiner , who being ready to set saile for England , & we not hauing any vse of Parliaments , Plaies , Petitions , Admiralls , Recorders , Interpreters , Chronologers , Courts of Plea , nor Iustices of peace , sent Master Wingfield and Captaine Archer home with him , that had ingrossed all those titles , to seeke some better place of imployment . Oh cursed gold those , hunger-starved movers , To what misfortunes lead'st thou all those lovers ! For all the China wealth , nor Indies can Suffice the minde of an av'ritious man. CHAP. IIII. The Arrivall of the Phoenix ; her returne ; and other Accidents . THe authoritie now consisting in Captaine Martin , and the still sickly President , the sale of the Stores commodities maintained his estate , as an inheritable revenew . The spring approaching , and the Ship departing , Mr Scrivener and Captaine Smith devided betwixt them the rebuilding Iames towne ; the repairing our Pallizadoes ; the cutting downe trees ; preparing our fields ; planting our corne , and to rebuild our Church , and recover our Store house . All men thus busie at their severall labours , Master Nelson arrived with his lost Phoenix ; lost ( I say ) for that we all deemed him lost . Landing safely all his men , ( so well he had mannaged his ill hap , ) causing the Indian Isles to feede his company , that his victuall to that we had gotten , as is said before , was neare after our allowance sufficient for halfe a yeare . He had not any thing but he freely imparted it , which honest dealing ( being a Marriner ) caused vs admire him : we would not haue wished more then he did for vs. Now to relade this ship with some good tydings , the President ( not holding it stood with the dignitie of his place to leaue the Fort ) gaue order to Captaine Smith to discover and search the commodities of the Monacans Countrey beyond the Falls . Sixtie able men was allotted them , the which within six dayes , Smith had so well trained to their armes and orders , that they little feared with whom they should incounter : yet so vnseasonable was the time , and so opposit was Captaine Martin to any thing , but onely to fraught this ship also with his phantasticall gold , as Captaine Smith rather desired ●o relade her with Cedar , ( which was a present dispatch ) then either with durt , or the hopes and reports of an vncertaine discovery , which he would performe when they had lesse charge and more leisure . But , The God of Heav'n , He eas'ly can Immortalize a mortall man , With glory and with fame . The same God , ev'n as eas'ly may Afflict a mortall man , I say , With sorrow and with shame . Whilst the conclusion was a resolving , this hapned . Powhatan ( to expresse his loue to Newport ) when he departed , presented him with twentie Turkies , conditionally to returne him twentie ●words , which immediately was sent him ; now after his departure he presented Captaine Smith with the like luggage , but not finding his humor obeyed in not sending such weapons as he desired , he caused his people with twentie devices to obtaine them . At last by ambuscadoes at our very Ports they would take them perforce , surprise vs at worke , or any way ; which was so long permitted , they became so insolent there was no rule ; the command from England was so strait not to offend them , as our authoritie-bearers ( keeping their houses ) would rather be any thing then peace-breakers . This charitable humor prevailed , till well it chanced they medled with Captaine Smith , who without farther deliberation gaue them such an incounter , as some he so hunted vp and downe the Isle , some he so terrified with whipping , beating , and impriso●ment , as for revenge they surprised two of our forraging disorderly souldiers , and having assembled their forces , boldly threatned at our Ports to force Smith to redeliver seven Salvages , which for their villanies he detained prisoners , or we were all but dead men . But to try their furies he sallied out amongst them , and in lesse then an houre , he so hampred their insolencies , they brought them his two men , desiring peace without any further composition for their prisoners . Those he examined , and caused them all beleeue , by severall vollies of shot one of their companions was shot to death , because they would not confesse their intents and plotters of those villanies . And thus they all agreed in one point , they were directed onely by Powhatan to obtaine him our weapons , to cut our owne throats , with the manner where , how , and when , which we plainly found most true and apparant : yet he sent his messengers , and his dearest daughter Pocahontas with presents to excuse him of the iniuries done by some rash vntoward Captaines his subiects , desiring their liberties for this time , with the assurance of his loue for ever . After Smith had given the prisoners what correction he thought fit , vsed them well a day or two after , & then delivered them Pocahontas , for whose sake onely he fayned to haue saued their liues , and gaue them libertie . The patient Councell that nothing would moue to warre with the Salvages , would gladly haue wrangled with Captaine Smith for his crueltie , yet none was slaine to any mans knowledge , but it brought them in such feare and obedience , as his very name would sufficiently affright them ; where before , wee had sometime peace and warre twice in a day , and very seldome a weeke , but we had some trecherous villany or other . The fraught of this Ship being concluded to be Cedar , by the diligence of the Master , and Captaine Smith , she was quickly reladed : Master Scrivener was neither idle nor slow to follow all things at the Fort ; the Ship being ready to set sayle , Captaine Martin being alwayes very sickly , and vnserviceable , and desirous to inioy the credit of his supposed Art of finding the golden Mine , was most willingly admitted to returne for England . For He hath not fill'd his lapp , That still doth hold it oap . From the writings of Thomas Studley , and Anas T●dkill . Their Names that were landed in this Supply . Mathew Scrivener appointed to be one of the Councell . Gent. Michaell Phittiplace . William Phittiplace . Ralph Morton . Richard Wyffing . Iohn Taverner . William Cantrell . Robert Barnes . Richard Fetherstone . George Hill. George Pretty . Nathaniell Causy . Peter Pory . Robert Gutler . Michaell Sicklemore . William Bentley . Thomas Coe . Doctor Russell . Ieffrey Abbot . Edward Gurgana . Richard Worley . Timothy Leeds . Richard Killingbeck . William Spence . Richard ●rodger . Richard Pots . Richard Mullinax . William Bayley . Francis Perkins . Iohn Harper . George Forest. Iohn Nichols . William Griuell . Labourers . Raymōd Goodison . William Simons . Iohn Spearman . Richard Bristow . William Perce . Iames Watkins . Iohn Bouth . Christopher Rods. Richard Burket . Iames Burre . Nicholas Ven. Francis Perkins . Richard Gradon . Rawland Nelstrop . Richard Savage . Thomas Savage . Richard Milmer . William May. Vere . Michaell . Bishop Wiles . Taylers . Thomas Hope . William Ward . Iohn Powell . William Yong. William Beckwith . Larence Towtales . Apothecaries . Thomas Field . Iohn Harford . Dani : Stallings , Ieweller . Will : Dawson , a refiner . Abram Ransack , a refiner . Wil. Iohnson , a Goldsmith . Peter Keffer , a gunsmith . Rob. Alberton , a perfumer . Richard Belfuld , a Goldsmith . Post Ginnat , a Chirurg . Iohn Lewes , a Cooper . Robert Cotton , a Tobacco-pipe-maker . Richard Dole , a Black-smith . And divers others to the number of 120. CHAPTER V. The Accidents that hapned in the Discovery of the Bay of Chisapeack . THe prodigalitie of the Presidents state went so deepe into our small store , that Smith and Scrivener tyed him and his Parasites to the rules of proportion . But now Smith being to depart , the Presidents authoritie so overswayed the discretion of Mr Scrivener , that our store , our time , our strength and labours were idely consumed to fulfill his phantasies . The second of Iune 1608. Smith left the Fort to performe his Discovery with this Company . Walter Russell , Doctor of Physicke . Gentlemen . Ralfe Murton . Thomas Momford . William Cantrill . Richard Fetherston . Iames Burne . Michell Sicklemore . Souldiers . Ionas Profit . Anas Todkill . Robert Small . Iames Watkins . Iohn Powell . Iames Read. Richard Keale . These being in an open Barge neare three tuns burthen , leaving the Phoenix a● Cape Henry , they crossed the Bay to the Easterne shore , and fell with the Isles called Smiths Isles , after our Captaines name . The first people we saw were two grim and stout Salvages vpon Cape Charles , with long poles like lauelings , headed with bone , they boldly demanded what we were , and what we would ; but after many circumstances they seemed very kinde , and directed vs to Accomack , the habitation of their Werowance , where we were kindly intreated . This King was the comliest , proper , civill Salvage we incountred . His Country is a pleasant fertile clay ●oyle , some small creekes ; good Harbours for small Barks , but not for Ships . He told vs of a strange accident lately happened him , and it was , two children being dead ; some extreame passions , or dreaming visions , phantasies , or affection moued their parents againe to revisit their dead carkases , whose benummed bodies reflected to the eyes of the beholders such delightfull countenances , as though they had regained their vitall spirits . This as a miracle drew many to behold them , all which being a great part of his people , not long after dyed , and but few escaped . They spake the language of Powhatan , wherein they made such descriptions of the Bay , Isles , and rivers , that often did vs exceeding pleasure . Passing along the coast , searching every inlet , and Bay , fit for harbours and habitations . Seeing many Isles in the midst of the Bay we bore vp for them , but ere we could obtaine them , such an extreame gust of wind , rayne , thunder , and lightening happened , that with great danger we escaped the vnmercifull raging of that Ocean-like water . The highest land on the mayne , yet it was but low , we called Keales hill , and these vninhabited Isles , Russels Isles . The next day searching them for fresh water , we could find none , the defect whereof forced vs to follow the next Easterne Channell , which brought vs to the river of Wighcocomoco . The people at first with great fury seemed to assault vs , yet at last with songs and daunces and much mirth became very tractable , but searching their habitations for water , we could fill but three barricoes , & that such puddle , that never till then we ever knew the want of good water . We digged and searched in many places , but before two daies were expired , we would haue refused two barricoes of gold for one of that puddle water of Wighcocomoco . Being past these Isles which are many in number , but all naught for habitation , falling with a high land vpon the mayne , we found a great Pond of fresh water , but so exceeding hot wee supposed it some bath ; that place we called poynt Ployer , in honor of that most honourable House of Mousay in Britaine , that in an extreame extremitie once relieued our Captaine . From Wighcocomoco to this place , all the coast is low broken Isles of Morap , growne a myle or two in breadth , and ten or twelue in length , good to cut for hay in Summer , and to catch fish and foule in Winter : but the Land beyond them is all covered over with wood , as is the rest of the Country . Being thus refreshed in crossing ouer from the maine to other Isles , we discouered the winde and waters so much increased with thunder , lightning , and raine , that our mast and sayle blew ouerbord and such mighty waues ouerracked vs in that small barge that with great labour we kept her frō sinking by freeing out the water . Two dayes we were inforced to inhabite these vninhabited Isles which for the extremitie of gusts , thunder , raine , stormes , and ill wether we called Limbo . Repairing our saile with our shirts , we set sayle for the maine and fell with a pretty convenient riuer on the East called Cuskarawaok , the people ran as amazed in troups from place to place , and diuers got into the tops of trees , they were not sparing of their arrowes , nor the greatest passion they could expresse of their anger . Long they shot , we still ryding at an Anchor without there reatch making all the signes of friendship we could . The next day they came vnarmed , with euery one a basket , dancing in a ring , to draw vs on shore : but seeing there was nothing in them but villany , we discharged a volly of muskets charged with pistoll shot , whereat they all lay tumbling on the grownd , creeping some one way , some another into a great cluster of reedes hard by ; where there companies lay in Ambuscado . Towards the euening we wayed , & approaching the shoare , discharging fiue or six shot among the reedes , we landed where there lay a many of baskets and much bloud , but saw not a Salvage . A smoake appearing on the other side the riuer , we rowed thither , where we found two or three little houses , in each a fire , there we left some peeces of copper , beads , bells , and looking glasses , and then went into the bay , but when it was darke we came backe againe . Early in the morning foure Salvages came to vs in their Canow , whom we vsed with such courtesie , not knowing what we were , nor had done , hauing beene in the bay a fishing , bad● vs stay and ere long they would returne , which they did and some twentie more with them ; with whom after a little conference , two or three thousand men women & childrē came clustring about vs , euery one presēting vs with something , which a little bead would so well require , that we became such friends they would contend who should fetch vs water , stay with vs for hostage , conduct our men any whither , and giue vs the best content . Here doth inhabite the people of Sarapinagh , Nause , Arseek , and Nantaquak the best Marchants of all other Salvages . They much extolled a great nation called Massawomekes , in search of whom we ret●●●ed by Limbo : this riuer but onely at the ●nt●ance is very narrow , and the people of small stature as them of Wightcocomoco , the Land but low , yet it may proue very commodious , because it is but a ridge of land betwixt the Bay and the maine Ocean . Finding this Easterne shore , shallow broken Isles , and for most part without fresh water , we passed by the straites of Limbo for the Westerne shore : so broad is the bay here , we could scarce perceiue the great high clifts on the other side : by them we Anchored that night and called them R●ccards Clift●s . 30. leagues we sayled more Northwards not finding any inhabitants , leauing all the Easterne shore , lowe Islandes , but ouergrowne with wood , as all the Coast beyond them so farre as wee could see : the Westerne shore by which we sayled we found all along well watered , but very mountanous and barren , the vallies very fertill , but extreame thicke of small wood so well as trees , and much frequented with Wolues , Beares , Deere and other wild beasts . We passed many shallow creekes , but the first we found Nauigable for a ship , we called Bolus , for that the clay in many places vnder the clifts by the high water marke , did grow vp in red and white knots as gum out of trees ; and in some places so participated together as though they were all of one nature , excepting the coulour , the rest of the earth on both sides being hard sandy grauell , which made vs thinke it Bole-Armoniack and Terra sigillata . When we first set sayle some of our Gallants doubted nothing but that our Captaine would make too much hast home , but hauing lien in this small barge not aboue 12. or 14. dayes , oft tyred at the Oares , our bread spoyled with wet so much that it was rotten ( yet so good were their stomacks that they could disgest it ) they did with continuall complaints so importune him now to returne , as caused him bespeake them in this manner . Gentlemen if you would remember the memorable history of Sir Ralph Layne , how his company importuned him to proceed in the discovery of Moratico , alleadging they had yet a dog , that being boyled with Saxafras leaues , would richly feede them in their returnes ; then what a shame would it be for you ( that haue bin so suspitious of my tendernesse ) to force me returne , with so much provision as we haue , and scarce able to say where we haue beene , nor yet heard of that we were sent to seeke ? You cannot say but I haue shared with you in the worst which is past ; and for what is to come , of lodging , dyet , or whatsoeuer , I am contented you allot the worst part to my selfe . As for your feares that I will lose my selfe in these vnknowne large waters , or be swallowed vp in some stormie gust ; abandon these childish feares , for wor●e then to past ●s not likely to happen : and there is as much danger to returne as to proceede . Regaine therefore your old spirits for returne I will not ( if God please ) till I haue 〈◊〉 the Massawomeks , found Patawomek , or the head of this water you conceit to be endl●sse . Two or 3. dayes we expected winde & wether , whose aduerse extremities added such discouragement , that three or foure fell sicke , whose pittifull complaints caused vs to to returne , leauing the bay some nine miles broad , at nine and ten fadome water . The 16. of Iune we fell with the riuer Patowomek : feare being gone , and our men recovered , we were all content to take some paines , to know the name of that seuen mile broad riuer : for thirtie myles sayle , we could see no inhabitants : then we were conducted by two Savages vp a little bayed creeke , towards Onawmanient , where all the woods were layd with ambuscado's to the number of three or foure thousand Salvages , so strangely paynted , grimed and disguised , shouting , yelling and crying as so many spirits from hell could not haue shewed more terrible . Many brauado's they made , but to appeale their fury , our Captaine prepared with as seeming a willingnesse ( as they ) to incounter them . But the grazing of our bullets vpon the water ( many being shot on purpose they might see them ) with the Ecco of the of the woods so amazed them , as downe went their bowes and arrowes ; ( and exchanging hostage ) Iames Watkins was sent six myles vp the woods to their Kings habitation . We were kindly vsed of those Salvages , of whom we vnderstood , they were commanded to betray vs , by the direction of Powhatan , and he so directed from the discontents at Iames towne , because our Captaine did cause them stay in their country against their w●lls . The like incounters we found at Patowomek Cecocawonee and diuers other places : but at Moyaones , Nacotchtant and Toegs the people did their best to content vs. Hauing gone so high as we could with the bote , we met diuers Saluages in Canowes , well loaden with the flesh of Beares , ●eere and other beasts , whereof we had part , here we found mighty Rocks , growing in some places aboue the grownd as high as the shrubby trees , and diuers other solid quarries of diuers tinctures : and diuers places where the waters had falne from the high mountaines they had left a tinctured spāgled skurfe , that made many bare places seeme as guilded . Digging the growne aboue in the highest clifts of rocks , we saw it was a claie sand so mingled with yeallow spangles as if it had beene halfe pin-dust . In our returne inquiring still for this Matchqueon , the king of Patawomeke gaue vs guides to conduct vs vp a little riuer called Quiyough , vp which we rowed so high as we could . Leauing the bote , with six shot , and diuers Salvages , he marched seuen or eight myle before they came to the mine : leading his hostages in a small chaine they were to haue for their paines , being proud so richly to be adorned . The mine is a great Rocky mountaine like Antimony ; wherein they digged a great hole with shells & hatchets : and hard by it , runneth a fayre brooke of Christal-like water , where they wash a way the drosse and keepe the remainder , which they put in little baggs and sell it all ouer the country to paint there bodyes , faces , or Idols ; which makes them looke like Blackmores dusted over with siluer . With so much as we could carry we returned to our bote , kindly requiting this kinde king and all his kinde people . The cause of this discovery was to search this mine , of which Newport did assure vs that those small baggs ( we had giuen him ) in England he had tryed to hold halfe siluer ; but all we got proued of no value : also to search what furrs , the best whereof is at Cuscarawaoke , where is made so much Rawranoke or white beads that occasion as much dissention among the the Salvages , as gold and siluer amongst Christians ; and what other mineralls , riuers , rocks , nations , woods , fishings , fruites , victuall , and what other commodities the land afforded : and whether the bay were endles●e or how farre it extended : of mines we were all ignorant , but a few Beuers , Otters , Beares , Martins and minkes we found , and in diuers places that aboundance of fish , lying so thicke with their heads aboue the water , as for want of nets ( our barge driuing amongst them ) we attempted to catch them with a frying pan : but we found it a bad instrument to catch fish with : neither better fish , more pl●nty , nor more variety for smal fish , had any of vs euer seene in any place so swimming in the water , but they are not to be caught with frying pans : some small codd also we did see swim close by the shore by Smiths Iles , and some as high as Riccards Clifts . And some we haue found dead vpon the shore . To exprest all our quarrels , trecheries and incounters amongst those Salvages I should be too tedious : but in breefe , at all times we so incountred them , and curbed their insolencies , that they concluded with presents to purchase peace ; yet we lost not a man : at our first meeting out Captaine euer obserued this order to demand their bowes and arrowes , swordes , mantells and furrs , with some childe or two for hostage , whereby we could quickly perceiue , when they intended any villany . Hauing finished this discouery ( though our victuall was neere spent ) he intended to see his imprisonment-acquaintances vpon the riuer of Rapahanock , by many called Toppahanock , but our bote by reason of the ebbe , chansing to grownd vpon a many shoules lying in the entrances , we spyed many fishes lurking in the reedes : our Captaine spotting himselfe by nayling them to the grownd with his sword , set vs all a fishing in that manner : thus we tooke more in owne houre then we could eate in a day . But it chansed our Captaine taking a fish from his sword ( not knowing her condition ) being much of the fashion of a Thornback , but a long tayle like a ryding rodde , whereon the middest is a most poysoned sting , of two or three inches long , bearded like a saw on each side , which she strucke into the wrest of his arme neere an inch and a halfe : no bloud nor wound was seene , but a little blew spot , but the torment was instantly so extreame , that in foure houres had so swolen his hand , arme and shoulder , we all with much sorrow concluded his funerall , and prepared his graue in an Island by , as himselfe directed : yet it pleased God by a precious oyle Docter Russell at the first applyed to it when he sounded it with pro●e ( ere night ) his tormenting paine was so well asswaged that he eate of the fish to his supper , which gaue no lesse ioy and content to vs then ease to himselfe , for which we called the Island Stingray Isle after the name of the fish . Hauing neither Chirurgian , nor Chirurgery , but that preseruatiue oyle we presētly set sayles for Iames towne , passing the mouthes of the riuers of Payankatank , & Pamavnkee , the next day we safely arriued at Kecougtan . The simple Salvages seeing our Captaine hurt , and an other bloudy by breaking his shinne , our numbers of bowes , arrowes , swords , mantles , and furrs , would needes imagine we had beene at warres ( the truth of these accidents would not satisfie them ) but impatiently importuned vs to know with whom . Finding their aptnesse to beleeue we fayled not ( as a great secret ) to tell them any thing that might affright them , what spoyle we had got and made of the Massawomeks . This rumor went faster vp the river then our Barge , that arrived at Waraskoyack the 20 of Iuly ; where trimming her with painted streamers , and such devises as we could , we made them at Iames towne iealous of a Spanish Frigot , where we all God be thanked safely arrived the 21 of Iuly . There we found the last Supply were all sicke , the rest some lame , some bruised , all vnable to doe any thing but complaine of the pride and vnreasonable needlesse crueltie of the silly President , that had riotously consumed the store : and to fulfill his follies about building him an vnnecessary building for his pleasure in the woods , had brought them all to that misery ; that had we not arrived , they had as strangely tormented him with revenge : but the good newes of our Discovery , and the good hope we had by the Salvages relation , that our Bay had stretched into the South Sea , or somewhat neare it , appeased their fury ; but conditionally that Ratliffe should be deposed , and that Captaine Smith would take vpon him the government , as by course it did belong . Their request being effected , he substituted Mr Scrivener his deare friend in the Presidency , equally distributing those private provisions the other had ingrossed , appointing more honest officers to assist master Scrivener ( who then lay exceeding sicke of a Callenture ) and in regard of the weaknesse of the company , and heate of the yeare , they being vnable to worke , he left them to liue at ease , to recover their healths , but imbarked himselfe to finish his Discovery . Written by Walter Russell , Anas Todkill , and Thomas Momford . CHAP. VI. The Government surrendred to Master Scrivener . What happened the second Voyage in discovering the Bay. THe 24 of Iuly , Captaine Smith set forward to finish the discovery with twelue men : their names were Gentlemen . Nathaniell Powell . Thomas Momford . Richard Fetherston . Michell Sicklemore . Iames Bourne . Anthony Bagnall , Chir. Souldiers . Ionas Profit . Anas Todkill . Edward Pising . Richard Keale . Iames Watkins . William Ward . The wind being contrary caused our stay two or three dayes at Kecoughtan : the King feasted vs with much mirth , his people were perswaded we went purposely to be revenged of the Massawomeks . In the evening we fired a few rackets , which flying in the ayre so terrified the poore Salvages , they supposed nothing vnpossible we attempted ; and desired to assist vs. The first night we anchored at Stingray Isle . The next day crossed Patawomeks river , and hasted to the river Bolus . We went not much further before we might see the Bay to divide in two heads , and arriving there we found it divided in foure , all which we searched so farre as we could sayle them . Two of them we found inhabited , but in crossing the Bay , we incountred 7 or 8 Canowes full of Massawomeks , we seeing them prepare to assault vs , left our Oares and made way with our sayle to incounter them , yet were we but fiue with our Captaine that could stand , for within 2 dayes after we left Kecoughtan , the rest ( being all of the last supply ) were sicke almost ●o death , vntill they were seasoned to the Country . Having shut them vnder our Tarpawling , we put their hats vpon stickes by the Barges side , and betwixt two hats a man with two peeces , to make vs seeme many , and so we thinke the Indians supposed those hats to be men , for they fled with all possible speed to the shore , and there stayed , staring at the sayling of our barge till we anchored right against them . Long it was ere we could draw them to come vnto vs. At last they sent two of their company vnarmed in a Canow , the rest all followed to second them if neede required . These two being but each presented with a bell , brought aboord all their fellowes , presenting our Captaine with venison , beares flesh , fish , bowes , arrowes , clubs , targets , and beares-skinnes . We vnderstood them nothing at all , but by signes , whereby they signified vnto vs they had beene at warres with the Tockwoghes , the which they confirmed by shewing vs their greene wounds , but the night parting vs , we imagined they appointed the next morning to meete , but after that we never saw them . Entring the river of Tockwogh , the Salvages all armed , in a fleete of boats , after their barbarous manner , round invironed vs ; so it chanced one of them could speake the language of Powhatan , who perswaded the rest to a friendly parley . But when they saw vs furnished with the Massawomeks weapons , and we faining the invention of Kecoughtan , to haue taken them perforce ; they conducted vs to their pallizado●d towne , mantelled with the barkes of trees , with scaffolds like mounts , brested about with brests very formally . Their men , women , and children with daunces , songs , fruits , furres , and what they had , kindly welcommed vs , spreading mat● for vs to sit on , stretching their best abilities to expresse their loues . Many hatchets , kniues , peeces of iron , and brasse , we saw amongst them , which they reported to haue from the Sasquesahanocks , a mightie people and mortall enemies with the Massawomeks . The Sasquesahanocks inhabit vpon the chiefe Spring of these foure branches of the Bayes head , two dayes iourney higher then our barge could passe for rocks , yet we prevailed with the Interpreter to take with him another Interpreter , to perswade the Sasquesahanocks to come visit vs , for their language are different . Three or foure dayes we expected their returne , then sixtie of those gyant-like people came downe , with presents of Venison , Tobacco pipes three foot in length , Baskets , Targets , Bowes and Arrowes . Fiue of their chiefe Werowances came boldly aboord vs to crosse the Bay for Tockwhogh , leaving their men and Canowes ; the wind being so high they durst not passe . Our order was daily to haue Prayer , with a Psalme , at which solemnitie the poore Salvages much wondred , our Prayers being done , a while they were busied with a consultation till they had contrived their businesse . Then they began in a most passionate manner to hold vp their hands to the Sunne , with a most fearefull song , then imbracing our Captaine , they began to adore him in like manner : though he rebuked them , yet they proceeded till their song was finished : which done with a most strange furious action , and a hellish voyce , began an Oration of their loues ; that ended , with a great painted Beares skin they covered him : then one ready with a great chayne of white Beads , weighing at least six or seaven pound , hung it about his necke , the others had 18 mantels , made of divers sorts of skinnes sowed together ; all these with many other toyes they layd at his feete , stroking their ceremonious hands about his necke for his Creation to be their Governour and Protector , promising their aydes , victualls , or what they had to be his , if he would stay with them , to defend and revenge them of the Massawomecks . But we left them at Tockwhogh , sorrowing for our departure , yet we promised the next yeare againe to visit them . Many descriptions and discourses they made vs , of Atquanachuck , Massawomek , & other people , signifying they inhabit vpon a great water beyond the mountaines , which we vnderstood to be some great lake , or the river of Canada : and from the French to haue their hatchets and Commodities by trade . These know no more of the territories of Powhatan , then his name , and he as little of them , but the Atquanachuks are on the Ocean Sea. The highest mountaine we saw Northward wee called Perigrines mount , and a rocky river , where the Massawomeks went vp , Willowbyes river , in honor of the towne our Captaine was borne in , and that honorable house the Lord Willowby , his most honored good friend . The Sasquesahanocks river we called Smiths falles ; the next poynt to Tockwhogh , Pisings poynt ; the next it poynt Bourne . Powells Isles and Smals poynt is by the river Bolus ; and the little Bay at the head Profits poole ; Watkins , Reads , and Momfords poynts are on each side Limbo ; Ward , Cantrell , and Sicklemore , betwixt Patawomek and Pamavnk●e , after the names of the discoverers . In all those places and the furthest we came vp the rivers , we cut in trees so many crosses as we would , and in many places made holes in trees , wherein we writ notes , and in some places crosses of brasse , to signifie to any , Englishmen had beene there . Thus having sought all the inlets and rivers worth noting , we returned to discover the river of Pawtuxunt ; these people we found very tractable , and more civill then any , we promised them , as also the Patawomeks to revenge them of the Massawomeks , but our purposes were crossed . In the discovery of this river some call Rapathanock , we were kindly entertained by the people of Moraughtacund ; here we incountered our old friend Mosco , a lusty Salvage of Wighcocomoco vpō the river of Patawomek , we supposed him some French mans sonne , because he had a thicke blacke bush beard , and the Salvages seldome haue any at all , of which he was not a little proud , to see so many of his Country-men . Wood and water he would fetch vs , guide vs any whether , nay , cause divers of his Countrymen helpe vs towe against winde or tyde from place to place till we came to Patawomek : there he rested till we returned from the head of the river , and occasioned our conduct to the mine we supposed Antimony . And in the place he fayled not to doe vs all the good he could , perswading vs in any case not to goe to the Rapahanocks , for they would kill vs for being friends with the Moraughtacunds that but lately had stolne three of the Kings women . This we did thinke was but that his friends might onely haue our trade : so we crossed the river to the Rapahanocks . There some 12 or 16 standing on the shore , directed vs a little Creeke where was good landing , and Commodities for vs in three or foure Canowes we saw lie there : but according to our custome , we demanded to exchange a man in signe of loue , which after they had a little consulted , foure or fiue came vp to the middles , to fetch our man , and leaue vs one of them , shewing we need not feare them , for they had neither clubs , bowes , nor arrowes . Notwithstanding , Anas Todkill , being sent on shore to see if he could discover any Ambuscadoes , or what they had , desired to goe over the playne to fetch some wood , but they were vnwilling , except we would come into the Creeke , where the boat might come close ashore . Todkill by degrees having got some two stones throwes vp the playne , perceived two or three hundred men ( as he thought ) behind the trees , so that offering to returne to the Boat , the Salvages assayed to carry him away perforce , that he called to vs we were betrayed , and by that he had spoke the word , our hostage was over-boord , but Watkins his keeper slew him in the water . Immediatly we let fly amongst them , so that they fled , & Todkill escaped , yet they shot so fast that he fell flat on the ground ere he could recover the boat . Here the Massawomek Targets stood vs in good stead , for vpon Mosco's words , we had set them about the forepart of our Boat like a forecastle , from whence we securely beat the Salvages from off the plaine without any hurt : yet they shot more then a thousand Arrowes , and then fled into the woods . Arming our selues with these light Targets ( which are made of little small sticks woven betwixt strings of their hempe and silke grasse , as is our Cloth , but so firmely that no arrow can possibly pierce them : ) we rescued Todkill , who was all bloudy by some of them who were shot by vs that held him , but as God pleased he had no hurt ; and following them vp to the woods , we found some slaine , and in divers places much bloud . It seems all their arrowes were spent , for we heard no more of them . Their Canows we tooke ; the arrowes we found we broke , saue them we kept for Mosco , to whom we gaue the Canowes for his kindnesse , that entertained vs in the best trivmphing manner , and warlike order in armes of conquest he could procure of the Moraughtacunds . The rest of the day we spent in accomodating our Boat , in stead of thoules wee made stickes like Bedstaues , to which we fastened so many of our Massawomek Targets , that invironed her as wast clothes . The next morning we went vp the river , and our friend Mosco followed vs along the shore , and at last desired to goe with vs in our Boat. But as we passed by Pisacack , Matchopeak , and Mecuppom , three Townes situated vpon high white clay clifts ; the other side all a low playne marish , and the river there but narrow . Thirtie or fortie of the Rapahanocks , had so accommodated themselues with branches , as we tooke them for little bushes growing among the sedge , still seeing their arrowes strike the Targets , and dropped in the river : where-at Mosco fell flat in the Boat on his face , crying the Rapahanocks , which presently we espied to be the bushes , which at our first volley fell downe in the sedge : when wee were neare halfe a myle from them , they shewed themselues dauncing and singing very merrily . The Kings of Pissassack , Nandtaughtacund , and Cuttatawomen , vsed vs kindly , and all their people neglected not any thing to Mosco to bring vs to them . Betwixt Secobeck and Massawteck is a small Isle or two , which causeth the river to be broader then ordinary ; there it pleased God to take one of our Company called Mr Fetherstone , that all the time he had beene in this Country , had behaved himselfe , honestly , valiantly , and industriously , where in a little Bay we called Fetherstones Bay wee buryed him with a volley of shot : the rest notwithstanding their ill dyet , and bad lodging , crowded in so small a Barge , in so many dangers never resting , but alwayes tossed to and againe , had all well recovered their healths . The next day wee sayled so high as our Boat would float , there setting vp crosses , and graving our names in the trees . Our Sentinell saw an arrow fall by him , though we had ranged vp and downe more then an houre in digging in the earth , looking of stones , herbs , and springs , not seeing where a Salvage could well hide himselfe . Vpon the alarum by that we had recovered our armes , there was about an hundred nimble Indians skipping from tree to tree , letting fly their arrows so fast as they could : the trees here served vs for Baricadoes as well as they . But Mosco did vs more service then we expected , for having shot away his quiver of Arrowes , he ran to the Boat for more . The Arrowes of Mosco at the first made them pause vpon the matter , thinking by his bruit and skipping , there were many Salvages . About halfe an houre this continued , then they all vanished as suddainly as they approached . Mosco followed them so farre as he could see vs , till they were out of sight . As we returned there lay a Salvage as dead , shot in the knee , but taking him vp we found he had life , which Mosco seeing , never was Dog more furious against a Beare , then Mosco was to haue beat out his braines , so we had him to our Boat , where our Chirurgian who went with vs to cure our Captaines hurt of the Stingray , so dressed this Salvage that within an houre after he looked somewhat chearefully , and did eate and speake . In the meane time we contented Mosco in helping him to gather vp their arrowes , which were an armefull , whereof he gloried not a little . Then we desired Mosco to know what he was , and what Countries were beyond the mountaines ; the poore Salvage mildly answered , he and all with him were of Hasinninga , where there are three Kings more , like vnto them , namely the King of Stegora , the King of Tauxuntania , and the King of Shakahonea , that were come to Moha●kahod , which is onely a hunting Towne , and the bounds betwixt the Kingdome of the Mannahocks , and the Nandtaughtacunds , but hard by where we were . We demanded why they came in that manner to betray vs , that came to them in peace , and to seeke their loues ; he answered , they heard we were a people come from vnder the world , to take their world from them . We asked him how many worlds he did know , he replyed , he knew no more but that which was vnder the skie that covered him , which were the Powhatans , with the Monacans , and the Massawomeks , that were higher vp in the mountaines . Then we asked him what was beyond the mountaines , he answered the Sunne : but of any thing els he knew nothing ; * because the woods were not burnt . These and many such questions wee demanded , concerning the Massawomeks , the Monacans , their owne Country , and where were the Kings of Stegora , Tauxsintania , and the rest . The Monacans he sayd were their neighbours and friends , and did dwell as they in the hilly Countries by small rivers , liuing vpon rootes and fruits , but chiefly by hunting . The Massawomeks did dwell vpon a great water , and had many boats , & so many men that they made warre with all the world . For their Kings , they were gone every one a severall way with their men on hunting : But those with him came thither a fishing till they saw vs , notwithstanding they would be altogether at night at Mahaskahod . For his relation we gaue him many toyes , with perswasions to goe with vs , and he as earnestly desired vs to stay the comming of those Kings that for his good vsage should be friends with vs , for he was brother to Hasinninga . But Mosco advised vs presently to be gone , for they were all naught , yet we told him we would not till it was night . All things we made ready to entertain what came , & Mosco was as diligent in trimming his arrowes . The night being come we all imbarked , for the riuer was so narrow , had it beene light the land on the one side was so high , they might haue done vs exceeding much mischiefe . All this while the K. of Hasinninga was seeking the rest , and had consultation a good time what to doe . But by their espi●s seeing we were gone , it was not long before we heard their arrowes dropping on every side the Boat ; we cause● our Salvages to call vnto them , but such a yelling & hallowing they made that they heard nothing , but now and then a peece , ayming so neare as we could where we heard the most voyces . More then 12 myles they followed vs in this manner ; then the day appearing , we found our selues in a broad Bay , out of danger of their shot , where wee came to an anchor , and fell to breakfast . Not so much as speaking to them till the Sunne was risen ; being well refreshed , we vntyed our Targets that couered vs as a Deck , and all shewed our selues with those shields on our armes , and swords in our hands , and also our prisoner Amoroleck ; a long discourse there was betwixt his Countrimen and him , how good wee were , how well wee vsed him , how wee had a Patawomek with vs , loued vs as his life , that would haue slaine him had we not preserued him , and that he should haue his libertie would they be but friends ; and to doe vs any hurt it was impossible . Vpon this they all hung their Bowes and Quivers vpon the trees , and one came swimming aboord vs with a Bow tyed on his head , and another with a Quiver of Arrowes , which they deliuered our Captaine as a present , the Captaine hauing vsed them so kindly as he could , told them the other three Kings should doe the like , and then the great King of our world should be their friend , whose men we were . It was no sooner demanded but performed , so vpon a low Moorish poynt of Land we went to the shore , where those foure Kings came and receiued Amoroleck : nothing they had but Bowes , Arrowes , Tobacco-bags , and Pipes : what we desired , none refused to giue vs , wondering at every thing we had , and heard we had done : our Pistols they tooke for pipes , which they much desired , but we did content them with other Commodities , and so we left foure or fiue hundred of our merry Mannahocks , singing , dauncing , and making merry , and set sayle for Moraughtacund . In our returnes we visited all our friends , that reioyced much at our Victory against the Mannahocks , who many times had Warres also with them , but now they were friends , and desired we would be friends with the Rapahanocks , as we were with the Mannahocks . Our Captaine told them , they had twise assaulted him that came onely in loue to doe them good , and therefore he would now burne all their houses , destroy their corne , and for euer hold them his enemies , till they made him satisfaction ; they desired to know what that should be : he told them they should present him the Kings Bow and Arrowes , and not offer to come armed where he was ; that they should be friends with the Moraughtacunds his friends , and giue him their Kings sonne in pledge to performe it , and then all King Iames his men should be their friends . Vpon this they presently sent to the Rapahanocks to meete him at the place where they first fought , where would be the Kings of Nantautacund and Pissassac : which according to their promise were there so soone as we ; where Rapahanock presented his Bow and Arrowes , and confirmed all we desired , except his sonne , having no more but him he could not liue without him , but in stead of his sonne he would giue him the three women Moraughtacund had stol●e . This was accepted : and so in three or foure Canowes , so many as could went with vs to Moraughtacund , where Mosco made them such relations , and gaue to his friends so many Bowes and Arrowes , that they no lesse loued him then admired vs. The 3 women were brought our Captaine , to each he gaue a chayne of Beads : and then causing Moraughtacund , Mosco , and Rapahanock stand before him , bid Rapahanock take her he loued best , and Moraughtacund chuse next , & to Mosco he gaue the third . Vpon this away went their Canowes over the water , to fetch their venison , and all the provision they could , and they that wanted Boats swam over the river : the darke commanded vs then to rest . The next day there was of men , women , and children , as we coniectured , six or seauen hundred , dauncing , & singing , and not a Bow nor Arrow seene amongst them . Mosco changed his name V●tasantascugh , which we interpret Stranger , for so they call vs. All promising ever to be our friends , and to plant Corne purposely for vs ; and we to provide hatchets , beads , and copper for them , we departed , giuing them a Volley of shot , and they vs as loud shouts and cryes as their strengths could vtter . That night we anchored in the river of Payankatank , and discovered it so high as it was navigable , but the people were most a hunting , saue a few old men , women , and children , that were tending their corne , of which they promised vs part when we would fetch it , as had done all the Nations where ever we had yet beene . In a fayre calme , rowing towards poynt Comfort , we anchored in Gosnolls Bay , but such a suddaine gust surprised vs in the night with thunder and rayne , that we never thought more to haue seene Iames Towne . Yet running before the wind , we sometimes saw the Land by the flashes of fire from heaven , by which light onely we kept from the splitting shore , vntill it pleased God in that blacke darknesse to preserue vs by that light to finde poynt Comfort : there refreshing our selues , because we had onely but heard of the Chisapeacks & Nandsamunds , we thought it as fit to know all our neighbours neare home , as so many Nations abroad . So setting sayle for the Southerne shore , we sayled vp a narrow river vp the country of Chisapeack ; it hath a good channell , but many shoules about the entrance . By that we had sayled six or seauen myles , we saw two or three little garden plots with their houses , the shores overgrowne with the greatest Pyne and Firre trees wee ever saw in the Country . But not seeing nor hearing any people , and the riuer very narrow , we returned to the great riuer , to see if we could finde any of them . Coasting the shore towards Nandsamund , which is most Oyster-bankes ; at the mouth of that riuer , we espied six or seauen Salvages making their wires , who presently fled : ashore we went , and where they wrought we threw diuers toyes , and so departed . Farre we were not gone ere they came againe , and began to sing , and daunce , and recall vs : and thus we began our first acquaintance . At last one of them desired vs to goe to his house vp that riuer , into our Boat voluntarily he came , the rest ran after vs by the shore with all shew of loue that could be . Seauen or eight myles we sayled vp this narrow riuer : at last on the Westerne shore we saw large Cornefields , in the midst a little Isle , and in it was abundance of Corne ; the people he told vs were all a hunting , but in the Isle was his house , to which he inuited vs with much kindnesse : to him ▪ his wife , and children , we gaue such things as they seemed much contented them . The others being come , desired vs also to goe but a little higher to see their houses : here our host left vs , the rest rowed by vs in a Canow , till we were so far past the Isle the riuer became very narrow . Here we desired some of them to come abord vs , wherat pausing a little , they told vs they would but fetch their bows and arrowes and goe all with vs , but being a-shore and thus armed , they perswaded vs to goe forward , but we could neither perswade them into their Canow , nor into our Boat. This gaue vs cause to prouide for the worst . Farre we went not ere seauen or eight Canowes full of men armed appeared following vs , staying to see the conclusion . Presently from each side the riuer came arrowes so fast as two or three hundred could shoot them , whereat we returned to get the open . They in the Canowes let fly also as fast , but amongst them we bestowed so many shot , the most of them leaped overboard and swam ashore , but two or three escaped by rowing , being against their playnes : our Muskets they found shot further then their Bowes , for wee made not twentie shot ●re they all retyred behind the next trees . Being thus got out of their trap , we seised on all their Canowes , and moored them in the midst of the open . More then an hundred arrowes stucke in our Targets , and about the boat , yet none hurt , onely Anthony Bagnall was shot in his Hat , and another in his sleeue . But seeing their multitudes , and suspecting as it was , that both the Nandsamunds , and the Chisapeacks were together , we thought it best to ryde by their Canowes a while , to bethinke if it were better to burne all in the Isle , or draw them to composition , till we were prouided to take all they had , which was sufficient to feed all our Colony : but to burne the Isle at night it was concluded . In the interim we began to cut in peeces their Canowes , and they presently to lay downe their bowes , making signes of peace : peace we told them we would accept , would they bring vs their Kings bowes and arrowes , with a chayne of pearle ; and when we came againe giue vs foure hundred baskets full of Corne , otherwise we would breake all their boats , and burne their houses , and corne , and all they had . To performe all this they alledged onely the want of a Canow ; so we put one a drift & bad them swim to fetch her : and till they performed their promise , wee would but onely breake their Canowes . They cryed to vs to doe no more , all should be as we would : which presently they performed , away went their bowes and arrowes , and tagge and ragge came with their baskets : so much as we could carry we tooke , and so departing good friends , we returned to Iames Towne , where we safely arrived the 7. of September , 1608. There we found Mr Scrivener , and divers others well recovered : many dead ; some sicke : the late President prisoner for mutiny : by the honest diligence of Master Scrivener , the haruest gathered , but the provision in the store much spoyled with rayne . Thus was that summer ( when little wanted ) consumed and spent , and nothing done ( such was the gouernment of Captaine Ratliffe ) but onely this discovery ; wherein to expresse all the dangers , accidents , and incounters this small number passed in that small Barge , by the scale of proportion , about three thousand myles , with such watery dyet in those great waters and barbarous Countries ( till then to any Christian vtterly vnknowne ) I rather referre their merit to the censure of the courteous and experienced Reader , then I would be tedious or partiall being a partie . But to this place to come who will adventure , with iudgements guide and reason how to enter : Finds in this worlds broad sea , with winde and tyde , Ther 's safer sayle then any where beside , But 'cause to wanton novices it is A Province full of fearefulnesse I wiss ; Into the great vast deepe to venter out : Those shallow rivers let them coast about . And by a small Boat learne there first , and marke , How they may come to make a greater Barke . Written by Anthony Bagnall , Nathanaell Powell , and Anas Todkill . CHAPTER VII . The Presidency surrendred to Captaine Smith : the Arrivall and returne of the second Supply . And what happened . THe tenth of September , by the Election of the Councell , and request of the Company , Captaine Smith receiued the Letters Patents : which till then by no meanes he would accept , though he was often importuned therevnto . Now the building of Ratliffes Pallace stayed as a thing needlesse ; the Church was repaired ; the Store-house recouered ; buildings prepared for the Supplyes , we expected ; the Fort reduced to a fiue-square forme ; the order of the Watch renewed ; the squadrons ( each setting of the Watch ) trained ; the whole Company euery Saturday exercised , in the plaine by the west Bulwarke , prepared for that purpose , we called Smithfield : where sometimes more then an hundred Salvages would stand in an amazement to behold , how a fyle would batter a tree , where he would make them a marke to shoot at ; the boats trimmed for trade , which being sent out with Lieutenant Percy , in their Iourney incountred the second Supply , that brought them backe to discover the Country of Monacan . How or why Captaine Newport obtained such a private Commission , as not to returne without a lumpe of gold , a certaintie of the South sea , or one of the lost company sent out by Sir Water Raleigh , I know not ; nor why he brought such a fiue peeced Barge , not to beare vs to that South sea , till we had borne her over the mountaines , which how farre they extend is yet vnknowne . As for the Coronation of Powhatan , and his presents of Bason and Ewer , Bed , Bedstead , Clothes , and such costly nouelties , they had beene much better well spared then so ill spent , for wee had his favour much better onely for a playne peece of Copper , till this stately kinde of soliciting , made him so much overvalue himselfe , that he respected vs as much as nothing at all . As for the hyring of the Poles and Dutch-men , to make Pitch , Tar , Glasse ▪ Milles , and Sope ashes , when the Country is replenished with people , and necessaries , would haue done well , but to send them and seauentie more without victualls to worke , was not so well aduised nor considered of , as it should haue beene . Yet this could not haue hurt vs had they beene 200. though then we were 130 that wanted for our selues . For we had the Salvages in that decorum ( their harvest being newly gathered , that we feared not to get victuals for 500. Now was there no way to make vs miserable , but to neglect that time to make prouision whilst it was to be had , the which was done by the direction from England to performe this strange discovery , but a more strange Coronation to loose that time , spend that victualls we had , tyre and starue our men , hauing no meanes to carry victuals , munition , the hurt or sicke , but on their owne backes . How or by whom they were inuented I know not : but Captaine Newport we onely accounted the Author , who to effect these proiects , had so guilded mens hopes with great promises , that both Company and Councell concluded his resolution for the most part : God doth know they little knew what they did , nor vnderstood their owne estates to conclude his conclusions , against all the inconveniences the foreseeing President alledged . Of this Supply there was added to the Councell , one Captaine Richard Waldo , and Captaine Wynne , two auncient Souldiers , and valiant Gentlemen , but yet ignorant of the busines , ( being but newly arriued . ) Ratliffe was also permitted to haue his voyce , & Mr Scrivener , desirous to see strange Countries : so that although Smith was President , yet the Maior part of the Councell had the authoritie and ruled it as they listed . As for clearing Smiths obiections , how Pitch and Tarre , Wainscot , Clapbord , Glasse , and Sope ashes , could be provided , to relade the ship , or provision got to liue withall , when none was in the Country , and that we had , spent , before the ship departed to effect these projects . The answer was , Captaine Newport vndertooke to fraught the Pinnace of twentie tunnes with Corne in going and returning in his Discovery , and to refraught her againe from Werowocomoco of Powhatan . Also promising a great proportion of victualls from the Ship ; inferring that Smiths propositions were onely devices to hinder his iourney , to effect it himselfe ; and that the crueltie he had vsed to the Salvages , might well be the occasion to hinder these Designes , and seeke revenge on him . For which taxation all workes were left , and 120 chosen men were appointed for Newports guard in this Discovery . But Captaine Smith to make cleare all those seeming suspitions , that the Salvages were not so desperate as was pretended by Captaine Newport , and how willing ( since by their authoritie they would haue it so ) he was to assist them what he could , because the Coronation would consume much time , he vndertooke himselfe their message to Powhatan , to intreat him to come to Iames Towne to receiue his presents . And where Newport durst not goe with lesse then 120. he onely tooke with him Captaine Waldo , Mr Andrew Buckler , Edward Brinton , and Samuel Collier : with these foure he went over land to Werowocomoco , some 12 myles ; there he passed the river of Pamavnkee in a Salvage Canow . Powhatan being 30 myles of , was presently sent for : in the meane time , Pocahontas and her women entertained Captaine Smith in this manner . In a fayre plaine field they made a fire , before which ▪ he sitting vpon a mat , suddainly amongst the woods was heard such a hydeous noise and shreeking , that the English betooke themselues to their armes , and seized on two or three old men by them , supposing Powhatan with all his power was come to surprise them . But presently Pocahontas came , willing him to kill her if any hurt were intended , and the beholders , which were men , women , and children , satisfied the Captaine there was no such matter . Then presently they were presented with this anticke ; thirtie young women came naked out of the woods , onely covered behind and before with a few greene leaues , their bodies all painted , some of one colour , some of another , but all differing , their leader had a fayre payre of Bucks hornes on her head , and an Otters skinne at her girdle , and another at her arme , a quiver of arrowes at her backe , a bow and arrowes in her hand ; the next had in her hand a sword , another a club , another a pot-sticke ; all horned alike : the rest every one with their severall devises . These fiends with most hellish shouts and cryes , rushing from among the trees , cast themselues in a ring about the fire , singing and dauncing with most excellent ill varietie , oft falling into their infernall passions , and solemnly againe to sing and daunce ; having spent neare an houre in this Mascarado , as they entred in like manner they departed . Having reaccōmodated themselues , they solemnly invited him to their lodgings , where he was no sooner within the house , but all these Nymphes more tormented him then ever , with crowding , pressing , and hanging about him , most tediously crying , Loue you not me ? loue you not me ? This salutation ended , the feast was set , consisting of all the Salvage dainties they could devise : some attending , others singing and dauncing about them ; which mirth being ended , with fire-brands in stead of Torches they conducted him to his lodging . Thus did they shew their feats of armes , and others art in dauncing : Some other vs'd there oaten pipe , and others voyces chanting . The next day came Powhatan : Smith delivered his message of the presents sent him , and redelivered him Namontack he had sent for England , desiring him to come to his Father Newport , to accept those presents , and conclude their revenge against the Monacans . Wherevnto this subtile Savage thus replyed . If your King haue sent me Presents , I also am a King , and this is my land : eight dayes I will stay to receiue them . Your Father is to come to me , not I to him , nor yet to your Fort , neither will I bite at such a bait : as for the Monacans I can revenge my owne iniuries , and as for Atquanachuk , where you say your brother was slaine , it is a contrary way from those parts you suppose it ; but for any salt water beyond the mountaines , the Relations you haue had from my people are false . Wherevpon he began to draw plots vpon the ground ( according to his discourse ) of all those Regions . Many other discourses they had ( yet both content to giue each other content in complementall Courtesies ) and so Captaine Smith returned with this Answer . Vpon this the Presents were sent by water which is neare an hundred myles , and the Captains went by land with fiftie good shot . All being met at Werowocomoco , the next day was appointed for his Coronation , then the presents were brought him , his Bason and Ewer , Bed and furniture set vp , his scarlet Cloke and apparell with much adoe put on him , being perswaded by Namontack they would not hurt him : but a soule trouble there was to make him kneele to receiue his Crowne , he neither knowing the maiesty nor meaning of a Crowne , nor bending of the knee , endured so many perswasions , examples , and instructions , as tyred them all ; at last by leaning hard on his shoulders , he a little stooped , and three having the crowne in their hands put it on his head , when by the warning of a Pistoll the Boats were prepared with such a volley of shot , that the King start vp in a horrible feare , till he saw all was well . Then remembring himselfe , to congratulate their kindnesse , he gaue his old shooes and his mantell to Captaine Newport : but perceiving his purpose was to discover the Monacans , he laboured to divert his resolution , refusing to lend him either men or guides more then Namontack ; and so after some small complement all kindnesse on both sides , in requitall of his presents he presented Newport with a heape of wheat eares that might containe some 7 or 8 Bushels , and as much more we bought in the Towne , wherewith we returned to the Fort. The Ship having disburdened her selfe of 70 persons , with the first Gentlewoman and woman-seruant that arrived in our Colony . Captaine Newport with 120 chosen men , led by Captaine Waldo , Lieutenant Percie , Captaine Winne , Mr West , and Mr Scrivener , set forward for the discovery of Monacan , leaving the President at the Fort with about 80. or 90. ( such as they were ) to relade the Ship. Arriving at the Falles we marched by land some fortie myles in two dayes and a halfe , and so returned downe the same path we went. Two townes we discovered of the Monacans , called Massinacak and Mowhemenchouch , the people neither vsed vs well nor ill , yet for our securitie we tooke one of their petty Kings , and led him bound to conduct vs the way . And in our returnes searched many places we supposed Mines , about which we spent some time in refyning , having one William Gallicut , a refyner fitted for that purpose . From that crust of earth we digged , he perswaded vs to beleeue he extracted some small quantitie of silver ; and ( not vnlikely ) better stuffe might be had for the digging . With this poore tryall , being contented to leaue this fayre , fertile , well watered Country ; and comming to the Falles , the Salvages fayned there were divers ships come into the Bay , to kill them at Iames Towne . Trade they would not , and finde their Corne we could not ; for they had hid it in the woods : and being thus deluded , we arrived at Iames Towne , halfe sicke , all complaining , and tyred with toyle , famine , and discontent , to haue onely but discovered our guilded hopes , and such fruitlesse certainties , as Captaine Smith fortold vs. But those that hunger seeke to slake , Which thus abounding wealth would rake : Not all the gemmes of Ister shore , Nor all the gold of Lydia's store , Can fill their greedie appetite ; It is a thing so infinite . No sooner were we landed , but the President dispersed so many as were able , some for Glasse , others for Tarre , Pitch , and Sope-ashes , leauing them with the Fort to the Councels oversight , but 30 of vs he conducted downe the river some 5 myles from Iames towne , to learne to make Clapbord , cut downe trees , and lye in woods . Amongst the rest he had chosen Gabriel Beadle , and Iohn Russell , the onely two gallants of this last Supply , and both proper Gentlemen . Strange were these pleasures to their conditions ; yet lodging , eating , and drinking , working or playing , they but doing as the President did himselfe . All these things were carried so pleasantly as within a weeke they became Masters : making it their delight to heare the trees thunder as they fell ; but the Axes so oft blistered their tender fingers , that many times every third blow had a loud othe to drowne the eccho ; for remedie of which sinne , the President devised how to haue every mans othes numbred , and at night for every othe to haue a Cann of water powred downe his sleeue , with which every offender was so washed ( himselfe and all ) that a man should scarce heare an othe in a weeke . For he who scornes and makes but iests of cursings , and his othe , He doth contemne , not man but God , nor God , nor man , but both . By this , let no man thinke that the President and these Gentlemen spent their times as common Wood-haggers at felling of trees , or such other like labours , or that they were pressed to it as hirelings , or common slaues ; for what they did , after they were but once a little invred , it seemed and some conceited it , onely as a pleasure and recreation , yet 30 or 40 of such voluntary Gentlemen would doe more in a day then 100 of the rest that must be prest to it by compulsion , but twentie good workemen had beene better then them all . Master Scrivener , Captaine Waldo , and Captaine Winne at the Fort , every one in like manner carefully regarded their charge . The President returning from amongst the woods , seeing the time consumed and no provision gotten , ( and the Ship lay idle at a great charge and did nothing ) presently imbarked himselfe in the discovery barge , giving order to the Councell to send Lieutenant Percie after him with the next barge that arrived at the Fort ; two Barges he had himselfe and 18 men , but arriving at Chickahamania , that dogged Nation was too well acquainted with our wants , refusing to trade , with as much scorne and insolency as they could expresse . The President perceiuing it was Powhatans policy to starue vs , told them he came not so much for their Corne , as to revenge his imprisonment , and the death of his men murthered by them , and so landing his men and readie to charge them , they immediately fled : and presently after sent their Ambassadors with corne , fish , foule , and what they had to make their peace , ( their Corne being that yeare but bad ) they complained extreamely of their owne wants , yet fraughted our Boats with an hundred Bushels of Corne , and in like manner Lieutenant Percies , that not long after arrived , and having done the best they could to content vs , we parted good friends , and returned to Iames towne . Though this much contented the Company , ( that feared nothing more then starving ) yet some so envied his good successe , that they rather desired to hazzard a starving , then his paines should proue so much more effectuall then theirs . Some proiects there were invented by Newport and Ratliffe , not onely to haue deposed him , but to haue kept him out of the Fort ; for that being President , he would leaue his place and the Fort without their consents , but their hornes were so much too short to effect it , as they themselues more narrowly escaped a greater mischiefe . All this time our old Taverne made as much of all them that had either money or ware as could be desired : by this time they were become so perfect on all sides ( I meane the souldiers , saylers , and Salvages ) as there was tenne times more care to maintaine their damnabl● and private trade , then to provide for the Colony things that were necessary . Neither was it a small policy in Newport and the Marriners to report in England we had such plentie , and bring vs so many men without victuals , when they had so many private Factors in the Fort , that within six or seauen weeks , of two or three hundred Axes , Chissels , How 's , and Pick-axes , scarce twentie could be found : and for Pike-heads , shot , Powder , or any thing they could steale from their f●llowes , was vendible ; they knew as well ( and as secretly ) how to convey them to trade with the Salvages for Furres , Baskets , Mussaneeks , young Beasts , or such like Commodities , as exchange them with the Saylers for Butter , Cheese , Beefe , Porke , Aqua vitae , Beere , Bisket , Oatmeale , and Oyle : and then fayne all was sent them from their friends And though Virginia affoorded no Furres for the Store , yet one Master in one voyage hath got so many by this indirect meanes , as he confessed to haue sold in England for 30l. Those are the Saint-seeming Worthies of Virginia , that haue notwithstanding all this meate , drinke , and wages ; but now they begin to grow weary , their trade being both perceived and prevented ; none hath beene in Virginia that hath observed any thing , which knowes not this to be true , and yet the losse , the scorne , the misery , and shame , was the poore Officers , Gentlemen , and carelesse Governours , who were all thus bought & sold ; the adventurers cousened , and the action overthrowne by their false excuses , informations , and directions . By this let all men iudge , how this businesse could prosper , being thus abused ●y such pilfring occasions . And had not Captaine Newport cryed Peccavi , the President would haue discharged the ship , and caused him to haue stayed one yeare in Virginia , to learne to speake of his owne experience . Master Scrivener was sent with the Barges and Pinnace to Werowocomoco , where he found the Salvages more readie to fight then trade ; but his vigilancy was such as prevented their proiects , and by the meanes of Namontack got three or foure hogsheads of Corne , and as much Pocones , which is a red roote , which then was esteemed an excellent Dye . Captaine Newport being dispatched , with the tryals of Pitch , Tarre , Glasse , Frankincense , Sope ashes ; with that Clapboord and Waynscot that could be provided : met with Mr Scrivener at poynt Comfort , and so returned for England . We remaining were about two hundred . ¶ The Copy of a Letter sent to the Treasurer and Councell of Virginia from Captaine Smith , then President in VIRGINIA . Right Honorable , &c. I Received your Letter , wherein you write , that our minds are so set vpon faction , and idle conceits in diuiding the Country without your consents , and that we feed You but with ifs & ands , hopes , & some few proofes ; as if we would keepe the myste●y of the businesse to our selues : and that we must expresly follow your instructions sent by Captain Newport : the charge of whose voyage amounts to neare two thousand pounds , the which if we cannot defray by the Ships returne , we are like to r●main as banished men . To these particulars I humbly intreat your Pardons if I offend you with my rude Answer . For our factions , vnlesse you would haue me run away and leaue the Country , I ca●not prevent them , because I do make many stay that would els fly any whether . For the i●le Letter sent to my Lord of Salisbury , by the President and his conf●derats , for diuiding the Country &c. What it was I know not , for you saw no hand of mine to it ; nor euer dream't I of any such matter . That we feed you with hopes , &c. Though I be no scholer , I am past a schoole boy ; and I desire but to know , what either you , and these here doe know , but that I haue learned to tell you by the continuall hazard of my life . I haue not concealed from you any thing I know ; but I feare some cause you to beleeue much more then is true . Expresly to follow your direstions by Captaine Newport , though they be performed , I was directly against it ; but according to our Commission , I was content to be overrul●d by the maior part of the Councell , I feare to the hazard of vs all ; which now is generally confessed when it is too late . Onely Captaine Winne and Captaine Waldo I haue sworne of the Councell , and Crowned Powhatan according to you instructions . For th● charge of this Voyage of two or three thousand pounds , we haue not receiued the value of an hundred pounds . And for the quartred Boat to be borne by th● Souldiers over the Falles , Newport had 120 of the best men he could chuse . If he had burnt her to ash●s , one might haue carried her in a bag , but as she is , fiue hundred cann●t , to a navigable place aboue the Falles . And for him at that time to find in the South Sea , a Mine of gold ; or any of them sent by Sir Walter Raleigh : at our Consultation I told them was as likely as the rest . But during this great discovery of thirtie myles , ( which might as well haue beene done by one man , and much more , for the value of a pound of Copper at a seasonable tyme ) they had the Pinnace and all the Boats with th●m , but one that remained with me to serue the Fort. In their absence I followed the new begun workes of Pitch and Tarre , Glasse , Sope-ashes , and Clapboord , whereof some small quantities we haue sent you . But if you rightly consider , what an infinite toyle it is in Russia and Swethland , where the woods are proper for naught els , and though there be the helpe both of man and beast in those ancient Common-wealths , which many an hundred yeares haue vsed it , yet thousands of those poore people can scarce g●t necessaries to liue , but from h●nd to mouth . And though your Factors there can buy as much in a week as will fraught you a ship , or as much as you please ; you must not expect from vs any such matter , which are but a many of ignorant miserable soules , that are scarce able to get wherewith to liue , and defend our selues against the inconstant Salvages : finding but here and there a tree fit for the purpose , and want all things els the Russians haue . For the Coronation of P●whatan , by whose advice you sent him such presents , I know not ; but this giue me leaue to tell you , I feare th●y will be the confusion of vs all ere we heare from you againe . At your Ships arrivall , the Salvages harvest was newly gathered , and we going to buy it , our owne not being halfe sufficient for so great a number . As for the two ships loading of Corne N●wport pr●mised to provide vs from Powhatan , he brought vs but foureteene Bushels ; and from the Monacans nothing , but the most of the men sicke and neare famished . From your Ship we had not provision in victuals worth twenty pound , and we are more then two hundred to liue vpon this : the one halfe sicke , the other little better . For the Saylers ( I confesse ) they daily make good cheare , but our dyet is a little meale and water , and not sufficient of that . Though there be fish in the Sea , foules in the ayre , and Beasts in the woods , their bounds are so large , they so wilde , and we so weake and ignorant , we cannot much trouble them . Captaine Newport we much suspect to be the Authour of those inventions . Now that you should know , I haue made you as great a discovery as he , for lesse charge then he spendeth you every meale ; I haue sent you this Mappe of the Bay and Rivers , with an annexed Relation of the Countries and Nations that inhabit them , as you may see at large . Also two barrels of stones , and such as I take to be good Iron ore at the least ; so devided , as by their notes you may see in what places I found them . The Souldiers say many of your officers maintaine their families out of that you send vs : and that Newport hath an hundred pounds a yeare for carrying newes . For every master you haue yet sent can find the way as well as he , so that an hundred pounds might be spared , which is more then we haue all , th●t helpe to pay him wages . Cap. Ratliffe is now called Sickl●more , a poore counterfeited Imposture . I haue sent you him home , least the company should cut his throat . What he is , now every one can tell you : if he and Archer returne againe , they are sufficient to keepe vs alwayes in factions . When you send againe I intreat you rather send but thirty Ca●penters , husbandmen , gardiners , fisher men , blacksmiths , masons , and diggers vp of trees , roots , well provided ; then a thousand of such as we haue : for except wee be able both to lodge them , and feed them , the most will consume with want of necessaries before they can be made good for any thing . Thus if you please to consider this account , and of the vnnecessary wages to Captaine Newport , or his ships so long lingering and staying here ( for notwithstanding his boasting to leaue vs victuals for 12 mon●ths , though we had 89 by this discovery lame and sicke , and but a pinte of Corne a day for a man , we were constrained to giue him three hogsheads of that to victuall him homeward ) or yet to send into Germany or Poleland for glasse-men & the rest , till we be able to sustaine our selues , and relieue them when they come . It were better to giue fiue hundred pound a tun for those grosse Commodities in Denmarke , then send for them hither , till more necessary things be provided . For in over-toyling our weake and vnskilfull bodies , to satisfie this desire of present profit , we can scarce ever recover our selues from one Supply to another . And I humbly intreat you hereafter , let vs know what we should receiue , and not stand to the Saylers courtesie to leaue vs what they please , els you may charge vs with what you will , but we not you with any thing . These are the causes that haue kept vs in Virginia , from laying such a foundation , that ●re this might haue given much better content and satisfaction ; but as yet you must not looke for any profitable returnes : so I humbly rest . The Names of those in this Supply , were these : with their Proceedings and Accidents . Captaine Peter Winne , Captaine Richard Waldo , were appoynted to be of the Councell . Master Francis VVest , brother to the Lord La VVarre . Gent. Thomas Graues . Raleigh Chroshaw . Gabriel Beadle . Iohn Beadle . Iohn Russell . William Russell . Iohn Cuderington . William Sambage . Henry Leigh . Henry Philpot. Harmon Harrison . Daniel Tucker . Henry Collins . Hugh Wolleston . Iohn Hoult . Thomas Norton . George Yarington . George Burton . Thomas Abbay . William Dowman . Thomas Maxes . Michael Lowick . Master Hunt. Thomas F●rr●st . Iohn Dauxe . Tradsmen . Thomas Ph●lps . Iohn Prat. Iohn Clarke . Ieffrey Shortridge . Dionis Oconor . Hugh Winne . Dauid ap Hugh . Thomas Bradley . Iohn Burra● . Thomas L●vander . Henry Bell. Master Powell . David Ellis . Thomas Gibson . Labourers . Thomas Dawse . Thomas Mallard . William Tayler . Thomas Fox . Nicholas Hancock . Walker . Williams . Floud . Morley . Rose . Scot. Hardwyn . Boyes . Milman . Hilliard . Mistresse Forrest , and Anne Burras her maide ; eight Dutch men and Poles , with some others , to the number of seaventie persons , &c. These poore conclusions so affrighted vs all with famine , that the President provided for N●ndsamund , and tooke with him Captaine Winne , and Mr Scrivener , then returning from Captaine Newport . These people also long denied him not onely the 400 Baskets of Corne th●y promised , but any trade at all ; ( excusing themselues they had ●pent most they had , and were commanded by Powhatan to keepe that they had , and not to let vs come into their river ) till we were constrained to begin with them perforce . Vpon the discharging of our Muskets they all fled and shot not an Arrow ; the first house we came to we set on fire , which when they perceiued , they desired we would make no more spoyle , and they would giue vs halfe they had : how they collected it I know not , but before night they loaded our three Boats ; and so we returned to our quarter some foure myles downe the River , which was onely the open woods vnder the lay of a hill , where all the ground was covered with snow , and hard frozen ; the snow we digged away and made a great fire in the place ; when the ground was well dryed , we turned away the fire ; and covering the place with a mat , there we lay very warme . To keepe vs from the winde we made a shade of another Mat ; as the winde turned we turned our shade , and when the ground grew cold we remoued the fire . And thus many a cold winter night haue wee laine in this miserable manner , yet those that most commonly went vpon all those occasions , were alwayes in health , lusty , and sat . For sparing them this yeare , the n●xt yeare they promised to plant purposely for vs ; and so we returned to Iames towne . About this time there was a marriage betwixt Iohn Laydon and Anne Burras ; which was the first marriage we had in Virginia . Long he stayed not , but fitting himselfe and Captaine Waldo with two Barges . From Chawopoweanock , and all parts thereabouts , all the people were fled , as being iealous of our intents ; till we discovered the riv●r and people of Apamatuck ; where we found not much , that they had we equally divided , but gaue them copper , and such things as contented them in consideration . Master Scrivener and Lieutenant Percie went also abroad , but could find nothing . The President seeing the procrastinating of time , was no course to liue , resolved with Captaine Waldo ( whom he knew to be sure in time of need ) to surprise Powhatan , and all his provision , but the vnwillingnesse of Captaine Winne , and Master Scrivener , for some private respect , plotted in England to ruine Captaine Smith , did their best to hinder their proiect ; but the President whom no perswasions could perswade to starue , being invited by Powhatan to come vnto him : and if he would send him but men to build him a house , giue him a gryndstone , fiftie swords , some peeces , a cock and a hen , with much copper and beads , he would lo●d his Ship with Corne. The President not ignorant of his devises and subtiltie , yet vnwilling to neglect any opportunitie , presently sent three Dutch-men and two English , having so small allowance , few were able to doe any thing to purpose : knowing there needed no better a Castle to effect this proiect , tooke order with Captaine Waldo to second him , if need required ; Scrivener he left his substitute , and set forth with th● Pinnace , two Barges , and fortie-six men , which onely were such as voluntarily offered themselues for his Iourney , the which by reason of Mr Scriveners ill successe , was censured very desperate , they all knowing Smith would not returne emptie , if it were to be had ; howsoever , it caused many of those that he had appointed , to find excuses to stay behinde . CHAP. VIII . Captaine Smiths Iourney to Pamavnkee . THe twentie-nine of December he set forward for Werowocomoco : his Company were these ; In the Discovery Barge himselfe . Gent. Robert Behethland . Nathanael Graues . Iohn Russell . Raleigh Chrashow . Michael Sicklemore . Richard Worley . Souldiers . Anas Todkill . William Loue. William Bentley . Ieffrey Shortridge . Edward Pising . William Ward . In the Pinnace . Lieutenant Percie , brother to the Earle of Northumberland . Master Francis West , brother to the Lord La Warre . William Phittiplace , Captaine of the Pinnace . Gent. Michael Phittiplace . Ieffrey Abbot , Serieant . William Tankard . George Yarington . Iames Browne . Edward Brinton . George Burton . Thomas Coe . Ionas Profit , Master . Robert Ford , Clarke of the Councell . Iohn Dods , Souldier . Henry Powell , Souldier . Thomas Gipson , David Ellis , Nathanael Peacock , Saylers . Iohn Prat , George Acrig , Iames Read , Nicholas Hancock , Iames Watkins , Thomas Lambert , foure Dutch-men , and Richard Salvage were sent by land before to build the house for Powhatan against our Arrivall . This company being victualled but for three or foure dayes , lodged the first night at Warraskoyack , where the President tooke sufficient provision . This kind King did his best to divert him from seeing Powhatan , but perceiuing he could not prevaile , he advised in this manner . Captaine Smith , you shall find Powhatan to vse you kindly , but trust him not , and be sure he haue no oportunitie to seize on your Armes ; for he hath sent for you onely to cut your throats . The Captaine thanking him for his good counsell : yet the better to try his loue , desired guides to Chawwonock ; for he would send a present to that King , to bind him his friend . To performe this iourney was sent Mr Sicklemore , a very valiant , honest , and a painefull Souldier : with him two guides , and directions how to seeke for the lost company of Sir Walter Raleighs , and silke Grasse . Then we departed thence , the President assuring the King perpetuall loue ; and left with him Samu●l Collier his Page to learne the Language . So this Kings deeds by sacred Oath adiur'd . More wary proues , and circumspect by ods : Fearing at least his double forfeiture ; To offend his friends , and sin against his Gods. The next night being lodged at Kecoughtan ; six or seaven dayes the extreame winde , rayne , frost and snow caused vs to keepe Christmas among the Salvages , where we were never more merry , nor fed on more plentie of good Oysters , Fish , Flesh , Wild-soule , and good bread ; nor never had better fires in England , then in the dry , smoaky houses of Kecoughtan : but departing thence , when we found no houses we were not curious in any weather to lye three or foure nights together vnder the trees by a fire , as formerly is sayd . An hundred fortie eight foules the President , Anthony Bagnall , and Serieant Pising did kill at three shoots . At Kiskiack the frost & contrary winds forced vs three or foure dayes also ( to suppresse the insolency of those proud Salvages ) to quarter in their houses , yet guard our Barge , and cause them giue vs what we wanted ; though we were but twelue and himselfe , yet we never wanted shelter where we found any houses . The 12 of Ianuary we arrived at Werowocomoco , where the river was frozen neare halfe a myle from the shore ; but to neglect no time , the President with his Barge so far had approached by breaking the ice , as the ebbe left him amongst those oasie shoules , yet rather then to lye there frozē to death , by his owne example he taught them to march neere middle deepe , a flight shot through this muddy frozen oase . When the Barge floated , he appoynted two or three to returne her aboord the Pinnace . Where for want of water in melting the ice , they made fresh water , for the river there was salt . But in this march Mr Russell , ( whom none could perswade to stay behinde ) being somewhat ill , and exceeding heauie , so overtoyled himselfe as the rest had much adoe ( ere he got ashore ) to regaine life into his dead benummed spirits . Quartering in the next houses we found , we sent to Powhatan for provision , who sent vs plentie of bread , Turkies , and Venison ; the next day having feasted vs after his ordinary manner , he began to aske v● , when we would be gone : fayning he sent not for vs , neither had he any corne ; and his people much lesse : yet for fortie swords he would procure vs fortie Baskets . The President shewing him the men there present that brought him the message and conditions , asked Powhatan how it chanced he became so forgetfull ; thereat the King concluded the matter with a merry laughter , asking for our Commodities , but none he liked without gunnes and swords , valuing a Basket of Corne more precious then a Basket of Copper ; saying he could rate his Corne , but not the Copper . Captaine Smith seeing the intent of this subtill Salvage began to deale with him after this manner . Powhatan , though I had many courses to haue made my provision , yet beleeving your promises to supply my wants , I neglected all to satisfie your desire : and to testifie my loue , I sent you my men for your building , neglecting mine owne . What your people had you haue ingrossed , forbidding them our trade : and now you thinke by consuming the time , we shall consume for want , not having to fulfill your strange demands . As for swords and gunnes , I told you long agoe I had none to spare ; and you must know those I haue can keepe me from want : yet steale or wrong you I will not , nor dissolue that friendship we haue mutually promised , except you constraine me by our bad vsage . The King having attentiuely listned to this Discourse , promised that both he and his Country would spare him what he could , the which within two dayes they should receiue . Yet Captaine Smith , sayth the King , some doubt I haue of your comming hither , that makes me not so kindly seeke to relieue you as I would : for many doe informe me , your comming hither is not for trade , but to invade my people , and possesse my Country , who dare not come to bring you Corne , seeing you thus armed with your men . To free vs of this feare , leaue aboord your weapons , for here they are ne●alesse , we being all friends , and for ever Powhatans . With many such discourses they spent the day , quartering that night in the Kings houses . The next day he renewed his building , which hee little intended should proceede . For the Dutch-men finding his plentie , and knowing our want , and perceiving his preparations to surprise vs , little thinking we could escape both him and famine ; ( to obtaine his favour ) revealed to him so much as they knew of our estates and proiects , and how to prevent them . One of them being of so great a spirit , iudgement , and resolution , and a hireling that was certaine of his wages for his labour , and ever well vsed both he and his Countrymen ; that the Pr●sident knew not whom better to trust ; and not knowing any fitter for that imployment , had sent him as a spy to discover Powhatans intent , then little doubting his honestie , nor could ever be certaine of his villany till neare halfe a yeare after . Whilst we ●xpected the comming in of the Country , we wrangled out of the King ten quarters of Corne for a copper Kettell , the which the President perceiving him much to affect , valued it at a much greater rate ; but in regard of his scarcity he would accept it , provided we should haue as much more the next yeare , or els the Country of Monacan . Wherewith each seemed well contented , and Powhatan began to expostulate the difference of Peace and Warre after this manner . Captaine Smith , you may vnderstand that I having seene the death of all my people thrice , and not any one liuing of those three generations but my selfe ; I know the difference of Peace and Warre better then any in my Country . But now I am old and ere long must die , my brethren namely Opitchapam , Opechancanough , and Kekataugh my two sisters , and their two daughters , are distinctly each others successors . I wish their experience no lesse then mine , and your loue to them no lesse then mine to you . But this bruit from Nandsamund , that you are come to destroy my Country , so much affrighteth all my people as they dare not visit you . What will it availe you to take that by force you may quickly haue by loue , or to destroy them that provide you food . What can you get by warre , when we can hide our provisions and fly to the woods ? whereby you must famish by wronging vs your friends And why are you thus iealous of our loues seeing vs vnarmed , and both doe , and are willing still to feede you , with that you cannot get but by our labours ? Thinke you I am so simple , not to know it is better to eate good meate , lye well , and sleepe quietly with my women and children , laugh and be merry with you , haue copper , hatchets , or what I want being your friend : then be forced to flie from all , to lie cold in the woods , feede vpon Acornes , rootes , and such trash , and be so hunted by you , that I can neither rest , eate , nor sle●pe ; but my tyred men m●st watch , and if a twig but breake , every one cryeth there commeth Captaine Smith : then must I fly I know not whether : and thus with miserable feare , end my miserable life , leauing my pleasures to such youths as you , which through your rash vnaduisednesse may quickly as miserably end , for want of that , you never know where to finde . Let this ther●fore assur● you of our loues , and every yeare our friendly trade shall furnish you with Corne ; and now also , if you would come in friendly manner to see vs , and not thus with your guns and swords as to invade your foes . To this subtill discourse , the President thus replyed . Seeing you will not rightly conceiue of our words , we striue to make you know our thoughts by our deeds ; the vow I made you of my loue , both my selfe and my men haue kept . As for your promise I find it euery day violated by some of your subiects : yet we finding your loue and kindnesse , our custome is so far from being vngratefull , that for your sake onely , we haue curbed our thirsting desire of revenge ; els h●d they knowne as well the crueltie we vse to our enemies , as our true loue and courtesie to our friends . And I thinke your iudg●ment sufficient to conceiue , as well by the adventures we haue vndertaken , as by the advantage we haue ( by our Armes ) of yours : that had we intended you any hurt , long ere this we could haue effected it . Your people comming to Iames Towne are entertained with their Bowes and Arrowes without any exceptions ; we esteeming it with you as it is with vs , to weare our armes as our apparell . As for the danger of our enemies , in such warres consist our chiefest pleasure : for your riches we haue no vse : as for the hiding your provision , or by your flying to the woods , we shall not so vnadvisedly starue as you conclude , your friendly care in that behalfe is needlesse , for we haue a rule to finde beyond your knowledge . Many other discourses they had , till at last they began to trade . But the King seeing his will would not be admitted as a law , our guard dispersed , nor our men disarmed , he ( sighing ) breathed his minde once more in this manner . Captaine Smith , I neuer vse any Werowance so kindely as your selfe , yet from you I receiue the least kindnesse of any . Captaine Newport gaue me swords , copper , cloathes , a bed , towels , or what I desired ; euer taking what I offered him , and would send away his gunnes when I intreated him : none doth deny to lye at my feet , or refuse to doe what I desire , but onely you ; of whom I can haue nothing but what you regard not , and yet you will haue whatsoeuer you demand . Captaine Newport you call father , and so you call me ; but I see for all vs both you will doe what you list , and we must both seeke to content you . But if you intend so friendly as you say , send hence your armes , that I may beleeue you ; for you see the loue I beare you , doth cause me thus nakedly to forget my selfe . Smith seeing this Salvage but trifle the time to cut his throat , procured the salvages to breake the ice , that his Boate might come to fetch his corne and him : and gaue order for more men to come on shore , to surprise the King , with whom also he but trifled the time till his men were landed : and to keepe him from suspicion , entertained the time with this reply . Powhatan you must know , as I haue but one God , I honour but one King ; and I liue not here as your subiect , but as your friend to pleasure you with what I can . By the gifts you bestow on me , you gaine more then by trade : yet would you visit mee as I doe you , you should know it is not our custome , to sell our curtesies as a vendible commodity . Bring all your countrey with you for your guard , I will not dislike it as being ouer iealous . But to content you , tomorrow I will leaue my Armes , and trust to your promise . I call you father indeed ▪ and as a father you shall see I will loue you : but the small care you haue of such a childe caused my men persw●de m● to looke to my selfe . By this time Powhatan hauing knowledge his m●n were ready whil●st the ice was a breaking , with his luggage women and children , fled . Yet to auoyd suspicion , left two or three of the women talking with the Captaine , whilest hee secretly ran away , and his men that secretly beset the house . Which being pr●sently discouered to Captaine Smith , with his pistoll , sword , and target hee made such a passage among these naked Diuels ; that at his first shoot , they next him rumbled one ouer another , and the rest quickly fled some one way some another : so that without any hurt , onely accompanied with Iohn Russell , hee obtained the c●rps du guard . When they perceiued him so well escaped , and with his eighteene men ( for he had no more with him a s●●re ) to the vttermost of their skill they sought excuses to dissemble the matter : and Powhatan to excuse his flight and the sudden com●ing of this multitude , sent our Captaine a great bracelet and a chaine of pearle , by an ancient Oratour that bespoke vs to this purpose , perceiuing euen then from our Pinnace , a Barge and men departing and comming vnto vs. Captaine Smith , our Werowance is fled , fearing your gunnes , and knowing when the ice was broken there would come more men , sent these numbers but to guard his corne from stealing , that might happen without your knowledge : now though some bee hurt by your ●●sprision , yet Powhatan is your friend and so will for euer continue . Now since the ice is open , he would haue you send away your corne , and if you would haue his company , send away also your gunnes , which so affright his people , that they dare not come to you as hee promised they should . Then hauing prouided baskets for our men to carry our corne to the boats , they kindly offered their seruice to guard our Armes , that none should steale them . A great many they were of goodly well proportioned fellowes , as grim as Diuels ; yet the very sight of cocking our matches , and being to let fly , a few wordes caused them to leaue their bowes and arrowes to our guard , and beare downe our corne on their backes ; wee needed not imp●rtune them to make dispatch . But our Barges being left on the oase by the ebbe , caused vs stay till the next high-water , ●o that wee returned againe to our old quarter . Powhatan and his Dutch-men brusting with desire to haue the head of Captaine Smith , for if they could but kill him , they thought all was theirs , neglected not any oportunity to effect his purpose . The Indians with all the merry sports they could deuise , spent the time till night : then they all returned to Powhatan , who all this time was making ready his forces to surprise the house and him at supper . Notwithstanding the eternall all-seeing God did preuent h●● , and by a strange meanes . For Pocahontas his dearest iewell and daughter , in that darke night came through the irksome woods , and told our Captaine great cheare should be sent vs by and by : but Powhatan and all the power he could make , would after come k●ll vs all , if they that brought it could not kill vs with our owne weapons when we were at supper . Therefore if we would liue shee wished vs presently to bee gone . Such things as shee delighted in , he would haue giuen her : but with the teares running downe her cheekes , shee said shee durst not be seene to haue any : for if Powhatan should know it , she were but dead , and so shee ranne away by her selfe as she came . Within lesse then an houre came eight or ten lusty fellowes , with great platters of venison and other victuall , very importunate to haue vs put out our matches ( whose smoake made them sicke ) and sit down to our victuall . But the Captaine made them taste euery dish , which done hee sent some of them backe to Powhatan , to bid him make haste for hee was prepared for his comming . As for them hee knew they came to betray him at his supper : but hee would prevent them and all their other intended villanies : so that they might be gone . Not long after came more messengers , to see what newes ; not long after them others . Thus wee spent the night as vigilantly as they , till it was high-water , yet seemed to the saluages as friendly as they to vs : and that wee were so desirous to giue Powhatan content , as hee requested , wee did leaue him Edward Brynton to kill him foule , an● the Dutch-men to finish his house ; thinking at our returne from Pamavnkee the frost would be gone , and then we might finde a better oportunity if necessity did occasion it , little dreaming yet of the Dutch-mens treachery , whose humor well suted this verse : Is any free , that may not liue as freely as he list ? Let vs liue so , then w' are as free , and bruitish as the best . CHAP. IX . How wee escaped surprising at Pamavnkee . WE had no sooner set sayle but Powhatan returned , and sent Adam and Francis ( two stout Dutch-men ) to Iames towne : who faining to Captaine Winne that all things were well , and that Captaine Smith had vse of their armes , wherefore they requested new ( the which were giuen them ) they told him their comming was for some extraordinary tooles , and shift of apparell ; by which colourable excuse they obtained sixe or seauen more to their confederacie , such expert theeues , that presently furnished them with a great many swords , pike-heads , peeces , shot , powder and such like : Saluages they had at hand to carry it away , and the next day they returned vnsuspected , leauing their confederates to follow , and in the interim to convay them such things as they could : for which seruice they should liue with Powhatan as his chiefe affected , free from those miseries that would happen the Colony . Samuel their other consort Powhatan kept for their pledge , whose diligence had prouided them three hundred of their kinde of hatchets ; the rest fifty swords , eight peeces , and eight pikes . Brynton and Richard Salvage seeing the Dutch-men so diligent to accommodate the Saluages with weapons , attempted to haue gotten to Iames towne , but they were apprehended , and expected euer when to be put to death . Within two or three dayes we arriued at Pamavnkee , the King as many dayes entertained vs with feasting and much mirth . And the day appointed to beginne our trade , the President , Lieutenant Percie , Mr. West , Mr. Russell , Mr. Behethland , Mr. Crashaw ▪ Mr. Powell , Mr. Ford , and some others to the number of fifteene , went vp to Opechancanoughs house a quarter of a mile from the riuer ) where wee found nothing but a lame fellow and a boy : and all the houses round about of all things abandoned . Not long wee stayed ere the King arriued , and after him came diuerse of his people loaden with bowes and arrowes : but such pinching commodities , and those esteemed at such a value , as our Captaine began with the King after this manner . Opechancanough , the great loue you professe with your tongue , seemes meere deceit by your actions . Last yeere you kindly fraughted out ship : but now you haue inuited mee to starue with hunger : you know my want , and I your plenty ; of which by some meanes I must haue part : remember it is fit for Kings to keepe their promise . Here are my commodities ; whereof take your choice , the rest I will proportion fit bargains for your pe●ple . The King seemed kindly to accept his offer , and the better to colour his proiect , sold vs what they had to our owne content , promising the next day more company , better prouided . The Barges and Pinnace being committed to the charge of Mr. Phetiplace ; the President with his old fifteene marched vp to the Kings house , where wee found foure or fiue men newly arriued , each with a great basket . Not long after came the King , who with a strained cheerfulnesse held vs with discourse what paines he had taken to keep his promise ; till Mr. Russell brought vs in newes that we were all betrayed : for at least seuen hundred Saluages well armed , had inuironed the house , and beset the fields . The King coniecturing what Russell related , wee could well perceiue how the extremity of his feare bewrayed his intent : whereat some of our company seeming dismaied with the thought of such a multitude ; the Captaine encouraged vs to this effect . Worthy Countrey-men , were the mischiefes of my seeming friends no more then the danger of these enemies , I little cared were they as many more : if you dare doe , but as I. But this is my torment , that if I escape them , our malicious Councell with their open mouthed Minions , will make me such a peace breaker ( in their opinions in England ) as will breake my necke . I could wish those here , that make these seeme Saints , and me an oppressor . But this is the worst of all , wherein I pray you aid mee with your opinions . Should wee beginne with them and surprise the King , we cannot keepe him and defend well our selues . If wee should each kill our man , and so proceed with all in the house ; the rest will all fly : then shall wee get no more then the bodies that are slaine , and so starue for victuall . As for their fury it is the least danger , for well you know , being alone assaulted with two or three hundred of them , I made them by the helpe of God compound to saue my life . And wee are sixteene , and they but seauen hundred at the most ; and assure your selues , God will so assist vs , that if you dare stand but to discharge your pieces , the very smoake will bee sufficient to affright them . Yet howsoeuer , let vs fight like men , and not die like sheepe : for by that meanes you know God hath oft deliuered mee , and so I trust will now . But first , I will deale with them , to bring it to passe wee may fight for something , and draw them to it by conditions . If you like this motion , promise me you will be valiant . The time not permitting any argument , all vowed to execute whatsoeuer hee attempted , or die : whereupon the Captaine in plaine tearmes told the King this . I see Opechancanough your plot to murder me , but I feare it not . As yet your men and mine haue done no harme , but by our direction . Take therefore your Armes , you see mine , my body shall bee as naked as yours : the Isle in your riuer is a fit place , if you be contented : and the conquerour ( of vs two ) shall be Lord and Master ouer all our men . If you haue not enough , take time to fetch more , and bring what number you will ; so euery one bring a basket of corne , against all which I will stake the value in copper , you see I haue but fifteene , and our game shall be , the Conquerour take all . The King being guarded with forty or fifty of his chiefe men , seemed kindly to appease Smiths suspicion of vnkindnesse , by a great present at the doore , they intreated him to receiue . This was to draw him out of the doore , where the bait was guarded with at least two hundred men , and thirty lying vnder a great tree ( that lay thwart as a barricado ) each his arrow nocked ready to shoot . The President commanded one to go see what what kind of deceit this was , and to receiue the present ; but hee refused to doe it : yet the Gentlemen and all the rest were importunate to goe , but he would not permit them , being vexed at that Coward : and commanded Lieutenant Percie , Master West , and the rest to make good the house ; Master Powell and Master Behethland he commanded to guard the doore , and in such a rage snatched the King by his long locke in the middest of his men , with his Pistoll readie bent against his brest . Thus he led the trembling King , neare dead with feare amongst all his people : who delivering the Captaine his Vambrace , Bow , and Arrowes , all his men were easily intreated to cast downe their Armes , little dreaming any durst in that manner haue vsed their King : who then to escape himselfe bestowed his presents in good sadnesse , and causing a great many of them come before him vnarmed , holding the King by the hayre ( as is sayd ) he spake to them to this effect . I see ( you Pamavnkees ) the great desire you haue to kill me , and my long suffering your iniuries hath imboldened you to this presumption . The cause I haue forborne your insolencies , is the promise I made you ( before the God I serue ) to be your friend , till you giue me iust cause to be your enemy . If I keepe this vow , my God will keepe me , you cannot hurt me , if I breake it , he will destroy me . But if you shoot but one Arrow to shed one drop of bloud of any of my men , or steale the least of these Beads , or Copper , I spurne here before you with my foot ; you shall see I will not cease revenge ( if once I begin ) so long as I can heare where to finde one of your Nation that will not deny the name of Pamavnk . I am n●t now at Rassaweak halfe drowned with myre , where you tooke me prisoner ; yet then for keeping your promise and your good vsage and saving my life , I so affect you , that your denyals of your trechery , doe halfe perswade me to mistake my selfe . But if I be the marke you ayme at , here I stand , shoot he that dare . You promised to fraught my Ship ere I departed , and so you shall , or I meane to load her with your dead carcasses , yet if as friends you will come and trade , I once more promise not to trouble you , except you giue me the first occasion , and your King shall be free and be my friend , for I am not come to hurt him or any of you . Vpon this away went their Bowes and Arrowes , and men , women , and children brought in their Commodities : two or three houres they so thronged about the President and so overwearied him , as he retyred himselfe to rest , leauing Mr Behethland and Mr Powell to receiue their presents , but some Salvages perceiuing him fast asleepe , & the guard somewhat carelesly dispersed , fortie or 〈◊〉 of their choi●e men each with a club , or an English sword in his hand began to enter the house with two or three hundred oth●rs , that pressed to second them . The noyse and hast they made in , did so shake the house they awoke him from his sleepe , and being halfe amazed with this suddaine sight , bet●oke him strait to his sword and Target ; Mr Chrashaw and some others charged in like manner ; whereat they quickly thronged faster backe then before forward . The house thus cleansed , the King and some of his auncients we kept yet with him , who with a long Oration , excused this intrusion . The rest of the day was spent with much kindnesse , the companie againe renewing their presents with their best provisions , and whatsoever he gaue them they seemed therewith well contented . Now in the meane while since our departure , this hapned at our Fort. Master Scrivener having receiued Letters from England to make himselfe either Caesar or nothing , he began to decline in his affection to Captaine Smith , that ever regarded him as himselfe , and was willing to crosse the surprising of Powhatan ▪ Some certaine daies after the Presidents departure , he would needs goe visit the Isle of Hogs , and tooke with him Captaine Waldo ( though the President had appointed him to be ready to second his occasions ) with Mr Anthony Gosnoll and eight others ; but so violent was the wind ( that extreame frozen time ) that the Boat sunke , but where or how none doth know . The Skiff was much over loaden , and would scarce haue liued in that extreame tempest had she beene empty : but by no perswasion he could be diverted , though both Waldo and an hundred others doubted as it hapned . The Salvages were the first that round their bodies , which so much the more encouraged them to effect their proiects . To advertise the President of this heavie newes , none could be found would vndertake it , but the Iorney was often refused of all in the Fort , vntill Master Richard Wyffin vndertooke alone the performance thereof . In this Iourney he was incountred with many dangers and difficulties in all parts as he passed . As for that night he lodged with Powhatan , perceiuing such preparation for warre , not finding the President there : he did assure himselfe some mischiefe was intended . Pocahontas hid him for a time , and sent them who pursued him the cleane contrary way to seeke him ; but by her meanes and extraordinry bribes and much trouble in three dayes travell , at length he found vs in the middest of these turmoyles . This vnhappy newes the President swore him to conceale from the company , and so di●●embling his sorrow with the best countenances he could , when the night approched went safely aboord with all his Souldiers ; leauing Opechancanough at libertie , according to his promise , the better to haue Powhatan in his returne . Now so extreamely Powhatan had threatned the death of his men , if they did not by some meanes kill Captaine Smith ; that the next day they appointed all the countrey should come to trade vnarmed : yet vnwilling to be trecherous , but that they were constrained , hating fighting with him almost as ill as hanging , such feare they had of bad successe . The next morning the Sunne had not long appeared , but the fields appeared covered with people and Baskets , to tempt vs on shore : but nothing was to be had without his presence , nor they would not indure the sight of a gun . When the President saw them begin to depart , being vnwilling to loose such a bootie , he so well conceived the Pinnace , and his Barges with Ambuscadoes , as onely with Lieutenant Percie , Mr West , and Mr Russell , with their Armes went on shore ; others he appointed vnarmed to receiue what was brought . The Salvages flocked before him in heapes , and the banke serving as a trench for a retreat , he drew them fayre open to his Ambuscado's . For he not being to be perswaded to goe visit their King ▪ the King knowing the most of them vnarmed , came to visit him with two or three hundred men , in the forme of two halfe Moones ; and with some twentie men , and many women loaden with painted Baskets . But when they approached somewhat neare vs , their women and children ●led . For when they had environed and beset the fields in this manner , they thought their purpose sure , yet so trembled with feare as they were scarse able to ●●ck their Arrowes : Smith standing with his three men ready bent , beholding them till they were within danger of our Ambuscado's , who vpon the word di●cov●r●d themselues , and he retyred to the Barge . Which the Salvages no sooner perceived , then away they fled , esteeming their heeles for their best advan●age . That night we sent Mr Chr●shaw , and Mr Ford to Iames towne to Cap. Winne ▪ In the way betweene Wer●wocomoco and the Fort they met foure or fiue of the Dutch-mens Confederates going to Powhatan : the which to excuse those Gentlemens suspition of their running to the Salvages , returned to the Fort and there continued . The Salvages hearing our Barge goe downe the river in the night , were so terribly affrayde , that we sen● for more men ( we having to much threatned their ruine , and the rasing of th●ir houses , boats , and wires ) that the next day the King sent our Captaine a chayne of Pearle , to alter his purpose and stay his men : promising though they wanted t●emselues , to fraught our ship and bring it aboord to avoyd suspition . So that fiue or six dayes after , from all parts of the Country within ten or twelue myles in the extreame frost and snow , they brought vs provision on their naked backes . Yet notwithstanding this kindnesse and trade , had their art and poyson beene sufficient , the President , with Mr West , and some others had beene poysoned ; it made them sicke , but exp●ll●d it selfe . Wecuttanow , a stout young fellow , knowing he was suspected for bringing this present of poyson , with fortie or fiftie of his chiefe companions ( seeing the President but with a few men at Potavneak ) so proudly braued it , as though he expected to incounter a revenge . Which the President perceiving in the midst of hi● company , did not onely beate , but spurned him like a dogge , as scorning to doe h●m any worse mischiefe . Wherevpon all of them fled into the woods , thinking they had done a great matter to haue so well escaped : and the townsmen remaining presently fraughted our Barge to be rid of our companies , framing many ●●c●ses to excuse Wecuttanow , ( being sonne to their chiefe King , but Po●hatan ) and told vs if we would shew them him that brought the poyson , they would deliver him to vs to punish as we pleased . Men may thinke it strange there should be such a stirre for a little corne , but had it beene gold with more ease wee might haue got it ; and had it wanted , the whole Colony had starued . Wee may be thought very patient to endure all those iniuries , yet onely with fearing them wee got what they had . Whereas if we had taken revenge , then by their losse , we should haue lost our selues . We searched also the Countries of Youghtanund and Mattapanient , where the people imparted that little they had with such complaints and teares from the eyes of women and children , as he had beene too cruell to haue beene a Christian , that would not haue beene satisfied and moued with compassion . But had this hapned in October , November , and December , when that vnhappie discovery of Monacan was made , we might haue fraughted a ship of fortie tuns , and twise as much might haue beene had from the Rivers of Rapahanock , Patawomek , and Pawtuaunt . The maine occasion of our thus temporizing with them was , to part friends as we did , to giue the lesse cause of suspition to Powhatan to fly , by whom we now returned with a purpose to haue surprised him and his provision . For effecting whereof ( when we came against the Towne ) the President sent Mr Wyffin and Mr Coe ashore to discover and make way for his intended proiect . But they found that those damned Dutch-men had caused Powhatan to abandon his new house and Werowocomoco , and to carry away all his corne and provision : and the people they found so ill affected , that they were in great doubt how to escape with their liues . So the President finding his intent frustrated , and that there was nothing now to be had , and therefore an vnfit time to revenge their abuses , sent Master Michael Phittiplace by Land to Iames towne , whether we sayled with all the speed we could ; wee having in this Iourney ( for 25● . of Copper , and 50● . of Iron & Beads ) enough to keepe 46 men six weekes , and every man for his reward a moneths provision extraordinary ( no Trade being allowed but for the store ) we got neare ●00 ● waight of deere suct , and delivered to the Cape Merchant 479 Bushels of Corne. Those temporizing proceedings to some may seeme too charitable , to such a daily daring trecherous people : to others not pleasing , that we washed not the gr●und with their blouds , nor shewed such strange inventions in mangling , murdering , ransacking , and destroying ( as did the Spanyards ) the simple bodies of such ignorant soules ; nor delightfull , because not stuffed with Relations of heapes and ioynes of gold and silver , nor such rare commodities , as the Portugals and Spany●rds found in the East and West Indies . The want whereof hath begot vs ( that were the first vndertakers ) no lesse sco●ne and contempt , then the noble conquests and valiant adventures beautified with it , prayse and honour . Too much I confesse the world cannot attribute to their ever memorable merit : and to cleare vs from the blind worlds ignorant censure , these few words may suffice any reasonable vnderstanding . It was the Spanyards good hap to happen in those parts where were infinite numbers of people , who had manured the ground with that providence , it affoorded victualls at all times . And time had brought them to that perfection , they had the vse of gold and silver , and the most of such commodities as those Countries affoorded : so that , what the Spanyard got was chiefely the spoyle and pillage of those Countrey people , and not the labours of their owne hands . But had those fruitfull Countries beene as salvage , as barbarous , as ill peopled , as little planted , laboured , and manured , as Virginia : their proper labours it is likely would haue produced as small profit as ours . But had Virginia beene peopled , planted , manured , and adorned with such store of precious Iewels , and rich commodities as was the Indies : then had we not gotten and done as much as by their examples might be expected from vs , the world might then haue traduced vs and our merits , and haue made shame and infamy our recompence and reward . But we chanced in a Land even as God made it , where we found onely an idle , improvident , scattered people , ignorant of the knowledge of gold or silver , or any commodities , and carelesse of any thing but from hand to mouth , except bables of no worth ; nothing to incourage vs , but what accidentally we found Nature afforded . Which ere we could bring to recompence our paines , defray our charges , and satisfie our Adventurers ; we were to discover the Countrey , subdue the people , bring them to be tractable , civill , and industrious , and teach them trades , that the fruits of their labours might make vs some recompence , or plant such Colonies of our owne , that must first make prouision how to liue of themselues , ere they can bring to perfection the commodities of the Country : which doubtlesse will be as commodious for England as the west Indies for Spaine , if it be rightly mannaged : notwithstanding all our home-bred opinions , that will argue the contrary , as formerly some haue done against the Spanyards and Portugalls . But to conclude , against all rumor of opinion , I onely say this , for those that the three first yeares began this Plantation ; notwithstanding all their factions , mutinies , and miseries , so gently corrected , and well prevented : pervse the Spanish Decades ; the Relations of Master Hackl●● , and tell me how many ever with such small meanes as a Barge of 22 tuns , sometimes with seauen , eight , or nine , or but at most , twelue or sixteene men , did ever discover so many fayre and navigable Rivers , subiect so many severall Kings , people , and Nations , to obedience , and contribution , with so little bloudshed . And if in the search of those Countries we had hapned where wealth had beene , we had as surely had it as obedience and contribution , but if we haue overskipped it , we will not enuie them that shall find it : yet can we not but lament , it was our fortunes to end when we had but onely learned how to begin , and found the right course how to proceed . By Richard Wyffin , William Phittiplace , Ieffrey Abbot , and Anas Todkill . CHAP. X. How the Salvages became subiect to the English. WHen the Ships departed , all the provision of the Store ( but that the President had gotten ) was so rotten with the last Summers rayne , and eaten with Rats and Wormes , as the Hogges would scarcely eate it . Yet it was the Souldiers dyet till our returnes , so that we found nothing done , but our victuals spent , and the most part of our tooles , and a good part of our Armes conveyed to the Salvages . But now casting vp the Store , and finding sufficient till the next harvest , the feare of starving was abandoned , and the company divided into tens , fifteens , or as the businesse required ; six houres each day was spent in worke , the rest in Pastime and merry exercises , but the vntowardnesse of the greatest number caused the President advise as followeth . Countrymen , the long experience of our late miseries , I hope is sufficient to perswade every one to a present correction of himselfe , and thinke not that either my pains , nor the Adventurers purses , will ever maintaine you in idlenesse and sloath . I speake not this to you all , for divers of you I know deserue both honour and reward , better then is yet here to be had : but the greater part must be more industrious , or starue , how euer you haue beene heretofore tollerated by the authoritie of the Councell , from that I haue often commanded you . You see now that power resteth wholly in my selfe : you must obey this now for a Law , that he that will not worke shall not eate ( except by sicknesse he be disabled : ) for the labours of thirtie or fortie honest and industrious men shall not be consumed to maintaine an hundred and fiftie idle loyterers . And though you presume the authoritie here is but a shadow , and that I dare not touch the liues of any but my owne must answer it : the Letters patents shall each weeke be read to you , whose Contents will tell you the contrary . I would wish you therefore without contempt seeke to obserue these orders set downe , for there are now no more Counsellers to protect you , nor curbe my endevours . Therefore he that offendeth , let him assuredly expect his due punishment . He made also a Table , as a publicke memoriall of every mans deserts , to incourage the good , and with shame to spurre on the rest to amendment . By this many became very industrious , yet more by punishment performed their businesse , for all were so tasked , that there was no excuse could prevaile to deceiue him : yet the Dutch-mens consorts so closely convayed them powder , shot , swords , and tooles , that though we could find the defect , we could not finde by whom , till it was too late . All this time the Dutch men remaining with Powhatan , ( who kindly entertained them to instruct the Salvages the vse of our Armes ) and their consorts not following them as they expected ; to know the cause , they sent Francis their companion , a stout young fellow , disguised like a Salvage , to the Glasse-house , a place in the woods neare a myle from Iames Towne ; where was their Rendezvous for all their vnsuspected villany . Fortie men they procured to lie in Ambuscado for Captaine Smith , who no sooner heard of this Dutch-man , but he sent to apprehend him ( but he was gone ) yet to crosse his returne to Powhatan , the Captaine presently dispatched 20. shot after him , himselfe returning from the Glasse-house alone . By the way he incountred the King of Pasp●hegh , a most strong stout Salvage , whose perswasions not being able to perswade him to his Ambush , seeing him onely armed but with a fau●heon , attempted to haue shot him , but the President prevented his shoot by grapling with him , and the Salvage as well prevented him for drawing his faucheon , and perforce bore him into the River to haue drowned him . Long they strugled in the water , till the President got such hold on his throat , he had neare strangled the King ; but having drawne his faucheon to cut off his head , seeing how pittifully he begged his life , he led him prisoner to Iames Towne , and put him in chaynes . The Dutch-man ere long was also brought in , whose villany though all this time it was suspected , yet he fayned such a formall excuse , that for want of language Captaine Winne vnderstood him not rightly , and for their dealings with Powhatan , that to saue their liues they were constrained to accommodate his armes , of whom he extreamely complained to haue detained them perforce , and that he made this escape with the hazard of his life , and meant not to haue returned , but was onely walking in the woods to gather Walnuts . Yet for all this faire tale , there was so small appearance of truth , and the plaine confession of Paspahegh of his trechery , he went by the heeles : Smith purposing to regaine the Dutch-men , by the saving his life . The poore Salvage did his best by his daily messengers to Powhatan , but all returned that the Dutch-men would not returne , neither did Powhatan stay them ; and to bring them fiftie myles on his mens backes they were not able . Daily this Kings wiues , children , and people came to visit him with presents , which he liberally bestowed to make his peace . Much trust they had in the Presidents promise : but the King finding his guard negligent , though fettered yet escaped . Captaine Winne thinking to pursue him found such troupes of Salvages to hinder his passage , as they exchanged many vollies of shot for flights of Arrowes . Captaine Smith hearing of this in returning to the Fort , tooke two Salvages prisoners , called Kemps and Tussore , the two most exact villaines in all the Country . With these he sent Captaine Winne and fiftie choise men , and Lieutenant Percie , to haue regained the King , and revenged this iniury , and so had done , if they had followed his directions , or beene advised with those two villaines , that would haue betrayed both King & kindred for a peece of Copper , but he trifling away the night , the Salvages the next morning by the rising of the Sunne , braved him to come ashore to fight : a good time both sides let fly at other , but we heard of no hurt , onely they tooke two Canowes , burnt the Kings house , and so returned to Iames towne . The President fearing those Bravado's would but incourage the Salvages , began againe himselfe to try his conclusions , whereby six or seauen were slaine , as many made prisoners . He burnt their houses , tooke their Boats , with all their fishing wires , and planted some of them at Iames towne for his owne vse , and now resolved not to cease till he had revenged himselfe of all them had iniured him . But in his iourney passing by Paspahegh towards Chickahamania , the Salvages did their best to draw him to their Ambuscadoes ; but seeing him regardlesly passe their Country , all shewed themselues in their bravest manner . To try their valours he could not but let fly , and ere he could land , they no sooner knew him , but they threw downe their armes and desired peace . Their Orator was a lustie young fellow called Okaning , whose worthy discourse deserveth to be remembred . And thus it was : Captaine Smith , my Master is here present in the company , thinking it Capt. Winne , and not you , ( of him he intended to haue beene revenged ) having never offended him . If he hath offended you in escaping your imprisonment , the fishes swim , the foules fly , and the very beasts striue to escape the snare and liue . Then blame not him being a man. He would intreat you remember , you being a prisoner , what paines he tooke to saue your life . If since he hath iniured you he was compelled to it : but howsoeuer , you haue revenged it with our too great losse . We perceive and well know you intend to destroy vs , that are here to intreat and desire your friendship , and to enioy our houses and plant our fields , of whose fruit you shall participate : otherwise you will haue the worse by our absence ; for we can plant any where , though with more labour , and we know you cannot liue if you want our harvest , and that reliefe we bring you . If you promise vs peace , we will beleeue you ; if you proceed in revenge we will abandon the Country . Vpon these tearmes the President promised them peace , till they did vs iniury , vpon condition they should bring in provision . Thus all departed goods friends , and so continued till Smith left the Countrey . Arriving at Iames Towne , complaint was made to the President , that the Chickahamanians , who all this while continued trade and seemed our friends , by colour thereof were the onely theeues . And amongst other things a Pistoll being stolne and the theefe fled , there was apprehended two proper young fellowes , that were brothers , knowne to be his confederates . Now to regaine this Pistoll , the one was imprisoned , the other was sent to returne the Pistoll againe within twelue houres , or his brother to be hanged . Yet the President pittying the poore naked Salvage in the dungeon , sent him victuall and some Char-coale for a fire : ere midnight his brother returned with the Pistoll , but the poore Salvage in the dungeon was so smoothered with the smoake he had made , and so pittiously burnt , that wee found him dead . The other most lamentably bewayed his death , and broke forth into such bitter agonies , that the President to quiet him , told him that if hereafter they would not steale , he would make him aliue againe : but he little thought he could be recovered . Yet we doing our best with Aqua vitae and Vineger , it pleased God to restore him againe to life , but so drunke & affrighted , that he seemed Lunaticke , the which as much tormented and grieued the other , as before to see him dead . Of which maladie vpon promise of their good behaviour , the President promised to recover him : and so caused him to be layd by a fire to sleepe , who in the morning having well slept , had recovered his perfect senses , and then being dressed of his burning , and each a peece of Copper giuen them , they went away so well contented , that this was spread among all the Salvages for a miracle , that Captaine Smith could make a man aliue that was dead . Another ingenuous Salvage of Powhatans , having gotten a great bag of Powder , and the backe of an Armour , at Werowocomoco amongst a many of his companions , to shew his extraordinary skill , he did dry it on the backe as he had seene the Souldiers at Iames Towne . But he dryed it so long , they peeping over it to see his skill , it tooke fire , and blew him to death , and one or two more , and the rest so scorched , they had little pleasure to meddle any more with powder . These and many other such pretty Accidents , so amazed and affrighted both Powhatan , and all his people , that from all parts with presents they desired peace ; returning many stolne things which we never demanded nor thought of ; and after that , those that were taken stealing , both Powhatan and his people haue sent them backe to Iames towne , to receiue their punishment ; and all the Country became absolute as free for vs , as for themselues . CHAP. XI . What was done in three moneths having Victualls . The Store devoured by Rats , how we liued three moneths of such naturall fruits as the Country affoorded . NOw we so quietly followed our businesse , that in three moneths wee made three or foure Last of Tarre , Pitch , and Sope ashes ; produced a tryall of Glasse ; made a Well in the Fort of excellent sweet water , which till then was wanting ; built some twentie houses ; recovered our Church ; provided Nets and Wires for fishing ; and to stop the disorders of our disorderly theeues , and the Salvages , built a Blockhouse in the neck of our Isle , kept by a Garrison to entertaine the Saluages trade , and none to passe nor repasse Saluage nor Christian without the presidents order . Thirtie or forty Acres of ground we digged and planted . Of three sowes in eighteene moneths , increased 60 , and od Piggs . And neere 500. chickings brought vp themselues without hauing any meat giuen them : but the Hogs were transported to Hog●Isle : where also we built a block-house with a garison to giue vs notice of any shipping , and for their exercise they made Clapbord and waynicot , and cut downe trees . We built also a fort for a retreat neere a conuement Riuer vpon a high commanding hill , very hard to be assalted and easie to be defended , but ere it was finished this defect caused a stay . In searching our casked corne , we found it halfe rotten , and the rest so consumed with so many thousands of Rats that increased so fast , out there originall was from the ships , as we knew not how to keepe that little we had . This did driue vs all to our wits end , for there was nothing in the country but what nature afforded . Vntill this time Kemps and Tassore were fettered prisoners , and did double taske and taught vs how to order and plant our fields : whom now for want of victuall we set at liberty , but so well they liked our companies they did not desire to goe from vs. And to expresse their loues for 16. dayes continuance , the Countrie people brought vs ( when least ) 100. a day , of Squirrils , Turkyes , Deere and other wilde beasts : But this want of corne occasioned the end of all our works , it being worke sufficient to provide victuall . 60. or 80. with Ensigne Laxon was sent downe the riuer to liue vpon Oysters , and 20. with liutenant Percy to try for fishing at Poynt Comfort ● but in six weekes they would not agree once to cast out the net , he being sicke and burnt fore with Gun-pouder . Master West with as many went vp to the falls , but nothing could be found but a few Acornes ; of that in store euery man had their equall proportion . Till this present , by the hazard and indeuours of some thirtie or fortie , this whole Colony had ever beene fed . We had more Sturgeon , then could be deuoured by Dog and Man , of which the industrious by drying and pounding , mingled with Caviar● , Sorell and other wholesome hearbes would make bread and good meate : others would gather as much Tockwhogh roots , in a day as would make them bread a weeke , so that of those wilde fruites , and what we caught , we liued very well in regard of such a diet , But such was the strange condition of some 150 , that had they not beene forced nolens , volens , perforce to gather and prepare their victuall they would all haue starued or haue eaten one another . Of those wild fruits the Salvages often brought vs , and for that , the President would not fullfill the vnreasonable desire , of those distracted Gluttonous Loyterers , to sell not only out kettles , how 's , tooles , and Iron , nay swords , pieces , and the very Ordnance and howses , might they haue prevayled to haue beene but Idle : for those Saluage fruites , they would haue had imparted all to the Saluages , especially for one basket of Corne they heard of to be at Powhatās , fifty myles from our Fort. Though he bought neere halfe of it to satisfie their humors , yet to haue had the other halfe , they would haue sould their soules , though not sufficient to haue kept them a weeke . Thousands were there exclamations , suggestions and deuises , to force him to those base inventions to haue made it an occasion to abandon the Country . Want perforce constrained him to indure their exclaiming follies , till he found out the author , one Dyer a most crafty fellow and his ancient Maligner , whom he worthily punished , and with the rest he argued the case in this maner . Fellow souldiers , I did little thinke any so false to report , or so many to be so simple to be perswaded , that I either intend to starue you , or that Powhatan at this present hath corne for himselfe , much lesse for you ; or that I would not haue it , if I knew where it were to be had . Neither and I thinke any so malitious as now I see a great many ; yet it shal not so passionate me , but I will doe my best for my most maligner . But dreame no longer of this vaine hope from Powhatan , not that I will longer forbeare to force you , from your Idlenesse , and punish you if you rayle . But if I finde any more runners for Newfoundland with the Pinnace , let him assuredly looke to ariue at the Gallows . You cannot deny but that by the hazard of my life many a time I haue saued yours , when ( might your owne wills haue preuailed ) you would haue starued ; and will doe still whether I will or noe ; But I protest by that God that made me , since necessitie hath not power to force you to gather for your selues those fruites the earth doth y●eld , you shall not onely gather for your selues , but those that are sicke . As yet I neuer had more from the stor● then the worst of you : and all my English extraordinary prouision that I haue , you shall see me diuide it amongst the sick . And this Saluage trash you so scornfully repine at ; being put in your mouthes your stomackes can disgest , if you would haue better you should haue brought it ; and therefore I will take a course you shall prouide what is to be had . The sick shall not starue , but equally share of all our labours ; and he that gathereth not every day as much as I doe , the next day shall be set beyond the riuer , and be banished from the Fort as a droue , till he amend his conditions or starue . But some would say with Seneca . I know those things thou sayst are true good Nurse , But fury forceth me to follow worse . My man is burried headlong vp and downe : Desiring better counsell , yet finds none . This order many murmured was very cruell , but it caused the most part so well ●●●tirre themselues , that of 200. ( ●xcept they were drowned ) there died not past seuen as : for Captaine Winne and Master Leigh they were dead ere this want hapned , and the rest dyed not so , want of ●uch as preserued the rest . Many were billetted amongst the Saluage , ●h●r●oy we knew all their passages , fields and habitations , how t● gather and vse there fruits as well as themselues ; for they did know wee had such a commanding power at Iames towne they durst not wrong vs of a pin . So well those poore Salvages vsed vs that were thus billetted , that diuers of the S●uldiers ran away to search Kemps & Tassore our old prisoners . Glad were these Salvages to haue such an oportunity to testifie their loue vnto vs , for in stead of entertaining them , and such things as they had stollen , with all their great Offers , and promises they made them how to reuenge their iniuryes vpon Captaine Smith ; Kemps first mad● himselfe sport , in shewing his countrie men ( ●y them ) how he was vsed , feeding ●ē with this law , who would not work must not eat , till they were neere starued in ●●●de , continually threatning to beate them to death : neither could they get from him , till hee and his consorts brought them perforce to our Captaine , that so well contented him and punished them , as many others that intended also to follow them , were rather contented to labour at home , then aduenture to liue idl●ly amongst the Salvages ; ( of whom there was more hope to make better Christians 〈◊〉 good subiects , then the one halfe of those that counterfeited themselues both . ) For so affraide was 〈◊〉 those kings and the better sort of the people to displease vs , that some of the baser sort that we haue extreamly hurt and punished for there villanies would hire vs , we should not tell it to their kings , or countrymen , who would also repunish them , and yet returne them to Iames towne to content the President for a testimony of their loues . Master Sicklemore well returned from Chawwonoke ; but found little hope and lesse certaintie of them were left by Sir Walter Raleigh . The riuer , he saw was not great , the people few , the countrey most over growne with pynes , where there did grow here and there straglingly Pemminaw , we call silke grasse . But by the riuer the ground was good , and exceeding furtill ; Master Nathanael powell and Anas Todkill were also by the Quiyoughquohanocks conducted to the Mangoags to search them there : but nothing could they learne but they were all dead . This honest proper good promise keeping king , of all the rest did euer best affect vs , and though to his false Gods he was very zealous , yet he would confesse our God as much exceeded his as our Gunns did his Bow and Arrowes , often sending our President may presents , to pray to his God for raine or his corne would perish , for his Gods were angry . Three dayes iorney they conducted them through the wood● , into a high country towards the S●●thwest : ●here they saw here and there a little c●rne fi●●d , by some little spring or smal brooke , but no riuer they could see : the pe●●le in all re●pects like the rest , except there language : they liue most vpon rootes , fruites and wilde beast● ; and trade with them towards the sea and the fatter countryes for dryed fish and corne , for sk●ns . All this time to recouer the Dutch-men and one Bentley another fugitiue , we imployed one Willi●m Volday , a Zwitzar by birth , with Pardons & promises to regaine them . Little we then suspected this double villaine of any villany ; who plainly taught vs , in the most trust was the greatest treason ; for this wicked hypocrite , by the seeming hate he bore to the lewd conditions of his cursed country men , ( hauing this oportunity by his imployment to regaine them ) conuayed them euery thing they desired to e●fect their proiects , to distroy the Colony . With much deuotion they expected the Spaniard , to whom they intended good seruice , or any other , that would but carry them from vs. But to begin with the ●●rst oportunity ; th●● se●ing necessitie thus inforced vs to disperse our selues , importuned Powhatan to lend them but his forces , and they would not onely distroy our Hoggs , fire our towne , and betray our Pinnace ; but bring to his seruice and subiection the most of our company . With this plot they had acquainted many Discontents , and many were agreed to their Deuilish practise . But one Thomas Douse , and Thomas Mallard ( whose christian hearts relented at such an vnchristian act ) voluntarily reuealed it to Captaine Smith , who caused them to conceale it , perswading ●ouse and Mallard to proceed in their confedracie : onely to bring the irreclamable Dutch men and the inconstant Salvages in such a maner amongst such Ambuscado's as he had prepared ▪ that not many of thē should returne from our Peninsula . But this brute cōming to the ●ares of the impatiēt multitude they so importuned the President to cut off those Dutch men , as amongst many that offred to cut their throats bef●re the face of Powhatā , the first was Lieutenāt Percy , and Mr. Iohn Cuderington , two Gentlemen of as bold resolute spirits as could possibly be foūd . But the Presidēt had occasiō of other imploiment for them , & gaue gaue way to Master Wyffin and Sarieant Ieffrey Abbot , to goe and stab them or shoot them . But the Dutch men made such excuses , accusing Velday whom they supposed had reuealed their proiect , as Abbot would not , yet Wyffing would , perceiuing it but deceit . The King vnderstanding of this their imployment , sent presently his messengers to Captaine Smith to signifie it was not his fault to detaine them , nor hinder his men from executing his command : nor did he nor would he mantaine them , or any to occasion his disple●sure . But whilst this businesse was in hand , Arriued one Captaine Argall , and Master Thomas Sedan , sent by Master Cornelius to truck with the Colony , and fish for Sturgeon , with a ship well furnished , with wine and much other good provision . Though it was not sent vs , our necessities was such as inforced vs to take it . He brought vs newes of a great supply and preparation for the Lord La Woore , with letters that much taxed our President for his heard dealing with the Salvages , and not returning the shippes fraughted . Notwithstanding we kept this ship tell the fleere arriued . True it is Argall lost his voyage , but we renictualled him , and sent him for England , with a true relation of the causes of our defailments , and how imposible it was to returne that wealth they expected , or obserue there instructions to indure the Salvages insolencies , or doe any thing to any purpose , except they would send vs men and meanes that could produce that they so much desired : otherwises all they did was lost , and could not but come to confusion . The villany of Volday we still dissembled . Adam vpon his pardon came home but Samuell still stayed with Powhahan to heare further of their estates by this supply . Now all their plots Simth so well vnderstood ; they were his best advantages to secure vs from any trechery , could be done by them or the Salvages : which with facility he could revenge when he would , because all those countryes more feared him then Powhatan , and hee had such parties with all his bordering neighbours : and many of the rest for loue or feare would haue done any thing he would haue them , vpon any commotion , though these fugitiues had done all they could to perswade Powhatan , King Iames would kill Smith , for vsing him and his people so vnkindly . By this you may see for all those crosses , trecheries , and dissentions , how hee wrestled and overcame ( without bloudshed ) all that happened : also what good was done ; how few dyed ; what food the Countrey naturally affoordeth ; what small cause there is men should starue , or be murthered by the Salvages , that haue discretion to mannage them with courage and industrie . The two first yeares , though by his adventures , he had oft brought the Salvages to a tractable trade , yet you see how the envious authoritie ever crossed him , and frustrated his best endevours . But it wrought in him that experience and estimation amongst the Salvages , as otherwise it had bin impossible , he had ever effected that he did . Notwithstanding the many miserable , yet generous and worthy adventures , he had oft and long endured in the wide world , yet in this case he was againe to learne his Lecture by experience . Which with thus much adoe having obtained , it was his ill chance to end , when he had but onely learned how to begin . And though he left those vnknowne difficulties ( made easie and familiar ) to his vnlawfull successors , ( who onely by liuing in Iames Towne , presumed to know more then all the world could direct them : ) Now though they had all his Souldiers , with a tripple power , and twice tripple better meanes ; by what they haue done in his absence , the world may see what they would haue done in his presence , had he not prevented their indiscretions : it doth iustly proue , what cause he had to send them for England , and that he was neither factious , mutinous , nor dishonest . But they haue made it more plaine since his returne for England ; having his absolute authoritie freely in their power , with all the advantages and opportunitie that his labours had effected . As I am sorry their actions haue made it so manifest , so I am vnwilling to say what reason doth compell me , but onely to make apparant the truth , least I should seeme partiall , reasonlesse , and malicious . CHAPTER XII . The Arrivall of the third Supply . TO redresse those jarres and ill proceedings , the Treasurer , Councell , and Company of Virginia , not finding that returne , and profit they expected ; and them ingaged there , not having meanes to subsist of themselues , made meanes to his Maiestie , to call in their Commission , and take a new in their owne names , as in their owne publication , 1610. you may ●eade at large . Having thus annihilated the old by vertue of a Commission made to the right Honourable , Sir Thomas West , Lord de la Warre , to be Generall of Virginia ; Sir Thomas Gates , his Lieutenant ; Sir George Somers , Admirall ; Sir Thomas Dale , high Marshall ; Sir Fardinando Wainman , Generall of the Horse ; and so all other offices to many other worthy Gentlemen , for their liues : ( though not any of them had ever beene in Virginia , except Captaine Newport , who was also by Patent made vice-Admirall : ) those noble Gentlemen drew in such great summes of money , that they sent Sir Thomas Gates , Sir George Somers , and Captaine Newport with nine shippes , and fiue hundred people , who had each of them a Commission , who first arrived to call in the old , without the knowledge or consent of them , that had endured all those former dangers to beat the path , not any regard had at all of them . All things being ready , because those three Captaines could not agree for place , it was concluded they should goe all in one ship , so all their three Commissions were in that Ship with them called the Sea-Venture . They set sayle from England in May 1609. A small Catch perished at Sea in a Hericano : the Admirall with an hundred and fiftie men , with the two Knights , and their new Commission , their Bils of Loading , with all manner of directions , and the most part of their provision arrived not . With the other seaven Ships as Captaines arrived Ratliffe , whose right name ( as is sayd ) was Sicklemore , Martin , and Archer , with Captaine Wood , Captaine Webbe , Captaine Moone , Captaine King , Captaine Davis , and divers Gentlemen of good meanes , and great parentage . But the first as they had beene troublesome at Sea , began againe to marre all ashore : for though ( as is said ) they were formerly sent for England , yet now returning againe , graced by the titles of Captaines of the passengers , seeing the Admirall wanting , and great probabilitie of her losse , strengthened themselues with those new companies , so exclaiming against Captaine Smith , that they mortally hated him ere ever they saw him . Who vnderstanding by his Scouts the arrivall of such a Fleet , little dreaming of any such supply , supposed them Spanyards . But he quickly so determined and ordered our affaires , as we little feared their Arrivall , nor the successe of our incounter ; nor were the Salvages any way negligent for the most part , to ayd and assist vs with their best power . Had it so beene we had beene happy ; for we would not haue trusted them but as our foes , where receiuing them as our Countreymen and friends , they did what they could to murther our President , to surprise the Store , the Fort , and our Iudgings , to vsurpe the government , and make vs all their servants and slaues , till they could consume vs and our remembrance ; and rather indeed to supplant vs then supply vs , as master William Box an honest Gentleman in this voyage thus relateth . In the tayle of a Hericano wee were separated from the Admirall , which although it was but the remainder of that Storme , there is seldome any such in England , or those Northerne parts of Europe . Some lost their Masts , some their Sayles blowne from their Yards ; the Seas so over-raking our Ships , much of our prouision was spoyled , our Fleet separated , and our men sicke , and many dyed , and in this miserable estate we arrived in Virginia . But in this Storme , When ratling Thunder ran along the Clouds ; Did not the Saylers poore , and Masters proud A terror feele as strucke with feare of God ? Did not their trembling ioynts then dread his rod ? Least for foule deeds and black mouth'd blasphemies , The rufull time be come that vengeance cryes . To a thousand mischiefes those lewd Captaines led this lewd company , wherein were many vnruly Gallants , packed thither by their friends to escape ill destinies , and those would dispose and determine of the government , sometimes to one , the next day to another ; to day the old Commission must rule , to morrow the new , the next day neither , in fine they would rule all , or ruine all : yet in charitie we must endure them thus to destroy vs , or by correcting their follies , haue brought the worlds censure vpon vs to be guiltie of their blouds . Happie had we beene had they never arrived , and we for ever abandoned , and as we were left to our fortunes : for on earth for the number was never more confusion , or misery , then their factions occasioned . The President seeing the desire those Braues had to rule ; seeing how his authoritie was so vnexpectedly changed , would willingly haue left all , and haue returned for England . But seeing there was small hope this new Commission would arriue , longer he would not suffer those factious spirits to proceede . It would be too tedious , too strange , and almost incredible ; should I particularly relate the infinite dangers , plots , and practices , he daily escaped amongst this factious crew ; the chiefe whereof he quickly layd by the heeles , till his leasure better served to doe them iustice : and to take away all occasions of further mischiefe , Master Percie had his request granted to returne for England , being very sicke ; and Mr West with an hundred and twentie of the best he could chuse , he sent to the F●lles ; Martin with neare as many to Nandsamund , with their due proportions of all provisions according to thir numbers . Now the Presidents yeare being neare expired , he made Captaine Martin President to follow the order for the election of a President every yeare : but he knowing his owne insufficiency , and the companies vntowardnesse and little regard of him , within three houres after resigned it againe to Captaine Smith , and at Nandsamund thus proceeded . the people being contributers vsed him kindly ; yet such was his iealous feare , in the midst of their mirth , he did surprise this poore naked King , with his Monuments , houses , and the Isle he inhabited , and there fortified himselfe ; but so apparantly distracted with feare , as imboldened the Salvages to assault him , kill his men , release their King , gather and carry away a thousand bushels of Corne , he not once offering to intercept them ; but sent to the President then at the Falles for thirtie good shot ; which from Iames Towne immediately was sent him . But he so well imployed them they did iust nothing , but returned complaining of his tendernesse : yet he came away with them to Iames Towne , leauing his company to their fortunes . Here I cannot omit the courage of George Forrest , that had seauenteene Arrowes sticking in him , and one shot through him , yet liued sixe or seauen dayes , as if he had small hurt , then for want of Chirurgery dyed . Master West having seated his men by the Falles , presently returned to reuisit Iames Towne : the President followed him to see that company seated ; met him by the way , wondering at his so quicke returne ; and found his company planted so inconsiderately , in a place not onely subiect to the rivers invndation , but round invironed with many intollerable inconueniences . For remedie whereof he presently sent to Powhatan to sell him the place called Powhatan , promising to defend him against the Monacans . And these should be his Conditions ( with his people ) to resigne him the Fort and houses , and all that Countrey for a proportion of Copper ; that all stealing offenders should be sent him , thereto receiue their punishment ; that every house as a Custome should pay him a Bushell of Corne for an inch square of Copper , and a proportion of Pocones , as a yearely tribute to King Iames for their protection , as a dutie ; what else they could spare to barter at their best discretions . But both this excellent place and those good Conditions did those furies refuse , contemning both him , his kinde care and authoritie . So much they depended on the Lord Generals new Commission , as they regarded none : the worst they could doe to shew their spights they did ; supposing all the Monacans Country , gold ; and none should come there but whom they pleased . I doe more then wonder to thinke how onely with fiue men , he either durst or would adventure as he did , ( knowing how greedie they were of his bloud ) to land amongst them , and commit to imprisonment all the Chi●ftaines of those mutinies , till by their multitudes being an hundred and twentie they forced him to retyre : yet in that interim he surprised one of their Boates , wherewith he returned to their ship ; where in deed was their prouision , which also he tooke , and well it chanced he found the Marriners so tractable and constant , or there had beene small possibilitie he had ever escaped . There were divers other of better reason and experience , that from their first landing , hearing the generall good report of his old Souldiers , and seeing with their eyes his actions so well mannaged with discretion , as Captaine Wood , Captaine Webbe , Cap. Moone , Captaine Fitz Iames , Master William Powell , Master Partridge , Master White , and divers others , when they perceiued the malice of Ratliffe and Archer , and their faction , left their companies , and ever rested his faithfull friends . But the worst was that the poore Salvages , that daily brought in their contribution to the President , that disorderly company so tormented those poore soules , by stealing their corne , robbing their gardens , beating them , breaking their houses and keeping some prisoners ; that they daily complained to Captaine Smith , he had brought them for Protectors , worse enemies then the Monacans themselues : which though till then , for his loue they had endured , they desired pardon if hereafter they defended themselues ; since he would not correct them , as they had long expected he would . So much they importuned him to punish their misdemeanors , as they offered ( if he would leade them ) to fight for him against them . But having spent nine dayes in seeking to reclaime them ; shewing them how much they did abuse themselues with these great guilded hopes of the South Sea Mines , commodities , or victories , they so madly conceived ; then seeing nothing would prevaile , he set sayle for Iames Towne . Thus oft we see from small greene wounds , and from a little griefe , A greater sore and sicknesse growes , then will admit reliefe : For thus themselues they did be guile , and with the rest play'd theefe . Now no sooner was the Ship vnder sayle , but the Salvages assaulted those hundred and twentie in their Fort , finding some stragling abroad in the woods : they slew many , and so affrighted the rest , as their prisoners escaped , and they safely retyred , with the swords and cloakes of those they had slaine . But ere wee had sayled halfe a league , our ship grounding , gaue vs once more libertie to summon them to a parley ; where we found them all so strangely amazed with this poore silly assault of twelue Saluages , that they submitted themselues vpon any tearmes to the Presidents mercy ; who presently put by the heeles sixe or seauen of the chiefe offenders : the rest he seated gallantly at Powhatan , in that Salvage Fort , readie built , and prettily fortified with poles and barkes of trees , sufficient to haue defended them from all the Salvages in Virginia , dry houses for lodgings and neere two hundred accres of ground ready to be planted , and no place we knew so strong , so pleasant and delightfull in Virginia for which we called it Non-such . The Salvages also hee presently appeased , redeliuering to either party their former losses . Thus all were friends . New officers appointed to command , and the President againe ready to depart , at that instant arriued Captaine West , whose gentle nature ( by the perswasions and compassion of those mutinous prisoners , alledging they had onely done this for his honor ) was so much abused , that to regaine their old hopes , new turboyles did arise . For they a-shore being possessed of all there victuall , munition , and euery thing , grew to that height in their former factions , as the President left them to their fortunes : they returned againe to the open ayre at Wests Fort , abandoning Non such , and he to Iames towne with his best expedition , but this hapned him in that Iourney . Sleeping in his Boate , ( for the ship was returned two daies before ) accidentallie , one fired his powder-bag , which tore the flesh from his body and thighes , nine or ten inches square in a most pittifull manner ; but to quench the tormenting fire , frying him in his cloaths he leaped over-boord into the deepe river , where ere they could recouer him he was neere drowned . In this estate without either Chirurgian , or Chirurgery he was to goe neere an hundred myles . Arriving at Iames towne , causing all things to be prepared for peace or warres to obtaine provision , whilest those things were providing , Ratliffe , Archer , & the rest of their Confederates , being to come to their trials ; their guiltie consciences , fearing a iust reward for their deserts , seeing the President , vnable to stand , and neere berest of his senses by reason of his torment , they had plotted to haue murdered him in his bed . But his heart did faile him that should haue giuen fire to that mercilesse Pistoll . So not finding that course to be the best , they ioyned together to vsurpe the government , thereby to escape their punishment . The President , had notice of their proiects , the which to withstand , though his old souldiers importuned him but permit them to take their heads that would resist his command , yet he would not suffer them , but sent for the Masters of the ships , and tooke order with them for his returne for England . Seeing there was neither Chirurgian , nor Chirurgery in the Fort to cur● his hurt , and the ships to depart the next day , his Commission to be suppressed he knew not why , himselfe and souldiers to be rewarded he knew not how , and a new commission granted they knew not to whom ( the which disabled that authority he had , as made them presume so oft to those mutinies as they did : ) besides so grievous were his wounds , and so cruell his torments ( few expecting he could liue ) nor was hee able to follow his busines to regaine what they had lost , suppresse those factions , and range the countries for provision as he intended ; and well he knew in those affaires his owne actions and presence was as requisit as his directions , which now could not be , he went presently abroad , resoluing there to appoint them governours , and to take order for the mutiners , but he could finde none hee thought fit for it would accept it . In the meane time , seeing him gone , they perswaded Master Percy to stay , who was then to goe for England , and be their President . Within lesse then an houre was this mutation begun and concluded . For when the Company vnderstood Smith would leaue them , & saw the rest in Armes called Presidents & Councellors , divers began to fawne on those new commanders , that now bent all their wits to get him resigne them his Commission : who after much adoe and many bitter repulses ; that their confusion ( which he ●ould them was at their elbowes ) should not be attributed to him , for leauing the Colony without a Commission , he was not vnwilling they should steale it , but never would he giue it to such as they . And thus , Strange violent forces drew vs on vnwilling : Reason perswading 'gainst our loues rebelling . We saw and knew the better , ah curse accurst ! That notwithstanding we imbrace the worst . But had that vnhappie blast not hapned , he would quickly haue qualified the heate of those humors , and factions , had the ships but once left them and vs to our fortunes ; and haue made that provision from among the Salvages , as we neither feared Spanyard , Salvage , nor famine ; nor would haue left Virginia , nor our lawfull authoritie , but at as deare a price as we had bought it , and payd for it . What shall I say but thus , we left him , that in all his proceedings , made Iustice his first guide , and experience his second , even hating basenesse , sloath , pride , and indignitie , more then any dangers ; that neuer allowed more for himselfe , then his souldiers with him ; that vpon no danger would send them where he would not lead them himselfe ; that would never see vs want , what he either had , or could by any meanes get vs ; that would rather want then borrow , or starue then not pay ; that loued action more then words , and hated falshood and covetousnesse worse then death ; whose adventures were our liues , and whose losse our deaths . Leaving vs thus with three ships , seaven boats , commodities readie to trade , the harvest newly gathered , ten weeks provision in the store , foure hundred nintie and od persons , twentie-foure Peeces of Ordnance , three hundred Muskets , Snaphances , and Firelockes , Shot , Powder , and Match sufficient , Curats , Pikes , Swords , and Morrios , more then men ; the Salvages , their language , and habitations well knowne to an hundred well trayned and expert Souldiers ; Nets for fishing ; Tooles of all sorts to worke ; apparell to supply our wants ; six Mares and a Horse ; fiue or sixe hundred Swine ; as many Hennes and Chickens ; some Goats ; some sheepe ; what was brought or bred there remained . But they regarding nothing but from hand to mouth , did consume that wee had , tooke care for nothing , but to perfect some colourable complaints against Captaine Smith . For effecting whereof three weekes longer they stayed the Ships , till they could produce them . That time and charge might much better haue beene spent , but it suted well with the rest of their discretions . Besides Iames towne that was strongly Pallizadoed , containing some fiftie or sixtie houses , he left fiue or sixe other severall Forts and Plantations : though they were not so sumptuous as our successors expected , they were better then they provided any for vs. All this time we had but one Carpenter in the Countrey , and three others that could doe little , but desired to be learners : two Blacksmiths ; two saylers , & those we write labourers were for most part footmen , and such as they that were Adventurers brought to attend them , or such as they could perswade to goe with them , that neuer did know what a dayes worke was , except the Dutch-men and Poles , and some dozen other . For all the rest were poore Gentlemen , Tradsmen , Serving-men , libertines , and such like , ten times more fit to spoyle a Common-wealth , then either begin one , or but helpe to maintaine one . For when neither the feare of God , nor the law , nor shame , nor displeasure of their friends could rule them here , there is small hope ever to bring one in twentie of them ever to be good there . Notwithstanding , I confesse divers amongst them , had better mindes and grew much more industrious then was expected : yet ten good workemen would haue done more substantiall worke in a day , then ten of them in a weeke . Therefore men may rather wonder how we could doe so much , then vse vs so badly , because we did no more , but leaue those examples to make others beware , and the fruits of all , we know not for whom . But to see the justice of God vpon these Dutch-men ; Valdo before spoke of , made a shift to get for England , where perswading the Merchants what rich Mines he had found , and great service he would doe them , was very well rewarded , and returned with the Lord La Warre : but being found a meere Impostor , he dyed most miserably . Adam and Francis his two consorts were fled againe to Powhatan , to whom they promised at the arrivall of my Lord , what wonders they would doe , would he suffer them but to goe to him . But the King seeing they would be gone , replyed ; You that would haue betrayed Captaine Smith to mee , will certainely betray me to this great Lord for your peace : so caused his men to beat out their braines . To conclude , the greatest honour that ever belonged to the greatest Monarkes , was the inlarging their Dominions , and erecting Common-weales . Yet howsoever any of them haue attributed to themselues , the Conquerors of the world : there is more of the world never heard of them , then ever any of them all had in subiection : for the Medes , Persians , and Assyrians , never Conquered all Asia , nor the Grecians but part of Europe and Asia . The Romans indeed had a great part of both , as well as Affrica : but as for all the Northerne parts of Europe and Asia the interior Southern and Westerne parts of Affrica , all America & Terra incognita , they were all ignorant : nor is our knowledge yet but superficiall . That their beginnings , ending , and limitations were proportioned by the Almightie is most evident : but to consider of what small meanes many of them haue begun is wonderfull . For some write that even Rome her selfe , during the Raigne of Romulus , exceeded not the number of a thousand houses . And Carthage grew so great a Potentate , that at first was but incirculed in the thongs of a Bulls skinne , as to fight with Rome for the Empire of the world . Yea Venice at this time the admiration of the earth , was at first but a Marish , inhabited by poore Fishermen . And likewise Ninivie , Thebes , Babylon , Delus , Troy , Athens , Mycena and Sparta , grew from small beginnings to be most famous States , though now they retaine little more then a naked name . Now this our yong Common-wealth in Virginia , as you haue read once consisted but of 38 persons , and in two yeares increased but to 200. yet by this small meanes so highly was approved the Plantation in Virginia , as how many Lords , with worthy Knights , and braue Gentlemen pretended to see it , and some did , and now after the expence of fifteene yeares more , and such massie summes of men and money , grow they disanimated ? If we truely consider our Proceedings with the Spanyards , and the rest , we haue no reason to despayre , for with so small charge , they never had either greater Discoveries , with such certaine tryals of more severall Commodities , then in this short time hath beene returned from Virginia , and by much lesse meanes . New England was brought out of obscuritie , and affoorded fraught for neare 200 sayle of ships , where there is now erected a braue Plantation . For the happines of Summer Isles , they are no lesse then either , and yet those haue had a far lesse , and a more difficult beginning , then either Rome , Carthage , or Venice . Written by Richard Pots , Clarke of the Councell , William Tankard , and G.P. New seeing there is thus much Paper here to spare , that you should not be altogether clered with Prose ; such Verses as my worthy Friends bestowed vpon New England , I here present you , because with honestie I can neither reiect , nor omit their courtesies . In the deserued Honour of the Author , Captaine Iohn Smith , and his Worke. DAmn'd Envie is a sp'rite , that ever haunts Beasts , mis-nam'd Men ; Cowards , or Ignorants . But , onely such shee followes , whose deare WORTH ( Maugre her malice ) sets their glory forth . If this faire Overture , then , take not ; It Is Envie 's spight ( deare friend ) in men of-wit ; Or Feare , lest morsels , which our mouths possesse , Might fall from thence ; or else , t is Sottishnesse . If either ; ( I hope neither ) thee they raise ; Thy * Letters are as Letters in thy praise ; Who , by their vice , improue ( when they reprooue ) Thy vertue ; so , in hate , procure thee Loue. Then , On firme Worth : this Monument I frame ; Scorning for any Smith to forge such fame . Iohn Davies , Heref : To his worthy Captaine the Author . THat which wee call the subiect of all Storie , Is Truth : which in this Worke of thine giues glorie To all that thou hast done . Then , scorne the spight Of Envie ; which doth no mans Merits right . My sword may helpe the rest : my Pen no more Can doe , but this ; I 'aue said enough before . Your sometime Souldier , I. Codrinton , now Templer . To my Worthy Friend and Cosen , Captaine Iohn Smith ▪ IT over-ioyes my heart , when as thy Words Of these designes , with deeds I doe compare . Here is a Booke , such worthy truth affords , None should the due desert thereof impare : Sith thou , the man , deserving of these Ages , Much paine hast ta'en for this our Kingdomes good , In Climes vnknowne , 'Mongst Turks and Salvages , T' inlarge our bounds ; though with thy losse of blood . Hence damn'd Detraction : stand not in our way . Envie , it selfe , will not the Truth gainesay . N. Smith . In the deserved Honour of my honest and worthy Captaine , Iohn Smith , and his Worke. CAptaine and friend ; when I pervse thy Booke ( With Iudgements eyes ) into my heart I looke : And there I finde ( what sometimes Albion knew ) A Souldier , to his Countries-honour , true . Some fight for wealth ; and some for emptie praise ; But thou alone thy Countries Fame to raise . With due discretion , and vndanted heart , I ( oft ) so well haue seene thee act thy Part In deepest plunge of hard extreamitie , As forc't the troups of proudest foes to flie . Though men of greater Ranke and lesse desert Would Pish-away thy Praise , it can not start From the true Owner : for , all good mens tongues Shall keepe the same . To them that Part belongs . If , then , Wit , Courage , and Successe should get Thee Fame ; the Muse for that is in thy debt : A part whereof ( least able though I be ) Thus here I doe disburse , to honor Thee . Raleigh Crashaw . Michael Phettiplace , Wil : Phettiplace , and Richard Wiffing , Gentlemen , and Souldiers vnder Captaine Smiths command : In his deserved honour for his Worke , and Worth. VVHy may not wee in this Worke haue our Mite , That had our share in each black day and night , When thou Virginia foild'st , yet kept'st vnstaind ; And held'st the King of Paspeheh exchaind . Thou all alone this Salvage sterne didst take . Pamavnkees King wee saw thee captiue make Among seauen hundred of his stoutest men , To murther thee and vs resolved ; when Fast by the hayre thou ledst this Salvage grins ; Thy Pistoll at his breast to governe him : Which did infuse such awe in all the rest ( Sith their drad Soveraigne thou had'st so distrest ) That thou and wee ( poore sixteene ) safe retir'd Vnto our helplesse Ships . Thou ( thus admir'd ) Didst make proud Powhatan , his subiects send To Iames his Towne , thy censure to attend : And all Virginia's Lords , and pettie Kings , Aw'd by thy vertue , crouch , and Presents brings To gaine thy grace ; so dreaded thou hast beene : And yet a heart more milde is seldome seene ; So , making Valour Vertue , really ; Who hast nought in thee counterfeit , or slie ; If in the sleight be not the truest Art , That make's men famoused for faire desert . Who saith of thee , this sauors of vaine glorie , Mistakes both thee and vs , and this true Storie . If it be ill in Thee , so well to doe ; Then , is ill in Vs , to praise thee too . But , if the first be well done ; it is well , To say it doth ( if so it doth ) excell . Praise is the guerdon of each deare desert Making the praised act the praised part With more alacritie : Honours Spurre is Praise ; Without which , it ( regardlesse ) soone decaies . And for this paines of thine wee praise thee rather ▪ That future Times may know who was the father Of that rare Worke ( New England ) which may bring , Praise to thy God , and profit to thy King. The Summer Ils. The tribes ar signifyed by these Figurs 1. Sands 2. Southampton 3. Warwick 4. Padget 5. Pembrok 6. Cauendish 7. Smith 8. Hambleton . St Catherins forte F Pembroks forte K Kings Castell M Southampton forte L Devonshire Redute O A Scale of 8 Miles 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 St George Towne D Warwicks forte E The 3 Bridges A.B.C. P Riches Mount State house The Letters A.B.C. shew the sittuation of the 3 bridges P the Mount. D.E.F.G.H.I.K.L.M.N.O. the forts how and by whom they wer made the history will shew you . The discription of the land by Mr Norwood . All contracted into this order by Captaine Iohn Smith . Smiths forte I Pagets forte H Penistons Redoute G Charles forte N Printed by Iames Reeve THE FOVRTH BOOKE . TO MAKE PLAINE THE TRVE PROCEEdings of the Historie for 1609. we must follow the examinations of Doctor Simons , and two learned Orations published by the Companie ; with the relation of the Right Honourable the Lord De la Ware. What happened in the first gouernment after the alteration in the time of Captaine George Piercie their Gouernour . THE day before Captaine Smith returned for England with the ships , Captaine Dauis arriued in a small Pinace , with some sixteene proper men more : To these were added a company from Iames towne , vnder the command of Captaine Iohn Sickelmore alias Ratliffe , to inhabit Point Comfort . Captaine Martin and Captaine West , hauing lost their boats and neere halfe their men among the Saluages , were returned to Iames towne ; for the Saluages no sooner vnderstood Smith was gone , but they all reuolted , and did spoile and murther all they incountered . Now wee were all constrained to liue onely on that Smith had onely for his owne Companie , for the rest had consumed their proportions , and now they had twentie Presidents with all their appurtenances : Master Piercie our new President , was so sicke hee could neither goe nor stand . But ere all was consumed , Captaine West and Captaine Sickelmore , each with a small ship and thirtie or fortie men well appointed , sought abroad to trade . Sickelmore vpon the confidence of Powhatan , with about thirtie others as carelesse as himselfe , were all slaine , onely Ieffrey Shortridge escaped , and Pokahontas the Kings daughter saued a boy called Henry Spilman , that liued many yeeres after , by her meanes , amongst the Patawomekes . Powhatan still as he found meanes , cut off their Boats , denied them trade , so that Captaine West set saile for England . Now we all found the losse of Captaine Smith , yea his greatest maligners could now curse his losse : as for corne , prouision and contribution from the Saluages , we had nothing but mortall wounds , with clubs and arrowes ; as for our Hogs , Hens , Goats , Sheepe , Horse , or what liued , our commanders , officers & Saluages daily consumed them , some small proportions sometimes we tasted , till all was deuoured ; then swords , armes , pieces , or any thing , wee traded with the Saluages , whose cruell fingers were so oft imbrewed in our blouds , that what by their crueltie , our Gouernours indiscretion , and the losse of our ships , of fiue hundred within six moneths after Captaine Smiths departure , there remained not past sixtie men , women and children , most miserable and poore creatures ; and those were preserued for the most part , by roots , herbes , acornes , walnuts , berries , now and then a little fish : they that had startch in these extremities , made no small vse of it ; yea , euen the very skinnes of our horses . Nay , so great was our famine , that a Saluage we slew , and buried , the poorer sort tooke him vp againe and eat him , and so did diuers one another boyled and stewed with roots and herbs : And one amongst the rest did kill his wife , powdered her , and had eaten part of her before it was knowne , for which hee was executed , as hee well deserued ; now whether shee was better roasted , boyled or carbonado'd , I know not , but of such a dish as powdered wise I neuer heard of . This was that time , which still to this day we called the staruing time ; it were too vile to say , and scarce to be beleeued , what we endured : but the occasion was our owne , for want of prouidence , industrie and gouernment , and not the barrennesse and defect of the Countrie , as is generally supposed ; for till then in three yeeres , for the numbers were landed vs , we had neuer from England prouision sufficient for six moneths , though it seemed by the bils of loading sufficient was sent vs , such a glutton is the Sea , and such good fellowes the Mariners ; we as little tasted of the great proportion sent vs , as they of our want and miseries , yet notwithstanding they euer ouer-swayed and ruled the businesse , though we endured all that is said , and chiefly liued on what this good Countrie naturally afforded ; yet had wee beene euen in Paradice it selfe with these Gouernours , it would not haue beene much better with vs ; yet there was amongst vs , who had they had the gouernment as Captaine Smith appointed , but that they could not maintaine it , would surely haue kept vs from those extremities of miseries . This in ten daies more , would haue supplanted vs all with death . But God that would not this Countrie should be vnplanted , sent Sir Thomas Gates , and Sir George Sommers with one hundred and fiftie people most happily preserued by the Bermudas to preserue vs : strange it is to say how miraculously they were preserued in a leaking ship , as at large you may reade in the insuing Historie of those Ilands . The gouernment resigned to Sir Thomas Gates , 1610. WHen these two Noble Knights did see our miseries , being but strangers in that Countrie , and could vnderstand no more of the cause , but by coniecture of our clamours and complaints , of accusing and excusing one another : They embarked vs with themselues , with the best meanes they could , and abandoning Iames towne , set saile for England , whereby you may see the euent of the gouernment of the former Commanders left to themselues ; although they had liued there many yeeres as formerly hath beene spoken ( who hindred now their proceedings , Captaine Smith being gone . ) At noone they fell to the I le of Hogs , and the next morning to Mulbery point , at what time they descried the Long-boat of the Lord la Ware , for God would not haue it so abandoned . For this honourable Lord , then Gouernour of the Countrie , met them with three ships exceedingly well furnished with all necessaries fitting , who againe returned them to the abandoned Iames towne . Out of the obseruations of William Simmons Doctor of Diuinitie . The gouernment deuolued to the Lord la Ware. HIs Lordship arriued the ninth of Iune 1610. accompanied with Sir Ferdinando Warnman , Captaine Houl●roft , Captaine Lawson , and diuers other Gentlemen of sort ; the tenth he came vp with his fleet , went on shore , heard a Sermon , read his Commission , and entred into consultation for the good of the Colonie , in which secret counsell we will a little leaue them , that we may duly obserue the reuealed counsell of God. Hee that shall but turne vp his eie , and behold the spangled canopie of heauen , or shall but cast downe his eie , and consider the embroydered carpet of the earth , and withall shall marke how the heauens heare the earth , and the earth the Corne and Oile , and they relieue the necessities of man , that man will acknowledge Gods infinite Prouidence : But hee that shall further obserue , how God inclineth all casuall euents to worke the necessary helpe of his Saints , must needs adore the Lords infinite goodnesse ; neuer had any people more iust cause , to cast themselues at the very foot-●toole of God , and to reuerence his mercie , than this distressed Colonie ; for if God had not sent Sir Thomas Gates from the Bermudas , within foure daies they had almost beene famished ; if God had not directed the heart of that noble Knight to saue the Fort from fiering at their shipping , for many were very importunate to haue burnt it , they had beene destitute of a present harbour and succour ; if they had abandoned the Fort any longer time , and had not so soone returned , questionlesse the Indians would haue destroied the Fort , which had beene the meanes of our safeties amongst them and a terror . If they had set saile sooner , and had lanched into the vast Ocean , who would haue promised they should haue incountered the Fleet of the Lord la Ware , especially when they made for New found land , as they intended , a course contrarie to our Nauie approaching . If the Lord la Ware had not brought with him a yeeres prouision , what comfort would those poore soules haue receiued , to haue beene relanded to a second distruction ? This was the arme of the Lord of Hosts , who would haue his people passe the red Sea and Wildernesse , and then to possesse the land of Canaan : It was diuinely sp●ken of Heathen Socrates , If God for man be carefull , why should man bee ouer-distrustfull ? for he hath so tempered the contrary qualities of the Elements , That neither cold things want heat , nor moist things dry , Nor sad things spirits , to quicken them thereby , Yet make they musicall content of contrarietie , Which conquer'd , knits them in such links together , They doe produce euen all this whatsoeuer . The Lord Gouernour , after mature deliberation , deliuered some few words to the Companie , laying iust blame vpon them , for their haughtie vanities and sluggish idlenesse , earnestly intreating them to amend those desperate follies , lest hee should be compelled to draw the sword of Iustice , and to cut off such delinquents , which he had rather draw , to the shedding of his vitall bloud , to protect them from iniuries ; heartning them with relation of that store hee had brought with him , constituting officers of all conditions , to rule ouer them , allotting euery man his particular place , to watch vigilantly , and worke painfully : This Oration and direction being receiued with a generall applause , you might shortly behold the idle and restie diseases of a diuided multitude , by the vnitie and authoritie of this gouernment to be substantially cured . Those that knew not the way to goodnesse before , but cherished singularitie and faction , can now chalke out the path of all respectiue dutie and seruice : euery man endeuoureth to outstrip other in diligence : the French preparing to plant the Vines , the English labouring in the Woods and grounds ; euery man knoweth his charge , and dischargeth the same with alacritie . Neither let any man be discouraged , by the relation of their daily labour ( as though the sap of their bodies should bee spent for other mens profit ) the setled times of working , to effect all themselues , or as the Aduenturers need desire , required no more paines than from six of the clocke in the morning , vntill ten , and from two in the afternoone , till foure , at both which times they are prouided of spirituall and corporall reliefe . First , they enter into the Church , and make their praiers vnto God , next they returne to their houses and receiue their proportion of food . Nor should it bee conceiued that this businesse excludeth Gentlemen , whose breeding neuer knew what a daies labour meant , for though they cannot digge , vse the Spade , nor practice the Axe , yet may the staied spirits of any condition , finde how to imploy the force of knowledge , the exercise of counsell , the operation and power of their best breeding and qualities . The houses which are built , are as warme and defensiue against wind and weather , as if they were tiled and slated , being couered aboue with strong boards , and some matted round with Indian mats . Our forces are now such as are able to tame the furie and trecherie of the Saluages : Our Forts assure the Inhabitants , and frustrate all assaylants . And to leaue no discouragement in the heart of any , who personally shall enter into this great action , I will communicate a double comfort ; first , Sir George Sommers , that worthy Admirall hath vndertaken a dangerous aduenture for the good of the Colonie . Vpon the 15. of Iune , accompanied with Captaine Samuel Argall , hee returned in two Pinaces vnto the Bermudas , promising ( if by any meanes God will open a way to that Iland of Rocks ) that he would soone returne with six moneths prouision of flesh ; with much crosse weather at last hee there safely arriued , but Captaine Argall was forced backe againe to Iames towne , whom the Lord De la Ware not long after sent to the Riuer of Patawomeke , to trade for Corne ; where finding an English boy , one Henry Spilman , a young Gentleman well descended , by those people preserued from the furie of Powhatan , by his acquaintance had such good vsage of those kinde Saluages , that they fraughted his ship with Corne , wherewith he returned to Iames towne . The other comfort is , that the Lord la Ware hath built two new Forts , the one called Fort Henry , the other Fort Charles , in honour of our most noble Prince , and his hopefull brother , vpon a pleasant plaine , and neare a little Riuilet they call Southampton Riuer ; they stand in a wholsome aire , hauing plentie of Springs of sweet water , they command a great circuit of ground , containing Wood , Pasture and Marsh , with apt places for Vines , Corne and Gardens ; in which Forts it is resolued , that all those that come out of England , shall be at their first landing quartered , that the wearisomnesse of the Sea , may bee refreshed in this pleasing part of the Countrie , and Sir Thomas Gates hee sent for England . But to correct some iniuries of the Paspahegs , he sent Captaine Pearcie , Master Stacy , and fiftie or threescore shot , where the Saluages flying , they burnt their houses , tooke the Queene and her children prisoners , whom not long after they slew . The fertilitie of the soile , the temperature of the climate , the forme of gouernment , the condition of our people , their daily inuocating of the Name of God being thus expressed ; why should the successe , by the rules of mortall iudgement , bee disparaged ? why should not the rich haruest of our hopes be seasonably expected ? I dare say , that the resolution of Caesar in France , the designes of Alexander , the discoueries of Hernando Cortes in the West , and of Emanuel King of Portugal in the East , were not encouraged vpon so firme grounds of state and possibilitie . But his Lordship being at the fales , the Saluages assaulted his troopes and slew three or foure of his men . Not long after , his Honour growing very sicke , he returned for England the 28. of March ; in the ship were about fiue and fiftie men , but ere we arriued at Fyall , fortie of vs were neare sicke to death , of the Scuruie , Callenture , and other diseases : the Gouernour being an English-man , kindly vsed vs , but small reliefe we could get , but Oranges , of which we had plenty , whereby within eight daies wee recouered , and all were well and strong by that they came into England . Written by William Box. The Counsell of Virginia finding the smalnesse of that returne which they hoped should haue defrayed the charge of a new supply , entred into a deep consultation , whether it were fit to enter into a new Contribution , or in time to send for them home , and giue ouer the action , and therefore they adiured Sir Thomas Gates to deale plainly with them , who with a solemne and a sacred oath replyed , That all things before reported were true , and that all men know that wee stand at the deuotion of politicke Princes and States , who for their proper vtilitie , deuise all courses to grind our Merchants , and by all pretences to confiscate their goods , and to draw from vs all manner of gaine by their inquisitiue inuentions , when in Virginia , a few yeeres labour by planting and husbandry , will furnish all our de●●cts with honour and securitie . Out of a Declaration published by the Counsell , 1610. The gouernment left againe to Captaine George Piercie , and the returne of the Lord la Ware , with his Relation to the Councell . MY Lords , now by accident returned from my charge at Virginia , contrary either to my owne desire , or other mens expectations , who spare not to censure me , in point of dutie , and to discourse and question the reason , though they apprehend not the true cause of my returne , I am forced out of a willingnesse to satisfie euery man , to deliuer vnto your Lordships and the rest of this assemblie , in what state I haue liued euer since my arriuall to the Colonie , what hath beene the iust cause of my sudden departure , and on what tearmes I haue left the same , the rather because I perceiue , that since my comming into England , such a coldnesse and irresolution is bred in many of the Aduenturers , that some of them seeke to withdraw their payments , by which the action must be supported , making this my returne colour of their needlesse backwardnesse and vniust protraction : which that you may the better vnderstand , I was welcomed to Iames towne by a violent ague ; being cured of it , within thre● weekes after I began to be distempered with other grieuous sicknesses which successiuely and seuerally assailed me , for besides a relapse into the former disease , which with much more violence held me more than a moneth , and brought me to greater weaknesse ; the flux surprised mee , and kept me many daies , then the crampe assaulted my weake body with strong paines , and after , the gout ; all those drew me to that weaknesse , being vnable to stirre , brought vpon me the scuruie , which though in others it be a sicknesse of slothfulnesse , yet was it in mean effect of weaknesse , which neuer left me , till I was ready to leaue the world . In these extremities I resolued to consult with my friends , who finding nature spent in me , and my body almost consumed , my paines likewise daily increasing , gaue me aduice to preferre a hopefull recouerie , before an assured ruine , which must necessarily haue ensued , had I liued but twentie daies longer in Virginia , wanting at that instant both food and Physicke , fit to remedie such extraordinary diseases ; wherefore I shipped my selfe with Doctor Bohun and Captaine Argall , for Meuis in the West Indies , but being crossed with Southerly winds , I was forced to shape my course for the Westerne Iles , where I found helpe for my health , and my sicknesse asswaged , by the meanes of fresh dyet , especially Oranges and Limons , and vndoubted remedie for that disease : then I intended to haue returned backe againe to Virginia , but I was aduised not to hazard my selfe , before I had perfectly recouered my strength : so I came for England ; in which accident , I doubt not but men of iudgement will imagine , there would more preiudice haue happened by my death there , than I hope can doe by my returne . For the Colony I left it to the charge of Captaine George Piercie , a Gentleman of honour and resolution , vntill the comming of Sir Thomas Dale , whose Commission was likewise to bee determined vpon the arriuall of Sir Thomas Gates , according to the order your Lordships appointed : the number I left were about two hundred , the most in health , and prouided of at least ten moneths victuall , and the Countrie people tractable and friendly . What other defects they had , I found by Sir Thomas Gates at the Cowes ; his Fleet was sufficiently furnished with supplies , but when it shall please God that Sir Thomas Dale , and Sir Thomas Gates shall arriue in Virginia with the extraordinarie supply of 100. Kine , and 200. Swine , besides store of other prouision , for the maintenance of the Colonie , there will appeare that successe in the action , as shall giue no man cause of distrust , that hath already aduentured , but incourage euery good minde to further so good a worke , as will redound both to the glory of God , to the credit of our nation , and the comfort of all those that haue beene instruments in the furthering of it . Out of the Lord la Wares discourse , published by Authoritie , 1611. The gouernment surrendred to Sir Thomas Dale , who arriued in Virginia the tenth of May , 1611. out of Master Hamors Booke . BEfore the Lord la Ware arriued in England , the Councell and Companie had dispatched away Sir Thomas Dale with three ships , men and cattell , and all other prouisions necessarie for a yeere ; all which arriued well the tenth of May 1611. where he found them growing againe to their former estate of penurie , being so improuident as not to put Corne in the ground for their bread , but trusted to the store , then furnished but with three moneths prouision ; his first care therefore was to imploy all hands about setting of Corne , at the two Forts at Kecoughtan , Henry and Charles , whereby , the season then not fully past , though about the end of May , wee had an indifferent crop of good Corne. This businesse taken order for , and the care and trust of it committed to his vnder-Officers , to Iames towne he hastened , where most of the companie were ●t their daily and vsuall works , bowling in the streets ; these hee imployed about necessarie workes , as felling of Timber , repayring their houses ready to fall on their heads , and prouiding pales , posts and railes , to impale his purposed new towne , which by reason of his ignorance , being but newly arriued , hee had not resolued where to seat ; therefore to better his knowledge , with one hundred men he spent some time in viewing the Riuer of Nausamund , in despight of the Indians then our enemies ; then our owne Riuer to the Fales , where vpon a high land , inuironed with the maine Riuer , some twelue miles from the Fales , by Arsahattock , he resolued to plant his new towne . It was no small trouble to reduce his people so timely to good order , being of so ill a condition , as may well witnesse his seueritie and strict imprinted booke of Articles , then needfull with all extremitie to be executed ; now much mitigated ; so as if his Lawes had not beene so strictly executed , I see not how the vtter subuersion of the Colonie should haue beene preuented , witnesse Webbes and Prices designe the first yeere , since that of Abbots , and others , more dangerous than the former . Here I entreat your patience for an Apologie , though not a pardon . This Ieffrey Abbots , how euer this Author censures him , and the Gouernour executes him , I know he had long serued both in Ireland and Netherlands , here hee was a Sargeant of my Companie , and I neuer saw in Virginia a more sufficient Souldier , lesse turbulent , a better wit , more hardy or industrious , nor any more forward to cut off them that sought to abandon the Countrie , or wrong the Colonie ; how ingratefully those deserts might bee rewarded , enuied or neglected , or his farre inferiors preferred to ouer-top him , I know not , but such occasions might moue a Saint , much more a man , to an vnaduised passionate impatience , but how euer , it seemes he hath beene punished for his offences , that was neuer rewarded for his deserts . And euen this Summer Cole and Kitchins plot with three more , bending their course to Ocanahowan , fiue daies iourney from vs , where they report are Spaniards inhabiting . These were cut off by the Saluages , hired by vs to hunt them home to receiue their deserts : So as Sir Thomas Dale hath not beene so tyrannous nor seuere by the halfe , as there was occasion , and iust cause for it , and though the manner was not vsuall , wee were rather to haue regard to those , whom we would haue terrified and made fearefull to commit the like offences , than to the offenders iustly condemned , for amongst them so hardned in euill , the feare of a cruell , painfull and vnusuall death more restraines them , than death it selfe . Thus much I haue proceeded of his endeuours , vntill the comming of Sir Thomas Gates , in preparing himselfe to proceed as he intended . Now in England againe to second this noble Knight , the Counsell and Companie with all possible expedition prepared for Sir Thomas Gates six tall ships , with three hundred men , and one hundred Kine and other Cattell , with munition and all other manner of prouision that could be thought needfull ; and about the first or second of August , 1611. arriued safely at Iames towne . The gouernment returned againe to Sir Thomas Gates , 1611. THese worthy Knights being met , after their welcoming salutations , Sir Thomas Dale acquainted him what he had done , and what he intended , which designe Sir Thomas Gates well approuing , furnished him with three hundred and fiftie men , such as himselfe made choice of . In the beginning of September , 1611. hee set faile , and arriued where hee intended to build his new towne : within ten or twelue daies he had inuironed it with a pale , and in honour of our noble Prince Henry , called it Henrico . The next worke he did , was building at each corner of the Towne , a high commanding Watch-house , a Church , and Store-houses ; which finished , hee began to 〈…〉 conuenient houses for himselfe and men , which with all possible speed hee could he effected , to the great content of his companie , and all the Colonie . This towne is situated vpon a necke of a plaine rising land , three parts inuironed with the maine Riuer , the necke of land well impaled , makes it like an I le ; it hath three streets of well fram●d houses , a handsome Church , and the foundation of a better laid , to bee built of Bricke , besides Store-houses , Watch-houses , and such like : Vpon the verge of the Riuer there are fiue houses , wherein liue the honester sort of people , as Farmers in England , and they keepe continuall centinell for the townes securitie . About two miles from the towne , into the Maine , is another pal● , neere two miles in length , from Riuer to Riuer , guarded with seuerall Commanders , with a good quantitie of Corne-ground impailed , sufficiently secured to maintaine more than I suppose will come this three yeeres . On the other side of the Riuer , for the securitie of the towne , is intended to be impaled for the securitie of our Hogs , about two miles and a halfe , by the name of Hope in Faith , and Coxendale , secured by fiue of our manner of Forts , which are but Palisadoes , called Charitie Fort , Mount Malado , a guest house for sicke people , a high ●eat and wholsome aire , Elisabeth Fort , and Fort Patience : And here hath Master Whitaker chosen his Parsonage , impaled a faire framed Parsonage , and one hundred acres called Rocke hall , but these are not halfe finished . About Christmas following , in this same yeere 1611. in regard of the iniurie done vs by them of Apamatuck ▪ Sir Thomas Dale , without the losse of any , except some few Saluages , tooke it and their Corne , being but fiue miles by land from Henrico , and considering how commodious it might be for vs , resolued to possesse and plant it , and at the instant called it the new Bermudas , whereunto hee hath laid out and annexed to the belonging freedome and corporation for euer , many miles of Champian and Woodland ground in seuerall hundreds , as the vpper and nether hundreds , Rochdale hundred , West Sherly hundred , and Digs his hundred . In the nether hundred he first began to plant , for there is the most Corne-ground , and with a pale of two miles , cut ouer from Riuer to Riuer , whereby we haue secured eight English miles in compasse ; vpon which circuit , within halfe a mile of each other , are many faire houses already built , besides particular mens houses neere to the number of fiftie . Rochdale , by a crosse pale welnigh foure miles long , is also planted with houses along the pale , in which hundred our Hogs and C●ttell haue twentie miles circuit to graze in securely . The building of the Citie is referred till our haruest be in , which he intends to make a retreat against any forraigne enemie . About fiftie miles from these is Iames towne , vpon a fertill peninsula , which although fomerly scandaled for an vnhealthful aire , wee finde it as healthfull as any other part of the Countrie ; it hath two rowes of houses of framed timber , and some of them two stories , and a garret higher , three large Store-houses ioined together in length , and hee hath newly strongly impaled the towne . This I le , and much ground about it , is much in habited : To Kecoughtan we accounted it fortie miles , where they liue well with halfe that allowance the rest haue from the store , because of the extraordinarie quantitie of Fish , Fowle and Deere ; as you may reade at large in the Discoueries of Captaine Smith . And thus I haue truly related vnto you the present estate of that small part of Virginia wee frequent and possesse . Since there was a ship fraughted with prouision , and fortie men ; and another since then with the like number and prouision , to stay twelue moneths in the Countrie , with Captaine Argall , which was sent not long after . After hee had recreated and refreshed his Companie , hee was sent to the Riuer Patawomeake , to trade for Corne , the Saluages about vs hauing small quarter , but friends and foes as they found aduantage and opportunitie : But to conclude our peace , thus it happened . Captaine Argall , hauing entred into a great acquaintance with Iapazaws , an 〈…〉 of Captaine Smiths , and so to all our Nation , euer since ●ee d●scouered the Countrie : hard by him there was Pocahontas , whom Captaine Smiths Relations intituleth the Numparell of Virginia , and though she had beene many times a preseruer of him and the whole Colonie , yet till this accident shee was neuer seene at Iames towne since his departure , being at Patawom●ke , as it seemes , thinking her selfe vnknowne , was easily by her friend Iapazaws perswaded to goe abroad with him and his wife to see the ship , for Captaine Argall had promised him a Copper Kettle to bring her but to him , promising no way to hurt her , but keepe her till they could conclude a peace with her father ; the Saluage for this Copper Kettle would haue done any thing , it seem●d by the Relation ; for though she had seene and beene in many ships , yet hee caused his wife to faine how desirous she was to see one , and that hee offered to beat her for her importunitie , till she wept . But at last he told her , if Pocahontas would goe with her , hee was content : and thus they betraied the poore innocent Pocahontas aboord , where they were all kindly feasted in the Cabbin . Iapazaws treading oft on the Captaines foot , to remember he had done his part , the Captaine when he saw his time , perswaded Pocahontas to the Gun-roome , faining to haue some conference with Iapazaws , which was onely that she should not perceiue hee was any way guiltie of her captiuitie : so sending for her againe , hee told her before her friends , she must goe with him , and compound peace betwixt her Countrie and vs , before she euer should see Powhatan , whereat the old Iew and his wife began to howle and crie as fast as Pocahontas , that vpon the Captaines faire perswasions , by degrees pacifying her selfe , and Iapazaws and his wife , with the Kettle and other toies , went merrily on shore , and shee to Iames towne . A messenger forthwith was sent to her father , that his daughter Pocahontas he loued so dearely , he must ransome with our men , swords , peeces , tooles , &c. hee trecherously had stolne . This vnwelcome newes much troubled Powhatan , because hee loued both his daughter and our commodities well , yet it was three moneths after ere hee returned vs any answer : then by the perswasion of the Councell , he returned seuen of our men , with each of them an vnseruiceable Musket , and sent vs word , that when wee would deliuer his daughter , hee would make vs satisfaction for all iniuries done vs , and giue vs fiue hundred bushels of Corne , and for euer be friends with vs. That he sent , we receiued in part of payment , and returned him this answer : That his daughter should be well vsed , but we could not beleeue the rest of our armes were either lost or stolne from him , and therefore till hee sent them , we would keepe his daughter . This answer , it seemed , much displeased him , for we heard no more from him a long time after , when with Captaine Argals ship , and some other vessels belonging to the Colonie , Sir Thomas Dale , with a hundred and fiftie men well appointed , went vp into his owne Riuer , to his chiefe habitation , with his daughter ; with many scornfull brauado's they affronted vs , proudly demanding why wee came thither ; our reply was , Wee had brought his daughter , and to receiue the ransome for her that was promised , or to haue it perforce . They nothing dismayed thereat , told vs , We were welcome if wee came to fight , for they were prouided for vs , but aduised vs , if wee loued our liues to retire ; else they would vse vs as they had done Captaine Ratcliffe : We told them , wee would presently haue a better answer ; but we were no sooner within shot of the shore than they let flie their Arrowes among vs in the ship . Being thus iustly prouoked , wee presently manned our Boats , went on shore , burned all their houses , and spoiled all they had we could finde ; and so the next day proceeded higher vp the Riuer , where they demanded ●hy wee burnt their houses , and wee , why they shot at vs : They replyed , it was some s●ragling Saluage , with many other excuses , they in●ended no hurt , but were our friends : We told them , wee came not to hurt them , but v●sit them as friends also . Vpon this we concluded a peace , and forthwith they dispatched messengers to Powhatan , whose answer , they told vs , wee must expect foure and twentie houres ere the messengers could returne : Then they told vs , our men were runne away for feare we would hang them , yet Powhatans men were runne after them ; as for our Swords and Peeces , they should be brought vs the next day , which was only but to delay time ; for the next day they came not . Then we went higher , to a house of Powhatans , called Matchot , where we saw about foure hundred men well appointed ; here they dar●d vs to come on shore , which wee did ; no shew of feare they made at all , nor offered to resist our landing , but walking boldly vp and downe amongst vs , demanded to conferre with our Captaine , of his comming in that manner , and to haue truce till they could but once more send to their King to know his pleasure , which if it were not agreeable to their expectation , then they would fight with vs , and defend their owne as they could , which was but onely to deferre the time , to carrie away their prouision ; yet wee promised them truce ti●l the next day at noone , and then if they would fight with vs , they should know when we would begin by our Drums and Trumpets . Vpon this promise , two of Powhatans sonnes came vnto vs to see their sister , at whose sight , seeing her well , though they heard to the contrarie , they much reioiced , promising they would perswade her father to redeeme her , and for euer be friends with vs. And vpon this , the two brethren went aboord with vs , and we sent M●ster Iohn Rolfe and Master Sparkes to Powhatan , to acquaint him with the businesse ; kindly they were entertained , but not admitted the presence of Powhatan , but they spoke with Opechaucanough , his brother and successor ; hee promised to doe the best he could to Powhatan , all might be well . So it being Aprill , and time to prepare our ground and set our Corne , we returned to Iames Towne , promising the forbearance of their performing their promise , till the next haruest . Long before this , Master Iohn Rolfe , an honest Gentleman , and of good behauiour , had beene in loue with Pocahontas , and she with him , which thing at that instant I made knowne to Sir Thomas Dale by a letter from him , wherein hee intreated his aduice , and she acquainted her brother with it , which resolution Sir Thomas Dale well approued : the brute of this mariage came soone to the knowledge of Powhatan , a thing acceptable to him , as appeared by his sudden consent , for within ten daies he sent Opachisco , an old Vncle of hers , and two of his sons , to see the manner of the mariage , and to doe in that behalfe what they were requested , for the confirmation thereof , as his deputie ; which was accordingly done about the first of Aprill : And euer since wee haue had friendly trade and commerce , as well with Powhatan himselfe , as all his subiects . Besides this , by the meanes of Powhatan , we became in league with our next neighbours , the Chicahamanias , a lustie and a daring people , free of themselues . These people , so soone as they heard of our peace with Powhatan , sent two messengers with presents to Sir Thomas Dale , and offered him their seruice , excusing all former iniuries , hereafter they would euer be King Iames his subiects , and relinquish the name of Chickahamania , to be called Tassautessus , as they call vs , and Sir Thomas Dale there Gouernour , as the Kings Deputie ; onely they desired to be gouerned by their owne Lawes , which is eight of their Elders as his substitutes . This offer he kindly accepted , and appointed the day hee would come to visit them . Wh●n the appointed day came , Sir Thomas Dale and Captaine Argall with fiftie men well appointed , went to Chickahamania , where wee found the people expecting our comming , they vsed vs kindly , and the next morning sate in counsell , to conclude their peace vpon these conditions : First , they should for euer bee called Englishmen , and bee true subiects to King Iames and his Deputies . Secondly , neither to kill nor detaine any of our men , nor cattell , but bring them home . Thirdly , to bee alw●ies ready to furnish vs with three hundred men , against the Spaniards or any . Fourthly , they shall not enter ●ur townes , but send word they are new Englishmen . Fiftly , that euery fighting man , at the beginning of haruest , shall bring to our store two bushels of Corne , for tribute , for which they shall rec●iue so many Hatchets . Lastly , the eight chiefe men should see all this performed , or receiue the punishment themselues : for their diligence they should haue a red coat , a copper chaine , and King Iames his picture , and be accounted his Noblemen . All this they concluded with a generall assent , and a great shout to confirme it : then one of the old men began an Oration , bending his speech first to the old men , then to the young , and then to the women and children , to make them vnderstand how strictly they were to obserue these conditions , and we would defend them from the furie of Powhatan , or any enemie whatsoeuer , and furnish them with Copper , Beads , and Hatchets ; but all this was rather for feare Powhatan and we , being so linked together , would bring them againe to his subiection ; the which to preuent , they did rather chuse to be protected by vs , than tormented by him , whom they held a Tyrant . And thus wee returned againe to Iames towne . When our people were fed out of the common store , and laboured iointly together , glad was he could slip from his labour , or slumber ouer his taske he cared not how , nay , the most honest among them would hardly take so much true paines in a weeke , as now for themselues they will doe in a day , neither cared they for the increase , presuming that howsoeuer the haruest prospered , the generall store must maintaine them , so that wee reaped not so much Corne from the labours of thirtie , as now three or foure doe prouide for themselues . To preuent which , Sir Thomas Dale hath allotted euery man three Acres of cleare ground , in the nature of Farmes , except the Bermudas , who are exempted , but for one moneths seruice in the yeere , which must neither bee in feed-time , nor haruest ; for which doing , no other dutie they pay yeerely to the store , but two barrels and a halfe of Corne ( from all those Farmers , whereof the first was William Spence , an honest , valiant , and an industrious man , and hath continued from 1607. to this present ) from those is expected such a contribution to the store , as wee shall neither want for our selues , nor to entertaine our supplies ; for the rest , they are to worke eleuen moneths for the store , and hath one moneth onely allowed them to get prouision to keepe them for twelue , except two bushels of Corne they haue out of the store ; if those can liue so , why should any feare staruing , and it were much better to denie them passage , that would not ere they come , bee content to ingage themselues to those conditions : for onely from the slothfull and idle drones , and none else , hath sprung the manifold imputations , Virginia innocen●ly hath vndergone ; and therefore I would deter such from comming here , that cannot well brooke labour , except they will vndergoe much punishment and penurie , if they escape the skuruie : but for the industrious , there is reward sufficient , and if any thinke there is nothing but bread , I referre you to his relations that discouered the Countrie first . The gouernment left to Sir Thomas Dale vpon Sir Thomas Gates returne for England . SIr Thomas Dale vnderstanding there was a plantation of Frenchmen in the north part of Virginia , about the degrees of 45. sent Captaine Argall to Port Royall and Sancta Crux , where finding the Frenchmen abroad dispersed in the Woods , surprized their Ship and Pinnace , which was but newly come from France , wherein was much good apparel , and other prouision , which he brought to Iames towne , but the men escaped , and liued among the Saluages of those Countries . It pleased Sir Thomas Dale , before my returne to England , because I would be able to speake somewhat of my owne knowledge , to giue mee leaue to visit Powhatan and his Court : being prouided , I had Thomas Saluage with mee , for my Interpreter , with him and two Saluages for guides , I went from the Bermuda in the morning , and came to Match●t the next night , where the King lay vpon the Riuer of Pamavuke ; his entertainment was strange to me , the boy he knew well , and told him ; My child , I gaue you leaue , being my boy , to goe see your friends , and these foure yeeres I haue not seene you , nor heard of my owne man Namoutack I sent to England , though many ships since haue beene returned thence : Hauing done with him , hee began with mee , and demanded for the chaine of pearle he sent his brother Sir Thomas Dale at his first arriuall , which was a token betwixt them , when euer hee should send a messenger from himselfe to him , he should weare that chaine about his necke , since the peace was concluded , otherwaies he was to binde him and send him home . It is true Sir Thomas Dale had sent him such word , and gaue his Page order to giue it me , but he forgot it , and till this present I neuer heard of it , yet I replyed I did know there was such an order , but that was when vpon a sudden he should haue occasion to send an Englishman without an Indian Guide ; but if his owne people should conduct his messenger , as two of his did me who knew my message , it was sufficient ; with which answer he was contented , and so conducted vs to his house , where was a guard of two hundred Bow-men , that alwaies attend his person . The first thing he did , he offered me a pipe of Tobacco , then asked mee how his brother Sir Thomas Dale did , and his daughter , and vnknowne sonne , and how they liued , loued and liked ; I told him his brother was well , and his daughter so contented , she would not liue againe with him ; whereat he laughed , and demanded the cause of my comming : I told him my message was priuate , and I was to deliuer it onely to himselfe and Papaschicher , one of my guides that was acquainted with it ; instantly he commanded all out of the house , but onely his two Queenes , that alwaies sit by him , and bade me speake on . I told him , by my Interpreter , Sir Thomas Dale hath sent you two pieces of Copper , fiue strings of white and blue Beads , fiue woodden Combes , ten Fish-hookes , a paire of Kniues , and that when you would send for it , hee would giue you a Grind-stone ; all this pleased him : but then I told him his brother Dale , hearing of the same of his youngest daughter , desiring in any case he would send her by me vnto him , in testimonie of his loue , as well for that he intended to marry her , as the desire her sister had to see her , because being now one people , and hee desirous for euer to dwell in his Countrie , he conceiued there could not be a truer assurance of peace and friendship , than in such a naturall band of an vnited vnion . I needed not entreat his answer by his oft interrupting mee in my speech , and presently with much grauitie he thus replyed . I gladly accept your salute of loue and peace , which while I liue , I shall exactly keepe , his pledges thereof I receiue with no lesse thanks , although they a●e not so ample as formerly he had receiued ; but for my daughter , I haue sold her within this few daies to a great Werowance , for two bushels of Rawrenoke , three daies iournie from me . I replyed , I knew his greatnesse in restoring the Rawrenoke , might call her againe to gratifie his brother , and the rather , because she was but twelue yeeres old , assuring him , besides the band of peace , hee should haue for her , three times the worth of the Rawrenoke , in Beads , Copper , Hatchets , &c. His answer was , he loued his daughter as his life , and though hee had many children , hee delighted in none so much as shee , whom if he should not often behold , he could not possibly liue , which she liuing with vs he could not do , hauing resolued vpon no termes to put himselfe into our hands , or come amongst vs ; therefore desired me to vrge him no further , but returne his brother this answer : That I desire no former assurance of his friendship , than the promise hee hath made , from me he hath a pledge , one of my daughters , which so long as she liues shall be sufficient , when she dies , he shall haue another : I hold it not a brotherly part to desire to bereaue me of my two children at once . Farther , tell him though he had no pledge at all , hee need not distrust any iniurie from me or my people ; there haue beene too many of his men and mine slaine , and by my occasion there shall neuer be more , ( I which haue power to performe it , haue said it ) although I should haue iust cause , for I am now old , & would gladly end my daies in peace ; if you offer me iniurie , my countrie is large enough to goe from you : Thus much I hope will satisfie my brother . Now because you are wearie , and I sleepie , wee will thus end . So commanding vs victuall and lodging , we rested that night , and the next morning he came to visit vs , and kindly conducted vs to the best cheere hee had . William Parker . While I here remained , by chance came an Englishman , whom there had beene surprized three yeeres agoe at Fort Henry , growne so like , both in complexion and habit like a Saluage , I knew him not , but by his tongue : hee desired mee to procure his libertie , which I intended , and so farre vrged Powhatan , that he grew discontented , and told mee , You haue one of my daughters , and I am content , but you cannot see one of your men with mee , but you must haue him away , or breake friendship ; if you must needs haue him , you shall goe home without guides , and if any euill befall you , thanke your selues : I told him I would , but if I returned not well , hee must expect a reuenge , and his brother might haue iust cause to suspect him . So in passion he le●t me till supper , and then gaue me such as hee had with a cheerefull countenance : About midnight hee awaked vs , and promised in the morning my returne with Parker ; but I must remember his brother to send him ten great pieces of Copper , a Shauing-knife , a Frowe , a Grindstone , a Net , Fish-hookes , and such toies ; which lest I should forget , he caused me write in a table-booke he had ; how euer he got it , it was a faire one , I desired hee would giue it me ; he told me , no , it did him much good in shewing to strangers , yet in the morning when we departed , hauing furnished vs well with prouision , he gaue each of vs a Bucks skin as well dressed as could be , and sent two more to his sonne and daughter : And so we returned to Iames towne . Written by Master Ralph Hamor and Iohn Rolph . I haue read the substance of this relation , in a Letter written by Sir Thomas Dale , another by Master Whitaker , and a third by Master Iohn Rolse ; how carefull they were to instruct her in Christianity , and how capable and desirous shee was thereof , after she had beene some time thus tutored , shee neuer had desire to goe to her father , nor could well endure the society of her owne nation : the true affection she constantly bare her husband was much , and the strange apparitions and violent passions he endured for her loue , as he deeply protested , was wonderfull , and she openly renounced her countries idolatry , confessed the faith of Christ , and was baptized , but either the coldnesse of the aduenturers , or the bad vsage of that was collected , or both , caused this worthy Knight to write thus . Oh why should so many Princes and Noblemen ingage themselues , and thereby intermedling herein , haue caused a number of soules transport themselues , and be transported hither ? Why should they , I say , relinquish this so glorious an action : for if their ends be to build God a Church , they ought to perseuere ; if otherwise , yet their honour ingageth them to be constan● ; howsoeuer they stand affected , here is enough to content them . These are the things haue animated me to stay a little season from them , I am bound in conscience to returne vnto ; leauing all contenting pleasures and mundall delights , to reside here with much turmoile , which I will rather doe than see Gods glory diminished , my King and Count●y dishonoured , and these poore soules I haue in charge reuiued , which would quickly happen if I should leaue them ; so few I haue with me fit to command or manage the businesse : Master Whitaker their Preacher complaineth , and much museth , that so few of our English Ministers , that were so hot against the surplice and subscription come hether , where neither is spoken of . Doe they not wilfully hide their talents , or keepe themselues at home , for feare of losing a few pleasures : be there not any among them of Moses his minde , and of the Apostles , that forsooke all to follow Christ , but I refer them to the Iudge of all hearts , and to the King that shall reward euery one according to his talent . From Virginia . Iune : 18. 1614. The businesse being brought to this perfection , Captaine Arga●l returned for England , in the latter end of Iune , 1614. ariuing in England , and bringing this good tidings to the Councell and company by the assistances of Sir Thomas Gates , th●t also had returned from Virginia but the March before ; it was presently concluded , that to supply this good successe with all expedition , the standing Lottery should be drawne with all diligent conueniency , and that posterity may remember vpon occasion to vse the like according to the declaration , I thinke it not amisse to remember thus much . The Contents of the declaration of the Lottery published by the Counsell . IT is apparent to the world ; by how many former Proclamations , we manifested our intents , to haue drawn out the great standing Lottery long before this , which not falling out as we desired , and others expected , whose monies are aduentured ther●in , we thought good therefore for the auoiding all vniust and sinister constructions , to resolue the doubts of all indifferent minded , in three speciall points for their better satisfaction . But ere I goe any farther , let vs remember there was a running Lottery , vsed a long time in Saint Pauls Church-yard , where this stood , that brought into the Treasury good summes of mony dayly , though the Lot was but small . Now for the points , the first is , for as much as the Aduenturers came in so slackly for the yeere past , without preiudice to the generality , in losing the blankes and prises , we were forced to petition to the honourable Lords , who out of their noble care to further this Plantation , haue recommended their Letters to the Countries , Cities , and good townes in England , which we hope by sending in their voluntary Aduenturers , will sufficiently supply vs. The second for satisfaction to all honest well affected minds , is , that though this expectation answer not our hopes , yet wee haue not failed in our Christian care , the good of that Colony , to whom we haue lately sent two sundry supplies , and were they but now supplied with more hands , wee should soone resolue the diuision of the Country by Lot , and so lessen the generall charge . The third is our constant resolution , that seeing our credits are so farre ingaged to the honourable Lords and the whole State , for the drawing this great Lottery , which we intend shall be without delay , the 26. of Iune next , desiring all such as haue vndertaken with bookes to solicit their friends , that they will not with-hold their monies till the last moneth be expired , lest we be vnwillingly forced to proportion a lesse value and number of our Blankes and Prises which hereafter followeth . Welcomes . TO him that first shall be drawne out with a blanke , 100 Crownes . To the second , 50 Crownes . To the third , 25 Crownes . To him that euery day during the drawing of this Lottery , shall bee first drawne out with a blanke , 10 Crownes . Prizes . 1 Great Prize of 4500 Crownes . 2 Great Prizes , each of 2000 Crownes . 4 Great Prizes , each of 1000 Crownes . 6 Great Prizes , each of 500 Crownes . 10 Prizes , each of 300 Crownes . 20 Prizes , each of 200 Crownes . 100 Prizes , each of 100 Crownes . 200 Prizes , each of 50 Crownes . 400 Prizes , each of 20 Crownes . 1000 Prizes , each of 10 Crownes . 1000 Prizes , each of 8 Crownes . 1000 Prizes , each of 6 Crownes . 4000 Prizes , each of 4 Crownes . 1000 Prizes , each of 3 Crownes . 1000 Prizes , each of 2 Crownes . Rewards . TO him that shall be last drawne out with a blanke , 25 Crownes . To him that putteth in the greatest Lot , vnder one name , 400 Crownes . To him that putteth in the second greatest number , 300 Crownes . To him that putteth in the third greatest number , 200 Crownes . To him that putteth in the fourth greatest number , 100 Crownes . If diuers be of equall number , their rewards are to be diuided proportionally . Addition of new Rewards . THe blanke that shall bee drawne out next before the great Prize shall haue 25 Crownes . The blanke that shall be drawne out next after the said great Prize 25 Crownes . The blancks that shall be drawne out immediatly before the two next great Prizes , shall haue each of them 20 Crownes . The seuerall blankes next after them , each shall haue 20 Crownes . The seuerall blankes next before the foure great Prizes , each shall haue 15 Crownes . The seuerall blankes next after them , each shall haue 15 Crownes . The seuerall blankes next before the six great Prizes , each shall haue 10 Crownes . The seuerall blankes next after them , each shall haue 10 Crownes . The prizes , welcomes , and rewards , shall be payed in ready Mony , Plate , or other goods reasonably rated ; if any dislike of the plate or goods , he shall haue mony , abating only the tenth part , except in small prizes of ten Crownes or vnder . The mony for the Aduenturers is to be paied to Sir Thomas Smith , Knight , and Treasurer for Virginia , or such Offic●rs as he shall appoint in City or Country , vnder the common seale of the company for the rece●t thereof . All prizes , welcomes and rewards drawne where euer they dwell , shall of the Treasurer haue present pay , and whosoeuer vnder one name or po●sie payeth three pound in ready money , shall receiue six shillings and eight pence , or a siluer spoone of that value at his choice . About this time it chanced a Spanish ship , beat too and againe before point Comfort , and at last sent a shore their boat , as desirous of a Pilot. Captaine Iames Dauis the gouernor , immediatly gaue them one , but he was no sooner in the boat , but away they went with him , leauing three of their companions behind them ; this sudden accident occasioned some distrust , and a strict examination of those three thus left , yet with as good vsage as our estate could afford them . They only confessed hauing lost their Admirall , accident had forced them into those parts , and two of them were Captaines , and in chi●fe authority in the fleet : thus they liued till one of them was found to be an Englishman , and had been the Spaniards Pilot for England in 88. and hauing here induced some male-contents , to beleeue his proiects , to run away with a small barke , which was apprehended , some executed , and he expecting but the Hangmans curtesie , directly confessed that two or three Spanish ships was at Sea , purposely to discouer the estate of the Colony , but their Commission was not to be opened till they arriued in the Bay , so that of any thing more he was vtterly ignorant . One of the Spaniards at last dyed , the oth●r was sent for England , but this reprieued , till Sir Thomas Dale hanged him at Sea in his voyage homeward ; the E●glish Pilot they carried for Spaine , whom after a long time imprisonment , with much ●●te was returned for England . Whilst those things were effecting , Sir Thomas Dal● , hauing setled to his thinking all things in good order , made choice of one Master George Yearly , to be Depu●y-Gouernour in his absence , and so returned for England , accompanied with Po●ahontas the Kings Daughter , and Master R●lfe her husband , and arriued at Plimmoth the 12. of Iune . 1616. The gouernment left to Captaine Yearly . NOw a little to commentary vpon all these proceedings , let me leaue but this as a caueat by the way ; if the alteration of gouernment hath subuerted great Empires , how dangerous is it then in the infancy of a common-weale ? The multiplicity of Gouernors is a great damage to any State , but vncertaine daily changes are burdensome , because their entertainments are chargeable , and many will make hay whilst the sunne doth shine , how euer it shall fare with the generality . This deare bought Land with so much bloud and cost , hath onely made some few rich , and all the rest losers . But it was intended at the first , the first vndertakers should be first preferred and rewarded , and the first aduenturers satisfied , and they of all the rest are the most neglected ; and those that neuer aduentured a groat , neuer see the Country , nor euer did any seruice for it , imploied in their places , adorned with their deferrs , and inriched with their ruines ; and when they a●e led fat , then in commeth others so leane as they were , who through their omnipotency doe as much . Thus what one Officer doth , another vndoth , only ayming at their owne ends , thinking all the world derides his dignity , cannot 〈◊〉 is Coffe●s being in authority with any thing . Euery man hath his minde free , but he can neuer be a true member to that estate , that to enrich himselfe beggers all the Countrie . Which bad course , there are many yet in this noble plantation , whose true honour and worth as much scornes it , as the others loues it ; for the Nobilitie and Gentrie , there is scarce any of them expects any thing bu● the prosperitie of the action : and there are some Merchants and others , I am confidently perswaded , doe take more care and paines , nay , and at their continual● great charge , than they could be hired to for the loue of money , so honestly regarding the generall good of this great worke , they would hold it worse than sacrilege , to wrong it but a shilling , or extort vpon the common souldier a penny . But to the purpose , and to follow the Historie . Mr. George Yearly now inuested Deputie Gouernour by Sr. Thomas Dale , applied himselfe for the most part in planting Tobacco , as the most present commoditie they could deuise for a present gaine , so that euery man betooke himselfe to the best place he could for the purpose : now though Sir Thomas Dale had caused such an abundance of corne to be planted , that euery man had sufficient , yet the supplies were sent vs , came so vnfurnished , as quickly eased vs of our superfluitie . To relieue their necessities , he sent to the Chickahamanias for the tribute Corne Sir Thom●s Dale and Captaine Argall had conditioned for with them : But such a bad answer they returned him , that hee drew together one hundred of his best shot , with whom he went to Chick●hamania ; the people in some places vsed him indifferently , but in most places with much scorne and contempt , telling him he was but Sir Thomas D●les man , and they had payed his Master according to condition , but to giue any to him they had no such order , neither would they obey him as they had done his Master ; after he had told them his authoritie , and that he had the same power to enforce them that Dale had , they dared him to come on shore to fight , presuming more of his not daring , than their owne valours . Yearly seeing their insolencies , made no great difficultie to goe on shore at Ozinies , and they as little to incounter him : but marching from thence towards Mamanahunt , they put themselues in the same order they see vs , lead by their Captaine Kissanacomen , Gouernour of Ozinies , & so marched close along by vs , each as threatning other who should first begin . But that night we quartered against Mamanahunt , and they passed the Riuer . The next day we followed them ; there are few places in Virginia had then more plaine ground together , nor more plentie of Corne , which although it was but newly gathered , yet they had hid it in the woods where we could not finde it : a good time we spent thus in arguing the cause , the Saluages without feare standing in troupes amongst vs , seeming as if their countenances had beene sufficient to dant vs : what other practises they had I know not ; but to preuent the worst , our Captaine caused vs all to make ready , and vpon the word , to let flie among them , where he appointed : others also he commanded to seize on them they could for prisoners ; all which being done according to our direction , the Captaine gaue the word , and wee presently discharged , where twelue lay , some dead , the rest for life sprawling on the ground , twelue more we ●●oke prisoners , two whereof were brothers , two of their eight Elders , the one tooke by Sergeant Boothe , the other by Robert a Polonian ; Neere one hundred bushels of Corne we had for their ransomes , which was promised the Souldiers for a reward , but it was not performed : now Opechankanough had agreed with our Captaine for the subiecting of those people , that neither hee nor Powhatan could euer bring to their obedience , and that he should make no peace with them without his aduice : in our returne by Ozinies with our prisoners wee met Opechankanough , who with much adoe , fained with what paines hee had p●ocured their peace , the which to requite , they called him the King of Ozin●s , and brought him from all parts many presents of Beads , Copper , and such trash as they had ; here as at many other times wee were beholding to Captaine Henry Spilman our Interpreter , a Gentleman had liued long time in this Countrie , and sometimes a prisoner among the Saluages , and done much good seruice , though but badly rewarded . From hence we marcht towards Iames towne , we had three Boats loaded with Corne and other luggage , the one of them being more willing to be at Iames towne with the newes than the other , was ouerset , and eleuen men cast away with the Boat , Corne and all their prouision ; notwithstanding this put all the rest of the Saluages in that feare , especially in regard of the great league we had with Opechankanough , that we followed our labours quietly , and in such securitie , that diuers saluages of other Nations , daily frequented vs with what prouisions they could get , and would guide our men on hunting , and oft hunt for vs themselues . Captaine Yearly had a Saluage or two so well trained vp to their peeces , they were as expert as any of the English , and one hee kept purposely to kill him fowle . There were diuers others had Saluages in like manner for their men . Thus we liued together , as if wee had beene one people , all the time Captaine Yearley staied with vs , but such grudges and discontents daily increased among our selues , that vpon the arriuall of Captaine Argall , sent by the Councell and Companie to bee our Gouernour , Captaine Yearley returned for England in the yeere 1617. From the writings of Captaine Nathaniel Powell , William Cantrill , Sergeant Boothe , Edward Gurganey . During this time , the Lady Rebecca , alias Pocahontas , daughter to Powhatan , by the diligent care of Master Iohn Rolfe her husband and his friends , was taught to speake such English as might well bee vnderstood , well instructed in Christianitie , and was become very formall and ciuill after our English manner ; shee had also by him a childe which she loued most dearely , and the Treasurer and Company tooke order both for the maintenance of her and it , besides there were diuers persons of great ranke and qualitie had beene very kinde to her ; and before she arriued at London , Captaine Smith to deserue her former courtesies , made her qualities knowne to the Queenes most excellent Maiestie and her Court , and writ a little booke to this effect to the Queene : An abstract whereof followeth . To the most high and vertuous Princesse Queene Anne of Great Brittanie . Most admired Queene , THe loue I beare my God , my King and Countrie , hath so oft emboldened mee in the worst of extreme dangers , that now honestie doth constraine mee presume thus farre beyond my selfe , to present your Maiestie this short discourse : if ingratitude be a deadly poyson to all honest vertues , I must bee guiltie of that crime if I should omit any meanes to bee thankfull . So it is , That some ten yeeres agoe being in Virginia , and taken prisoner by the power of Powhatan their chiefe King , I receiued from this great Saluage exceeding great courtesie , especially from his sonne Nantaquaus , the most manliest , comeliest , boldest spirit , I euer saw in a Saluage , and his sister Pocahontas , the Kings most deare and wel-beloued daughter , being but a childe of twelue or thirteene yeeres of age , whose compassionate pitifull heart , of my desperate estate , gaue me much cause to respect her : I being the first Christian this proud King and his grim attendants euer saw : and thus inthralled in their barbarous power , I cannot say I felt the least occasion of want that was in the power of those my mortall foes to preuent , notwithstanding al their threats . After some six weeks fatting amongst those Saluage Courtiers , at the minute of my execution , she hazarded the beating out of her owne braines to saue mine , and not onely that , but so preuailed with her father , that I was safely conducted to Iames towne , where I found about eight and thirtie miserable poore and sicke creatures , to keepe possession of all those large territories of ●irginia , such was the weaknesse of this poore Common-wealth , as had the Saluages not fed vs , we directly had starued , And this reliefe , most gracious Queene , was commonly brought vs by this Lady Pocahontas , notwithstanding all these passages when inconstant Fortune turned our peace to warre , this tender Virgin would still not spare to dare to visit vs , and by her our iarres haue beene oft appeased , and our wants still supplyed ; were it the policie of her father thus to imploy her , or the ordinance of God thus to make her his instrument , or her extraordinarie affection to our Nation , I know not : but of this I am sure ; when her father with the vtmost of his policie and power , sought to surprize mee , hauing but eighteene with mee , the darke night could not affright her from comming through the irkesome woods , and with watered eies gaue me intelligence , with her best aduice to escape his furie ; which had hee knowne , hee had surely slaine her . Iames towne with her wild traine she as freely frequented , as her fathers habitation ; and during the time of two or three yeeres , she next vnder God , was still the instrument to preserue this Colonie from death , famine and vtter confusion , which if in those times had once be●ne dissolued , Virginia might haue line as it was at our first arriuall to this day . Since then , this businesse hauing beene turned and varied by many accidents from that I left it at : it is most certaine , after a long and troublesome warre after my departure , betwixt her father and our Colonie , all which time shee was not heard of , about two yeeres after shee her selfe was taken prisoner , being so detained neere two yeeres longer , the Colonie by that meanes was relie●ed , peace concluded , and at last reiecting her barbarous condition , was ma●ied to an E●gl●s● Ge●●leman , with whom at this present she i● in England ; ●he first Christi●n ●uer of ●hat Nation , the first Virgi●i●n euer sp●ke En●l●●●●r ●r 〈…〉 mariage by an E●gl●shman , a matter surely , if my meaning bee truly ●●●●●dered and well vnderstood , worthy a Princes vnderstanding . Thus most gracious Lady , I haue related to your Ma●estie , what at your best leasure our approued H●stories will account you at large , and done in the time of your Maiesties life , and howeuer this might bee presented you from a more worthy pen , i● cannot from a more honest heart , as yet I neuer begged any thing of the state , or any , and it is my want of abilitie and her exceeding desert , your birth , meanes and author●tie , hir birth , vertue , want and simplicitie , doth make mee thus bold , humbly to beseech your M●iestie to take this knowledge of her , though it be from one so vnworthy to be the reporter , as my selfe , her husbands estate not being able to make her fit to attend your Maiestie : the most and least I can doe , is to tell you this , because none so oft hath tried it as my selfe , and the rather being of so great a spirit , how euer her stature : if she should not be well receiued , seeing this Kingdome may rightly haue a Kingdome by her meanes ; her present loue to vs and Christianitie , might turne to such scorne and furie , as to diuert all this good to the worst of euill , where finding so great a Queene should doe her some honour more than she can imagine , for being so kinde to your seruants and subiects , would so rauish her with content , as endeare her dearest bloud to effect that , your Maiestie and all the Kings honest subiects most earnestly desire : And so I humbly kisse your gracious hands . Being about this time preparing to set saile for New-England , I could not stay to doe her that seruice I desired , and she well deserued ; but hearing shee was at Branford with diuers of my friends , I went to see her : After a modest salutation , without any word , she turned about , obscured her face , as not seeming well contented ; and in that humour her husband , with diuers others , we all left her two or three houres , repenting my selfe to haue writ she could speake English. But not long after , she began to talke , and remembred mee well what courtesies shee had done : saying , You did promise Powhatan what was yours should bee his , and he the like to you ; you called him father being in his land a stranger , and by the same reason so must I doe you : which though I would haue excused , I durst not allow of that title , because she was a Kings daughter ; with a well set countenance she said , Were you not afraid to come into my fathers Countrie , and caused feare in him and all his people ( but mee ) and feare you here I should call you father ; I tell you then I will , and you shall call mee childe , and so I will bee for euer and euer your Countrieman . They did tell vs alwaies you were dead , and I knew no other till I came to Plimoth ; yet Powhatan did command Vitamatomakkin to seeke you , and know the truth , because your Countriemen will lie much . This Saluage , one of Powhatans Councell , being amongst them held an vnderstanding fellow ; the King purposely sent him , as they say , to number the people here , and informe him well what wee were and our state . Arriuing at Plim●th , according to his directions , he got a long sticke , whereon by notches hee did thinke to haue kept the number of all the men hee could see , but he was quickly wearie of that taske : Comming to London , where by chance I met him , hauing ren●wed our acquaintance , where many were desirous to heare and see his behauiour , hee told me Powhatan did bid him to finde me out , to shew him our God , the King , Queene , and Prince , I so much had told them of : Concerning God , I told him the best I could , the King I heard he had seene , and the rest hee should see when he would ; he denied euer to haue seene the King , till by circumst●nces he was satisfied he had : Then he replyed very sadly , You gaue Powhatan a white Dog , which Powhatan fed as himselfe , but your King gaue me nothing , and I am better than your white Dog. The small time I staid in London , diuers Courtiers and others , my acquaintances , hath gone with mee to see her , that generally concluded , they did thinke God had a great hand in her conuersion , and they haue seene many English Ladies worse fauoured , proportioned and behauioured , and as since I haue heard , it pleased both the King and Queenes Maiestie honourably to esteeme her , accompanied with that honourable Lady the Lady De la Ware , and that honourable Lord her husband , and diuers other persons of good qualities , both publikely at the maskes and otherwise , to her great satisfaction and content , which doubtlesse she would haue deserued , had she liued to arriue in Virginia . The gouernment deuolued to Captaine Samuel Argall , 1617. THe Treasurer , Councell and Companie , hauing well furnished Captaine Samuel Argall , the Lady Pocahontas alias Rebecca , with her husband and others , in the good ship called the George , it pleased God at Graues-end to take this young Lady to his mercie , where shee made not more sorrow for her vnexpected death , than ioy to the beholders , to heare and see her m●ke so religious and godly an end . Her little childe Thomas Rolfe therefore was left at Plim●th with Sir Lewis Stukly , that desired the keeping of it . Captaine Hamar his vice-Admirall was gone before , but hee found him at Plimoth . In March they set saile 1617. and in May he arriued at Iames towne , where hee was kindly entertained by Captaine Yearley and his Companie in a martiall order , whose right hand file was led by an Indian . In Iames towne he found but fiue or six houses , the Church downe , the Palizado's broken , the Bridge in pieces , the Well of fresh water spoiled ; the Store-house they vsed for the Church , the market-place , and streets , and all other spare places planted with Tobacco , the Saluages as frequent in their houses as themselues , whereby they were become expert in our armes , and had a great many in their custodie and possession , the Colonie dispersed all about , planting Tobacco . Captaine Argall not liking those proceedings , altered them agreeable to his owne minde , taking the best order he could for repairing those defects which did exceedingly trouble vs ; we were constrained euery yeere to build and repaire our old Cottages , which were alwaies a decaying in all places of the Countrie , yea , the very Courts of Guard built by Sir Thomas Dale , was ready to fall , and the Palizado's not sufficient to keepe out Hogs . Their number of people were about 400. but not past 200. fit for husbandry and tillage : we found there in all one hundred twentie eight cattell , and fourescore and eight Goats , besides innumerable numbers of Swine , and good plentie of Corne in some places , yet the next yeere the Captaine sent out a Frigat and a Pinnace , that brought vs neere six hundred bushels more , which did greatly relieue the whole Colonie : For from the tenants wee seldome had aboue foure hundred bushels of rent Corne to the store , and there was not remaining of the Companies companie , past foure and fiftie men , women and Children . This yeere hauing planted our fields , came a great drought , and such a cruell storme of haile , which did such spoile both to the Corne and Tobacco , that wee reaped but small profit , the Magazine that came in the George , being fiue moneths in her passage , proued very badly conditioned , but ere sh● arriued , we had gathered and made vp our Tobacco , the best at three shillings the pound , the rest at eighteene pence . To supply vs , the Councell and Company with all possible care and diligence , furnished a good ship of some two hundred and fiftie tunne , with two hundred people and the Lord la Ware. They set saile in Aprill , and tooke their course by the westerne Iles , where the Gouernour of the I le of Saint Michael receiued the Lord la Ware , and honourably feasted him , with all the content hee could giue him . Going from thence , they were long troubled with contrary winds , in which time many of them fell very sicke , thirtie died , one of which number was that most honourable Lord Gouernour the Lord la Ware , whose most noble and generous disposition , is well knowne to his great cost , had beene most forward in this businesse for his Countries good : Yet this tender state of Virginia was not growne to that maturitie , to maintaine such state and pleasure as was fit for such a personage , with so braue and great attendance : for some small number of aduentrous Gentlemen to make discoueries , and lie in Garrison , ready vpon any occasion to keepe in feare the inconstant Saluages , nothing were more requisite , but to haue more to wait & play than worke , or more commanders and officers than industrious labourers was not so necessarie : for in Virginia , a plaine Souldier that can vse a Pick-axe and spade , is better than fiue Knights , although they were Knights that could breake a Lance ; for men of great place , not inured to those incounters ; when they finde things not sutable , grow many times so discontented , they forget themselues , & oft become so carelesse , that a discontented melancholy brings them to much sorrow , and to others much miserie . At last they stood in for the coast of New-England , where they met a small Frenchman , rich of Beuers and other Furres . Though wee had here but small knowledge of the coast nor countrie , yet they tooke such an abundance of Fish and Fowle , and so well refreshed themselues there with wood and water , as by the helpe of God thereby , hauing beene at Sea sixteene weekes , got to Virginia , who without this reliefe had beene in great danger to perish . The French-men made them such a feast , with such an abundance of varietie of Fish , Fowle and Fruits , as they all admired , and little expected that wild wildernesse could affoord such wonderfull abundance of plentie . In this ship came about two hundred men , but very little prouision , and the ship called the Treasurer came in againe not long after with fortie passengers ; the Lord la Wares ship lying in Virginia three moneths , wee victualled her with threescore bushels of Corne , and eight Hogsheads of flesh , besides other victuall she spent whilest they tarried there : this ship brought vs aduice that great multitudes were a preparing in England to bee sent , and relied much vpon that victuall they should finde here : whereupon our Captaine called a Councell , and writ to the Councell here in England the estate of the Colonie , and what a great miserie would insue , if they sent not prouision as well as people ; and what they did suffer for want of skilfull husbandmen , and meanes to set their Ploughs on worke , hauing as good ground as any man can desire , and about fortie Bulls and Oxen , but they wanted men to bring them to labour , and Irons for the Ploughs , and harnesse for the Cattell . Some thirtie or fortie acres wee had sowne with one Plough , but it stood so long on the ground before it was reaped , it was most shaken , and the rest spoiled with the Cattell and Rats in the Barne , but no better Corne could bee for the quantitie . Richard Killingbeck being with the Captaine at Kekoughtan , desired leaue to returne to his wife at Charles hundred , hee went to Iames towne by water , there he got foure more to goe with him by land , but it proued that he intended to goe trade with the Indies of Chickahamania , where making shew of the great quantitie of trucke they had , which the Saluages perceiuing , partly for their trucke , partly for reuenge of some friends they pretended should haue beene slaine by Captaine Yearley , one of them with an English peece shot Killingbeck dead , the other Saluages assaulted the rest and slew them , stripped them , and tooke what they had : But fearing this murther would come to light , and might cause them to suffer for it , would now proceed to the perfection of villanie ; for presently they robbed their Machacomocko house of the towne , stole all the Indian treasure thereout , and fled into the woods , as other Indians related . On Sunday following , one Farfax that dwelt a mile from the towne , going to Church , left his wife and three small children safe at home , as he thought , and a young youth : she supposing praier to be done , left the children , and went to meet her husband ; presently after came three or foure of those fugitiue Saluages , entred the house , and slew a boy and three children , and also another youth that stole out of the Church in praier time , meeting them , was likewise murdered . Of this disaster the Captaine sent to Opechankanough for satisfaction , but he excused the matter , as altogether ignorant of it , at the same time the Saluages that were robbed were complaining to Opechankanough , and much feared the English would bee reuenged on them , so that Opechankanough sent to Captaine Argall , to assure him the peace should neuer be broken by him , desiring that he would not reuenge the iniurie of those fugitiues vpon the innocent people of that towne , which towne he should haue , and sent him a basket of earth , as possession giuen of it , and promised , so soone as possibly they could catch these robbers , to send him their heads for satisfaction , but he neuer performed it . Samuel Argall , Iohn Rolfe . A relation from Master Iohn Rolfe , Iune 15. 1618. COncerning the state of our new Common-wealth , it is somewhat bettered , for we haue sufficient to content our selues , though not in such abundance as is vainly reported in England . Powhatan died this last Aprill , yet the Indians continue in peace . Itopatin his second brother succeeds him , and both hee and Opechankanough haue confirmed our former league . On the eleuenth of May , about ten of the clocke in the night , happened a most fearefull tempest , but it continued not past halfe an houre , which powred downe hailestones eight or nine inches about , that none durst goe out of their doores , and though it tore the barke and leaues of the trees , yet wee finde not they hurt either man or beast ; it fell onely about Iames towne , for but a mile to the East , and twentie to the West there was no haile at all . Thus in peace euery man followed his building and planting without any accidents worthy of note . Some priuate differences happened betwixt Captaine Bruster and Captaine Argall , and Captaine Argall and the Companie here in England ; but of them I am not fully informed , neither are they here for any vse , and therefore vnfit to be remembred . In December one Captaine Stallings , an old planter in those parts , being imployed by them of the West countrie for a fishing voyage , in New-England , fell foule of a Frenchman whom hee tooke , leauing his owne ship to returne for England , himselfe with a small companie remained in the French barke , some small time after vpon the coast , and thence returned to winter in Virginia . The gouernment surrendred to Sir George Yearley . FOr to begin with the yeere of our Lord , 1619. there arriued a little Pinnace priuatly from England about Easter for Captaine Argall , who taking order for his affaires , within foure or fiue daies returned in her , and left for his Deputy , Captaine Nathaniel Powell . On the e●ighteenth of Aprill , which was but ten or twelue daies after , arriued Sir George Yearley , by whom we vnderstood Sir Edwin Sands was chosen Treasurer , and Master Iohn Farrar his Deputy , and what great supplies was a preparing to be sent vs , which did rauish vs so much with ioy and content , we thought our selues now fully satisfied , for our long toile and labours , and as happy men as any in the world . Notwithstanding , such an accident hapned Captaine Stallings , the next day his ship was cast away , and he not long after slaine in a priuate quarrell . Sir George Yearly to beginne his gouernment , added to be of his councell , Captaine Francis West , Captaine Nathaniel Powell ▪ Master Iohn Pory , Master Iohn Rolfe , and Master William Wickam , and Master Samuel Macocke , and propounded to haue a generall assembly with all expedition . Vpon the twelfth of this Moneth , came in a Pinnace of Captaine Bargraues , and on the seuenteenth Captaine Lownes , and one Master Euans , who intended to plant themselues at Waraskoyack , but now Ophechankanough will not come at vs , that causes vs suspect his former promises . In May came in the Margaret of Bristoll , with foure and thirty men , all well and in health , and also many deuout gifts , and we were much troubled in examining some scandalous letters sent into England , to disgrace this Country with barrennesse , to discourage the aduenturers , and so bring it and vs to ruine and confusion ; notwithstanding , we finde by them of best experience , an industrious man not other waies imploied , may well tend foure akers of Corne , and 1000. plants of Tobacco , and where they say an aker will yeeld but three or foure barrels , we haue ordinarily foure or fiue , but of new ground six , seuen , and eight , and a barrell of Pease and Beanes , which we esteeme as good as two of Corne , which is after thirty or forty bushels an aker , so that one man may prouide Corne for fiue , and apparell for two by the profit of his Tobacco ; they say also English Wheat will yeeld but sixteene bushels an aker , and we haue reaped thirty : besides to manure the Land , no place hath more white and blew Marble than here , had we but Carpenters to build and make Carts and Ploughs , and skilfull men that know how to vse them , and traine vp our cattell to draw them , which though we indeuour to effect , yet our want of experience brings but little to perfection but planting Tobaco , and yet of that many are so couetous to haue much , they make little good ; besides there are so many sofisticating Tobaco-mungers in England ▪ were it neuer so bad , they would sell it for Verinas , and the trash that remaineth should be Virginia , such deuilish bad mindes we know some of our owne Country-men doe beare , not onely to the businesse , but also to our mother England her selfe ; could they or durst they as freely defame her . The 25. of Iune came in the Triall with Corne and Cattell all in safety , which tooke from vs cleerely all feare of famine ; then our gouernour and councell caused Burgesses to be chosen in all places , and met at a generall Assembly , where all matters were debated thought expedient for the good of the Colony , and Captaine Ward was sent to Monahigan in new England , to fish in May , and returned the latter end of May , but to small purpose , for they wanted Salt : the George also was sent to New-found-land with the Cape Merchant , there she bought fish , that defraied her charges , and made a good voyage in seuen weekes . About the last of August came in a dutch man of warre that sold vs twenty Negars , and Iapazous King of Patawomeck , came to Iames towne , to desire two ships to come trade in his Riuer , for a more plentifull yeere of Corne had not beene in a long time , yet very contagious , and by the trechery of one Poule , in a manner turned heathen , wee were very iealous the Saluages would surprize vs. The Gouernours haue bounded foure Corporations ; which is the Companies , the Vniuersity , the Gouernours and Gleabe land : Ensigne Wil. Spencer , & Thomas Barret a Sergeant , with some others of the ancient Planters being set free , we are the first farmers that went forth , and haue chosen places to their content , so that now knowing their owne land , they striue who should exceed in building and planting . The fourth of Nouember the Bona noua came in with all her people lusty and well ; not long after one Master Dirmer sent out by some of Plimoth for New-England , arriued in a Barke of fiue tunnes , and returned the next Spring ; notwithstanding the ●il rumours of the vnwholsomnesse of Iames towne , the new commers that were planted at old P●spaheghe , little more then a mile from it , had their healths better then any in the Country . In December Captaine Ward returned from Pat●womeck , the people there dealt falsly with him , so that hee tooke 800. bushels of Corne from them perforce . Captaine Woddiffe of Bristol came in not long after , with all his people lusty and in health , and we had two particular ●ouernors sent vs , vnder the titles of Deputies to the Company , the one to haue charg● of the Colledge Land , the other of the Companies : Now you are to vnderst●nd , that because there haue beene many compl●ints against the G●uernors , C●p●aines , and Officers in Virginia , for buy●ng and selli●g ●en and b●●es , or to b●● set ouer from one to another for a yeerely rent , was ●eld in 〈◊〉 a ●●●ng most intolerable , o● that ●he tenants or lawfull seruan●s sho●ld b● put ●●om ●●●ir p●●ces , or abridged their Couenants , ●as ●o ●di●us , 〈◊〉 the ●ery 〈◊〉 ●h●re●● b●●ught a great scandall to the generall action . T●● 〈…〉 good and wor●h● 〈…〉 and ●p●ointed a hundred men sho●● 〈…〉 prouided to serue and attend the Gouer●●●● 〈…〉 gouernm●nt , which number he was to make good at his departure , and 〈◊〉 to his Successor in like manner , fifty to the Deputy-Gouernour of the College land , and fifty to the D●puty of the Companies land , fifty to the Treasurer , to the Secretary fiue and twenty , and more to the Marshall and C●pe merchant ; which they are also to leaue to their successors , and likewise to euery particular Officer such a compe●ency , as he might liue well in his Office , without oppressing any vnder their charge , which good law I pray God it be well obserued , and then we may truly say in Virginia , we are the most happy people in the world . By me Iohn Rolfe . There went this yeere by the Companies records , 11. ships , and 1216. persons to be thus disposed on : Tenants for the Gouernors land fourescore , besides fifty sent the former spring ; for the Companies land a hundred and thirty , for the College a hundred , for the Glebe land fifty , young women to make wiues ninety , seruants for publike seruice fifty , and fifty more whose labours were to bring vp thirty of the infidels children , the rest were sent to priuate Plantations . Two persons vnknowne haue giuen faire Plate and Ornaments for two Communion Tables , the one at the College , the other at the Church of Mistris Mary Robinson , who towards the foundation gaue two hundred pound . And another vnknowne person sent to the Treasurer fiue hundred and fifty pounds , for the bringing vp of the saluage children in Christianity . Master Nicholas Farrar deceased , hath by his Will giuen three hundred pounds to the College , to be paid when there shall be ten young Saluages placed in it , in the meane time foure and twenty pound yeerely to bee distributed vnto three discreet and godly young men in the Colony , to bring vp three wilde young infidels in some good course of life , also there were granted eleuen Pattents , vpon condition to transport people and cattle to increase the Plantations . A desperat Sea-fight betwixt two Spanish men of warre , and a small English ship , at the I le of Dominica going to Virginia , by Captaine Anthony Chester . HAuing taken our iourney towards Virginia in the beginning of February , a ship called the Margaret and Iohn , of one hundred and sixty tuns , eight Iron Peeces and a Falcon , with eightie Passengers besides Sailers ; After many tempests and foule weather , about the foureteenth of March we were in thirteene degrees and an halfe of Northerly latitude , where we descried a ship at hull ; it being but a faire gale of wind , we edged towards her to see what she was , but she presently set saile , and ran vs quickly out of sight : This made vs keepe our course for Mettalina , and the next day passing Dominica , we came to an anchor at Guardalupo , to take in fresh water . Six French-men there cast away sixteene moneths agoe came aboord vs ; they told vs a Spanish man of Warre but seuen daies before was seeking his consort , and this was she we descried at hull . At M●uis we intended to refresh our selues , hauing beene eleuen weeks pestered in this vnwholsome ship ; but there we found two tall ships with the Hollanders colours , but necessitie forcing vs on shore , we anchored faire by them , and in friendly manner sent to hale them : but seeing they were Spaniards , retiring to our ship , they sent such a volley of shot after vs , that shot the Boat , split the Oares , and some thorow the clothes , yet not a man hurt ; and then followed with their great Ordnance , that many times ouer-racked our ship , which being so cumbred with the Passengers prouisions , our Ordnance was not well fitted , nor any thing as it should haue beene . But perceiuing what they were , we fitted our selues the best we could to preuent a mischiefe , seeing them warp themselues to windward , we thought it not good to be boorded on both sides at an anchor , we intended to set saile , but that the Vice-Admirall battered so hard our star-boord side , that we fell to our businesse , and answered their vnkindnesse with such faire shot from a Demiculuering , that shot her betweene wind and water , whereby she was glad to leaue vs and her Admirall together . Comming faire by our quarter , he tooke in his Holland flag , and put forth his Spanish colours , and so haled vs. We quietly and quickly answered him , both what wee were , and whither bound , relating the effect of our Commission , and the cause of our comming thither for water , and not to annoy any of the King of Spaines Subiects , nor any . She commanded vs amaine for the King of Spaine , we replied with inlarging the particulars what friends both the Kings our Masters were , and as we would doe no wrong , we would take none . They commanded vs aboord to shew our Commission , which we refused , but if they would send their Boat to vs willingly they should see it . But for answer they made two great shot at vs , with a volley of small shot , which caused vs to leaue the decks ; then with many ill words they laid vs aboord , which caused vs to raise our maine saile , and giue the word to our small shot which lay close and ready , that paid them in such sort , they quickly retired . The fight continued halfe an houre , as if we had beene inuironed with fire and smoke , vntill they discouered the waste of our ship naked , where they brauely boorded vs loofe for loofe , hasting with pikes and swords to enter , but it pleased God so to direct our Captaine , and encourage our men with valour , that our pikes being formerly placed vnder our halfe deck , and certaine shot lying close for that purpose vnder the Port holes , encountred them so rudely , that their fury was not onely rebated , but their hastinesse intercepted , and their whole company beaten backe , many of our men were hurt , but I am sure they had two for one . In the end they were violently repulsed , vntill they were reinforced to charge ag●in● by their comm●●ds , wh● standing vpon their honors , thought it a great indig●ity to be so aff●onted , which caused a second charge , and that answered with a second beating backe : whereat the Captaine grew iuraged , and constrained them to come on againe afresh , which they did so effectually , that questionlesse it had wrought an alteration , if the God that tosseth Monarchies , and reareth M●untaines , had not taught vs to tosse our P●kes with prosperous euents , and powred out a volley of small shot amongst them , whereby that valiant Commander was slaine , and many of his Souldiers dropped downe likewise on the top of the hatches . This we saw with our eies , and reioyced with it at our hearts , so that we might perceiue good successe comming on , our Captaine presently tooke aduantage of their discomfiture ; though with much comiseration of that resolute Captaine , and not onely plied them againe with our Ordnance , but had more shot vnder the Pikes , which was bestowed to good purpose , and amazed our enemies with the suddennesse . Amongst the rest , one Lucas , our Carpenters Mate , must not be forgotten , who perceiuing away how to annoy them ; As they were thus puzl●d and in a confusion , drew out a Minion vnder the halfe decke , and there bent it vpon them in such a manner , that when it was fired , the cases of stones and peeces of Iron fell vpon them so thick , as cleared the decke , and slew many , and in short time we saw few assailants , but such as crept from place to place couertly from the fury of our shot , which now was thicker than theirs : for although has far as we may cōmend our enemies , they had done something worthy of commendations ; yet either wanting men , or being ouertaken with the vnlooked for valour of our men , they now began to shrinke , and giue vs leaue to be wanton with our aduantage . Yet we could onely vse but foure peece of Ordnances , but they serued the turne as well as all the rest : for she was shot so oft betweene wind and water , we saw they were willing to leaue vs , but by reason she was fast in the latch of our cable , which in haste of weighing our anchor hung aloofe , she could not cleare her selfe as she wrought to doe , till one cut the Cable with an axe , and was slaine by freeing vs. Hauing beene a boord vs two houres and an halfe , seeing her selfe cleere , all the shot wee had plaied on both sides , which lasted till we were out of shot , then we discouered the Vice-Admirall comming to her assistance , who began a farre off to ply vs with their Ordnances , and put vs in minde we had another worke in hand . Whereupon we separated the dead and hurt bodies , and manned the ship with the rest , and were so well incouraged wee waifed them amaine . The Admirall stood aloofe off , and the other would not come within Falcon shot , where she lay battering vs till shee receiued another paiment from a Demiculuering , which made her beare with the shore for smooth water to mend her leakes . The next morning they both came vp againe with vs , as if they had determined to deuour vs at once , but it seemed it was but a brauado , though they forsooke not our quarter for a time within Musket shot ; yet all the night onely they kept vs company , but made not a shot . During which time we had leasure to prouide vs better than before : but God bethanked they made onely but a shew of another a●sault , ere suddenly the Vice-admirall fell a starne , and the other lay shaking in the wind , and so they both left vs. The fight continued six houres , and was the more vnwelcome , because we were so ill prouided , and had no intent to sight , nor giue occasion to disturbe them . As for the losse of men , if Religion had not taught vs what by the prouidence of God is brought to passe , yet daily experience might informe vs , of the dangers of wars , and perils at sea , by stormes tempests , shipwracks , encounters with Pirats , meeting with enemies , crosse winds , long vo●ages , vnknowne shores , barbarous Nations , and an hundred inconueniences , of which humane pollicies are not capable , nor mens coniectures apprehensiue . We lost Doctor Bohun , a worthy valian● Gentleman , ( a long time brought vp amongst the most learned Surgeons , and Physitions in Netherlands , and this his second iourney to Virginia : ) and seuen slaine out right , two died shortly of their wounds ; sixte●n● was shot , whose limbs God be thanked was recouered without maime , and now setled in Virginia : how many they lost we know not , but we saw a great many lie on the decks , and their skuppers runne with bloud , they were abou● three hundred tunnes a peece , each sixteene or twentie Brasse peeces . Captaine Chester , who in this fight had behaued himselfe like a most vigilant , resolute , and a couragious souldier , as also our honest and valiant master , did still so comfort and incourage vs by all the meanes they could , at last to all our great contents we arriued in Virginia , and from thence returned safely to England . The Names of the Aduenturers for Virginia , Alphabetically set downe , according to a printed Booke , set out by the Treasurer and Councell in this present yeere , 1620. A SIr William Aliffe . Sir Roger Aston . Sir Anthony Ashley . Sir Iohn Akland . Sir Anthonie Aucher . Sir Robert Askwith . Doctor Francis Anthony . Charles Anthony . Edward Allen. Edmund Allen Esquire . Iohn Allen. Thomas Allen. William Atkinson , Esquire . Richard Ashcroft . Nicholas Andrews . Iohn Andrews the elder . Iohn Andrews the younge● . Iames Ascough . Giles Allington . Morris Abbot . Ambrose Asten . Iames Askew . Anthony Abdey . Iohn Arundell , Esquire . B Edward , Earle of Bedford Iames , Lord Bishop of Bathe and Wells . Sir Francis Barrington . Sir Morice Barkley . Sir Iohn Benet . Sir Thomas Beamont . Sir Amias Bamfield . Sir Iohn Bourcher . Sir Edmund Bowyer . Sir Thomas Bludder . Sir George Bolles . Sir Iohn Bingley . Sir Thomas Button . Sir Henry Beddingfield . Companie of Barbers-Surgeons . Companie of Bakers . Richard Banister . Iohn Bancks . Miles Bancks . Thomas Barber . William Bonham . Iames Bryerley . William Barners . Anthony Barners , Esquire ▪ William Brewster . Richard Brooke . Hugh Brooker , Esquire . Ambrose Brewsey . Iohn Brooke . Matthew Bromridge . Christopher Brooke , Esquire . Martin Bond. Gabriel Beadle . Iohn Beadle . Dauid Borne . Edward Barnes . Iohn Badger . Edmund Branduell . Robert Bowyer , Esquire . Bobert Bateman . Thomas Britton . Nicholas Benson . Edward Bishop . Peter Burgoney . Thomas Burgoney . Robert Burgoney . Christopher Baron . Peter Benson . Iohn Baker . Iohn Bustoridge . Francis Burl●y . William Browne . Robert Barker . Samuel Burnham . Edward Barkley . William Bennet . Captaine Edward Brewster . Thomas Brocket . Iohn Bullock . George Bache . Thomas Bayly . William Barkley . George Butler . Timothie Bathurst . George Burton . Thomas Bret. Captaine Iohn Brough . Thomas Baker . Iohn Blunt. Thomas Bayly . Richard and Edward Blunt. Mineon Burrell . Richard Blackmore . William B●ck . Beniamin Brand. Iohn Busbridge . William Burrell . William Barret . Francis Baldwin . Edward B●rber . Humphrey Basse. Robert Bell. Matthew Bromrick . Iohn Beaumont . George Barkley . Peter Bartle . Thomas Bretton . Iohn Blount . Arthur Bromfeld Esquire . William B●rbloke . Charles Beck . C George , Lord Archbishop of Canterburie . William Lord Cranborne , now Earle of Salisburie . William , Lord Compton , now Earle of North-hampton . William Lord Cauendish , now Earle of Deuonshire . Richard , Earle of Clanricard . Sir William Cauendish now Lord Cauendish . Gray , Lord Chandos . Sir Henry Cary. Sir George Caluert . Sir Lionell Cranfield . Sir Edward Cecill . Sir Robert Cotten . Sir Oliuer Cromwell . Sir Anthony Cope . Sir Walter Cope . Sir Edward Carr. Sir Thomas Conisbie . Sir George Cary. Sir Edward Conwey . Sir Walter Chute . Sir Edward Culpeper . Sir Henry Cary , Captaine . Sir William Crauen . Sir Walter Couert . Sir George Coppin . Sir George Chute . Sir Thomas Couentry . Sir Iohn Cutts . Lady Cary. Company of Cloth-workers . Citie of Chichester . Robert Chamberlaine . Richard Chamberlaine . Francis Couill . William Coyse , Esquire . Abraham Chamberlaine . Thomas Carpenter . Anthony Crew . Richard Cox. William Crosley . Iames Chatfeild . Richard Caswell . Iohn Cornelis . Randall Carter . Execut●rs of Randall Carter . William Canning . Edward Carue , Esquire . Thomas Cannon , Esquire . Richard Champion . Rawley Crashaw . Henry Collins . Henry Cromwell . Iohn Cooper . Richard Cooper . Io●n Casson . Thomas Colth●rst . All●n Cotten . Edward Cage . Abraham Carthwright . Robert Coppin . Thomas Conock . Io●n Clapham . Thomas Church . William Carpenter . Laurence Campe. Iames Cambell . Christopher Cl●theroe . Matthew Cooper . Georg● Chamber . Captaine Iohn Cooke . C●ptaine Thomas Conwey , Esquire . Edward Culpeper , Esquire . Master William Crashaw . Abraham Colm●r . Iohn Culpeper . Edmund Colbey . Richard Cooper . Robert Creswell . Iohn Cage , Esquire , Matthew Caue , William Crowe . Abraham Carpenter . Iohn Crowe . Thomas Cordell . Richard Connock , Esquire . William Compton . William Chester . Th●mas Couel . Richard Carmarden , Esquire . William and Paul Canning . H●nry Cromwell , Esquire . Simon Codrington . Clement Chichley . Iames Cullemore . William Cantrell . D Richard Earle of Dorset . Edward Lord D●nny . Sir Iohn Digbie , now Lord Digbie . Sir Iohn Doderidge . Sir Drew Drewry the elder . Sir Thomas Dennis . Sir Robert Drewry . Sir Iohn Dauers . Sir Dudley Digs . Sir Marmaduke Dorrel . Sir Thomas Dale . Sir Thomas Denton , Companie of Drapers . Thomas Bond , Esquire . Dauid Bent , Esquire . Comanie of Dyers . Towne of Douer . Master Richard Dea●e , Alderman , Henry Dawkes . Edward Dichfield . William Dunne . Iohn Dauis . Matthew D●qu●st●r . Philip Durdent . Abraham Dawes . Iohn Dike . Thomas Draper . Lancelot Dauis . Rowley Dawsey . William Dobson Esquire . Anthony Dyot , Esquire , Auery Dranfield . Roger Dye . Iohn Downes . Iohn Drake . Iohn Delbridge . Beniamin Decro● Thomas Dyke . Ieffery Duppa . Daniel Darnelly . Sara Draper . Clement and Henry Dawkne● . E Thomas , Earle of Exeter . Sir Thomas Euerfield . Sir Francis Egiock . Sir Robert Edolph . Iohn Eldred , Esquire . William Euans . Richard Euans . Hugh Euans . Raph Ewens , Esquire . Iohn Elkin . Robert Euelin . Nicholas Exton . Iohn Exton . George Etheridge . F Sir Moyle Finch . Sir Henry Fanshaw . Sir Thomas Freake . Sir Peter Fretchuile . Sir William Fl●●twood . Sir Henry Fane . Company of Fishmongers . Iohn Fletcher . Iohn Farmer . Martin Fre●man , Esquire . Ralph Freeman . William and Ralph Fr●●man . Michael Fetiplace . VVilliam Fettiplace . Thomas Forrest . Edward Fl●etwood , Esquire . William F●lgate . William Field . Nichol●s F●rrar . Iohn Farrar . Giles Francis. Edward Fawcet . Richard Farrington . Iohn Francklin . Richard Frith . Iohn Ferne. George Farmer . Thomas Francis. Iohn Fenner . Nicholas Fuller , Esquire . Thomas F●xall . William Fl●et . Peter Franck , Esquire . Richard Fishborne . VVilliam Faldoe . Iohn Fletcher , and Company . VVilliam Ferrars . G Lady Elizabeth Gray . Sir Iohn Gray . Sir VVilliam Godolfine . Sir Thomas Gates . Sir VVilliam Gee . Sir Ri●hard Grobham . Sir VVilliam Garaway . Sir Francis Goodwin . Sir George Goring . Sir Thomas Grantham . Company of Grocers . Company of Goldsmiths . Company of Girdlers . Iohn Geering . Iohn Gardiner . Richard Gardiner . Iohn Gilbert . Thomas Graue . Iohn Gray . Nicholas Griece . Richard Goddard . Thomas Gipps . Peter Gates . Thomas Gibbs Esquire . Laurence Greene. William Greenwell . Robert Garset . Robert Gore . Thomas Gouge . Francis Glanuile , Esquire . G Henry , Earle of Huntington . Lord Theophilus Haward , L. Walden . Sir Iohn Harrington , L. Harington . Sir Iohn Hollis , now Lord Hautein . Sir Thomas Holecroft . Sir William Harris . Sir Thomas Harefleet . Sir George Haiward . Sir VVarwicke Heale . Sir Baptist Hicks . Sir Iohn Hanham . Sir Thomas Horwell . Sir Thomas Hewit . Sir VVilliam Herrick . Sir Eustace Hart. Sir Pory Huntley . Sir Arthur Harris . Sir Edward Heron. Sir Perseuall Hart. Sir Ferdinando Heiborne . Sir Lawrence Hide . Master Hugh Hamersley , Alderman . Master Richard Heron , Alderman . Richard Humble , Esquire . Master Richard Hackleuit . Edward Harrison . George Holeman . Robert Hill. Griffin Hinton . Iohn Hawkins . VVilliam Hancocke . Iohn Harper . George Hawger . Iohn Holt. Iohn Huntley . Ieremy Heiden . Ralph Hamer . Ralph Hamer , Iunior . Iohn Hodgeson . Iohn Hanford . Thomas Harris . Richard Howell . Thomas Henshaw . Leonard Harwood Tristram Hill. Francis Haselridge . Tobias Hinson . Peter Heightley . George Hawkenson . Thomas Hackshaw . Charles Hawkens , Iohn Hodgis . William Holland . Robert Hartley . Gregory Herst . Thomas Hodgis . William Hodgis . Roger Harris . Iohn Harris . M. Iohn Haiward , Iames Haiward . Nicholas Hide , Esquire . Iohn Hare , Esquire . William Hackwell , Esquire , Gressam Hoogan . Humfrey Hanford . William Haselden . Nicholas Hooker . Doctor Anthony Hunten , Iohn Hodsale . George Hooker , Anthony Hinton . Iohn Hogsell . Thomas Hampton . William Hicks . William Holiland , Ralph Harison . Harman Harison . I Sir Thomas Iermyn . Sir Robert Iohnson . Sir Arthur Ingram . Sir Francis Iones . Company of Ironmongers . Company of Inholders . Company of Imbroyderers . Bailiffes of Ipswich . Henry Iackson . Richard Ironside . M. Robert Iohnson Alderman . Thomas Iones . William Iobson . Thomas Iohnson . Thomas Iadwine . Iohn Iosua . George Isam . Philip Iacobson . Peter Iacobson . Thomas Iuxson Senior . Iames Iewell . Gabriel Iaques . Walter Iobson . Edward Iames. Zachary Iones , Esquire . Anthony Irbye , Esquire . William I-anson . Humfrey Iobson . K Sir Valentine Knightley . Sir Robert Killegrew . Sir Charles Kelke . Sir Iohn Kaile . Richard Kirrill . Iohn Kirrill . Raph King. Henry Kent . Towne of Kingslynne . Iohn Kettleby , Esquire . Walter Kirkham , Esquire . L Henry Earle of Lincolne . Robert , L. Lisle , now Earle of Leicester . Thomas , Lord Laware . Sir Francis Leigh . Sir Richard Lowlace . Sir William Litton . Sir Iohn Lewson . Sir William Lower . Sir Samuel Leonard . Sir Samson Leonard . Company of Lethersellers . Thomas Laughton . William Lewson . Peter Latham . Peter Van Lore . Henry Leigh . Thomas Leuar . Christofer Landman . Morris Lewellin . Edward Lewis . Edward Lewkin . Peter Lodge . Thomas Layer Thomas Lawson . Francis Lodge . Iohn Langl●y . Dauid Loide . Iohn Leuit● . Thomas Fox and Luke Lodge . Captaine Richard Linley . Arnold Lulls . William Lawrence . I●hn Landman . Nicholas Lichfield . Nicholas Leate . Ged●on de Laune . M Phil●p Earle of Montgomerie . Doctor George Mountaine , now Lord Bishop of Lincolne . William Lord Mounteagle , now Lord Morley . Sir Thomas Mansell . Sir Thomas Mildmay . Sir William Maynard . Sir Humfrey May. Sir Peter Manhood . Sir Iohn Merrick . Sir George More . Sir Robert Mansell . Sir Arthur Mannering . Sir Dauid Murrey . Sir Edward Michelborn . Sir Thomas Middleton . Sir Robert Miller . Sir Caualiero Maicott . Doctor Iames Meddas . Richard Martin , Esquire . Company of Mercers . Company of Merchant Taylors . Otho Mowdite . Captaine Iohn Martin . Arthur Mouse . Adrian More . Thomas Mountford . Thomas Morris . Ralph Moorton . Francis Mapes . Richard Maplesden . Iames Monger . Peter Monsell . Robert Middleton . Thomas Maile . Iohn Martin . Iosias Maude . Richard Morton . George Mason . Thomas Maddock . Richard Moore . Nicholas Moone . Alfonsus van Medkerk . Captaine Henry Meoles . Philip Mutes . Thomas Mayall . Humfrey Marret . Iaruis Munaz . Robert Mildmay . William Millet . Richard Morer . Iohn Miller . Thomas Martin . Iohn Middleton . Francis Middleton . N Dudly , Lord North. Francis , Lord Norris . Sir Henry Neuill of Barkshire . Thomas Nicols . Christopher Nicols . VVilliam Nicols . George Newce . Ioseph Newberow . Christopher Newgate . Thomas Norincott . Ionathan Nuttall . Thomas Norton . O William Oxenbridge , Esquire , Robert Ossley . Francis Oliuer . P VVilliam , Earle of Pembroke . VVilliam , Lord Paget . Iohn , Lord Petre. George Percy , Esquire . Sir Christofer Parkins . Sir Amias Preston . Sir Nicholas Parker . Sir VVilliam Poole . Sir Stephen Powell . Sir Henry Peyton . Sir Iames Perrot . Sir Iohn Pettus . Sir Robert Payne . VVilliam Payne . Iohn Payne . Edward Parkins . Edward Parkins his widow . Aden Perkins . Thomas Perkin . Richard Partridge . William Palmer . Miles Palmer . Robert Parkhurst . Richard Perciuall , Esquire . Richard Poyntell . George Pretty . George Pit. Allen Percy . Abraham Peirce . Edmund Peirce . Phenice Pet. Thomas Philips . Henry Philpot. Master George Procter . Robert Penington . Peter Peate . Iohn Prat. William Powell . Edmund Peashall . Captaine William Proude . Henry Price . Nicholas Pewriffe . Thomas Pelham . Richard Piggot . Iohn Pawlet , Esquire . Robert Pory . Richard Paulson . Q William Quicke . R Sir Robert Rich , now Earle of Warwicke . Sir Thomas Row. Sir Henry Rainsford . Sir William Romney . Sir Iohn Ratcliffe . Sir Steuen Ridlesdon . Sir William Russell . Master Edward Rotheram , Alderman . Robert Rich. Tedder Roberts . Henry Robinson . Iohn Russell . Richard Rogers . Arthur Robinson . Robert Robinson . Millicent Ramsden . Iohn Robinson . George Robins . Nichalas Rainton . Henry Rolffe . Iohn Reignolds . Elias Roberts . Henry Reignolds , Esquire . William Roscarrocke , Esquire . Humfrey Raymell . Richard Robins . S Henry , Earle of Southampton . Thomas Earle of Suffolke . Edward Semer , Earle of Hartford . Robert , Earle of Salisbury . Mary , Countesse of Shrew●bury . Edmund , Lord Sheffeld . Robert , Lord Spencer . Iohn , Lord Stanhope . Sir Iohn Saint-Iohn . Sir Thomas Smith . Sir Iohn Samms . Sir Iohn Smith . Sir Edwin Sandys . Sir Samuel Sandys . Sir Steuen Some . Sir Raph Shelton . Sir Thomas Stewkley . Sir William Saint-Iohn . Sir William Smith . Sir Richard Smith . Sir Martin Sinteuill . Sir Nicolas Salter . Doctor Matthew Sutcliffe of Exeter . Captaine Iohn Smith . Thomas Sandys , Esquire . Henry Sandys , Esquire . George Sandys , Esquire . Company of Skinners . Company of Salters . Company of Stationers . Iohn Stokley . Richard Staper . Robert Singleton . Thomas Shipton . Cleophas Smith . Richard Strongthar● . Hildebrand Spruson . Matthew Scriuener . Othowell Smith . George Scot. Hewet Staper● . Iames Swift . Richard Stratford . Edmund Smith . Robert Smith . Matthias Springham . Richard Smith . Edward Smith . Ionathan Smith . Humfrey Smith . Iohn Smith . George Swinhow . Ioseph Some . William Sheckley . Iohn Southick . Henry Shelley . Walter Shelley . Richard Snarsborow . George Stone . Hugh Shepley . William Strachey . Vrion Spencer . Iohn Scarpe . Thomas Scott . William Sharpe . Steuen Sparrow . Thomas Stokes . Richard Shepard . Henry Spranger . William Stonnard . Steuen Sad. Iohn Stockley . Thomas Steuens . Matthew Shepard . Thomas Sherwell . William Seabright , Esquire . Nicholas Sherwell . Augustine Steward . Thomas Stile . Abraham Speckhard . Edmund Scot. Francis Smalman . Gregory Sprint , Esquire . Thomas Stacey . William Sandbatch . Augustine Stuard , Esquire . T Sir William Twisden . Sir William Throckmorton . Sir Nicholas Tufton . Sir Iohn Treuer . Sir Thomas Tracy . George Thorpe , Esquire . Doctor William Turner . The Trinity house . Richard Turner . Iohn Tauerner . Daniel Tucker . Charles Towler . William Tayler . Leonard Townson . Richard Tomlins . Francis Tate , Esquire . Andrew Troughton . George Tucker . Henry Timberlake . William Tucker . Lewis Tite . Robert Thornton . V Sir Horatio Vere . Sir Walter Vaughan . Henry Vincent . Richard Venne . Christopher Vertue . Iohn Vassell . Arthur Venne . W Henry Bishop of VVorcester . Francis West , Esquire . Sir Ralph Winwood . Sir Iohn Wentworth . Sir William Waad . Sir Robert Wroth. Sir Perciual Willoby . Sir Charles Wilmott . Sir Iohn Wats . Sir Hugh Worrell . Sir Edward Waterhouse . Sir Thomas Wilsford . Sir Richard Williamson . Sir Iohn Wolstenholm . Sir Thomas Walsingham . Sir Thomas Watson . Sir Thomas Wilson . Sir Iohn Weld . Mistris Kath. West , now Lady Conway . Iohn Wroth , Esquire . Captaine Maria Winckfield , Esquire , Thomas Webb . Rice Webb . Edward Webb . Sands Webb . Felix Wilson . Thomas White . Richard Wiffen . William Williamson . Humfrey Westwood . Hugh Willeston . Thomas Wheatley . William Wattey . William Webster . Iames White . Edmund Winne . Iohn West . Iohn Wright . Edward Wooller . Thomas Walker . Iohn Wooller . Iohn Westrow . Edward Welch . Nathaniel Waad . Richard Widowes . Dauid Waterhouse , Esquire . Captaine Owen Winne . Randall Wetwood . George Wilmer , Esquire . Edward Wilkes . Leonard White . Andrew Willmer . Clement Willmer . George Walker . William Welbie . Francis Whistler . Thomas Wells . Captaine Thomas Winne . Iohn Whittingham . Thomas Wheeler . William Willet . Deuereux Woogam . Iohn Walker . Thomas Wood. Iohn Willet . Nicholas Wheeler . Thomas Wale . William Wilston . Iohn Waller . William Ward . William Willeston . Iohn Water . Thomas Warr , Esquire . Dauid Wiffen . Garret Weston . Y Sir George Yeardley , now Gouernour of Virginia . William Yong. Simon Yeomans . Z Edward , Lord Zouch . Iohn Zouch , Esquire . THat most generous and most honourable Lord , the Earle of South-hampton , being pleased to take vpon him the title of Treasurer , and Master Iohn Farrar his Deputy , with such instructions as were necessary , and admonitions to all Officers to take heede of extortion , ingrosing commodities , forestalling of markets , especially to haue a vigilant care , the familiarity of the Saluages liuing amongst them made them not way to betray or surprize them , for the building of Guest-houses to relieue the weake in , and that they did wonder in all this time they had made no discoueries , nor knew no more then the very place whereon they did inhabit , nor yet could euer see any returne for all this continuall charge and trouble , therefore they sent to be added to the Councell seuen Gentlemen , namely Mr. Thorp , Captaine Nuce , Mr. Tracy , Captaine Middleton , Captaine Blount , Mr. Iohn Pountas , and Mr. Harwood , with men , munition , and all things thought fitting , but they write from Virginia , many of the Ships were so pestred with diseased people , & thronged together in their passage , there was much sicknesse and a great mortality , wherfore they desired rather a few able sufficient men well prouided , then great multitudes , and because there were few accidents of note , but priuate aduertisements by letters , we will conclude this yeere , and proceed to the next . Collected out of the Councels letters for Virginia . The instructions and aduertisements for this yeere were both from England and Virginia , much like the last : only whereas before they had euer a suspicion of Opechankanough , and all the rest of the Saluages , they had an eye ouer him more then any , but now they all write so confidently of their assured peace with the Saluages , there is now no more feare nor danger either of their power or trechery , so that euery man planteth himselfe where he pleaseth , and followeth his businesse securely . But the time of Sir George Yearley being neere expired , the Councel here made choise of a worthy young Gentleman Sir Francis Wyat to succeed him , whom they forth with furnished and prouided , as they had done his Predecessors , with all the necessary instructions all these times had acquainted them for the conuersion of the Saluages , the suppressing of planting Tobacco , and planting of Corne , not depending continually to be supplied by the Saluages , but in case of necessity to trade with them , whom long ere this , it hath beene promised and expected should haue beene fed and relieued by the English , not the English by them ; and carefully to redresse all the complaints of the needlesse mortality of their people , and by all diligence seeke to send something home to satisfie the Aduenturers , that all this time had only liued vpon hopes , grew so weary and discouraged , that it must now be substance that must maintaine their proceedings , & not letters , excuses and promises ; seeing they could get so much and such great estates for themselues , as to spend after the rate of 100. pounds , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10. nay some 2000. or 3000. pounds yearely , that were not worth so many pence when they went to Virginia , can scarce containe themselues either in diet , apparell , gaming , and all manner of such superfluity , within a lesse compasse than our curious , costly , and consuming Gallants here in England , which cannot possibly be there supported , but either by oppressing the Comminalty there , or deceiuing the generality here ( or both . ) Extracted out of the Councels Letters for Virginia . From Virginia , by the relations of the Chieftains there , & many I haue conferred with , that came from thence hither , I haue much admired to heare of the incredible pleasure , profit and plenty this Plantation doth abound in , and yet could neuer heare of any returne but Tobacco , but it hath oft amazed me to vnderstand how strangely the Saluages hath beene taught the vse of our armes , and imploied in hunting and fowling with our fowling peeces , and our men rooting in the ground about Tobacco like Swine ; besides that , the Saluages that doe little but continually exercise their bow and arrowes , should dwell and lie so familiarly amongst our men that practised little but the Spade , being so farre asunder , and in such small parties dispersed , and neither Fort , exercise of armes vsed , Ordnances mounted , Courts of guard , nor any preparation nor prouision to preuent a forraine enemy , much more the Saluages howsoeuer ; for the Saluages vncertaine conformity I doe not wonder , but for their constancy and conuersion , I am and euer haue beene of the opinion of Master Ionas Stockam a Minister in Virginia , who euen at this time , when all things were so prosperous , and the Saluages at the point of conuersion , against all their Gouernours and Councels opinions , writ to the Councell and Company in England to this effect . May 28. WE that haue left our natiue country to soiourne in a strange land , some idle spectators , who either cowardly dare not , or couetously will not aduenture either their purses or persons in so commendable a worke ; others supporting Atlas of this ilmost vnsupportable burdens as your selues , without whose assistance this Virginia Firmament ( in which some ) and I hope in short time will shine many more glorious Starres , though there be many Italiannated and Spaniolized Englishmen enuies our prosperities , and by all their ignominious scandals they can deuise seekes to dishearten what they can , those that are willing to further this glorious enterprize , to such I wish according to the decree of Darius , that whosoeuer is an enemy to our peace , and seeketh either by getting monipolicall patens , or by forging vniust tales to hinder our welfare , that his house were pulled downe , and a paire of gallowes made of the wood , and he hanged on them in the place . As for those lasie seruants , who had rather stand all day idle , than worke , though but an houre in this Vineyard , and spend their substance riotously , than cast the superfluity of their wealth into your Treasury , I leaue them as they are to the eternall Iudge of the world . But you right worthy , that hath aduentured so freely , I will not examine , if it were for the glory of God , or your desire of gaine , which it may be you expect should flow vnto you with a full tide , for the conuersion of the Saluages : I wonder you vse not the meanes , I confesse you say well to haue them conuerted by faire meanes , but they scorne to acknowledge it , as for the gifts bestowed on them they deuoure them , and so they would the giuers if they could , and though many haue endeuoured by all the meanes they could by kindnesse to conuert them , they finde nothing from them but derision and ridiculous answers . We haue sent boies amongst them to learne their Language , but they returne worse than they went ; but I am no States-man , nor loue I to meddle with any thing but my Bookes , but I can finde no probability by this course to draw them to goodnesse ; I and am perswaded if Mars and Minerua goe hand in hand , they will effect more good in an houre , then those verball Mercurians in their liues , and till their Priests and Ancients haue their throats cut , there is no hope to bring them to conuersion . The gouernment of Sir Francis Wyat. ABout October arriued Sir Francis Wyat , with Master George Sands , appointed Treasurer , Master Dauison Secretary , Doctor Pot the Physician , and Master Cloyburne the Surgian , but much prouision was very badly conditioned , nay the Hogs would not eat that Corne they brought , which was a great cause of their sicknesse and mortality , and whatsoeuer is said against the Virginia Corne , they finde it doth better nourish than any prouision is sent thither ; the Sailers still they complaine are much to blame for imbes●ing the prouisions sent to priuate men , killing of Swine , and disorderly trucking ; for which some order would be taken . In them nine Ships that went with Sir Francis VVyat not one Passenger died , at his arriuall he sent Master Thorpe to Opechancanough , whom hee found much satisfied with his comming , to confirme their leagues as he had done his Predecessors , and so contented his people should coinhabit amongst them , and hee found more motions of Religion in him than could be imagined : euery man betaking himselfe to his quarter , it was ordered , that for euery head they should plant but 1000. Plants of Tobacco , and vpon each plant nine leaues , which will be about 100. weight , the Corne being appointed but at two shillings & six pence the bushell , required such labour , it caused most men neglect it , and depend vpon trade ; where were it rated at ten shillings the bushell , euery man would indeuour to haue plenty to sell to the new commers , or any that wanted , and seldome any is transported from England , but it standeth in as much , besides the hazard and other necessaries , the Ships might transport of that burden . The 22. of Nouember arriued Master Gookin out of Ireland , with fifty men of his owne , and thirty Passengers , exceedingly well furnished with all sorts of prouision and cattle , and planted himselfe at Nupors-newes : the Cotten trees in a yeere grew so thicke as ones arme , and so high as a man : here any thing that is planted doth prosper so well as in no place better . For the mortality of the people accuse not the place , for of the old Planters and the families scarce one of twenty miscarries , onely the want of necessaries are the occasions of those diseases . And so wee will conclude this yeere with the shipping and numbers sent . Out of the Councels Letters from Virginia . This yeere was sent one and twenty saile of Ships that imployed more than 400. sailers and 1300. men , women and children of diuers faculties , with foure-score cattle ; the Tiger fell in the Turkes hands , yet safely escaped , and by the returne of their letters from thence , the company is assured there can bee no fitter places of Mines , Wood and Water for Iron than there ; and the French men affirme no Country is more proper for Vines , Oliues , Sike , Rice and Salt , &c. of which the next yeere they promise a good quantity . GIFTS . THe Gentlemen and Mariners that came in the Royall Iames from the East-Indies , gaue towards the building of a free Schoole 70 pound , eight shillings , and six pence ; and an vnknowne person to further it , sent thirtie pounds ; and another in like manner fiue & twentie pounds ; another refusing to be made knowne , gaue fortie shillings yeerely for a Sermon before the Virginia companie : also another that would not be knowne , sent for the College at Henrico , many excellent good religious bookes , worth ten pound , & a most curious Map of al that coast of America , Master Thomas Bargaue their Preacher there deceased , gaue a Librarie valued at one hundred Markes : and the Inhabitants hath made a contribution of one thousand and fiue hundred pounds , to build a house for the entertaining of strangers . This yeere also there was much suing for Patents for Plantations , who promised to transport such great multitudes of people : there was much disputing concerning those diuisions , as though the whole land had beene too little for them : six and twentie obtained their desires , but as yet not past six hath sent thither a man ; notwithstanding many of them would haue more , and are not well contented ; whom I would intreat , and all other wranglers , to peruse this saying of honest Claudius . See'st not the world of Natures worke , the fairest well , I wot , How it , it selfe tog●t●er ties , as in a true-loues knot . Nor seest how th' Elements ayre combin'd , maintaine one constant plea , H●w midst of heauen contents the Sunne , and shore containes the sea ; And how the aire both compasseth , and carrieth still earths frame , Yet neither pressing burden● it , nor parting leaues the same . The obseruations of Master Iohn Pory Secretarie of Virginia , in his trauels . HAuing but ten men meanly prouided to plant the Secretaries land on the Easterne shore nee●e d●●mack . Captaine Wilcocks plantation , the better to secure and ass●●t each other . Sir George Yearley intending to visit Smiths Iles , fell so sicke that he could not , so that he sent me with Estinien M●ll a French-man , to find● a conuenient place to make salt in . Not long after Namenacus the King of Pawtuxunt , came to vs to seeke for Thomas Saluage our Interpreter . Thus insinuating himselfe , he led vs into a thicket , where all sitting downe , he shew●d vs his n●ked brest ; asking if we saw any deformitie vpon it , we told him , No ; No more , said hee , is the inside , but as sincere and pure ; therefore come freely to my Countrie and welcome : which wee promised wee would within six weekes after . Hauing taken a muster of the companies tenants , I went to Smiths Iles , where was our Salt ho●se : not farre off wee found a more conuenient plac● , and ●o retu●ned to Iames towne . Being furnished t●e second ●ime , wee arriued at Aquo hanock , and conferred with Kiptopeke thei● King , P●ssing Russels Ile and Onaucoke , we arriued at Pawtuxunt : the discription of those places , you may reade in Captaine Smiths discoue●ies , therefore needlesse to bee writ againe . But here arriuing at A●toughcomoco the habi●ation of Namenacu● and W●manato , his brother , long wee staied not ere they came aboord vs with a brasse Kettle , as bright without as within , ful of boyled O●sters Strict order was giuen none should offend vs , so that the next day I went with the ●wo Kings a hunting , to discouer what I could in their confines . Wam●nato brought mee first to his house , where hee shewed once his wife and children , and ma● . Corne-fields ; and being two miles within the woods a hunting , as the younger conducted me forth , so the elder brought me home , and vsed me as kindly as he could , after their manner . The next day he presented me twelue Beuer skinnes and a Canow , which I requited with such things to his content , that he promised to keept them whilst hee liued , and burie them with him being dead . Hee much wondered at our Bible , but much more to heare it was the Law of our God , and the first Chapter of Genesis expounded of Adam and Eue , and simple mariage ; to which he replyed , hee was like Adam in one thing , for he neuer had but one wife at once ; but he , as all the rest , seemed more willing of other discourses they better vnderstood . The next day the two Kings with their people , came aboord vs , but brought nothing according to promise ; so that Ensigne Saluage challenged Namenacus the breach of three promises , viz. not in giuing him a Boy , not Corne , though they had plentie , nor Moutapass a fugitiue , called Robert Marcum , that had liued 5 ▪ yeeres amongst those northerly nations , which hee cunningly answered by excuses . Womanato it seemes , was guiltlesse of this falshood , because hee staied alone when the rest were gone . I asked him if he desired to bee great and rich ; he answered , They were things all men aspired vnto : which I told him he should be , if he would follow my counsell , so he gaue me two tokens , which being returned by a messenger , should suffice to make him confident the messenger could not abuse vs. Some things being stolne from vs , he tooke such order that they were presently restored , then we interchanged presents : in all things hee much admired out discretions , and gaue vs a guide that hee called brother , to conduct vs vp the Riuer : by the way we met with diuers that stil tould vs of Marcum : and though it was in October , we found the Countrie very hot , and their Corne gathered before ours at Iames towne . The next day we went to Paccamaganant , and they directed vs to Assacomoco , where their King Cassatowap had an old quarrell with Ensigne Saluage , but now seeming reconciled , went with vs , with another Werowance towards Mattapanient , where they perswaded vs ashore vpon the point of a thicket ; but supposing it some trecherie , we returned to our boat : farre we had not gone from the shore , but a multitude of Saluages fallied out of the wood , with all the ill words and signes of hostilitie they could . When wee saw plainly their bad intent , wee set the two Werowances at libertie , that all this while had line in the Cabbin , as not taking any notice of their villanie , because we would conuert them by courtesie . Leauing them as we found them , very ciuill and subtill , wee returned the same way wee came , to the laughing Kings on the Easterne shore , who told vs plainly , Namanicus would also haue allured him into his Countrie , vnder colour of trade to cut his throat . Hee told vs also Opechancanough had imployed Onianimo to kill Saluage , because he brought the trade from him to the Easterne shore , and some disgrace hee had done his sonne , and some thirteene of his people before one hundred of those Easterlings in reseuing Thomas Graues whom they would haue slaine , where hee and three more did challenge the thirteeene Pamavukes to fight , but they durst not , so that all those Easterlings so derided them , that they came there no more . This Thomas Saluage , it is sixteene yeeres since he went to Virginia , being a boy , hee was left with Powhatan , for Namontacke to learne the language , and as this Author affirmeth , with much honestie and good successe hath serued the publike without any publike recompence , yet had an arrow shot through his body in their seruice . This laughing King at Accomack , tels vs the land is not two daies iourny ouer in the broadest place , but in some places a man may goe in halfe a day , betwixt the Bay and the maine Ocean , where inhabit many people , so that by the narrownesse of the Land there is not many Decre , but most abundance of Fish and Fowle . Kiptope his brother rules ● his Lieutenant , who seeing his younger brother more affected by the people than himselfe , freely resigned him the moitie of his Countrie , applying himselfe onely to husbandry and hunting , yet nothing neglected in his degree , nor is hee carelesse of any thing concernes the state , but as a vigilant and faithfull Counceller , as hee is an affectionated Brother , bearing the greater burden in gouernment , though the lesser honour , where cleane contrary they on the Westerne shore , the younger beares the charge , and the elder the dignitie . Those are the best husbands of any Saluages we know : for they prouide Corne to serue them all the yeare , yet spare ; and the other not for halfe the yeare , yet want . They are the most ciuill and tractable people we haue met with , and by little sticks will keepe as iust an account of their promises , as by a tally . In their mariages they obserue a large distance , as well in affinitie as consanguinitie ; nor doe they vse that deuillish custome in making black Boyes . There may be on this shore about two thousand people : they on the West would inuade them , but that they want Boats to crosse the Bay , and so would diuers other Nations , were they not protected by vs. A few of the Westerly Runnagados had conspired against the laughing King , but fearing their treason was discouered , fled to Smiths Iles , where they made a massacre of Deere and Hogges ; and thence to Rickahake , betwixt Cissapeack and Nansamund , where they now are seated vnder the command of Itoyatin , and so I returned to Iames Towne , where I found the gouernment rendred to Sir Francis Wyat. In February also he trauelled to the South Riuer Chawonock , some sixtie miles ouer land , which he found to be a very fruitfull and pleasant Country , yeelding two haruests in a yeare , and found much of the Silke grasse formerly spoken of , was kindly vsed by the people , and so returned . Captaine Each sent to build a Fort to secure the Countrey . IT was no small content to all the Aduenturers to heare of the safe ariuall of all those ships and companies , which was thought sufficient to haue made a Plantation of themselues : and againe to second them , was sent Captaine Each in the Abigale , a ship of three or foure hundred tunnes , who hath vndertaken to make a Block-house amongst the Oyster banks , that shall secure the Riuer . The furnishing him with Instruments , cost three hundred pounds ; but the whole charge and the ships returne , will be neere two thousand pounds . In her went Captaine Barwicke with fiue and twentie men for the building ships and Boats , and not other waies to be imploied : and also a selected number to build the E●st Indie Schoole , but as yet from Virginia little returnes but priuate mens Tobacco , and faire promises of plentie of Iron , Silke , Wine , and many other good and rich commodities , besides the speedy conuersion of the Saluages , that at first were much discouraged from liuing amongst them , when they were debarred the vse of their peeces ; therefore it was disputed as a matter of State , whether such as would liue amongst them should vse them or not , as a bait to allure them ; or at least such as should bee called to the knowledge of Christ. But because it was a great trouble for all causes to be brought to Iames Towne for a triall , Courts were appointed in conuenient places to releeue them : but as they can make no Lawes in Virginia till they be ratified here ; so the● thinke it but reason , none should bee inacted here without their consents , because they onely feele them , and must liue vnder them . Still they complaine for want of Corne , but what must be had by Trade , and how vnwilling any Officer when he leaueth his place , is to make good his number of men to his Successor , but many of them during their times to help themselues , vndoes the Company : for the seruants you allow them , or such as they hire , they plant on their priuate Lands , not vpon that belongeth to their office , which crop alwaies exceeds yours , besides those which are your tenants to halfes , are forced to row them vp and downe , whereby both you and they lose more then halfe . Nor are those officers the ablest or best deseruing , but make their experience vpon the companies cost , and your land lies vnmanured to any purpose , and will yeeld as little profit to your next new officers . The massacre vpon the two and twentieth of March. THe Prologue to this Tragedy , is supposed was occasioned by Nemattanow , otherwise called Iack of the Feather , because hee commonly was most strangely adorned with them ; and for his courage and policy , was accounted amongst the Saluages their chiefe Captaine , and immortall from any hurt could bee done him by the English. This Captaine comming to one Morgans house , knowing he had many commodities that hee desired , perswaded Morgan to goe with him to Pamauke to trucke , but the Saluage murdered him by the way ; and after two or three daies returned againe to Morgans house , where he found two youths his Seruants , who asked for their Master : Iack replied directly he was dead ; the Boyes suspecting as it was , by seeing him weare his Cap , would haue had him to Master Thorp : But Iack so moued their patience , they shot him , so he fell to the ground , put him in a Boat to haue him before the Gouernor , then seuen or eight miles from them . But by the way Iack finding the pangs of death vpon him , desired of the Boyes two things ; the one was , that they would not make it knowne hee was slaine with a bullet ; the other , to bury him amongst the English. At the losse of this Saluage Opechankanough much grieued and repined , with great threats of reuenge ; but the English returned him such terrible answers , that he cunningly dissembled his intent , with the greatest signes he could of loue and peace , yet within foureteene daies after he acted what followeth . Sir Francis Wyat at his arriuall was aduertised , he found the Countrey setled in such a firme peace , as most men there thought sure and vnuiolable , not onely in regard of their promises , but of a necessitie . The poore weake Saluages being euery way bettered by vs , and safely sheltred and defended , whereby wee might freely follow our businesse : and such was the conceit of this conceited peace , as that there was seldome or neuer a sword , and seldomer a peece , except for a Deere or Fowle , by which assurances the most plantations were placed straglingly and scatteringly , as a choice veine of rich ground inuited them , and further from neighbours the better . Their houses generally open to the Saluages , who were alwaies friendly fed at their tables , and lodged in their bed-chambers , which made the way plaine to effect their intents , and the conuersion of the Saluages as they supposed . Hauing occasion to send to Opechankanough about the middle of March , hee vsed the Messenger well , and told him he held the peace so firme , the sky should fall or he dissolued it ; yet such was the treachery of those people , when they had contriued our destruction , euen but two daies before the massacre , they guided our men with much kindnesse thorow the woods , and one Browne that liued among them to learne the language , they sent home to his Master ; yea , they borrowed our Boats to transport themselues ouer the Riuer , to consult on the deuillish murder that insued , and of our vtter extirpation , which God of his mercy ( by the meanes of one of themselues conuerted to Christianitie ) preuented , and as well on the Friday morning that fatall day , being the two and twentieth of March , as also in the euening before , as at other times they came vnarmed into our houses , with Deere , Turkies , Fish , Fruits , and other prouisions to sell vs , yea in some places sat downe at breakfast with our people , whom immediatly with their owne tooles they slew most barbarously , not sparing either age or sex , man woman or childe , so sudden in their execution , that few or none discerned the weapon or blow that brought them to destruction : In which manner also they slew many of our people at seuerall works in the fields , well knowing in what places and quarters each of our men were , in regard of their familiaritie with vs , for the effecting that great master-peece of worke their conuersion ; and by this meanes fell that fatall morning vnder the bloudy and barbarous hands of that perfidious and inhumane people , three hundred forty seuen men , women and children , most by their owne weapons , and not being content with their liues , they fell againe vpon the dead bodies , making as well as they could a fresh murder , defacing , dragging , and mangling their dead carkases into many peeces , and carying some parts away in derision , with base and brutish triumph . Neither yet did these beasts spare those amongst the rest well knowne vnto them , from whom they had daily receiued many benefits , but spightfully also massacred them without any remorse or pitie ; being in this more fell then Lions and Dragons , as Histories record , which haue preserued their Benefactors ; such is the force of good deeds , though done to cruell beasts , to take humanitie vpon them , but these miscreants put on a more vnnaturall brutishnesse then beasts , as by those instances may appeare . That worthy religions Gentleman M. George Thorp , Deputie to the College lands , sometimes one of his Maiesties Pensioners , & in command one of the principall in Virginia ; did so truly affect their conuersion , that whosoeuer vnder him did them the least displeasure , were punished seuerely . He thought nothing too deare for them , he neuer denied them any thing , in so much that when they complained that our Mastiues did feare them , he to content them in all things , caused some of them to be killed in their presence , to the great displeasure of the owners , and would haue had all the rest guelt to make them the milder , might he haue had his will. The King dwelling but in a Cottage , he built him a faire house after the English fashion , in which he tooke such pleasure , especially in the locke and key , which he so admired , as locking and vnlocking his doore a hundred times a day , he thought no deuice in the world comparable to it . Thus insinuating himselfe into this Kings fauour for his religious purpose , he conferred oft with him about Religion , as many other in this former Discourse had done , and this Pagan confessed to him as he did to them , our God was better then theirs , and seemed to be much pleased with that Discourse , and of his company , and to requite all those courtesies ; yet this viperous brood did , as the sequell shewed , not onely murder him , but with such spight and scorne abused his dead corps as is vnfitting to be heard with ciuill eares . One thing I cannot omit , that when this good Gentleman vpon his fatall houre , was warned by his man , who perceiuing some treachery intended by those hell-hounds , to looke to himselfe , and withall ran away for feare he should be apprehended , and so saued his owne life ; yet his Master out of his good meaning was so void of suspition and full of confidence ▪ they had slaine him , or he could or would beleeue they would hurt him . Captaine Nathaniel Powell one of the first Planters , a valiant Souldier , and not any in the Countrey better knowne amongst them ; yet such was the error of an ouer-conceited power and prosperitie , and their simplicities , they not onely slew him and his family , but butcher-like hagled their bodies , and cut off his head , to expresse their vttermost height of cruelty . Another of the old company of Captaine Smith , called Nathaniel Causie , being cruelly wounded , and the Saluages about him , with an axe did cleaue one of their heads , whereby the rest fled and he escaped : for they hurt not any that did either fight or stand vpon their guard . In one place where there was but two men that had warning of it , they defended the house against 60. or more that assaulted it . M. Baldwin at Warraskoyack , his wife being so wounded , she lay for dead , yet by his oft discharging of his peece , saue ●●er , his house , himselfe , & diuers others . At the same time they came to one Mast●r Harisons house , neere halfe a mile from Baldwines , where was Master Thomas Hamer with six men , and eighteene or nineteene women and children . Here the Saluages with many presents and faire perswasions , fained they came for Capt. Ralfe Hamer to go to their King , then hunting in the woods , presently they sent to him , but he not comming as they expected , set fire of a Tobacco-house , and then came to tell them in the dwelling house of it to quench it ; all the men ran towards it , but Master Hamer not suspecting any thing , whom the Saluages pursued , shot them full of arrowes , then beat out their braines . Hamer hauing finished a letter hee was a writing , followed after to see what was the matter , but quickly they shot an arrow in his back , which caused him returne and barricado vp the doores , whereupon the Saluages set fire on the house . Harisons Boy finding his Masters peece loaded , discharged it at randome , at which bare report the Saluages all fled , Baldwin still discharging his peece , and Mr Hamer with two and twentie persons thereby got to his house , leauing their owne burning . In like manner , they had fired Lieutenant Basse his house , with all the rest there about , slaine the people , and so left that Plantation . Captaine Hamer all this while not knowing any thing , comming to his Brother that had sent for him to go hunt with the King , meeting the Saluages chasing some , yet escaped , retired to his new house then a building , from whence he came ; there onely with spades , axes , and brick bats , he defended himselfe and his Company till the Saluages departed . Not long after , the Master from the ship had sent six Musketiers , with which he recouered their Merchants store-house , where he armed ten more , and so with thirtie more vnarmed workmen , found his Brother and the rest at B●ldwins : Now seeing all they had was burnt and consumed , they repaired to Iames Towne with their best expedition ; yet not far from Martins hundred , where seuenty three were slaine , was a little house and a small family , that heard not of any of this till two daies after . All those , and many others whom they haue as maliciously murdered , sought the good of those poore brutes , that thus despising Gods mercies , must needs now as miscreants be corrected by Iustice : to which leauing them , I will knit together the thred of this discourse . At the time of the massacre , there were three or foure ships in Iames Riuer , and one in the next , and daily more to come in , as there did within foureteene daies after , one of which they indeuoured to haue surprised : yet were the hearts of the English euer stupid , and auerted from beleeuing any thing might weaken their hopes , to win them by kinde vsage to Christianitie . But diuers write from thence , that Almighty God hath his great worke in this Tragedy , and will thereout draw honor and glory to his name , and a more flourishing estate and safetie to themselues , and with more speed to conuert the Saluage children to himselfe , since he so miraculously hath preserued the English ; there being yet , God be praised , eleuen parts of twelue remaining , whose carelesse neglect of their owne safeties , seemes to haue beene the greatest cause of their destructions : yet you see , God by a conuerted Saluage that disclosed the plot , saued the rest , and the Pinnace then in Pamavukes Riuer , whereof ( say they ) though our sinnes made vs vnworthy of so glorious a conuersion , yet his infinite wisdome can neuerthelesse bring it to passe , and in good time , by such meanes as we thinke most vnlikely : for in the deliuery of them that suruiue , no mans particular carefulnesse saued one person , but the meere goodnesse of God himselfe , freely and miraculously preseruing whom he pleased . The Letters of Master George Sands , a worthy Gentleman , and many others besides them returned , brought vs this vnwelcome newes , that hath beene heard at large in publike Court , that the Indians and they liued as one Nation , yet by a generall combination in one day plotted to subuert the whole Colony , and at one instant , though our seuerall Plantations were one hundred and fortie miles vp on Riuer on both sides . But for the better vnderstanding of all things , you must remember these wilde naked natiues liue not in great numbers together , ●●t dispersed , commonly in thirtie , fortie , fiftie , or sixtie in a company . Some places haue two hundred , few places more , but many lesse ; yet they had all warning giuen them one from another in all their habitations , though farre asunder , to meet at the day and houre appointed for our destruction at al our seueral Plantations ; some directed to one place , some to another , all to be done at the time appointed , which they did accordingly : Some entring their houses vnder colour of trading , so tooke their aduantage ; others drawing vs abroad vnder faire pretences , and the rest suddenly falling vpon those that were at their labours . Six of the counsell suffered vnder this treason , and the slaughter had beene vniuersall , if God had not put it into the heart of an Indian , who lying in the house of one Pace , was vrged by another Indian his Brother , that lay with him the night before to kill Pace , as he should doe Perry which was his friend , being so commanded from their King ; telling him also how the next day the execution should be finished : Perrys Indian presently arose and reueales it to Pace , that vsed him as his sonne ; and thus them that escaped was saued by this one conuerted Infidell . And though three hundred fortie seuen were slaine , yet thousands of ours were by the meanes of this alone thus preserued , for which Gods name be praised for euer and euer . Pace vpon this , securing his house , before day rowed to Iam●s Towne , and told the Gouernor of it , whereby they were preuented , and at such other Plantations as possibly intelligence could be giuen : and where they saw vs vpon our guard , at the sight of a peece they ranne away ; but the rest were most slaine , their houses burnt , such Armes and Munition as they found they tooke away , and some cattell also they destroied . Since wee finde Opechankanough the last yeare had practised with a King on the Easterne shore , to furnish him with a kind of poison , which onely growes in his Country to poison vs. But of this bloudy acte neuer griefe and shame poss●ssed any people more then themselues , to be thus butchered by so naked and cowardly a people , who dare not stand the presenting of a staffe in manner of a peece , nor an vncharged peec● in the hands of a woman . ( But I must tell those Authors , though some might be thus cowardly , there were many of them had better spirits . ) Thus haue you heard the particulars of this massacre , which in those respects some say will be good for the Plantation , because now we haue iust cause to destroy them by all meanes possible : but I thinke it had beene much better it had neuer happened , for they haue giuen vs an hundred times as iust occasions long agoe to subiect them , ( and I wonder I can heare of none but Master ●●ockam and Master Whitaker of my opinion . ) Moreouer , where before we were troubled in cleering the ground of great Timber , which was to them of small vse : now we may take their owne plaine fields and Habitations , which are the p●easantest places in the Countrey . Besides , the Deere , Turkies , and other Beasts and Fowles will exceedingly increase if we beat the Saluages out of the Countrey , for at all times of the yeare they neuer spare Male nor Female , old nor young , egges nor birds , fat nor leane , in season or out of season with them , all is one . The like they did in our Swine and Goats , for they haue vsed to kill eight in tenne more then we , or else the wood would most plentifully abound with victuall ; besides it is more easie to ciuilize them by conquest then faire meanes : for the one may be made at once , but their ciuilizing will require a long time and much industry . The manner how to suppresse them is so often related and approued , I omit it here : And you haue twenty examples of the Spaniards how they got the West-Indies , and forced the treacherous and rebellious Infidels to doe all manner of drudgery worke and slauery for them , themselues liuing like Souldiers vpon the fruits of their labours . This will make vs more circumspect , and be an example to posteritie : ( But I say , this might as well haue beene put in practise sixteene yeares agoe as now . ) Thus vpon this Anuill shall wee now beat our selues an Armour of proofe hereafter to defend vs against such incu●sions , and euer hereafter make vs more circumspect : but to helpe to repaire this losse , besides his Maiesties bounty in Armes , he gaue the Company out of the Tower , and diuers other Honorable persons haue renewed their aduentures , we must not omit the Honorable Citie of London , to whose endlesse praise wee may speake it , are now setting forward one hundred persons , and diuers others at their owne costs are a repairing , and all good men doe thinke neuer the worse of the businesse for all these dis●sters . What growing state was there euer in the world which had not the like ? Rome grew by oppression , and rose vpon the backe of her enemies : and the Spaniards haue had many of those counterbuffes , more than we . Columbus , vpon his returne from the West-Indies into Spaine , hauing left his people with the Indies , in peace and promise of good vsage amongst them , at his returne backe found not one of them liuing , but all treacherously slaine by the Saluages . After this againe , when the Spanish Colonies were increased to great numbers , the Indians from whom the Spaniards for trucking stuffe vsed to haue all their corne , generally conspired together to plant no more at all , intending thereby to famish them ; themselues liuing in the meane time vpon Cassaua , a root to make bread , onely then knowne to themselues . This plot of theirs by the Spaniards ouersight , that foolishly depended vpon strangers for their bread , tooke such effect , and brought them to such misery by the rage of famine , that they spared no vncleane nor loathsome beast , no not the poisonous and hideous Serpents , but eat them vp also , deuouring one death to saue them from another ; and by this meanes their whole Colony well-neere surfeted , sickned and died miserably , and when they had againe recouered this losse , by their incontinency an infinite number of them died on the Indian disease , we call the French Pox , which at first being a strange and an vnknowne malady , was deadly vpon whomsoeuer it lighted : then had they a little flea called Nigua , which got betweene the skinne and the flesh before they were aware , and there bred and multiplied , making swellings and putrifactions , to the decay and losse of many of their bodily members . Againe , diuers times they were neere vndone by their ambition , faction , and malice of the Commanders . Columbus , to whom they were also much beholden , was sent with his Brother in chaines into Spaine ; and some other great Commanders killed and murdered one another . Pizzaro was killed by Almagros sonne , and him Vasco beheaded , which Vasco was taken by Blasco , and Blasco was likewise taken by Pizzaros Brother : And thus by their couetous and spightfull quarrels , they were euer shaking the maine pillars of their Common-weale . These and many more mischiefes and calamities hapned them , more then euer did to vs , and at one time being euen at the last gaspe , had two ships not arriued with supplies as they did , they were so disheartned , they were a leauing the Countrey : yet we see for all those miseries they haue attained to their ends at last , as is manifest to all the world , both with honour , powe● , and wealth : and whereas be●ore few could be hired to goe to inhabit there , now with great sute they must obtaine it ; but where there was no honesty , nor equity , nor sanctitie , nor veritie , nor pie●ie , nor good ciuilitie in such a Countrey , certainly there can bee no stabilitie . Therefore let vs not be discouraged , but rather animated by those conclusions , seeing we are so well assured of the goodnesse and commodities may bee had in Virginia , nor is it to be much doubted there is any want of Mines of most sorts , no not of the richest , as is well knowne to some yet liuing that can make it manifest when time shall serue : and yet to thinke that gold and siluer Mines are in a country otherwise most rich and fruitfull , or the greatest wealth in a Plantation , is but a popular error , as is that opinion likewise , that the gold and siluer is now the greatest wealth of the West Indies at this present . True it is indeed , that in the first conquest the Spaniards got great and mighty store of treasure from the Natiues , which they in long space had heaped together , and in those times the Indians shewed them entire and rich Mines , which now by the relations of them that haue beene there , are exceedingly wasted , so that now the charge of getting those Metals is growne excessiue , besides the consuming the liues of many by their pestilent smoke and vapours in digging and refining them , so that all things considered , the cleere gaines of those metals , the Kings part defraied , to the Aduenturers is but small , and nothing neere so much as vulgarly is imagined ; and were it not for other rich Commodities there that inrich them , those of the Contraction house were neuer able to subsist by the Mines onely ; for the greatest part of their Commodities are partly naturall , and partly transported from other parts of the world , and planted in the West-Indies , as in their mighty wealth of Sugarcanes , being first transported from the Canaries ; and in Ginger and other things brought out of the East-Indies , in their Cochanele , Indicos , Cotton , and their infinite store of Hides , Quick-siluer , Allum , Woad , Brasill woods , Dies , Paints , Tobacco , Gums , Balmes , Oiles , Medicinals and Perfumes , Sassaparilla , and many other physicall drugs : These are the meanes whereby they raise that mighty charge of drawing out their gold and siluer to the great & cleare reuenue of their King. Now seeing the most of those commodities , or as vsefull , may be had in Virginia by the same meanes , as I haue formerly said ; let vs with all speed take the priority of time , where also may be had the priority of place , in chusing the best seats of the Country , which now by vanquishing the saluages , is like to offer a more faire and ample choice of fruitfull habitations , then hitherto our gentlenesse and faire comportments could attaine vnto . The numbers that were slaine in those seuerall Plantations . 1 AT Captaine Berkleys Plantation , himselfe and 21. others , seated at the Falling-Crick , 66. miles from Iames City . 22 2 Master Thomas Sheffelds Plantation , some three miles from the Falling-Crick , himselfe and 12. others . 13 3 At Henrico Iland , about two miles from Sheffelds Plantation . 6 4 Slaine of the College people , twenty miles from Henrico . 17 5 At Charles City , and of Captaine Smiths men . 5 6 At the next adioyning Plantation . 8 7 At William Farrars house . 10 8 At Brickley hundred , fifty miles from Charles City , Master Thorp and 10 9 At Westouer , a mile from Brickley . 2 10 At Master Iohn Wests Plantation . 2 11 At Captaine Nathaniel Wests Plantation . 2 12 At Lieutenant Gibs his Plantation . 12 13 At Richard Owens house , himselfe and 6 14 At Master Owen Macars house , himselfe and 3 15 At Martins hundred , seuen miles from Iames City . 73 16 At another place . 7 17 At Edward Bonits Plantation . 50 18 At Master Waters his house , himselfe and 4 19 At Apamatucks Riuer , at Master Perce his Plantation , fiue miles from the College . 4 20 At Master Macocks Diuident , Captaine Samuel Macock , and 4 21 At Flowerda hundred , Sir George Yearleys Plantation . 6 22 On the other side opposite to it . 7 23 At Master Swinhows house , himselfe and 7 24 At Master William Bickars house , himselfe and 4 25 At Weanock , of Sir George Yearleys people . 21 26 At Powel Brooke , Captaine Nathaniel Powel , and 12 27 At South-hampton hundred . 5 28 At Martin Brandons hundred . 7 29 At Captaine Henry Spilmans house . 2 30 At Ensigne Spences house . 5 31 At Master Thomas Perse his house by Mulbery I le , himselfe and 4 The whole number 347. Men in this taking bettered with affliction , Better attend , and mind , and marke Religion , For then true voyces issue from their hearts , Then speake they what they think● in inmost parts , The truth remaines , they cast off sained Arts. THis lamentable and so vnexpected a distaster caused them all beleeue the opinion of Master Stockam , and draue them all to their wits end : it was twenty or thirty daies ere they could resolue what to doe , but at last it was concluded , all the petty Plantations should be abandoned , and drawne onely to make good fiue or six places , where all their labours now for the most part must redound to the Lords of those Lands where they were resident . Now for want of Boats , it was impossible vpon such a sudden to bring also their cattle , and many other things , which with much time , charge and labour they had then in possession with them ; all which for the most part at their departure was burnt , ruined and destroyed by the Saluages . Only Master Gookins at Nuports-newes would not obey the Commanders command in that , though hee had scarce fiue and thirty of all sorts with him , yet he thought himselfe sufficient against what could happen , and so did to his great credit and the content of his Aduenturers . Master Samuel Iorden gathered together but a few of the straglers about him at Beggers-bush , where he fortified and liued in despight of the enemy . Nay , Mistrisse Proctor , a proper , ciuill , mod●st Gentlewoman did the like , till perforce the English Officers forced her and all them with her to goe with them , or they would fire her house themselues , as the Saluages did when they were gone , in whose despight they had kept it , and what they had a moneth or three weekes after the Massacre ; which was to their hearts a griefe beyond comparison , to lose all they had in that manner , onely to secure others pleasures . Now here in England it was thought , all those remainders might presently haue beene reduced into fifties or hundreds in places most conuenient with what they had , hauing such strong houses as they reported they had , which with small labour might haue beene made inuincible Castles against all the Saluages in the Land , and then presently raised a company , as a running Armie to torment the Barbarous and secure the rest , and so haue had all that Country betwixt the Riuers of Powhatan and Pamavuke to range and sustaine them ; especially all the territories of Kecoughtan , Chiskact and Paspahege , from Ozenies to that branch of Pamavuke , comming from Youghtanund , which strait of land is not past 4. or 5. miles , to haue made a peninsula much bigger then the Summer Iles , inuironed wi●h the broadest parts of those two maine Riuers , which for plenty of such things as Virgnia affords is not to be exceeded , and were it well manured , more then sufficient for ten thousand men . This , were it well vnderstood , cannot but be thought be●ter then ●o bring fiue or six hundred to lodge and liue on that , which before would not well receiue and maintaine a hundred , planting little or nothing , but spend that they haue vpon hopes out of England , one euill begetting another , till the disease is past cure : Therefore it is impossible but such courses must produce most fearefull miseries and extreme extremities ; if it proue otherwise , I should be exceeding glad . I confesse I am somewhat too bold to censure other mens actions being not present , but they haue done as much of me ; yea many here in England that were neuer there , & also many there that knowes little more then their Plantations , but as they are informed ; and this doth touch the glory of God , the honour of my Country , and the publike good so much , for which there hath beene so many faire pretences , that I hope none will be angry for speaking my opinion , seeing the old Prouerbe doth allow losers leaue to speake ; and Du Bart as saith , Euen as the wind the angry Ocean moues , Waue hunteth Waue , and Billow Billow shoues , So doe all Nations iustell each the other , And so one people doe pursue another , And scarce a sec●nd hath the first vnhoused , Before a third him thence againe haue roused . AMongst the multitude of these seuerall Relations , it appeares Captaine Nuse seeing many of the difficulties to ensue , caused as much Corne to be planted as he could at Elizabeths city , & though some destroyed that they had set , fearing it would serue the Saluages for Ambuscadoes , trusting to releefe by trade , or from England , which hath euer beene one cause of our miseries , for from England wee haue not had much , and for trading , euery one hath not Ships , Shalops , Interpreters , men and prouisions to performe it , and those that haue , vse them onely for their owne priuate g●ine , not the publike good , so that our beginning this yeere doth cause many to distrust the euent of the next . Here wee will leaue Captaine Nuse for a while , lamenting the death of Captaine Norton , a valiant industrious Gentleman , adorned with many good qualities , besides Physicke and Chirurgery , which for the publike good he freely imparted to all gratis , but most bountifully to the poore ; and let vs speake a little of Captaine Croshaw amongst the midst of those broiles in the Riuer of Patawom●ke . Being in a small Barke called the Elizabeth , vnder the command of Captaine Spilman , at Cekacawone , a Saluage stole aboord them , and told them of the Massacre , and that Opechancanough had plotted with his King and Country to betray them also , which they refused , but them of Wighcocomoco at the mouth of the riuer had vndertaken it ; vpon this Spilman went thither , but the Saluages seeing his men so vigilant and well armed , they suspected themselues discouered , and to colour their guilt , the better to delude him , so contented his desire in trade , his Pinnace was neere fraught ; but seeing no more to be had , Croshaw went to Patawomek ▪ where he intended to stay and trade for himselfe , by reason of the long acquaintance he had with this King that so earnestly entreated him now to be his friend , his countenancer , his Captaine and director against the Pazaticans , the Nacotchtanks ▪ and Moyaons his mortall enemies . Of this oportunity Croshaw was glad , as well to satisfie his owne desire in some other purpose he had , as to keepe the King as an opposite to Opechancanough , and adhere him vnto vs , or at least make him an instrument against our enemies ; so onely Elis Hill stayed with him , and the Pinnace returned to Elizabeths City ; here shall they rest also a little , till we see how this newes was entertained in England . It was no small griefe to the Councell and Company , to vnderstand of such a supposed impossible losse , as that so many should fall by the hands of men so contemptible ; and yet hauing such warnings , especially by the death of Nemattanow , whom the Saluages did thinke was shot-free , as he had perswaded them , hauing so long e●caped so many dangers without any hurt . But now to leape out of this labyrinth of melancholy , all this did not so discourage the noble aduenturers , nor diuers others still to vndertake new seuerall Plantations , but that diuers ships were dispatched away , for their supplies and assistance thought sufficient . Yet Captaine Smith did intreat and moue them to put in practise his old offer , seeing now it was time to vse both it and him , how slenderly heretofore both had beene regarded , and because it is not impertinent to the businesse , it is not much amisse to remember what it was . The proiect and offer of Captaine Iohn Smith , to the Right Honourable , and Right Worshipfull Company Virginia . IF you please I may be transported with a hundred Souldiers and thirty Sailers by the next Michaelmas , with victuall , munition , and such necessary prouision , by Gods assistance , we would endeuour to inforce the Saluages to leaue their Country , or bring them in that feare and subiection that euery man should follow their businesse securely , whereas now halfe their times and labours are spent in watching and warding , onely to defend but altogether vnable to suppresse the Saluages , because euery man now being for himselfe will be vnwilling to be drawne from their particular labours , to be made as pack-horses for all the rest , without any certainty of some better reward and preferment then I can vnderstand any there can or will yet giue them . These I would imploy onely in ranging the Countries , and tormenting the Saluages , and that they should be as a running Army till this were effected , and then settle themselues in some such conuenient place , that should euer remaine a garison of that strength , ready vpon any occasion against the Saluages , or any other for the defence of the Countrey , and to see all the English well armed , and instruct them their vse . But I would haue a Barke of one hundred tunnes , and meanes to build sixe or seuen Shalops , to transport them where there should bee occasion . Towards the charge , because it is for the generall good , and what by the massacre and other accidents , Virginia is disparaged , and many men and their purses much discouraged , how euer a great many doe hasten to goe , thinking to bee next heires to all the former losses , I feare they will not finde all things as they doe imagine ; therefore leauing those gilded conceits , and diue into the true estate of the Colony ; I thinke if his Maiestie were truly informed of their necessitie , and the benefit of this proiect , he would be pleased to giue the custome of Virginia , and the Planters also according to their abilities would adde thereto such a contribution , as would be fit to maintaine this garison till they be able to subsist , or cause some such other collections to be made , as may put it with all expedition in practice ; otherwise it is much to be doubted , there will neither come custome , nor any thing from thence to England within these few yeares . Now if this should be thought an imploiment more fit for ancient Souldiers there bred , then such new commers as may goe with me ; you may please to leaue that to my discretion , to accept or refuse such voluntaries , that will hazard their fortunes in the trialls of these euents , and discharge such of my company that had rather labour the ground then subdue their enemies : what releefe I should haue from your Colony I would satisfie and spare them ( when I could ) the like courtesie . Notwithstanding these doubts , I hope to feede them as well as defend them , and yet discouer you more land vnknowne then they all yet know , if you will grant me such priuiledges as of necessity must be vsed . For against any enemy we must be ready to execute the best can be deuised by your state there , but not that they shall either take away my men , or any thing else to imploy as they please by vertue of their authority , and in that I haue done somewhat for New-England as well as Virginia , so I would desire liberty and authority to make the best vse I can of my best experiences , within the limits of those two Patents , and to bring them both in one Map , and the Countries betwixt them , giuing alwaies that respect to the Gouernors and gouernment , as an Englishman doth in Scotland ▪ or a Scotchman in England , or as the regiments in the Low-countries doe to the Gouernors of the Townes and Cities where they are billited , or in Garrison , where though they liue with them , and are as their seruants to defend them , yet not to be disposed on at their pleasure , but as the Prince and State doth command them , and for my owne paines in particular I aske not any thing but what I can produce from the proper labour of the Saluages . Their Answer . I Cannot say , it was generally for the Company , for being published in their Court , the most that heard it liked exceeding well of the motion , and some would haue been very large Aduenturers in it , especially Sir Iohn Brookes and Master Dauid Wyffin , but there were such diuisions amongst them , I could obtaine no answer but this , the charge would be too great ; their stocke was decayed , and they did thinke the Planters should doe that of themselues if I could finde meanes to effect it ; they did thinke I might haue leaue of the Company , prouided they might haue halfe the pillage , but I thinke there are not many will much striue for that imploiment , for except it be a little Corne at some time of the yeere is to be had , I would not giue twenty pound for all the pillage is to be got amongst the Saluages in twenty yeeres : but because they supposed I spake only for my owne ends , it were good those vnderstand prouidents for the Companies good they so much talke of , were sent thither to make triall of their profound wisdomes and long experiences . About this time also was propounded a proposition concerning a Sallery of fiue and twenty thousand pounds to be raised out of Tobacco , as a yeerely pension to bee paid to certaine Officers for the erecting a new office , concerning the sole importation of Tobacco , besides his Maiesties custome , fraught , and all other charges . To nominate the vndertakers , fauourers and opposers , with their arguments ( pro ) and ( con ) would bee too tedious and needlesse being so publikely knowne ; the which to establish , spent a good part of that yeere , and the beginning of the next . This made many thinke wonders of Virginia , to pay such pensions extraordinary to a few here that were neuer there , and also in what state and pompe some Chieftaines and diuers of their associates liue in Virginia , and yet no money to maintaine a Garrison , pay poore men their wages , nor yet fiue and twenty pence to all the Aduenturers here , and very little to the most part of the Planters there , bred such differences in opinion it was dissolued . Now let vs returne to Captaine Croshaw at Patawomek , where he had not beene long ere Opechancanough sent two baskets of beads to this King , to kill him and his man , assuring him of the Massacre he had made , and that before the end of two Moones there should not be an Englishman in all their Countries : this fearefull message the King told this Captaine , who replied , he had seene both the cowardise and trechery of Opechancanough sufficiently tried by Captaine Smith , therefore his threats he feared not , nor for his fauour cared , but would nakedly fight with him or any of his with their owne swords ; if he were slaine , he would leaue a letter for his Country men to know , the fault was his owne , not the Kings ; two daies the King deliberated vpon an answer , at last told him the English were his friends , and the Saluage Emperour Opitchapam now called Toyatan , was his brother , therefore there should be no bloud shed betwixt them , so hee returned the Presents , willing the Pamavukes to come no more in his Country , lest the English , though against his will , should doe them any mischiefe . Not long after , a Boat going abroad to seeke out some releefe amongst the Plantations , by Nuports-newes met such ill weather , though the men were saued they lost their boat , which the storme and waues cast vpon the shore of Nandsamund , where Edmund Waters one of the three that first stayed in Summer Iles , and found the great peece of Amber-greece , dwelling in Virginia at this Massacre , hee and his wife these Nandsamunds kept Prisoners till it chanced they found this Boat , at which purchase they so reioyced , according to their custome of triumph , with songs , dances and inuocations , they were so busied , that Waters and his wife found opportunity to get secretly into their Canow , and so crossed the Riuer to Kecoughtan , which is nine or ten miles , whereat the English no lesse wondred and reioyced , then the Saluages were madded with discontent . Thus you may see how many desperate dangers some men escape , when others die that haue all things at their pleasure . All men thinking Captaine Croshaw dead , Captaine Hamer arriuing with a Ship and a Pinnace at Patawomeke , was kindly entertained both by him and the King ; that Don Hamar told the King he came for Corne : the King replied hee had none , but the Nacotchtanks and their confederats had , which were enemies both to him and them ; if they would fetch it , he would giue them 40. or 50 choise Bow-men to conduct and assist them . Those Saluages with some of the English they sent , who so well played their parts , they slew 18. of the Nacotchtanks , some write but 4. and some they had a long skirmish with them ; where the Patawomeks were so eager of reuenge , they driue them not onely out of their towne , but all out of fight through the woods , thus taking what they liked , and spoiling the rest , they retired to Patawomek , where they lef● Captaine Croshaw , with foure men more , the rest set saile for Iames towne . Captaine Croshaw now with fiue men and himselfe found night and day so many Alarums , he retired into such a conuenient place , that with the helpe of the Saluages , hee had quickly fortified himselfe against all those wilde enemies . Captaine Nuse his Pinnace meeting Hamar by the way vnderstanding all this , came to see Captaine Croshaw : after their best enterchanges of courtesies , Croshaw writ to Nuse the estate of the place where he was , but vnderstanding by them the poore estate of the Colony , offered if they would send him but a bold Shallop , with men , armes and prouision for trade , the next Haruest he would prouide them Corne sufficient , but as yet it being but the latter end of sune , there was little or none in all the Country . This being made knowne to the Gouernour and the rest , they sent Captaine Madyson with a ship and pinnace , and some six and thirtie men : those Croshaw a good time taught the vse of their armes , but receiuing a letter from Boyse his Wife , a prisoner with nineteene more at Pamavuke , to vse meanes to the Gouernour for their libertie ; So hee dealt with this King , hee got first two of his great men to goe with him to Iames towne , and eight daies after to send foure of his counsell to Pamavuke , there to stay till he sent one of his two to them , to perswade Opachankanough to send two of his with two of the Patawomekes , to treat about those prisoners , and the rest should remaine their hostage at Pamavuke ; but the Commanders , at Iames towne , it seemes , liked not of it , and so sent the Patawomekes backe againe to their owne Countrie , and Captaine Croshaw to his owne habitation . All this time we haue forgot Captaine Nuse , where we left him but newly acquainted with the Massacre , calling all his next adioyning dispersed neighbours together , he regarded not the pestring his owne house , nor any thing to releeue them , and with all speed entrenched himselfe , mounted three peece of Ordnance , so that within 14. daies , he was strong enough to defend himselfe from all the Saluages , yet when victuall grew scant , some that would forrage without order , which he punished , neere occasioned a mutiny . Notwithstanding , he behaued himselfe to fatherly and kindly to them all , they built two houses for them he daily expected from England , a faire Well of fresh water mantled with bricke , because the Riuer and Cricks are there brackish or salt ; in all which things he plaied the Sawyer , Carpenter , Dauber , Laborer , or any thing ; wherein though his courage and heart were steeled , he found his body was not made of Iron , for hee had many sicknesses , and at last a Dropsie , no lesse griefe to himselfe , then sorrow to his Wife and all vnder his gouernment . These crosses and losses were no small increasers of his malady , nor the thus abandoning our Plantations , the losse of our Haruest , and also Tobacco which was as our money ; the Vineyard our Vineyetours had brought to a good forwardnesse , bruised and destroyed with Deere , and all things ere they came to perfection , with weeds , disorderly persons or wild beasts ; so that as we are I cannot perceiue but the next yeere will be worse , being still tormented with pride and flattery , idlenesse and couetousnesse , as though they had vowed heere to keepe their Court with all the pestilent vices in the world for their atte●dants , inchanted with a conceited statelinesse , euen in the very bottome of miserable senselesnesse . Shortly after , Sir George Yearly and Captaine William Powel , tooke each of them a company of well disposed Gentlemen and others to seeke their enemies . Yearl●y ranging the shore of Wean●ck , could see nothing but their old houses which he burnt , and so went home : Powel searching another part , found them all fled but three he met by chance , whose heads hee cut off , burnt their houses , and so returned ; for the Saluages are so light and swift , though wee see them ( being so loaded with armour ) they haue much aduantage of vs though they be cowards . I confesse this is true , and it may cause some suppose they are grown inuincible : but will any goe to catch a Hare with a Taber and a Pipe ? for who knowes not though there be monsters both of men and beasts , fish and fowle , yet the greatest , the strongest , the wildest , cruellest , fiercest and cunningest , by reason , art and vigilancy , courage and industry hath beene slaine , subiected or made tame , and those are still but Saluages as they were , onely growne more bold by our owne simplicities , and still will be worse and worse till they be tormented with a continuall pursuit , and not with lying inclosed within Palizados , or affrighting them out of your sights , thinking they haue done well , can but defend themselues : and to doe this to any purpose , will require both charge , patience and experience . But to their proceedings . About the latter end of Iune , Sir George Yearley accompanied with the Councell , and a number of the greatest Gallants in the Land , stayed three or foure daies with Captaine Nuse , he making his moane to a chiefe man amongst them for want of prouision for his Company , the great Commander replied hee should turne them to his greene Corne , which would make them plumpe and fat : these fields being so neere the Fort , were better regarded and preserued then the rest , but the great mans command , as we call them , was quickly obeied , for though it was scarce halfe growne either to the greatnesse or goodnesse , they deuoured it greene though it did them small good . Sir George with his company went to A●comack to his new P●antation , where he staied neere six weekes ; some Corne he brought home , but as he aduentured for himselfe , he accordingly enioyed the benefit ; some pety Magazines came this Summer , but either the restraint by Proclamation , or want of Boats , or both , caused few but the Chieftaines to be little better by them . So long as Captaine Nuse had any thing we had part ; but now all being spent , and the people forced to liue vpon Oisters and Crabs , they became so faint no worke could be done ; and where the Law was , no worke , no meat , now the case is altered , to no meat , no worke ; some small quantity of Milke and Rice the Captaine had of his owne , and that he would distribute gratis as he saw occasion ; I say gratis , for I know no place else , but it was sold for ready paiment : those eares of Corne that had escaped till August , though not ripe by reason of the late planting , the very Dogs did repaire to the Corne fields to seeke them as the men till they were hanged ; and this I protest before God is true that I haue related , not to flatter Nuse , nor condemne any , but all the time I haue liued in Virginia , I haue not seene nor heard that any Commander hath taken such continuall paines for the publike , or done so little good for himselfe , and his vertuous wife was no lesse charitable and compassionate according to her power . For my owne part , although I found neither Mulberies planted , houses built , men nor victuall prouided , as the honourable Aduenturers did promise mee in England ; yet at my owne charge , hauing made these preparations , and the silke-Wormes ready to be couered , all was lost , but my poore life and children , by the Massacre , the which as God in his mercy did preserue , I continually pray we may spend to his glory . The 9. of September , we had an alarum , and two men at their labours slaine ; the Captaine , though extreme sicke , sallied forth , but the Saluages lay hid in the Corne fields all night , where they destroyed all they could , and killed two men more , much mischiefe they did to Master Edward Hills cattle , yet he alone defended his house though his men were sicke and could doe nothing , and this was our first assault since the Massacre . About this time Captaine Madyson passed by vs , hauing taken Prisoners , the King of Patawomek , his sonne , and two more , and thus it happened ; Madyson not liking so well to liue amongst the Saluages as Croshaw did , built him a strong house within the Fort , so that they were not so sociable as before , nor did they much like Poole the Interpret ; many Alarums they had , but saw no enemies : Madyson before his building went to Moyaones , where hee got prouision for a moneth , and was promised much more , so he returned to Patawomek and built this house , and was well vsed by the Saluages . Now by the foure great men the King sent to Pamavuke for the redemption of the Prisoners , Madyson sent them a letter , but they could neither deliuer it nor see them : so long they stayed that the King grew doubtfull of their bad vsage , that hee swore by the Skyes , if they returned not well , he would haue warres with Opechankanough so long as he had any thing : at this time two of Madysons men ranne from him , to finde them he sent Master Iohn Vpton and three more with an Indian guide to Nazatica , where they heard they were . At this place was a King beat out of his Country by the N●costs , enemies to the Patawomeks ; this expulsed King though he professed much loue to the Patawomeks , yet hee loued not the King because he would not helpe him to reuenge his iniuries , but to our Interpreter Poole hee protested great loue , promising if any treason were , he would reueale it ; our guide conducted this Bandy to with them vp to Patawomek and there kept him ; our Fugitiues we found the Patawomeks had taken and brought home , and the foure great men returned from Pamavuke ; not long after , this expulsed King desired priuate conference with Poole , vrging him to sweare by his God neuer to reueale what hee would tell him , Poole promised he would not ; then quoth this King , those great men that went to Pamavuke , went not as you suppose they pretended , but to contract with Opechankanough how to kill you all here , and these are their plots . First , they will procure halfe of you to goe a fishing to their furthest towne , and there set vpon them , and cut off the rest ; if that faile , they will faine a place where are many strangers would trade their Furres , where they will perswade halfe of you to goe trade , and there murder you and kill them at home ; and if this faile also , then they will make Alarums two nights together , to tire you out with watching , and then set vpon you , yet of all this , said he , there is none acquainted but the King and the great Coniurer . This being made known to the Captain , we all stood more punctually vpon our guard , at which the Saluages wondering , desired to know the cause ; we told them we expected some assault from the Pamavukes , whereat they seemed contented , and the next day the King went on hunting with two of our men , and the other a fishing and abroad as before , till our Shallop returned from Iames towne with the two Saluages , sent home with Captaine Croshaw : by those the Gouernour sent to Madyson , that this King should send him twelue of his great men ; word of this was sent to the King at another towne where he was , who not comming presently with the Messenger , Madyson conceited hee regarded not the message , and intended as he supposed the same treason . The next morning the King comming home , being sent for , he came to the Captaine and brought him a dish of their daintiest fruit ; then the Captaine fained his returne to Iames towne , the King told him he might if he would , but desired not to leaue him destitute of aid , hauing so many enemies about him ; the Captaine told him he would leaue a guard , but intreated his answer concerning the twelue great men for the Gouernour ; the King replied , his enemies lay so about him he could not spare them , then the Captaine desired his sonne and one other ; my sonne , said the King , is gone abroad about businesse , but the other you desire you shall haue , and that other sits by him , but that man refused to goe , whereupon Madyson went forth and locked the doore , leauing the King , his sonne , and foure Saluages , and fiue English men in the strong house , and setting vpon the towne with the rest of his men , slew thirty or forty men , women and children ; the King demanding the cause , Poole told him the treason , crying out to intreat the Captaine cease from such cruelty : but hauing slaine and made flye all in the towne , hee returned , taxing the poore King of treason , who denied to the death not to know of any such matter , but said , This is some plot of them that told it , onely to kill mee for being your friend . Then Madyson willed him , to command none of his men should shoot at him as he went aboord , which he presently did , and it was performed : so Madyson departed , leading the King , his sonne , and two more to his ship , promising when all his men were shipped , he should returne at libertie ; notwithstanding he brought them to Iames towne , where they lay some daies , and af●er were sent home by Captaine Hamer , that tooke Corne for their ransome , and after set faile for New found Land. But , alas the cause of this was onely this They vnderstood , nor knew what was amisse . Euer since the beginning of these Plantations , it hath beene supposed the King of Spaine would inuade them , or our English Papists indeuour to dissolue them . Bu● neither all the Counsels of Spaine ▪ nor Papists in the world could haue deuised a better course to bring them all to ruine , then thus to abuse their friends , nor could there euer haue beene a better plot , to haue ouerthrowne Opechankanough then Captaine Chroshaws , had it beene fully managed with expedition . But it seemes God is angry to see Virginia made a stage where nothing but murder and indiscretion contends for victory . Amongst the rest of the Plantations all this Summer little was done , but securing themselues and planting Tobacco , which passes there as current Siluer , and by the oft turning and winding it , some grow rich , but many poore , notwithstanding ten or twelue ships or more hath arriued there since the massacre , although it was Christmas ere any returned , and that returne greatly reuiued all mens longing expectation here in England : for they brought newes , that notwithstanding their extreme sicknesse many were recouered , and finding the Saluages did not much trouble them , except it were sometimes some disorderly straglers they cut off . To lull them the better in securitie , they sought no reuenge till their Corne was ripe , then they drew together three hundred of the best Souldiers they could , that would leaue their priuate businesse , and aduenture themselues amongst the Saluages to surprize their Corne , vnder the conduct of Sir George Yearley , being imbarked in conuenient shipping , and all things necessary for the enterprise , they went first to Nands●mund , where the people set fire on their owne houses , and spoiled what they could , and then fled with what they could carry ; so that the English did make no slaughter amongst them for reuenge . Their Corne fields being newly gathered , they surprized all they found , burnt the houses remained vnburnt , and so departed . Quartering about Kecoughtan , after the Watch was set , Samuell Collyer one of the most ancientest Planters , and very well acquainted with their language and habitation , humors and conditions , and Gouernor of a Towne , when the Watch was set going the round , vnfortunately by a Centinell that discharged his peece , was slaine . Thence they sailed to Pamavuke , the chiefe seat of Opechankanough , the contriuer of the massacre : the Saluages seemed exceeding fearefull , promising to bring them Sara , and the rest of the English yet liuing , with all the Armes , and what they had to restore , much desiring peace , and to giue them any satisfaction they could . Many such deuices they fained to procrastinate the time ten or twelue daies , till they had got away their Corne from all the other places vp the Riuer , but that where the English kept their quarter : at last , when they saw all those promises were but delusions , they seised on all the Corne there was , set fire on their houses : and in following the Saluages that fled before thē , some few of those naked Deuils had that spirit , they lay in ambuscado , and as our men marched discharged some shot out of English peeces , and hurt some of them flying at their pleasures where they listed , burning their empty houses before them as they went to make themselues sport : so they escaped , and Sir George returned with Corne , where for our paines we had three bushels apeece , but we were enioyned before we had it , to pay ten shillings the bushell for fraught and other charges . Thus by this meanes the Saluages are like as they report , to endure no small misery this Winter , and that some of our men are returned to their former Plantations . What other passages or impediments hapned in their proceedings , that they were not fully reuenged of the Saluages before they returned , I know not ; nor could euer heare more , but that they supposed they slew two , and how it was impossible for any men to doe more then they did : yet worthy Ferdinando Courtus had scarce three hundred Spaniards to conquer the great Citie of Mexico , where thousands of Saluages dwelled in strong houses : but because they were a ciuilized people , had wealth , and those meere Barbarians as wilde as beasts haue nothing ; I intreat your patience to tell you my opinion , which if it be Gods pleasure I shall not liue to put in practice , yet it may be hereafter vsefull for some , but howsoeuer I hope not hurtfull to any , and this it is . Had these three hundred men beene at my disposing , I would haue sent first one hundred to Captaine Rawley Chroshaw to Patawomek , with some small Ordnance for the Fort , the which but with daily exercising them , would haue struck that loue and admiration into the Patowomeks , and terror and amazement into his enemies , which are not farre off , and most seated vpon the other side the Riuer , they would willingly haue beene friends , or haue giuen any composition they could , before they would be tormented with such a visible feare . Now though they be generally persidious , yet necessity constraines those to a kinde of constancy because of their enemies , and neither my selfe that first found them , Captaine Argall , Chroshow , nor Hamar , neuer found themselues in fifteene yeares trials : nor is it likely now they would haue so hostaged their men , suffer the building of a Fort , and their women and children amongst them , had they intended any villany ; but suppose they had , who would haue desired a better aduantage then such an aduertisement , to haue prepared the Fort for such an assault , and surely it must be a poore Fort they could hurt , much more take , if there were but fiue men in it durst discharge a peece : Therefore a man not well knowing their conditions , may be as wel too iealous as too carelesse ; Such another Lope Skonce would I haue had at Onawmanient ▪ and one hundred men more to haue made such another at Atquacke vpon the Riuer of Toppahanock , which is not past thirteene miles distant from Onawmanient : each of which twelue men would keepe , as well as twelue thousand , and spare all the rest to bee imploied as there should be occasion . And all this with these numbers might easily haue beene done , if not by courtesie , yet by compulsion , especially at that time of September when all their fruits were ripe , their beasts fat , and infinite numbers of wilde Fowle began to repaire to euery creeke , that men if they would doe any thing ▪ could not want victuall . This done , there remained yet one hundred who should haue done the like at Ozinicke , vpon the Riuer of Chickahamania , not past six miles from the chiefe habitations of Opechankanough . These small Forts had beene cause sufficient to cause all the Inhabitants of each of those Riuers to looke to themselues . Then hauing so many Ships , Barks , and Boats in Virginia as there was at that present , with what facility might you haue landed two hundred and twentie men , if you had but onely fiue or six Boats in one night ; forty to range the branch of Mattapanyent , fortie more that of Youghtanund , and fortie more to keepe their randiuous at Pamavuke it selfe . All which places lie so neere , they might heare from e●ch other within foure or fiue houres , and not any of those small parties , if there were any valour , discretion , or industry in them , but as sufficient as foure thousand , to force them all to contribution , or take or spoile all they had . For hauing thus so many conuenient randeuous to beleeue each other , though all the whole Countries had beene our enemies , where could they rest , but in the depth of Winter we might burne all the houses vpon all those Riuers in two or three daies ? Then without fires they could not liue , which they could not so hide but wee should finde , and quickly so tire them with watching and warding , they would be so weary of their liues , as either fly all their Countries , or giue all they had to be released of such an hourely misery . Now if but a small number of the Saluages would assist vs , as there is no question but diuers of them would ; And so suppose they could not be drawne to such faction ; were to beleeue they are more vertuous then many Christians , and the best gouerned people in the world . All the Pamavukes might haue beene dispatched as well in a moneth as a yeare , and then to haue dealt with any other enemies at our pleasure , and yet made all this toile and danger but a recreation . If you think this strange or impossible , 12 men with my selfe I found sufficient , to goe where I would adaies , and surprise a house with the people , if not a whole towne in a night , or incounter all the power they could make , as a whole Army , as formerly at large hath beene related : And it seemes by these small parties last amongst them , by Captaine Crashow , Hamar , and Madyson , they are not growne to that excellency in policy and courage but they might bee encountred , and their wiues and children apprehended . I know I shall bee taxed for writing so much of my selfe , but I care not much , because the iudiciall know there are few such Souldiers as are my examples , haue writ their owne actions , nor know I who will or can tell my intents better then my selfe . Some againe finde as much fault with the Company for medling with so many Plantations together , because they that haue many Irons in the fire some must burne ; but I thinke no if they haue men enow know how to worke them , but howsoeuer , it were better some burne then haue none at all . The King of Spaine regards but how many powerfull Kingdomes he keepes vnder his obedience , and for the Saluage Countries he hath subiected , they are more then enow for a good Cosmographer to nominate , and is three Mole-hills so much to vs ; and so many Empires so little for him ? For my owne part , I cannot chuse but grieue , that the actions of an Englishman should be inferior to any , and that the command of England should not be as great as any Monarchy that euer was since the world began , I meane not as a Tyrant to torment all Christendome , but to suppresse her disturbers , and conquer her enemies . For the great Romans got into their hand The whole worlds compasse , both by Sea and Land , Or any seas , or heauen , or earth extended , And yet that Nation could not be contented . Much about this time arriued a small Barke of Barnestable , which had beene at the Summer Iles , and in her Captaine Nathaniel Butler , who hauing beene Gouernor there three yeares , and his Commission expired , he tooke the opportunity of this ship to see Virginia : at Iames Towne he was kindly entertained by Sir Francis Wyat the Gouernor . After he had rested there foureteene daies , he fell vp with his ship to the Riuer of Chickahamania , where meeting Captaine William Powell ▪ ioyning together such forces as they had to the number of eighty , they set vpon the Chickahamanians , that fearefully fled , suffering the English to spoile all they had , not daring to resist them . Thus he returned to Iames towne , where hee staied a moneth , at Kecoughtan as much more , and so returned for England . But riding at Kecoughtan , M. Iohn Argent , sonne to Doctor Argent , a young Gentleman that went with Captaine Butler from England to this place , Michael Fuller , William Gany , Cornelius May , and one other going ashore with some goods late in a faire euening , such a sudden gust did arise , that driue them thwart the Riuer , in that place at least three or foure miles in bredth , where the s●ore was so shallow at a low water , and the Boat beating vpon the Sands , they left her , wading neere halfe a mile , and oft vp to the chin : So well it hapned , Master Argent had put his Bandileir of powder in his hat , which next God was all their preseruations : for it being February , and the ground so cold , their bodies became so benumbed , they were not able to strike fire with a steele and a stone hee had in his pocket ; the stone they lost twice , and thus those poore soules groping in the darke , it was Master Argents chance to finde it , and with a few withered leaues , reeds , and brush , make a small fire , being vpon the Chisapeaks shore , their mortall enemies , great was their feare to be discouered . The ioyfull morning appearing , they found their Boat and goods driue ashore , not farie from them , but so split shee was vnseruiceable : but so much was the frost , their clothes did freeze vpon their backs , for they durst not make any great fire to dry them , lest thereby the bloudy Saluages might discry them , so that one of them died the next day , and the next night digging a graue in the Sands with their hands , buried him . In this bodily feare they liued and fasted two daies and nights , then two of them went into the Land to seeke fresh water ; the others to the Boat to get some meale and oyle , Argent and his Comrado found a Canow , in which they resolued to aduenture to their ship , but shee was a drift in the Riuer before they returned : thus frustrate of all hopes , Captaine Butler the third night ranging the shore in his Boat to seeke them , discharged his Muskets , but they supposing it some Saluages had got some English peeces , they grew more perplexed then euer , so he returned and lost his labour . The fourth day they vnloaded their Boat , and stopping her leakes with their handkerchiefes , and other rags , two rowing , and two bailing out the water ; but farre they went not ere the water grew vpon them so fast , and they so tired , they thought themselues happy to be on shore againe , though they perceiued the Indians were not farre off by their fires . Thus at the very period of despaire , Fuller vndertooke to sit a stride vpon a little peece of an old Canow ; so well it pleased God the wind and tide serued , by padling with his hands and feet in the water , beyond all expectation God so guided him three or foure houres vpon this boord , he arriued at their ship , where they no lesse amazed then he tired , they tooke him in . Presently as he had concluded with his Companions , he caused them discharge a peece of Ordnance if he escaped , which gaue no lesse comfort to Master Argent and the rest , then terror to those Plantations that heard it , ( being late ) at such an vnexpected alarum : but after , with warme clothes and a little strong water , they had a little recouered him , such was his courage and care of his distressed friends , he returned that night againe with Master Felgate to conduct him to them , and so giuing thanks to God for so hopelesse a deliuerance , it pleased his Diuine power , both they and their prouision came safely aboord , but Fuller they doubt will neuer recouer his benumbed legs and thighes . Now before Butlers arriuall in England , many hard speeches were rumored against him for so leauing his charge , before he receiued order from the Company : Diuers againe of his Souldiers as highly commended him , for his good gouernment , art , iudgement and industry . But to make the misery of Virginia appeare that it might be reformed in time , how all those Cities , Townes , Corporations , Forts , Vineyards , Nurseries of Mulberies , Glasse-houses , Iron forges , Guest-houses , Silke-wormes ▪ Colleges , the Companies great estate , and that plenty some doe speake of here , are rather things in words and paper then in effect , with diuers reasons of the causes of those defects ; if it were false , his blame nor shame could not be too much : but if there bee such defects in the gouernment , and distresse in the Colony , it is thought by many it hath beene too long concealed , and requireth rather reformation then disputation : but howeuer , it were not amisse to prouide for the worst , for the best will help it selfe . Notwithstanding , it was apprehended so hardly , and examined with that passion , that the brute thereof was spread abroad with that expedition , it did more hurt then the massacre ; and the fault of all now by the vulgar rumour , must be attributed to the vnwholesomnesse of the ayre , and barrennesse of the Countrey , as though all England were naught , because the Fens and Marshes are vnhealthy ; or barren , because some will lie vnder windowes and starue in Cheap-side , rot in Goales , die in the street , high-waies , or any where , and vse a thousand deuices to maintaine themselues in those miseries , rather then take any paines , to liue as they may by honest labour , and a great part of such like are the Planters of Virginia , and partly the occasion of those defailements . In the latter end of this last yeare , or the beginning of this , Captaine H●nrie Spilman a Gentleman , that hath liued in those Countries thirteene or foureteene yeares , one of the best Interpreters in the Land , being furnished with a Barke and six and twentie men , hee was sent to trucke in the Riuer of Patawomek , where he had liued a long time amongst the Saluages , whether hee presumed too much vpon his acquaintance amongst them , or they sought to be reuenged of any for the slaughter made amongst them by the English so lately , or hee sought to betray them , or they him , are all seuerall relations , but it seemes but imaginary : for then returned report they left him ashore about Patawomek , but the name of the place they knew not , with one and twentie men , being but fiue in the Barke , the Saluages ere they suspected any thing , boorded them with their Canowes , and entred so fast , the English were amazed , till a Sailer gaue fire to a peece of Ordnance onely at randome ; at the report whereof , the Saluages leapt ouer-boord , so distracted with feare , they left their Canowes and swum a shore ; and presently after they heard a great brute amongst the Saluages a shore , and saw a mans head throwne downe the banke , whereupon they weighed Anchor and returned home , but how he was surprised or slaine , is vncertaine . Thus things proceed and vary not a iot , Whether we knew them , or we know them not . A particular of such necessaries as either priuate families , or single persons , shall haue cause to prouide to goe to Virginia , whereby greater numbers may in part conceiue the better how to prouide for themselues . Apparell . A Monmoth Cap. 1 s. 10 d. 3 falling bands . 1 s. 3 d. 3 shirts . 7 s. 6 d. 1 Waste-coat . 2 s. 2 d. 1 suit of Canuase . 7 s. 6 d. 1 suit of Frize . 10 s. 1 suit of Cloth. 15 s. 3 paire of Irish stockings . 4 s. 4 paire of shooes . 8 s. 8 d. 1 paire of garters . 10 d. 1 dozen of point● . 3 d. 1 paire of Canuas sheets . 8 s. 7 ells of Canuas to make a bed and boulster , to be filled in Virginia , seruing for two men . 8 s. 5 ells of course Canuas to make a bed at Sea for two men . 5 s. 1 course rug at sea for two men . 6 s.   4 l. Victuall for a whole yeare for a man , and so after the rate for more . 8 bushels of meale . 2 l. 2 bushels of pease . 6 s. 2 bushels of Otemeale . 9 s. 1 gallon of Aquavitae . 2 s. 6 d. 1 gallon of oyle . 3 s. 6 d. 2 gallons of Vineger . 2 s.   3 l. 3 s. Armes for a man , but if halfe your men be armed it is well , so all haue swords and peeces . 1 Armor compleat , light . 17 s. 1 long peece fiue foot and a halfe , neere Musket bore . 1 l. 2 s. 1 Sword. 5 s. 1 Belt. 1 s. 1 Bandilier . 1 s. 6 d. 2 pound of powder . 18 s. 6 pound of shot or Lead , Pistoll and Goose shot . 5 s.   3 l. 9 s. 6 d. Tooles for a family of six persons , and so after the rate for more . 5 broad howe 's at 2 s. a peece . 10 s. 5 narrow howe 's at 16 d. a peece . 6 s. 8 d. 2 broad axes at 3 s. 8 d. a peece . 7 s. 4 d. 5 felling axes at 18 d. a peece . 7 s. 6 d. 2 steele handsawes at 16 d. a peece . 2 s. 8 d 2 two handsawes at 5 s. a peece . 10 s. 1 whipsaw , set and filed , with box , file and wrest . 10 s. 2 hammers 12 d. a peece . 2 s. 3 shouels 18 d. a peece . 4 s. 6 d. 2 spades at 18 d. a peece . 3 s. 2 Augers at 6 d. peece . 1 s. 6 Chissels at 6 d. a peece . 3 s. 2 Percers stocked 4 d. a peece . 8 d. 3 Gimblets at 2 d. a peece . 6 d. 2 Hatchets at 21 d. a peece . 3 s. 6 d. 2 frowes to cleaue pale 18 d. each 3 s. 2 hand Bills 20 d. a peece . 3 s. 4 d. 1 Grindstone . 4 s. Nailes of all sorts to the value of 2 l. 2 Pickaxes . 3 s.   6 l. 2 s. 8 d. Houshold implements for a family and six persons , and so for more or lesse after the rate . 1 Iron pot . 7 s. 1 Kettell . 6 s. 1 large Frying-pan . 2 s. 6 d. 1 Gridiron . 1 s. 6 d. 2 Skellots . 5 s. 1 Spit . 2 s. Platters , dishes , spoones of wood . 4 s.   1 l. 8 s. For Sugar , Spice , and Fruit , and at Sea for six men . 12 s. 6 d. So the full charge after this rate for each person , will amount about the summe of 12 l. 10 s. 10 d. The passage of each man is 6 l. The fraught of these prouisions for a man , will be about halfe a tun , which is 1 l. 10 s. So the whole charge will amount to about 20 l. Now if the number be great , Nets , Hooks and Lines , but Cheese , Bacon , Kine and Goats must be added . And this is the vsuall proportion the Virginia Company doe bestow vpon their Tenents they send . A briefe relation written by Captaine Smith to his Maiesties Commissioners for the reformation of Virginia , concerning some aspersions against it . HOnourable Gentlemen , for so many faire and Nauigable Riuers so neere adioyning , and piercing thorow so faire a naturall Land , free from any inundations , or large Fenny vnwholsome Marshes , I haue not seene , read , nor heard of : And for the building of Cities , Townes , and Wharfage , if they will vse the meanes , where there is no more ebbe nor floud , Nature in few places affoords any so conuenient , for salt Marshes or Quagmires . In this tract of Iames Towne Riuer I know very few ; some small Marshes and Swamps there are , but more profitable then hurtfull : and I thinke there is more low Marsh ground betwixt Eriffe and Chelsey , then Kecoughton and the Falls , which is about one hundred and eighty miles by the course of the Riuer . Being enioyned by our Commission not to vnplant nor wrong the Saluages , because the channell was so neere the shore , where now is Iames Towne , then a thicke groue of trees ; wee cut them downe , where the Saluages pretending as much kindnesse as could bee , they hurt and slew one and twenty of vs in two houres : At this time our diet was for most part water and bran , and three ounces of little better stuffe in bread for fiue men a meale , and thus we liued neere three moneths : our lodgings vnder boughes of trees , the Saluages being our enemies , whom we neither knew nor vnderstood ; occasions I thinke sufficient to make men sicke and die . Necessity thus did inforce me with eight or nine , to try conclusions amongst the Saluages , that we got prouision which recouered the rest being most sicke . Six weeks I was led captiue by those Barbarians , though some of my men were slaine , and the rest fled , yet it pleased God to make their great Kings daughter the means to returne me safe to Iames towne , and releeue our wants , and then our Common-wealth was in all eight and thirty , the remainder of one hundred and fiue . Being supplied with one hundred and twenty , with twelue men in a boat of three tuns , I spent foureteene weeks in those large waters ; the contents of the way of my boat protracted by the skale of proportion , was about three thousand miles , besides the Riuer we dwell vpon , where no Christian knowne euer was , and our diet for the most part what we could finde , yet but one died . The Saluages being acquainted , that by command from England we durst not hurt them , were much imboldned ; that famine and their insolencies did force me to breake our Commission and instructions , cause Powhatan fly his Countrey , and take the King of Pamavuke Prisoner ; and also to keepe the King of Paspahegh in shackels , and put his men to doubletaskes in chaines , till nine and thirty of their Kings paied vs contribution , and the offending Saluages sent to Iames towne to punish at our owne discretions : in the two last yeares I staied there , I had not a man slaine . All those conclusions being not able to preuent the bad euents of pride and idlenesse , hauing receiued another supply of seuentie , we were about two hundred in all , but not twentie work-men : In following the strict directions from England to doe that was impossible at that time ; So it hapned , that neither wee nor they had any thing to eat , but what the Countrey afforded naturally ; yet of eightie who liued vpon Oysters in Iune and Iuly , with a pint of corne a week for a man lying vnder trees , and 120 for the most part liuing vpon Sturgion , which was dried til we pounded it to powder for meale , yet in ten weeks but seuen died . It is true , we had of Tooles , Armes , & Munition sufficient , some Aquavitae , Vineger , Meale , Pease , and Otemeale , but in two yeares and a halfe not sufficient for six moneths , though by the bils of loading the proportions sent vs , would well haue contented vs , notwithstanding we sent home ample proofes of Pitch , Tar , Sope Ashes , Wainskot , Clapboord , Silke grasse , Iron Ore , some Sturgion and Glasse , Saxefras , Cedar , Cypris , and blacke Walnut , crowned Powhaton , sought the Monacans Countrey , according to the instructions sent vs , but they caused vs neglect more necessary workes : they had better haue giuen for Pitch and Sope ashes one hundred pound a tun in Denmarke : Wee also maintained fiue or six seuerall Plantations . Iames towne being burnt , wee rebuilt it and three Forts more , besides the Church and Store-house , we had about fortie or fiftie seuerall houses to keepe vs warme and dry , inuironed with a palizado of foureteene or fifteene foot , and each as much as three or foure men could carrie . We digged a faire Well of fresh water in the Fort , where wee had three Bulwarks , foure and twentie peece of Ordnance , of Culuering , Demiculuering , Sacar and Falcon , and most well mounted vpon conuenient plat-formes , planted one hundred acres of Corne. We had but six ships to transport and supply vs , and but two hundred seuenty seuen men , boies , and women , by whose labours Virginia being brought to this kinde of perfection , the most difficulties past , and the foundation thus laid by this small meanes ; yet because we had done no more , they called in our Commission , tooke a new in their owne names , and appointed vs neere as many offices and Officers as I had Souldiers , that neither knew vs nor wee them , without our consents or knowledge ; since there haue gone more then one hundred ships of other proportions , and eight or ten thousand people . Now if you please to compare what hath beene spent , sent , discouered and done this fifteene yeares , by that we did in the three first yeares , and euery Gouernor that hath beene there since , giue you but such an account as this , you may easily finde what hath beene the cause of those disasters in Virginia . Then came in Captaine Argall , and Master Sedan , in a ship of Master Cornelius , to fish for Sturgion , who had such good prouision , we contracted with them for it , whereby we were better furnished then euer . Not long after came in seuen ships , with about three hundred people ; but rather to supplant vs then supply vs , their Admirall with their authoritie being cast away in the Bermudas , very angry they were we had made no better prouision for them . Seuen or eight weekes we withstood the invndations of these disorderly humors , till I was neere blowne to death with Gun-powder , which occasioned me to returne for England . In the yeare 1609 about Michaelmas , I left the Countrey , as is formerly related , with three ships , seuen Boats , Commodities to trade , haruest newly gathered , eight weeks prouision of Corne and Meale , about fiue hundred persons , three hundred Muskets , shot , powder , and match , with armes for more men then we had . The Saluages their language and habitation , well knowne to two hundred expert Souldiers ; Nets for fishing , tooles of all sorts , apparell to supply their wants : six Mares and a Horse , fiue or six hundred Swine , many more Powltry , what was brought or bred , but victuall there remained . Hauing spent some fiue yeares , and more then fiue hundred pounds in procuring the Letters Patents and setting forward , and neere as much more about New England , &c. Thus these nineteene yeares I haue here and there not spared any thing according to my abilitie , nor the best aduice I could , to perswade how those strange miracles of misery might haue beene preuented , which lamentable experience plainly taught me of necessity must insue , but few would beleeue me till now too deerely they haue paid for it . Wherefore hitherto I haue rather left all then vndertake impossibilities , or any more such costly taskes at such chargeable rates : for in neither of those two Countries haue I one foot of Land , nor the very house I builded , nor the ground I digged with my owne hands , nor euer any content or satisfaction at all , and though I see ordinarily those two Countries shared before me by them that neither haue them nor knowes them , but by my descriptions : Yet that doth not so much trouble me , as to heare and see those contentions and diuisions which will hazard if not ruine the prosperitie of Virginia , if present remedy bee not found , as they haue hindred many hundreds , who would haue beene there ere now , and makes them yet that are willing to stand in a demurre . For the Books and Maps I haue made , I will thanke him that will shew me so much for so little recompence , and beare with their errors till I haue done better . For the materials in them I cannot deny , but am ready to affirme them both there and here , vpon such grounds as I haue propounded , which is to haue but fifteene hundred men to subdue againe the Saluages , fortifie the Countrey , discouer that yet vnknowne , and both defend & feed their Colony , which I most humbly refer to his Maiesties most iudiciall iudgement , and the most honourable Lords of his Priuy Councell , you his trusty and well-beloued Commissioners , and the Honourable company of Planters and well-willers to Virginia , New-England and Sommer-Ilands . Out of these Obseruations it pleased his Maiesties Commissioners for the reformation of Virginia , to desire my answer to these seuen Questions . Quest. 1. WHat conceiue you is the cause the Plantation hath prospered no better since you left it in so good a forwardnesse ? Answ. Idlenesse and carelesnesse brought all I did in three yeeres in six moneths to nothing , and of fiue hundred I left , scarce threescore remained , and had Sir Thomas Gates not got from the Bermudas , I thinke they had beene all dead before they could be supplied . Quest. 2. What conceiue you should be the cause , though the Country be good , there comes nothing but Tobacco ? Answ. The oft altering of Gouernours it seemes causes euery man make vse of his time , and because Corne was stinted at two shillings six pence the bushell , and Tobacco at three shillings the pound , and they value a mans labour a yeere worth fifty or threescore pound , but in Corne not worth ten pound , presuming Tobacco will furnish them with all things ; now make a mans labour in Corne worth threescore pound , and in Tobacco but ten pound a man , then shall they haue Corne sufficient to entertaine all commers , and keepe their people in health to doe any thing , but till then , there will be little or nothing to any purpose . Quest. 3. What conceiue you to haue beene the cause of the Massacre , and had the Saluages had the vse of any peeces in your time , or when , or by whom they were taught ? Answ. The cause of the Massacre was the want of marshall discipline , and because they would haue all the English had by destroying those they found so carelesly secure , that they were not prouided to defend themselues against any enemy , being so dispersed as they were . In my time , though Captaine Nuport furnished them with swords by truck , and many fugitiues did the like , and some Peeces they got accidentally , yet I got the most of them againe , and it was death to him that should shew a Saluage the vse of a Peece . Since I vnderstand they became so good shot , they were imployed for Fowlers and Huntsmen by the English. Quest. 4. What charge thinke you would haue setled the gouernment both for defence and planting when you left it ? Answ. Twenty thousand pound would haue hyred good labourers and mechanicall men , and haue furnished them with cattle and all necessaries , and 100. of them would haue done more then a thousand of those that went , though the Lord Laware , Sir Ferdinando Waynman , Sir Thomas Gates and Sir Thomas Dale were perswaded to the contrary , but when they had tried , they confessed their error . Quest. 5. What conceiue you would be the remedy and the charge ? Answ. The remedy is to send Souldiers and all sorts of labourers and necessaries for them , that they may be there by next Michaelmas , the which to doe well will stand you in fiue thousand pound , but if his Maiesty would please to lend two of his Ships to transport them , lesse would serue , besides the benefit of his grace to the action would encourage all men . Quest. 6. What thinke you are the defects of the gouernment both here and there ? Answ. The multiplicity of opinions here , and Officers there , makes such delaies by questions and formalitie , that as much time is spent in complement as in action ; besides , some are so desirous to imploy their ships , hauing six pounds for euery Passenger , and three pounds for euery tun of goods , at which rate a thousand ships may now better be procured then one at the first , when the common stocke defrayed all fraughts , wages , prouisions and Magazines , whereby the Ships are so pestred , as occasions much sicknesse , diseases and mortality , for though all the Passengers die they are sure of their fraught ; and then all must be satisfied with Orations , disputations , excuses and hopes . As for the letters of aduice from hence , and their answers thence , they are so well written , men would beleeue there were no great doubt of the performance , and that all things were wel , to which error here they haue beene euer much subiect ; and there not to beleeue , or not to releeue the true and poore estate of that Colony , whose fruits were commonly spent before they were ripe , and this losse is nothing to them here , whose great estates are not sensible of the losse of their aduentures , and so they thinke ; or will not take notice ; but it is so with all men : but howsoeuer they thinke or dispose of all things at their pleasure , I am sure not my selfe onely , but a thousand others haue not onely spent the most of their estates , but the most part haue lost their liues and all , onely but to make way for the triall of more new conclusions , and he that now will aduenture but twelue pounds ten shillings , shall haue better respect and as much fauour then he that sixteene yeere agoe aduentured as much , except he haue money as the other hath , but though he haue aduentured fiue hundred pound , and spent there neuer so much time , if hee haue no more and not able to begin a family of himselfe , all is lost by order of Court. But in the beginning it was not so , all went then out of one purse , till those new deuices haue consumed both mony and purse ; for at first there were but six Patentees , now more then a thousand , then but thirteene Counsailors , now not lesse then an hundred ; I speake not of all , for there are some both honourable and honest , but of those Officers , which did they manage their owne estates no better then the affaires of Virginia , they would quickly fall to decay so well as it ; but this is most euident , few Officers in England it hath caused to turne Banquerupts , nor for all their complaints would leaue their places , neither yet any of their Officers there , nor few of the rest but they would be at home , but fewer Aduenturers here will aduenture any more till they see the businesse better established , although there be some so wilfully improuident they care for nothing but to get thither , and then if their friends be dead , or want themselues , they die or liue but poorely for want of necessaries , and to thinke the old Planters can releeue them were too much simplicity ; for who here in England is so charitable to feed two or three strangers , haue they neuer so much ; much lesse in Virginia where they want for themselues . Now the generall complaint saith , that pride , couetousnesse , extortion and oppression in a few that ingrosses all , then sell all againe to the comminalty at what rate they please , yea euen men , women and children for who will giue most , occasions no small mischiefe amongst the Planters . As for the Company , or those that doe transport them , prouided of necessaries , God forbid but they should receiue their charges againe with aduantage , or that masters there should not haue the same priuilege ouer their seruants as here , but to sell him or her for forty , fifty , or threescore pounds , whom the Company hath sent ouer for eight or ten pounds at the most , without regard how they shall be maintained with apparell , meat , drinke and lodging , is odious , and their fruits sutable , therefore such merchants it were better they were made such merchandize themselues , then suffered any longer to vse that trade , and those are defects sufficient to bring a well setled Common-wealth to misery , much more Virginia . Quest. 7. How thinke you it may be rectified ? Answ. If this Maiestie would please to intitle it to his Crowne , and yearely that both the Gouernours here and there may giue their accounts to you , or some that are not ingaged in the businesse , that the common stocke bee not spent in maintaining one hundred men for the Gouernour , one hundred for two Deputies , fifty for the Treasurer , fiue and twenty for the Secretary , and more for the Marshall and other Officers who were neuer there nor aduentured any thing , but onely preferred by fauour to be Lords ouer them that broke the ice and beat the path , and must teach them what to doe , if any thing happen well , it is their glory ; if ill , the fault of the old directors , that in all dangers must endure the worst , yet not fiue hundred of them haue so much as one of the others ; also that there bee some present course taken to maintaine a Garrison to suppresse the Saluages , till they be able to subsist , and that his Maiesty would please to remit his custome , or it is to be feared they will lose custome and all , for this cannot be done by promises , hopes , counsels and countenances , but with sufficient workmen and meanes to maintaine them , not such delinquents as here cannot be ruled by all the lawes in England , yet when the foundation is laid , as I haue said , and a common-wealth established , then such there may better be constrained to labour then here : but to rectifie a common-wealth with debaushed people is impossible , and no wise man would throw himselfe into such a society , that intends honestly , and knowes what he vndertakes , for there is no Country to pillage as the Romans found : all you expect from thence must be by labour . For the gouernment I thinke there is as much adoe about it as the Kingdomes of Scotland and Ireland , men here conceiting Virginia as they are , erecting as many stately Offices as Officers with their attendants , as there are labourers in the Countrey , where a Constable were as good as twenty of their Captaines , and three hundred good Souldiers and labourers better then all the rest that goe onely to get the fruits of other mens labours by the title of an office . Thus they spend Michaelmas rent in Mid-summer Moone , and would gather their Haruest before they haue planted their Corne. As for the maintenance of the Officers , the first that went neuer demanded any , but aduentured good summes , and it seemes strange to me , the fruits of all their labours , besides the expence of an hundred and fifty thousand pounds , and such multitudes of people , those collaterall Officers could not maintaine themselues so well as the old did , and hauing now such liberty to doe to the Saluages what they will , the others had not . I more then wonder they haue not fiue hundred Saluages to worke for them towards their generall maintenance , and as many more to returne some content and satisfaction to the Aduenturers , that for all their care , charge and diligence , can heare nor see nothing but miserable complaints ; therefore vnder your correction to rectifie all , is with all expedition to passe the authority to them who will releeue them , lest all bee consumed ere the differences be determined . And except his Maiestie vndertake it , or by Act of Parlament some small tax may be granted throughout his Dominions , as a Penny vpon euery Poll , called a head-penny ; two pence vpon euery Chimney , or some such collection might be raised , and that would be sufficient to giue a good stocke , and many seruants to sufficient men of any facultie , and transport them freely for paying onely homage to the Crowne of England , and such duties to the publike good as their estates increased reason should require . Were this put in practice , how many people of what quality you please , for all those disasters would yet gladly goe to spend their liues there , and by this meanes more good might be done in one yeere , then all those pety particular vndertakings will effect in twenty . For the Patent the King may , if he please , rather take it from them that haue it , then from vs who had it first , pretending to his Maiesty what great matters they would doe , and how little we did , and for any thing I can conceiue , had we remained still as at first , it is not likely we could haue done much worse ; but those oft altering of gouernments are not without much charge , hazard and losse . If I be too plaine , I humbly craue your pardon ; but you requested me , therefore I doe but my duty . For the Nobility , who knowes not how freely both in their Purses and assistances many of them haue beene to aduance it , committing the managing of the businesse to inferiour persons , amongst whom questionlesse also many haue done their vtmost best , sincerely and truly according to their conceit , opinion and vnderstanding ; yet grosse errors haue beene committed , but no man liues without his fault ; for my owne part , I haue so much adoe to amend my owne , I haue no leisure to looke into any mans particular , but those in generall I conceiue to be true . And so I humbly rest Yours to command , I. S. THus those discords , not being to be compounded among themselues , nor yet by the extraordinary diligences , care and paines of the noble and right worthy Commissioners , Sir William Iones , Sir Nicholas Fortescue , Sir Francis Goston , Sir Richard Sutton , Sir Henry Bourgchier and Sir William Pit ; a Corante was granted against Master Deputy Farrar , and 20. or 30. others of that party to plead their causes before the right Honourable , the Lords of his Maiesties Priuy Councell : now notwithstanding all the Relations , Examinations , and intercepting of all Letters whatsoeuer came from thence , yet it seemes they were so farre vnsatisfied and desired to know the truth , as well for the preseruation of the Colony , as to giue content and doe all men right , they sent two Commissioners strictly to examine the true estate of the Colony . Vpon whose returne after mature deliberation , it pleased his royall Maiesty to suppresse the course of the Court at Deputy Farrars , and that for the present ordering the affaires of Virginia , vntill he should make a more full settlement thereof , the Lord Viscount Mandeuile , Lord President of his Maiesties Priuie Councell , and also other Priuy Councellors , with many vnderstanding Knights and Gentlemen , should euery Thursday in the afternoone meet at Sir Thomas Smiths in Philpot lane , where all men whom it should concerne may repaire , to receiue such directions and warrant for their better security , as more at large you may see in the Proclamation to that effect , vnder the great Seale of England , dated the 15. of Iuly , 1624. But as for the relations last returned , what numbers they are , how many Cities , Corporations , townes , and houses , cattle and horse they haue , what fortifications or discoueries they haue made , or reuenge vpon the Saluages ; who are their friends or foes , or what commodities they haue more then Tobacco , & their present estate or what is presently to be put in execution , in that the Commissioners are not yet fully satisfied in the one , nor resolued in the other , at this present time when this went to the Presse , I must intreat you pardon me till I be better assured . Thus far I haue trauelled in this Wildernesse of Virginia , not being ignorant for all my paines this discourse will be wrested , tossed and turned as many waies as there is leaues ; that I haue writ too much of some , too little of others , and many such like obiections . To such I must answer , in the Companies name I was requested to doe it , if any haue concealed their approued experiences from my knowledge , they must excuse me : as for euery fatherles ▪ or stolne relation , or whole volumes of sofisticated rehearsals , I leaue them to the charge of them that desire them . I thanke God I neuer vndertooke any thing yet any could tax me of carelesnesse or dishonesty , and what is hee to whom I am indebted or troublesome ? Ah! were these my accusers but to change cases and places with me but 2. yeeres , or till they had done but so much as I , it may be they would iudge more charitably of my imperfections . But here I must leaue all to the triall of time , both my selfe , Virginia's preparations , proceedings and good euents , praying to that great God the protector of all goodnesse to send them as good successe as the goodnesse of the action and Country deserueth , and my heart desireth . FINIS . THE FIFTH BOOKE . THE GENERALL HISTORIE OF THE BERMVDAS , now called the Summer Iles , from their beginning in the yeere of our Lord 1593. to this present 1624. with their proceedings , accidents and present estate . BEfore we present you the matters of fact , it is fit to offer to your view the Stage whereon they were acted , for as Geography without History seemeth a carkasse without motion , so History without Geography , wandreth as a Vagrant without a certaine habitation . Those Ilands lie in the huge maine Ocean , and two hundred leagues from any continent , situated in 32. degrees and 25. minutes , of Northerly latitude , and distant from England West South-West , about 3300. miles , some twenty miles in length , and not past two miles and a halfe in breadth , enuironed with Rocks , which to the North-ward , West-ward , and South-East , extend further then they haue bin yet well discouered : by reason of those Rocks the Country is naturally very strong , for there is but two places , & scare two , vnlesse to them who know them well , where shipping may safely come in , and those now are exceeding well fortified , but within is roome to entertaine a royall Fleet : the Rocks in most places appeare at a low water , neither are they much couered at a high , for it ebbs and flowes not past fiue foot ; the shore for most part is a Rocke , so hardened with the sunne , wind and sea , that it is not apt to be worne away with the waues , whose violence is also broke by the Rocks before they can come to the shore : it is very vneuen , distributed into hills and dales ; the mold is of diuers colours , neither clay nor sand , but a meane betweene ; the red which resembleth clay is the worst , the whitest resembling sand and the blackest is good , but the browne betwixt them both which they call white , because there is mingled with it a white meale is the best : vnder the mould two or three foot deep , and sometimes lesse , is a kinde of white hard substance which they call the Rocke : the trees vsually fasten their roots in it ; neither is it indeed rocke or stone , or so hard , though for most part more harder then Chalke ; nor so white , but pumish-like and spungy , easily receiuing and containing much water . In some places Clay is found vnder it , it seemes to be ingendred with raine water , draining through the earth , and drawing with it of his substance vnto a certaine depth where it congeales ; the hardest kinde of it lies vnder the red ground like quarries , as it were thicke slates one vpon another , through which the water hath his passage , so that in such places there is scarce found any fresh water , for all or the most part of the fresh water commeth out of the Sea draining through the sand , or that substance called the Rocke , leauing the salt behinde , it becomes fresh : sometimes we digged wells of fresh water which we finde in most places , and but three or foure paces from the Sea side , some further , the most part of them would ebbe and flow as the Sea did ; and be leuell or little higher then the superficies of the sea , and in some places very strange , darke and cumbersome Caues . The aire is most commonly cleere , very temperate , moist , with a moderate heat , very healthfull and apt for the generation and nourishing of all things , so as many things transported from hence yeeld a farre greater increase , and if it be any liuing thing it becomes fatter and better ; by this meanes the country is so replenished with Hens and Turkies , within the space of three or foure yeeres , that many of them being neglected , forsake the houses and become wilde , and so liue in great abundance ; the like increase there is in Hogs , tame Conies , and other Cattle according to their kindes . There seemes to be a continuall Spring , which is the cause some things come not to that maturity and perfection as were requisite ; and though the trees shed their leaues , yet they are alwaies full of greene ; the Corne is the same they haue in Virginia , and the West-Indies : of this and many other things without plowing or much labour , they haue two Haruests euery yeere , for they set about March , which they gather in Iuly ; and againe in August , which they reape in December ; and little slips of Fig-trees and Vines doe vsually beare fruit within the yeere , and sometimes in lesse ; but we finde not the Grapes as yet come to any perfection ; the like fertility it hath in Oranges and Limons , Pomgranates , and other things . Concerning the serenity and beauty of the skie , it may as truly be said of those Ilands as euer it was said of the Rhodes , that there is no one day throughout the 12. moneths , but that in some houre thereof , the sun lookes singularly & cleere vpon them : for the temperature it is beyond all others most admirable ; no cold there is beyond an English Aprill , nor heat much greater then an ordinary Iuly in France , so that frost and snow is neuer seene here , nor stinking and infectious mists very seldome , by reason of the maine Ocean , there is some wind stirring that cooles the aire : the winter they haue obserues the time with ours , but the longest daies and nights are shorter then ours almost by two houres . We found it at first all ouergrowne with weeds , and plants of seuerall kinds , as many tall and goodly Cedars , infinite store of Palmetoes , numbers of Mulberies , wild Oliue-trees store , with diuers others vnknowne both by name and nature , so that as yet they become lost to many vsefull imployments , which time and industry no doubt will one day discouer , and euen already certaine of the most notorious of them haue gotten them appellations from their apparent effects , as the Prickell-peare which growes like a shrub by the ground , with broad thick leaues , all ouer-armed with long and sharpe dangerous thornes , the fruit being in forme not much vnlike a small greene Peare , and on the outside of the same colour , but within bloud red , and exceeding full of iuice ; with graines not much vnlike the Pomgranat , and colouring after its nature . The poysoned weed is much in shape like our English Iuy , but being but touched , causeth rednesse , itching , and lastly blisters , the which howsoeuer after a while passe away of themselues without further harme , yet because for the time they are somewhat painfull , it hath got it selfe an ill name , although questionlesse of no ill nature . Here is also frequently growing a certaine tall Plant , whose stalke being all ouer couered with a red rinde , is thereupon termed the red weed , the root whereof being soked in any liquor , or but a small quantity of the Iuice drunke alone , procures a very forcible vomit , and yet is generally vsed by the people , and found very effectuall against the paines and distempers of the stomacke . A kinde of Wood-bind there is likewise by the Sea very commonly to bee found , which runnes vpon trees twining it selfe like a Vine : the fruit somewhat resembles a Beane , but somewhat flatter , the which any way eaten worketh excellently in the nature of a purge , and though very vehemently , yet without all perill . Contrary to this , another small tree there is , which causeth costiuenesse ; there is also a certaine Plant like a bramble bush , which beares a long yellow fruit , hauing the shell very hard , and within it a hard berry , that beaten and taken inwardly purgeth gently . There is another fruit much like our Barberies , which being beaten or brused betweene the teeth , sets all the mouth on an extreme heat very terrible for the time , to auoid which they are swallowed downe whole , and found of the same or better operation then the red Pepper , and thence borroweth the name . In the bottome of the Sea there is growing vpon the Rocks a large kinde of Plant in the forme of a Vine leafe , but far more spread with veines in colour of a pale red , very strangely interlaced & wouen one into another , which we call the Feather , but the vertue thereof is altogether vnknowne , but only regarded for the rarity . Now besides these naturall productions , prouidences & paines since the Plantation , haue offered diuers other feeds & plants , which the soile hath greedlily imbraced & cherished , so that at this present 1623. there are great abundance of white , red and yellow coloured Potatoes , Tobacco , Sugarcanes , Indicos , Parsnips , exceeding large R●dishes , the American bread , the Cassado root , the Indian Pumpian , the Water-millon , Musk-millon , & the most delicate Pine-apples , Plantans , and Papawes , also the English Artichoke , Pease , &c. briefly whatsoeuer else may be expected for the satisfaction either of curiosity , necessity or delight . Neither hath the aire for her part been wanting with due supplies of many sorts of Fowles , as the gray and white Hearne , the gray and greene Plouer , some wilde Ducks and Malards , Coots and Red-shankes , Sea-wigions , Gray-bitterns , Cormorants , numbers of small Birds like Sparrowes and Robins , which haue lately beene destroyed by the wilde Cats , Wood-pickars , very many Crowes , which since this Plantation are kild , the rest fled or seldome seene except in the most vninhabited places , from whence they are obserued to take their flight about sun set , directing their course towards the North-west , which makes many coniecture there are some more Ilands not far off that way . Sometimes are also seene Falcons & Iar-falcons , Ospraies , a Bird like a Hobby , but because they come seldome , they are held but as passengers ; but aboue all these , most deseruing obseruation and respect are those two sorts of Birds , the one for the tune of his voice , the other for the effect , called the Cahow , and Egge ▪ bird , which on the first of May , a day constantly obserued , fall a laying infinite store of Eggs neere as big as Hens , vpon certaine small sandie baies especially in Coupers I le ; and although men sit downe amongst them when hundreds haue bin gathered in a morning , yet there is hath stayed amongst them till they haue gathered as many more : they continue this course till Midsummer , and so tame & feareles , you must thrust them off from their Eggs with your hand ; then they grow so faint with laying , they suffer them to breed & take infinite numbers of their yong to eat , which are very excellent meat . The Cahow is a Bird of the night , for all the day she lies hid in holes in the Rocks , where they and their young are also taken with as much ease as may be , but in the night if you but whoop and hollow , they will light vpon you , that with your hands you may chuse the fat and leaue the leane ; those they haue only in winter : their Eggs are as big as hens , but they are speckled , the other white . Mr. Norwood hath taken twenty dozen of them in three or foure houres , and since there hath beene such hauocke made of them , they were neere all destroyed , till there was a strict inhibition for their preseruation . The Tropicke bird is white , as large as a Pullet , with one onely long Feather in her taile , and is seldome seene far distant from other of the Tropicks : another small Bird there is , because she cries Pemblyco they call her so , she is seldome seene in the day but when she sings , as too oft she doth very clamorously ; too true a Prophet she proues of huge winds and boysterous weather : there were a kinde of small Owles in great abundance , but they are now all slaine or fled : some tame Ducks , Geese and Pigeons there are , but the two latter prosper not . Concerning vermine and noisome creatures , there are not many , but onely Rats and Cats , there increased since the Plantation , but how they agree together you shall heare hereafter . The Musketas and Flies are also too busie , with a certaine India Bug , called by the Spaniards a Cacarootch , the which creeping into Chests they eat and defile with their ill-sented dung : also the little Ants in summer time are so troublesome , they are forced to dry their figs vpon high frames ▪ and anoint their feet with tar , wherein they sticke , else they would spoile them all ere they could be dryed : Wormes in the earth also there are , but too many , so that to keepe them from destroying their Corne and Tobacco , they are forced to worme them euery morning , which is a great labour , else all would be destroyed . Lizards there were many and very large , but now none , and it is laid they were destroyed by the Cat. Certaine Spiders also of very large size are found hanging vpon trees , but instead of being any way dangerous as in other places , they are here of a most pleasing aspect , all ouer drest , as it were with Siluer , Gold , and Pearle , and their Webs in the Summer wouen from tree to tree , are generally a perfect raw silke , and that as well in regard of substance as colour , and so strong withall , that diuers Birds bigger than Black-birds , being like Snipes , are often taken and snared in them as a Net : then what would the Silke-worme doe were she● there to feede vpon the continuall greene Mulbery ? But aboue all the rest of the Elements , the Sea is found most abundantly liberall : hence haue they as much excellent Fish , and as much variety as need be desired . The most of which being vnknowne to our Northerne parts , got there new names , either for their shapes or conditions ; as the large Rocke-fish from his like hew , and haunting amongst the Rocks , the fat Hog-fish from his swine-like shape and shout : for this is not the old knowne Hog-fish with brussels on his backe ; the delicate Amber-fish from his taste and smell , Angell-fish , Cony-fish , the small yellow taile from that naturall painting ; the great Growper from his odde and strange grunting , some of them yet knowne to the Americans , as the Purgoose , the Cauallo , the Gar-fish , Flying-fish and Morerayes : the rest are common to other Continents ; as the Whale in great numbers , the Sharke , the Pilot-fish , the Sea-Breame , the Oyster and Lobster , with diuers others ; twenty Tortoises haue beene taken in a day , and some of them will affoord halfe a bushell of Egges , and suffice to feed forty men at a meale . And thus haue you briefely epitomized Mother Natures benefits to this little , yet dainty spot of earth , neither were it ingenuity to conceale wherein shee inclineth to the Stepdame , especially since the particulars are so few , as rather requisite Antidotes against idlenesse to rouse vp industry , then any great cause of much distaste , much lesse despaire : and of those to speake troth , there are onely two : viz. the Winds , and the Wormes , especially in the Spring and Autumne ; and thus conditioned as yet we will let rest these small Ilands , in the midst of this mightie and maine Ocean , so inuironed on euery side , by infinite numbers of vncertaine scattered Rocks , lying shallowly hid vnder the surface of the water , a league , two , three , foure , or fiue , to Sea , to the which aduantagers added by art , as hereafter you shall heare at large , and finde described in the Map. It may well be concluded to be the most impregnable place in the world , and although the Amber Greece , Pearles , nor Tobacco , are of that quantity and certainty to be relied vpon to gaine wealth ; yet by practise and experience they finde , by Silke , Saffron , Indico , Madar , Sugar-canes , Wine , Oile , and such like great profit may be expected : yet were those hopelesse in regard of their conueniency to nourish and maintaine themselues , and releeue them shall visit them with wood , water , and other necessaries , besides what an eye-sore they are already becommed to them that haue them not , and how deare and pretious to them that haue them , I thinke none will deny but they are well worth the keeping : and so we will proceed to the accidents that befell the first finders ; also the proceedings of the first Planters and their successors , Master Norrod , Thomas Sparkes , and diuers others . A briefe relation of the shipwracke of Henry May. HOw these Iles came by the name of Bermudas , or the infinite number of blacke Hogs , or so fearefull to the world , that many called them the I le of Deuils , that all men did shun as Hell and perdition ; I will not expostulate , nor trouble your patiences with those vncertaine antiquities further then thus ; our men found diuers crosses , peeces of Spanish monies here and there . Two or three wracks also they found , by certaine inscriptions to bee some Spanish , some Dutch , some French ; but the greatest rumour is , that a Spanish ship called Bermudas was there cast away , carrying Hogges to the West-Indies that swam a shore , and there increased : how the Spaniards escaped is vncertaine : but they say , from that ship those Iles were first called Bermudas , which tilt then for six thousand yeares had beene namelesse . But the first English-man that was euer in them , was one Henry May , a worthy Mariner that went with Captaine Lancaster to the East-Indies 1591. and in their returne by the West-Indies , being in some distresse , sent this Henry May for England by one Mounsier de la Barbotier , to acquaint the Merchants with their estate . The last of Nouember , saith May , we departed from Laguna in Hispaniola , and the seuenteenth of December following , we were cast away vpon the North-west of the Bermudas ; the Pilots about noone made themselues Southwards of the Iles twelue leagues , and demanded of the Captaine their Wine of hight as out of all danger , which they had : but it seeme , they were either drunke , or carelesse of their charge ; for through their negligences a number of good men were cast away . I being but a stranger amongst fiftie and odde French-men , it pleased God to appoint me to be one of them should be saued . In this extremity we made a raft , which we towed with our Boat , there were but six and twentie of vs saued ; and I seeing scarce roome for the one halfe , durst not passe in amongst them till the Captaine called me along with him , leauing the better halfe to the seas mercy : that day we rowed till within two houres of night ere we could land , being neere dead with thirst , euery man tooke his way to seeke fresh water , at length , by searching amongst many weeds , we found some raine water , but in the maine are many faire Baies , where we had enough for digging . Now it pleased God before our ship split we saued our Carpenters tooles , some Nailes , Sailes , and Tacklings , wherewith we went roundly to worke , and built a Barke of eighty tunues : In stead of Pitch , we made Lime , mixed with Tortoise oyle , and as the Carpenters calked her , I and another paied the seames with this plaster , which being in Aprill , became quickly dry , and as hard as a stone . In Aprill it was so hot , we feared our water would faile , two great Chests wee made , which we calked as our ship ; those we stowed on each side our maine Mast , filled them with water and thirtie liue Tortoises : wee found many Hogges , but so leane wee could not eat them ; the tops of the Palmetaberries was our bread , and the iuyce we got out of the trees we cut downe our drinke , and of the leaues , which are more then an Ell long , we couered our Cabens , & made our beds , and found many of those prouisions as is related , but little foule weather . The eleuenth of May it pleased God to set vs cleere of the I le , after wee had liued there fiue moneths : and the twentieth wee fell with Cape Britton , neere New found Land , where refreshing our selues with wood and water , and such things as we could get of the Saluages , it seemed a good Countrey , but we staied not past foure houres before we set saile for the banke of New found land , where wee met many ships , but not any would take in a man of vs , vntill it pleased God we met a Barke of Fawmothe , which receiued vs for a little time , and with her we tooke a French ship , wherein I left Captaine de la Barbotier , my deare friend , and all his Company : and in August arriued at Falmouth in this honest English Barke , 1594. Written by me Henry May. The first English ship knowne to haue beene cast away vpon the Bermudas 1609. From the relation of Mr. Iordan , Master Iohn Euens , Master Henry Shelly , and diuers others . YOu haue heard , that when Captaine Smith was Gouernor of Virginia , there were nine ships sent with Sir Thomas Gates , and Sir George Somers , and Captaine Nuport with fiue hundred people , to take in the old Commission , and rectifie a new gouernment : they set saile in May , and in the height of thirty degrees of Northerly latitude , they were taken with an extreme storme , or rather a part of Hericano , vpon the fiue and twentieth of Iuly , which as they write , did not onely separate them from the Fleet , but with the violent working of the Seas , their ship became so shaken , torne , and leake , she receiued so much water as couered two tire of Hogsheads aboue the ballace , that they stood vp to the middles , with Buckets , Baricos , and Kettles , to baile out the water . Thus bailing and pumping three daies and three nights without intermission , and yet the water seemed rather to increase then diminish , in so much that being all vtterly spent with labour , were euen resolued without any hope to shut vp the hatches , and commit themselues to the mercy of the Sea , which is said to be mercilesse , or rather to the mercy of Almighty God , whose mercy farre exceeds all his workes ; seeing no sense or hope in mans apprehension , but presently to sinke : some hauing some good and comfortable waters , fetched them and dranke one to another , as taking their last leaues vntill a more happy , and a more ioyfull meeting in a more blessed world , when it pleased God out of his most gracious and mercifull prouidence , so to direct and guide their ship for her most aduantage ; That Sir George Somers all this time sitting vpon the poupe , scarce taking leisure to eat nor sleepe , couing the ship to keepe her as vpright as he could , otherwaies she must long ere that needs haue foundered , most wishedly and happily descried land ; whereupon he most comfortably incouraged them to follow their worke , many of them being fast asleepe : this vnlooked for welcome newes , as if it had bin a voice from heauen , hurrieth them all aboue hatches , to looke for that they durst scarce beleeue , so that improuidently forsaking that taske which imported no lesse then their liues , they gaue so dangerous aduantage to their greedy enemy the salt water , which still entred at the large breaches of their poore wooden castle , as that in gaping after life , they had well-nigh swallowed their death . Surely it is impossible any should now be vrged to doe his best , and although they knew it , that place all men did so shun , yet they spread all the faile they could to attaine them : for not long it was before they strucke vpon a rocke , till a surge of the sea cast her from thence , and so from one to another , till most luckily at last so vpright betwixt two , as if she had beene in the stocks , till this they expected but euery blow a death : But now behold , suddenly the wind giues place to a calme , and the billowes , which each by ouertaking her , would in an instant haue shiuered her in peeces , become peaceable and still , so that with all conueniency and ease , they vnshipped all their goods , victuall , and persons into their Boats , and with extreme ioy , euen almost to amazednesse , arriued in safetie , though more then a league from the shore , without the losse of a man ; yet were they in all one hundred and fiftie : yet their deliuerance was not more strange in falling so happily vpon the land , as their feeding and preseruation was beyond their hopes ; for you haue heard , it hath beene to the Spaniards more fearefull then an Vtopian Purgatory , and to all Sea-men no lesse terrible then an inchanted den of Furies and Deuils , the most dangerous , vnfortunate , and forlorne place in the world , and they found it the richest , healthfullest and pleasantest they euer saw , as is formerly said . Being thus safe on shore , they disposed themselues to search the Iles for food and water ; others to get a shore what they could from the ship ; not long Sir George wandred but found such a fishing , that in halfe an houre with a hooke and line , he tooke so many as sufficed the whole company , in some places they were so thicke in the Coues , and so great , they durst not goe in left they should bite them , and these rocke fish are so great two will load a man , and fatter nor better fish cannot be . Mr. Shelly found a Bay neere a quarter of a mile ouer , so full of Mullets , as none of them before had euer seene or heard of the like : the next day seeking to kill them with fis-gigs , they stracke so many the water in many places was red with bloud , yet caught not one , but with a net they caught so many as they could draw a shore , with infinite number of Pilchards and diuers other sorts ; great craw-fishes in a night by making a fire they haue taken in great quantity . Sir George had twice his hooke and line broke out of his hand , but the third time he made it so strong he caught the same fish , which had pulled him into the Sea had not his men got hold of him , whereby he had his three hookes againe were found in her belly . At their first hunting for hogs they found such abundance ; they killed 32 and this hunting & fishing was appointed to Captaine Robert Walsingham , and Mr. Henry Shelly for the company in general : they report they killed at least 500. besides Pigs , and many that were killed by diuers others ; for the birds in their seasons , the facility to make their cabens of Palmera leaues , caused many of them vtterly forget or desire euer to returne from thence , they liued in such plenty , peace and ease . But let vs remember how the Knights began to resolue in those desperat affaires : many proiects they had , but at last it was concluded , to decke their long boat with their ship hatches ; which done , with all expedition they sent Master Rauen , a very sufficient Mariner , with eight more in her to Virginia , to haue shipping from thence to fetch them away ; three weekes or a moneth they expected her returne , but to this day she was neuer more heard of ; all this time was spent in searching the Iles : now although God still fed them with this abundance of plenty , yet such was the malice of enuy or ambition , for all this good seruice done by Sommers , such a great difference fell amongst their Commanders , that they liued asunder in this distresse , rather as meere strangers then distressed friends : but necessity so commanded , patience had the victory . Two ships at this time by those seuerall parties were a building ; in the meane time two children were borne , the Boy was called Bermudas , the Girle Bermuda , and amongst all those sorrowes they had a merry English mariage ; the forme of those Iles you may see at large in the Map of Mr. Norwood , where you may plainly see no place knowne hath better walls , nor a broader ditch . But hauing finished and rigged their two new Cedar ships with such prouisions they saued from the Sea-aduenturer they left amongst the Rocks , they called the one the Patience , the other the Deliuerance ; they vsed Lime and Oile , as May did for Pitch and Tar. Sir George Summers had in his Barke no Iron at all but one bolt in her Keele ; now hauing made their prouisions of victuall and all things ready , they set saile the tenth of May 1610. onely leauing two men behinde them , called Christopher Carter and Edward Waters , that for their offences , or the suspition they had of their iudgements , fled into the woods , and there rather desired to end their daies then stand to their trials and the euent of Iustice ; for one of their consorts was shot to death , and Waters being tied to a tree also to be executed , had by chance a Knife about him , and so secretly cut the Rope , he ran into the woods where they could not finde him . There were two Saluages also sent from Virginia by Captain Smith , the one called Namuntack , the other Matchumps , but some such differences fell betweene them , that Matchumps slew Namuntack , and hauing made a hole to bury him , because it was too short , he cut of his legs and laid them by him , which murder he concealed till he was in Virginia . The foure and twentieth of the same moneth they arriued in Virginia at Iames towne , where they found but threescore persons , as you may reade at large in the History of Virginia , of the fiue hundred left by Captaine Smith , also of the arriuall of the Lord Laware , that met them thus bound for England , returned them backe , and vnderstanding what plenty there was of hogs and other good things in the Bermudas , was desirous to send thither to supply his necessary occasions ; whereupon Sir George Summers , the best acquainted with the place , whose noble minde euer regarded a generall good more then his owne ends , though aboue threescore yeeres of age , and had meanes in England sutable to his ranke , offered himselfe by Gods helpe to performe this dangerous voyage againe for the Bermudas , which was kindly accepted , so vpon the 19. of Iune , he imbarked in his Cedar ship , about the burthen of thirty tunnes , and so set saile . Much foule and crosse weather he had , and was forced to the North parts of Virginia , where refreshing himselfe vpon this vnknowne coast , he could not bee diuerted from the search of the Bermudas , where at last with his company he safely arriued : but such was his diligence with his extraordinary care , paines and industry to dispatch his businesse , and the strength of his body not answering the euer memorable courage of his minde , hauing liued so long in such honourable seruices , the most part of his well beloued and vertuous life , God and nature here determined , should euer remaine a perpetuall memory of his much bewailed sorrow for his death : finding his time but short , after he had taken the best course he could to settle his estate , like a valiant Captaine he exhorted them with all diligence to be constant to those Plantations , and with all expedition to returne to Virginia . In that very place which we now call Saint Georges towne , this noble Knight died , whereof the place taketh the name . But his men , as men amazed , seeing the death of him who was euen as the life of them all , embalmed his body and set saile for England , being the first that euer went to seeke those Ilands , which haue beene euer since called Summers Iles , in honour of his worthy memory , leauing three men behind them , that voluntarily stayed , whose names were Christopher Carter , Edward Waters , there formerly left as is said , and Edward Chard . This Cedar ship at last with his dead body arriued at Whit-Church in Dorsetshire , where by his friends he was honourably buried , with many vollies of shot , and the rites of a Souldier , and vpon his tombe was bestowed this Epitaph . Hei mihi Virginia quod tam cito praeterit Aestas , Autumnus sequitur , saeuiet inde & biems ; At ver perpetuum nascetur , & Anglialaeta , Decerpit flores florida terra tuas . In English thus : Alas Virginia's Summer so soone past , Autumne succeeds and stormy Winters blast , Yet Englands ioyfull Spring with ioyfull showers , O Florida , shall bring thy sweetest flowers . THe honour of this resulution belongs principally to Carter , for through his importunity , not to leaue such a place abandoned , Chard & Waters were moued to stay with him , and the rest promised w●th all the speed they could againe to reuisit them . But the ship once out of sight , those three Lords , the sole inhabitants of all those Ilands , began to erect their little common wealth for a while with brotherly regency , repairing the ground , planting Corne , and such seeds and fruits as they had , building a house , &c. Then making priuy search amongst the creusses and corners of those craggy Rocks , what this maine Ocean since the worlds creation had throwne amongst them , at last they chanced vpon the greatest peece of Amber-greece was euer seene or heard of in one lumpe , being in weight fourescore pound , besides diuers other small peeces . But now being rich , they grew so proud and ābitious , contempt tooke such place , they fell out for superiority , though but three forlorne men , more then three thousand miles from their natiue Country , and but small hope euer to see it againe . Notwithstanding , they sometimes fell from words to blowes about meere trifles : in one of which fights , one of them was bitten with his owne dog , as if the dumbe beast would reproue them of their folly ; at last Chard and Waters , the two greater spirits , must try it out in the field , but Carter wisely stole away their weapons , affecting rather to liue amongst his enemies , then by being rid of them liue alone ; and thus those miserable men liued full two yeeres , so that all their clothes were neere worne cleane from their backs , and their hopes of any forraine releefe as naked as their bodies . At last they began to recouer their wits , yet in a fashion perhaps would haue cost them dearer then when they were mad ; for concluding a tripartite peace of their Marachin warre , they resolued to frame as good a Boat as they could , and therein to make a desperate attempt for Virginia , or New found Land ; but no sooner were they entred into that resolution , but they descried a saile standing in for the shore , though they neither knew what she was , nor what she would , they were so ouer-ioyed , with all possible speed they went to meet her , and according to their hearts desire she proued an English-man , whom they safely conducted into their harbour . Now you are to vnderstand , that Captaine Matthew Somers . Nephew and heire to Sir George , that returned with his dead body , though both he and his Company did their vtmost in relating all those passages to their Countrey-men and aduenturers , their relations were beleeued but as trauellers tales , till it came to be apprehended by some of the Virginia Company , how beneficiall it might be , and helpfull to the Plantation in Virginia , so that some one hundred and twentie of them bought the pretended right of all the Company , and had sent this ship to make a triall ; but first they had obtained Letters Patents of the Kings most excellent Maiestie . Sir Thomas Smith was elected Treasurer and Gouernor heere , and Master Richard More to be Gouernor of the Iles and Colony there . The first beginning of a Colonie in the Somer Iles , vnder the command of Master Richard More , extracted out of a plot of Master Richard Norwood Surueior , and the relations of diuer's others . MAster More thus finding those three men not onely well and lusty , but well stored with diuers sorts of prouisions , as an Acre of Corne ready to be gathered , numbers of Pumpions and Indian Beanes , many Tortoises ready taken , good store of hogs flesh salted , and made in flitches of Bacon , were very good , and so presently landed his goods and sixty persons towards the beginning of Iuly 1612. vpon the South side of Smiths I le . Not long after his arriuall , More hauing some priuate intelligence of this Amber-greece , tooke first Chard in examination , he being one of the three the most masterfull spirit , what Amber-greece , Pearle , Treasure , or other Commodities they had found . Chard no lesse witty then resolute , directly answered ; Not any thing at all but the fruits of the I le , what his fellowes had done he knew not , but if they had , he doubted not but to finde it out , and then hee should know it certainly . This he spake onely to win time to sweare his Consorts to secrecy , and he would finde the meanes how they should all returne in that ship with it all for England , otherwise they should be deceiued of all . Till this was effected they thought euery houre an age ; now for the better conueiance of it aboord , they acquainted it to Captaine Dauis , master of the ship , and one Master Edwin Kendall , that for their secrecy and transportation should participate with them : Without further ceremony the match was accepted , and absolutely concluded , the plot laid , time and place set downe to haue it aboord . But Carter , were it for feare the Gouernor at last should know of it , to whom so oft they had denied it ; or that the rest should deceiue him , is vncertaine ; but most certaine it is , he reuealed all the plot to Master More : To get so much wealth he knew would please them in England , though it did displease all his Company , and to lose such a prize he would not for hazarding a mutiny . So first hee reuealed himselfe to Kendall in faire tearmes , reprouing his dishonesty , but not being answered according to his expectation , he committed both Chard and him to person . The next Sabboath day Dauis comming on shore , More also taxed with very hard language and many threats , to lay him fast also if he mended not his manners ; Dauis for the present replied little , but went with him to the place of praier : but in the midst of diuine seruice he goeth away , commanding all his Sea-men to follow him presently aboord , where he encourageth them to stand to him like men , and hee would free the Prisoners , haue all the Amber-greece for themselues , and so be gone . The Gouernor hearing of this resolution , prepares with his company to repulse force with force , so that a generall expectance of a ciuill vnciuill warre possessed euery man ; but this threatning gust passed ouer more calmlier then was expected ; for Dauis hauing better aduised with himselfe , repen●ed his rashnesse , and desired a reconcilement with the Gouernor . Peace thus concluded , Kendall was set at libertie , but Chard was condemned , and vpon the ladder to be hanged for his obstinacy ; yet vpon better consideration More repriued him , but kept him a prisoner all the time he staied in the Country , which was generally thought a very bad reward for his great desert , and that there was more of this Amber-greece imbeziled , then would haue contented all the finders , that neuer had any consideration at all . The greatest part though More thus recouered , yet Dauis and Kendall had so much , either by the ignorance or conniuency of the Gouernors , that arriuing in England , they prepared themselues for a new voiage ; at last they two falling out , the Company hauing notice thereof , so tormented them both , they gaue ouer their voiage , and durst not be seene a long time after . The Gouernor thus rid of the ship and those discontents , remoued his seat from Smiths I le to Saint Georges , after he had fitted vp some small Cabbens of Palmata leaues for his wife and family , in that valley where now stands their prime towne called S. Georges , hee began to apply himselfe to fortifie the Countrey , and training his men in the exercise of armes . For although he was but a Carpenter , he was an excellent Artist , a good Gunner , very witty and industrious : he built and laid the foundation of eight or nine Forts , called the Kings Castle , Charles Fort , Pembrookes Fort , Smiths Fort , Pagits Fort , Gates Fort , Warwicks Castle , Saint Katharines Fort , &c. mounting in them all the Ordnance he had , preparing the ground to build Houses , plant Corne , and such Fruits as they had . Being thus busied , and as the necessitie of the time required , keeping his men somewhat hard at worke , Master Keath his Minister , were it by the secret prouocation of some drones , that grew weary of their taskes , or his affection to popularity is not certaine : But he begins to tax the Gouernor in the Pulpit , hee did grinde the faces of the poore , oppressing his Christian brethren with Pharoab ▪ taxes . More finding this in short time , might breed ill bloud , called the Company together and also the Minister , vrging them plainly , to tell him wherein he had deserued those hard accusations : whereupon , with an vniuersall cry they affirmed the contrary , so that Keath downe of his knees to aske him forgiuenesse . But Master More kindly tooke him vp , willing him to kneele to God , and hereafter be more modest and charitable in his speeches ; notwithstanding two other discontents so vpbraided More with that doctrine , and stood to maintaine it , he impaneled a Iury , with a great deale of seeming much adoe he would hang them being condemned , one of them with the very feare , fell into a dead Palsie ; so that the other was set at libertie , and proued after a very good labourer . Many conclusions he tried about the Sea-venture , the wracke of Sir George Somers , but he got onely for his paines but two peece of Ordnance . Hauing framed a Church of timber , it was blowne downe by a tempest , so that he built another in a more closer place with Palmeta leaues . Before this yeere was expired , the aduenterers sent them an aduiso with thirtie Passengers and good prouisions , to prepare with all expedition for their defence against the Spaniard , whom they vnderstood ere long would visit them : This occasioned him to keepe all his men together in that I le so hard at worke , that wanting libertie to goe abroad for food , liuing onely on that they had , and expected daily to receiue from England , they were so ouer-toiled , many fell sicke , but none died . Very earnest this ship was to haue all the Amber-greece , which M. More perceiuing , was the chiefest cause of their comming , and that it was the onely loadstone to draw from England still more supplies ; for all the expresse command sent from the Company , he returned this ship but with the one third part ; so from thence she went to Virginia , and not long after arriued safely in England . But before her returne the Company sent the Martha with sixtie Passengers more ▪ they arriued in Iune with one Master Bartlet to suruey the Iland , and the estate of the Colonie , with expresse command for all the Amber-greece : but More perceiuing him not as he would haue him , and that the Company began to mistrust him , would send no more but another third part , wherewith they returned , leauing a French-man to make triall of the Mulberies for Silke , but he did not bring any thing to perfection ; excusing himselfe , they were not the right Mulberies he expected . About this time they were in hope of a small crop of Tobacco , but it was most spoiled for want of knowledge to vse it . Now in England Master More became amongst the Merchants maruelous distastfull , for the detaining so long the Amber-greece ; which delaies they so much abhorred , they forthwith dispatched the Elizabeth the second time and forty Passengers , much rebuking More for so long detaining the Amber-greece : for the which , hauing now no more colourable excuses , he deliuered it , wherewith the ship went to Virginia , & thence home . In this ship was brought the first Potato roots , which flourished exceedingly for a time , till by negligence they were almost lost ( all but two cast-away roots ) that so wonderfully haue increased , they are a maine releefe to all the Inhabitants . This ship was not long gone but there came two Spanish ships , founding with their Boat , which attempted to come in : but from the Kings Castle Master More made but two shot , which caused them presently depart . Marke here the handy worke of the diuine prouidence , for they had but three quarters of a barrell of powder , and but one shot more , and the powder by carelesnesse was tumbled downe vnder the mussels of the two peeces , were discharged , yet not touched with fire when they were discharged . This feare thus past , appeares another much worse , which was the extremity of famine ; in this extemity God sent Captaine Daniel Elfrid with a caruell of meale which a little relieued them , but brought withall so many Rats , that within two yeeres after neere ruined all ; now though Elfrid had deceiued his friend Fisher of this Caruell in the West . Indies , they reuenged Fishers iniury , for Elfrid had his passage for England , and they made vse of all he had . Some two moneths after , came in the Blessing with an hundred Passengers ; and two daies after the Starre with a hundred and foure score more , amongst which were many Gentlemen , as Master Lower for Marshall , Master Barret , Master Felgate , and diuers others ; but very vnproper for what they vndertooke . Within foureteene daies after came in the Margaret and two Frygats , and in them one hundred and threescore Passengers ; also Master Bartlet came now expresly to diuide the Country into Tribes , and the Tribes into shares . But Master More finding no mention made of any part for himselfe nor all them with him , as he was promised in England , by no meanes would admit of any diuision , nor suffer his men from finishing their fortifications , which was so necessary , it was his maine ambition to see that accomplished ; but such vnkindnesse grew betwixt this Master Bartlet and the Gouernour , that the rude multitude with all the disdaine they could deuise caused Bartlet returne for England as he came . About this time William Millington was drawne into the Sea by a fish , but neuer after euer seene . The neglect of this diuision was very hardly conceited in England , so that Master More grew more and more in dislike with the company ; notwithstanding he followed the building of these Forts so earnestly , neglecting planting of Corne , till their store was neere all consumed , whereby they became so feeble and weake , some would not , others could not goe abroad to seeke releefe , but statued in their houses , and many that went abroad , through weaknesse were subiect to be suddenly surprized with a disease called the Feauges , which was neither paine nor sicknesse , but as it were the highest degree of weaknesse , depriuing them of power and ability from the execution of any bodily exercises , whether it were working , walking , or what else : being thus taken , if any presently gaue them food , many times they straight recouered , yet some after a little rest would bee able to walke , but if they found not present succour , died . About this time or immediatly before , came in a company of Rauens , which continued amongst them all the time of this mortality and then departed , which for any thing knowne , neither before nor since were euer seene or heard of : this with diuers other reasons caused Master More to goe out to Sea , to see if he could discouer any other Ilands , but he went not farre ere ill weather forced him backe ; and it were a noble aduenture of him would vndertake to make more perfect all the dangers are about the Summer Iles. Thus famine and misery caused Gouernour More leaue all his workes , and send them abroad to get what they could ; one hundred and fifty of the most weake and sicke he sent to Coupers I le , where were such infinite numbers of the Birds called Cahowes , which were so fearelesse they might take so many as they would , and that admired abundance of fish , that the extremity of their hunger , and their gluttony was such , those heauenly blessings they so consumed and wasted by careles●●sse and surfetting , many of them died vpon those silly Birds that offered themselues to the slaughter , which the Gouernour vnderstanding , caused them for change of aire to be remoued to Port-royall , and a Company of Fishers with a Boat to releeue them with fish , but the Gange grew so lazie the poore weaklings still died ; they that remained killed the Cattle they found in the I le , faining the heat caused them to runne into the Sea and so were drowned ; so that the Gouernour sent againe for them home , but some obtained leaue still to liue abroad ; one amongst the rest hid himselfe in the Woods , and liued onely on Wilkes and land Crabs , sat and lusty many moneths , but most of them being at Saint Georges , ordinarily was taken one hundred and fifty or two hundred great fishes daily for their food ; for want of hookes and lines , the Smith made hookes of old swords , and lines of old ropes , but finding all those poore Engines also decay , they sent one of the two Frigats last left with them for England , to tell them of this misery . All which was now attributed to Master Mores peruersnesse , who at first when he got the Amber-Greece had not such a generall applause , but now all the worst could possibly be suggested was too good for him ; yet not knowing for the present how to send a better , they let him continue still , though his time was neere expired , and with all speed sent the Welcome fraught with prouision , where shee well arriued , and proued her selfe as welcome in deed as in name ; for all those extremities , Master Lewes Hues writeth , not one of all those threescore that first beganne this Plantation was dead , which shewes it was not impossible , but industry might haue preuented a great part of the others sluggish carelesnesse . This ship much refreshed this miserable Colony , but Master More seeing they sent not for him , his time being now expired , vnderstanding how badly they reputed him in England , and that his imploiment now was more for their owne ends then any good for himselfe , resolued directly to returne with this ship . Hauing setled all things in the best order he could , left the gouernment to the charge of the counsell of six to succeed each other monethly , till they had further directions from England ; whose names were Captaine Miles Kendall , Captaine Iohn Mansfield , Thomas Knight , Charles Caldycot , Edward Waters , and Christopher Carter , with twelue others for their assistances . More thus taking leaue of those Ilands , arriued in England , much wrangling they had , but at last they confirmed him according to promise eight shares of Land , and so he was dismissed of his charge , with shew of fauour and much friendship . The rule of the six Gouernors . THE first thing they did was casting of lots , who should rule first , which lot lighted vpon Master Caldicot . This last supply somewhat abated the extremitie of their miseries , and the better in that their fortifications being finished , they had the more leasure to goe abroad with that meanes was brought to that purpose to fish . Chard as you haue heard , whom all this while More had kept Prisoner , they set at libertie : now by reason of their former miseries , little or nothing could be done ; yet this Gouernor hauing thus concluded his moneth , and prepared a Frigot and two and thirtie men , hee imbarked himselfe with two other of his fellow counsellers ; namely , Knight and Waters for the West-Indies , to get Fruits and Plants , Goats , young Cattle , and such like . But this poore vessell , whether through ill weather , or want of Mariners , or both , in stead of the Indies fell with the Canaries , where taking a poore Portugall ▪ the which they manned with ten of their owne people , as soone after separated from her in a storme , & the next day was taken by a French Pickaroune , so that the Frigot out of hope of her prize , makes a second time for the West-Indies , where she no sooner arriued , but foundred in the sea ; but the men in their Boat recouered a desolate ile , where after some few moneths stay , an English Pyrat tooke them in , and some of them at last got for England , and some few yeares after returned to the Somer Iles. Captaine Iohn Mansfield his moneth . THE Frigot thus gone , Captaine Mansfield succeeded . Then was contriued a petition , as from the generalitie , vnto the triumuirat Gouernors ; wherein they supplicated , that by no meanes they should resigne the gouernment to any should come from England , vpon what tearmes soeuer , vntill six moneths after the returne of their ship sent to the West-Indies : about this vnwarrantable action , M●ster Lewes Hues their Preacher was so violent in suppressing it , that such discontents grew betwixt the Gouernors and him , and diuisions among the Company , he was arraigned , condemned , and imprisoned , but not long detained before released . Then the matter fell so hotly againe to be disputed betwixt him and one Master Keath a Scotch-man , that professed schollership , that made all the people in a great combustion : much adoe there was , till at last as they sate in the Church and ready to proceed to a iudiciary course against Master Hues , suddenly such an extreme gust of wind and weather so ruffled in the trees and Church ; some cried out , A miracle ; others , it was but an accident common in those Iles , but the noise was so terrible it dissolued the assembly ▪ notwithstanding , Master Hues was againe imprisoned , and as suddenly discharged ; but those factions were so confused , and their relations so variable , that such vnnecessary circumstances were better omitted then any more disputed . This mans moneth thus ended , begins Master Carter , which was altogether spent in quietnesse , and then Captaine Miles Kendall had the rule , whose moneth was also as quietly spent as his Predecessors . Then Captaine Mansfield begins his second moneth , when the ship called the Edwin arriued with good supplies . About this time diuers Boats going to sea were lost , and some men drowned ; and many of the Company repaired to Master Hues , that there might bee a Councell according to Master Mores order of six Gouernours , and twelue Assistants ; whereupon grew as many more such silly brawles as before , which at last concluded with as simple a reconciliation . In the interim happened to a certaine number of priuate persons as miserable and lamentable an accident , as euer was read or heard of , and thus it was : In the month of March , a time most subiect of all others to such tempests ; on a Friday there went seuen men in a boat of two or three runnes to fish . The morning being faire , so eager they were of their iourney , some went fasting : neither carried they either meat or drinke with them , but a few Palmeta berries , but being at their fishing place some foure leagues from the shoare , such a tempest arose , they were quickly driuen from the sight of land in an ouergrowne Sea , despairing of all hope , onely committing themselues to Gods mercy , set the boat driue which way shee would . On Sunday the storme being somewhat abated , they hoysed saile as they thought towards the Island . In the euening it grew starke calme ; to that being too weake to vse their oares , they lay a drift that night . The next morning Andrew Hilliard , for now all his companions were past strength either to helpe him or themselues : before a small gale of wind spred his saile againe . On Tuesday one died , whom they threw ouer board . On Wednesday three . And on Thursday at night the sixt . All these but the last were buried by Hilliard in the Sea , for so weake hee was growne hee could not turne him ouer as the rest , whereupon hee stripped him , ripping his belly with his knife , throwing his bowels into the water , hee spread his body abroad tilted open with a sticke , and so lets it lie as a cisterne to receiue some lucky raine-water , and this God sent h●m presently after , so that in one small shoure hee recouered about foure spoonefuls of raine water to his vnspeakeable refreshment ; he also preserued neere halfe a pint of blood in a shooe , which he did sparingly drinke of to moist his mouth : two seuerall dates he fed on his flesh , to the quantity of a pound , on the eleuenth day from his losing the sight of land , two flying fishes fals in his boat , whose warme iucie blood hee sucked to his great comfort . But within an houre after to his greater comfort you will not doubt , he once againe descried the land , and within foure houres after was cast vpon a rocke neere to Port royall , where his boat was presently split in pieces , but himselfe , though exreamly weake , made shift to clamber vp so steepe and high a rocke , as would haue troubled the ablest man in the I le to haue done that by day hee did by night . Being thus astride on a rocke , the tumbling Sea had gotten such poss●ssion in his braines , that a good while it was before his giddy head would suffer him to venture vpon the forsaking it : towards the morning he craules a shore , and then to his accomplished ioy descernes where hee is , and trauels halfe a day without any refreshment then water , whereof wisely and temperately he stinted himselfe , otherwise certainely hee had drunke his last . In which case hee attaines a friends house : where at the first they tooke him for a ghost , but at last acknowledged and receiued him with ioy , his story after some houres of recouery of strength to tell it , heard out with admiration : he was not long after conueyed to the towne , where he receiued his former health , and was liuing in the yeere 1622. The next newes that happened in this time of ease , was , that a merry fellow hauing found some few Dollars against the Flemish wracke , the bruit went currant the treasure was found , and they all made men . Much adoe there was to preuent the purloining of it , before they had it : vvhere after they had tyred themselues vvith searching , that they found , amounted not to aboue twenty pounds starling , vvhich is not vnlike but to be the remainder of some greater store , washed from some wracke not farre from the shore . The company by the Edwin receiuing newes of the reuels vvere kept in Sommer Iles , resolued to make choice of a new Gouernour , called Master Daniel Tuckar , that a long time had bin a planter in Virginia in the gouernment of Captaine Smith . All things being furnished for his voyage ; hee set saile in the George , consorted vvith the Edwin , with many passengers , which being discouered by them in those Iles , they supposed them the Frigot sent to the West Indies ; but when they vnderstood vvhat they vvere , much preparation they made to resist the new Gouernour . Many great ostentations appeared on both sides , but vvhen the quondam Gouernour did see his men for most part forsake him ; all was very well and quietly compounded , and with much kindnesse receiued and welcomed a shore , where his Commission was no sooner read , then they accepted and acknowledged him for their Gouernour . The Gouernment of Captaine Daniel Tuckar . ABout the mistd of May arriued this Gouernor , where finding the Inhabitants both abhorring all exacted labour , as also in a manner disdaining and grudging much to be commanded by him ; it could not but passionate any man liuing . But at last according to the Virginia order , hee set euery one was with him at Saint Georges , to his taske , to cleere grounds , fell trees , set corne , square timber , plant vines and other fruits brought out of England . These by their taske Masters by breake a day repaired to the wharfe , from thence to be imployed to the place of their imployment , till nine of the clocke , and then in the after-noone from three till Sunne-set . Beside meat , drinke and cloaths , they had for a time a certaine kinde of brasse money with a hogge on the one side , in memory of the abundance of hogges was found at their first landing . This course thus squared , imitating diuers orders vsed in Virginia , by Sir Tho. Dale : he began by them to looke into his instructions giuen by the Company . Whereupon by one Mr. Richard Norwood a Suruayor , sent ouer for that purpose , in the time of Master Moore , hee began to lay out the eight tribes in the maine , which were to consist of fifty shares to a tribe ; and twenty fiue acers to euery share . He also began to plant some Colony men , on some of the especiall shares . He swore also certaine of the chiefe men of euery tribe to bee Bailiffes thereof ; and appointed as many men as hee was able for all supplied shares . The goods landed in the store houses hee sent from thence , and dispersed it to his workemen in generall : some Boats also began to be builded ; but the pinace called the Thomas suspected might make an escape , was laid vp in a docke , were shee yet remaineth . In the beginning of the second moneth of his gouernment , he directed warrants to all the Bailiffes , for the holding of a generall Assise at Saint Georges , and appointed Master Stokes Lieutenant of the Kings Castle at the Gurnets head . The Edwin came with him he sent to the West Indies by directions from England , to trade with the natiues , for cattell , corne , plants , and other commodities . A course of great importance , which had it been pursued , would certainly haue produced more hopefull effects for the good of the Colony , then all the supplies and Magazines from England hath or will in a long time . Presently after her departure began the Assises , executed by his Deputy . The chiefe matter handled was the hanging one Iohn Wood a French man , for speaking many distastefull and mutinous speeches against the Gouernour , to shew the rest by that example , the power of his authority , which after with his owne hands he so oft executed with a bastinado amongst the poorer sort ; many tearmed it a cruelty , not much lesse then tyranny : but the sequell is more then strange . So it was that fiue of them , seeing by no meanes they could get passage for England , resolued to vndergoe all hazards but they would make an escape from such seruitude . The chiefe mariner and plotter of this businesse , was Richard Sanders and his confederates , William Goodwin a ship Carpenter , Thomas Harison a Ioyner , Iames Barker a Gentleman , and Henry Puet . These repairing to the Gouernour , and with pleasing insinuations told him , if hee would allow them but things necessary , they would build him a boat of two or three tunnes , with a close decke , should goe a fishing all weathers . The Gouernour halfe proud that hee had brought his men to so good a passe , as he conceiued , to offer themselues to so necessary a worke ; instantly with all willingnesse furnished them with all things they could desire , and many faire promises to incourage them to performe it with all expedition . Hauing made choise of a place most fit from molestation , they went forward with that expedition , that in a short time shee was brought to perfection . By this time , the ship that brought the Gouernour , being ready to depart , hee sends a lusty gange to goe fetch his new boat to carry him aboard , but arriuing at the place where she was built , they could heare no more of her , but she was gone the last euening to Sea , to try how shee would saile . Much search and dispute was where this boat should be : but at last they found diuers letters in the cabbins , to this effect , directed to the Gouernour , and other their friends : that their hard and bad vsage was so intolerable , and their hope so small euer againe to see their Countrey , or be deliuered from such seruitude , they did rather chuse to put themselues to that desperate hazard to goe for England , in which if they miscaried , as it was much to be mistrusted , their liues and bloods should be required at their hands was the cause . A compasse Diall Barker had borrowed of Master Hues , to whom he writ that as hee had oft perswaded them to patience , and that God would pay them though none did : hee must now bee contented with the losse of his Diall , with his owne doctrine . Such leasure they found to bee merry when in the eye of reason they were marching into a most certaine ruine . The Gouernour being thus satisfied of their escape , extreamly threatned them no lesse then a hanging , but the stormes of the Ocean they now more feared then him ; good prouision by bartering they had got from the ship , where Goodwin in a brauado told the Mariners , though he could not be permitted to goe with them , yet peraduenture hee might be in England before them , whereat the Master and his Mate laughed merrily . But hauing beene now vnder saile three weekes , the winds so fauoured them , they felt nothing of what they had cause to feare : then a blustering gale blowing in their teeth , put them to much extremity for diuers dayes , then becomming more gentle away they past prosperously some eight or ten dayes more , till meeting a French Piccaroune of whom they desired succour , hee like himselfe tooke from them what hee liked , leauing them not so much as a crosse-staffe to obserue withall , and so cast them off : their course still they continued till their victuall began to fall to the lowest ebbe ; and the very knees of their small vessell were halfe hewed away for fire wood . At last to their infinit ioy they arriued in Ireland , where the Earle of Tomund honorably entertained them , and caused the boat to be hung vp for a Monument , and well she might , for shee had sailed more then 3300. miles by a right line thorow the maine Sea , without any sight of land , and I thinke since God made the world , the like nauigation was neuer done , nor heard of . This fortunate Sanders going to the East Indies , in the rifling some ships there tooke , it was his chance to buy an old chest , for three or foure shillings , but because it wanted a key hee repented his bargaine , and would gladly haue sold it againe for lesse . A certaine time it lay tossed to and fro as a thing hee little regarded , but at last hauing little to doe , hee broke it open , where he found a thousand pounds starling , or so much gold as bought him in England a good estate , which leauing with his wife he returned againe to the East Indies . The George setting saile three dayes after this escape , the Gouernour seazed and confiscated all that those fugitiues left behinde them . Within a weeke after returned the Edwin from the West Indies , furnished with figges , pynes , sugar-canes , plantaines , papanes and diuers other plants , which were presently replanted , and since increased into greater numbers , also an Indian and a Negar , and so much ligna vitae as defrayed all the charge . The Gouernor thus busied amongst his plants , making hedges of Figtrees , and Pomgranets , and seuerall diuisions by Palizadoes for the defence of their guarding and keeping their cattell , for in such husbandry qualities he well deserued great commendations . The Aduenturers to supply him sent with all speed they could the Hopewell , a small Barke , but an excellent sailer , and in her one Captaine Powell an excellent Mariner , and well acquainted in the Indies where he was to goe trade , after he had landed his passengers in the Summer Iles : but in his iourney at the Westerne Iles meeting a Brasile man , hee liked the suger and passengers so well , hee mand the Caruill with his owne men , and continued his course , but bethinking himself how this would be entertained at the Summer Iles , hee found such doubts , hee went directly for the West Indies to take time to resolue what to doe : arriuing there hee met a French rouer , one euery way as cunning as himselfe , but much more trecherous . A great league of kindnesse is soone made betweene them , vpon confidence whereof , Powell and some of the chiefe with him being inuited aboord him , is easily entised , and in the midst of their cups both hee and his company treacherously made prisoners ; and thus was forced to giue him their prise , or hang at the yards arme with all his company . Hauing set them a shore , away goes the French man ; Powels ship being but hard by , presently fetcht them all a boord , but finding his victuall neere spent , and no hope at all to recouer his prize , set his Portugales on shore , and set saile for the Summer Iles ; where safely arriuing , hee declared the whole passage to the Gouernour , lest some other in telling might make it worse , of which the Gouernour seemed well enough to approue . This Gouernour still spent his time in good husbandry , although some of the snarling sort here in England , whom nothing will please , writ to him hee was fitter to be a Gardiner then a Gouernour : some time he spent in digging of a great pond , but that worke proued altogether vnprofitable : about that time was held the second Assise . The greatest matter passed , was a Proclamatiō against the spoile of Cahowes , but it came too late , for they were most destroyed before : a platforme hee caused to be erected by Pagits Fort , where a good Fort were very necessary . Captaine Powell not hauing performed his seruice in the West Indies , he conditioned with the Company , is sent thither againe by this Gouernour , and thirteene or fourteene of his best men , furnished with all things necessary . In the meane time the Company vnderstanding , that in Ianuary , February and March , there are many Whales , for which fishing they sent the Neptune , a tall ship well prouided with euery thing fitting for that purpose . But before she arriued , Captaine Tuckar , who had brought also with him most prouisions for that imploiment , sent three good Shalops to try what could be done , but whether it was the swiftnes of the Whale in swimming , or the condition of the place , certaine it is for all their labour and hazard , they could kill none , though they strucke many . To begin his second yeere , he called the third Assise , where diuers were punished as their faults deserued : three were condemned to die ; two were repriued , but the third was hanged : the next day there was also a leuy for the repairing two Forts ; but that labour tooke not such effect as was intended , for want of good directions . But the great God of heauen being angry at somewhat happened in those proceedings , caused such an increase of silly rats , in the space of two yeeres so to abound , before they regarded them , that they filled not onely those places where they were first landed , but swimming from place to place , spread themselues into all parts of the Countrey , insomuch that there was no Iland but it was pestered with them ; and some fishes haue beene taken with rats in their bellies , which they caught in swimming from I le to I le : their nests they had almost in euery tree , and in most places their burrowes in the ground like conies : they spared not the fruits of the plants , or trees , nor the very plants themselues , but are them vp . When they had set their corne , the rats would come by troupes in the night and scratch it out of the ground . If by diligent watch any escaped till it came to earing , it should then very hardly escape them : and they became noysome euen to the very persons of men . They vsed all the diligence they could for the destroying of them , nourishing cats both wilde and tame , for that purpose ; they vsed rats-bane , and many times set fire on the woods , that oft ran halfe a mile before it was extinct ; euery man was enioyned to set twelue traps , and some of their owne accord haue set neere an hundred , which they euer visited twice or thrice in a night ; they also trained vp their dogges to hunt them , wherein they became so expert , that a good dog in two or three houres would kil forty or fity . Many other deuices they vsed to destroy them , but could not preuaile , finding them still increasing against them : nay they so deuoured the fruits of the earth , that they were destitute of bread for a yeere or two ; so that when they had it afterwards , they were so wained from it , they easily neglected to eat it with their meat . Besides they endeuoured so much for the planting Tobacco for present gaine , that they neglected many things might more haue preuailed for their good , which caused amongst them much weaknesse and mortality , since the beginning of this vermine . At last it pleased God , but by what meanes it is not well knowne , to take them away ; in so much that the wilde cats and many dogs which liued on them , were famished , and many of them leauing the woods , came downe to their houses , and to such places where they vse to garbish their fish , and became tame . Some haue attributed the destruction of them the to encrease of wild cats , but that is not likely they should be so suddenly encreased rather at that time , then foure yeeres before ; and the chiefe occasion of this supposition was , because they saw some companies of them leaue the woods , and slew themselues for want of food . Others by the coldnesse of winter , which notwithstanding is neuer so great there , as with vs in March , except it be in the wind : besides the rats wanted not the fethers of young birds and chickins , which they daily killed , and Palmeta mosse to build themselues warme nests out of the wind , as vsually they did ; neither doth it appeare that the cold was so mortall to them , seeing they would ordinarily swimme from place to place , and bee very fat euen in the midst of winter . It remaineth then , that as God doth sometimes effect his will without subordinate and secondary causes , so wee need not doubt , but that in the speedy encrease of this vermine ; as also by the preseruation of so many of them by such weake meanes as they then enioyed , and especially in the so sudden remouall of this great annoyance , there was ioyned with and besides the ordinary and manifest meanes , a more mediate and secret worke of God. About this time Henry Long , with seuen others in an extreame storme were cast away , but three of them escaped . One of them being asked what hee thought in the worst of that extremity , answered , he thought nothing but gallowes claime thy right , and it seemes God well heard his prayer , and rewarded his ingratitude ; for he was hanged within halfe a yeere after . In that March also fiue men went to Sea , but as yet was neuer heard of , and three more drowned in a boat . By Hilliards house grew a very faire Cedar , which by a thunder clap was rent almost to small shiuers , and a man stood by him , and Samuel Tanton , most fearfully blasted , yet neither they , the house , not a little childe , yet a paire of racks in the house was all torne to fitters . The Neptune not long after arriuing to fish for whale , her fortune proued no better then the Gouernours , yet some are of opinion , profit might be made by them . In May they discried foure saile , so that manning all their Forts , they stood two daies in Armes , expecting what they were ; at last they found it Master Powell returned from the West-Indies in the Hopewell , where missing such trade as he expected , these three Frigots comming in his way , he could not chuse but take them ; Meale , Hides and Munition was their lading : Faire weather the Gouernor made with Powell , till he had got all the goods into his owne possession , and then called Powell to a strict account for doing such an vnwarrantable act ; much a doe then was betwixt the taker and receiuer ; but Powell was glad to be excused to answer it in England , leauing all hee had taken behinde him in the Iles : The Neptune also returned with him , but noble Powell lost all his pay and pillage for this yeeres worke . For which the Company sent for to Tuckar , so that he also lost his part as well as Powell : Notwithstanding , the Gouernour by this meanes being strong in shipping ▪ fitted the Caruill with twelue men , vnder the command of Edward Waters formerly spoken of , and sent them to Virginia about such businesse as hee had conceiued . Arriuing there , they obtained some goates , and and hogs , & what they could spare , and so returned for the Summer Iles ; but whether they could not finde the Iles for want of skill , or beaten off by ill weather , or the ill will they bare the Gouernor , it matters not much : But they bare vp again for Virginia , where they all remained , and would returne no more to Summer Iles. The Gouernour thinking to make some vse of the hides , set some that professed themselues Tanners , to make tryall of their skill ; but they lost their labours and spoiled the hides . Also he called another Assise cōcerning a poore fellow called Gabriel , for concealing some speeches M. Pollard and M. Rich should vse , tending to the dis-reputation of the Gouernour , and his iniustice and cruelties ; which being brought within the compasse of sedition and mutiny , though a yeere agoe ; many were called in question about it , although euery one ordinarily had spoke as much . Yet Gabriel for example sake was condemned to bee hanged , and was vpon the ladder , but reprieued . The other two M. Pollard , and M. Rich were imprisoned , but vpon better consideration , the fact appeared so small and ridiculous , vpon their submission they were pardoned , and restored to their places . The diuision of the Summer Iles into Tribes , by Master Richard Norwood , Surueyor . ACcording to the directions of the Councell and Company , as they had determined by lot , M. Norwood tooke a plot of the I le , and diuided it with as much faithfulnes as he could , assigning to euery Aduenturer his share or proportion , as namely , to lay out a large proportion , to bee called the generall land , and imployed for publike vses , as for the maintenance of the Gouernour , Ministers , Commanders of Forts , souldiers , and such like : and to this end was assigned S. Georges Iland , S. Dauids Iland , Longbridge Iland , Smiths Iland , Coopers Iland , Cony Iland , Nonesuch Iland , part of the maine , and sundry other small Iles. The rest was to be diuided into eight parts , each part to be called a tribe , and to haue his denomination of some principall person that was Aduenturer therein : and accordingly the first Tribe to bee Eastward , was then called Bedfords Tribe , now Hamiltons : the second , Smiths : Tribe the third , Cavendish , now Deuonshires : the fourth , Pembrooks : the fift , Pagits : the sixt , Mansils , now Warwicks : the seuenth , Southhampton : the eighth , Sands : in the honours of the Right honorable the Marquis Hamilton , Sir Thomas Smith , the Earle of Deuonshire , the Earle of Pembrooke , the Lord Pagit , the Earle of Warwicke , the Earle of Southhampton , and Sir Edwin Sands . Againe each of those Tribes were to bee diuided into fifty parts , called shares ; and euery Aduenturer to haue his shares in these tribes as was determined , by casting lots in England , the manner of it appeares by the Map , and more largely by his Booke of the Suruay of the Countrey , which is in the Records of the Colony . And then began this which was before as you haue heard , but as an vnsetled and confused Chaos , to receiue a disposition , forme , and order , and become indeed a Plantation . The names of the Aduenturers , and their shares in euery Tribe , according to the suruey , and the best information yet ascertained , of any of their alterations . Hamiltons Tribe . Iames L. Marquis Hamil . 6 Share . Sir Edward Harwood . 4 Share . M. Iohn Delbridge . 3 Share . M. Iohn Dike . 3 Share . M. Ellis Roberts . 2 Share . M. Robert Phips . 1 Share . M. Ralph King. 1 Share . M. Quicks assignes . 2 Share . M. William Cannig . 4 Share . M. William Cannig . 1 Share . M. William Web. 1 Share . M. Iohn Bernards assignes . 2 Share . M. Elias Roberts Iun. 1 Share . M. Iohn Gearing . 2 Share . M. Cleophas Smith . 2 Share . Robert Earle of Warwick . 4 Share . M. Thomas Couell . 3 Share . M. Greenwels assignes . 1 Share . M. Cley . 1 Share . M. Powlson . 2 Share . M. Iohn Dike . 1.1 / 2 Share . Comon land for conueniency . 25 Share . M. Iohn Dike . 1. 1 / 2 Share . M. George Thorps assignes . 1 Share . 2. Smiths Tribe . Sir Dudley Digs assignes . 2 Share . M. Richard Edwards . 2 Share . M. William Pane. 4 Share . M. Robert Smith . 2 Share . M. George Barkley assignes . 5 Share . Sir Samuel Sands . 1 Share . M. Anthony Pennistone . 4 Share . Sir Edwin Sands . 5 Share . Sir Thomas Smith . 5 Share . M. Richard More . 4 Share . M. Ad. Brumfield 2 Share . M Rob. Iohnson Alderman . 5 Share . M. Iohn Wroth. 3 Share . M. George Smith . 4 Share . 3. Deuonshire Tribe . M. Anth. Penistone . 2 Share . M. Iohn Dike . 1 Share . M. Iohn Dike . 1 Share . M. Iohn Bernards heires . 2 Shares . Robert Earle of Warwick . 2 Shares . M. Francis West . 2 Shares . Will. Lord Cavendish . 5 Shares . Will. Earle of Deuonshire . 5 Shares . M. Edw. Luckin . 5 Shares . M. Edw. Ditchfield . 1 Shares . M. Edw. Ditchfield . 4 Shares . M. Will. Nicols . 2 Shares . M. Edw. Ditchfield . 1 Shares . M. Iohn Fletcher . 2 Shares . M. Gedion Delawne . 2 Shares . M. Anth. Pennistone . 3 Shares . M. Best . 2 Shares . M. Edw. Luckin . 2 Shares . M. Richard Rogers . 2 Shares . M. Will. Palmer . 4 Shares . 4. Pembrookes Tribe . M. George Smith . 4 Shares . Gleab land . 2 Shares . M. Nicholas Hide . 1 Shares . Sir Lawrence Hide . 1 Shares . M. Thomas Iudwyn . 2 Shares . Will. Earle of Pemb. 10 Shares . M. Richard Edwards . 1 Shares . M. Harding . 1 Shares . M. Rich. Edwards . 1 Shares . M. Elias Roberts . 1 Shares . M. Rich. Edwards . 1 Shares . M. Iacobsons assignes . 1 Shares . M. Iohn Farrar . 1 Shares . M. Nicholas Farrar . 1 Shares . M. Nicholas . Farrar . 1 Shares . M. Will. Canning . 2 Shares . M. Richard Martin . 2 Shares . M. Moris Abbot . 2 Shares . M. Rich. Caswell . 1 Shares . M. Rich. Caswell . 2 Shares . M. VVill. Caswell . 1 Shares . M. Rich. Edwards . 2 Shares . M. Rich. Caswell . 1 Shares . M. Rich. Edwards . 1 Shares . M. George Sands assignes . 2 Shares . M. Will. Paine . 2 Shares . 5. Pagits Tribe . M. Iohn Chamberlaine . 5 Shares . M. Tho. Ayres , and 4 Shares . M. Rich. Wiseman . 4 Shares . M. Rich. Wiseman 1 Shares . Will. Lord Pagit . 10 Shares . M. Will. Palmer . 4 Shares . M. Bagnell . 5 Shares . M. Iohn Bale . 1 Shares . M. Wheatley . 4 Shares . M. Christop . Barron . 4 Shares . M. Iohn Wodall . 1 Shares . M. Iohn Wodall . 1 Shares . M. Lewis . 2 Shares . M. Owen Arthors assignes . 2 Shares . M. George Etheridge . 4 Shares . 〈…〉 2 Shares . Sir VVill. VVade . 1 Shares . M. Iohn Bernards heires . 1 Shares . 6. Warwicks Tribe . M. VVheatley . 2 Shares . Cap. Daniel Tuckar . 2 Shares . M. Will. Felgate . 1 Shares . Rob. Earle of Warwicke . 5 Shares . M. George Smith . 5 Shares . M. Sam. Tickner . 2 Shares . M. Francis Mevell . 1 Shares . M. Sephen Sparrow . 1 Shares . M. Ioseph Man. 5 Shares . Cap. Daniel Tuckar . 2 Shares . M. Elias More . 1 Shares . Doctor . Anth. Hunton 2 Shares . M. Francis Moverill . 1 Shares . M. Rich. Poulson 1 Shares . M. Math. Shephard . 1 Shares . M. George Tuckar . 10 Shares . M. Ch. Clitheroe . 1 Shares . M. George Swinow . 2 Shares . M. Rich. Tomlings . 1 Shares . M. Francis Meverill . 1 Shares . M. Iohn Waters . 2 Shares . M. Martin Bond. 2 Shares . 7. Southamptons Tribe . Cap. Dan. Tuckar . 4 Shares . M. Iohn Britton . 1 Shares . M. Rich. Chamberland . 3 Shares . M. Leon. Harwods assignes . 1 Shares . M. Iohn Banks . 1 Shares . Sir Nathanael Rich. 12 Shares . Rob. Earle of VVarwicke . 3 Shares . M. Richard More . 6 Shares . M. George Scot. 6 Shares . M. Edward Scot. 6 Shares . M. Antho. Abdy . 6 Shares . Hen. Earle of Southampton . 4 Shares . M. And. Broumfield . 2 Shares . M. Henry Timbed . 2 Shares . Sir Tho. Hewet . 2 Shares . M. Perce . 1 Shares . Sir Raloh Winwood . 2 Shares . 8. Sandys Tribe . M. George Barcklies heires . 5 Shares . Sir Edwin Sands . 5 Shares . M. Ierom Hidon . 10 Shares . M. Tho. Millin and 2 Shares . M. Iohn Cuffe . 2 Shares . M. Robert Chamberlaine . 2 Shares . M. Abr. Chamberlaine . 1 Shares . M. George Smith . 2 Shares . M. Robert Gore . 3 Shares . Sir. Edw. Sackvile . 1 Shares . Sir Iohn Dauers . 1 Shares . M. Robert Gore . 2 Shares . M. Iohn Delbridge . 1 Shares . M. Iohn VVroth . 1 Shares . M. Iohn VVests heires . 4 Shares . M. Richard Chamberlaine . 10 Shares . Touching the common ground in each Tribe , as also the ouer-plus , you may finde that at large in the Booke of Surueyes amongst their Records . Now though the Countrey was small , yet they could not conueniently haue beene disposed and well setled , without a true description and a suruey of it ; and againe , euery man being setled where he might constantly abide , they knew their businesse , and fitted their houshold accordingly : then they built no more Cabbens , but substantiall houses , they cleered their grounds , and planted not onely such things as would yeeld them their fruits in a few moneths , but also such as would affoord them profit within a few yeares , so that in a short time the Countrey began to aspire , and neerely approach vnto that happinesse and prosperitie , wherein now it flourisheth , &c. But to follow the History ; vpon the best plot of ground could be found , the Gouernor preuailed so much with the generalitie , they built a faire house of Cedar , which being done , he appropriated it to himselfe , which occasioned exceeding much distaste . About this time arriued the Diana with a good supply of men and prouision , and the first Magazin euer seene in those Iles ; which course is not so much commended here , as cursed and abhorred by reason of enhansements of all the Inhabitants there ; six or seuen weeks this ship staied , then hauing towards her fraught thirtie thousand weight of Tobacco ; which prouing good , and comming to a lucky Market , gaue great encouragement to the Aduenturers to goe lustily forward in their Plantation , and without such successe , there is nothing but grudging and repining . But about the appropriation of this new built house , many bad discontents grew betwixt the oppressed Colony and the Gouernor , especially betwixt him and the Minister , and Lewes , who would neither be feared with threats nor imprisonment , that their malice continued till they met in England , of which the Minister made the cause so plaiue , hee very well and honestly it seemes , discharged himselfe . Now in those times of these endlesse vnciuill broiles , two desperate men and a proper Gentlewoman got into a Boat , and thinking to make an escape to Virginia , as appeared by some Letters they left behinde them were neuer more heard on . The very next moneth after the like was attempted by six others , so desirous they were to be rid of their seruitude ; but their plot being discouered by one of their societie , they were apprehended , arraigned , and condemned to be hanged : the next day being led with halters about their neckes to the place of execution , one was hanged , and the rest repriued . The Diana arriuing well in England , for all the infinite numbers of complaints , the Tobacco did helpe to sweeten all manner of grieuances , yet it bred a distaste in the opinions of so many , they began to thinke of another Gouernor ; but for that time it was so qualified by diuers of his friends , they dispatched away the Blessing , which arriued in the Somer Iles. Though their generall Letter was faire and courteous to the Gouernor , yet by the report of the Passengers and diuers particular letters from his friends , it was assured him his cruelty and couetousnesse , for all his paines and industry was much disliked , nor was he like to enioy his house , and that land he had planted for himselfe , by the extreme oppression of the Comminalty . This caused so many ielousies to arise in his conceit , that at last he fully resolued to returne by this ship , that no sooner set saile from England , then they proceeded to the nomination of a new Gouernor . Many were presented according to the affections of those that were to giue in their voices , but it chiefely rested betwixt one Captaine Southwell , and one Mr Nathaniel Butler , where wee will leaue them a while to the consideration of the Court and Company . Now Captaine Tuckar hauing instituted Captaine Kendall one of the six Gouernors before spoken of for his substitute , returned with this ship directly for England , as well to excuse himselfe of those obiections he suspected , as to get assured him the house and land he had alotted for himselfe , lest it might otherwise be disposed of in his absence . Collected out of their Records by N. B. and the relations of M. Pollard , and diuers others . The Gouernment of Captaine Miles Kendall , Deputy for Captaine Tuckar . THE vnexpected returne of Captaine Tuckar , caused a demurre in the election of the new Gouernor ; some perswading these oft changes were so troublesome , dangerous , and chargeable , it were best to continue Captaine Kendall ; others againe stood for Captaine Tuckar , but during the time of these opinions , the Gilliflower was dispatched with a supply . Now I should haue remembred , Tuckar was no sooner out of the harbour , but he met Master Elfred in a ship called the Treasurer , sent from Virginia to trade : by her he writ to his Deputy Master Kendall , to haue a care of all things , and beware of too much acquaintance with this ship , which hee suspected was bound for the West-Indies . Notwithstanding , Elfred receiued what kindnesse the I le could afford ; he promised to reuisit them at his returne ; this done , because they would not be gouernlesse when his Deputiship was expired , there was a generall assembly , and by that Election Kendall was confirmed to succeed still Gouernor . Now they began to apply themselues to the finishing some plat-forme about Smiths Fort , and laying the foundation of a Church to be built of Cedar , till the Gillyflower arriued with some priuate letters to Kendall , how he was elected Gouernor of those Iles for three yeeres . During her stay they held their Assises , where for some few suspected facts three were condemned , and the better to terrifie the rest , led to the place of execution , but reprieued ; diuers of the rest had their faults pardoned , and the Gilliflower set saile for New found land . The loue and kindnesse , honesty and industry of this Captaine Kendall , hath beene very much commended ; by others , somewhat disliked : but an Angell in those imploiments cannot please all men , yet this consideration bred much ill bloud as well here as there , so that the Company directly concluded , Captaine Butler should with what expedition they could , goe to be their Gouernor : In the Interim they tooke the opportunitie of a ship , called the Sea-flower , bound for Virginia , and by her sent a Preacher and his Family , with diuers Passengers , and newes of a new Gouernor . This bred a great distaste amongst many , that still they should haue new officers and strangers for their Gouernors they neuer heard of , and themselues still kept there whether they would or no , without any preferment , no nor scarce any of them their inhabiting , to haue any land at all of their owne , but liue all as tenants , or as other mens poore seruants . About this time came in Captaine Kerby with a small Barke from the West-Indies , who hauing refreshed himselfe , was very kindly vsed by the Gouernor and so departed . Not long after a Dutch Frigot was cast away vpon the Westerne shore , yet by the helpe of the English they saued the men , though the ship perished amongst the Rocks . A little after one Ensigne Wood being about the loading of a peece , by thrusting a pike into the concauitie , grating vpon the shot , or somewhat about the powder , strucke fire within her and so discharged , but wounded him cruelly and blew him into the Sea , though hee was got out by some that stood by him , yet hee died of those wounds . Within two or three daies after , Captaine Elfred now comes in a second time : but of that we shall say more in the gouernment of Captaine Butler , who presently after arriued with a good supply , and was kindly entertained by Captaine Kendall and all the Colony . From a relation of Tho. Sparks , and diuers others . The Gouernment of Captaine Nathaniel Butler . CAptaine Butler being arriued the twentieth of October , 1619. some mutterings there was how to maintaine their election of Captaine Kendall , but better remembring themselues , that conceit quickly dissolued . The next day , Kendall , the Ministers , and the Counsell went aboord to salute the new Gouernor , where after they had dined with the best entertainment he could giue them ; they saw the Redout belonging to the Kings Castle by a mischance on fire , whither he repaired with all the meanes he could to quench it ; but all the platforme and cariages were consumed before their faces , and they could not helpe it . Two daies after he went vp to the Towne , had his Commission publikely read , made a short speech to the Company , and so tooke vpon him the gouernment . Then presently he began to repaire the most necessary defects : The next moneth came in the Garland , sent from England six or seuen weekes before him ; so that being seuenteene weeks in her voyage , it was so tedious and grieuous to diuers of the Fresh-water Passengers , that such a sicknesse bred amongst them , many died as well Sailers as Passengers . Hauing taken the best order he could for their releefe , passed through all the Tribes , and held his first Assise in Captaine Tuckars house at the ouer-plus . Towards the last of this moneth of Nouemb. there arose a most terrible storme or Hericano , that blew vp many great trees by the roots : the Warwick that brought the Gouernor was cast away , but the Garland rid by her , saued her selfe by cutting downe her Masts ; and not long after a second storme , no lesse violent then the first , wherein the Mount which was a frame of wood built by Master More for a Watch-tower to looke out to Sea , was blowne vp by the roots , and all that Winter crop of corne blasted : And thus was the new Gouernor welcomed . With the beginning of the new yeere he began his first peece of fortification , vpon a Rocke which flankers the Kings Castle , and finding the ship called the Treasurer starke rotten and vnseruiceable , hee tooke nine peeces of Ordinance from her to serue other vses . The Garland for want of meanes , could not make her voiage to Virginia as she was appointed ; wherefore he entertained her to returne to England , with all the Tabacco they had in the I le . It was Ianuary before she departed , in which time shee failed not much to haue beene twice cast away . But those strange and vnauoidable mischances , rather seemed to quicken the Gouernors industry then to dull it . Hauing finished the Church begun by Captaine Kendall , with an infinite toile and labour he got three peeces out of the wracke VVarwicke . Hauing an excellent Dutch Carpinter he entertained of them that were cast away in the Dutch Frigot ; he imploied him in building of Boats , whereof they were in exceeding great want . In February they discouered a tall ship beating too and againe , as it seemed by her working , being ignorant of the Coast ; some thought her a Spaniard to view their Forts , which stand most to that part she so neerely approached ; some , English ; but the most , some Dutch man of Warre : The wind blew to high , they durst not send out a Boat , though they much doubted she would be foule of their Rocks , but at last she bore vp rommy for the Sea , and we heard of her no more . That euening , a lucky fellow it should seeme he was , that found a peece of Amber-greece of eight ounces , as he had twice before , which bringing to the Gouernor , he had ready money for the one halfe , after three pound an ounce , according to their order of Court , to encourage others to looke out for more , and preuent the mischiefe insueth by concealing of it . Within a few daies after , they descried two Frigots that came close to the shore , and sent a Letter to the Gouernor , writ in Italian , that they were Hollanders had beene in the West-Indies , and desired but to arriue , refresh themselues with wood and water , and so be gone . The Gouernor forthwith sent them to vnderstand , that being there vnder his Maiestie of England to command those Iles , he was to carrie himselfe a friend to his friends , and an enemy to his enemies ; if therefore he could shew a lawfull Commission for his being honestly and nobly emploied , he and his should be kindly welcome , otherwise they were to aduenture at their perills . But his Commission was so good , he staied there two moneths , and was so well fitted with Oile & Bacon , they were all glad and happy of this Dutch Captaine Scoutans arriuall , with many thanks to their old friend Captaine Powell that had conducted him thither : the Colony being exceedingly in great want and distresse , bought the most part of it at reasonable rates , so Captaine Scoutan returned to the West-Indies , and Captaine Powell for his part in the Low-Countries . Whilest these things were in action , the Aduenturers in \ England made many a long looke for their ships ; at last the Garland brought them all the newes , but the Tobacco was so spoiled either in the leaking ship , or the making vp , it caused a great suspicion there could none was good come from those Iles ; where ( were they but perfit in the cure ) questionlesse it would be much better then a great quantitie of that they sell for Verinas , and many a thousand of it in London hath beene bought and sold by that title . The Gouernor being cleere of those distractions , falls vpon the restoring of the burnt Redoubt , where he cuts out a large new plat-forme , and mounts seuen great peece of Ordnance vpon new cariages of Cedar . Now amongst all those troubles , it was not the least to bring the two Ministers to subscribe to the Booke of Common Praier , which all the Bishops in England could not doe . Finding it high time to attempt some conformitie , bethought himselfe of the Liturgie of Garnsey and Iarse , wherein , all those particulars they so much stumbled at , were omitted . No sooner was this propounded , but it was gladly imbraced by them both , whereupon the Gouernor translated it verbatim out of French into English , and caused the eldest Minister vpon Easter day to begin the vse thereof at S. Georges towne , where himselfe , most of the Councell , Officers and Auditorie receiued the Sacrament : the which forme they continued during the time of his gouernment . Much about this time , in such a faire morning , that had inuited many Boats farre out to the Sea to fish , did rise such a Hericano that much indangered them all , so that one of them with two Boies were driuen to Sea and neuer more heard of . The Ministers thus agreed , a Proclamation was published for keeping of the Sabbath , and all the defectiue cariages he endeuoured to haue renewed , builded a small Boat of Cedar onely to goe with Ores , to be ready vpon any occasion to discouer any shipping , and tooke order euery Fort should haue the like : Also caused numbers of Cedars to be brought from diuers places in flotes , to rebuild the Mount , which with an vnspeakable toile , was raised seuen foot higher then before , and a Falcon mounted at the foot , to be alwaies discharged for a warning to all the Forts vpon the discouery of any shipping , and this he called Rich Mount. This exceeding toile and labour , hauing no Cattle but onely mens strengths , caused many petitions to the Gouernour , that all those generall works might cease till they had reaped their haruests , in that they were in great distresse for victuall ; which hee so well answered , their owne shames did cause them desist from that importunity , and voluntarily performe as much as hee required . Finding accidentally a little crosse erected in a by place , amongst a many of bushes , vnderstanding there was buried the heart and intrailes of Sir George Summers , hee resolued to haue a better memory for so worthy a Souldier , then that . So finding also a great Marble stone brought out of England , hee caused it by Masons to bee wrought handsomely and laid ouer the place , which hee inuironed with a square wall of hewen stone , Tombe like ; wherein hee caused to bee grauen this Epitaph he had composed , and fixed it vpon the Marble stone ; and thus it was , In the yeere 1611 , Noble Sir George Summers went hence to heauen ; Whos 's well tri'd worth that held him still imploid , Gaue him the knowledge of the world so wide . Hence 't was by heauens decree , that to this place He brought new guests , and name to mutuall grace . At last his soule and body being to part , He here bequeath'd his entrails and his heart . Vpon the sixt of Iune began the second Assise , that reduced them to the direct forme vsed in England . For besides the Gouernour and Councell , they haue the Bailiffes of the Tribes , in nature of the Deputy Lieutenants of the shires in England , for to them are all precepts and warrants directed , and accordingly answered and respected ; they performe also the duties of Iustices of Peace , within their limits . The subordinate Officers to these in euery tribe , are the Constables , Head-borowes , and Church-wardens ; these are the triers of the Tobacco , which if they allow not to be marchantable , is burnt : and these are the executioners of their ciuill and politicke causes . For points of warre and martiall affaires , they haue the Gouernour for Lieutenant generall , the Sergeant maior , Master of Ordinance , Captaines of Companies , Captaines of Forts , with their seuerall officers , to traine and exercise those numbers vnder their charge , in martiall discipline . Concerning their Courts for decision of right and iustice , the first , though last in constitution , is their generall assembly ; allowed by the state in England , in the nature of a Parliament , consisting of about forty persons ; viz. the Gouernour , the Counsell , the Bailiffes of the tribes , and two Burgesses of each tribe chosen by voyces in the tribe , besides such of the Clergie as the Gouernour thinkes most fit , to be held once a yeere , as you shall heare more thereof hereafter . The next Court is the Assise or Iayles of deliuerie , held twice euery yeere , in Christmas , and Whitson weeke , for all criminall offenders , and ciuill causes betwixt party and party ; as actions of debt , trespasse , battery , slander , and the like : and these are determined by a Iury of twelue men , and aboue them is also a grand Iury to examine matters of greater consequence . The last day of the Assise might also well be held a Court , for hearing the trangressions in matters of contempt , mis-behauiour towards any Magistrate , riots , seditious speakers , contemners of warrants , and such like : there are also as occasion shall require , many matters heard by the Gouernor , or his Officers , and oft iustice done in seuerall places , but those are but as daies of hearing , and as preparatiues against their Courts , &c. At this last Assize eighteene were arrained for criminall causes , a number very extraordinary considering the place ; but now occasioned by reason of the hard yeere , and the store of ill chosen new commers ; of these , some were censured to the whipping post , some burned in the hand , but two were condemned to die , yet the one was reprieued , the other hanged ; this done , euery man returned to his home : many trials they made againe about the Warwicke , but to small purpose , her Ordnance being lashed so fast they could not be vnloosed , till the ropes and decks were rotten , yet some few buttes of beare being storie they got , which though it had lien six moneths vnder water was very good , notwithstanding the next yeere they recouered fiue peeces of Ordnance . Vpon the first of August , according to the Companies instructions from England , began the generall assembly at the towne of Saint George , which was the first these Iles euer had ; consisting as is said , of the Gouernour , Councell , Bailiffes , and Burgesses , and a Secretarie to whom all bils were presented , and by him openly read in the house , also a Clerke to record the Acts , being thirty two in all ; fifteene of which being sent into England , were by a generall consent receiued and enacted , the titles whereof are these following : as for all the reasons for them , they would be too tedious to recite . The first was against the vniust sale and letting of apprentises and other seruants , and this was especially for the righting the vndertakers in England . The second , concerning the disposing of aged , diseased , and impotent persons , for it being considered how carelesse many are in preferring their friends , or sending sometimes any they can procure to goe , such vnseruiceable people should be returned back at their charge that sent them , rather then be burdensome to the poore Inhabitants in the Iles. The third , the necessary manning the Kings Castle , being the key of the I le , that a garison of twelue able men should bee there alwaies resident : and 3000. eares of corne , and 1000. pounds of Tobacco payed them by the generality yeerely , as a pension . The fourth , against the making vnmarchantable Tobacco , and Officers sworne to make true trials , & burne that was naught . The fist , inioyned the erection of certaine publike bridges , and the maintenance of them . The sixt , for a continuall supply of victuall for all the Forts , to bee preserued , till some great occasion to vse it . The seuenth was , for two fixed dayes euery yeere for the Assises . The eight , commands the making of high-waies , and prohibiting the passage ouer mens grounds and planted fields , as well to preuent the spoyling of gardens , as conueniencie to answer any alarum . The ninth , for the preseruing young tortoises and birds , that were carelesly destroyed . The tenth , prouided against vagabonds , & prohibited the entertainement of other mens seruants . The eleuenth , compelled the setting of a due quantity of corne for euery family . The twelfth , the care corne being set , enioyned the keeping vp of their poultry till it was past their reaches . The thirteenth , for the preseruation of sufficient fences , & against the selling of marked trees appointed for bounds . The fourteenth , granted to a leuy for a thousand pound weight of Tobacco , towards the payment of publike workes , as the bridges and the mount . The fifteenth , for the enioyning an acknowledgement and acception of all resident Gouernours , and the warranting him to continue , though his time be expired , till the arriuall of a legitimate successor from England , to preuent all vomeet and presumptuous elections , besides it was desired by petition in England , the new Gouernous should liue two months as a priuate man after his arriuall , if his predecessor did stay so long , the better to learne and obserue his course . And these are the contents of those fifteene Acts , applied as you may perceiue : which the lawes of England could not take notice of , because euery climate hath somewhat to it selfe in that kinde in particular ; for otherwise as it is conceiued , it had beene a high impudency and presumption to haue medled with them , or indeed with any such as these lawes , that had with such great iudgement and iustice alwaies prouided for . No sooner was this businesse ouer , but the Magazin ship is discouered , and that night came into the Harbour , but in a very weake and sickly case , hauing cast ouer board twenty or thirty of her people , and so violent was the infection , that the most part of the failers , as well as passengers , were so sicke , or dismaid , or both , that the Master confessed , had they stayed at the Sea but a weeke longer , they had all perished . There arriued with this ship diuers Gentlemen of good fashion , with their wiues and families ; but many of them crasie by the tediousnesse of the voyage : howsoeuer most of them , by the excellent salubrity of the aire , then which the world hath not a better , soone after recouered ; yet some there were that died presently after they got ashore , it being certainly the quality of the place , either to kill , or cure quickly , as the bodies are more or lesse corrupted . By this ship the Company sent a supply of ten persons for the generality , but of such bad condition that it seemed they had picked the Males out of Newgate , the Females from Bridewell : As the Gouernour found it his best course , to grant out the women to such as were so greedy of wiues , and would needs haue them for better for worse ; and the men hee placed in the Kings Castle for souldiers . But this bad , weake , sickly supply being dispersed for their best reliefe , by the much imployment of his boats in remoouing them , many of his owne men became infected , so that for some weekes , they were not able to doe him any seruice at all . Strict instructions also they brought for the planting of Sugar cane● , for which the Iland being rockie and dry , is so vnproper , that few as yet haue beene seene to prosper : yet there are others hold the contrary opinion , that there is raine so ordinarily , the Iles are so moist , as produceth all their plants in such infinit abundance : there is no great reason to suspect this , were it rightly vsed , more then the r●st . Seuenty thousand weight of Tobacco being prepared towards her fraught , she returned for England . No sooner was shee gone then came in another , sent by the Company and generalty , well conditioned , but shee failed not much to haue beene cast away amongst those dangerous & terrible rocks ; by her came also expresse command , they should entertaine no other ships , then were directly sent from the Company : this caused much grudging , and indeed a generall distraction and exclamation among the Inhabitants , to be thus constrained to buy what they wanted , and sell what they had at what price the Magazin pleased , and to debarre true men from comming to them for trade or reliefe , that were daily receiued in all the harbours in England . So long this ship stayed going for fraught and wages , the Master not caring how long he lay at that rate in a good harbour , the Gouernour was ready to send her away by Proclamation . Thus ended the first yeere of the gouernment of C. Butler . With the first of the second yeere were held the Assises , where all the Bailiffes were fined for not giuing a beginning to the building of the bridges ; there was also an order to restraine the excessiue wages all handicrafts men would haue : and that the Church-wardens should meet twice a yeere , to haue all their presentments made perfect against the Assises . The Assises done , all the ablest men were trained in their armes , and then departed to their owne homes . The towne thus cleered , he made certaine new carriages for some demy Culuerings , and a large new store-house of Cedar for the yeerely Magazines goods ; finished Warwicks Fort begun by Master More , and made a new platforme at Pagits Fort , also a faire house of lime and stone for the Townes-house . The three bridges appointed by the generall assembly , was followed with such diligence , though they were more then an hundred , or an hundred and twenty foot in length , hauing the foundation and arches in the Sea , were raised and accomplished , so that man or beast with facility might passe them . At Whitsonday was held the fourth generall Assise at Saint Georges , where were tryed twenty seuerall causes ; foure or fiue were whipped or burnt in the hand , for breaking of houses : also an order was made , that the party cast in the triall of any cause , should pay to euery of the Iurours foure pence : moreouer , that not past ten leaues at the most should grow vpon a plant of Tobacco , and that also in the making it vp , a distinction should diligently be obserued of two kinds , a better and a worse : then they built a strong stone house for the Captaine of the Kings Castle and corps du guard ; and repaired what defects they could finde in the platformes and carriages . Captaine Powell so oft mentioned , hauing beene in the West-Indies for the States of Holland , came to an anchor within shot of their Ordnance , desiring admittance for wood and water , of which hee had great need , but the Gouernor would not permit him , so he weighed and departed , whereat the company were so madded , it was not possible to constraine them to cease their exclaimations against the Companies inhihition , till they were weary with exclaming : But still for their better defence , not thinking themselues sufficiently secure , hauing finished two new plat-formes more , arriued the Magazin ship , but her Master was dead , and many of the Passengers , the rest for most part very sicke ; and withall , a strange and wonderfull report of much complaint made against the Gouernor to the Company in England , by some of them returned in the last yeeres shipping : but it was eight daies before she could get in by reason of ill weather , being forced againe to Sea ; so that time , they kept euery night continually great fires , she might see the Ile as well by night as day ; but at last she arriued , and he plainly vnderstood , he had more cause a great deale to looke for misconstruction of all his seruice then an acknowledgment , much lesse a recompence any better then his predecessors ; but it is no new thing to require the best desert with the most vildest of ingratitude . The very next daies night after the arriuall of the Magazins ship , newes was brought the Gouernor by a dismaied Messenger from Sands his Tribe , that one hundred Spaniards were landed in that part , and diuers ships discouered at Sea , whereupon he presently manned the Forts , and instantly made thitherward in person with twentie men , determining as he found cause to draw together more strength by the way . Being got thither by the breake of the next day , in stead of an enemy which he expected , he met onely with a company of poore distressed Portugals and Spaniards , who in their passage from Carthagena in the West-Indies , in consort with the Spanish fleet of Plait ; by the same storme that had indangered the Magazin ship , lost theirs vpon those terrible Rocks , being to the number of seuenty persons , were strangely preserued ; and the manner was thus . About Sunne-set their ship beating amongst the Rocks , some twenty of the Sailers got into the Boat with what treasure they could , leauing the Captaine , the Master , and all the rest to the mercy of the Sea. But a Boy not past foureteene yeares of age that leaped after to haue got into the Boat , missing that hope , it pleased God he got vpon a Chest a drift by him , whereon they report he continued two daies , and was driuen neere to the cleane contrary part of the I le , where he was taken vp neere dead , yet well recouered . All this night the ship sticking fast , the poore distressed in her the next day spying land , made a raft , and were those gaue the alarum first a shore about three of the clocke in the after noone . The morning after , about seuen of the clocke came in the Boat to a place called Mangroue Bay ; and the same day their Carpenter was driuen a shore vpon a Planke neere Hog-Bay . There was a Gentlewoman that had stood wet vp to the middle vpon the raft from the ship to the shore , being big with childe ; and although this was vpon the thirteenth of September , she tooke no hurt , and was safely deliuered of a Boy within three daies after . The best comfort could be giuen them in those extremities they had , although some of the baser sort had beene rifling some of them before the Gouernors arriuall : Also the Spanish Captaine and the chiefe with him , much complained of the treachery of his men to leaue him in that manner , yet had conueyed with them the most of the money they could come by , which he easily missed ; whereupon hee suddenly caused all them he accused , to be searched , and recouered to the value of one hundred and fortie pounds starling , which he deliuered into the Captaines hands , to be imploied in a generall purse towards their generall charge : during their stay in the Iles , some of the better sort , nine or ten weeks dieted at his owne table , the rest were billited amongst the Inhabitants at foure shillings the weeke , till they found shipping for their passage , for which they paied no more then the English paied themselues ; and for the passage of diuers of them , the Gouernor was glad to stand bound to the Master ; some others that were not able to procure such friendship , were so constrained to stay in the Iles , till by their labours they had got so much as would transport them ; and thus they were preserued , releeued , and deliuered . In the moneth insuing arriued the second ship , and she also had lost her Master , and diuers of her Passengers ; in her came two Virginian Women to be married to some would haue them , that after they were conuerted and had children , they might be sent to their Countrey and kindred to ciuilize them . Towards the end of this moneth came in the third ship with a small Magazin , hauing sold what she could , caried the rest to Virginia , and neuer did any of those Passengers complaine either of their good diet , or too good vsage at sea ; but the cleane contrary still occasioned many of those extremities . The fift of Nouember the damnable plot of the powder treason was solemnized , with Praiers , Sermons , and a great Feast , whereto the Gouernor inuited the chiefe of the Spaniards , where drinking the Kings health , it was honored with a quicke volly of small shot , which was answered from the Forts with the great Ordnance , and then againe concluded with a second volley of small shot ; neither was the afternoone without musicke and dancing , and at night many huge bone-fires of sweet wood . The Spaniards to expresse their thankfulnesse at their departure , made a deed of gift to the Gouernor of whatsoeuer he could recouer of the wracked ship ; but the ships as they went out came so dangerously vpon a Rock , that the poore Spaniards were so dismaied , swearing this place was ominous vnto them , especially the women , that desired rather to goe a shore and die howsoeuer , than aduenture any further in such a labyrinth of dangers , but at last she got cleere without danger , and well to England ; the other went to Virginia , wherein the Gouernor sent two great Chests filled with all such kinds and sorts of Fruits and Plants as their Ilands had ; as Figs , Pomgranats , Oranges , Lemons , Sugar-canes , Plantanes , Potatoes , Papawes , Cassado roots , red Pepper , the Prickell Peare , and the like . The ships thus dispatched , hee goeth into the maine , and so out to sea to the Spanish wracke . He had beene there before presently after her ruine , for neuer had ship a more sudden death , being now split in peeces all vnder water . He found small hope to recouer any thing , saue a Cable and an Anchor , and two good Sacars ; but the wind was so high hee was forced to returne , being ten miles from the shore , onely with three Murderers , which were knowne to be the same Captaine Kendall had sold to Captaine Kerby , whose ship was taken by two men of warre of Carthagena , the most of his men slaine or hanged , and he being wounded , died in the woods . Now their Pilot being at this seruice , got thus those three Murderers to their ship , and their ship thus to the Bermudas , as the Spaniards remaining related to the Gouernor and others . Hauing raised three small Bulwarkes at Southamptons Fort , with two Curtaines , and two Rauilings , which indeed is onely the true absolute peece of fortification in the Iles ; Christmas being come , and the prefixed day of the Assise ; diuers were whipped and burnt in the hand , onely three young boyes for stealing were condemned , and at the very point of hanging repriued . The Gouernour then sent his Lieutenant all ouer the maine to distribute Armes to those were found most fit to vse them , & to giue order for their randezuous , which were hanged vp in the Church . About this time it chanced a pretty secret to be discouered to preserue their corne from the fly , or weauell , which did in a manner as much hurt as the rats . For the yeere before hauing made a Proclamation that all Corne should be gathered by a certaine day , because many lazy persons ranne so after the ships to get Beere and Aquavitae , for which they will giue any thing they haue , much had beene lost for want of gathering . This yeare hauing a very faire crop , some of the Inhabitants , none of the best husbands , hastily gathered it for feare of the penaltie , threw it in great heaps into their houses vnhusked , and so let it lie foure or fiue moneths , which was thought would haue spoiled it : where the good husbands husked it , and with much labour hung it vp , where the Flies did so blow on it , they increased to so many Weauels , they generally complained of great losse ; but those good fellowes that neuer cared but from hand to mouth , made their boasts , that not a graine of theirs had beene touched nor hurt , there being no better way to preserue it then by letting it lie in its huske , and spare an infinite labour formerly had beene vsed . There were also very luckily about this time found out diuers places of fresh water , of which many of the Forts were very destitute , and the Church-wardens and Side-men were very busie in correcting the prophaners of the Sabbath , Drunkards , Gamesters , and such like . There came also from Virginia a small Barke with many thanks for the presents sent them ; much Aquauitae , Oile , Sacke and Bricks they brought in exchange of more Fruits and Plants , Ducks , Turkies and Limestone , of which she had plenty , and so returned . During the aboad of the stay of this ship , the mariage of one of the Virginia maides was consummated with a husband fit for her , attended with more then one hundred guests , and all the dainties for their dinner could be prouided ; they made also another triall to fish for Whales , but it tooke no more effect then the former : this was done by the Master of the Virginia ship that professed much skill that way , but hauing fraughted his ship with Lime-stone , with 20000. weight of Potatoes , and such things as he desired , returned for Virginia . Aprill and May were spent in building a strong new Prison , and perfecting some of the Fortifications , and by the labour of twenty men in fourteene daies was got from the Spanish wracke foure excellent good Sacres , and mounted them at the Forts . Then began the generall Assize , where not fewer then fifty ciuill , or rather vnciuill actions were handled , and twenty criminall prisoners brought to the bar ; such a multitude of such vild people were sent to this Plantation , that he thought himselfe happy his time was so neere expired : three of the foulest acts were these : the first for the rape of a married woman , which was acquitted by a senselesse Iury ; the second for buggering a Sow , and the third for Sodomy with a boy , for which they were hanged ; during the time of the imprisonment of this Buggerer of the Sow , a Dung-hill Cocke belonging to the same man did continually haunt a Pigge of his also , and to the wonder of all them that saw it who were many , did so frequently tread the Pigge as if it had beene one of his Hens , that the Pigge languished and died within a while after , and then the Cocke resorted to the very same Sow ( that this fellow was accused for ) in the very same manner ; and as an addition to all this , about the same time two Chickens were hatched , the one whereof had two heads , the other crowed very loud and lustily within twelue houres after it was out of the shell . A desperate fellow being to bee arraigned for stealing a Turky , rather then he would endure his triall , secretly conueighed himselfe to Sea in a little Boat , and neuer since was euer heard of , nor is he euer like to be , without an exceeding wonder , little lesse then a miracle . In Iune they made another triall about the Spanish wracke , and recouered another Sacre and a Murderer , also he caused to be hewed out of the maine Rocke a paire of large staires for the conuenient landing of goods and passengers , a worke much to the beauty and benefit of the towne . With twenty chosen men , and two excellent Divers , the Gouernour went himselfe to the wracke Warwick ▪ but they could recouer but one Murderer , from thence he went to the Sea-aduenture , the wracke of Sir George Summers , the hull though two or three fathomes in the water , they found vnperished and with much a doe weighed a Sacre , her sheat Anchor , diuers barres of Iron and pigs of Lead , which stood the Plantation in very great stead . Towards the end of Iuly he went to seeke for a wracke they reported lay vnder water with her hatches spiked vp , but they could not finde her , but from the Spanish wracke lay there by they weighed three faire Sacres more , and so returned through the Tribes to Saint Georges : some were also imployed to seeke out beds of Oisters for Pearle , some they found , some seed Pearle they got , but out of one little shell aboue all the rest they got about 120. small Pearle , but somewhat defectiue in their colour . The time of Captain Butlers gouernment drawing neere an end , the Colony presented vnto him diuers grieuances , to intreat him to remember to the Lords and Company in England at his returne : also they appointed two to be ioyned with him , with letters of credence to solicit in their behalfe those grieuances following : First , they were defrauded of the food of their soules : for being not fewer then one thousand and fiue hundred people , dispersed in length twenty miles , they had at that present but one Minister , nor neuer had but two , and they so shortned of their promises , that but onely for meere pity they would haue forsaken them . Secondly , neglected in the safety of their liues by wants of all sorts of munition . Thirdly , they had beene censured contrary to his Maiesties Lawes , and not allowed them the benefit of their booke as they are in England , but by Captaine Butler . Fourthly , they were frustrated of many of their couenants , and most extremely pinched and vndone by the extortion of the Magazine , for although their Tobacco was stinted but at two shillings sixpence the pound , yet they pitched their commodities at what rate they pleased . Fifthly , their fatherlesse children are left in little better condition then slaues , for if their Parents die in debt , their children are made as bondmen till the debt be discharged : these things being perfected , there grew a great question of one Heriot for plotting of factions and abusing the Gouernour , for which he was condemned to lose his eares , yet he was vsed so fauourably he lost but the part of one in all . By this time it being growne past the wonted season of the comming in of ships from England , after a generall longing and expectation , especially of the Gouernour , whose Commission being neere vpon expiration , gaue him cause to wish for a meane of deliuerance from so troublesome and thanklesse an imploiment as he had hitherto found it ; a saile is discouered , and long it was not before shee arriued in the Kings Castle-Harbour : this Barke was set out by two or three priuate men of the Company , and hauing landed her supplies , was to goe for Virginia ; by her the Gouernour receiued certaine aduertisements of the carriage and behauiour of the Spaniards , which he had reliued as you haue heard the yeere before ; that quite contrary both to his merit , their vow , and his owne expectation , they made clamours against him , the which being seconded by the Spanish Ambassadour , caused the State to fall in examination about it ; whereupon hauing fully cleared their ingratefulnesse and impudency , and being assured of the choice of a successor that was to be expected within fiue or six weekes ; hee was desirous to take the opportunity of this Barke , and to visit the Colony in Virginia in his returne for England : leauing the gouernment to Captaine Felgat , Captaine Stokes ▪ Master Lewis Hewes , Master Nedom and Master Ginner , but now his time being fully expired , and the fortifications finished , viz. The Kings Castle wherein were mounted vpon sufficient Platformes sixteene peece of Ordnances : In Charles Fort two ; In Southampton Fort fiue , betwixt which and the Castle passeth the Chanell into the Harbour , secured by three and twenty peeces of good artillery to play vpon it . In Cowpers Ile is Pembrocks Fort , where is two Peeces . The Chanell of Saint George is guarded by Smiths Fort , and Pagits Fort , in which is eleuen peece of Ordnance . Saint George towne is halfe a league within the Harbour , commanded by Warwicks Fort , where are three great Peeces , and on the Wharfe before the Gouernours house eight more , besides the warning Peece by the mount , and three in Saint Katharines ; so that in all there are ten Fortresses and two and fifty peeces of Ordnance sufficient and seruiceable : their formes and situations you may see more plainlier described in the Map ; and to defend those , he left one thousand fiue hundred persons with neere a hundred boats , and the I le well replenished with store of such fruits , prouisions and Poultry , as is formerly related ; yet for so departing and other occasions , much difference hath beene betwixt him and some of the Company , as any of his Predecessors , which I rather wish were reconciled , then to be a reporter of such vnprofitable dissentions . For Till trechery and faction , and auarice be gone , Till enuy and ambition , and backbiting be none , Till periury and idlenesse , and iniury be out , And truly till that villany the worst of all that rout ; Vnlesse those vises banisht be , what euer Forts you haue . A hundred walls together put will not haue power to saue . Master Iohn Barnard sent to be Gouernour . TO supply this place was sent by the noble aduenturers Iohn Bernard , a Gentleman both of good meanes and quality , who arriued within eight daies after Butlers departure with two ships , and about one hundred and forty passengers with armes and all sorts of munition and other prouisions sufficient . During the time of his life which was but six weekes in reforming all things he found defectiue , he shewed himselfe so iudiciall and industrious as gaue g●eat satisfaction , and did generally promise vice was in great danger to be suppressed , and vertue and the Plantation much aduanced ; but so it hapned that both he and his wife died in such short time they were both buried in one day and one graue , and Master Iohn Harrison chosen Gouernour till further order came from England . What hapned in the gouernment of Master Iohn Harrison . THey are still much troubled with a great short worme that deuours their Plants in the night , but all the day they lie hid in the ground , and though early in the morning they kill so many , they would thinke there were no more , yet the next morning you shall finde as many . The Caterpillers to their fruits are also as pernicious , and the land Crabs in some places are as thicke in their Borowes as Conies in a Warren , and doe much hurt ; besides all this , there hapned this yeere a very heauy disaster , for a ship wherein there had beene much swearing and blaspheming vsed all the voyage , and landed what she had to leaue in those Iles , iou●ally froliking in their Cups and Tobacco , by accident fired the Powder , that at the very instant blew vp the great Cabin , and some one way and some another , it is a wonder to thinke how they could bee so blowne out of the gun-roome into the Sea , where some were taken vp liuing , so pitifully burned , their liues were worse then so many deaths , some died , some liued , but eighteene were lost at this fatall blast , the ship also immediatly sunke with threescore barrels of meale sent for Virginia , and all the other prouision in her was thus lost . Now to consider how the Spaniards , French , and Dutch , haue beene lost and preserued in those inuincible Iles , yet neuer regarded them but as monuments of miseries , though at this present they all desire them ; How Sir Thomas Gates ▪ and Sir George Summers being ready to sinke in the sea were saued , what an incredible abundance of victuall they found , how it was first planted by the English , the strange increase of Rats , and their sudden departure , the fiue men came from England in a boat , the escape of Hilliard , and the rest of those accidents there hapned , a man would thinke it a tabernacle of miracles , and the worlds wonder , that from such a Paradise of admiration who would thinke should spring such wonders of afflictions as are onely fit to be sacrificed vpon the highest altars of sorrow , thus to be set vpon the highest Pinacles of content , and presently throwne downe to the lowest degree of extremity , as you see haue beene the yeerely succeedings of those Plantations ; the which to ouercome , as it is an incomparable honour , so it can be no dishonour if a man doe miscarry by vnfortunate accidents in such honourable actions , the which renowne and vertue to attaine hath caused so many attempts by diuers Nations besides ours , euen to passe through the very amazement of aduentures . Vpon the relation of this newes the Company hath sent one Captaine Woodhouse , a Gentleman of good repute and great experience in the warres , and no lesse prouident then industrious and valiant : then returned report , all goeth well there . It is too true , in the absence of the noble Treasurer , Sir Edward Sackvill , now Earle of Dorset , there haue beene such complaints betwixt the Planters and the Company , that by command the Lords appointed Sir Thomas Smith againe Treasurer , that since then according to their order of Court he is also elected , where now we must leaue them all to their good fortune and successe , till we heare further of their fortunate proceedings . FINIS . To his friend Captaine Smith , vpon his description of New-England . SIr ; your Relations I haue read : which shew , Ther 's reason I should honour them and you : And if their meaning I haue vnderstood , I dare to censure thus : Your Proiect 's good ; And may ( if follow'd ) doubtlesse quit the paine ▪ With honour , pleasure and a trebble gaine ; Beside the benefit that shall arise To make more happy our Posterities . For would we daigne to spare , though 't were no more Then what ore-fils , and surfets vs in store , To order Nature's fruitfulnesse a while In that rude Garden , you New-England stile ; With present good , ther 's hope in after-daies Thence to repaire what Time and Pride decaies In this rich Kingdome . And the spacious West Being still more with English bloud possest , The proud Iberians shall not rule those Seas , To checke our ships from sailing where they please , Nor future times make any forraine power Become so great to force a bound to Our . Much good my minde foretels would follow hence With little labour , and with lesse expence . Thriue therefore thy Designe , who ere enuy : England may ioy in England's Colony , Virginia seeke her Virgin sisters good , Be blessed in such happy neighbourhood : Or , whatsoere Fate pleaseth to permit , Be thou still honour'd for first mouing it . George Wither , è societate Lincol. To that worthy and generous Gentleman , my very good friend , Captaine Smith . MAy Fate thy Proiect prosper , that thy name May be eternized with liuing fame : Though foule Detraction Honour would peruert , And Enuie euer waits vpon desert : In spight of Pelias , when his hate lies cold , Returne as Iason with a fleece of gold . Then after-ages shall record thy praise , That a New-England to this I le didst raise : And when thou di'st ( as all that liue must die ) Thy fame liue here ; thou , with Eternity . R. Gunnell . To his worthy Captaine , the Author . OFt thou hast led , when I brought vp the Rere In bloudy wars , where thousands haue beene slaine . Then giue me leaue in this some part to beare ; And as thy seruant , here to reade my name . T is true , long time thou hast my Captaine beene In the fierce warres of Transiluania : Long ere that thou America hadst seene , Or led wast captiu'd in Virginia ; Thou that to passe the worlds foure parts dost deeme No more , then t' were to goe to bed , or drinke , And all thou yet hast done , thou dost esteeme As nothing . This doth cause me thinke That thou I 'aue seene so oft approu'd in dangers , ( And thrice captiu'd , thy valour still hath freed ) Art yet preserued , to conuert those strangers : By God thy guide I trust it is decreed . For me : I not commend but much admire Thy England yet vnknowne to passers by-her . For it will praise it selfe in spight of me ; Thou it , it thou , to all posterity . Your true friend and souldier , Ed. Robinson . To my honest Captaine , the Author . MAlignant Times ! What can be said or done , But shall be censur'd and traduc't by some ! This worthy Worke , which thou hast bought so deare , Ne thou , nor it , Detractors need to feare . Thy words by deeds so long thou hast approu'd , Of thousands know thee not thou art belou'd . And this great Plot will make thee ten times more Knowne and belou'd , than ere thou wert before . I neuer knew a Warrier yet , but thee , From wine , Tobacco , debts , dice , oaths , so free . I call thee Warrier : and I make the bolder ; For , many a Captaine now , was neuer Souldier . Some such may swell at this : but ( to their praise ) When they haue done like thee , my Muse shall raise Their due deserts to Worthies yet to come , To liue like thine ( admir'd ) till day of Doome . Your true friend , sometimes your souldier , Tho. Carlton . NEW ENGLAND The most remarqueable parts thus named by the high and mighty Prince CHARLES , Prince of great Britaine THE PORTRAICTUER OF CAPTAYNE IOHN SMITH ADMIRALL OF NEW ENGLAND . These are the Lines that shew thy Face ; but those That shew thy Grace and Glory , brighter bee : Thy Faire-Discoueries and Fowle-Overthrowes Of Salvages , much Civilliz'd by thee Best shew thy Spirit ; and to it Glory Wyn ; So , thou art Brasse without , but Golde within . If so ; in Brasse , too soft Smiths Acts to beare I fix thy Fame , to make Brasse steele out weare . Thine , as thou art Virtues , Go●●● Dauies . Heref : HONY S OIT QVI MAL Y PENSE . A Scale of Leagues Observed and described by Captayn John Smith . 1614 London Printed by Geor : Low THE SIXTH BOOKE . THE GENERALL HISTORIE OF NEW-ENGLAND . COncerning this History you are to vnderstand the Letters-Patents granted by his Maiesty in 1606. for the limitation of Virginia , did extend from 34. to 44. which was diuided in two parts ; namely , the first Colony and the second : the first was to the honourable City of London , and such as would aduenture with them to discouer and take their choice where they would , betwixt the degrees of 34. and 41. The second was appropriated to the Cities of Bristol , Exeter and Plimoth , &c. and the West parts of England , and all those that would aduenture and ioine with them , and they might make their choise any where betwixt the degrees of 38. and 44. prouided there should bee at least 100. miles distance betwixt these 2. Colonies , each of which had lawes , priuileges and authoritie , for the gouernment and aduancing their seuerall Plantations alike . Now this part of America hath formerly beene called Norumbega , Virginia , Nuskoncus , Penaquida , Cannada , and such other names as those that ranged the Coast pleased . But because it was so mountainous , rocky and full of Iles , few haue aduentured much to trouble it , but as is formerly related ; notwithstanding , that honourable Patron of vertue , Sir Iohn Popham , Lord chiefe Iustice of England , in the yeere 1606. procured meanes and men to possesse it , and sent Captaine George Popham for President , Captaine Rawley Gilbert for Admirall , Captaine Edward Harlow master of the Ordnance , Captaine Robert Dauis Sargeant-Maior , Captaine Elis Best Marshall , Master Seaman Secretary , Captaine Iames Dauis to be Captaine of the Fort , Master Gome Carew chiefe Searcher : all those were of the Councell , who with some hundred more were to stay in the Country : they set saile from Plimoth the last of May , and fell with Monahigan the eleuenth of August . At Sagadahock 9. or 10. leagues southward , they planted themselues at the mouth of a faire nauigable Riuer , but the coast all thereabouts most extreme stony and rocky : that extreme frozen Winter was so cold they could not range nor search the Country , and their prouision so small , they were glad to send all but 45. of their company backe againe : their noble President Captaine Popham died , and not long after arriued two ships well prouided of all necessaries to supply them , and some small time after another , by whom vnderstanding of the death of the Lord chiefe Iustice , and also of Sir Iohn Gilbert , whose lands there the President Rawley Gilbert was to possesse according to the aduenturers directions , finding nothing but extreme extremities , they all returned for England in the yeere 1608. and thus this Plantation was begunne and ended in one yeere , and the Country esteemed as a cold , barren , mountainous , rocky Desart . Notwithstanding , the right Honourable Henry Earle of South-hampton and those of the I le of Wight , imploied Captaine Edward Harlow to discouer an I le supposed about Cape Cod , but they found their plots had much abused them , for falling with Monahigan , they found onely Cape Cod no I le but the maine , there they detained three Saluages aboord them , called Pechmo , Monopet and Pekenimne , but Pechmo leapt ouer board , and got away ; and not long after with his consorts cut their Boat from their sterne , got her on shore , and so filled her with sand , and guarded her with Bowes and Arrowes the English lost her : not farre from thence they had three men sorely wounded with Arrowes . Anchoring at the I le of Nohone , the Saluages in their Canowes assaulted the Ship till the English Guns made them retire , yet here they tooke Sakaweston , that after he had liued many yeeres in England went a Souldier to the warres of Bohemia . At Capawo they tooke Coneconam and Epenow , but the people at Agawom vsed them kindly , so with fiue Saluages they returned for England , yet Sir Francis Popham sent diuers times one Captaine Williams to Monahigan onely to trade and make core fish , but for any Plantations there was no more speeches . For all this , as I liked Virginia well , though not their proceedings , so I desired also to see this country , and spend some time in trying what I could finde for all those ill rumors and disasters . From the relations of Captaine Edward Harlow and diuers others . In the month of Aprill 1614. at the charge of Capt. Marmaduke Roydon , Capt. George Langam , Mr. Iohn Buley and Mr. William Skelton , with two ships from London , I chanced to arriue at Monahigan an I le of America , in 434. of Northerly latitude : out plot was there to take Whales , for which we had one Samuel Cramton and diuers others expert in that faculty , & also to make trialls of a Mine of gold & copper ; if those failed , Fish and Furs were then our refuge to make our selues sauers howsoeuer : we found this Whale-fishing a costly conclusion , we saw many and spent much time in chasing them , but could not kill any . They being a kinde of Iubartes , and not the Whale that yeelds Fins and Oile as we expected ; for our gold it was rather the Masters deuice to get a voyage that proiected it , then any knowledge he had at all of any such matter ; Fish and Furs were now our guard , & by our late arriuall and long lingring about the Whale , the prime of both those seasons were past ere wee perceiued it , wee thinking that their seasons serued at all times , but we found it otherwise , for by the middest of Iune the fishing failed , yet in Iuly and August some were taken , but not sufficient to defray so great a charge as our stay required : of dry fish we made about forty thousand , of Cor-fish about seuen thousand . Whilest the Sailers fished , my selfe with eight others of them might best bee spared , ranging the Coast in a small Boat , we got for trifles neere eleuen thousand Beuer skinnes , one hundred Martins , as many Otters , and the most of them within the distance of twenty leagues : we ranged the Coast both East and West much further , but Eastward our commodities were not esteemed , they were so neere the French who afforded them better , with whom the Saluages had such commerce that only by trade they made exceeding great voyages , though they were without the limits of our precincts ; during the time we tried those conclusions , not knowing the coast , nor Saluages habitations : with these Furres , the traine Oile and Cor-fish , I returned for England in the Barke , where within six moneths after our departure from the Downes , wee safely arriued backe ; the best of this fish was sold for 5. li. the hundred , the rest by ill vsage betwixt three pounds and 50. shillings . The other ship stayed to fit her selfe for Spaine with the dry fish which was sold at Maligo at forty Rialls the Quintall , each hundred weighing two quintals and a halfe . But one Thomas Hunt the Master of this ship ( when I was gone ) thinking to preuent that intent I had to make there a Plantation , thereby to keepe this abounding Countrey still in obscuritie , that onely he and some few Merchants more might enioy wholly the benefit of the Trade , and profit of this Countrey , betraied foure and twenty of those poore Saluages aboord his ship , and most dishonestly and inhumanely for their kinde vsage of me and all our men , caried them with him to Maligo , and there for a little priuate gaine sold those silly Saluages for Rials of eight ; but this vilde act kept him euer after from any more imploiment to those parts . Now because at this time I had taken a draught of the Coast , and called it New England , yet so long he and his Consorts drowned that name with the Eccho of Cannaday , and some other ships from other parts also , that vpon this good returne the next yeere went thither , that at last I presented this Discourse with the Map , to our most gracious Prince Charles , humbly intreating his Highnesse hee would please to change their ba●barous names for such English , as posteritie might say Prince Charles was their God-father , which for your better vnderstanding both of this Discourse and the M●p , peruse this Schedule , which will plainly shew you the correspondency of the old names to the new , as his Highnesse named them . The old names . The new names . Cape Cod. Cape Iames. The Harbor at Cape Cod. Milforth hauen . Chawum . Barwick . Accomack . Plimoth . Sagoquas . Oxford . Massachusets Mount. Cheuit hills . Massachusits Riuer . Charles Riuer . Totan . Famouth . A great Bay by Cape Anne . Bristow . Cape Tragubigsanda . Cape Anne . Naembeck . Bastable . Aggawom . Southampton . Smiths Iles. Smiths Iles. Passataquack . Hull . Accominticus . Boston . Sassanows Mount. Snowdon hill . Sowocatuck . Ipswich . Bahanna . Dartmouth . A good Harbor within that Bay. Sandwich . Ancociscos Mount. Shuters hill . Ancocisco . The Base . Anmonghcawgen . Cambridge . Kenebecka . Edenborow . Sagadabock . Leth. Pemmayquid . S. Iohns towne . Segocket . Norwich . Mecadacut . Dunbarton . Pennobscot . Aberden . Nusket . Low mounds . Those being omitted I named my selfe . Monahigan . Barties Iles. Matinack . Willowbies Iles. Metinacus . Haughtons Iles. The rest of the names in the Map , are places that had no names we did know . But to continue the History succeedingly as neere with the day and yeere as may bee . Returning in the Barke as is said ; it was my ill chance to put in at Plimoth , where imparting those my purposes to diuers I thought my friends , whom as I supposed were interested in the dead Patent of this vnregarded Countrey , I was so encouraged and assured to haue the managing their authoritie in those parts during my life , and such large promises , that I ingaged my selfe to vndertake it for them . Arriuing at London , though some malicious persons suggested there was no such matter to be had in that so bad abandoned Countrey , for if there had , other could haue found it so well as I ; therefore it was to be suspected I had robbed the French men in New France or Cannada , and the Merchants see me forth seemed not to regard it , yet I found so many promised me such assistance , that I entertained Michael Cooper the Master of the Barke , that returned with me and others of the Company : how he dealt with others , or others with him , I know not ; but my publike proceeding gaue such encouragement , that it became so well apprehended by some few of the Virginia Company , as those proiects for fishing onely was so well liked , they furnished Couper with foure good ships to Sea , before they at Plimoth had made any prouision at all for me ; but onely a small Barke set out by them of the I le of Wight . Some of Plimoth , and diuers Gentlemen of the West Countrey , a little before I returned from New England , in search for a Mine of Gold about an I le called Capawuck , South-wards from the Shoules of Cape Iames , as they were informed by a Saluage called Epenew ; that hauing deluded thē as it seems thus to get home , seeing they kept him as a prisoner in his owne Countrey , and before his friends , being a man of so great a stature , he was shewed vp and downe London for money as a wonder , and it seemes of no lesse courage and authoritie , then of wit , strength , and proportion : for so well he had contriued his businesse , as many reported he intended to haue surprised the ship ; but seeing it could not be effected to his liking , before them all he leaped ouer-boord . Many shot they made at him , thinking they had slaine him , but so resolute they were to recouer his body , the master of the ship was wounded , and many of his company ; And thus they lost him , & not knowing more what to do , returned againe to England with nothing , which so had discouraged all your West Countrey men , they neither regarded much their promises , and as little either me or the Countrey , till they saw the London ships gone and me in Plimoth according to my promise , as hereafter shall be related . I must confesse I was beholden to the setters forth of the foure ships that went with Couper , in that they offered me that imploiment if I would accept it ; and I finde still my refusall incurred some of their displeasures , whose loue and fauour I exceedingly desired ; and though they doe censure me opposite to their proceedings , they shall yet still in all my words and deeds finde , it is their error , not my fault that occasions their dislike : for hauing ingaged my selfe in this businesse to the West Countrey , I had beene very dishonest to haue broke my promise , nor will I spend more time in discouery or fishing , till I may goe with a Company for a Plantation ; for I know my grounds , yet euery one to whom I tell them , or that reads this Booke , cannot put it in practise , though it may helpe any that hath seene or not seene to know much of those parts : And though they endeuour to worke me out of my owne designes , I will not much enuy their fortunes : but I would be sorry their intruding ignorance should by their defailments bring those certainties to doubtfulnesse . So that the businesse prosper I haue my desire , be it by whomsoeuer that are true subiects to our King and Countrey : the good of my Countrey is that I seeke , and there is more then enough for all , if they could be contented . New England is that part of America in the Ocean Sea , opposite to Noua Albion in the South Sea , discouered by the most memorable Sir Francis Drake in his Voyage about the world , in regard whereof this is stiled New England , being in the same latitude New France of it is Northwards , Southwards is Virginia , and all the adioyning continent with new Granado , new Spaine , new Andolosia , and the West-Indies . Now because I haue beene so oft asked such strange questions of the goodnesse and greatnesse of those spatious Tracts of Land , how they can be thus long vnknowne , or not possessed by the Spaniards , and many such like demands ; I intreat your pardons if I chance to be too plaine or tedious in relating my knowledge for plaine mens satisfaction . Florida is the next adioyning to the Indies , which vnprosperously was attempted to be planted by the French , a Countrey farre bigger then England , Scotland , France and Ireland , yet little knowne to any Christian , but by the wonderfull endeuours of Ferdinando de Soto , a valiant Spaniard , whose writings in this age is the best guide knowne to search those parts . Virginia is no Ile as many doe imagine , but part of the Continent adioyning to Florida , whose bounds may be stretched to the magnitude thereof , without offence to any Christian Inhabitant , for from the degrees of thirtie to forty eight , his Maiesty hath now enlarged his Letters Patents . The Coast extending Southwest and North-east about sixteene or seuenteene hundred miles , but to follow it aboord the shore may well be three thousand miles at the least : of which twentie miles is the most giues entrance into the Bay of Chisapeacke , where is the London Plantation , within which is a Countrey , as you may perceiue by the Map , of that little I discouered , may well suffice three hundred thousand people to inhabit : but of it , and the discoueries of Sir Ralph Laine and Master Heriot , Captaine Gosnold , and Captaine Waymouth , they haue writ so largely , that posteritie may be bettered by the fruits of their labours . But for diuers others that haue ranged those parts since , especially this Countrey now called New England , within a kenning sometimes of the shore ; some touching in one place , some in another ; I must intreat them pardon me for omitting them , or if I offend in saying , that their true descriptions were concealed , or neuer were well obserued , or died with the Authors , so that the Coast is yet still but euen as a Coast vnknowne and vndiscouered . I haue had six or seuen seuerall plots of those Northerne parts , so vnlike each to other , or resemblance of the Country , as they did me no more good then so much waste paper , though they cost me more , it may bee it was not my chance to see the best ; but lest others may be deceiued as I was , or through dangerous ignorance hazard themselues as I did , I haue drawne a Map from point to point , I le to I le , and Harbour to Harbour , with the Soundings , Sands , Rocks , and Land-markes , as I passed close aboord the shore in a little Boat ; although there bee many things to bee obserued , which the haste of other affaires did cause me to omit : for being sent more to get present Commodities , then knowledge of any discoueries for any future good , I had not power to search as I would ; yet it will serue to direct any shall goe that waies to safe Harbours and the Saluages habitations : what Merchandize and Commodities for their labours they may finde , this following discourse shall plainly demonstrate . Thus you may see of these three thousand miles , more then halfe is yet vnknowne to any purpose , no not so much as the borders of the Sea are yet certainly discouered : as for the goodnesse and true substance of the Land , we are for most part yet altogether ignorant of them , vnlesse it be those parts about the Bay of Chisapeack and Sagadahock , but onely here and there where we haue touched or seene a little , the edges of those large Dominions which doe stretch themselues into the maine , God doth know how many thousand miles , whereof we can yet no more iudge , then a stranger that saileth betwixt England and France , can describe the harbours and dangers by landing here or there in some Riuer or Bay , tell thereby the goodnesse and substance of Spaine , Italy , Germany , Bohemia , Hungaria , and the rest ; nay , there are many haue liued fortie yeeres in London , and yet haue scarce beene ten miles out of the Citie : so are there many haue beene in Virginia many yeeres , and in New England many times , that doe know little more then the place they doe inhabit , or the Port where they fished , and when they come home , they will vndertake they know all Virginia and New England , as if they were but two Parishes or little Ilands . By this you may perceiue how much they erre , that thinke euery one that hath beene in Virginia or New England , vnderstandeth or knoweth what either of them are ; Or that the Spaniards know one halfe quarter of those large Territories they possesse , no not so much as the true circumference of Terra incognita , whose large Dominions may equalize the goodnesse and greatnesse of America for any thing yet knowne . It is strange with what small power he doth range in the East-Indies , and few will vnderstand the truth of his strength in America : where hauing so much to keepe with such a pampered force , they need not greatly feare his fury in Sommer Iles , Virginia , or New England , beyond whose bounds America doth stretch many thousand miles . Into the frozen parts whereof , one Master Hutson an English Mariner , did make the greatest discouerie of any Christian I know , where hee vnfortunately was left by his cowardly Company , for his exceeding deserts , to end and die a most miserable death . For Affrica , had not the industrious Portugals ranged her vnknowne parts , who would haue sought for wealth amongst those fried Regions of blacke brutish Negars , where notwithstanding all their wealth and admirable aduentures and endeuours more then one hundred and fortie yeeres ; they know not one third part of those blacke habitations . But it is not a worke for euery one to manage such an affaire , as make a discouery and plant a Colony , it requires all the best parts of art , iudgement , courage , honesty , constancy , diligence , and industry , to doe but neere well ; some are more proper for one thing then another , and therein best to be imploied : and nothing breeds more confusion then misplacing and misimploying men in their vndertakings . Columbus , Courtes , Pitzara , Zoto , Magilanus , and the rest serued more then a Prentiship , to learne how to begin their most memorable attempts in the West-Indies , which to the wonder of all ages successefully they effected , when many hundreds of others farre aboue them in the worlds opinion , being instructed but by relation , came to shame and confusion in actions of small moment , who doubtlesse in other matters were both wise , discreet , generous and couragious . I say not this to detract any thing from their incomparable merits , but to answer those questionlesse questions , that keepe vs backe from imitating the worthinesse of their braue spirits , that aduanced themselues from poore Souldiers to great Captaines , their posterity to great Lords , their King to be one of the greatest Potentates on earth , and the fruits of their labours his greatest power , glory , and renowne . The Description of New England . THat part we call New England , is betwixt the degrees of fortie one and fortie fiue , the very meane betwixt the North pole and the line ; but that part this Discourse speaketh of , stretcheth but from Penobscot to C●pe Cod , some seuentie fiue leagues by a right line distant each from other ; within which bounds I haue seene at least fortie seuerall habitations vpon the Sea Coast , and sounded about fiue and twentie excellent good Harbours , in many whereof there is anchorage for fiue hundred saile of ships of any burden ; in some of them for one thousand , and more then two hundred Iles ouer-growne with good Timber of diuers sorts of wood , which doe make so many Harbours , as required a longer time then I had to be well obserued . The principall habitation Northward we were at , was Pennobscot : Southward along the Coast and vp the Riuers , we found Mecadacut , Segocket , Pemaquid , Nuscoucus , Sagadahock , Aumoughcowgen , and Kenebeke ; and to those Countries belong the people of Segotago , Paghhuntanuck , Pocopassum ▪ Taughtanakagnet , Warbigganus , Nassaque , Masherosqueck , Wawrigweck , Mos●oquen , Wakcogo , Pasharanack , &c. To these are alied in confederacy , the Countries of Ancocisco , Accomynticus , Passataquack , Aggawom , and Naemkeck : All these for any thing I could perceiue , differ little in language , fashion , or gouernment , though most of them be Lords of themselues , yet they hold the Bashabes of Penobscot , the chiefe and greatest amongst them . The next I can remember by name , are Mattahunts , two pleasant Iles of Groues , Gardens , and Corne fields a league in the Sea from the maine : Then Totant , Massachuset , Topent , Secassaw , Totheet , Nasnocomacack , Accomack , Chawum , Patuxet , Massasoyts , Pakanokick : then Cape Cod , by which is Pawmet and the I le Nawset , of the language and aliance of them of Chawum ; the others are called Massachusets , and differ somewhat in language , custome , and condition : for their Trade and Merchandize , to each of their principall families or habitations , they haue diuers Townes and people belonging , and by their relations and descriptions , more then twentie seuerall habitations and riuers that stretch themselues farre into the Countrey , euen to the Borders of diuers great Lakes , where they kill and take most of their Otters , from Pennobscot to Sagadaboc . This Coast is mountainous , and Iles of huge Rockes , but ouer-growne for most part , with most sorts of excellent good woods , for building Houses , Boats , Barks or Ships , with an incredible abundance of most sorts of Fish , much Fowle , and sundry sorts of good Fruits for mans vse . Betwixt Sagadahock , & Sowocatuck , there is but two or three Sandy Bayes , but betwixt that and Cape Iames very many : especially the Coast of the Massachusets is so indifferently mixed with high Clay or Sandy clifts in one place , and the tracts of large long ledges of diuers sorts , and Quaries of stones in other places , so strangely diuided with tinctured veines of diuers colours : as Free-stone for building , Slate for tyling , smooth stone to make Furnasses and Forges for Glasse and Iron , and Iron Ore sufficient conueniently to melt in them ; but the most part so resembleth the Coast of Deuonshire , I thinke most of the clifts would make such Lime-stone : if they bee not of these qualities , they are so like they may deceiue a better iudgement then mine : all which are so neere adioyning to those other aduantages I obserued in these parts , that if the Ore proue as good Iron and Steele in those parts as I know it is within the bounds of the Countrey , I dare ingage my head ( hauing but men skilfull to worke the Simples there growing ) to haue all things belonging to the building and rigging of ships of any proportion and good Merchandise for their fraught , within a square of ten or foureteene leagues , and it were no hard matter to proue it within a lesse limitation . And surely by reason of those sandy clifts , and clifts of rocks , both which we saw so planted with Gardens and Corne fields , and so well inhabited with a goodly , strong , and well proportioned people , besides the greatnesse of the Timber growing on them , the greatnesse of the Fish , and the moderate temper of the aire ( for of fiue and forty not a man was sicke , but two that were many yeares diseased before they went , notwithstanding our bad lodging and accidentall diet ) who can but approue this a most excellent place , both for health and fertilitie : and of all the foure parts of the world I haue yet seene not inhabited , could I haue but means to transport a Colony , I would rather liue here then any where , and if it did not maintaine it selfe , were we but once indifferently well fitted , let vs starue . The maine staple from hence to bee extracted for the present , to produce the rest , is Fish , which howbeit may seeme a meane and a base Commoditie ; yet who will but truly take the paines and consider the sequell , I thinke will allow it well worth the labour . It is strange to see , what great aduentures the hopes of setting forth men of warre to rob the industrious innocent would procure , or such massie promises in grosse , though more are choaked then well fed with such hastie hopes . But who doth not know that the poore Hollanders chiefely by fishing at a great charge and labour in all weathers in the open Sea , are made a people so hardy and industrious , and by the venting this poore Commoditie to the Easterlings for as meane , which is Wood , Flax , Pitch , Tarre , Rozen , Cordage , and such like ; which they exchange againe to the French , Spaniards , Portugals , and English , &c. for what they want , are made so mighty , strong , and rich , as no state but Venice of twice their magnitude is so well furnished , with so many faire Cities , goodly Townes , strong Fortresses , and that abundance of shipping , and all sorts of Merchandize , as well of Gold , Siluer , Pearles , Diamonds , precious Stones , Silkes , Veluets , and Cloth of Gold ; as F●sh , Pitch , Wood , or such grosse Commodities ? What voiages and discoueries , E●st and West , North and South , yea about the world , make they ? What an Army by Sea and Land haue they long maintained , in despight of one of the greatest Princes of the world , and neuer could the Spaniard with all his Mines of Gold and Siluer , pay his debts , his friends , and Army , halfe so truly as the Hollanders still haue done by this contemptible Trade of Fish. Diuers ( I know ) may alleage many other assistances ; but this is the chiefest Mine , and the Sea the source of those siluer streames of all their vertue , which hath made them now the very miracle of industry , the onely paterne of perfection for these affaires : and the benefit of fishing is that Primum Mobile that turnes all their spheares to this height , of plentie , strength , honor , and exceeding great admiration . Herring , Cod , and Ling , is that triplicitie , that makes their wealth and shippings multiplicitie such as it is : and from which ( few would thinke it ) they should draw so many millions yeerely as they doe , as more in particular in the trials of New England you may see ; and such an incredible number of ships , that breeds them so many Sailers , Mariners , Souldiers , and Merchants , neuer to be wrought out of that Trade , and fit for any other . I will not deny but others may gaine as well as they that will vse it , though not so certainly , nor so much in quantitie , for want of experience : and this Herring they take vpon the Coast of England and Scotland , their Cod and Ling vpon the Coast of Izeland , and in the North seas , if wee consider what gaines the Hamburgans , the Biskinners , and French make by fishing ; nay , but how many thousands this fiftie or sixty yeeres haue beene maintained by New found land , where they take nothing but small Cod , whereof the greatest they make Cor-fish , and the rest is hard dried , which we call Poore-Iohn , would amaze a man with wonder . If then from all those parts such paines is taken for this poore gaines of Fish , especially by the H●●landers , that hath but little of their owne , for building of ships and setting them to sea ; but at the second , third , fourth , or fift hand , drawne from so many p●r●s of the world ere they come together to be vsed in those voiages : If these ( I say ) can gaine , why should we more doubt then they ; but doe much better , that may haue most of all those things at our doores for taking and making , and here are no hard Landlords to racke vs with high rents , or extorting fines , nor tedious pleas in Law to consume vs with their many yeeres disputation for Iustice ; no multitudes to occasion such impediments to good orders as in popular States : so freely hath God and his Maiestie bestowed those blessings , on them will attempt to obtaine them , as here euery man may be master of his owne labour and land , or the greatest part ( if his Maiesties royall meaning be not abused ) and if he haue nothing but his hands , he may set-vp his Trade ; and by industry quickly grow rich , spending but halfe that time well , which in England we abuse in idlenesse , worse , or as ill . Here is ground as good as any lieth in the height of forty one , forty two , forty three , &c. which is as temperate , and as fruitfull as any other parallel in the world . As for example , on this side the line , West of it in the South Sea , is Nona Albion , discouered as is said by Sir Francis Drake : East from it is the most temperate part of Portugall , the ancient Kingdomes of Galizia , Bisky , Nauarre , Aragon , Cattilonia , Castillia the old , and the most moderatest of Castillia the new , & Valentia , which is the greatest part of Spaine ; which if the Histories be true , in the Romans time abounded no lesse with gold & siluer Mines , then now the West-Indies , the Romans then vsing the Spaniards to worke in those Mines , as now the Spaniards doe the Indians . In France the Prouinces of Gascony , Langadooke , Auignon , Prouince , Dolphine , Pyamont , and Turyne , are in the same parallel , which are the best and richest parts of France . In Italy the Prouinces of Genua , Lumbardy , and Verona , with a great part of the most famous state of Venice , the Dukedomes of Bononia , Mantua , Ferrara , Rauenna , Bolognia , Florence , Pisa , Sienna , Vrbine , Ancona , and the ancient Citie and Countrey of Rome , with a great part of the Kingdome of Naples . In Slauonia , Istria , and Dalmatia , with the Kingdomes of Albania . In Grecia those famous Kingdomes of Macedonia , Bullulgaria , Thessalia , Thracia , or Romania , where is seated the most pleasant and plentifull Citie in Europe , Constantinople . In Asia in the same latitude , are the temperatest parts of Natolia , Armenia , Persia , and China ; besides diuers other large Countries and Kingdomes in those most milde and temperate Regions of Asia . Southward in the same height is the richest of Gold Mines , Chily , and Baldinia , and the mouth of the great Riuer of Plate , &c. for all the rest of the world in that height is yet vnknowne . Besides these reasons , mine owne eies that haue seene a great part of those Cities and their Kingdomes ( as well as it ) can finde no aduantage they haue in Nature but this , they are beautified by the long labour and diligence of industrious people and art ; This is onely as God made it when hee created the world : Therefore I conclude , if the heart and intrailes of those Regions were sought , if their Land were cultured , planted , and manured by men of industry , iudgement , and experience ; what hope is there , or what need they doubt , hauing the aduantages of the Sea , but it might equalize any of these famous Kingdomes in all commodities , pleasures , and conditions , seeing euen the very hedges doe naturally affoord vs such plentie , as no ship need returne away emptie , and onely vse but the season of the Sea. Fish will returne an honest gaine , besides all other aduantages , her treasures hauing yet neuer beene opened , nor her originals wasted , consumed , nor abused . And whereas it is said the Hollanders serue the Easterlings themselues ; and other parts that want with Herring , Ling , and wet Cod : The Easterlings , a great part of Europe , with Sturgion and Cauiare , as the Blacke Sea doth Grecia , Podolia , Sagouia , Natolia , and the Hellespont . Cape Blanke , Spaine , Portugall , and the Leuant , with Mulit and Puttargo . New foundland , the most part of the chiefe Southerne Ports in Europe , with a thin Poore-Iohn , which hath beene so long , so much ouer-laied with Fishers , as the fishing decaieth , so that many oft times are constrained to returne with a small fraught . Norway and Poland affoords Pitch and Tarre , Masts and Yards . Sweathland and Russia , Iron and Ropes . France and Spaine , Canuase , Wine , Steele , Iron , and Oile , Italy and Greece , Silkes and Fruits . I dare boldly say , because I haue seene naturally growing or breeding in those parts , the same materials that all these are made of , they may as well bee had here , or the most part of them within the distance of seuentie leagues for some few ages , as from all those parts , vsing but the same meanes to haue them that they doe ; but surely in Virginia , their most tender and daintiest fruits or commodities , would be as perfit as theirs , by reason of the heat , if not in New England , and with all those aduantages . First , the ground is so fertill , that questionlesse it is capable of producing any Graine , Fruits , or Seeds , you will sow or plant , growing in the Regions aforenamed : But it may be not to that perfection of delicacy , because the Summer is not so hot , and the Winter is more cold in those parts we haue yet tried neere the Sea side , then wee finde in the same height in Europe or Asia : yet I made a Garden vpon the top of a Rocky I le in three and forty degrees and an halfe , foure leagues from the maine in May , that grew so well , as it serued vs for Sallets in Iune and Iuly . All sorts of Cattle may here be bred and fed in the Iles or Peninsulaes securely for nothing . In the Interim , till they increase ( if need be ) obseruing the seasons , I durst vndertake to haue Corne enough from the Saluages for three hundred men , for a few trifles ; and if they should be vntowards , as it is most certaine they will , thirtie or fortie good men will be sufficient to bring them all in subiection , and make this prouision , if they vnderstand what to doe ; two hundred whereof may eight or nine moneths in the yeere be imploied in helping the Fisher-men , till the rest prouide other necessaries , fit to furnish vs with other Commodities . In March , Aprill , May , and halfe Iune , heere is Cod in abundance ; In May , Iune , Iuly , and August , Mullit and Sturgion , whose Roes doe make Cauiare and Puttargo ; Herring , if any desire them : I haue taken many out of the bellies of Cods , some in nets ; but the Saluages compare the store in the Sea with the haires of their heads : and surely there are an incredible abundance vpon this Coast. In the end of August , September , October , and Nouember , you may haue Cod againe to make Core-fish or Poore-Iohn : Hake you may haue when the Cod failes in Summer , if you will fish in the night , which is better then Cod. Now each hundred you take here , is as good as two or three hundred in New found Land ; so that halfe the labour in hooking , splitting and touring , is saued : And you may haue your fish at what market you will , before they haue any in New found land , where their fishing is chiefely but in Iune and Iuly , where it is here in March , Aprill , May , September , October and Nouember , as is said ; so that by reason of this Plantation , the Merchants may haue their fraught both out and home , which yeelds an aduantage worth consideration . Your Core-fish you may in like manner transport as you see cause , to serue the Ports in Portugall , as Lisbone , Auera , Porta Port , and diuers others , ( or what market you please ) before your Ilanders returne . They being tied to the season in the open Sea , and you hauing a double season , and fishing before your doores , may euery night sleep quietly ashore with good cheere , and what fires you will , or when you please with your wiues and family : they onely and their ships in the maine Ocean , that must carie and containe all they vse , besides their fraught . The Mullits here are in that abundance , you may take them with nets sometimes by hundreds , where at Cape Blanke they hooke them ; yet those are but a soot and a halfe in length ; these two , three , or foure , as oft I haue measured , which makes me suspect they are some other kinde of fish , though they seeme the same , both in fashion and goodnesse . Much Salmon some haue found vp the Riuers as they haue passed , and here the aire is so temperate , as all these at any time may be preserued . Now , young Boies and Girles Saluages , or any other bee they neuer such idlers , may turne , carie or returne a fish , without either shame or any great paine : He is very idle that is past twelue yeeres of age and cannot doe so much , and she is very old that cannot spin a threed to make Engins to catch a fish . For their transportation , the ships that goe there to fish may transport the first : who for their passage will spare the charge of double manning their ships , which they must do in New found land to get their fraught ; but one third part of that company are onely proper to serue a stage , carie a Barrow , and turne Poore-Iohn ; notwithstanding , they must haue meat , drinke , clothes , & passage so well as the rest . Now all I desire is but this , That those that voluntarily will send shipping , should make here the best choice they can , or accept such as shall bee presented them to serue them at that rate : and their ships returning leaue such with me , with the value of that they should receiue comming home , in such prouisions and necessarie tooles , armes , bedding , apparell , salt , nets , hookes , lines , and such like , as they spare of the remainings ; who till the next returne may keepe their Boats , and doe them many other profitable offices . Prouided , I haue men of abilitie to teach them their functions , and a company fit for Souldiers to be ready vpon any occasion , because of the abuses that haue beene offered the poore Saluages , and the libertie that both French and English , or any that will , haue to deale with them as they please ; whose disorders will be hard to reforme , and the longer the worse : Now such order with facilitie might be taken , with euery Port , Towne , or Citie , with free power to conuert the benefit of their fraughts to what aduantage they please , and increase their numbers as they see occasion , who euer as they are able to subsist of themselues , may begin the new Townes in New England , in memory of their old : which freedome being confined but to the necessitie of the generall good , the euent ( with Gods helpe ) might produce an honest , a noble , and a profitable emulation . Salt vpon Salt may assuredly be made , if not at the first in ponds , yet till they be prouided this may be vsed : then the ships may transport Kine , Horse , Goats , course Cloth , and such Commodities as we want ; by whose arriuall may be made that prouision of fish to fraught the ships that they stay not ; and then if the Sailers goe for wages it matters not , it is hard if this returne defray not the charge : but care must be had they arriue in the Spring , or else that prouision be made for them against winter . Of certaine red berries called Kermes , which is worth ten shillings the pound , but of these haue beene sold for thirty or forty shillings the pound , may yeerely be gathered a good quantity . Of the Muskrat may be well raised gaines worth their labour , that will endeuour to make triall of their goodnesse . Of Beuers , Otters and Martins , blacke Foxes , and Furres of price , may yeerely be had six or seuen thousand , and if the trade of the French were preuented , many more : 25000. this yeere were brought from those northerne parts into France , of which trade we may haue as good part as the French if we take good courses . Of Mines of Gold and Siluer , Copper , and probabilities of Lead , Crystall and Allum , I could say much if relations were good assurances ; it is true indeed , I made many trialls according to the instructions I had , which doth perswade me I need not despaire but that there are metals in the Country : but I am no Alcumist , nor will promise more then I know : which is , who will vndertake the rectifying of an iron Forge , if those that buy meat and drinke , coles , ore , and all necessaries at a deare rate , gaine , where all these things are to be had for taking vp , in my opinion cannot lose . Of woods , seeing there is such plenty of all sorts , if those that build ships and boats , buy wood at so great a price , as it is in England , Spaine , France and Holland , and all other prouisions for the nourishment of mans life , liue well by their trade ; when labour is all required to take these necessaries without any other tax , what hazard will be here but to doe much better , and what commodity in Europe doth more decay then wood ? for the goodnesse of the ground , let vs take it fertill or barren , or as it is , seeing it is certaine it beares fruits to nourish and feed man & beast as well as England , and the Sea those seuerall sorts of fishes I haue related : thus seeing all good things for mans sustenance may with this facility be had by a little extraordinary labour , till that transported be increased , & all necessaries for shipping onely for labour , to which may added the assistance of the Saluages which may easily be had , if they be discreetly handled in their kinds , towards fishing , planting , and destroying woods , what gaines might be raised if this were followed ( when there is but once men to fill your store houses dwelling there , you may serue all Europe better and farre cheaper then can the Iland Fishers , or the Hollanders , Cape-blanke , or Newfound land , who must be at much more charge then you ) may easily be coniectured by this example . Two thousand will fit out a ship of 200. tunnes , & one of 100. tuns , if of the dry fish they both make fraught , that of 200. and goe for Spaine , sell it but at ten shillings a quintall , but commonly it giues fifteene or twenty , especially when it commeth first , which amounts to 3. or 4000 pound , but say but ten , which is the lowest , allowing the rest for waste , it amounts at that rate to 2000. which is the whole charge of your two ships and the equipage , then the returne of the mony and the fraught of the ship for the vintage or any other voyage is cleere gaine , with your ship of one hundred tunnes of traine Oile and Cor-fish , besides the Beuers and other commodities , and that you may haue at home within six moneths if God please to send but an ordinary passage ; then sauing halfe this charge by the not staying of your ships , your victuall , ouerplus of men and wages , with her fraught thither with necessaries for the Planters , the Salt being there made , as also may the nets and lines within a short time ; if nothing may be expected but this , it might in time equalize your Hollanders gaines , if not exceede them , hauing their fraughts alwaies ready against the arriuall of the ships , this would so increase our shipping and sailers , and so incourage and imploy a great part of our Idlers and others that want imployment fitting their qualities at home , where they shame to doe that they would doe abroad , that could they but once taffe the sweet fruits of their owne labours , doubtlesse many thousands would be aduised by good discipline to take more pleasure in honest industry , then in their humors of dissolute idlenesse . But to returne a little more to the particulars of this Countrey , which I intermingle thus with my proiects and reasons , not being so sufficiently yet acquainted in those parts , to write fully the estate of the Sea , the Aire , the Land , the Fruits , their Rocks , the People , the Gouernment , Religion , Territories , Limitations , Friends and Foes : But as I gathered from their niggardly relations in a broken language , during the time I ranged those Countries , &c. the most Northerne part I was at , was the Bay of Pennobscot , which is East and West , North and South , more then ten leagues : but such were my occasions , I was constrained to be satisfied of them I found in the Bay , that the Riuer ranne farre vp into the Land , and was well inhabited with many people , but they were from their habitations , either fishing amongst the Iles , or hunting the Lakes and Woods for Deere and Beuers : the Bay is full of great Iles of one , two , six or eight miles in length , which diuides it into many faire and excellent good Harbours . On the East of it are the Tarrentines , their mortall enemies , where inhabit the French , as they report , that liue with those people as one Nation or Family : And Northwest of Pennobscot is Mecaddacut , at the foot of a high Mountaine , a kinde of fortresse against the Tarrentines , adioyning to the high Mountaines of Pennobscot , against whose feet doth beat the Sea ; but ouer all the Land , Iles , or other impediments , you may well see them foureteene or eighteene leagues from their situation . Segocket is the next , then Nuskoucus , Pemmaquid , and Sagadahock : vp this Riuer , where was the Westerne Plantation , are Aumoughcawgen , Kinnebeke , and diuers others , where are planted some Corne fields . Along this Riuer thirtie or fortie miles , I saw nothing but great high clifts of barren Rocks ouergrowne with Wood , but where the Saluages dwell there the ground is excellent salt , and fertill . Westward of this Riuer is the Country of Aucocisco , in the bottome of a large deepe Bay , full of many great Iles , which diuides it into many good Harbours . Sawocotuck is the next , in the edge of a large Sandy Bay , which hath many Rockes and Iles , but few good Harbours , but for Barkes I yet know ; but all this Coast to Pennobscot , and as farre as I could see Eastward of it is nothing , but such high craggy clifty Rockes and stony Iles , that I wonder such great Trees could grow vpon so hard foundations . It is a Countrey rather to affright then delight one , and how to describe a more plaine spectacle of desolation , or more barren , I know not , yet are those rocky Iles so furnished with good Woods , Springs , Fruits , Fish and Fowle , and the Sea the strangest Fish-pond I euer saw , that it makes me thinke , though the coast be rocky and thus affrightable , the Vallies and Plaines and interior parts may well notwithstanding be very fertill . But there is no Country so fertill hath not some part barren , and New-England is great enough to make many Kingdomes and Countries , were it all inhabited . As you passe the coast still westward , Accominticus and Passataquack are two conuenient Harbours for small Barkes ; and a good Country within their craggy clifts . Augoan is the next : this place might content a right curious iudgement , but there are many sands at the entrance of the Harbour , and the worst is , it is imbayed too farre from the deepe Sea ; here are many rising hils , and on their tops and descents are many corne fields and delightfull groues : On the East is an I le of two or three leagues in length , the one halfe plaine marish ground , fit for pasture or salt Ponds , with many faire high groues of Mulbery trees and Gardens ; there is also Okes , Pines , Walnuts , and other wood to make this place an excellent habitation , being a good and safe Harbour . Nai●mkeck , though it be more rocky ground , for Augoan is sandy , not much inferiour neither for the harbour , nor any thing I could perceiue but the multitude of people : from hence doth stretch into the Sea the faire headland Tragabigzanda , now called Cape An , fronted with the three Iles wee called the three Turkes heads ; to the north of this doth enter a great Bay , where we found some habitations and Corne fields , they report a faire Riuer and at least 30. habitations doth possesse this Country . But because the French had got their trade , I had no leisure to discouer it : the Iles of Mattahunts are on the west side of this Bay , where are many Iles and some Rocks that appeare a great height aboue the water like the Pyramides in Aegypt , and amongst them many good Harbours , and then the country of the Massachusits , which is the Paradice of all those parts , for here are many Iles planted with Corne , Groues , Mulberies , saluage Gardens and good Harbours , the Coast is for the most part high clayie sandy clifts , the sea Coast as you passe shewes you all along large Corne fields , and great troupes of well proportioned people : but the French hauing remained here neere six weekes , left nothing for vs to take occasion to examine the Inhabitants relations , viz. if there be three thousand people vpon those Iles , and that the Riuer doth pierce many daies iourney the entrailes of that Country : we found the people in those parts very kinde , but in their f●ry no lesse valiant , for vpon a quarrell we fought with forty or fifty of them , till they had spent all their Arrowes , and then we tooke six or seuen of their Canowes , which towards the euening they ransomed for Beuer skinnes , and at Quonahasit falling out there but with one of them , he with three others crossed the Harbour in a Canow to certaine rockes whereby wee must passe , and there let flie their Arrowes for our shot , till we were out of danger , yet one of them was slaine , and another shot through his thigh . Then come you to Accomacke an excellent good Harbour , good land , and no want of any thing but industrious people : after much kindnesse , wee fought also with them , though some were hurt , some slaine , yet within an houre after they became friends . Cape Cod is the next presents it selfe ; which is onely a headland of high hils , ouer-growne with shrubby Pines , hurts and such trash , but an excellent harbour for all weathers . This Cape is made by the maine Sea on the one side , and a great Bay on the other in forme of a Sickell , on it doth inhabit the people of Pawmet , and in the bottome of the Bay them of Chawum : towards the South and South-west of this Cape , is found a long and dangerous shoule of rocks and sand , but so farre as I incercled it , I found thirty fathome water and a strong currant , which makes mee thinke there is a chanell about this Shoule , where is the best and greatest fish to be had winter and summer in all the Country ; but the Saluages say there is no Chanell , but that the Shoales beginne from the maine at Pawm●t to the I le of Nawset , and so extends beyond their knowledge into the Sea. The next to this is Capawucke , and those abounding Countries of Copper , Corne , People and Mineralls , which I went to discouer this last yee●e , but because I miscarried by the way I will leaue them till God please I haue better acquaintance with them . The Massachusets they report sometimes haue warres with the Bashabes of Pennobscot , & are not alwaies friends with them of Chawum and their alliance ; but now they are all friends , and haue each trade with other so farre as they haue society on each others frontiers , for they make no such voyages as from Pennobscot to Cape Cod , seldome to Massachset . In the North as I haue said they haue begun to plant Corne , whereof the south part hath such plenty as they haue what they will from them of the North , and in the Winter much more plenty of fish and fowle , but both Winter & Summer hath it in one part or other all the yeere , being the meane and most indifferent temper betwixt heat and cold , of all the Regions betwixt the Line and the Pole , but the Furs Northward are much better , and in much more plenty then Southward . The remarkablest Iles and Mountaines for land Markes are these : the highest Ile is Sorico in the Bay of Pennobscot , but the three Iles , and the Iles of Matinack are much further in the Sea : Merynacus is also three plaine Iles , but many great Rocks : Monahigan is a round high I le , and close by it Monanis , betwixt which is a small Harbour where we rid ; in Damerils Iles is such another , Sagadahocke is knowne by Satquin , and foure or fiue Iles in their mouth . Smiths Iles are a heape together , none neere them against Accomintycus : the three Turkes heads , are three Iles , seene farre to Sea-ward in regard of the Head-land . The chiefe Head-lands , are onely Cape Tragabigzanda , and Cape Cod , now called Cape Iames , and Cape A●ne . The chiefe Mountaines , them of Pennobscot , the twinkling Mountaine of Acocisco , the great Mountaine of Sassanow , and the high Mountaine of M●ss●c●uset . Each of which you shall finde in the Map , their places , forme , and al●●●des . The waters are most pure , proceeding from the intrailes of rocky Mounta●●es : the Herbs and Fruits are of many sorts and kinds , as Alkermes , Currans , Mu●beries , Vines , Respises , Gooseberies , Plums , Wall-nuts , Chesse-nuts , Small - 〈◊〉 , Pumpions , Gourds , Strawberies , Beanes , Pease , and Maize ; a kinde or two of Flax , wherewith they make Nets , Lines , and Ropes , both small and great , very strong for their quantities . Oake is the chiefe wood , of which there is great difference , in regard of the soyle where it groweth , Firre , Pine , Wall-nut , Chesse-nut , Birtch , Ash , Elme , Cipris , Cedar , Mulbery , Plum tree , Hazell , Saxefras , and many other sorts . Eagles , Grips , diuers sorts of Hawkes , Craines , Geese , Brants , Cormorants , Ducks , Cranes , Swannes , Sheldrakes , Teale , Meawes , Gulls , Turkies , Diue-doppers , and many other sorts whose names I know not . Whales , Grompus , Porkpisces , Turbut , Sturgion , Cod , Hake , Haddocke , Cole , Cuske or small Ling , Sharke , Mackarell , Herring , Mullit , Base , Pinnacks , Cunners , Pearch , Eeles , Crabs , Lobsters , Mustels , Wilks , Oisters , Clamps , Periwinkels , and diuers others , &c. Moos , a beast bigger than a Stag , Deare red and fallow , Beuers , Wol●es , Foxes both blacke and other , Aroughcunds , wilde Cats , Beares , O●t●rs , M●●tins , Fitches , Musquassus , and diuers other sorts of Vermin whose names I kn●w not : all these and diuers other good things doe here for want of vse still increase and decrease with little diminution , whereby they grow to that abundance , you shall scarce finde any bay , shallow shore or Coue of sand , where you may not take many clamps or Lobsters , or both at your pleasure , and in many places load your Boat if you please , nor Iles where you finde not Fruits , Birds , Crabs , and Mi●stels , or all of them ; for taking at a low water Cod , Cuske , Hollibut , Scare , Turbut , Mackarell , or such like are taken plentifully in diuers sandy Bayes , store of Mullit , Bases , and diuers other sorts of such excellent fish as many as their Net can hold : no Riuer where there is not plenty of Sturgion , or Salmon , or both , all which are to be had in abundance obseruing but their seasons : but if a man will goe at Christmas to gather Cherries in Kent , though there be plenty in Summer , he may be deceiued ; so here these plenties haue each their seasons , as I hau● expressed ; we for the most part had little but bread and Vinegar , and though the most part of Iuly when the fishing decayed , they wrought all day , lay abroad in the Iles all night , and liued on what they found , yet were not sicke : But I would wish none long put himselfe to such plunges , except necessity constraine it : yet worthy is that person to starue that here cannot liue if he haue sense , strength and health , for there is no such penury of these blessings in any place but that one hundred men may in two or three houres make their prouisions for a day , and he that hath experience to manage these affaires , with forty or thirty honest industrious men , might well vndertake ( if they dwell in these parts ) to subiect the Saluages , and feed daily two or three hundred men , with as good Corne , Fish , and Flesh as the earth hath of those kinds , and yet make that labour but their pleasure : prouided that they haue Engines that be proper for their purposes . Who can desire more content that hath small meanes , or but onely his merit to aduance his fortunes , then to tread and plant that ground he hath purchased by the hazard of his life ; if hee haue but the taste of vertue and magnanimity , what to such a minde can bee more pleasant then planting and building a foundation for his posterity , got from the rude earth by Gods blessing and his owne industry without preiudice to any , if hee haue any graine of faith or zeale in Religion , what can he doe lesse hurtfull to any , or more agreeable to God , then to seeke to conuert those poore Saluages to know Christ and humanity , whose labours with discretion will triple require thy charge and paine ; what so truly sutes with honour and honesty , as the discouering things vnknowne , erecting Townes , peopling Countries , informing the ignorant , reforming things vniust , teaching vertue and gaine to our natiue mother Country ; a Kingdome to attend her , finde imploiment for those that are idle , because they know not what to doe : so farre from wronging any , as to cause posterity to remember thee , and remembring thee , euer honour that remembrance with praise . Consider what were the beginnings and endings of the Monarchies of the Chaldeans , the Syrians , the Grecians and Romans , but this one rule ; what was it they would not doe for the good of their common weale , or their mother City ? For example : Rome , what made her such a Monarchesse , but onely the aduentures of her youth , not in riots at home , but in dangers abroad , and the iustice and iudgement out of their experiences when they grew aged ; what was their ruine and hurt but this , the excesse of idlenesse , the fondnesse of parents , the want of experience in Maiestrates , the admiration of their vndeserued honours , the contempt of true merit , their vniust iealousies , their politike incredulities , their hypocriticall seeming goodnesse and their deeds of secret lewdnesse ; finally in fine , growing onely formall temporists , all that their Predecessors got in many yeeres they lost in a few daies : those by their paines and vertues became Lords of the world , they by their case and vices became slaues to their seruants ; this is the difference betwixt the vse of armes in the field , and on the monuments of stones , the golden age and the leaden age , prosperity and misery , iustice and corruption , substance and shadowes , words and deeds , experience and imagination , making common weales , and marring common weales , the fruits of vertue , and the conclusions of vice . Then who would liue at home idly , or thinke in himselfe any worth to liue , onely to eat , drinke and sleepe , and so die ; or by consuming that carelesly , his friends got worthily , or by vsing that miserably that maintained vertue honestly , or ▪ for being descended nobly , and pine , with the vaine va●nt of great kindred in penury , or to maintaine a silly shew of brauery , toile out thy heart , soule and time basely ; by shifts , tricks , Cards and Dice , or by relating newes of other mens actions , sharke here and there for a dinner or supper , deceiue thy friends by faire promises and dissimulation , in borrowing where thou neuer meanest to pay , offend the Lawes , surfet with excesse , burthen thy Countrie , abuse thy selfe , despaire in want , and then cousen thy Kindred , yea euen thy owne brother , and wish thy Parents death ( I will not say damnation ) to haue their estates , though thou seest what honours and rewards the world yet hath for them , that will seeke them and worthily deserue them . I would bee sorry to offend , or that any should mistake my honest meaning ; for I wish good to all , hurt to none : but rich men for the most part are growne to that dotage through their pride in their wealth , as though there were no accident could end it or their life . And what hellish care doe such take to make it their owne misery and their Countries spoile , especially when there is most need of their imploiment , drawing by all manner of inuentions from the Prince and his honest Subiects , euen the vitall spirits of their powers and estates : as if their baggs or brags were so powerfull a defence , the malicious could not assault them , when they are the onely bait to cause vs not onely to bee assaulted , but betrayed and murthered in our owne security ere wee will perceiue it . May not the miserable ruine of Constantinople , their impregnable walls , riches and pleasures last taken by the Turke , which were then but a bit in comparison of their mightinesse now , remember vs of the effects of priuate couetousnesse , at which time the good Emperour held himselfe rich enough , to haue such rich subiects , so formall in all excesse of vanity , all kinde of delicacy and prodigality : his pouerty when the Turke besieged the Citizens ( whose merchandizing thoughts were onely to get wealth ) little conceiuing the desperat resolution of a valiant expert enemy , left the Emperour so long to his conclusions , hauing spent all he had to pay his young raw discontented Souldiers , that suddenly he , they , and their City were all a prey to the deuouring Turke , and what they would not spare for the maintenance of them who aduentured their liues to defend them , did serue onely their enemies to torment them , their friends and Country , and all Christendome to this present day . Let this lamentable example remember you that are rich ( seeing there are such great theeues in the world to rob you ) not grudge to lend some proportion to breed them that haue little , yet willing to learne how to defend you , for it is too late when the deed is doing . The Romans estate hath beene worse then this , for the meere couetousnesse and extortion of a few of them so moued the rest , that not hauing any imploiment but contemplation , their great iudgements grew to so great malice , as themselues were sufficient to destroy themselues by faction ; let this moue you to imbrace imployment , for those whose educations , spirits and iudgements want but your purses , not only to preuent such accustomed dangers , but also to gaine more thereby then you haue ; and you fathers that are either so foolishly fond , or so miserably couetous , or so wilfully ignorant , or so negligently carelesse , as that you will rather maintaine your children in idle wantonnesse till they grow your masters , or become so basely vnkinde that they wish nothing but your deaths , so that both sorts grow dissolute , and although you would wish them any where to escape the Gallowes and ease your cares , though they spend you fiere one , two or three hundred pound a yeere , you would grudge to giue halfe so much in aduenture with them to obtaine an estate , which in a small time , but with a little assistance of your prouidence , might bee better then your owne ; but if an Angell should tell you any place yet vnknowne can affoord such fortunes , you would not beleeue it , no more then Columbus was beleeued there was any such land , as is now the well knowne abounding America , much lesse such large Regions are yet vnknowne , as well in America , as in Africa and Asia , and Terra i●cognita . I haue not beene so ill bred but I haue tasted of plenty and pleasure , as well as want and misery ; nor doth necessity yet , or occasion of discontent force me to these endeuours , nor am I ignorant what small thankes I shall haue for my paines , or that many would haue the world imagine them to bee of great iudgement , that can but blemish these my designes , by their witty obiections and detractions , yet ( I hope ) my reasons with my deeds will so preuaile with some , that I shall not want imploiment in these affaires , to make the most blinde see his owne senselesnesse and incredulity , hoping that gaine will make them affect that which Religion , Charity and the common good cannot . It were but a poore deuice in mee to deceiue my selfe , much more the King and State , my Friends and Country with these inducements , which seeing his Maiesty hath giuen permission , I wish all sorts of worthy honest industrious spirits would vnderstand , and if they desire any further satisfaction , I will doe my best to giue it , not to perswade them to goe onely , but goe with them ; not leaue them there , but liue with them there : I will not say but by ill prouiding and vndue managing , such courses may bee taken may make vs miserable enough : but if I may haue the execution of what I haue proiected , if they want to eat , let them eat or neuer disgest mee ; If I performe what I say , I desire but that reward out of the gaines may sute my paines , quality and condition , and if I abuse you with my tongue , take my head for satisfaction . If any dislike at the yeeres end , defraying their charge , by my consent they should freely returne ; I feare not want of company sufficient , were it but knowne what I know of these Countries , and by the proofe of that wealth I hope yeerely to returne , if God please to blesse me from such accidents as are beyond my power in reason to preuent ; for I am not so simple to thinke that euer any other motiue then wealth will euer erect there a common wealth , or draw company from their ease and humors at home , to stay in New-England to effect my purposes . And lest any should thinke the toile might be insupportable , though these things may bee had by labour and diligence ; I assure my selfe there are who delight extremely in vaine pleasure , that take much more paines in England to enioy it , then I should doe here to gaine wealth sufficient , and yet I thinke they should not haue halfe such sweet content : for our pleasure here is still gaines , in England charges and losse ; here nature and liberty affoords vs that freely which in England we want , or it costeth vs deerely . What pleasure can bee more then being tired with any occasion a shore , in planting Vines , Fruits , or Herbes , in contriuing their owne grounds to the pleasure of their owne minds , their Fields , Gardens , Orchards , Buildings , Ships , and other workes , &c. to recreate themselues before their owne doores in their owne Boats vpon the Sea , where man , woman and childe , with a small hooke and line , by angling may take diuers sorts of excellent Fish at their pleasures ; and is it not pretty sport to pull vp two pence , six pence , and twelue pence , as fast as you can hale and vere a line ; hee is a very bad Fisher cannot kill in one day with his hooke and line one , two , or three hundred Cods , which dressed and dryed , if they bee sold there for ten shillings a hundred , though in England they will giue more then twenty , may not both seruant , master and Merchant be well content with this gaine ? if a man worke but three daies in seuen , hee may get more then hee can spend vnlesse hee will bee exceedingly excessiue . Now that Carpenter , Mason , Gardiner , Tailer , Smith , Sailer , Forger , or what other , may they not make this a pretty recreation , though they fish but an houre in a day , to take more then they can eat in a weeke , or if they will not eat it , because there is so much better choise , yet sell it or change it with the Fisher-men or Merchants for any thing you want , and what sport doth yeeld a more pleasing content , and lesse hurt and charge then angling with a hooke , and crossing the sweet aire from I le to I le , ouer the silent streames of a calme Sea , wherein the most curious may finde profit , pleasure and content . Thus though all men be not fishers , yet all men whatsoeuer may in other matters doe as well , for necessity doth in these cases so rule a common wealth , and each in their seuerall functions , as their labours in their qualities may be as profitable because there is a necessary mutuall vse of all . For Gentlemen , what exercise should more delight them then ranging daily these vnknowne parts , vsing fowling and fishing for hunting and hawking , and yet you shall see the wilde Hawkes giue you some pleasure in seeing them stoupe six or seuen times after one another an houre or two together , at the skults of Fish in the faire Harbours , as those a shore at a fowle , and neuer trouble nor torment your selues with watching , mewing , feeding , and attending them , nor kill horse and man with running and crying , See you not a Hawke ; for hunting also , the Woods , Lakes and Riuers affoord not onely chase sufficient for any that delights in that kinde of toile or pleasure , but such beasts to hunt , that besides the delicacie of their bodies for food , their skinnes are so rich , as they will recompeuce thy daily labour with a Captaines pay . For Labourers , if those that sow Hempe , Rape , Turnups , Parsnips , Carrats , Cabidge , and such like ; giue twentie , thirtie , fortie , fiftie shillings yeerely for an Acre of Land , and meat , drinke , and wages to vse it , and yet grow rich : when better , or at least as good ground may bee had and cost nothing but labour ; it seemes strange to me any such should grow poore . My purpose is not to perswade children from their parents , men from their wiues , nor seruants from their masters ; onely such as with free consent may bee spared : but that each Parish , or Village , in Citie , or Countrey , that will but apparell their fatherlesse children of thirteene or foureteene yeeres of age , or young maried people that haue small wealth to liue on , here by their labour may liue exceeding well . Prouided alwaies , that first there be a sufficient power to command them , houses to receiue them , meanes to defend them , and meet prouisions for thē , for any place may be ouer-laine : and it is most necessary to haue a fortresse ( ere this grow to practise ) and sufficient masters , of all necessarie , mecanicall qualities , to take ten or twelue of them for Apprentises ; the Master by this may quickly grow rich , these may learne their trades themselues to doe the like , to a generall and an incredible benefit for King and Countrey , Master and Seruant . It would be a History of a large volume , to recite the aduentures of the Spaniards and Portugals , their affronts and defeats , their dangers and miseries ; which with such incomparable honor , and constant resolution , so farre beyond beleefe , they haue attempted and indured in their discoueries and plantations , as may well condemne vs of too much imbecillitie , sloth , and negligence ; yet the Authors of these new inuentions were held as ridiculous for a long time , as now are others that doe but seeke to imitate their vnparalleld vertues , and though we see daily their mountaines of wealth ( sprung from the Plants of their generous indeuours ) yet is our sensualitie and vntowardnesse such , & so great , that we either ignorantly beleeue nothing , or so curiously contest , to preuent we know not what future euents ; that we either so neglect , or oppresse and discourage the present , as wee spoile all in the making , crop all in the blooming ; and building vpon faire Sand rather then vpon rough Rocks , iudge that we know not , gouerne that wee haue not , feare that which is not ; and for feare some should doe too well , force such against their wils to be idle , or as ill . And who is hee hath iudgement , courage , and any industry or quality with vnderstanding , will leaue his Country , his hopes at home , his certaine estate , his friends , pleasures , libertie , and the preferment sweet England doth affoord to all degrees , were it not to aduance his fortunes by enioying his deserts , whose prosperitie once appearing , will encourage others : but it must be cherished as a childe , till it be able to goe and vnderstand it selfe , and not corrected nor oppressed aboue it strength , ere it know wherefore . A childe can neither performe the office nor deeds of a man of strength , nor endure that affliction he is able : nor can an Apprentise at the first performe the part of a Master , and if twentie yeeres be required to make a childe a man , seuen yeeres limited an Apprentise for his trade : if scarce an age be sufficient to make a wise man a States-man , and commonly a man dies ere he hath learned to be discreet ; if perfection be so hard to be obtained , as of necessitie there must be Practice as well as Theoricke : Let no man then condemne this paradox opinion , to say that halfe seuen yeres is scarce sufficient for a good capacitie to learne in these affaires how to carrie himselfe . And who euer shall try in these remote places the erecting of a Colony , shall finde at the end of seuen yeeres occasion enough to vse all his discretion : and in the Interim , all the content , rewards , gaines , and hopes , will be necessarily required , to be giuen to the beginning , till it be able to creepe , to stand , and goe , and to encourage desert by all possible meanes ; yet time enough to keepe it from running , for there is no fear● it will grow too fast , or euer to any thing , except libertie , profit , honor , and prosperitie there found , more binde the Planters of those affaires in deuotion to effect it ; then bondage , violence , tyrannie , ingratitude , and such double dealing , as bindes free men to become slaues , and honest men turne knaues ; which hath euer beene the ruine of the most popular Common-weales , and is very vnlikely euer well to begin anew . Who seeth not what is the greatest good of the Spaniard , but these new conclusions in searching those vnknowne parts of this vnknowne world ; by which meanes he diues euen into the very secrets of all his neighbours , and the most part of the world ; and when the Portugals and Spaniards had found the East and West-Indies , how many did condemne themselues , that did not accept of that honest offer of Noble Columbus , who vpon our neglect brought them to it , perswading our selues the world had no such places as they had found : and yet euer since we finde , they still ( from time to time ) haue found new Lands , new Nations , and Trades , and still daily doe finde , both in Asia , Affrica , Terra incognita , and America , so that there is neither Souldier nor Mechanicke , from the Lord to the Begger , but those parts affoords them all imploiment , & discharges their natiue soile of so many thousands of all sorts , that else by their sloth , pride , and imperfections , would long ere this haue troubled their neighbours , or haue eaten the pride of Spaine it selfe . Now hee knowes little that knowes not England may well spare many more people then Spaine , and is as well able to furnish them with all manner of necessaries ; and seeing for all they haue , they cease not still to search for that they haue not , and know not ; it is strange we should be so dull , as not maintaine that which we haue , and pursue that we know : Surely , I am sure many would take it ill , to be abridged of the titles and honors of their predecessor● ; when if but truly they would iudge themselues , looke how inferior they are to their Noble Vertues , so much they are vnworthy of their honors and liuings , which neuer were ordained for shewes and shadowes , to maintaine idlenesse and vice , but to make them more able to abound in honor , by Heroicall deeds of action , iudgement , pietie , and vertue . What was it both in their purse and person they would not doe , for the good of their Common-wealth , which might moue them presently to set out their spare children in these generous designes ; Religion aboue all things should moue vs , especially the Clergie , if we are religious , to shew our faith by our works , in conuerting those poore Saluages to the knowledge of God , seeing what paines the Spaniards takes to bring them to their adultered faith ▪ Honor might moue the Gentry , the valiant , and industrious , and the hope and assurance of wealth , all , if we were that we would seeme , and be accounted ; or be we so farre inferior to other Nations , or our spirits so farre deiected from our ancient predecessors , or our mindes so vpon spoile , piracy , and such villany , as to serue the Portugall , Spaniard , Dutch , French , or Turke , ( as to the cost of Europe too many doe ) rather then our God , our King , our Country , and our selues ; excusing our idlenesse and our base complaints by want of imploiment , when here is such choice of all sorts , and for all degrees , in the planting and discouering these North parts of America . My second voyage to New England . IN the yeere of our Lord 1615. I was imploied by many my friends of London , and Sir Ferdinando Gorges , a noble Knight , and a great fauourer of those actions , who perswaded the reuerend Deane of Exeter Doctor Sutliffe , and diuers Merchants of the West , to entertaine this Plantation . Much labour I had taken to bring the Londoners and them to ioyne together , because the Londoners haue most Money , and the Westerne men are most proper for fishing ; and it is neere as much trouble , but much more danger , to faile from London to Plimoth , then from Plimoth to New England , so that halfe the voiage would thus be saued , yet by no meanes I could preuaile , so desirous they were both to be Lords of this fishing . Now to make my words more apparant by my deeds , to begin a Plantation for a more ample triall of those conclusions , I was to haue staied there but with sixteene men , whose names were ; Tho. Dirmer . Gent. Iohn Gosling . Sould. Thomas Digby . Walter Chisell . were to learne to be Sailers . Edw. Stallings . William Ingram . Daniel Baker . Robert Miller . Daniel Cage . Dauid Cooper . Adam Smith . And two Boyes . Francis Abbot . Iohn Partridge . Tho. Watson . I confesse I could haue wished them as many thousands , had all other prouisions beene in like proportion ; nor would I haue had so few , could I haue had means for more : yet would God haue pleased we had safely arriued , I doubted not but to haue performed more then I promised , and that many thousands ere this would haue bin there ere now . The maine assistance next God I had to this small number , was my acquaintance amongst the Saluages , especially with Dohoday , one of their greatest Lords , who had liued long in England , and another called Tantum , I caried with mee from England , and set on shore at Cape Cod ; by the meanes of this proud Saluage , I did not doubt but quickly to haue got that credit amongst the rest of the Saluages and their alliance , to haue had as many of them as I desired in any designe I intended , and that trade also they had by such a kinde of exchange of their Countrey Commodities , which both with ease and securitie might then haue beene vsed with him and diuers others : I had concluded to inhabit and defend them against the Tarentines , with a better power then the French did them ; whose tyrannie did inforce them to embrace my offer with no small deuotion : and though many may think me more bold then wise , in regard of their power , dexteritie , treachery , and inconstancy , hauing so desperately assaulted , and betraied many others ; I say but this ( because with so many , I haue many times done much more in Virginia then I intended here , when I wanted that experience Virginia taught mee ) that to me it seemes no more danger then ordinary : and though I know my selfe the meanest of many thousands , whose apprehensiue inspection can pierce beyond the bounds of my abilities , into the hidden things of Nature , Art , and Reason : yet I intreat such , giue mee leaue to excuse my selfe of so much imbecillitie , as to say , that in these eighteene yeeres which I haue beene conuersant with these affaires , I haue not learned , there is a great difference betwixt the directions and iudgement of experimentall knowledge , and the superficiall coniecture of variable relation : wherein rumour , humour , or misprision haue such power , that oft times one is enough to beguile twentie , but twentie not sufficient to keepe one from being deceiued . Therefore I know no reason but to beleeue my owne eies before any mans imagination , that is but wrested from the conceits of my owne proiects and endeuours , but I honor with all affection , the counsell and instructions of iudiciall directions , or any other honest aduertisement , so farre to obserue , as they tie me , not to the crueltie of vnknowne euents . These are the inducements that thus drew me to me to neglect all other imploiments , and spend my time and best abilities in these aduentures , wherein though I haue had many discouragements , by the ingratitude of some , the malicious slanders of others , the falsenesse of friends , the treachery of cowards , and slownesse of Aduenturers . Now you are to remember , as I returned first from New England at Plimoth , I was promised foure good ships ready prepared to my hand the next Christmas , and what conditions and content I would desire , to put this businesse in practise , and arriuing at London , foure more were offered me with the like courtesie . But to ioyne the Londoners & them in one , was most impossible ; so that Ianuary with two hundred pound in Chash for aduenture , and six Gentlemen well furnished , I went from London to the foure ships were promised me at Plimoth , but I found no such matter : and the most of those that had made such great promises , by the bad returne of the ship went for Gold , and their priuate emulations , were extinct and qualified . Notwithstanding at last , with a labyrinth of trouble , though the greatest of the burden lay-on me , and a few of my particular friends , I was furnished with a ship of two hundred tunnes ; and another of fiftie : But ere I had sailed one hundred and twentie leagues , she brake all her Masts , pumping each watch fiue or six thousand strokes ; onely her spret-saile remained to spoone before the winde , till we had re-accommodated a Iury-mast to returne for Plimoth , or founder in the Seas . My Vice-Admirall being lost , not knowing of this , proceeded her voyage ; now with the remainder of those prouisions , I got out againe in a small Barke of sixtie tuns with thirty men : for this of two hundred , and prouision for seuentie , which were the sixteene before named , and foureteene other Sailers for the ship ; with those I set saile againe the foure and twentieth of Iune , where what befell me ( because my actions and writings are so publike to the world ) enuy still seeking to scandalize my endeuours , and seeing no power but death can stop the chat of ill tongues , nor imagination of mens minds , lest my owne relations of those hard euents might by some constructors bee made doubtfull , I haue thought it best to insert the examinations of those proceedings , taken by Sir Lewis Stukeley , a worthy Knight , and Vice-Admirall of Deuonshire , which was as followeth . The Examination of Daniel Baker , late Steward to Captaine Iohn Smith , in the returne of Plimoth , taken before Sir Lewis Stukeley Knight , the eighth of December , 1615. THE effect in briefe was this : being chased by one Fry an English Pirat , Edward Chambers the Master , Iohn Miller his Mate , Thomas Digby the Pylot , and diuers others importuned him to yeeld ; much swaggering wee had with them , more then the Pirats , who agreed vpon such faire conditions as we desired , which if they broke , he vowed to sinke rather then be abused . Strange they thought it , that a Barke of threescore tuns with foure guns should stand vpon such termes , they being eightie expert Sea-men , in an excellent ship of one hundred and fortie tuns , and thirty six cast Peeces and Murderers : But when they knew our Captaine , so many of them had beene his Souldiers , and they but lately runne from Tunis , where they had stolne this ship , wanted victuall , and in combustion amongst themselues , would haue yeelded all to his protection , or wafted vs any whither : but those mutinies occasioned vs to reiect their offer , which afterward we all repented . For at Fiall we met two French Pirats , the one of two hundred tuns , the other thirty : no disgrace would cause our mutiners fight , till the Captaine offered to blow vp the ship rather then yeeld , till hee had spent all his powder : so that together by the eares we went , and at last got cleere of them for all their shot . At Flowers we were againe chased with foure French men of warre , the Admirall one hundred and fortie tuns , and ninety men well armed ; the rest good ships , and as well prouided : much parly we had , but vowing they were Rochilers , and had a Commission from the King onely to secure true men , and take Portugals , Spaniards , and Pirats , and as they requested , our Captaine went to shew his Commission , which was vnder the broad Seale , but neither it nor their vowes they so much respected , but they kept him , rifled our ship , manned her with French men , and dispersed vs amongst their Fleet : within fiue or six daies they were increased to eight or nine saile . At last they surrendred vs our ship , and most of our prouisions , the defects they promised the next day to supply , and did . Notwithstanding , there was no way but our mutiners would for England , though we were as neere New England , till the major part resolued with our Captaine to proceed . But the Admirall sending his Boat for our Captaine , they espying a Saile , presently gaue chase , whereby our mutiners finding an opportunitie in the night ran away , and thus left our Captaine in his Cap , Bretches , and Wast-coat , alone among the French men : his clothes , armes , and what he had , our mutiners shared among them , and with a false excuse , faining for feare lest he should turne man of warre , they returned for Plimoth : fifteene of vs being Land-men , not knowing what they did . Daniel Cage , Edward Stalings , Walter Chisell , Dauid Cooper , Robert Miller , and Iohn Partridge , vpon oath affirmes this for truth before the Vice-Admirall . Now the cause why the French detained mee againe , was the suspition this Chambers and Minter gaue them , that I would reuenge my selfe vpon the Banke , or in New found land , of all the French I could there encounter , and how I would haue fired the ship , had they not ouer-perswaded me : and that if I had but againe my Armes , I would rather sinke by them , then they should haue from me but the value of a Bisket ; and many other such like tales to catch but opportunitie in this manner to leaue me , and thus they returned to Plimoth , and perforce with the French men I thus proceeded . Being a fleet of eight or nine saile , we watched for the West-Indies fleet , till ill weather separated vs from the other eight : still wee spent our time about the Iles of the Assores , where to keepe my perplexed thoughts from too much meditation of my miserable estate , I writ this Discourse , thinking to haue sent it to you of his Maiesties Councell by some ship or other , for I saw their purpose was to take all they could . At last we were chased by one Captaine Barra , an English Pirat in a small ship , with some twelue Peece of Ordnance , about thirty men , and neere all starued . They fought by courtesie releefe of vs , who gaue them such faire promises , as at last they betraied Captaine Wollistone his Lieutenant , and foure or fiue of his men aboord vs , and then prouided to take the rest perforce . Now my part was to be prisoner in the Gun-roome , and not to speake to any of them vpon my life , yet had Barra knowledge what I was . Then Barra perceiuing well those French intents , made ready to fight , and Wollistone as resolutely regarded not their threats , which caused vs demurre vpon the matter longer some sixteene houres , and then returned them againe Captaine Wollistone and all their Prisoners , and some victuall also vpon a small composition : But whilest we were bartering thus with them ; a Caruill before our faces got vnder the Castle of Gratiosa , from whence they beat vs with their Ordnance . The next wee tooke was a small English man of Poole from New found land : the great Cabben at this present was my prison , from whence I could see them pillage these poore men of all that they had , and halfe their fish : when hee was gone , they sold his poore clothes at the maine Mast by an out-cry , which scarce gaue each man seuen pence a peece . Not long after we tooke a Scot fraught from Saint Michaels to Bristow , he had better fortune then the other ; for hauing but taken a Boats loading of Sugar , Marmelade , Suckets , and such like , we descried foure saile , after whom we stood , who forling their maine Sailes attended vs to fight , but our French spirits were content onely to perceiue they were English red Crosses . Within a very small time after wee chased 4. Spanish ships that came from the Indies , we fought with them foure or fiue houres , tore their sailes and sides with many a shot betwixt wind and weather , yet not daring to boord them , lost them , for which all the Sailers euer after hated the Captaine as a professed coward . A poore Caruill of Brasile was the next wee chased ; and after a small fight , thirteene or foureteene of her men being wounded , which was the better halfe , we tooke her with three hundred and seuenty chests of Sugar , one hundred hides , and thirty thousand Rialls of eight . The next was a ship of Holland , which had lost her Consorts in the Streights of Magilans , going for the South sea , she was put roomy , she also these French men with faire promises , cunningly betraied to come aboord them to shew their Commission , and so made prise of all : the most of the Dutch-men we tooke aboord the Admirall , and manned her with French-men , that within two or three nights after ran away with her for France , the wounded Spaniards we set on shore on the I le of Tercera ▪ the rest we kept to saile the Caruill . Within a day or two after , we met a West-Indies man of warre , of one hundred and sixtie tuns , a fore noone wee fought with her , and then tooke her with one thousand one hundred Hides , fiftie Chests of Cutchancle , foureteene Coffers of wedges of Siluer , eight thousand Rialls of eight , and six Coffers of the King of Spaines Treasure , besides the good pillage and rich Coffers of many rich Passengers . Two moneths they kept me in this manner to manage their fights against the Spaniards , and bee a Prisoner when they tooke any English. Now though the Captaine had oft broke his promise , which was to put me on shore the Iles , or the next ship he tooke ; yet at the last he was contented I should goe in the Caruill of Sugar for France , himselfe seeming as resolued to keepe the Seas , but the next morning we all set saile for France , and that night we were separated from the Admirall and the rich prise by a storme . Within two daies after wee were hailed by two West-Indies men : but when they saw vs waise them for the King of France ▪ they gaue vs their broad sides , shot thorow our maine Mast , and so left vs. Hauing liued now this Summer amongst those French men of warre , with much adoe we arriued at the Gulion , not farre from Rotchell : where in stead of the great promises they alwaies fed me with , of double satisfaction and full content , and tenne thousand Crownes was generally concluded I should haue ; they kept me fiue or six daies Prisoner in the Caruill , accusing me to be he that burnt their Colony in New France , to force me to giue them a discharge before the Iudge of the Admiraltie , and stand to their courtesies for satisfaction , or lie in prison , or a worse mischiefe : Indeed this was in the time of combustion , that the Prince of Candy was with his Army in the field , and euery poore Lord , or men in authoritie , as little Kings of themselues : For this iniury was done me by them that set out this voyage ( not by the Sailers ) for they were cheated of all as well as I , by a few Officers aboord , and the owners on shore . But to preuent this choise , in the end of such a storme that beat them all vnder hatches , I watched my opportunitie to get a shore in their Boat , whereinto in the darke night I secretly got , and with a halfe Pike that lay by me , put a drift for Rat Ile : but the currant was so strong , and the Sea so great , I went a drift to Sea , till it pleased God the wind so turned with the tide , that although I was all this fearefull night of gusts and raine in the Sea the space of twelue houres , when many ships were driuen ashore , and diuers split : ( and being with skulling and bayling the water tired , I expected each minute would sinke me ) at last I arriued in an O●zy I le by Charowne , where certaine Fowlers found me neere drowned , and halfe dead , with water , cold , and hunger . My Boat I pawned to finde meanes to get to Rotchell ; where I vnderstood our man of war & the rich prize , wherein was the Cap. called Mounsieur Poyrune , and the thirtie thousand Rialls of eight we tooke in the Caruill , was split , the Captaine drowned and halfe his Company the same night , within six or seuen leagues of that place ; from whence I escaped in the little Boat by the mercy of God , far beyond all mens reason or my expectation , arriuing at Rotchell : vpon my complaint to the Iudge of the Admiraltie , I found many good words and faire promises , and ere long many of them that escaped drowning , told me the newes they heard of my owne death : These I arresting , their seuerall examinations did so confirme my complaint , it was held proofe sufficient . All which being performed according to their order of justice , from vnder the Iudges hand , I presented it to Sir Thomas Edmonds , then Ambassadour at Burdeaux , where it was my chance to see the arriuall of the Kings great mariage brought from Spaine . Here it was my good fortune to meet my old friend Master Crampton , that no lesse grieued at my losse , then willingly to his power did supply my wants , and I must confesse , I was more beholden to the French men that escaped drowning in the man of warre , Madam Chanoyes at Rotchell , and the Lawyers of Burdeaux , then all the rest of my Country-men I met in France . Of the wracke of the rich prise , some three thousand six hundred crownes worth of goods came ashore , and was saued with the Caruill , which I did my best to arrest : the Iudge promised I should haue Iustice , what will be the conclusion as yet I know not . But vnder the couler to take Pirats and the West-Indie men ( because the Spaniards will not suffer the French to trade in the West-Indies ) any goods from thence , though they take them vpon the Coast of Spaine are lawfull prize , or from any of his Teritories out of the limits of Europe : and as they betraied me , though I had the broad-seale , so did they rob and pillage twentie saile of English men more , besides them I knew not of the same yeere . Leauing thus my businesse in France I returned to Plimoth , to finde them had thus buried me amongst the French ; and not onely buried me , but with so much infamy as such treacherous cowards could suggest to excuse their villanies . The Chiefetaines of this mutiny that I could finde , I laid by the heeles , the rest like themselues confessed the truth , as you haue heard . Now how I haue or could preuent these accidents , hauing no more meanes , I rest at your censures ; but to proceed to the matter ; yet must I sigh and say , How oft hath Fortune in the world ( thinke I ) brought slauery , freedome , and turned all diuersly . Newfoundland I haue heard at the first , was held as desperate a fishing as this I proiect for New England , Placentia , and the Banke nere also as doubtfull to the French : But for all the disasters hapned me , the businesse is the same it was , and the fiue ships went from London , whereof one was reported more then three hundred tunnes , found fish so much , that neither Izeland man , nor Newfoundland man I could heare of hath bin there , will go any more to either place , if they may go thither . So that vpon the good returne of my Vice-Admirall , this yeere are gone 4 or 5 sailes , and from London as many , only to make voyages of profit : where from Plimoth , as if all the English had bin there till my returne , put all their returnes together , they would scarce make one a sauour of neere a dozen I could nominate , except one sent by Sir Francis Popam ; though there be fish sufficient , as I am perswaded , to fraugh yerely foure or fiue hundred Saile , or as many as will goe . For this fishing stretcheth along the Sea Coast from Cape Iames to Newfoundland , which is seuen or eight hundred miles at the least , and hath his course in the deepes , and by the shore , all the yere long , keeping their hants and feedings , as the beasts of the field , and the birds of the aire . But all men are not such as they should be , that haue vndertaken those voyages : All the Romans were not Scipiocs , nor Carthagenians Hanibals , nor all the Genw●ses Columbusses ▪ nor all the Spaniards Courteses : had they diued no deeper in the secrets of their discoueries then we , or stopped at such doubts and poore accidentall chances , they had neuer beene remembred as they are , yet had they no such certainties to begin as we . But to conclude , Adam and Eue did first begin this innocent worke to plant the earth to remaine to posterity , but not without labour , trouble , and industry . Noe and his family began againe the second Plantation ; and their seed as it still increased , hath still planted new Countries , and one Countrey another , and so the world to that estate it is : but not without much hazard , trauell , mortalities , discontents , and many disasters . Had those worthy Fathers , and their memorable off-spring , not beene more diligent for vs now in these ages , then we are to plant that yet are vnplanted for the after liuers . Had the seed of Abraham , our Sauiour Christ , and his Apostles , exposed themselues to no more dangers to teach the Gospell then we , euen wee our selues had at this present beene as saluage , and as miserable as the most barbarous Saluage , yet vnciuilized . The Hebrewes and Lacedemonians , the Gothes , the Grecians , the Romanes , and the rest , what was it they would not vndertake to inlarge their Teritories , enrich their subiects , resist their enemies . Those that were the founders of those great Monarchies and their vertues , were no siluered idle golden Pharises , but industrious Iron steeled Publicans : They regarded more prouisions and necessaries for their people , then Iewels , riches , ease , or delight for themselues ; Riches were their Seruants , not their Masters . They ruled ( as Fathers , not as Titants ) their people as Children , not as Slaues ; there was no disaster could discourage them ; and let none thinke they incountred not with all manner of incumbrances . And what hath euer beene the worke of the greatest Princes of the Earth , but planting of Countries , and ciuilizing barbarous and inhumane Nations to ciuilitie and humanitie , whose eternall actions fills our Histories . Lastly , the Portugals and Spaniards , whose euer-liuing actions before our eies will testifie with them our idlenesse , and ingratitude to all posterities , and the neglect of our duties , in our pietie and religion . We owe our God , our King and Countrey , and want of Charitie to those poore Saluages , whose Countrey wee challenge , vse and possesse ; except wee be but made to vse , and marre what our fore-fathers made , or but onely tell what they did , or esteeme our selues too good to take the like paines . Was it vertue in them to prouide that doth maintaine vs , and basenesse in vs to doe the like for others ? Surely no. Then seeing we are not borne for our selues , but each to help other , and our abilities are much alike at the houre of our birth , and the minute of our death : seeing our good deeds or our bad by faith in Christs merits , is all we haue , to carie our soules to heauen or hell . Seeing honor is our liues ambition , and our ambition after death to haue an honorable memory of our life : and seeing by no meanes we would be abated of the dignities and glories of our predecessors , let vs imitate their vertues to be worthily their successors : to conclude with Lucretius , Its want of reason , or its reasons want Which doubts the minde and iudgement , so doth dant , That those beginnings makes men not to grant . Iohn Smith writ this with his owne hand . Here followeth a briefe Discourse of the trials of New England , with certaine Obseruations of the Hollanders vse and gaine by fishing , and the present estate of that happy Plantation , begun but by sixtie weake men , in the yeere of our Lord 1620. and how to build a fleet of good ships to make a little Nauy Royall , by the former Author . HE saith , that it is more then foure and forty yeeres agoe , and it is more then fortie yeeres agoe since he writ it ; that the Herring Busses out of the Low Countries vnder the King of Spaine , were fiue hundred , besides one hundred French men , and three or foure hundred saile of Flemings . The Coast of Wales and Lancashire was vsed by 300 Saile of Strangers . Ireland at Beltamore , fraughted yeerely three hundred saile of Spaniards , where King Edward the sixt intended to haue made a strong Castle , because of the straight to haue tribute for fishing . Black Rocke was yerely fished by three or foure hundred saile of Spaniards , Portugals , and Biskiners . The Hollanders raise yeerely by Herring , Cod , and Ling , thirty thousand pounds : English and French , by Salt-fish , Poore-Iohn , Salmons , and Pilchards , three hundred thousand pounds : Hambrough and the Sound , for Sturgion , Lobsters and Eeles , one hundred thousand pounds : Cape Blanke for Tunny and Mullit , by the Biskiners and Spaniards , thirty thousand pounds . That the Duke of Medina receiueth yeerely tribute of the Fishers , for Tunny , Mallit , and Porgos , more then ten thousand pounds . Lubecke hath seuen hundred ships ; Hambrough six hundred ; Emden lately a Fisher towne , one thousand foure hundred , whose customes by fishing hath made them so powerfull as they be . Holland and Zeland not much greater then Yorkeshire , hath thirty walled Townes , foure hundred Villages , and twenty thousand saile of Ships and Hoies ; three thousand six hundred are Fisher-men , whereof one hundred are Doggers , seuen hundred Pinkes and Well-Boats , seuen hundred Fraud-boats , Britters , and Tode-boats , with thirteene hundred Busses , besides three hundred that yeerely fish about Yarmouth , where they sell their fish for Gold : and fifteene yeeres agoe they had more then an hundred and sixteene thousand Sea-faring-men . These fishing ships doe take yeerely two hundred thousand last of fish , twelue barrels to a last , which amounts to 300000. pounds by the fisher mens price , that 14. yeeres agoe did pay for their tenths three hundred thousand pound , which venting in Pumerland , Sprustia , Denmarke , Lefeland , Russia , Swethland , Germany , Netherlands , England , or else where , &c. makes their returnes in a yeere about threescore and ten hundred thousand pounds , which is seuen millions ; and yet in Holland there is neither matter to build ships nor merchandize to set them forth , yet by their industry they as much increase as other nations decay ; but leauing these vncertainties as they are , of this I am certaine . That the coast of England , Scotland and Ireland , the North Sea with Island and the Sound , Newfound-land and Cape Blanke , doe serue all Europe , as well the land townes as ports , and all the Christian shipping , with these sorts of staple fish , which is transported from whence it is taken many a thousand mile , viz. Herring , salt Fish , Poore-Iohn , Sturgion , Mullit , Tunny , Porgos , Cauiare , Buttargo . Now seeing all these sorts of fish , or the most part of them may be had in a land more fertill , temperate and plentifull of all necessaries , for the building of ships , boats and houses , and the nourishment of man , the seasons are so proper , and the fishings so neere the habitations we may there make , that New-England hath much aduantage of the most of those parts , to serue all Europe farre cheaper then they can , who at home haue neither wood , salt , nor food , but at great rates , at Sea nothing but what they carry in their ships , an hundred or two hundred leagues from the habitation . But New-Englands fishings is neere land , where is helpe of Wood , Water , Fruits , Fowles , Corne or other refreshings needfull , and the Terceras , Mederas , Canaries , Spaine , Portugall , Prouaues , Sauoy , Sicillia , and all Italy , as conuenient markets for our dry fish , greene fish , Sturgion , Mullit , Cauiare and Buttargo , as Norway , Swethland , L●●tuania or Germany for their Herring , which is heare also in abundance for taking ; they returning but Wood , Pitch , Tar , Sope-ashes , Cordage , Flax , Wax , and such like commodities ; wee Wines , Oiles , Sugars , Silkes , and such merchandize as the Straits offoord , whereby our profit may equalize theirs , besides the increase of shipping and Marriners : and for proofe hereof . In the yeere of our Lord 1614. you haue read how I went from London : also the next yeere 1615. how foure good ships went from London , and I with two more from Plimoth , with all our accidents , successes and returnes : in the yeere 1616. ere I returned from France , the Londoners for all their losse by the Turkes , sent foure ships more ; foure more also went from Plimoth ; after I returned from France , I was perswaded againe to goe to Plimoth with diuers of my friends with one hundred pound for our aduentures besides our charges , but wee found all things as vntoward as before , and all their great promises nothing but aire : yet to prepare the voyage against the next yeere , hauing acquainted a great part of the Nobility with it , and ashamed to see the Prince his Highnesse till I had done some what worthy his Princely view ; I spent that Summer in visiting the Cities and Townes of Bristoll , Exeter , Bastable , Bodnam , Perin , Foy , Milborow , Saltash , Dartmouth , Absom , Tattnesse , and the most of the Gentry in Cornewall and Deuonshire , giuing them Bookes and Maps , shewing how in six moneths the most of those ships had made their voyages , and some in lesse , and with what good successe ; by which incitation they seemed so well contented , as they promised twenty saile of ships should goe with mee next yeere , and in regard of my paines , charge , and former losses , the westerne Commissioners in behalfe of themselues and the rest of the Company , and them hereafter that should be ioyned to them , contracted with me by articles indented vnder our hands , to be Admirall of that Country during my life , and in the renewing of their Letters-Patents so to be nominated . Halfe the fruits of our endeuours to be theirs , the rest our owne ; being thus ingaged , now the businesse is made plaine and likely to prosper , some of them would not onely forget me and their promises , but also obscure me , as if I had neuer beene acquainted in the businesse , but I am not the first they haue deceiued . There was foure good ships prepared at Plimoth , but by reason of their disagreement , the season so wasted , as onely two went forward , the one being of two hundred tunnes , returned well fraught to Plimoth , and her men in health , within fiue moneths ; the other of fourescore tunnes went for bilbow with drie fish and made a good returne . In this voyage Edward Rowcroft , alias Stallings , a valiant Souldier , that had beene with me in Virginia , and was with me also when I was betrayed by the French , was sent againe in those ships , and hauing some wrong offered him there by a French man , he tooke him , and as he writ to me , went with him to Virginia with fish , to trade with them for such commodities as they might spare : he had not past ten or twelue men , and knew both those countries well , yet he promised me the next spring to meet me in New-England , but the ship and he both perished in Virginia . This yeere againe , diuers ships intending to goe from Plimoth , so disagreed , there went but one of two hundred tunnes , who stayed in the Country about six weeks , which with eight and thirty men and boies had her fraught , which she sold at the first penny for 2100. besides the Furres : so that euery poore Sailer that had but a single share had his charges and sixteene pound ten shillings for his seuen moneths worke . Master Thomas Di●m-ire an vnderstanding and industrious Gentleman , that was also with m● amongst the French men , hauing liued about a yeere in Newfoundland , returning to Plimoth , went for New-England in this ship , so much approued of this Country , that he staied there with fiue or six men in a little Boat , finding two or three French men amongst the Saluages who had lost their ship , augmented his company , with whom he ranged the Coast to Virginia , where he was kindly welcommed and well refreshed , thence returned to New-England againe , where hauing beene a yeere , in his backe returne to Virginia he was so wounded by the Saluages , he died vpon it ; let not men attribute these their great aduentures , and vntimely deaths to vnfortunatenesse , but rather wonder how God did so long preserue them with so small meanes to doe so much , leauing the fruits of their labours to be an incouragement to those our poore vndertakings , and as warnings for vs not to vndertake such great workes with such small meanes , and this for aduantage as they writ vnto me , that God had laid this Country open for vs , and slaine the most part of the inhabitants by ciuill warres and a mortall disease , for where I had seene one hundred or two hundred Saluages , there is scarce ten to be found , and yet not any one of them touched with any sicknesse but one poore French man that died ; They say this plague vpon them thus sore fell , It was because they pleas'd not Tantum well . From the West Country to make triall this yeere onely to fish , is gone six or seuen saile , three of which I am certainly informed made so good a voyage , that euery Sailer that had a single share had twenty pound for his seuen moneths work , which is more then in twenty moneths he should haue gotten , had he gone for wages any where . Now although these former ships haue not made such good voiages as they expected , by sending opinionated vnskilfull men , that had not experienced diligence to saue that they tooke , nor take that there was , which now patience and practice hath brought to a reasonable kinde of perfection ; in despight of all detractors and calumniations the Country yet hath satisfied all , the defect hath beene in their vsing or abusing it , not in it selfe nor me : But , Adue desert , for fortune makes prouision For Knaues and Fooles , and men of base condition . Now all these proofes and this relation I now called New-Englands triall . I caused two or three thousand of them to be printed , one thousand with a great many Maps both of Virginia and New-England . I presented to thirty of the chiefe Companies in London at their Halls , desiring either generally or particularly ( them that would ) to imbrace it , and by the vse of a stocke of fiue thousand pound , to ease them of the superfluity of the most of their companies that had but strength and health to labour ; neere a yeere I spent to vnderstand their resolutions , which was to me a greater toile and torment , then to haue beene in New-England about my businesse but with bread and water , and what I could get there by my labour ; but inconclusion , seeing nothing would be effected , I was contented as well with this losse of time and charge as all the rest . A Plantation in New-England . VPon these inducements some few well disposed Gentlemen , and Merchants of London and other places , prouided two ships , the one or a hundred and threescore tunnes ▪ the other of threescore and ten , they left the Coast of England the two and thirtieth of August , with about a hunred and twenty persons , but the next day the lesser ship sprung a leake , that forced their returne to Plimoth , where discharging her and twenty passengers ; with the greater ship and one hundred passengers besides Sailers , they set saile againe the sixt of September , and the ninth of Nouember fell with Cape Iames , but being pestred nine weekes in this leaking vnwholsome ship , lying wet in their Cabins , most of them grew very weake and weary of the Sea ; then for want of experience , ranging two and againe six weekes before they found a place they liked to dwell on , forced to lie on the bare ground without couerture , forty of them died , and threescore were left in very weake estate at the ships comming away , about the fifth of Aprill following , and arriued in England the sixth of May. Though the Harbour be good , the shore is so shallow , they were forced to wade a great way vp to the knees in water , & vsed that that did them much hurt ; & little fish they found but Whailes , and a great kinde of Muftell so fat , that few did eat of them that were not sicke : these miseries occasioned some discord , and gaue some appearance of faction , but all was so reconciled , that they vnited themselues by common consent vnder their hands , to a kinde of combination of a body politike , by vertue whereof to inact and constitute lawes and ordinances , and Officers from time to time , as should bee thought most conuenient for their generall good . Sixteene or seuenteene daies they could doe little for want of their Shallop which was amending , yet Captaine Miles Standish , vnto whom was ioyned in Councell , William Bradfor , Stephen Hopkins and Edward Tilly , went well armed a shore , and by that time they had gone a mile , met fiue or six Indians that fled into the Woods : we traced them by the footing eight or ten miles , then the night approaching we made a fire , by which we lay that night , and the next morning followed the Saluages by their tract , thinking to finde their habitations , but by the way we found a Deere amongst many faire springs of water , where we refreshed our selues ; then we went a shore and made a fire , that they at the ship might perceiue where we were , and so marched to a place where we supposed was a Riuer ; by the way we saw many Vines , Saxefras , haunts of Deere & Fowle , and some fi●ty Acres of plaine ground had beene planted by the Indians , where were some of their graues ; from thence we followed a path that brought vs through three or foure fields had beene planted that yeere ; in one graue we digged , wee found a basket or two of Indian Corne , so much as we could carry we tooke with vs , the rest we buried as we found it , and so proceeded to the place we intended , but we found it not such a Harbour as we expected ; and so we returned , till the night caused vs take vp our lodging vnder a tree , where it rained six or seuen houres : the next morning as we wandred , we passed by a tree , where a young sprig was bowed downe ouer a bough , and some Acornes strewed vnder it , which was one of their Gins to a catch a Deere , and as we were looking at it , Bradford was suddenly caught by the leg in a noosed Rope , made as artificially as ours ; as we passed we see a lease of Bucks , sprung some Partriges , and great flocks of wilde Geese and Ducks , and so we returned well wearied to our ship . Master Iones our Master with foure and thirty men , also went vp and downe in the frost and snow , two or three daies in the extremity of the cold , but could finde no harbour ; only among the old graues we got some ten bushels of Corne , some Beanes , and a bottle of Oile ; and had we not thus haply found it , we had had no Corne for seede , so that place we euer called Corne-hill ; the next day Master Iones with the Corne and our weakest men returned to the Ship , but eighteene of vs quartered there that night , and in the morning following the paths , wee found in the Snow in a field a greater hill or graue then the rest , diging it wee found first a Mat , vnder that a boord three quarters long , painted and carued with three Tyns at the top like a Croner , betweene the Mats also were Bowles , Traies and Dishes and such trash , at length we found a faire new Mat , and vnder that two bundles , the one biggar the other lesse ; in the greater wee found a great quantity of fine red powder like a kinde of imbalmement , and yeelded a strong but no offensiue smell , with the bones and skull of a man that had fine yellow hare still on it , and some of the flesh vnconsumed , a Knife , a Pack-needle , and two or three old Iron things was bound vp in a Sailers canuase Cassocke , also a paire of cloth Breeches ; in the lesse bundle we found likewise of the same powder , and the bones and head of a little childe ; about the legs and other parts of it was bound strings and braslets of white beades , there was also a little Bow , and some other odde knacks , the prettiest we tooke , and couered againe the corps as they were : not farre from thence were two of their houses , where were a great deale of their miserable houshold stuffe , which we left as wee found , and so returned to our Boat , and lay aboord that night . Many arguments we had to make here our Plantation or not ; in the Intrim , Mistris White was brought to bed of a young sonne , which was called Perigrine : and a Sailer shooting at a Whale , his peece flew in peeces stocke and all , yet he had no hurt . A foolish boy discharging his fathers peece hard by halfe a barrell of Powder , and many people by it , it pleased God it escaped firing , so that no hurt was done . But to make a more certaine discouery where to seat our selues , Captaine Standish , Master Caruer , William Branford , Edward Winsloe , Iohn Tilly , Edward Tilly , with diuers others to the number of seuenteene , vpon the sixt of December set saile , and hauing sailed six or seuen leagues , we espied eight or ten Saluages about a dead grampus : still following the shore we found two or three more cast vp by the ill weather , many we see in the water , therefore we called it Grampus Bay : Ships may ride well in it , but all the shore is very shallow slats of sand ; at last seuen or eight of vs went a shore , many fields we saw where the Saluages had inhabited , and a buriall place incompassed with a Palizado , so we returned to our Shallop , in the night we heard a hideous cry and howling of Wolues and Foxes ; in the morning as we were ready to goe into our Shallop , one of our men being in the woods , came running crying , Indians , Indians , and with all their Arrowes flying amongst vs , some of our men being in the boat , and their Armes a shore , so well it chanced , Captaine Standish with two or three more discharged their peeces till the rest were ready , one Saluage more stout then the rest kept vnder a tree , till he had shot three or foure Arrowes , and endured three or foure Musket shot , but at last they all fled , this was about breake of day in the morning when they saw vs , and we not them . Hauing the wind faire , we sailed along the coast 8. or 10. leagues , thinking to haue got to a Harbour where one of our company had beene , within 8. leagues of Cape Cod ▪ for neither cricke nor Harbour in this bay we could finde ; and the wind so increased , our Rudder broke , and our Mast flew ouer-boord , that we were in danger to be cast away , but at last it pleased God we were in a harbor we knew not , thinking it one we were acquainted with , this we found to be an I le where we rid that night , and hauing well viewed the land about it , and founded the Bay to be a good Harbour for our ship , compassed with good land , and in it two faire Iles , where there is in their seasons innumerable store of all sorts of fish and fowle , good water , much plaine land , which hath beene planted ; with this newes we returned to our ship , and with the next faire wind brought her thither , being but within the sight of Cape Cod ; in the meane time Goodwife Alderton was deliuered of a sonne , but dead borne . Vpon the 28. of December , so many as could went to worke vpon the hill , where we purposed to build our Platforme for our ordnance , which doth command all the Plaine and the Bay , and from whence wee may see far into the Sea , and be easily impailed , so in the afternoone we went to measure out the grounds , and diuided our company into 19 families , alotting to euery person halfe a poule in bredth and three in length , and so we cast lots where euery man should lie , which we staked out , thinking this proportion enough at the first to impale for lodgings and gardens . Francis Billington from the top of a tree seeing a great water some three miles from vs in the land , went with the Masters Mate , and found it two great Lakes of fresh water , the bigger fiue or six miles in circuit , and an I le in it of a Cables length square ; the other three miles in compasse , full of fish and fowle , and two brooks issuing from it , which will be an excellent helpe in time for vs , where they saw seuen or eight Indian houses , but no people . Foure being sent a mile or two from our plantation , two of them stragling into the woods was left , for comming to a Lake of water they found a great Deere , hauing a mastiue Bitch and a Spanell with them , they followed so farre they could not finde the way backe , that afternoone it rained , and did freeze and snow at night ; their apparell was very thin , and had no weapons but two sickles , nor any victuals , nor could they finde any of the Saluages habitations ; when the night came they were much perplexed that they had no other bed then the earth , nor couerture then the skies , but that they heard , as they thought , two Lions roaring a long time together very nigh them , so not knowing what to doe , they resolued to climbe vp into a tree , though that would be an intollerable cold lodging , expecting their cōming they stood at the trees root , and the bitch they held fast by the necke , for shee would haue beene gone to the Lions or what they were , that as it chanced came not nigh them , so they watched the tree that extreme cold night , and in the morning trauelling againe , passing by many lakes , brooks and woods , and in one place where the Saluages had burnt 4. or 5. miles in length , which is a fine champion Country , in the afternoone they discouered the two Iles in their Bay , and so that night neere famished they got to their Plantation , from whence they had sent out men euery way to seeke them ; that night the house they had built and thatched , where lay their armes , bedding , powder , &c. tooke fire and was burnt , the Coast is so shoule , the ship rides more then a mile from the Fort , but God be thanked no man was hurt though much was burnt . All this time we could not haue conference with a Saluage , though we had many times seene them and had many alarums , so that we drew a Councell , and appointed Captaine Standish to haue the command of all martiall actions , but euen in the time of consultation the Saluages gaue an alarum : the next day also as wee were agreeing vpon his orders , came a tall Saluage boldly amongst vs , not fearing any thing , and kindly bad vs welcome in English ; he was a Sagamo , towards the North , where the ships vse to fish , and did know the names of most of the Masters that vsed thither : such victuall as we had we gaue him , being the first Saluage we yet could speake with , he told vs this place where we were was called Patuxet , and that all the people three or foure yeeres agoe there died on the plague : in a day or two we could not be rid of him , then he returned to the Massasoyts from whence he came , where is some sixty people , but the Nawsits are 100. strong , which were they encountred our people at the first . Two daies after this Samoset , for so was his name , came againe , and brought fiue or six of the Massasoyts with him , with certaine skinnes , and certaine tooles they had got that we had left in the woods at their alarums : much frie●-dship they promised , and so departed , but Samoset would not leaue vs , but fained himselfe sicke , yet at last he went to entreat the Saluages come againe to confirme a peace : now the third time , as we were consulting of our Marshall orders , two Saluages a●peared , but when we went to them they vanished : not long after came Samo●et , & Squanto , a natiue of Patuxet where we dwell , and one of them carried into Spaine by Hunt , thence brought into England , where a good time he liued ; and now here signified vnto vs , their great Sachem of Massasoyt , with Quadaquina his brother , and all their men , was there by to see vs : not willing to send our Gouernour , we sent Edward Wollisto with presents to them both , to know their minds , making him to vnderstand by his Interpreters how King Iames did salute him and was his friend ; after a little conference with twenty of his men , he came ouer the brooke to our Plantation , where we set him vpon a rug , and then brought our Gouernour to him with Drums and Trumpets ; where after some circumstances , for they vse few complements , we treated of peace with them to this effect . That neither he nor any of his should iniury or doe hurt to any of vs ; if they did , he should send vs the offender , that we might punish him , and wee would doe the like to him : if any did vniustly warre against him , we would aid him , as he should vs against our enemies , and to send to his neighbour confederats to certifie them of this , that they might likewise be comprised in these conditions , that when any of them came to vs , they should leaue their Bow and Arrowes behinde them , as we would our peeces when we came to them , all which the King seemed to like well of , and was applauded of his followers , in his person hee is a very lusty man , in his best yeeres , an able body , graue of countenance , and spare of speech : in his attire little differing from the rest ; after all was done , the Gouernour conducted him to the brooke , but kept our hostage till our messengers returned : in like manner we vsed Quaddaquina , so all departed good friends . Two of his people would haue staied with vs , but wee would not permit them , onely Sam●set and Squanto wee entertained kindly ; as yet wee haue found they intend to keepe promise , for they haue not hurt our men they haue found stragling in the Woods , and are afraid of their powerfull Aduersaries the Narrobiggansets , against whom hee hopes to make vse of our helpe . The next day Squanto went a fishing for Eeles , and in an houre he did tread as many out of the Ose with his feet as he could lift with his hand , not hauing any other instrument . But that we might know their habitations so well as they ours , Stephen Hopkins and Edward Winslo had Squa●tum for their guide and Interpreter ; to Packanoki , the habitation of the King of Massasoyt , with a red horsemans coat for a present , to entreat him by reason we had not victuall to entertaine them as we would , he would defend his people so much from visiting vs ; and if hee did send , he should alwaies send with the Messenger a copper Chaine they gaue him , that they might know he came from him , and also giue them some of his Corne for seede : that night they lodged at Namasoet , some fifteene miles off : by the way we found ten or twelue women and children that still would pester vs till we were weary of them , perceiuing it is the manner of them , where victuall is to bee gotten with most ease , there they will liue ; but on that Riuer of Namasch●t haue beene many habitations of the Saluages that are dead , and the land lies waste , and the Riuer abounding with great plenty of fish , and hath beene much frequented by the French. The next day trauelling with six or seuen Indians , where we were to wade ouer the Riuer , did dwell onely two old men of that Nation then liuing , that thinking vs enemies , sought the best aduantage they could to fight with vs , with a wonderfull shew of courage , but when they knew vs their friends they kindly welcommed vs ; after we came to a towne of the Massasoits , but at Pakanoki the King was not : towards night he arriued and was very proud , both of our message and presents , making a great oration to all his people , Was not he Massasint , Commander of the country about him , was not such a towne his , and the people of it , and 20. townes more he named was his ? and should they not bring their skins to vs ? to which they answered , they were his and they would ; victual they had none , nor any lodging , but a poore planke or two , a foot high from the ground , wheron his wife and he lay at the one end , we at the other , but a thin Mat vpon them , two more of his chiefe men pressed by and vpon vs , so that we were worse weary of our lodging then of our iourney . Although there is such plenty of fish and fowle and wild beasts , yet are they so lasie they will not take paines to catch it till meere hunger constraine them , for in two or three daies we had scarce a meales meat , whereby we were so faint , we were glad to be at home : besides what for the fleas , and their howling and singing in the night in their houses , and the Musketas without doores , our heads were as light for want of sleepe , as our bellies empty for want of meat . The next voiage we made was in a Shallop with ten men to Nawsit , sixteene miles from vs , to fetch a Boy was lost in the Woods we heard was there , whom Aspinet their King had bedecked like a saluage , but very kindly he brought him to vs , and so returned well to Patuyet . Immediatly after the arriuall of the last ship , they sent another of fiue and fifty tuns to supply them ; with seuen and thirty persons they set saile in the beginning of Iuly , but being crossed by westernly winds , it was the end of August ere they could passe Plimoth , and arriued in New-England at New-Plimoth , now so called the 11. of Nouember , where they found all the people they left so ill , lusty and well for all their pouerties , except six that died : a moneth they stayed ere they returned to England , loaded with Clap-boord , Wainscot and Wallnut , with about three hogs-heads of Beuer skinnes the 13. of December : and drawing neere our coast was set on by a French man set out by the Marquesse of Cera , Gouernour of Ile Deu , where they kept the ship , imprisoned the Master and company , tooke from them to the value of 500 ▪ pound , and after 14. daies sent them home with a poore supply of victuall , their owne being deuoured by the Marquesse and his hungry seruants . Now you are to vnderstand this 37. brought nothing , but relied wholly on vs to make vs more miserable then before , which the Sachem Couanacus no sooner vnderstood , but sent to Tusquantum our Interpreter , a bundle of new arrowes in a Snakes skinne ; Tusquantum being absent , the Messenger departed , but when we vnderstood it was a direct challenge , we returned the skin full of powder and shot , with an absolute defiance , which caused vs finish our fortification with all expedition . Now betwixt our two Saluages , Tusquantum and Hobbamock , gre●● such great emulation , we had much adoe to know which best to trust . In a iourney we vndertooke , in our way we met a Saluage of Tusquantums , that had cut his face fresh bleeding , to assure vs Massasoyt our supposed friend , had drawne his forces to Packanokick to assault vs. Hobomak as confidently assured vs it was false , and sent his wife as an espy to see ; but when she perceiued all was well , shee told the King Massasoyt how Tusquantum had abused him , diuers Saluages also hee had caused to beleeue we would destroy them , but he would doe his best to appease vs ; this he did onely to make his Country-men beleeue what great power hee had with vs to get bribes on both sides , to make peace or warre when he would , and the more to possesse them with feare , he perswaded many we had buried the plague in our store house , which wee could send when we listed whither wee would , but at last all his knauery being discouered , Massasowat sent his knife with Messengers for his head or him , being his subiect ; with much adoe we appeased the angry King and the rest of the Saluages , and freely forgaue Tusquantum , because he speaking our language we could not well be without him . A iourney to the Towne of Namaschet , in defence of the King of Massasoyt , against the Narrohigganses , and the supposed death of Squantum . A Great difference there was betwixt the Narrohigganses and the Massasoytes , that had alwaies a iealousie ; Coubatant one of their petty Sachems was too conuersant with the Narrohigganses , this Coubatant liued much at Namas●het and much stormed at our peace with his King and others ; also at Squantum , and Tokamahamon , and Hobomak our friends , and chiefe occasioners of our peace , for which he sought to muther Hobomak ; yet Tokamahamon went to him vpon a rumour he had taken Masasoyt prisoner , or forced him from his Country , but the other two would not , but in priuat to see if they could heare what was become of their King ; lodging at Namaschet they were discouered to Coubatant , who surprized the house and tooke Squantum , saying , if hee were dead the English had lost their tongue ; Hobomak seeing that , and Coubatant held a knife at his brest , being a strong lusty fellow , brake from them and came to New-Plimoth , full of sorrow for Squantum , whom he thought was slaine . The next day we sent ten men with him armed to be reuenged of Coubatant , who conducted vs neere Namaschet , where we rested and refreshed our selues til midnight , and then we beset the house as we had resolued ; those that entred the house demanded for Coubatant , but the Saluages were halfe dead with feare , we charged them not to stirre , for we came to hurt none but Coubatant , for killing Squantum , some of them seeking to escape was wounded , but at last perceiuing our ends , they told vs Coubatant was gone and all his men , and Squantum was yet liuing , & in the towne ; in this hurly burly we discharged two peeces at randome , which much terrified all the inhabitants except Squantum and Tokamahamon , who though they knew not the end of our cōming , yet assured themselues of our honesties , that we would not hurt them ; the women and children hung about Hobomak ▪ calling him friend , and when they saw we would hurt no women , the young youths cryed we are women ; to be short , we kept them all , and whilest we were searching the house for Coubatant , Hobomak had got to the top , and called Squantum & Tokamahamon , which came vnto vs accompanied with others , some armed , others naked , those that had bowes we tooke them from them , promising them againe when it was day : the house wee tooke for our quarter that night and discharged the prisoners , and the next morning went to breakfast to Squantums house ; thither came all them that loued vs to welcome vs , but all Coubatants faction was fled , then we made them plainly know the cause of our comming , & if their King Massasoyt were not well , we would be reuenged vpon the Narrohiggansets , or any that should doe iniury to Hobomak , Squantum , or ●ny of their friends ; as for those were wounded we were sorry for it , and offered out Surgion should heale them , of this offer a man and a woman accepted , that went home with vs , accompanied with Squantum , and many other knowne friends , that offered vs all the kindnesse they could . From the West of England there is gone ten or twelue ships to fish , which were all well fraughted : those that came first at Bilbow , made seuenteene pound a single share , besides Beuers , Otters , and Martins skinnes ; but some of the rest that came to the same ports , that were all ready furnished , so glutted the market , that the price was abated , yet all returned so well contented , that they are a preparing to goe againe . There is gone from the West Countrey onely to fish , fiue and thirtie ships , and about the last of Aprill two more from London ; the one of one hundred tunnes , the other of thirtie , with some sixtie Passengers to supply the Plantation . Now though the Turke and French hath beene somewhat too busie in taking our ships , would all the Christian Princes be truly at vnitie , as his Royall Maiestie our Soueraigne King Iames desireth , seuentie Saile of good ships were sufficient to fire the most of his Coasts in the Leuant , and make such a guard in the Straights of Hellespont , as would make the great Turke himselfe more affraid in Constantinople , then the smallest Red-Crosse that crosses the Seas would be , either of any French Pickaroun , or the Pirats of Algere . An abstract of diuers Relations sent from the Colony in New England , Iuly 16. 1622. SInce the massacre in Virginia , though the Indians continue their wonted friendship , yet wee are more wary of them then before ; for their hands hath beene imbrued in much English bloud , onely by too much confidence , but not by force , and we haue had small supplies of any thing but men . Here I must intreat a little your fauours to digresse , they did not kill the English in Virginia , because they were Christians : but for their weapons and Copper , which were rare nouelties ; but now they feare we may beat them out of their dens , which Lions and Tigers will not admit but by force . But must this be an argument for an English man , and discourage any in Virginia or New England : No , for I haue tried them both , as you may reade at large in the Historie of Virginia ; notwithstanding since I came from thence , the Honourable Company hath beene humble suiters to his Maiestie , to get vagabonds and condemned men to goe thither ; nay , so the businesse hath beene so abused , that so much scorned was the name of Virginia , some did chuse to be hanged ere they would goe thither , and were : Yet for all the worst of spight , detraction , and discouragement , and this iamentable massacre , there is more honest men now suiters to goe , then euer hath beene constrained knaues . And it is not vnknowne to most men of vnderstanding , how happy many of those Collumners hath thought themselues that they might be admitted ; and yet pay for their passage to goe now to Virginia , and I feare mee there goeth too many of those , that hath shifted heere till they could no longer ; and they will vse that qualitie there till they hazard all . To range this Countrey of New England in like manner , I had but eight , as is said , and amongst their bruit conditions , I met many of their silly encounters , and I giue God thankes , without any hurt at all to me , or any with mee . When your West-Countrey men were so wounded and tormented with the Saluages , though they had all the Politicke directions that had beene gathered from all the secret informations could be heard of , yet they found little , and returned with nothing . I speak not this out of vaine-glory , as it may be some gleaners , or some who were neuer there may censure me ; but to let all men be assured by those examples , what those Saluages are , that thus strangely doe murder and betray our Country-men : but to the purpose ; The Paragon with thirtie seuen men sent to releeue them , miscaried twice vpon our English Coast , whereby they failed of their supplies . It is true , there hath beene taken one thousand Bases at a draught ; and in one night twelue Hogsheads of Herrings : but when they wanted all necessaries both for fishing and sustinance , but what they could get with their naked industry , they indured most extreme wants , hauing beene now neere two yeeres without any supply to any purpose , it is a wonder how they should subsist , much lesse so to resist the Saluages , fortifie themselues , plant sixtie acres of Corne , besides their Gardens that were well replenished with many vsuall fruits . But in the beginning of Iuly came in two ships of Master Westons , though we much wanted our selues , yet we releeued them what we could : and to requite vs , they destroied our Corne and Fruits then planted , and did what they could to haue done the like to vs. At last they were transported to Wichaguscusset at the Massachusets , where they abused the Saluages worse then vs. We hauing neither Trade , nor scarce any thing remaining , God sent in one Master Iones , and a ship of Westons had beene at Monahigan amongst the Fisher-men , that for Beuer skinnes and such Merchandize as wee had , very well refreshed vs , though at deere rates . Weston left also his men a small Barke , and much good prouision , and so set saile for England . Then wee ioyned with them to trade to the Southward of Cape Cod , twice or thrice wee were forced to returne ; first by the death of their Gouernor ; then the sicknesse of Captaine Standish . At last our Gouernor Master Bradford vndertooke it himselfe to haue found the passage betwixt the Shoules and the Maine , then Tusquantum our Pilot died , so that we returned to the Massachusets , where we found the trade spoiled , and nothing but complaints betwixt the Saluages and the English. At Nawset we were kindly vsed and had good trade , though we lost our Barge , the Saluages carefully kept both her wracke , and some ten Hosheads of Corne three moneths , and so we returned some by land , some in the ship . Captaine Standish being recouered , went to fetch them both , and traded at Namasket and Monomete , where the people had the plague , a place much frequented with Dutch and French. Here the Sachem put a man to death for killing his fellow at play , wherein they are so violent , they will play their coats from their backs , and also their wiues , though many miles from them . But our prouision decaying , Standish is sent to Mattachist , where they pretended their wonted loue ; yet it plainly appeared they intended to kill him . Escaping thence , wee went to Monomete , where we found nothing but bad countenances . Heare one Wittuwamat a notable villaine , would boast how many French and English hee had slaine : This Champion presenting a Dagger to the Sachem Canacum he had got from the English , occasioned vs to vnderstand how they had contriued to murder all the English in the Land , but hauing such a faire opportunitie , they would begin heere with vs. Their scornfull vsage made the Captaine so passionate to appease his anger and choler , their intent made many faire excuses for satisfaction : Scar a lusty Saluage , alwaies seeming the most to effect vs , bestowed on vs the best presents he had without any recompence , saying ; Hee was rich enough to bestow such fauours on his friends , yet had vndertaken to kill the Captaine himselfe , but our vigilencies so preuented the aduantage they expected , we safely returned , little suspecting in him any such treachery . During this time a Dutch ship was driuen a shore at Massasowat , whose King lay very sicke , now because it is a generall custome then for all their friends to visit them : Master Winslow , and Master Hamden , with Habamok for their guide , were sent with such Cordialls as they had to salute him ; by the way they so oft heard the King was dead , Habamok would breake forth in those words , My louing Sachem , my louing Sachem , many haue I knowne , but neuer any like thee , nor shall euer see the like amongst the Saluages ; for he was no lier , nor bloudy and cruell like other Indians , in anger soone reclaimed , he would be ruled by reason , not scorning the aduice of meane men , and gouerned his men better with a few strokes , then others with many : truly louing where he loued , yea he feared wee had not a faithfull friend left amongst all his Countrey-men , shewing how oft he had restrained their malice , much more with much passion he spoke to this purpose , till at last we arriued where we found the Dutchmen but newly gone , and the house so full we could hardly get in . By their charmes they distempered vs that were well , much more him that was sicke , women rubbing him to keepe heat in him ; but their charmes ended , vnderstanding of vs , though he had lost his sight , his vnderstanding failed not ; but taking Winslow by the hand , said , Art thou Winslow , Oh Winslow , I shall neuer see thee againe ! Hobamock telling him what restauratiues they had brought , he desired to taste them , with much adoe they got a little Confexion of many comfortable Conserues into his mouth , as it desolued he swallowed it , then desoluing more of it in water , they scraped his tongue , which was al furred & swolne , and washed his mouth , and then gaue him more of it to eat , and in his drinke , that wrought such an alteration in him in two or three houres , his eies opened to our great contents ; with this and such brothes as they there prouided for him , it pleased God he recouered : and thus the manner of his sicknesse and cure caused no small admiration amongst them . During the time of their stay to see his recouery , they had sent to New Plimoth for diuers good things for him , which he tooke so kindly , that he fully reuealed all the former conspiracies against vs , to which he had oft beene moued ; and how that all the people of Powmet , Nawset , Succonet , Mattachist , Manamet , Augawam , and Capawac , were ioyned to murder vs ; therefore as we respected our liues , kill them of Massachuset that were the authors ; for take away the principals and the plot wil cease , thus taking our leaues , & arriuing at our fort , we found our braue liberall friend of Pamet drawing Standish to their Ambuscados , which being thus discouered , we sent him away , as though he knew not suspected any thing . Them at the Massachusets , some were so vilde they serued the Saluages for victuall , the rest sent vs word the Saluages were so insolent , they would assault them though against their Commission , so fearefull they were to breake their Commission , so much time was spent in consultations , they all were famished , till Wassapinewat againe came and told them the day of their execution was at hand . Then they appointed Standish with eight chosen men , vnder colour of Trade to catch them in their owne trap at Massachuset , & acquaint it with the English in the Towne , where arriuing he found none in the Barke , and most of the rest without Armes , or scarce clothes , wandering abroad , all so sencelesly secure , he more then wondered they were not all slaine , with much adoe he got the most of them to their Towne . The Saluages suspecting their plots discouered , Pecksnot a great man , and of as great a spirit , came to Habamak , who was then amongst them , saying ; Tell Standish we know he is come to kill vs , but let him begin when he dare . Not long after many would come to the Fort and whet their Kniues before him , with many brauing speeches . One amongst the rest was by Wittawamat bragging he had a Knife , that on the handle had the picture of a womans face , but at home I haue one hath killed both French & English , and that hath a mans face on it , and by and by these two must marrie : but this here , by and by shall see , and by and by eat , but not speake ; Also Pecksnot being of a greater stature then the Captaine , told him , though he were a great Captaine he was but a little man , and I though no Sachem , yet I am of great strength and courage . These things Standish bare patiently for the present ; but the next day seeing he could not get many of them together , but these two Roarers , and two more being in a conuenient roome , and his company about him , Standish feased on Pecksnots Knife then hanging about his necke , wherewith he slew him , and the rest slew Wittuwamat and the other Saluage , but the youth they tooke , who being Brother to Wittuwamat , and as villanous as himselfe , was hanged . It is incredible how many wounds they indured , catching at their weapons without any feare or bruit , till the last gasp . Habamack stood by all this time very silent , but all ended , he said , Yesterday Pecksnot bragged of his strength and stature , but I see you are big enough to lay him on the ground . The Towne he left to the guard of Westons people : three Saluages more were slaine ; vpon which rumour they all fled from their houses . The next day they met with a file of Saluages that let fly their Arrowes , shot for shot till Hobamack shewed himselfe , and then they fled . For all this , a Saluage Boy to shew his innocency , came boldly vnto vs and told vs : Had the English Fugitiues but finished the three Canowes they were a making , to haue taken the ship , they would haue done as much to all the English , which was onely the cause they had forborne so long . But now consulting and considering their estates , those that went in the Pinnace to Barty Iles to get passage for England , the rest to New Plimoth , where they were kindly entertained . The Sachem Obtak●est , & Powas , and diuers other were guilty , the three fugitiues in their fury there slew ; but not long after so distracted were those poore scattered people , they left their habitations , liuing in swamps , where wi●h cold and infinite diseases they endured much mortalitie , suing for peace , and crying the God of England is angry with them . Thus you see where God pleases , as some flourish , others perish . Now on all hands they prepare their ground , and about the middest of Aprill , in a faire season they begin to plant till the latter end of May ; but to God pleased , that in six weekes after the latter setting there scarce fell any raine ; so that the stalke was first set , began to care ere it came to halfe growth , and the last not like to yeeld any thing at all . Our Beanes also seemed so withered , we iudged all vtterly dead , that now all our hopes were ouerthrowne , and our ioy turned into mourning . And more to our sorrow , we heard of the twice returne of the Paragon ▪ that now the third time was sent vs three moneths agoe , but no newes of her : onely the signes of a wracke we saw on the Coast which wee iudged her . This caused not euery of vs to enter into a priuate consideration betwixt God and our consciences , but most solemnly to humble our selues before the Lord by fasting and praying , to releeue our deiected spirits by the comforts of his mercy . In the morning when wee assembled all together , the skies were as cleere , and the drought as like to continue as euer ; yet our exercise continued eight or nine houres . Before our departure , the skies were all ouer-cast , and on the next morning distilled such soft , sweet , moderate showers , continuing foureteene daies , mixed with such seasonable weather , as it was hard to say , whether our withered Corne , or drooping affections were most quickned and reuiued ; such was the bounty and mercy of God. Of this the Indians by the meanes of Hobamock tooke notice , who seeing vs vse this exercise in the midst of the weeke , said ; It was but three daies since Sunday , and desired to know the reason ; which when hee vnd●rstood , he and all of them admired the goodnesse of God towards vs , shewing the difference betwixt their coniurations and our praiers , and what stormes and dangers they oft receiue thereby . To expresse our thankfulnesse , wee assembled together another day , as before , and either the next morning , or not long after , came in two ships to supply vs , and all their Passengers well except one , and he presently recouered . For vs , notwithstanding all these wants , there was not a sicke person amongst vs. The greater ship we returned fraught ; the other wee sent to the Southward , to trade vnder the command of Captaine Altom . So that God be thanked , we desire nothing , but what we will returne Commodities to the value . Thus all men finde our great God he , That neuer wanted nature , To teach his truth , that onely he Of euery thing is Author . For this yeere from England is gone about fortie saile of ships , only to fish , and as I am informed , haue made a farre better voyage then euer . Now some new great obseruers will haue this an Iland , because I haue writ it is the Continent : others report , that the people are so bruit , they haue no religion , wherein surely they are deceiued ; for my part , I neuer heard of any Nation in the world which had not a Religion , deare , bowes and arrowes . They beleeue as doe the Virginians , of many diuine powers , yet of one aboue all the rest , as the Southerne Virginians call their chiefe God Kewassa , and that wee now inhabit Oke , but both their Kings Werowance . The Masachusets call their great God Kiehtan , and their Kings there abou ts Sachems : The Penobscotes their greatest power Tantum , and their Kings Sagomes . Those where is this Plantation , say Ki●htan made all the other Gods : also one man and one woman , and of them all mankinde , but how they became so dispersed they know not . They say , at first there was no King but Kiehtan that dwelleth farre westerly aboue the heauens , whither all good men goe when they die , and haue plentie of all things . The bad men goe thither also and knocke at the doore , but he bids them goe wander in endlesse want and miserie , for they shall not stay there . They neuer saw Kiehtan , but they hold it a great charge and dutie , that one age teach another ; and to him they make feasts , and cry and sing for plentie and victorie , or any thing is good . They haue another Power they call Hobam●ck , which wee conceiue the Deuill , and vpon him they call to cure their wounds and diseases : when they are curable he perswades them he sent them , because they haue displeased him ; but if they be mortall , then he saith , Kiehtan sent them , which makes them neuer call on him in their sicknesse . They say this Hobamock appeares to them somtimes like a Man , a Deere , or an Eagle , but most commonly like a Snake ; not to all , but only to their Powahs to cure diseases , and V●deses , which is one of the chiefe next the King , and so bold in the warres , that they thinke no weapon can kill them : and those are such as coniure in Virginia , and cause the people to doe what they list . For their Gouernment : euery Sachem is not a King , but their great Sachems haue diuers Sachems vnder their protection , paying them tribute , and dare make no warres without his knowledge ; but euery Sachem taketh care for the Widowes , Orphans , the aged and maimed , nor will they take any to first wife , but them in birth equall to themselues , although they haue many inferior Wiues and Concubins that attend on the principall ; from whom he neuer parteth , but any of the rest when they list , they inherit by succession , and euery one knowes their owne bounds . To his men , hee giueth them land , also bounded , and what Deere they kill in that circuit , he hath the sore-part ; but it in the water , onely the skin : But they account none a man , till hee hath done some notable exploit : the men are most imploied in hunting , the women in slauery ; the younger obey the elders : their names are variable ; they haue harlots and honest women : the harlots neuer marrie , or else are widowes . They vse diuorcement , and the King commonly punisheth all offenders himselfe : when a maid is maried , she cutteth her haire , and keepes her head couered till it be growne againe . Their arts , games , musicke , attire , burials , and such like , differ very little from the Virginians , onely for their Chronicles they make holes in the ground , as the others set vp great stones . Out of the Relations of Master Edward Winslow . Now I know the common question is , For all those miseries , where is the wealth they haue got , or the Gold or Siluer Mines ? To such greedy vnworthy minds I say once againe : The Sea is better then the richest Mine knowne , and of all the fishing ships that went well prouided , there is no complaint of losse nor misery , but rather an admiration of wealth , profit , and health . As for the land were it neuer so good , in two yeeres so few of such small experience liuing without supplies so well , and in health , it was an extraordinary blessing from God. But that with such small meanes they should subsist , and doe so much , to any vnderstanding judgement is a wonder . Notwithstanding , the vaine expectation of present gaine in some , ambition in others , that to be great would haue all else slaues , and the carelesnesse in prouiding supplies , hath caused those defailements in all those Plantations , and how euer some bad conditions will extoll the actions of any Nation but their owne : yet if we may giue credit to the Spaniards , Portugals , and French writings , they indured as many miseries , and yet not in twenty yeeres effected so much , nay scarce in fortie . Thus you may see plainly the yeerely successe from New England by Virginia , which hath beene so costly to this Kingdome , and so deare to me , which either to see perish , or but bleed ; Pardon me though it passionate me beyond the bounds of modesty , to haue beene sufficiently able to fore-see their miseries , and had neither power nor meanes to preuent it . By that acquaintance I haue with them , I call them my children , for they haue beene my Wife , my Hawks , Hounds , my Cards , my Dice , and in totall , my best content , as indifferent to my heart , as my left hand to my right . And notwithstanding , all those miracles of disasters haue crossed both them and me , yet were there not an Englishman remaining , as God be thanked notwithstanding the massacre there are some thousands ; I would yet begin againe with as small meanes as I did at first , not that I haue any secret encouragement ( I protest ) more then lamentable experience ; for all their discoueries I haue yet heard of , are but Pigs of my owne Sow , nor more strange to me , then to heare one tell me hee hath gone from Billingsgate and discouered Grauesend , Tilbury , Quinborow , Lee , and Margit , which to those did neuer heare of them , though they dwell in England , might bee made some rare secrets and great Countries vnknowne , except some few Relations of Master Dirmer . In England , some are held great trauellers that haue seene Venice , and Rome , Madrill , Toledo , Siuill , Algere , Prague , or Ragonsa , Constantinople , or Ierusalem , and the Piramides of Egypt ; that thinke it nothing to goe to Summer Iles , or Virginia , which is as far as any of them ; and I hope in time will proue a more profitable and more laudable iourney : as for the danger , you see our Ladies and Gentlewomen account it nothing now to goe thither ; and therefore I hope all good men will better apprehend it , and not suffer them to languish in despaire , whom God so wonderfully and oft hath preserued . What here I haue writ by Relation , if it be not right I humbly intreat your pardons , but I haue not spared any diligence to learne the truth of them that haue beene actors , or sharers in those voyages ; In some particulars they might deceiue mee , but in the substance they could not : for few could tell me any thing , except where they fished . But seeing all those haue liued there , doe confirme more then I haue writ , I doubt not but all those testimonies with these new begun examples of Plantation , will moue both Citie and Country , freely to aduenture with me more then promises . But because some Fortune-tellers say , I am vnfortunate ; had they spent their time as I haue done , they would rather beleeue in God then their calculations , and peraduenture haue giuen as bad an account of their actions , and therefore I intreat leaue to answer those obiecters , that thinke it strange , if this be true , I haue made no more vse of it , rest so long without imploiment , nor haue no more reward nor preferment : To which I say ; I thinke it more strange they should tax me , before they haue tried as much as I haue , both by land and sea , as well in Asia and Affrica , as Europe and America , where my Commanders were actors or spectators , they alwaies so freely rewarded me , I neuer needed bee importunate , or could I euer learne to beg : What there I got , I haue spent ; yet in Virginia I staied , till I left fiue hundred behinde me better prouided then euer I was , from which blessed Virgin ( ere I returned ) sprung the fortunate habitation of Summer Iles. This Virgins Sister , now called New England , at my humble sute , by our most gracious Prince Charles , hath beene neere as chargeable to me and my friends : for all which , although I neuer got shilling but it cost mee a pound , yet I would thinke my selfe happy could I see their prosperities . But if it yet trouble a multitude to proceed vpon these certainties , what thinke you I vndertooke when nothing was knowne but that there was a vast land ? I neuer had power and meanes to doe any thing , though more hath beene spent in formall delaies then would haue done the businesse , but in such a penurious and miserable manner , as if I had gone a begging to build an Vniuersitie : where had men beene as forward to aduenture their purses , and performe the conditions they promised mee , as to crop the fruits of my labours , thousands ere this had beene bettered by these designes . Thus betwixt the spur of desire and the bridle of reason , I am neere ridden to death in a ring of despaire ; the reines are in your hands , therefore I intreat you ease me , and those that thinke I am either idle or vnfortunate , may see the cause and know : vnlesse I did see better dealing , I haue had warning enough not to be so forward againe at euery motion vpon their promises , vnlesse I intended nothing but to carie newes ; for now they dare aduenture a ship , that when I went first would not aduenture a groat , so they may be at home againe by Michaelmas , which makes me remember and say with Master Hackluit ; Oh incredulitie the wit of fooles , that slouingly doe spit at all things faire , a sluggards Cradle , a Cowards Castle , how easie it is to be an Infidell . But to the matter : By this all men may perceiue , the ordinary performance of this voyage in fiue or six moneths , the plentie of fish is most certainly approued ; and it is certaine , from Cannada and New England , within these six yeeres hath come neere twenty thousand Beuer skinnes : Now had each of these ships transported but some small quantitie of the most increasing Beasts , Fowles , Fruits , Plants , and Seeds , as I proiected ; by this time their increase might haue beene sufficient for more then one thousand men : But the desire of present gaine ( in many ) is so violent , and the endeuours of many vndertakers so negligent , euery one so regarding their priuate gaine , that it is hard to effect any publike good , and impossible to bring them into a body , rule , or order , vnlesse both honesty , as well as authoritie and money , assist experience . But your home-bred ingrossing Proiecters will at last finde , there is a great difference betwixt saying and doing , or those that thinks their directions can be as soone and easily performed , as they can conceit them ; or that their conceits are the fittest things to bee put in practise , or their countenances maintaine Plantations . But to conclude , the fishing will goe forward w●ether you plant it or no ; whereby a Colony may be then transported with no great charge , that in short time might prouide such fraughts , to buy on vs there dwelling , as I would hope no ship should goe or come emptie from New England . The charge of this is onely Salt , Nets , Hookes , Lines , Kniues , Irish-rugges , course cloth , Beads , Glasse , and such trash , onely for fishing and trade with the Saluages , besides our owne necessarie prouisions , whole endeuours would quickly defray all this charge , and the Saluages did intreat me to inhabit where I would . Now all those ships till these last two yeeres , haue beene fishing within a square of two or three leagues , and scarce any one yet will goe any further in the Port they fish in , where questionlesse fiue hundred may haue their fraught as well as elsewhere , and be in the market ere others can haue the fish in their ships , because New Englands fishing begins in February , in Newfoundland not till the midst of May ; the progression hereof tends much to the aduancement of Virginia and Summer Iles , whose empty ships may take in their fraughts there , and would be also in time of need a good friend to the Inhabitants of Newfoundland . The returnes made by the Westerne men , are commonly diuided in three parts ; one for the owner of the ship ; another for the Master and his Company ; the third for the victualers , which course being still permitted , will be no hinderance to the Plantation as yet goe there neuer so many , but a meanes of transporting that yeerely for little or nothing , which otherwise wil cost many hundreds of pounds . If a ship can gaine twenty , thirty , fifty in the hundred ; nay three hundred for one hundred in seuen or ten moneths , as you see they haue done , spending twice so much time in comming and going as in staying there : were I there planted , seeing the variety of the fishings serue the most part of the yeere , and with a little labour we might make all the Salt we need vse , as is formerly said , and can conceiue no reason to distrust of good successe by Gods assistance ; besides for the building of ships , no place hath more conuenient Harbours , ebbe , nor floud , nor better timber ; and no Commoditie in Europe doth more decay then wood . Master Dee his opinion for the building of ships . MAster Dee recordeth in his Brittish Monarchy , that King Edgar had a Nauy of foure thousand saile , with which he yeerely made his progresse , about this famous Monarchy of Great Britaine , largely declaring the benefit thereof ; whereupon hee proiected to our most memorable Queene Elizabeth , the erecting of a Fleet of sixty Saile , he called a little Nauy Royall : imitating that admired Pericles Prince of Athens , that could neuer secure that tormented estate , vntill he was Lord and Captaine of the Sea. At this none need wonder , for who knowes not her Royall Maiestie during her life , by the incredible aduentures of her Royall Nauy , and valiant Souldiers and Sea-men , notwithstanding all treacheries at home , the protecting and defending France and Holland , and reconquering Ireland ; yet all the world by Sea and Land both feared or loued , and admired good Queene Elizabeth . Both to maintaine and increase that incomparable honour ( God be thanked ) to her incomparable Successor , our most Royall Lord and Soueraigne King Iames , this great Philosopher hath left this to his Maiestie and his Kingdomes consideration : that if the tenths of the earth be proper to God , it is also due by Sea. The Kings high waies are common to passe , but not to dig for Mines or any thing : So Englands Coasts are free to passe but not to fish , but by his Maiesties Prerogatiue . His Maiesty of Spaine permits none to passe the Popes order , for the East and West Indies but by his permission , or at their perils ; if all that world be so iustly theirs , it is no iniustice for England to make as much vse of her owne shores as strangers doe , that pay to their owne Lords the tenth , and not to the owner of those liberties any thing to speake of , whose subiects may neither take nor sell any in their Teritories : which small tribute would maintaine this little Nauy Royall , and not cost his Maiesty a peny , and yet maintaine peace with all Forrainers , and allow them more courtesie then any Nation in the world affords to England . It were ashame to alleage , that Holla●d is more worthy to enioy our fishing as Lords thereof , because they haue more skill to handle it then we , as they can our wooll and vndressed Cloth , notwithstanding all their warres and troublesome disorders . To get money to build this Nauy , he saith , who would not spare the one hundreth penny of his rents , and the fiue hundreth penny of his goods ; each seruant that taketh forty shillings wages , foure pence ; and euery forrainer of seuen yeeres of age foure pence , for seuen yeeres ; not any of these but they will spend three times so much in pride , wantonnesse , or some superfluitie : And doe any men loue the securitie of their estates , that of themselues would not bee humble suters to his Maiesty to doe this of free will as a voluntary beneuolence , or but the one halfe of this ( or some such other course as I haue prounded to diuers of the Companies ) free from any constraint , tax , lottery , or imposition ; so it may be as honestly and truly imploied , as it is proiected , the poorest Mechanicke in this King-would gaine by it . Then you might build ships of any proportion and numbers you please , fiue times cheaper then you can doe here , and haue good merchandize for their fraught in this vnknowne Land , to the aduancement of Gods glory , his Church and Gospel , and the strengthning and releefe of a great part of Christendome without hurt to any , to the terror of Pirats , the amazement of enemies , the assistance of friends , the securing Merchants , and so much increase of Nauigation , to make Englands trade and shipping as much as any Nations in the world , besides a hundred other benefits , to the generall good of all true subiects , & would cause thousands yet vnborne to blesse the time , and all them that first put it in practise . Now lest it should be obscured as it hath beene to priuat ends , or so weakely vndertaken by our ouerweening incredulity , that strangers may possesse it whilest we contend for New-Englands goods , but not Englands good ; I haue presented it as I haue said , to the Prince and Nobility , the Gentry and Commonalty , hoping at last it will moue the whole land to know it and consider of it ; since I can finde them wood and halfe victuall , with the foresaid aduantages : were this Country planted , with what facility they may build and maintaine this little Nauy Royall , both with honour , profit and content , and inhabit as good a Country as any in the world within that paralell , which with my life and what I haue , I will endeuour to effect , if God please and you permit . But no man will goe from hence to haue lesse freedome there then here , nor aduenture all they haue to prepare the way for them will scarce thanke them for it ; and it is too well knowne there haue beene so many vndertakers of Patents , and such sharing of them , as hath bred no lesse discouragement then wonder , to heare such great promises and so little performance ; in the Interim , you see the French and Dutch already frequent it , and God forbid they in Virginia , or any of his Maiesties subiects , should not haue as free liberty as they . To conclude , were it not for Master Cherley and a few priuate aduenturers with them , what haue we there for all these inducements ? As for them whom pride or couetousnesse lulleth asleepe in a Cradle of slothfull carelesnesse , would they but consider how all the great Monarchies of the earth haue beene brought to confusion , or but remember the late lamentable experiences of Constantinople , and how many Cities , Townes and Prouinces , in the faire rich Kingdoms of Hungaria , Transiluania , Wallachia & Moldauia , and how many thousands of Princes , Earles , Barons , Knights , Merchants , and others , haue in one day lost goods , liues and honours , or sold for slaues like beasts in a market place , their wiues , children and seruants slaine , or wandring they knew not whither , dying or liuing in all extremities of extreme miseries and calamities , surely they would not onely doe this , but giue all they haue to enioy peace and liberty at home , or but aduenture their persons abroad ; to preuent the conclusions of a conquering Foe , who commonly assaulteth and best preuaileth where he findeth wealth and plenty , most armed with ignorance and security . Though the true condition of warre is onely to suppresse the proud and defend the innocent , as did that most generous Prince Sigismundus , Prince of those Countries , against them whom vnder the colour of iustice and piety , to maintaine their superfluity of ambitious pride , thought all the world too little to maintaine their vice , and vndoe them , or keepe them from ability to doe any thing , that would not admire and adore their honours , fortunes , couetousnesse , falshood , bribery , cruelty , extortion , and ingratitude , which is worse then cowardize or ignorance , and all manner of vildnesse , cleane contrary to all honour , vertue , and noblenesse . Iohn Smith writ this with his owne hand . Here follow certaine notes and obseruations of Captaine Charles Whitbourne concerning New-found land , which although euery master trained vp in fishing , can make their proportions of necessaries according to their custome , yet it is not much amisse here to insert them , that euery one which desires the good of those actions know them also . Besides in his Booke intituled , A discouery of New-found land , and the commodities thereof , you shall finde many excellent good aduertisements for a Plantation ; and how that most yeeres this Coast hath beene frequented with 250. saile of his Maiesties subiects , which supposing but 60. tunnes a peece , one with another , they amount to 15000. tunnes , and allowing 25 men and boies to euery Barke , they will make 5000. persons , whose labours returne yeerely to about 135000. pound sterling , besides the great numbers of Brewers , Bakers , Coupers , Ship-Carpenters , Net-makers , Rope-makers , Hooke-makers , and the most of all other mecanicall trades in England . The charge of letting forth a ship of 100. tuns with 40. persons , both to make a fishing voyage , and increase the Plantation .   l. s. d. INprimis , 10000. weight of Bisket at 15. s. a 100. weight . 82. 10.   26 Tun of Beere and Sider at 53. s. 4. d. a Tun. 69. 7.   2 Hogsheads of English Beefe . 10.     2 Hogsheads of Irish Beefe . 5.     10 Fat Hogs salted with Salt and Caske . 10. 10.   30 Bushels of Pease . 6     2 Ferkins of Butter . 3.     200 Waight of Cheese . 2. 10.   1 Bushell of Mustard-seed .   6.   1 Hogshead of Vinegar . 1. 5.   Wood to dresse meat withall . 1.     1 Great Copper Kettle . 2.     2 Small Kettles . 2.     2 Frying-Pans .   3. 4. Platters , Ladles and Cans . 1.     a paire of Bellowes for the Cooke .   2. 6. Taps , Boriers and Funnels . 2.     L●cks for the Bread roomes .   2. 6. 100 weight of Candles . 2. 10.   1 , 0 quarters of Salt at 2. s. the Rushell . 10. 4.   Mats & dinnage to lie vnder it . 2. 10.   Salt Shouels .   10   Particulars for the 40. persons to keepe 8. fishing boats at Sea , with 3. men in euery boat , imploies 24. and 500. foot of Elme boords of an inch thicke , 8. s. each one . 2.     2000 Nailes for the 8. Boats , at 13. s. 4. d. a 1000. 1. 6 8. 4000 Nailes at 6. s 8. d. 1000. 1. 6 8. 2000 Nailes at 5. d. 100.   8.   500 weight of pitch at 8. s. 100. 2.     2000 of good orlop nailes . 2. 5.   More for other small necessaries . 3.     A barrell of Tar.   10.   200 weight of black Ocome . 1.     Thrums for pitch Maps .   1. 6. Bolls , Buckets and Pumps . 1.     2 brazen Crocks . 2.     Canuas to make Boat sailes & small ropes , at 25. s. for each saile , 12. 10.   10 rode Ropes which containe 600. weight at 30 s the 100. 10.     12 dozen of fishing lines . 6.     24 d●z●n of fishing hookes . 2.     for Squid line .   3.   For Pots and liuer maunds .   18.   Iron works for the boats ruthers . 2.     10 Kipnet Irons .   10.   Twine to make kipnets and gagging hooks .   6.   10 good Nets at 26. s. a net . 13.     2 Saynes , a great and a lesse . 12.     200 weight of Sow-lead . 1.     2 couple of ropes for the Saynes . 1.     Dry-fats to keepe them in .   6.   T●ine for store .   5.   Flaskets and bread Baskets .   15.   For haire cloth . 10.     3. Tuns of vinegar caske for water . 1. 6. 8. 1 do●zen of Deale Bourds .   10.   2 Barrels of Oatmeale . 1. 6.   100 weight of Spikes . 2. 5.   2 good Axes , 4. hand Hatchets , 4. Drawers , 2. drawing Irons .   16.   3 yards of wollencloth for cuffs .   10.   8 yards of good Cannasse .   10.   A Grand-stone or two .   6.   1000 of poore Iohn to spend in going . 6. 10.   1 Hogshead of Aquauitae . 4.     4 arme Sawes , 4. Handsawes , 4. thwart Sawes , 3. Augers , 2. Crowes of Iron , 3. Sledges , 4. shod Shouels , 2. Picaxes , 4. Matocks ; and 4. Hammers . 5.     The totall summe is 410. 11. 0. All these prouisions the Master of Purser is to be accountable what is spent and what is left , with those which shall continue there to plant , and of the 40. thus prouided for the voyage , ten may well be spared to leaue behind them , with 500. weight of Bisket , 5. hogsheads of Sider or beere , halfe a hogshead of Beefe , 4 sides of dry Bakon , 4. bushell of Pease , halfe a ferkin of Butter , halfe 100. weight of Cheese , a pecke of Mustard-seed , a barrell of Vinegar , 12. pound of Candles , 2. pecks of Oa●meale , halfe a hogshead of Aquauitae , 2. copper Kettles , 1. brasse Crock , 1. Frying-pan , a Grindstone , and all the Hatchets , Woodhooks , Sawes , Augers , &c. and all other iron tooles , with the 8. Boats and their implements , and spare salt , and what else they vse not in a readinesse from yeere to yeere , and in the meane time serued them to helpe to build their houses , cleanse land , and further their fishing whilst the ships are wanting . By his estimation and calculation these 8. Boats with 22. men in a Summer doe vsually kill 25000. fish for euery Boat , which may amount to 200000. allowing 120. fishes to the 100. sometimes they haue taken aboue 35000. for a Boat , so that they load not onely their owne ship , but prouide great quantities for sacks , or other spare ships which come thither onely to buy the ouerplus : if such ships come not , they giue ouer taking any more , when sometimes there hath beene great abundance , because there is no fit houses to lay them in till another yeere , now most of those sacks goeth empty thither , which might as well transport mens prouision and cattle at an easie rate as nothing , either to New-England or New-found land , but either to transport them for nothing or pay any great matter for their liberty to fish , will hardly effect so much as freedome as yet ; nor can this be put in practice as before I said , till there be a power there well planted and setled to entertaine and defend them , assist and releeue them as occasion shall require , otherwaies those small diuisions will effect little , but such miserable conclusions as both the French and we too long haue tried to our costs . Now commonly 200000. fish will load a ship of 100. tunnes in New-found land , but halfe so many will neere doe it in New-England , which carried to Toloune or Merselus , ●here the custome is small , and the Kintall lesse then 90. English ▪ pounds weight , and the prise when least , 12. shillings the Kintall , which at that rate amounts to 1320. l. starling ; and the ship may either there be discharged or imployed as hath beene said to refraught for England , so that the next yeere she may be ready to goe her fishing voyage againe , at a farre cheaper rate then before . To this adde but 12. tuns of traine oile , which deliuered in New found land , is 10. l. the tun , makes 120. l. then it is hard if there be not 10000. of Co●●fish , which also sold there at 5. l. the 1000. makes 50. l. which brought to England , in somes places yeelds neere halfe so much more ; but ●f at Mers●lus it be sold for 16. d. the Kentall , as commonly it is , and much dearer , it amounts to 1760. l. and if the Boats follow the fishing ●ll the 15. of October , they may take 80000. more , which with their traine in N●w-found land at 4. l. the 1000. will amount to 320. l. which added to 1320. l. with 120. l. for Oile , and 10000. of Cor-fish 50. l. and the ouerplus at Merselus , which will be 440. l. make the totall 2250. l. which diuided in three parts according to their custome , the Victualer hath for the former particulars , amounting to 420. l. 751. l. so all the charge defraied , hee gaines 331. l. 11. s. then for the fraught of the ship there is 751. l. and so much for the Master and his company , which comparing with the voiages hath beene made to New-England , you may easily finde which is the better though both bee good . But now experience hath taught them at New-Plimoth , that in Aprill there is a fish much like a Herring that comes vp into the small Brookes to spawne , and where the water is not knee deepe , they will presse vp through your hands , yea though you beat at them with Cudgels , and in such abundance as is incredible , which they take with that facility they manure their land with them when they haue occasion ; after those the Cod also presseth in such plenty , euen into the very Harbours , they haue caught some in their armes , and hooke them so fast , three men oft loadeth a Boat of two tuns in two houres , where before they vsed most to fish in deepe water . The present estate of New-Plimoth . AT New-Plimoth there is about 180 persons , some cattell and goats , but many swine and poultry , 32 dwelling houses , whereof 7 were burnt the last winter , and the value of fiue hundred pounds in other goods ; the Towne is impailed about halfe a mile compasse . In the towne vpon a high Mount they haue a Fort well built with wood , lome , and stone , where is planted their Ordnance : Also a faire Watch-tower , partly framed for the Sentinell , the place it seemes is healthfull , for in these last three yeeres , notwithstanding their great want of most necessaries , there hath not one died of the first planters , they haue made a salt worke , and with that salt preserue the fish they take , and this yeare hath fraughted a ship of 180. tunnes . The Gouernour is one Mr. William Bradford , their Captaine Miles Standish ; a bred Souldier in Holland ; the chiefe men for their assistance is Master Isaak Alderton , and diuers others as occasion serueth ; their Preachers are Master William Bruster and Master Iohn Layford . The most of them liue together as one family or houshold , yet euery man followeth his trade and profession both by sea and land , and all for a generall stocke , out of which they haue all their maintenance , vntill there be a diuident betwixt the Planters and the Aduenturers . Those Planters are not seruants to the Aduenturers here , but haue onely councells of directions from them , but no iniunctions or command , and all the masters of families are partners in land or whatsoeuer , setting their labours against the stocke , till certaine yeeres be expired for the diuision : they haue young men and boies for their Apprentises and seruants , and some of them speciall families , as Ship-carpenters , Salt-makers , Fish-masters , yet as seruants vpon great wages . The Aduenturers which raised the stocke to begin and supply this Plantation were about 70. some Gentlemen , some Merchants , some handy-crafts men , some aduenturing great summes , some small , as their estates and affection serued . The generall stocke already imploied is about 7000. l. by reason of which charge and many crosses , many of them would aduenture no more , but others that knowes , so great a designe cannot bee effected without both charge , losse and crosses , are resolued to goe forward with it to their powers ; which deserue no small commendations and encouragement . These dwell most about London , they are not a corporation , but knit together by a voluntary combination in a society without constraint or penalty , aiming to doe good & to plant Religion ; they haue a President & Treasurer , euery yeere newly chosen by the most voices , who ordereth the affaires of their Courts and meetings , and with the assent of the most of them , vndertaketh all ordinary businesses , but in more weighty affaires , the assent of the whole Company is required . There hath beene a fishing this yeere vpon the Coast about 50. English ships : and by Cape Anne , there is a Plantation a beginning by the Dorchester men , which they hold of those of New-Plimoth , who also by them haue set vp a fishing worke ; some talke there is some other pretended Plantations , all whose good proceedings the eternal God protect and preserue . And these haue beene the true proceedings and accidents in thos● Plantations . Now to make a particular relation of all the acts and orders in the Courts belonging vnto them , of the anihilating old Patents and procuring new ; with the charge , paines and arguments , the reasons of such changes , all the treaties , consultations , orations , and dissentions about the sharing and diuiding those large territories , confirming of Counsailers , electing all sorts of Officers , directions , Letters of aduice , and their answers , disputations about the Magazines and Impositions , su●ers for Patents , positions for Freedomes , and confirmations with complaints of iniuries here , and also the mutinies , examinations , arraignements , executions , and the cause of the so oft reuolt of the Saluages at large , as many would haue had , and it may be some doe expect it would make more quarrels then any of them would willingly answer , & such a volume as would tire any wise man but to read the contents ; for my owne part I rather feare the vnpartiall Reader wil thinke this rather more tedious then necessary : but he that would be a practitioner in those affaires , I hope will allow them not only needfull but expedient : but how euer , if you please to beare with those errors I haue committed , if God please I liue , my care and paines shall endeuour to be thankfull : if I die , accept my good will : If any desire to be further satisfied , what defect is found in this , they shall finde supplied in me , that thus freely haue throwne my selfe with my mite into the Treasury of my Countries good , not doubting but God will stirre vp some noble spirits to consider and examine if worthy Columbus could giue the Spaniards any such certainties for his designe , when Queene Isabel of Spaine set him forth with 15. saile , and though I promise no Mines of gold , yet the warlike Hollanders let vs imitate but not hate , whose wealth and strength are good testimonies of their treasury gotten by fishing ; and New-England hath yeelded already by generall computation one hundred thousand pounds at the least . Therefore honourable and worthy Country men , let not the meannesse of the word fish distaste you , for it will afford as good gold as the Mines of Guiana or Pot●ssie , with lesse hazard and charge , and more certainty and facility . I. S. I. S. FINIS . Errata PAg. 1. line 7. for Quineth , reade Guineth . pag. 153. li. 5. reade from the company . and li. 20. for 25000. pounds reade 2500. pounds . pag. 164. li. 53. for 1500. men , reade 150. men , pag. 168. li. 11. for Goston reade Gofton , and Coranto Quowarranto , and li. 13 reade before the Iudges in Westminster hall , for the Lords of his Maiesties Priuy Counsell . There are many other errors , which being but small I intreat the courteous reader to correct as he findeth them . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A12461-e1760 * Coelum non attimum mutant a These are said a thousād yeares agoe to haue beene in the North parts of America . b He is said to discover the Pole 1360. c Madoc ap Ow●n Planted some remote Western parts . 1170. d America named of Americus Vesputius , which discovered les then Colon or S ir S●bastian Cabot , and the Continent later . Colō first found the Isles 1492. the Continen● 1498. Aboue a yeare after Cabot had don it . He was set forth by Henry 7 and after by Hen. 8. Kni●hted , and made grand Pilot of Englād by Ed. 6 Vnder whō he procured the sending of S ir Hugh Willoughby , & discovery of Greenland and Russia : having by himself discovered on America frō 67 North lat . to neere ●o South ▪ Notes for div A12461-e4730 * Virginia now inhabited , and New-England . Notes for div A12461-e10030 Their arrivall . ●●pundance ●f G●apes . The I le of W●kokon . In Lybanus are not many . Conference with a Salvage . The Arriuall of the Kings brother . Trade with the Salvages . Note . The Ile Roanoak . The great courtesie of a Woman . A banquet . Skicoac a great towne . Pomovik . How the Country was called Virginia . Sir Richard Grenvils , voyage . 1585. Their first Plantation . Chawonock . Chawonock 700. men . Menatonon his Relations of the I le of Pearle , and a rich Mine , & the Sea by it . Pemissapan his trechery . The discouery of the riuer Morat●c . A noble resolution . The strange Mine of Chaunis Temoatan . The great currant of the river Morat●● . The Conspiracy of Pemissapan . The death of a most rare Salvage . A slaughter of two Salvages . Pemissapan slaine and ● . others . A most generous courtesie of Sir Francis Drake . Virginia abandoned . Cōmodities . Dyes . A strange Salt. Rootes . Fruits that 's strange . Beasts extraordinary . Fish. Foules . Their Religion . How the world was made . How man was made . How they vse their gods . Whether they goe after death . Two men risen from death . The subtiltie of their Priests . Their simplicitie . Their desire of salvation . A wonderfull Accident . Their strange opinions . Calling . Sir Richard Grenvill left fiftie ●en . Master White his Voyages . 1687. One of the Councell slaine . How the fiftie men were slain● . An ill misprision . A child borne in Virginia . A controversie who to send for Factor to England . Master White his returne to Virginia . Captaine Spicer and seauen others drowned . They finde where they had buryed their provisions . The end of this Plantation . 12. yeares it lay dead . Their first landing . Martha's Vineyard . Elizabeths Island . A ' Copper Mine . Their return . Dangerous shoules . Cod and Whales . Their first landing . Pentecost harbour . The Captains diligence . Trade with the Salvages . Their trechery . Fiue Salvages surprised . A description of the river . Notes for div A12461-e18170 The latitude . The temperature . The windes . The entrances . Cape Henry . Cape Charles . The Country . The mountaines . The soyle . The valleyes . Plaines . The river Powhatan . The branches Iames Towne . The severall Inhabitants . R. Pamavnkee . The inhabitants . Payankatank . R. Toppahanock R. The inhabitants . Patawomek , R. The inhabitants . Pawtuxunt , R. Bolus , R. The head of the Bay. Sasquesahanock . The description of a Sasquesahanough . Tockwhogh , R. Rapahanock , R. Kuskarawaock R. Wighcocomoco , R. Accomack , R. Chawonock . The severall languages . Why there is little grasse . Woods with their fruits . Elme . Walnuts . Supposed Cypres . Mulberries . Chesnuts . Cherries . Vines . Chechinquamins . Rawcomens . How they vse their fruits . Walnut mille . Gummes . Cedats . Saxafiastrees . Berries . Matoum . Strawberries . Hearbes . Rootes . Wig●sacan a roote . Pocones a small roote . Musquaspen a roote . Pellitory . Sasafrage . Onyons . Their chiefe beasts are Deere . Aroughcun . Squirrels . Assapanick , a Squirrel flying . Opassom . Mussascus . Beares . The Beaver . Otters . Vtchūquoyes . Foxes-Dogges . Martins . Polcats . Weesels , and Minkes . Birds . Fish. The rockes . How they divide the yeare . How they prepare the ground . How they plant . How they vse their Corne. How they vse their fish and flesh . Planted fruits A proofe cattell will liue well . The Commodities . The numbe●● Seaven hundred men were the most were seene together when they thought to haue surprised Captaine Smith . A description of the people . The Barbers . The constitution . The disposition . The possessions . Their attire . Their ornaments . Their buildings . Their lodgings . Their gardens How they vse their children . The industrie of their women . How they strike fire . The order of dyet . How they make their bow●s and arrowes . Their kniues . Their Targets and Swords . Their Boats. How they spin . Their fish-hookes . How they hunt . One Salvage hunting alone . Their Consultations . Their enemies . Massawomekes . Their offer of subiection . Their manner of Battell . Their Musicke . Their entertainement . Their trade . Their Phisicke . Their Chirurgery . Their charms to cure . Their God. How they bury their Kings Their ordinary burials . Their Temples . Their ornaments for their Priests . The times of solemnitie● . Their coniurations . Their Altars . Sacrifices to the water . Their solemn Sacrifices of children , which they call Black-boyes . Those Black-boyes are made so mad with a kind of drinke , that they will do● any mischiefe , at the command of their Keepers . Their resurrection . A description of Powhatan . His attendāce and watch . His treasury . His wiues . His successors Their authoritie . The tenor of their lands . His manner of punishments . ● 46. Notes for div A12461-e26120 S ir Thomas Smith Treasurer . The first mover of the action , Orders for government . Monica an vnfrequented Isle full of Birds . Their first landing . Matters of government . The discovery of the Falles & Powhatan . The Fort assaulted by the Salvages . Captain Newports returne for England . S ir Thomas Smith Treasurer . The occasion of sicknesse . The Sailers abuses . A bad President . Plentie vnexpected . The building of Iames Towne . The beginning of Trade abroad . Amoris , a Salvage his best friend slaine for loving vs. The Discovery of Chickahamine . Another proiect to abandon the country . * Iehu Robinson and Thomas Emry slaine . Captaine Smith taken prisoner . The order they observed in then trivmph . How he should haue beene slaine at Orapacks . How he saued Iames towne from being surprised . How they did Coniure him at Pamavnkee . How Powhatan entertained him . How Pocahontas saved his life . How Powhatan sent him to Iames Towne . The third proiect to abandon the Countrey . A true proofe of Gods loue to the action . Of two evils the lesse was chosen . The Phoenix from Cape Henry forced to the West Indies . Their opinion of our God. Smith : revisiting Bowhatan . Powhatan his entertainement . The exchāge of a Christian for a Salvage . Powhatant speech . Differences of opinions . Iames towne burnt . A ship I dely loytering 14. weekes . The effect of meere Verbalists . A needlesse charge . A return● to England . The rebuilding Iames Towne . Sixtie appointed to discover the Monacans . An ill example to sell swords to Salvages . The Presidents weaknesse . Smiths attempt to suppresse the Salvages insolencies . Powhatans excuse . A ship fraught with Cedar . S ir Thomas Smith Treasurer . A strange mortalitie of Salvages . Russels Isles . Wighcocomoco . An extreame want of fresh water . Their Barge neare sunke in a gust . Cuskarawaock . The first notice o● the Massawomeks , Bolus Riuer . Smith● speech to his souldiers . The discouery of Patawomek . Ambuscadoes of Salvages . A trecherous proiect . A myne like Antimony . An aboundant plenty of fish . How to deale with the Salvages . Captaine Smith neare killed with a Stingray . The Salvages affrighted with their owne suspition . Needlesse misery at Iames towne . The Salvages admire fire-workes . An Incounter with the Massawomeks at the head of the Bay. An Incounter with the Tockwhoghs . Hatchets from the Sasquesahanocks . The Sasquesahanocks offer to the English. Pawtuxunt , R. Rapahanock , R. The exceeding loue of the Salvage Mosco . Our fight with the Rapahanocks . The Salvages disguised like bushes fight . Our fight with the Manahaacks . A Salvage shot and taken prisoner . His relation of their countries . * They cannot trauell but where the woods are burnt . How we concluded peace with the foure kings of Monahoke . How we became friends with the Rapahanocks . The discovery of Payankatank . A notable trechery of the Nandsamunds . The fight with the Chisapeacks and Nandsamund● . How they became friends . The proce●ding at Iames Towne . Powhatans scorne when his courtesie was most deserved . No better way to overthrow the busines then by our instructors . A consultation , where all the Councell was against the President . Capt. Smith goeth with 4. to Powhatan , when Newport feared with 120. A Virginia Maske . The Womens entertainement . Captaine Smiths message . Powhatans answer . Powhatans Coronation . The discovery of Monacan . How the Salvages deluded Cap. Newport . A punishment for swearing . 3. Men better then 100. The Chickahamania's forced to contribution . A bad reward for well-doing . A good Taverne in Virginia . A bad trade of the masters and saylers . Master Scriveners voyage to Werowocomoco . Nandsamund forced to contribution . The first marriage in Virginia . Apamatuck discovered . The good counsell of Warraskoyack . Plentie of victualls . 148 Foules killed at three shootes . Cap. Smiths discourse to Powhatan . Powhatans reply and flattery . Powhatan discourse of peace and warre . Capt. Smiths Reply . Powhatans importunity to haue vs vnarmed to betray vs. Cap. Smiths discourse to delay time , till he found oportunity to surprise the King. Powhatans plot to haue murdered Smith . A chaine of pearle sent the Captaine for a present . Pretending to kill our men loaded with baskets , we caused them do it themselues . Pocahontas bewrayes her fathers deceit to kill vs. The Dutch men deceiue Cap. Winne . The Dutch men furnish the Saluages with Armes . Smiths Speech to Opechancanough . 700. Saluages beset the English being but 16. Smiths speech to his Company . Smiths offer to Opechancanough . Opecahncanoughs deuic● to betray Smith . Smith taketh the King prisoner . Smiths discourse to the Pamavnkees . The Salvages dissemble their intent . Their excuse and reconcilement . The losse of Mr. Scrivener and others with a Skiff . Master Wyffins desperate iourney . Powhatan constraineth his men to be trecherous . The third attempt to betray vs. A chayne of pearle sent to obtaine peace . The President poysoned : the offend●r punished . The Salvages want and povertie . The Dutch-men did much hurt . An Apology for the first Planters . The Presidents advice to the Company . The Dutch-mens plot to murther Cap. Smith . Smith taketh the King of Paspahegh prisoner . Cap. Smith taketh two Salvages prisoners . The Salvages desire Peace . Okaning his Oration . A Salvage smoothered at Iames towne , and recovered . Two or three Salvages slaine in drying Powder . Great extremitie by Rats . Bread made of dried Sturgeon . Their desire to destroy themselues . The Presidents order for the drones But seuen of 200 dyed in nine moneth● . The Salvages returne our fugitiues . Master Sicklemores Iourney to Chawwonoke Master Powels iorney to the Mangoags . The Dutch mens proiects . Two Gentlemen sent to the Germans . The first arriuall of Captaine Argall . Note these inconveniences . The alterat●on of the government . S ir Thomas Smith Treasurer . The losse of Virginia . The Salvages offer to fight vnder our colours . Mutinies . The planting Nandsamund . The breach of peace with the Salvages . Powhatan bought for Copper . Mutini● . Fiue suppresse an hundred and twentie . Breach of peace with the Salvage at the Falle● . An assalt by the Salvages The planting of Non-such . The Salvages appeased . Captaine Smith blowne vp with powder . A bloudy intent . The causes why Smith left the Countrey and his Commission . The ends of the Dutch-men . * Hindere●● , Notes for div A12461-e51720 The planting Point Comfort . The arriuall of Sir Thomas Gates . Iames towne abandoned . The arriuall of the Lord la Ware. Sir George Sommers returne to the Bermudas . The building Fort Henry and Fort Charles . Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer . The Relation of the Lord la Ware. 100. Kine and 200. Swine sent to Virginia . Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer . The arriuall of Sir Thomas Dale . His preparation to build a new towne . Diuers mutinie suppressed . The second arriuall of Sir Thomas Gates . The building of Henrico . The building the Bermudas . Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer . Captaine Argals arriuall . ☞ How Pocahontas was taken prisoner . ☞ Seuen English returned from Powhatan prisoners . Sir Thomas Dale his voyage to Pamavuke . A man shot in the forehead . Two of Powhatans sonnes come to see Pocahontas . ☜ The mariage of Pocahontas to Master Iohn Rolfe . Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer . The Chicahamanias desire friendship . Articles of Peace The benefit of libertie in the planters . William Spence the first Farmer in Virginia . Captaine Argall voyage to Port Royall . Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer . Master Hamars iourney to Powhatan . His message to Powhatan . Powhatans answer . William Parker recouered . From a letter of Sir Thomas Dale and Master W●itakers . Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer . A Spanish Ship in Virginia . Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer . A digression . The gouernment of Captaine Yea●ley . Twelue Saluages slaine , twelue prisoners taken , and peace concluded . 〈◊〉 108 Eleuen men cast away . A bad-presiders . Pocahontas instructions . A relation to Queene Anne , of Pocahontas . Pocahontas meeting in England with Captaine Smith . Vitamatomack , obseruations of his vsage . Pocahontas her entertainment with the Queene . Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer . The death of Pocahontas . 1000. bushels of Corne from the Saluages . Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer . The death of the Lord la Ware. They are relieued in New-England . Richard Killingbeck and foure other murdered by the Saluages . Their Church and Store-house . Farfax , three children and two boyes also murdered . Powhatans death . Haile-stones eight inches about . Sir Edwin Sands Treasurer . Master Iohn Fare● Deputie . Waraskoyack planted . A barrell they account foure bushels . Their time of Parlament . Foure corporations named . Captaine Wards exploit . The number of Ships and men . Gifts giuen . But few performe them . The Earle of Southampton Treasurer , and M. Iohn Ferrar Deputy . A French-man cast away at Guardalupo . The Spaniards begin . The Vice-Admirall shot betweene wind and water . The manner of their fight . The Captaine slaine . A worthy exploit of Lucas . The euent of the fight . The Ea●le of South-hampton Treasurer . Master Iohn Farrar Deputy . The election of Sir Francis Wyat Gouernour for Virginia . Notes worthy obseruation . A degression . Master Stockams relation . The arriuall of Sir Francis Wyat. Master Gookins Plantation . The number of Ships and men Gifts giuen . Patents granted , My iourney to the Easterne shore . A good place to make salt in The King of Pawtxunts entertainment . The trecherie of Namanicus . Thomas Saluages good seruice . The Earle of South●mpton Treasure . , and Nicolas Farrar Deputy . Fiue and twentie sent only to build Barks and Boats. The death of Nemattanow , writ by M. Wimp . Security a bad guard ▪ The manner of the massacre . Their cruelty . The murder of Master Thorp . The slau●hter of Captaine Powell . A Saluage slaine . M. Baldwines escape . M. Thomas Hamer with 22 escapeth . Captaine Ralfe Hamer with forty escapeth . The Saluages attempt to surprise a ship . Six of the Councell slaine . How it was reuealed . Memorandums . Captaine Smith . His Maiesties g●t . London sets out 100 persons . A lamentable example , t●o oft app●oued . Note this conclusion . How the Spania●ds raise their wealth in the West Indies . How they were reduced to fiue or six places . Gooki●s and 〈◊〉 , resolutions . The opinion of Captaine Smith . The prouidence of Captaine Nuse . Captaine Croshaw his voyage to Patawom●k . The arriuall of this newes in England . Captaine Smiths offer to the Company . Their answer , The manner of the Sallery . Captaine Croshaw states at Patawomek , and his aduentures . The escape of Waters and his W●●e . The arriuall of Captaine 〈◊〉 at Patawomek . Croshaws Fort and plot for trade . ●●●taine Madys●●●ent ●ent to Pataw●m●k . The industry of Captaine Nuse . Captaine Powel kils 3. Saluages . The opinion of Captaine Smith . Sir George Yearleys iourny to Accomack . Captaine Nuse his misery . An Alarum , foure slaine . The kindnesse of the King of Patawomek . A Saluage● policy . Mad●son takes the K●ng and kils 30. o● 40. The King set at liberty . A digression Their proceedings of the other plantations . 300 surpriseth Nandsamund . Samuell Collyer slaine . They surprise Pamavuke . The opinion of Captaine Smith . How to subiect all the Saluages in Virginia . The arriuall of Captaine Butler , & his accidents . A strange deliuera●ce of Master A●gent & others . How Captaine Spilman was left in the Riuer of Patawomek . The Earle of Southampton Treasurer . Apparell for one man , and so after the rate for more . The causes of our first miseries . But ●8 English in all Virginia . Proofes of the healthfulnesse of the Countrey . How the Saluages became subiected . How we liued of the natural fruits of the Countrey . Proofe of the Commodities we returned . What we built . How I left the Country . My charge . My reward . The King hath pleased to take it i●to 〈◊〉 ●●●sideration . Notes for div A12461-e87940 The description of the Iles. The clime , temper and fertility . Trees and Fruits . The Prickell Peare . The poison weed . The red weed . The purging Beane . The costiue tree . Red Pepper . The Sea feather . Fruits transported . Birds . Egge-Birds . Cahowes . The Tropicke Bird and the Pemblicos presagements . Of Vermine . 〈◊〉 Ashes . The most hurtfull things in those Iles. How it is supposed they were called the Bermud●● . The building and calking their Barke . His returne for England . A most desperate estate by a storm . The care and iudgement of Sir George Somers . An euident token of Gods mercy . Sir George Somers 〈…〉 What meanes they m●de to send to Virginia . A mariage , and two children borne . Their arriuall in Virginia . Sir George S●mmers his returne to the Bermudas . 〈…〉 The proceedings of the three men . A peece of Amber-greece of 80. pound weight . How they were supplied . 1611. The arriuall of Master More . 1612. Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer . Their differences about the Amber-greece . Chard in danger of hanging . Master Mores industry in fortifying and planting . A contention of the Minister ag●inst the Gouernor . Two peeces w●●hed out of the Sea Aduenture . The first supply . 1613. The second supply . Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer . A strange increase of Potatoes . The attempt of two Spanish ships . A great famine and mortalitie . Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer . A strange being of Rauens . All workes abandoned to get onely victual . A supply , and M. Mores returne . Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer . Master Carter . Captaine Kendall Capt. Mansfield . A wonderfull accident . Treasure found in the Summer Iles. A new Gouernor chosen . Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer . Captaine Tuckars proceedings . A Barke sent to the West Indies . The Assises . The strange aduenture of fiue men in a boat . Plants from the West Indies . The exploits of Captain Pow●ll . The second Assise . The third Assise . Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer . The countrey neere deuoured with rats . A strange confusion of rats . The returne of M. Powel from the Indies . A supposed mutiny by M. Pollard , and M. Rich. 1618. The diuision of the Iles into Tribes . Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer . The first Magazin . Two exploits of desperate Fugitiues . The arriuall of the Blessing . The arriuall of two ships . Captaine Butler chosen Gouernor . A plat-forme burnt , and much hurt by a Hericano . 1619. The refortifying the Kings Castle . Amber-greece found . The arriuall of two Dutch Frigots . The differences betwixt the Ministers . The rebuilding the Mount. The Tombe of Sir George Summers . Their manner of lawes reformed . Martiall Officers . Ciuill Officers and Courts . The second Assise . A generall assemblie in manner a Parliament . Their Acts. The arriuall of the Magazin ship . 70000. weight of Tobacco . The building of three bridges and other works . The generall Assises , and the proceedings . A strange deliuerance of a Spanish wracke . How they solemnized the powder treason , and the arriuall of two ships . The Spaniards returne , and in danger againe . 1621. Three English Murderers found in the Spanish wracke . Their Assises , and other passages . A strange Sodomy . More trialls about the wracks . The Planters complaints . The returne of Captaine Butler . The Lord Caue●d●sh T●easu●er . Master Nicholas Farrar Deputy . Sir Edward Sackuil Treasurer . Master Gabriel Barber Deputy . Note . 1624. Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer , and Master Edwards Deputy . Notes for div A12461-e100890 Sir Francis Popham Treasurer . My first voyage to New England . 1614. The cōmodities I got amounted to 1500. pounds . The trechery of Master Hunt. How Prince Charles called the most remarkable places in New England . Aspersions against New England . Captaine Hobson his voiage to Capawuk . The Londoners send foure good ships to New England . The situation of New England . Notes of Florida . Notes of Virginia . Obseruations so● presumptuous ignorant directors . The principall Countries or gouernments . A proofe of an excellent clime ▪ Staple Commodities present . Obseruations of the Hollanders . Note . Note . Examples of the Altitude comparatiuely . In Spaine . In France . In Greece . In Asia . Beyond the line . The particular staple commodities that may be had by industry . The nature of the ground approued . The seasons for fishing approued . Imploiment for poore people and fatherlesse children . The facilitie of the Plantation . Present Commodities . Kermes . Musquasse● . Beuers . Mines . Woods . An example of the g●●●s vpon euery yeere or six moneths returne . A description of the Countrey in particular , and their situations . An Indian slaine , another shot . The land Markes . Herbs and Fruits Woods . Birds . Fishes . Beasts . A note for men that haue great spirits and small meanes . An example of secure couetousnesse . The Authors conditions . The Planters pleasures and profit . Imploiments for Gentlemen . Imploiments for Labourers . Examples of the Spaniards . The causes of our defailments . The blisse of Spaine . My second Voiage to New England . The ground and plot for our plantation . The meanes vsed to preuent it and n●c . How I set saile and returned . My reimbarkement , encounter with Pirats , and imprisonment by the French. A double treachery . A fleet of nine French men of war , and fights with the Spaniard . A prise of Fish. A Scotch prise . A prise worth 36000 crownes . A prise worth 300000 crownes . My escape from the French men . What law I had . My returne for England . The successe of my Vice-Admirall . M. D●e his report . The benefit of fishing , as Mr Gentleman and others report . The Records of Holland and other learned obseruers My sute to the Country . My sute to the Citie . Their first iourny by land . Their first iourny by Shallop . Accidents . Their second iourney by water to finde a place to plant in . Their first fight with the Saluages . The description of their place to plant in . Another Boy borne in New-England . Their first Plantation . Two faire Lakes . Two men lost themselues in the woods . Their first conference with a Saluage . The second conference . Their conditions of peace . A iourney to Pakanoki . A great courage of two old Saluages . How the King vsed them . A voyage to Nawsit . They surprise the Saluages . Notes and obseruations . They liued two yeeres without supply . Westons Plantation . The death of Tusquantum . Tusquantum at his death desired the English to pray he might go dwell with the English mens God , for theirs was a good God. They contriue to murder all the English. The sicknesse of King Massasowat . His cure by the English. The Kings thankfulnesse . A bad example . Captaine Standish sent to suppresse the Saluages . Two desperate Saluages slaine . The Saluages ouer co●●med . An extreme drought . A wonderfull blessing & signe of Gods loue . Forty saile sent to fish . Their Religion . Their Gouernment . An answer to Obiections . The ordinary voyage to goe to Virginia or New-England . The obiections against me . My answer . Considerations . The charge . The order of the westerne men . The gaines . The effects of shipping . The Popes order for the East and West Indies . How to get money to build this little Nauy . Contention for New-Englands goods , not her good . The necessity of martiall power . The facility of the fishing lately obserued . The present estate of the plantation at New-Plimoth . 1624. Their order of gouernment .