A TRUE DISCOURSE OF THE PRESENT ESTATE OF VIRGINIA, and the success of the affairs there till the 18 of june. 1614  
TOGETHER. WITH A RELATION OF THE several English towns and forts, the assured hopes of that country and the peace concluded with the Indians.  
The Christening of powhatan's daughter and her marriage with an Englishman.  
Written by RALPH HAMOR the younger, late Secretary in that Colony.  Alget, qui non ardet. 
Printed at London by JOHN BEALE for WILLIAM WELBY dwelling at the sign of the Swan in Paul's Churchyard 1615.   

TO THE TRULY Honourable, and right worthy Knight, Sr. Thomas Smith, Governor of the East India, Muscou●a, Northwest passages, Summer Islands Companies, and Treasurer f●r the first Colony in VIRGINIA.  
Honourable Sir:  
HAui●g in the time of my residence in Virginia (as it is true my employment then invited me thereunto) collected for my own use and benefit, some few occurrents and accidents, which are obvious in all new employments, a thing which perhaps but few regard there to busy themselves with, and fewer here to peruse: I resolved indeed only to delight myself, and some who I am bound to be thankful unto in that kind with the unworthy view of them, the rather, because I have seen many publications & impressions of those affairs, by those, whose books I should be proud to bear after them: but such is the perverseness of mankind, such their incredulity of every thing, save what their eyes tell them to b● true: yea, such their backwardness in the pursuit of honorable enterprises, that though there should be no end of writing, but every day should draw forth his line, and every line his real encouragement, as mine may in the state of the Colony, as it now standeth, it were hard to say whether one of so many thousands as abound in England, might be thereby moved to join with others right worthily disposed to become a har●y and devoted furtherer of an action so noble, as is this, which thing if I fail in effecting, I shall not lose much labour, since when I undertook this task, I imagined no such thing: but merely my own delight and content. It shall be reward enough for me to express my endeavours there, though not equal with the best, yet not idly misspent.  
I labour not to seduce or betray any to an action or employment, wherein once personally engaged, they should have any cause to blame me, neither would I force the help of any man's purse, more than voluntary, if I could beyond my art, use such effectual persuasions.  
There are enough in my opinion, and those the worthiest of England already united, as the way is now laid down, to perfect this business, whose endeavours, if they proceed without, black sliding, and therein persist some few years longer, shall be requited and paid with such treble interest, as it shall not repent him that is now most cold in the pursuit, to have refused more Competitors to be sharers in the returned profit.  
Your noble self Sir, ever emulous of virtue, and honourable Enterprises, should shine to the world more noble in the upholding of this employment, though it appeared, as in the beginning, full of discouragement, which nevertheless, I know yourself rests so assured is now more near, then ever to perfection. Your innate and habitual virtue needs no spur, your honourable endeavours well witness the same: would God (as is yours) all men's offerings, though not so ample, were so free, so heartily sacrificed: then cou●d they not thus long have wanted their rewards, perhaps for no other ●nd detained, but to make others, a thing which God professeth to love and delight in, more cheerful givers. Accept (worthy Sir) this unworthy Treatise, the b●st testimony of my gratuity, which as yet my disabilities may render. Truth shall shroud and patronize it, from the malevolent detracting multitude; whose blame though it incur their shame and imputation, it scorns, and returns unto them.  
My zeal to the Action, though I may seem to have forsaken it, gives me the heart to publish, what I know to the world: To your s●lfe particularly your own worth, and departs to me, irrequitable, grant but that favourable acceptation, which ever accompanies your worth; and I shall ever acknowledge myself wholly yours, in hope whereof I conclude with my service, & rest  
At your command to be disposed off; RALPH HAMO●.   

To the Reader.  
Ignorant, or envious, if you be Readers: ●t is not to satisfy the best of you that I now write, a more seasonable time I must take to embark myself in so rough a Sea and come off safe: only his authority (who hath power to compel myself and duty) hath commanded me to satisfy his affection's (covetous of the dignity and truth of this pious Plantation) with these particulars: that they are got abroad▪ and become public, was no purpose in their first conception though some respect have made them so now: A naked and unstrudied discourse, I acknowledge, without notes reserved but in Memory) to help it: yet thus much I do avow, that it hath duty and truth to make good all other the wants, and imperfections of it: I will labour in no further excuse.  
Concer●ing the Virginie pious work itself, how it hath thrived under the command both of Sir Thomas Gates Knight, Governor, and Sir Thomas Dale Knight, and Marshal of the Colony, these three years and more: let me say, if (setting aside thine own overweening and singularity) thy unhoodded eye, can now at length look upon it (after so many years of her patience a●d passions) thou wilt easily acknowledge, whose finger hath the al●●●-●uidance of it, and then (I doubt nothing) be●le●sed to here thyself entreated (out of those gre●t plenties and have which God hath lent thee) to spare a little-little portion to the full settling and finishing up a Sanctum Sanctorum an holy house, a Sanctuary to him, the God of the Spirits, of all flesh, amongst such poor and innocent seduced Savages as we treat off, on whom let our hopes be, that it hath vouchsafed him now to be sufficiently revenged for their forefather's Ingratitude and treason's, and now in his appointed time to des●●d in mercy, to lighten them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow o● death, and to direct their feet in the ways of peace.  
Sure young though in years and knowledge I may be said to be, yet let me remember, to thee perhaps much knowing▪ Reader, what the wisest man that ever writ or speak (excepting him that was both God and man) hath said, that such who bring others unto righteousness shall themselves shine as the stars in the firmament. And doubtless I do believe, even amongst the rest of my Articles, when these poor Heathens shall be brought to entertain the honour of the name, and glory of the Gospel of our blessed Saviour, when they shall testify of the true and everliving God, and jesus Christ to be their Salvation, their knowledge so enlarged and sanctified that without him they confess their eternal death: I do believe I say (and how can it be otherwise?) that they shall break out and cry with rapture of so inexplicable mercy: Blessed be the King and Prince of England, and blessed be the English Nation, and blessed for ever be the most high God possessor of Heaven and earth, that sent these English as ●ngels to bring such glad tidings amongst us. These will be doubtless the empaticke effects and exultation of ●his so Christian work, and may these nothing move? Alas let S●●bal●at and Tobiah▪ Papists and Plains, Ammonites and Horonites, the seumme and dregs of the people, let them mock at this holy Business, they that be filthy, let them be filthy still, and let such swine wallow in the mire, but let not the rod of the wick●d fal● upon the l●t of the righteous, let not them shrink back, and call in their helps from this so glorious enterprise, w●ich the Prophet Isaiah calls the declaring of God to the left hand, but let them that know the work, re●oice and be glad in the happy success of it, proclaiming that it is the everliving God that reigneth in England, and unto the ends of the world.  
Excuse me (courteous Reader) if carried beyond my purpose, I declaim passionately in this passive and innocently despised work, which I am sure is so full of goodness, and have been almost six years a Suffer and eye witness of his now well nigh at chieu●d happiness, the full and unstained reportory of every accident whereof even from his beginning, together with the causes of the backwardness, in prosperity thus ●og, touching at the miraculous delivery of the scattered company, cast upon the Bermudas, when those fortunate Islands like so many fair Neriades which received our wracked company, with the death of that pure and noble hearted Gentleman Sir George Sumers diing there my purpose is shortly at large to publish, that at length some one escaped Leper amongst so many saved, may return back and pay his v●wes of thanks giving unto that ever to be praised merciful providence that brought us thither, until when I wish thy zealous and ferne●t thoughts and endeavours to a business so full of piety, ●● is this our Virginie Plantation.  
RALPH HAMOR.   

A TRUE DISCOURSE of the present estate of Virginia, and the success of the affairs there till the 18 of june. 1614  
THe many publications and impressions of Virginia, an employment wherein to this day myself with many other unstaid heads & thirsty after new designs, have been to unprofitably engaged, might justly excuse my silence, did not the filial duty whereby in all things to the utmost of my power I am bound to obey my Father, compel me unwillingly thereunto: A task I know by himself and others, merely because I have been Oculatus testis, thus imposed upon me, in the undertaking and performance whereof, I heartily wish that my poor relation, rich only in truth (as I shall clearly justify myself by cie witnesses also) may give any credit or encouragement to proceed in a business so full of honour, and worth, whereunto (if there were no secondary causes) the already published ends, I mean the glory of God in the conversion of those Infidels, and the honour of our King and country (which by right may claim at the least their superfluities, from those whom God hath in this world made his dispensors and purse-bearers) might be a sufficient spur to resolved Christians, especially the state and condition of our colony, so standing when I left it, and I assure myself in this time grown more mature, that an honest heart would even relent, and mourn to think how poorly, I dare not say unworthily it is prosecuted. It being true that now after five years intestine war with the revengeful implacable Indians, a firm peace (not again easily to be broken) hath been lately concluded, not only with the nighbour, and bordering Indidians, as on Pataomecke, Topahanah, and other Rivers, but even with that subtle old revengeful Powhatan and all the people under his subjection, for all whom Powhatan himself stands firmly engaged, by which means we shall not only be furnished with what commodities their country yieldeth, and have all the helps they may afford usin our endeavours (as they are easily taught, and may by lenity and fair usage, as Sir Thomas Dale now principal commander there, and most worthy the honour he holds, is well experienced in their dispositions, and accordingly makes use of them) be brought, being naturally though ingenious, yet idly given, to be no less industrious, nay to exceed our English, especially those which we hitherto and as yet are furnished with, who for the most part no more sensible than beasts, would rather starve in idleness (witness their former proceedings) than feast in labour, did not the law compel them thereunto, but also which will be most for our benefit, our own men may without hazard, I might say with security (by selfe-experience) follow their feveral labours, whereby twenty shall now be able to perform more than heretofore hath been forty.  
Though I conjecture and assure myself that ye cannot be ignorant by what means this peace hath been thus happily both for our proceedings and the welfare of the Naturals concluded, yet for the hono●● of Captain Argol whose endeavours in the action entitled him most worthy, I judge it no whit impertinent in my discourse to insert them, which w●th as much brevity as I may, not omitting the circumstances most pertinent and material, I shall endeavour.  
The general letters upon my knowledge, directed and sent to the honourable Virginia Council, being most of them (though myself most unworthy) by me penned have intimated, how that the everworthy gentleman Capt. Árga●● in the heat of our home furies & disagreements by his best experience of the disposition of those people, partly by gentle usage & partly by the composition & mixture of threats hath ever kept fair & friendly quarter with our neighbours bordering another rivers of affinity, yea consanguinity, no less near than brothers to Rowhatan, such is his well known temper and discretion, yea to this pass hath he brought them, that they assuredly trust upon what he promiseth, and are as careful in performing their mutual promises, as though they contended to make that Maxim, that there is no faith to be held with Infidels, a mere and absurd Paradox: Nay as I have heard himself relate, who is fide dignus, they have even been pensive and discontented with themselves, because they knew not how to do him some acceptable good turn, which might not only pleasure him, but even be profitable to our whole Colony, and Plantation, yea ever assuring him that when the times should present occasion, they would take hold of her forelock, and be the instruments to work him content, and even thus they proved themselves as honest performers, as liberal promisers. It chanced powhatan's delight and da●ling, his daughter Pocahuntas, (whose fame hath even been spread in England by the title of Nonparella of Virginia) in her princely progress, if I may so term it, took some pleasure (in the absence of Captain Argall (to be among her friends at Pataomecke (as it seemeth by the relation I had) employed thither, as shopkeepers to a Fare, to exchange some of her father's commodities for theirs, where residing some three months or longer, it fortuned upon occasion either of promise or profit, Captain Argall to arrive there, whom Pocahuntas, desirous to renew her familiarity with the English, and delighting to see them, as unknown, fearful perhaps to be surprised, would gladly visit, as she did, of whom no sooner had Captain Argall intelligence, but he dealt with an old friend, and adopted brother of his japazeus, how and by what means he might procure her captive, assuring him, that now or never, was the time to pleasure him, if he intended indeed that love which he had made profession of, that in ransom of hi● he might redeem some of our English men and arms, now in the possession of her Father, promising to use her withal fair, and gentle entr●ary: japazeus well assured that his brother, as he promised would use her courteously promised his best endeavours and secrecy to accomplish his desire, and thus wrought it, making his wife an instrument (which sex have ever been most powerful in beguiling enticements) to effect his plot which he had thus laid, he agreed that himself, his wife, and Pocahuntas, would accompany his brother to the water side, whether come, his w●●e should fair a great and longing desire to go aboard, and see the ship, which being there three or four times, before she had never seen, and should be earnest with her husband to permit her: he seemed angry with her, making as he pretended so unnecessary a request, especially being without the company of women, which denial she taking unkindly, must feign to weep, (as who knows not that women can command tears) whereupon her husband seeming to pity those counterfeit tears, gave her leave to go aboard, so that it would please Pochahuntas to accompany her: now was the greatest labour to win her, guilty perhaps of her father's wrongs, though not known as she supposed to go with her, yet by her earnest persuasions, she a●●●nted: so forth with aboard they went, the best cheer that could be made was seasonably provided, to supper they went, merry on all hands, especially japazeus and his wife, who to express their joy, would ere be treading upon Capt. Argals' foot, as who sh●●ld say 'tis done, she is your own. Supper ended, Pochahuntas was lodged in the Gunner's room, but japazeus and his wife desired to have some conference with their brother, which was only to acquaint him by what ●ratagem they had betrayed his prisoner, as I have already related: after which discourse to sleep they went, Pochahuntas nothing mistrusting this policy, who nevertheless being most possessed with fear, and desire of return, was first up, and hastened japazeus to be gone, Capt. Argall having secretly well rewarded him, with a small Copper kettle, and some ●th●r les valuable toys so highly by him esteemed, that doubtless he would have betrayed his own father for them, permitted both him and his wife to return, but told him, that for divers considerations, as for that his father had then eigh of our English men, many swords, pieces, and other tools, which he had at several times by trecherons murdering our men, taken from them, which though of no use to him, he would not redeliver, he would reserve Pocahuntas, whereat she began to be● exceeding pensive, and discontented, yet ignorant o the dealing of japazeus, who in outward appearance was no les discontented that he should be the means of her captivity, much a do there was to persuade her to be patient, which with extraordinary courteous usage, by little and little was wrought in her, and so to james town she was brought, a messenger to her father forthwith dispached to advertise him, that his only daughter was in the hands & possession of the English: there to be kept till such time as he would ransom her with our men, swords, pieces, & other tools treacherously taken from us: the news was unwelcome, and troublesome unto him, partly for the love he bore to his daughter, and partly for the love he bore to our men his prisoners, of whom though with us they were unapt for any employment) he made great use: and those swords, and pieces of ours, (which though of no use to him) it delighted him to view, and look upon.  
He could not without long advise & delibertion with his Council, resolve upon any thing, and it is true, we heard nothing of him till three months after, by persuasions of others he returned us seven of our men, with each of them a Musket unserviceable, and by them sent us word, that whensoever we pleased to deliver his daughter, he would give us in satisfaction of his injuries done to us, and for the rest of our pieces broken and stolen from him, 500 Bushels of Corne● and be for ever friends with us, the men, and Pieces in part of payment we received: and returned him answer, that his daughter was very well, and kindly entreated, and so should be howsoever he dealt with us: but we could not believe that the rest of our Arms were either lost, or stolen from him, and therefore till he returned them all, we would not by any means deliver his daughter, and then it should be at his choice, whether he would establish peace, or continue enemies with us. This answer as it seemed, pleased him not very well, for we heard no more from him till in March last, when with Captain argall's Ship, and some other Vessels belonging to the Colony, Sir Thomas Dale with an hundred and fifty men well appointed, went up into his own River, where his chiefest habitations were, and carried with us his daughter, either to move them to fight for her, if such were their courage and boldness, as hath been reported, or to restore the residue of our demands, which were our pieces, swords, tools. Some of the same men which he returned (as they promised) ran to him again, and because he had put us to the trouble to fetch them five hundred bushels of Corn: A great bravado all the way as we went up the River they made, demanding the cause of our coming thither, which we told them was to deliver Pocahuntas, whom purposely we had brought with us, and to receive our Arms, men, & corn, or else to fight with them, burn their houses, take away their Canoes, break down their fishing Wears, and do, them what other damages we could: Some of them to set a good face on the matter, replied, that if we came to fight with them? we were welcome, for they were provided for us, counciling us rather to retire (if we loved our safeties) then proceed, bragging, as well they might, that we had ever had the worst of them in that River, instancing by Capt: Ratliefe (not worthy remembering, but to his dishonour) who, with most of his company they betrayed and murdered: we told them since they durst remember us of that mischief, unless they made the better and more speedy agreement, we would now revenge that treachery, and with this discourse by the way as we went, we proceeded, and had no sooner entered the narrow of the river, the channel there lying within shot of the shore, but they let their arrows fly amongst us in the ship, themselves unseen to us, and in the forehead hurt one of our men, whic● might have hazarded his life without the present help of a skilful Chirurgeon.  
Being thus justly provoked, we presently manned our boats, went ashore, and burned in that very place some forty houses, and of the things we found therein, made freeboote and pillage, and as themselves afterward confessed unto us, hurt and killed five or six of their men, with this revenge satisfying ourselves, for that their presumption in shooting at us, and so the next day proceeded higher up the River, the Indians calling unto us, and demanding why we went a shore, burnt their houses, killed and hurt their men, and took away their goods. We replied that though we came to them in peaceable manner, and would have been glad to have received our demands with love and peace, yet we had hearts and power to take revenge, and punish where wrongs should be offered, which having now done, though not so severely as we might, we rested content therewith and are ready to embrace peace with them if they pleased, Many excuses they seemed to pretend, that they shot not a● us, but (if any such abuse were offered) it was some straggled Indian, ignorant of our pretence in coming to them, affirming that they themselves would be right glad of our love, and would endeavour to help us to what we came for, which being in the possession of Powhatan their King, they would without delay dispatch messengers to him, to know his purpose and pleasure, desiring fair quarter some 24 hours, for so long they pretended it would be before their messengers might return: this we granted, and what we promised, we ever exactly performed, the time now come, we inquired what Powhatan would do, and had for answer, that our Englishmen lately with him, fearful to be put to death by us, were run away, and some of powhatan's men sent abroad in quest of them, but our swords and pieces so many as he had should be brought the next day, which merely to delay time, they bore us in hand the next day they came not, higher up the river we went, and anchored near unto the chiefest residency Powhatan had, at a town called Matchcot where were assembled (which we saw) about 400 men, well appointed with their bows and arrows to welcome us, here they dared us to come a shore, a thing which we purposed before, so a shore we went, our best landing being up a high steep hill which might have given the enemy much advantage against us, but it seemed they as we were unwilling to begin, and yet would gladly have been at blows, being landed as if they had no show of fear, they stirred not from us, but walked up and down, by and amongst us, the best of them enquiring for our Weroance or king, with whom they would gladly consult to know the occasion of our coming thither, whereof when they were informed, they made answer that they were there ready to defend themselves, if we pleased to assault them, desiring nevertheless some small time to dispatch two or three men once more to their king, to know his resolution, which if not answerable to our requests, in the morning if nothing else but blood would then satisfy us, they would fight with us, and thereby determine our quarrel, which was but a further delay to procure time to carry away their provisions, nevertheless we agreed to this their request, assuring them till the next day by noon we would not molest, hurt, nor detain any of them, and then before we fought, our Drum and Trumpets should gi●e them warning: upon which promise of ours, two of powhatan's sons being very desirous to see their sister who was there present ashore with us, came unto us, at the sight of ●hom, and her well fare, whom they suspected to be worse entreated, though they had often h●ard the contrary, they much rejoiced, and promised ●hat they would undoubtedly persuade their father ●o redeem her, and to conclude a firm peace forever with us, and upon this resolution the two brothers with us retired aboarde, we having first dispatched two Englishmen, Ma●ster john Rolfe and master sparks to acquaint their Father with the business in hand, the next day being kindly entreated, they returned, not at all admitted powhatan's presence, but spoke with his brother Apachamo, his successor, one who hath already the command of all the people, who likewise promised us his best endeavours to further our just requests, and we because the time of the year being then April, called us to our business at home to prepare ground, and set corn for our winter's provision, upon these terms departed, giving them respite t●ll harvest to resolve what was best for them to do, with this Proviso, that if final agreement were not made betwixt us before that time, we would thither return again and destroy and take away all their corn, burn all the houses upon that ri●er, leave no● asish●ng Were standing, nor a canoe in any c●eeke thereabout, and destroy and kill as many of them as we coul●.  
Long before t●is time a gentleman of approved behaviour and honest carriage, master john R●lfe had been in love with Pocahuntas and ●he with him, which thing at the instant that we were in parley with them, myself made known to Sir Thomas Dal● by a letter from him, whereby he entreated his advise and furtherance in his love, if so it seemed fit to him ●or the good of the Plantation, and Pocahuntas herself, acquainted her brethren therewith: which resolution Sir Thomas Da●e well approving, was the only cau●e: he was so mild amongst them, who otherwise would not have departed their river without other conditions.  
The bruit of this pretended marriage came soon to powhatan's knowledge, a thing acceptable to him, as appeared by his sudden consent thereunto, who some t●n days after ●ent an ol●e uncle of hers, named Opachisco, to give her as his deputy in the Church, and two of his sons to see the marriage solemnized, which was accordingly done about the fist of April, and ever since we have had friendly commerce and trade, not only with Powhatan himself, but also with his subjects round about us; so as now I see no reason why the Coll●nie should not thrive a pace.  
Besides this love by this means with Powhatan concluded, it will be worth my pa●nes to tunover our friendship with our next neighbours, the Chicohomin●es lately confirmed, a lusty and daring people, who have long time lived free from powhatan's subjection, having law●s and governors within themselves: these people hearing of our concluded peace with Powhatan, as the no●se thereof was soon bruited abroad, sent two of their men unto us, and two fat Bucks for present to our king (for so Sir Thomas Dale is generally reputed and termed amongst them) and offered themselves and service unto him, alleging that albeit in former times they had been our enemy's, and we theirs, yet they would now if we pleased become not only our trusty friends, but even King JAMES his subjects and tributaries, and relinquish their old name of Ch●cohominies, and ●ake upon them, as they call us the name of Tossantessa●, and because they h●●e no principal commander or Wer●ance, they would entreat Sir Thomas Dale as King JAMES his deputy to be their supreme head, King and governor, and in all just causes and quarrels to defend them, as they would be ready at all times to aid him, only their desire was to enjoy their own laws and liberties, and because himself, by reason of his many other employments, beside the charge he hath of his own people, may not be always present amongst them, to be governed as formerly by eight of the elders and principal men amongst them, as his substitutes and counsellors, and even this was the sum and effect of their embassy, Sir Thomas Dale appointed a day to send some men into their river, to propose certain conditions unto them, whereunto if they assented he would gladly accept of their proffered friendship, and be himself their Weroance: and with this answer offering them copper for their venison, which they refused to take, dismissed them.  
When the appointed day came, Sir Thomas Dale himself and Captain Argall with 50 men in a barge and frigate, well appointed, lest any treachery might be intended, set forward to Chicohominie, an arm of our river some seven miles from james Town, where we found the people according to promise expecting our coming, assembled and met together, who after their best and most friendly manner, bade us welcome, and because our business at home would permit us but small time of stay with them, they presently sent for their principal men, some of whom were then absent, which hastened unto us, & the next morning very early assembled, and sat in counsel about this business, Captain Argall (supplying Sir Thomas Dales place amongst them, who though there present for some respects, concealed himself, and kept aboard his barge) after long discourse of their former proceedings, Captain Argall told them, that now since they had entreated peace and promised their love and friendship, he was sent unto them from the great Weroance to conclude the same, all former injuries on both sides, set apart and forgotten, which he would do upon these conditions.  
First that they should take upon them, as they promised, the name of Tassant●sses or English men, and be King JAMES his subjects, and be forever honest, faithful and trusty unto his deputy in their country.  
Secondly, that they should never kill any of our men or cattle, but if either our men or cattle should offend them or run to them, they should bring them home again, and should receive satisfaction for the trespass done them.  
Thirdly, they should at all times be ready and willing to furnish us with three or four hundred bowmen to aid us against the Spaniards, whose name is odious amongst them, for powhatan's father was driven by them from the west-Indies into those parts, or against any other Indians which should, contrary to the established peace of●er us any injury.  
Fourthly, they shall not upon any occasion whatsoever break down any of our pales, or come into any of our Towns or forts by any other wries, issues or ports then ordinary, but first call, and say the Tossantessas' are there, and so coming they shall at all times be let in, and kindly entertained.  
Fifthly, so many fight men as they have which may be at the least five hundred should yearly bring into our store house, at the beginning of their harvest two bushels of corn a man, as tribute of their obedience to his Majesty, and to his deputy there, for which they should receive so many Iron Tomahawkes' or small hatchets.  
Lastly, the eight chief men which govern as substitutes and Councillors under Sir Thomas Dale, shall at all times see these Articles and conditions duly performed for which they shall receive a red coat, or liue●y from ou● King yearly, and each of them th● picture of his Majesty, engraven in Copper, wi●h ● chain of Copper to hang it about his neck, whereby they shall be known to be King JAMES his noble Men; so as if these conditions, or any of them be broken, the offenders themselves shall not one●y be punished, but also those Co●maundets, because they stand engaged ●or them.  
After these Articles were thus proposed, the whole assembly assenting thereunto, answered with a great sho●t, and noise, that they would readily and willingly perform them all ● and immediately began the chief of the eight to make an oration to the rest, bending his speech first to the old men, then to the young men, and in conclusion to the women and children, giving them thereby to understand the sum of the proposed conditions: and how strictly they were to observe them: in consideration whereof, he further declared what we have promised to do for them, not only ●o defend and keep them from the fury & danger of Powhatan, which thing they most feared, but even from all other enemies, domestic, or foreign, and that we would yearly by trade furnish them with Copper, Beads, Hatchets, and many other necessaries, yea, which liked them best, that we would permit them to enjoy their own liberties, freedoms, and laws, and to be governed as formerly, by eight of their chiefest men.  
It shall not be unnecessary to insert the occasion (as we imagine) of this their much desired, unexpected friendship, which was questionless some sudden fear of powhatan's displeasure, being united with us, ●ow able to revenge their disobedience done unto him: for you must imagine, these people presuming upon their own strength and number (in no one place in those parts, which we know, so many together) to have a long time neglected Powhatan, and refused, (which the place hath▪ been formerly accutomed, and as his right may challenge the homage and duty of subjects, which they ought to have performed: to which obedience, fearing our power might compel them, they chose rather to subject themselves to us, then being enemies to both, to expose & lay themselves open to Powhat●ns tyranny, & oppression: for this they did chiefly insist upon, that he was an ill Weroaules, full of cruelty, and minstice, covetous of those things they had, and implacable if they denied him whatsoever he demanded, and f●r these reasons, desired to be made one people wi●h us, to curb the pride and ambition of Powhatan, from whom to def●nd them (they told us it would be no breach of peace on our parts since now they were no longer Chicohomimes, or Naturals, of that place, but Tossantessars, and King JAMES his subjects, whom we are bound to defend.  
So soon as there was an end of speaking, and the peace firmly concluded, and assented unto, Captain Argall by the gui●t of eight great pieces of Copper, and eight gr●at Tomahawkes', bound the eight gr●at me●, or Councillors to the exact performance, and keeping of t●e same, according to the conditions proclaimed, which they very gladly and thankfully accepted, and returned him, as testimonies of their loves, Venison, Turkeys, Freshfish, baskets, Mats, and such like things as they were then furnished with, and so the Council brook up▪ and t●en every man brought to sell to our men Skins, bowls, ma●s baskets, tobacco, etc. and became as familiar amongst us, as if they had been English men iudeede.  
Thus have I briefly as the matter would permit, discoursed our established friendship with the Naturals, and the occasions thereof, which I hope will continue so long between us, till they shall have the understanding to acknowledge how much they are bound to God for sending us amongst them (than which) what work would be more acceptable to God, more honourable to our King and country?  
The greatest, and many enemies and disturbers of our proceedings, and that which hath hitherto deterred our people to address themselves into those parts, have been only two; enmity with the Naturals, and the bruit of famine: one of these two (and that indeed, which was some cause of the other) I have already removed, and shall as easily take away the other: howbeit it were too great folly (I might say impudence in me) to aver that there hath reigned no such in●ection in the Colony, occasioned, merely by misgovernment, idleness, and faction, and chiefly by the absence of the ever worthy Commanders, Sir Thomas Gates, and Sir George Summer by the providence of God, miraculously wrecked and saved upon the hopeful Sumer Islands, since myself cannot but witness (of which I had some taste) in what a miserable condition, we found the Colony at our arrival there, from the Bermudas, not living above threescore persons therein, and those scarce able to go alone, of well-nigh six hundred, not full ten months before: yet now I dare and will boldly affirm to the greatest adversary of the Plantation, that shall aver the contrary, that there is that plenty of food, which every man by his own industry may easily, & doth procure that the poorest there, & most in want, hath not been so much pinched with hunger this 4 years that if he would take any pains, he knew not where to fetch a good meals meat: and true it is, that every day by the providence, and blessing of God, and their own industry, they have more plenty than other, the reason hereof is at hand, for formerly, when our people were fed out of the common store and laboured jointly in the manuring of the ground, and planting corn, glad was that man that could slip from his labour, nay the most honest of them in a general business, would not take so much faithful and true pains, in a week, as now he will do in a day, neither cared they for the increase, presuming that howsoever their harvest prospered, the general store must maintain them, by which means we reaped not so much corn from the labours of 30 men, as three m●n have done for themselves: to prevent which mischief hereafter Sir Thomas Dale hath taken a new course, throughout the whole Colony, by which means, the general store (apparel only excepted) shall not be charged with any thing: and this it is, he hath allotted to every man in the Colony, three English Acres of clear Corn ground, which every man is to mature and tend, being in the nature of Farmers, (the Bermuda undertakers only excepted) and they are not called unto any service or labour belonging to the Colony, more than one month in the year, which shall neither be in seed time, or in Harvest, for which, doing no other duty to the Colony, they are yearly to pay into the store two barrels and a half of Corn: there to be reserved to keep new men, which shall be sent over, the first year after their arrival: and even by this means I dare say, our store will be bountifully furnished, to maintain three or four hundred men, whensoever they shall be sent thither to us, that money which hitherto hath been disbursed, to provide a tweluemoneths● victuals, if there were but now half so much bestowed in clothes, and bedding, will be such comfort to the men, a● even thereby the lives of many shall not only be preserved, but also themselves kept in strength and heart, able to perisome such businesses, as shall be imposed upon them● and thus shall also the former charge b● well saved, and yet more business effected, the action renowned and more commodity returned to the Merchant, and ye● saint for want of encouragement.  
Concerning the undertaking of the Bermuda City, a business of greatest hope, ever begun in our Territories there, their Patent, which I purpose in this Treatise to insert, doth apparently demonstrate, upon what terms and conditions they voluntarily have undertaken that employment, how forward that business is, in his due place shall be expressed, only give me leave with as much brevity as I may, lest any man should divert his mind, and be fearful to adventure his person thither, for fear of famine and penury, to amplify a little the plenty there, for if it be true, as most eertaine it is, that those whom I have described under the title of Farmers, can pay into our Store, two barrels and a half of Corn yearly, and others who labour eleven months in the general business of the Colony, and but one to provide themselves victuals, why should any man (if he be industrious) mistrust starving? if otherwise, for any part, and I think all that are engaged in the Action, and understand the business, accord with me herein, and would not wish his company there, nay they shall much wrong themselves, and the Action, if they do not withstand such, and deny them passage: for even they and none else have been the occasions of the manifold imputations, & disgraces, which Virginia hath innocently undergone, through their defaults: I would therefore by these relations not only encourage honest and industrious: but also deter all lazy, impotent, and ill livers from, addressing themselves thither, as being a Country too worthy for them, and altogether disconsonant to their natures, which must either brook labour or hazard, and undergo much displeasure, punishment, and penury, if they escape a thing which few idlers have done, the scurvy dis●ase, with which few, or none once infected, have recovered.  
To proceed therefore in my encouragement to painful people, such as either through crosses in this world, or wrecked rents, or else grea● charge of children and family am here, and that not without much care and sweat, in●o extreme poverty: for those this Country hath present remedy: every such person, so wel● disposed to adventure thither, shall soon find the difference between their own, and that Country. The affairs in the Colony, being so well ordered, and the hardest tasks already overpast, that whosoever (now, or hereafter) shall happily arrive there, shall find● a handsome house of some four rooms or more, if he have a family, to repose himself in rent free, and twelve English Acres of ground, adjoining thereunto, very strongly impaled, which ground is only allotted unto him for Roots, Gardaine herbs, and Corn: neither shall he need to provide himself, as were wont the first plantersi, of a years provision of victuals, for that the store there will be able to afford him, & upon these conditions he shall be entertained; He shall have for himself & family, a competent● 1● months provision delivered unto him, in which time it must be his care to provide for himself and family ever after, as those already there, to this end he shall be furnished with necessary tools of all sorts, and for his better subsistence he shall have Poultry, and swine, and if he deserve it, a Goat or two, perhaps a Cow given him, which once compassed, how happily he may live, as do many there, who I am sure will never return, I submit to their own future well experienced judgements.  
Now, lest any man should yet rest discouraged because as yet no mention is made of any other provision of victuals, save only of bread corn, which grant, it may with labour be competently procured, will afford but a bare, and miserable living, I think there is no man so ignorant to conceive, that such a main continent as is Virginia, boundless, for aught we have discovered, and so goodly Rivers, no where else to be parralled, should be more barren of cattle, Fish, and Fowl, than other Lands, assuredly they are not: for true it is, that the Land is stored with plenty and variety of wild beasts, Lions, Bears, Decree of all sorts, (only differing from ours in their increase, having usual, three or four Fawns at a time, none that I have seen or heard off under two: the reason whereof some of our people ascribe to the virtue of some grass or herb which they eat, because our Goats often times bring forth three, and most of them two: for my part I rather impute their fecundiry to the providence of God, who for every mouth provideh meat, and if this increase were not, the Naturals would assuredly starve: f●r of the Deer (they kill as do we Beefs in England) all the year long, neither sparing young nor old, no not the Does ready to fawn, nor the young fawns, if but two days old) beavers, Otters, Foxes, Racounes, almost as big as a Fox, as good meat as a lamb, hares, wild Cats, musk rats, Squirrels flying, and other of three or four sorts, Apossumes, of the bigness and likeness of a Pig, of a month old, a beast of as strange as incredible nature, she hath commonly seven young ones, sometimes more and sometimes less which at her pleasure till they be a month old or more she taketh up into her belly; and putteth forth again without hurt to herself or them.  
Of each of these beasts, the Lion excepted, myself have many times eaten, and can testify that they are not only tasteful, but also wholesome and nourishing food.  
There are ●oule of divers sorts, Eagles, wild Turkeys much bigger than our English, Cranes, Herons white and ●usset, Hawks, wild Pigeons (in winter beyond number or imagination, myself have seen three or four hours together flocks in the air, so thick that even they have shadowed the sky from us) Turckie Bussards, Partridge, Suipes, Owls, Swans, Geese, Brants, Duck and Mallard, Droeis, Shel Drakes Cormorants, Teal, Widgeon, Curlewes, Puits, besides other small birds, as Blacke-birde, hedge sparrows, Oxeys, wood peckers, and in winter about Christmas many flocks of Parakertoths.  
For fish the Rivers are plentifully stored, with Sturgeon, Porpasse, Base, Rockfish, carp, Shad, Herring, Eel, Catfish, Perch Flat-fish, Troute, Sheepshead, Drummers, jarfish, Crevices, Crabs, Oysters and diverse other kinds, of all which myself have seen great quantity taken, especially the last summer at Smith's Island, at one hale, a frigates lading of Sturgeon, Base and other great fish in Captain Argals Savie: and even at that very place which is not above fifteen miles from Pointeomfort, if we had been furnished with salt, to have saved it, we might have taken as much fish as would have served us that whole year.  
Nor are these provision of bread, flesh and fish, all we have for sustentation of man's life, behold more change and variety of food, which our soil and climate affordeth, Carrats, parsnip, Turnips, Radish, pompions (of the west Indie kind in great abundance, of one seed I have seen an hundredth, much better than ours and lasting all the year) Cabbadge, Parsley, all manner of potherbs and other herbs, Marger●●, Time, wi●ter-Sauory, Lettuce Purslane, etc., and besides the natural grain of that Country, as wheat pease and beans, it did me much good to view our English wheat how forward it was, full eared, of one grain forty cares or more, a span long, and only wanting ripening in mid june our English pease then ripe, and beans very forward, and English barley very hopeful, such as mine e●es never beheld, better in England: And if that soil bring forth these things (as can those which have been there with me affirm and witness) as plentiful and unchangeable for taste and quantity as England or any other country, why should any man that hath his limbs, in a peaceable state as is that, so much as dream of starving?  
To go yet a little further, I myself know no one Country yielding without art or industry so many fruits, sure I am England doth: wild grapes in abundance all the woods over, their juice sweet and pleasant in taste, some of them we have replanted in a vineyard adjoining to Henrico, the quantity of three or four Acres which were this year very plentifully laden, to what perfection they will come, the next return will advertise: Cherries little inferior to ours, which if replanted may prove as much better as now they are worse Pissmienplums in bigness and fashion like a Medlar of a flipticke quality, other sorts of plums like to our wheat plums, and in goodness answerable: great fields and woods abounding with Strawberries much fairer and more sweet than ours, Mulberries of great bigness, and about the Bermuda City and Hundirds thereunto belonging great store thereof, Maricocks of the fashion of a Lemon whose blossom may admit comparison with our most delight some and beautiful flowers, and the fruit exceeding pleasant and tast●●●●● Ches●●it-trees towards the false as many as oaks, and as fertile, many goodly groves of Chincomen trees with a husk like unto a Chestnut, raw or hoyled, luscious and hearty meat: Walnuts of three or four sorts, where o● 〈◊〉 might be yearly made great quantity of oyl●s, as useful and good as that of Olives: some filberts I have seen, Crabs great store, less, but not so sour as ours, which grafted with the Scions of English apple trees, without question would bear very good fruit, and we doubt not but to have the Scions enough the next year, there being in Sir Thomas Gates his garden at james town, many forward apple & pear trees come up, of the kernels set the year before.  
If all this be not sufficient, lo further encouragement, the colony is already furnished with two hundred neat cattle, as many goats, infinite hogs in herds all over the woods, besides those to every town belonging in general, and every private man, some Mares, Horses & Colts, Poultry great store, besides tame Turkeys, Peacocks and Pigeons plentifully increasing and thriving there, in no Country better.  
Of our young Steers the next winter we doubt not to have three or four Ploughs going, which once compassed, we shall in short time be able to repay England the corn they have lent us.  
If I knew yet any further impediments which might seem to give discouragement to adventure thither, I should as easily remove them.  
Object that pleaseth the want of clothes, so long as there are wild beasts there, and the beasts have skins on their backs (if the necessity were such) why should not we as do the naturals, cloth our selves therewith, it is no worse than our forefathers have worn before us, and such as will save us from the cold in winter, and heat in summer: but admit there▪ were no skins or being there, our people disdain to wear them. If there be any man that hath been so ill an husband here that he cannot furnish himself with a years provision of apparel; if I might counsel he should not be suffered to go thither, for that country is not for him, as for others who can provide apparel for the first year, I hold him a worse husband than the former, that shall at any time after be worse clothed than he went over: the valuable commodity of Tobacco of such esteem in England (if there were nothing else) which every man may plant, and with the least part of his labour, tend and care will return him both clothes and other necessaries. For the goodness whereof, answerable to west-Indie Trinidado or Craeus (admit there hath no such been returned) let no man doubt. Into the discourse whereof, since I am obuiously entered, I may not forget the gentleman, worthy of much commendations, which first took the pains to to make trial thereof, his name Mr john Rolfe, Anno Domini 1612. partly for the love he hath a long time borne unto it, and partly to raise commodity to the adventurers, in whose behalf I witness and vouchsafe to hold my testimony in beleef●, that during the time of his abode there, which draweth near upon six years, no man hath laboured to his power, by good example there and worthy encouragement into England by his letters, than he hath done, witness his marriage with Rowhatans' daughter, one of rude education, manners barbarousand cursed generation, merely for the good and honour of the Plantation: And lest any man should conceive that some sinister respects alured him hereunto, I have made bold contrary to his knowledge in the end of my treatise to insert the true copy of his letter, written to Sir Thomas Dale to acquaint him with his proceedings, and purpose therein, the rather to give testimony to the misconstruing and ill censuring multitude of his integrity, in the undertaking a matter of so great a consequent, who in my hearing have not spared to speak their pleasures; his own letter hits them home, and the better sort, who know to censure judiciously cannot but highly commend and approve so worthy an undertaking.  
Thus far I have applied myself to encourage personal Adventurers: I would gladly now by worthy motives, allure the heavy undertakers to persist with alacrity and cheerfulness, both for their own reputations, the honour of God, and their King and Country. The worthier sort, I mean those Nobles and others of that honourable counsel interessed therein, need no spur, their own innate virtues drives them a pace. The Merchant only wants some feeling and present return of those commodities which he is persuaded the country affordeth: to them therefore I will address my speech, and if I may persuade them to be constant in their proceedings some small time longer, the benefit will be the greater and the more welcome when it cometh.  
It is not for nothing Sir Thomas Dale, so nobly without respect to his living, to his Lady here in England, past the prefixed time of his resolved return, yet remaineth there; I am sure if he pleased he might return with as much honour as any man from thence, I say not more.  
I shall little need, and indeed it were but waste and Idle for me to repeat and mention the commodities, which with only labour may be there procured: many Treatises hath them at full. Samples have been sent home, and no man disputeth the goodness, or the quantity there to be had: take therefore double courage to yourselves, and let these two years neglect be restored by a cheerful and new onset, and for your encouragement read yet a little further, and view the face of the Colony, even superficially portrayed: see what effects these three years have wrought.  
In May 1611 Sir Thomas Dale, with a prosperous passage, not full eight weeks arrived there, with him about three hundred people, such as for the present speed, and dispatch could then be provided, of worse condition than those formerly there, who I sorrow to speak it, were not so provident, though once before bitten with hunger and penury, as to put corn into the ground for their winter's bread, but trusted to the store, then furnished but with eight months' provision. His first care therefore was to employ all hands about se●ting of Corn at the two Forts, seated upon Ke●oughtan, Henry and Charles, whereby the season than not fully passed, though about the end; of May, we had there an indifferent Crop of good corn.  
This business taken order for, and the care and trust of it committed to his under officers, to james Town he hastened, where the most company were, and their daily and usual works, bowling in the streets, these he employed about necessary works, as felling of Timber, repairing their houses ready to fall upon their heads, and providing pales, post and rails to impaile his purposed new Town, which by reason of his ignorance in those parts, but newly arrived there, he had not resolved where to seat. For his better knowledge therefore of those parts, himself with an hundredth men, spent some time in discovery, first Nansamund River, which in despite of the Indians, than our enemies, he discovered to the head, after that, our own River, to the falls, whereupon a high land environed with the main River, some sixteen or twenty miles, from the head of the Falls, near to an Indian Town called Arsahattocke, he resolved to plant his new Town, and so did, whereof in his due place I shall make a brief relation.  
It was no mean trouble to him, to reduce his people, so timely to good order, being of so ill a condition as may well witness his severe and strict imprinted book of Articles, then needful with all severity and extremity to be executed, now much mitigated, for more deserved death in those days, then do now the least punishment, so as if the law should not have restrained by execution, I see not how the utter subversion and ruin of the Colony should have been prevented, witness Webs and Prizes design the first year, since that Abbots and others more dangerous than the former, and even this summer, Coals and kitchens Plot, with three more, bending their course towards the Southward, to a Spanish Plantation, reported to be there, who had traveled (it being now a time of peace) some five days journey to Ocanahoe●, there cut off by certain Indians, hired by us to hunt them home to receive their deserts. So as Sir Thomas Dale hath not been tyrannous, nor severe at all; Indeed the offences have been capital, and the offenders dangerous, incurable members, for no use so fit as to make examples to others, but the manner of their death may some object, hath been cruel, unusual and barbarous, which indeed they have not been, witness France, and other Countries for less offences: what if they have been more severe than usual in England, there was just cause for it, we were rather to have regard to those whom we would have terrified, and made fearful to commit the like offences, then to the offenders justly condemned, It being ●rue that amongst those people (who for the most part are sensible only of the body's torment) the fear of a cruel, painful and unusual, death, more restrains them then death itself.  
Thus much obuiously, I proceed in his endeavours until Sir Thomas Gates his happy arrival, which was only in preparing timber, pales, posts and rails for the present impaling this new Town to secure himself and men from the malice and treachery of the Indians, in the midst and heart of whom, he was resolved to set down, but before he could make himself ready for that business, Sir Thomas Gates though his passage more long than usual, to second him herein, happily arrived about the second of August, with six good Ships, men, provisions and cattle, whom as yet not fully discovered, we supposed to be a Spanish fleet, thus induced the rather to believe, because in company with him were three Caruals, vessels which never before had been sent thither, and now only for the transportation of the Cattle. It did me much good, and gave great courage to the whole company to see the resolution of Sir Thomas Dale, now wholly busied (our land fortifications to weak to withstand a foreign Enemy) in lading our provisions aboard the two good Ships, the Star and Prosperous, and our own Deliverance, then riding before james town, aboard which Ships, he had resolved to encounter the supposed Enemy, animating his people, not only with the hope of victory if they readily obeyed his direction, but also assuring them that if by these means God had ordained to set a period to their lives, they could never be sacrificed in a more acceptable service, himself promising, rather to fire the Spanish Ships with his own, then either basely to yield, or to be taken: and in nothing he seemed so much discontent as that we could not possibly lad aboard all our provisions before (the wind being then very fair) they might have been with us, whilst therefore the rest were labouring their utmost to lad aboard our provisions, he caused a small shallop to be manned with thirty ready and good shot to discover directly what Ships they might be, and withal speed to return him certain word, which within three hours they did, assuring him that is was an English ●eete, Sir Thomas Gates General thereof: which news how welcome it was unto him, principally because now he doubted not the happy progression of the affairs in hand, let any man (equally with him affected to the good and welfare of the action) judge and determine.  
The worthies being met, after salutation and welcome given, and received, Sir Thomas Dale acquainted Sir Thomas Gates both with such businesses as he had affected since his arrival, and also of his resolution to build a new Town, at the Fales, which design and purpose of his, Sir Thomas Gates then principal Governor in Virginia, well approving, furnished him with three hundred and fifty men, such as himself made choice of, and the beginning of September 1611 he set from james town, and in a day & a half, landed at a place where he purposed to seat & build, where he had not been ten days before he had very strongly impaled seven English Acres of ground for a town, which in honour of the noble Prince Henry (of ever happy and blessed memory, whose royal heart was ever strongly affected to that action) he called by the name of Henrico. No sooner was he thus fenced, and in a manner secured from the Indians, but his next work (without respect to his own health or particular welfare) was building at each corner of the town, very strong and high commanders or watchtowers, a fair and handsome Church, and storehouses, which finished he began to think upon convenient houses, and lodgings for himself and men, which with as much speed as was possible, were more strongly and more handsome than any formerly in Virginia, contrived and finished, and even in four months space, he had made Henrico much better and of more worth than all the work ever since the Colony began, therein done.  
I should be to tedious if I should give up the account of every days labour, which therefore I purposely omit, and will only describe the town, in the very state and perfection which I left it, and first for the situation, it stands upon a neck of a very high land, 3 parts thereof environed with the main River, and cut over between the two Rivers, with a strong pale, which makes the neck of land an Island. There is in this town 3 streets of well framed houses, a handsome Church, and the foundation of a more stately one laid, of Brick, in length, an hundred foot, and fifty foot wide, beside Store houses, watch houses, and such like: there are also, as ornaments belonging to this Town, upon the verge of this River, five fair Block houses, or commanders, wherein live the honester sort of people, as in Farms in England, and there keep continual sentinel for the towns security, and about two miles from the town into the Main, a Pale of two miles in length, cut over from river to river, guarded likewise with several Commanders, with a great quantity of corn ground impaled, sufficient if there were no more in the Colony secured, to maintain with but easy manuring, and husbandry, more men, than I suppose, will be addressed thither (the more is the pity) these 3 years.  
For the further enlargement yet of this Town, on the other side of the River, by impaling likewise: for we make no other fence, is secured to our use, especially for our hogs to feed in, about twelve English miles of ground, by name, Hope in faith, Coxendale, secured by five Forts, called, Charity Fort, Mount malado, a retreat, or guest house for sick people, a high seat, and wholesome air, Elizabeth Fort, and Fort patience: and here hath Mr. Whitacres chosen his Parsonage, or Church land, some hundred Acres impaled, and a fair framed parsonage house built thereupon, called Rock Hall of this Town, and all the Forts thereunto belonging, hath Captain james davis, the principal Command, and Government.  
I proceed to our next and most hopeful habitation, whether we respect commodity, or security, (which we principally aim at) against foreign designs, and invasions, I mean the Bermuda City, begun about Christmas last, which because it is the nearest adjoining to Henrico, though the last undertaken, I hold it pertinent to handle in the next place. This Town, or plantation is seated by land, some 5 miles from Henrico, by water fourteen, being the year before the habitation of the Appamatucks, to revenge the treacherous injury of those people, done unto us, taken from them, besides all their Corn, the former before without the loss of any, save only some few of those Indians, pretending our hurt) at what time Sir Thomas Dale, being himself upon that service, and duly considering how commodious a habitation and seat it might be for us, took resolution to possess and plant it, and at that very instant, gave it the name of the new Bermudas, whereunto he hath laid out, and annexed to be belonging to the freedom, and corporation for ever, many miles of Champion, and woodland, in several Hundreds, as the upper and neither Hundreds, Rochdale hundred, west's Shirley hundred, and Digges his hundred In the neither hundred he first began to plant, and inhabit for that there lieth the most convenient quantity of Corn ground, and with a Pale cut over from, River to River, about two miles long, we have secured some eight miles' circuit of ground, the most part champion, and exceeding good Corn ground, upon which pale, and round about, upon the verge of the River in this Hundred, half a mile distant from each other, are very fair houses, already builded, besides divers other particular men's houses, not so few as fifty, according to the conditions of the patent granted them, which who so pleaseth to peruse, shall in the end of my discourse find it inserted. In this Plantation next to Sir Thomas Dale is principal, in the Command, Captain Georg Yardley, Sir Thomas Gates his lieutenant, who see endeavours have ever deserved worthy commendations in that employment. Rochdale Hundred by a cross pale, well nigh four miles long, is also already impaled, with bordering houses all along the pale, in which Hundred our hogs, and other cattle have twenty miles' circuit to graze in securely. The undertaking of the chief City deferred till their Harvest be in, which once reaped, all hands shall be employed thereon, which Sir Thomas Dale purposeth, and he may with some labour effect his designs, to make an impregnable retreat, against any foreign invasion, how powerful so ever.  
About fifty miles from this seat, on the other side of the Rivers, is james town situate, upon a goodly and fertile Island: which although formerly scandoled with unhealthful air, we have since approved as healthful as any other place in the country: and this I can say by mine own experience, that that corn and garden ground (which with much labour being when we first seated upon it, a thick wood) we have cleared, and impaled, is as fertile as any other we have had experience and trial off. The Town itself by the ca●e and providence of Sir Thomos' Gates, who for the most part had his chiefest residence there, is reduced into a handsome form, and hath in it two fair rows of houses, all offramed Timber, two stories, and an upper Garret, or Corn lof● high, besides three large, and substantial Storehowses, joined together in length some hundred and twenty foot, and in breadth forty, and this town hath been lately newly, and strongly impaled, and a fair platform for Ornance in the west bulwark raised: there are also without this town in the Island, some very pleasant, and beautiful houses, two Blockhouses, to observe and watch lest the Indians at any time should swim over the back river, and come into the Island, and certain other farm houses. The command and government of this town, hath master john Scarpe, Lieutenant to Captain Francis West, Brother to the right Honourable, the Lord Lawarre.  
From james town downwards, some forty and odd miles at the mouth of the river, near Point Comfort, upon Kecoughtan, are two pleasant and commodious Forts, Henry and Charles, goodly seats, and much corn ground about them, abounding with the commodities of fish, fowl, Dear, and fruits, whereby the men live there, with half that maintenance out of the Store, which in other places is allowed: certainly this habitation would be no whit inferior to the best we have there, save, as yet, with the poor means we have; we cannot secure it, if a foreign enemy, as we have just cans to expect daily should attempt it. And of these Forts, Captain Georg We● was lately establishd the principal Commander.  
It hath been our greatest care, and labour hitherto, and yet but these three years, the former four merely misspent, to compass these businesses, which being thus settled, and brought to such perfection, as I have described, now doth the time approach, that commodity may be expected, and if means be sent over, will assuredly be returned. What honest spirit, having hitherto laboured herein, would at the upshot (as I may so term it) be discouraged or desist? I hope none, rather more will be animated, (if need require) to put too their helping hands and purses.  
And even thus I have shadowed I hope, without the guilt of tedious, or prolix discourses (as I have been able) the trne condition (though many circumstances omitted) of Virginia, what may the substance be, when the external show is so forward, so glorious.  
I have purposely omitted the relation of the Country commodities, which every former treatise hath abundantly, the hope of the better mines, the more base, as Iron, Allom, and such like, Perfectly discovered, and made trial off, and surely of these things I cannot make so ample relation, as others, who in the discovery of those affairs, have been, than myself more often conversant, only of the hopeful, and merchantable commodities of tobacco, silk grass, and silk worms: I dare thus much affirm, and first of Tobacco, whose goodness mine own experience and trial induces me to be such, that no country under the Sun, may, or doth afford more pleasant, sweet, and strong Tobacco, than I have tasted there, even of mine own planting, which, howsoever being then the first year of our trial thereof, we had not the knowledge to cure, and make up, yet are there some now resident there, out of the last years well observed experience, which both know, and I doubt not, wili make, and return such Tobacco this yeer●, that eu●n England shall acknowledge the goodness thereof.  
Now I proceed to the silk grass which groweth like unto our flax, I mean not, of that kind formerly sent over, I have seen, even of the natural, and wild plants, which Captain Martin, who much delighteth in those businesses, hath made, exceeding fine, and exceeding strong silk, and himself hath replanted many of the wild plants this year, the silk whereof he purposeth to return for trial.  
The silk worms sent thither from England, in seeds the last winter, came forth many of them the beginning of March, others in April, may, and june, thousands of them grown to great bigness, and a spinning, and the rest well thriving of their increase, and commodity well known to be reaped by them, we have all most assurance (since sure I am) no Country affordeth more store of Mulberry trees, or a kind with whose leaf they more delight, or thrive better.  
It may be here happily expected, that I should give up the relation of Captain Argalls particular voyages and endeavours, and even as in a Plate, demonstrate his Norward discoveries, from which business I desire to be excused, partly, because himself is best able to make his own relations, and partly, because my home employments would not permit me leisure to accompany him, though myself desirous, in any of his voyages, whose endeavours, if I should endeavour to make known, and publish, could receive no honour at all by my commendations, or descriptions: much might they be impaired, through my ignorance, or unskillfullnes to set them forth: yet cannot I omit to publish to the world, what present relief he hath done to the Colony, furnishing us by two trading▪ voyages, with three and twenty hundred bushels of Corn, into our store delivered: beside, what he reserved for his men's provision, what he bestowed upon well deservers, and what his men appropriated,  
I pass by the benefit of peace in those parts, by reason of his Captive Pochahuntas, concluded established, and will only name the commodity by his means done unto us, in repairing of our weatherbeten boats, and furnishing us with new, b●th strong, and useful, without whose assistance herein, unless we should have omitted other necessary employments, I see not how we should have had passage one to another.  
His Norward discoveries towards Sacadeh●c, and beyond to Portroyall, Sancta▪ Crux, and thereabout may not be concealed: In which his adventures, if he had brought home no commodity to the Colony, (which yet he did very much, both of apparel, victuals, and many other necessaries) the honour which he hath done unto our Nation, by displanting the French, there beginning to seat & fortesie within our limits, and taking of their Ship and Pinnace, which he brought to james Town, would have been reward enough for his pains, and will ever speak loud his honour, and approved valour.  
I have heard it credibly reported, even from the mouth of Captain Argall, that in one small Ship, and in one voyage, the French have cleared eight thousand pounds by trade with the Indians, for ●●rs, which benefit will be as easily by us procured.  
It is true the Saluadges there inhabiting (before Captain argall's arrival) esteemed the French as demi-gods, and had them in great estimation: but seeing them vanquished and overcome by us, forsook the●, yea, which is no mean point of policy, desired our friendship, telling Captain Argall, that he had undone them for ever, for that the French by yearly trade with them for Furs, furnished them with ma●y necessaries, whereof they had great want, which trade by this means might happily be hindered. But Captain Argall hath agreed with them to reserve their Furs for him, and promised the●, once a year to come thither, and truck with them: they seemed very well content, assuring him, that though the French should at any time arrive there, and proffer them trade, they would reserve all their Furs for him, and what profit by this means only, may be returned to the Virginia adventurers, I submit to Captain Argalls own opinion and judgement.  
I purrposely omitted one thing in the Treatise of our concluded peace, wherewith I intent to conclude my discourse, which already I have drawn to a longer period than I purposed, whereby we have gathered the better assurance, of their ho●est inward intentions, and this it is.  
It pleased Sir Thomas Dale (my self being much desirous before my return for England, to visit Powhatan, & his Court, because I would be able to spea● somewhat thereof by mine own knowledge) to employ myself, and a● english boy for my Interpreter on Thomas savage (who had lived three years with Powhatan, and speaks the language naturally, one whom Powhatan much affecteth) upon a message unto him, which was to deal with him, if by any means I might procure a daughter of his, who (Pochahuntas being already in our possession) is generally reported to be his delight, and darling, and surely he esteemeth her as his own soul) for surer pledge of peace.  
I departed the fifteenth of May early in the morning, with the English Boy, and two Indian guides, from the Bermudas, and came to his court or residence (as I judge some three score miles distant from us, being seated at the h●●d almost of Pama●nkie River, at a town called M●tchCot) the next night after, about twelve of the clock, the former night lodging in the open woods, fearless and without danger: when we were come opposite to his Town, the main river between him and us, lest at any time we should march by land unto him undiscovered: my Indian guides called f●r a canoe (● boat made only of one tree, after the fashion of a hollow trough) to transport us, giving them to know that there was two English sent upon business to Powhatan from the English Weroance, which once known, a canoe was presently sent, and we ferried over, Powhatan himself attending at the landing place to welcome us. His first salutation was to the Boy, whom he very well remembered, after this manner: my child you are welcome, you have been a stranger to me these four years, at what time I gave you leave to go to Paspahae (for so was james town called before our seating there) to see your friends, and till now you never returned: you (said he) are my child, by the donative of Captain Newport, in lieu of one of my subjects Namontacke, who I purposely sent to King james his land, to see him and his country, and to return me the true report thereof, he as yet is not returned, though many ships have arrived here from thence, since that time, how ye have dealt with him I know not? having thus ended his speech to him, he addressed himself to me, and his first salutation, without any words at all, was about my neck, and with his hand he seeled round about it, so as I might have imagined he would have cut my throat, but that I knew he durst not, he asked me where the chain● of pearl was, I demanded what chain: that, said he, which I sent my Brother Sir Thomas Dale for a present, at his first arrival▪ which chain, since the peace concluded, he sent me word, if he sent any Englishman upon occasion of business to me, he should wear about his neck, otherwise I had order from him to bind him and send him home again. It is true Sir Thomas Dale had sent him such word (which till then myself never heard of) and for this purpose had given his Page order to deliver me the said chain, who forgot it: I was doubtful at the first how to answer him, yet presently I replied that I was not ignorant of that message from his brother, formerly sent unto him, whereby he only cutended that if upon extraordinary and sudden occasion, he should be constrained to send an English man unto him without an Indian guide, then in testimony that he sent him he should wear the chain about his neck: but in case any of his own people should conduct any English unto him, as did me, two of his own men, one of them a Counsellor unto him, who was acquainted with my business▪ their testimony s●ould be sufficient, and the chain then needless to be worn, which answer pleased him well, and fourth with he brought us to his house, not full a stones cast from the waterside, whereinto being come, himself sat down on his bedstead side, bed th●re was none mo●e than a single mat, on each hand of him was placed a comely and personable young woman, not twenty years old the eld●●●, which they call his Queens, the house with in round about be● set wi●h them, the outside guarded with an hundred bowmen, with their quivers of arrows at their backs, which at all times, & places attend his person.  
The first thing he offered us was a pipe of Tobacco, which they call Pissimore, whereof himself fi●st drank, and then gave it me, and when I had drank what I pleased, I returned his pipe, which with his own hands he vouchsafed to take from me: th●n began he to inquire how his Brother Sir Thomas Dale fared, after that of his daughter's welfare, her marriage, hi● unknown son, and how they liked, lived and loved together: I resolved him that his brother was very well, and his daughter so well content that she would not change her life to return and live with him, whereat he laughed heartily, and said he was very glad of it. Now proceed (said he) to deliver the cause of your unexpected coming; I certified him my message was private, to be delivered to himself, without the presence of any, save one of his Councillors, by name Pepas●hicher, one of my guides, who was acquainted with my business, he instantly comm●uded all, both men and women out of the house, his two Queens only excepted, who upon no occasion whatsoever, may sequester themselves. Now (said he) speak on, and myself by my interpreter thus begun, Sir Thomas Dale your Brother, the principal commander of the English men, sends you greeting of love and peace, on his part inviolable, and hath in testimony thereof (by me sent you a worthy present, vid, two large pieces of copper, five strings of white and blue beads, five wooden combs, ten fishhooks, and a pair of knives, all which I delivered him, one thing after another, that he might have time to view each particular: He willed me also to certify you, that when you pleased to send men, he would give you a great grinding stone: my message and gift hitherto pleased him, I proceeded thus. The bruit of the exquisite perfection of your youngest daughter, being famous through all your territories, hath come to the hearing of your Brother Sir Thomas Dale, who for this purpose hath addressed me hither, to in●reate you by that brotherly friendship you make profession of, to permit her (with me) to return unto him, partly for the desire which himself hath, and partly for the desire her ●●●ter hath to see her of whom, if fame hath not been prodigal, as like enough it hath not, your brother (by your favour) would gladly make his nearest companion, wife and bedfellow (many times he would have interrupted my speech, which I entreated him to hear out, and then if he pleased to return me answer) and the reason hereof is, because being now friendly and firmly united together, and made one people (as he supposeth and believes) in the band of love, he would make a natural union between us, principally because himself hath taken resolution to dwell in your country so long as he liveth, and would therefore not only have the firmest assurance he may, of perpetual friendship from you, but also hereby bind himself thereunto.  
When I had thus made an end of speaking; the sooner by his often interruption, I had no need to require his answer; which readily, ●nd with no less gravity he returned thus.  
I gladly accept your Kings salute of love & peace, which while I live I shall exactly, both myself and subjects maintain and conserve: his pledges thereof I receive with no less thanks, albeit they are not so ample; howbeit himself a greater Weroance, as formerly Captain Newport, whom I very well love, was accustomed to gratify me with. But to the purpose, my daughter whom my brother desireth, I sold within these few days to be wife to a great Weroance for two bushels of Roanoake (a small kind of beads) made of oystershels, which they use and pass one to another, as we do money (a cubits length valuing six pence) and it is true she is already gone with him, three days journey from me. I replied that I knew his greatness and power to be such, that if he pleased herein to gratify his Brother he might, restoring the Roanoake without the imputation of Injustice, take home his daughter again, the rather because she was not full twelve years old, and therefore not marriageable: assuring him beside the band of peace, so much the firmer he should have treble the prize of his daughter, in beads, Copper, Hatch●ts and m●ny other things more useful for him? his answer hereunto was, that he loved his daughter as dear as his own life, and though he had many Children, he delighted in none so much as in her, whom if he should nor often behold, he could not possibly live, which she living with us he knew he could not, having with himself resolved upon no terms whatsoever to put himself into our hands, or come amongst us, and therefore entreated me to urge that suit no further, but return his brother this answer.  
I desire no firmer assurance of his friendship, than his promise which he hath already made unto me; from me, he hath a pledge, one of my daughters, which so long as she lives shall be sufficient, when she dieth he shall have another child of mine, but she yet liveth: I hold it not a brotherly part of your King, to desire to bereave me of two of my children at once; further give him to understand, that if he had no pledge at all he should not need to distrust any injury from me, o● any under my subjection, there have been too many of his men and my killed, and by my occasion there shall never be more, I which have power to performeit, have said it: no n●●'though I should have just occasion offered, for I am now old, and would gladly end my days in peace, so as if the English offer me injury, my country is large enough, I will remove myself farther from you. Thus much I hope will satisfy my brother. Now because yourselves are weary, and I sleepy, we will thus end the discourse of this business. Then called he one of his men, and willed him to get some bread for us, himself the mean while telling us that they not expecting our coming, as usually they do eat up all their other victnals, presently the bread was brought in two great wooden bowls, the quantity of a bushel sod bread made up round, of the bigness of a tennis b●ll, whereof we eat some few, and disposed the rest to many of his hungry guard which attended about us: when we had eaten he caused to be fetched a great glass of sack, some three quarts or better, which Captain Newport had given him six or seven years since, carefully preserved by him, not much above a pint in all this time spent; and gave each of us in a great oyster shell some three spoonfuls; and so giving order to one of his people to appoint us a house to lodge in, took his leave for that night, and we departed. We had not been half an hour in the house before the fleas began so to torment us that we could not rest there, but went forth, and under a broad oak, upon a mat reposed ourselves that night no sooner were we awaked and up in the morning, but Powhatan himself came to us, and asked us how we fared, and immediately led us to his house, where was provided for our breakfast a great bowl of Indian pease and bea●es boiled together, and as much bread as might have sufficed a dozen hungry men, about an hover after boiled fresh fish, and not long after that roasted Oysters, Crevices and Crabs: his ●en in this time being abroad a hunting some venison, others Turkeys and such like beasts and foul as their woods afford, who returned before ten of the clock with three does and a buck, very good and fat venison, and two great cock Turkeys, all which were dressed that day, and supper ended, scarce a bone to be seen.  
Whiles I yet remained there, by great chance came an English man thither, almost three years before that time surprised, as he was at work near Fort Henry, one William Parker grown so like both in complexion and habit to the Indians, that I only knew him by his tongue to be an Englishman, he seemed very joyful so happily to meet me there. Of him when we often inquired, the Indians ever told us that he fell sick and died, which till now we beleeued● he entreated me to use my best endeavours to procure his return, which thing I was purposed so soon as I knew him, and immediately went with him to Powhatan, and told him that we credibly believed that he was dead, but since it was otherwise I must needs have him home, for myself of necessity must acquaint his brother that I had seen him there: who if he returned not, would make another voyage thither purposely for him: Powhatan seemed very much discontent, and thus replied. You have one of my daughters with you, and I am therewith well content, but you can no sooner see or ●now of any English man's being with me, but you must have him away, or else bre●ke peace and friendship: If you must needs h●ue him, he shal● go with you, but I will send no guides along with you, so as if any ill befall you by the way, thank yourselves. I answered, that rather than I would go without him, I would go alone, the way I kne● well enough, and other dangers I feared not, since if I returned not safely, he must expect our revenge upon him and his people, giving him further to know, that his brother our king might have just occasion to distrust his love to him, by his slight respect of me, if he returned me home without guides. He replied not hereunto, but in passion and discontentment from me, not till suppertime speaking any more unto me: when sending for me, he gave me share of such cates as were for himself provided, and as good aspect and countenance as before; but not a word concerning my return, till himself at midnight coming to me, and the boy where we lay awaked us, and told me that Pepaschech●r and another of his men, in the morning should accompany us home, earnestly reque●●ing me to remember his brother to send him these particulars. Ten pieces of Copper, a shaving kni●e, an iron frow to cleave boards, a grinding stone, not so big but four or five men may carryit, which would be big enough for his use, two bone combs, such as Captain Newport had given him; the wooden ones his own men can make: an hundred fishhooks or if he could spare it, rather a fishing sane, and a cat, and a dog, with which things if his brother would furnish him, he would require his l●ue with the return of skins: wherewith he was now altogether unfurnished (as he told me) which yet I knew he was well stored with, but his disposition mistrustful and jealous, loves to be on the surer hand.  
Wh● he had delivered this●his message, he asked me if I will remembered every paticular, which I must repeat to him for his assurance, & yet ●till doubtful that I might forget any of them, he bade me write them down in such a Table book as he showed me, which was a very fair one, I desired him, it being of no use to him, to give it me: but he told me, it did him much good to show it to strangers which came unto him: so in mine own Table book, I wrote down each particular, and he departed.  
In the morning, himself and we were timely stirring to be gone: to breakfast first we went, with a good boiled Turkey, which ended, he gave us a whole Turkey, besides that we left, and three baskets of bread to carry us home, and when we were ●eady to depart, he gave each of us an excellent Bucks skin, very well dressed, and white as snow, and s●nt his son and daughter each of them one, demanding if I well remembered his answer to his brother, which I repeated to him: I hope (laid he) this will give him good satisfaction, if it do not? I will go three days journey f●rther from him, and never see English man more: if upon any other occasion he send to me again, I will gladly entertain his missives, and to my power accomplish his just requests: and even thus himself conducting us to the water sid●, he took leave of us, and we of him: and about ten of the clock the next night after, we were come to the Bermudas. This discourse I have briefly as I could, and as the matter would permit, the rather related, to make known, how chary Powhatan is, of the conservation of peace, a thing much desired, and I doubt not right welcome news, to the undertakers here) as may appear by his answers to my requests, and also by my safe passage thither, & homewards, without the lest show of injury offered unto us, though divers times●by the way, many stragliug Indians met us, which in former times, would gladly have taken so ●aire occasion to work their mischief and bloody designs upon us. By all which, as likewise by our forward progression in our affairs, I hope such good success and benefit to be speedily reaped, that ●y self, though I bless GOD for it, who hath so provided for me, that I may live more happily here, than many who are fearful to adventure thither) could eu●n willingly make a third voyage thither if by my poor endeavours the business might receive the least furtherance. God, (I hope) will raise up means beyond man's imagination, to perfect his own glory and honour, in the conversion of those people, of whom undoubtedly, (as in all other parts in the world, he hath predestinated some to eternal salvation, and blessed shall those be that are the instruments thereof) I hope this poor Narration will move every honest heart, to put his helping hand thereunto. For my part, as I have been five years a personal workman in that building, so shall I ever, as my means may permit me, be ready to offer my mite towards the furnishing of others, and again (if need require) personal labour therein.   

To the Reader.  
THere be two properties especially remarkable, which should move all men earnestly and constantly, with all their means and endeavour, to desire the a●cheiuing of any thing, and bringing of the same unto perfection: first the worth and excellency: secondly the durableness and continuance thereof. For as that thing which is not durable, by reason of fragility and fugacitie, is not usually esteemed of men, though it be excellent: so that likewise which is not precious, is worthily little regarded, though it be never so durable. Now the Virginian plantation hath both these notable properties, if at the least we will, and impeach them not ourselves; for what is more excellent, more precious and more glorious, then to convert a heathen Nation from worshipping the devil, to the sa●ing knowledge, and true worship of God in Christ jesus? what more praiseworthy and charitable, then to bring a savage people from barbarism unto civi●●itie? what more honourable unto our ●●●ntre●, then to reduce a far disjoined foreign nation, under the d●e obedience of our dread Sovereign the King's Majesty? what more convenient then to have good s●ates abroad for our ever flowing multitudes of people at home? what more profitable then to purchase great wealth, which most now adays gape after over-greedily? All which benefits are assuredly to b●e had and obtained by well and plentifully upholding of the plantation in Virginia. And for the durableness of all these great and singular blessings, there ●an (by God's assistance) be no doubt at all made, if men's hearts unto whom God hath lent ability) were but enlarged cheerfully to adventure and send good companies of honest industrious m●n thither with a mind to enlarge Christ's kingdom: for than will God assuredly maintain his own cause. But alas, as there was never yet any action so good. so honourable, so glorious, so pious and so profitable, but hath had checks and disconr●gements, both by open enemies abroad, and intestine adversaries at home with in it own bowels: even so may I truly say, hath this m●st glorious, most honourable, most pious and most profitable enterprise had. For as of old, when Zerubbabel▪ Ezra and Nehemia returned from Babel, by allowance of the king of Persia to jerusalem, and began to repair the walls thereof, and to restore God's service, there wanted not a Sanballat and others to say: what do these weak● jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sa●crific●? will they finish it in a day? No, for although they build, yet if a fox go up, he shall even break down that stony wall, Even so deal many Sanballates and Tobiahes foreign and domestical enemies of this most religious work: yea there be many who will not seem enemies thereunto, but yet will neither further the business themselves, no not according to their own engagements which in conscience and ●redit● they ought) nor quietly suffer o●hers that otherwise ●old, but discourage them therein all they may some saying as judah once did. The strength of the bearers is weakened, and there is much earth, so as we are n●t able to builds the wall. Some s●ying with the unfaithful Spies, sent forth to search the l●●d of Canaan: The land we went through to ●earch it out is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof, for all the people we saw in it ar● strong and m●n of ●reat stature: yea and some others say, there is much already expended, and yet n● profit ariseth, neither is there victuals to be had, for the preserving of life and soul together. But oh my dear countrymen, be not so far bewitched herewith as to be still discouraged thereat for t●ose that bring a wild slauder upon this action, may die by a plague before the Lord, as those men did: but rather remembering your ancient worth, renown, valour and bounty, hearken unto Caleb and josua, who stilled the people's mourning: saying, Let us go up at once and possess it, for undoubtedly we shall overcome it; yet not so much now by force of arms as the Israelites did then by warrant from God (nor by utterly destroying of them, as some have cruelly done since) as by gentleness, love, amity and Religion. As for profit it shall come abundantly, if we can with the husbandman, but freely cast our corn into the ground, and with patience wait for a blessing. And of victuals, there is now no complaint at all, and that which was happened by the mere lazy negligence of our own people.  
Now to the end that you may the better perceive these things to be true, & be thereby the more animated cheerfully to go forward in the upholding of this holy work, I will no longer detain you from the perusal of some Calebs and Iosu●hs faithful reports (writ there in june last this present year 1614 and sent hither by the last ship that came thence) for further encouragement to put hereunto speedily & plentifully your helping hands with al●lacrity: As for the that are able, & yet will not further, but endanger the veter ruining of this so glorious a cause (by their miserableness (being without love and charity) to the great dishonour of God, and our Country's perpetual shame should it now sink, and fall to the gonnd: I leave them to him that made them, to dispose of them according to his infinite wisdom. And so come to the letters themselves: the first and chiefest whereof is from Sir Thomas Dale, Martial and Governor of Virginia, unto a Minister of London.   

To the R. and my most esteemed friend Mr. D.M. at his house at F. Ch. in London.  
RIght Reverend Sr. by Sr. Thomas Gates I wrote unto you, of such occasions as then presented themselves, and now again by this worthy Gentleman Captain Argall I salute you: for such is the reverend regard I have of you, as I cannot omit any occasion to express the sincere affection I bear you. You have ever given me encouragements to persever in this religious Warfare, until your last Letters; not for that you are now less well affected thereunto: but because you see the Action to be in danger by many of their non performances who under took the business. I have undertaken, and have as faithfully, & with all my might endeavoured the prosecution with all alacrity, as God that knoweth the heart, can bear me record, what recompense, or what rewards, by whom, or when I know not where to expect; but from him in whose vineyard I labour, whose Church with greedy appetite I desire to erect. My glorious master is gone, 
Prince Henry  that would have ennamelled with his favours the labours I undertake, for God's cause, and his immortal honour. He was the great Captain of our Israel, the hope to have builded up this heavenly new jerusalem he interred (I think) the whole frame of this business, fell into his grave: for most men's forward (at least seeming so) desires a●e quenched, and Virginia stands in desperate hazard. You there do your duties, I will no way omit mine, the time I promised to labour, is expired: it is not a yoke of Oxen hath drawn me from this feast: it is not the marriage of a wife makes me hast home, though that salad give an appetite to cause me return. ●ut I have more care of the Stock, then to set it upon a die, and rather put myself to the courtesy of noble & worthy censures then ruin this work; and have a jury (nay a million) of foul mouthed detractors, scan upon my endeavours, the ends whereof they cannot dive into. You shall briefly understand, what hath betide since my last, and how we now stand, and are likely to grow to perfection, if we be not altogether neglected, my stay grounded upon such reason, as had I now returned, it would have hazarded the ruin of all.  
Sir Thomas Gates having embarked himself for England, I put myself into Captain argall's ship, ●ith a hundred and fifty men in my frigate, and other boats went into Pamaunkie river, where Powhatan hath his residence, and can in two or three days, draw a thousand men together, with me I carried his daughter, who had been long prisoner with us, it was a day or two before we heard of them: At length they demanded why we came; I gave for answer that I came to bring him his daughter, conditionally he would (as had been agreed upon for her ransom) render all the arms, tools, swords, and men that had run away, and give me a ●●ip full of co●ne, for the wrong 〈◊〉 had done unto us: if they would do this, we would be friends, if not burn all. They demanded time to send to their King; I assented, I taking, they receiving two pledges, to carry my message to Powhatan. All night my two men lay not far from the water side, about noon the next day they told them the great King was three days ●ourney off, that Opochankano was hard by, to whom they would have had them deliver their message, saying, that what he agreed upon and did, the great King would confirm. This Opocankano is brother to Powhatan, and is his and their chief Captain: and one that can as soon (if not sooner) as Powhatan command the men. But my men refused to do my message unto any saue● Powhatan, so they were brought back, and I s●nt theirs to them, they told me that they would fetch Simons to me, who had thrice played the runagate, ●hose lies and villainy much hindered our trade for corn: But they delayed us, so as we went a shore they shot at us, we were not behind hand with them, killed some, hurt others, marched into the land, burnt their houses, took their corn, and quartered all night ashore.  
The next day we went further up the river, they dogged us, and called to know whiter we went; we answered, to burn all, if they would not do as ●e demanded, and had been agreed upon. They would they said, bring all the next day so we for ba●e all hostility, went a s●ore, their men in good numbers coming amongst us▪ but we were very cautious & stood to our arms. The King's daughter went ashore, but would not talk to any of them scarce to them of of the best sort▪ and to them only; that if her father had loved her, he would not value her less than old swords, pieces, or axes: wherefore she would still dwell with the English men, who loved her. At last came one from Powhatan, who told us, that Simons was run away, to Nonsowhaticond, which was a truth, as afterwards appeared, but that the other English man was dead, that proved a lie: for since, Mr. Hamor, whom I employed to Powhatan brought him to me, our pieces, swords, and tools within fifteen days, should be sent to james town, with some corn, and that his daughter should be my child, and ever dwell with me, desiring to be ever friends, and named such of his people, and neighbour Kings, as he desired to be included, and have the benefit of the peace, promising if any of our men came to him, without leave from me, he would send them back: and that if any of his men stole from us, or killed our cattle, he would send them to us to be punished as we thought fit. With these conditions we returned, and within the time limited, part of our Arms were sent, and 20. men with corn, and promised more, which he hath also sent. Opachankano desired I would call him friend, and that he might call me so, saying he was a great Captain, and did always fight: that I was also a great Captain, and therefore he loved me; and that my friends should be his friends. So the bargain was made, and every eight or ten days, I have messages and presents from him, with many appearances that he much desireth to continue friendship.  
Now may you judge Sir, if the God of battles have not a helping hand in this, that having our swords drawn, killing their men, burning their houses, and taking their corn▪ yet they tendered us peace, and strive with all alacrity to keep us in good opinion of them; by which many benefits arise unto us. First, part of our Arms, disgracefully lost long ago, (kept by the Savages as Monuments and Trophies of our shames) redelivered, some repair to our honour. Our cattle to increase, without danger of destroying, our men at liberty, to hunt freely for venison, to fish, to do any thing else, or go any whither, without danger; to follow the husbanding of their corn securely, whereof we have above five hundred Acres set, and God be praised, in more forwardness, than any of the Indians, that I have seen, or heard off this year, roots, and herbs we have in abundanue; all doubt of want is by God's blessing quite vanished, and much plenty expected. And which is not the least material, we may by this peace, come to discover the country better, both by our own travels, and by the relation of the Savages, as we grow infamiliarity with them,  
powhatan's daughter I caused to be carefully instructed in Christian Religion, who after she had made some good progress therein, renounced publicly her country Idolatry, openly confessed her Christian faith, was, as she desired, baptized, and is since married to an English Gentleman of good understanding, (as by his letter unto me, coutaining the reasons for his marriage of her you may perceive) an other knot to bind this peace the stronger. Her Father and friends gave approbation to it, and her Uncle gave her to him in the Church: she lives civilly and lovingly with him and I trust will increase in goodness, as the knowledge of God increaseth in her. She will go into England with me, and were it but the gaining of this one soul, I will think my time, toil, and present stay well spent.  
Since this accident the Governors and people of Checkahomanies, who are five hundred bowmen, and better, a s●out and warlike Nation, have made means to have us come unto them, and conclude a peace, where all the Governors would meet me. They having thus three or four times importune● me, I resolved to go; so taking Captain Argall, with fifty men in myfrigot, and barge I went thither: Captain Argall with forty men landed, I kept aboard for some reasons. Upon the meeting they told Captain Argall they had longed to be friends, that they had no King, but eight great men, who governed them. He told them that we came to be friends, asked them if they would have King james to be their King, & whether they would be his men? They after some conference between themselves, seemed willing of both, demanding if we would fight against their enemies, he told them th●t if any did them injury, they should sen● me word, and I would agree them, or if their adversary's would not, t●en I would let them have as many men as they would to help them: they liked well of that, and told him that all their men should help us. All this being agreed upon, C. Argall gave every Councillor a Ta●aha●k, and a piece of Copper, which was kindly taken; they requested further, that if their boats should happen to meet with our boats, and that they said they were the Chikahominy Englishmen, and King james his men, we would let them pass: we agreed unto it, so that they pronounced themselves English men, and King james his men, promising within fift●en days to c●●e 〈◊〉 james town to see me, and conclude these condi●io●s, every bowman being to give me as a Tribute to King james two measures of Corn every harvest, the two measures containing two bushels and a half. and I to give every bowman a small Tamahawke, and to every Counsellor a suit of red cloth, which did much please them. This people never acknowledged any King, before; no nor ever would acknowledge Powhatan for their King, a stout people they be, and a delicate seat they have.  
Now Sir you see our conditions▪ you, and all worthy men may judge, whether it would not be a grief to see these fair hopes frostbitten and these fresh budding plants to wither? which had I returned, had assuredly followed: for ●eer is no one that the people would have to ●ouern them, but myself: for I had now come away, had I not found a general desire in the best ●ort to return for England: letter upon letter, request upon request from their friends to return, so as I knew not upon whom to confer the care of this business in my absence, whom I thought fit was generally distasted, so as seeing the eminent ensuing danger, should I have left this multitude, not yet fully refined,, I am resolved to stay till harvest b● got in, and then settle things according to my poor understanding, and return: if in the interim there come no authorized Governor from England.  
Consider I pray you since things be brought to this pass, as you see, and that I should have come ●way, ●f th●n through their factious, humours, mutinies, or indiscretion of the Chiefs I had left behind, this should fall to ruin: I then shoul● receiu● th● 〈◊〉; I incur the blame, for quitting the Plantation, although I might do it, both with my honour, my promised stay of time being expired, an● hau●ng warrant from my Soneraigne, the King's Majesty: but the 〈◊〉 reasons moved me and that this action of such price, such excellency and assured profit to 〈◊〉 own knowledge should not die to the scorn of our Nation, and to give cause of laughter to the Papists that desire cur●uine. I can assure you, no country of the world affords more assured hopes of infinite riches, which both by mi●e o●n p●●pl●s discovery, & the relation of such Savages, whose fidelity●e have often found assureth me.  
Oh why should so many Princes, and noble men engage themselves and thereby intermeddling herein, have caused a number of so●es transport themselves, 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, ●hey ought to persever: if otherwise, yet their honour engageth th●m to be consiant. Howsoever they stand affected, here is enough to content them, let their end● be either for God, or Mammon.  
These th●ngs have animated me to stay for a little season, to leave those, I am tied in conscience to return vnt●, to le●●e the assured benefits of my other fortunes, the sweet society of my friends, and acquaintance, with all m●ndall delights, and reside here with much turmoil, w●ich I will constantly do, rather than see God's glory diminished, my King and Country dishonoured, and these poor people, I have the charge of ruined▪ And so I beseech you to answer for me, if you hear me taxed for my staying, as some may justly do, and that these are my chief motives God I take to witness. Remember me, and the c●use I have in hand, in your daily meditations, and reckon me in the number of those that do sincerely love you and yours, and will ever rest in all offices of a friend, to do you service.  
From james town in Virginia the 18 of june, 1614 Thomas Dale.  
To my very dear and loving cozen M. G. Minister of the B. F. in London.  
SIr the Colony here is much better. Sir Thomas Dale our religious and valiant Gevernour, hath now brought that to pass, which never before could be effected. For by war upon our enemies, and kind usage of our friends, he hath brought them to seek for peace of us, which is made, and they dare not break. But that which is best, one Pocahuntas or Matoa the daughter of Powhatan, is married to an honest and discreet English Gentleman Master Rolfe, and that after she had openly renounced her country Idolatry, confessed the faith of jesus Christ, and was baptized; which thing Sir Thomas Dale had laboured along time to ground in her.  
Yet notwithstanding, are the virtuous deeds of this worthy Knight, much debased, by the letters which some wicked men have written from hence, and especially by one C. ●. If you hear any condemn this noble Knight, or do fear to come hither, for those slanderous letters, you may upon my word boldly reprove them. You know that no malefactors can abide the face of the judge, but themselves scorning to be reproved, do prosecute withal haired; all those that labour their amendment. I marvel much that any men of honest life, should fear the sword of the magistrate, which is unsheathed only in their defence.  
But I 〈…〉 muse, that so few of our English Ministers that were so hot against the Surplis and subscription: come hither where neither spoken of. Do they not either wilfully hide their Talents, or keep themselves at home for fear of losing a few pleasures? Be there not any amongst them of Moses his mind, and of the Apostles, that for sook all to follow Christ? But I refer them to the judge of all hearts, and to the King that shall reward every one according to the gain of his Talent. But you my cozen, hold fast that which you: ●aue, and I though my promise of 3 years service to my country be expired, will abide in my vocation here until I be lawfully called from hence. And so betaking us all unto the mercies of God in Christ jesus, I rest for ever.  
Virginia june 18. 1614 Your most dear and loving cozen Alex. whitaker's.  
The copy of the Gentleman's letters to Sir Thomas Da●e, that after married powhatan's daughter, containing the reasons mou●ing him thereunto.  
HOnourable Sir, and most worthy Governor:  
when your leisure shall best serve you to peruse these lines, I trust in God, the beginning will not strike you into a greater admiration, than the end will give you good content. It is a matter of no small moment, concerning my own particular which here I impart unto you, and which toucheth me so nearly, as the tenderness of my salvation. Howbeit I freely subject myself to your grave and mature judgement, deliberation, approbation and determination; assuring myself of your zealous admonitions, and godly comforts, either persuading me to desist, or encouraging me to persist there in, with a religious fear and godly care, for which (from the very instant, that this began to root itself, within the secret bosom of my breast) my daily and earnest prayers have been, still are, and ever shall be proed forthwith as sincere, a godly zeal, as I possibly may to be directed, aided and governed in all my thoughts, words and deeds, to the glory of God, and for my eternal consolation. To persevere wherein I never had more need, nor (till now) could ever imagine to ha●e been moved with the like occasion.  
But (my case standing as it doth) what better worldly refuge can I here seek, then to shelter myself under the safety of your favourable protection? And did not my ease proceed from an unspotted conscience, I should not dare to offer to your view and apr●oued judgement, these passions of my troubled soul, so full of fear and trembling is hypocrisy and dissimulation. But knowing my own innocency & godly fervour, in the whole prosecution hereof, I doubt not of your benign acceptance, and clement construction. As for malicious depravers, & turbulet spirits, to whom nothing is tastful, but what please●h their unsavoury palate, I pass not for them being well assured in my persuasion (by the often trial and proving of myself, in my holiest meditations and prayers) that I am called hereunto by the spirit of God; and it shall be sufficient f●r me to be protected by yourself in all virtuous and pious endeavours. And for my more happy proceeding herein, my daily oblations shall ever be addressed to bring to pass so good effects, that yourself, and all the world may truly say: This is the work of God, and it is marvelous in our eyes.  
But to avoid tedious preambles, and to come nearer the matter: first suffer me with your patience, to swcepe and make c●eane the way wherein I walk, from all suspicious and doubts, which may be covered therein, and faithfully to re●eale unto yo●, what should move me hereunto.  
Let therefore this my well advised protestation, which here I make between God and my own conscience, be a sufficient witness, at the dreadful day of judgment (when the secret of all m●ns hearts shall be opened) to condemn me herein, if my chiefest intent and purpose be not▪ to strive with all my power of body and mind, in the undertaking of so mighty a matter, no way led (so far forth as man's weakness may permit) with the unbridled desire of carnal affection: but for the good of this plantation for the honour of our country, for the glory of God, for my own salvation, and for the converting to the true knowledge of God and jesus Christ, an unbelieving creature, namely Pokahuntas. To whom my hearty and best thought are, and have a long time been so entangled, and enthralled in so intricate a labyrinth, that I was even awearied to unwind myself thereout. But almighty God, who never faileth his, that truly invocate his holy name, hath opened the gate, and led me by the hand that I might plainly see and discern the safe paths wherein to trease.  
To you therefore (most noble Sir) the patron and Father of us in this country do I utter the effects of this my settled and long continued affection (which hath made a mighty war in my meditations) and here I do truly relate, to what issue this dangerous combat is come unto, wherein I have not only examined, but throughle tried and pared my thoughts even to the quick, before I could find any fit wholesome and ●apt applications to cure so dangerous an ulcer I never failed to offer my daily and faithful prayers to ●od, for his sacred and holy assistance, I forgot not to set before mine eyes the frailty of mankind, his prones to evil, his indulgency of wicked thoughts, with many other imperfections wherein man is daily ensnared, and oftentimes overthrown, and them compared to my p●es●nt estate. Nor was I ignorant of the heavy displeasure which almighty God conceived against the sons of Levy and Israel for marrying strange wives, nor of the inconveniences which may thereby arise, with other the like good motions which made me look about warily and with good circumspection, into the grounds and principal agitations, which thus should provoke me to be in love with one whose education hath been rude, her manners barbarous, her generation accursed, and so discrepant in all nurtriture from myself, that oftentimes with fear and trembling, I have ended my private controversy with this: surely these are wicked instigations, hatched by him who seeketh and delighteth in man's destruction; and so with fervent prayers to ●e ever preserved from such diabolical assaults (as I took those to be) I have taken some rest.  
Thus when I had thought I had obtained my peace and quietness, behold another, but more gracious tentation hath made breaches into my holiest and strongest meditations; with which I have been put to a new trial, in a straighter manner than the former: for besides the many passions and sufferings, which I have daily, hourly, yea and in my sleep in●ured, even awaking me to astonishment, taxing me with remissness, and carelessness, refusing and neglecting to perform the duty of a good Christian, pulling me by the ear, and crying: why dost not thou endeavour to make her a Christian? And these have happened to my greater wonder, even when she hath been furthest separated from me, which in common reason (were it not an undoubted work of God) might breed forgetfulness of a far more worthy creature. Besides, I say the holy spirit of God hath often demanded of me, why I was created? If not for transitory pleasures and worldly vanities, but to labour in the Lord's vineyard, there to sow and plant, to nourish and increase the fruits thereof, daily adding with the good husband in the Gospel, somewhat to the talent, that in the end the fruits may be reaped, to the comfort of the labourer in this life, and his salvation in the world to come? And if this be, as undoubtedly this is, the service jesus Christ requireth of his best servant; w● unto him that hath these instruments of piety put into his ●ands, and wilfully despiseth to work with them. Likewise, adding hereunto her great appearance of love to me, her desire to be taught and instructed in the knowledge of God, her capableness of understanding, her aptness and willingness to receive any good impression, and also the spiritual, besides her own incitements stirring me up hereunto.  
What should I do? ●hall I be of so untoward a disposition, as to refuse to lead the blind into the right way? Shall I be so unnatural, as not to give bread to the hungry? or uncharitable, as not to cover the naked? Shall I despise to actuate these pious duties of a Christian? Shall the base fear of displeasing the world, overpower and withhold me from reucaling unto man these spiritual works of the Lord, which in my meditations and prayers, I have daily made known unto him? God forbid. I assuredly trust he hath thus dealt with me for my eternal felicity, and for his glory: and I hope so to be guided by his heavenly grace, that in the end by my faithful pains, and christian-like labour, I shall attain to that blessed promise, Pronounced by that holy Prophet Daniel unto the righteous that bring many unto the knowledge of God. Namely, that they shall shine like the stars forever and ever. A sweeter comfort cannot be to a true Christian, nor a greater encouragement for him to labour all the days of his life, in the performance thereof, nor a greater game of consolation, to be desired at the hour of death, and in the day of judgement.  
Again by my reading, and conference with honest and religious persons, have I received no small encouragement, besides s●rena mea conscientia, the clearness of my conscience, clean from the fi●th of impurity, quae est instar●nuri ahenei, which is unto me, as a brazen brickwall. If I should set down at large, the perturbations & godly motions, which have striven within me, I should but make a tedious & unnecessary volume. But I doubt not these shall be sufficient both to certify you of my tr●● intents, in discharging of my duty to God, & to yourself, to whose gracious providence I humbly submit myself, for his glory, your honour, our countries good, the benefit of this Plantation, and for the converting of one unregenerate, to regeneration; which I beseech God to grant, for his dear Son Christ jesus his sake.  
Now if the vulgar sort, who square all men's actions by the base rule of their own filthiness, shall tax or taunt me in this my godly labour: let them know, it is not any hungry appetite, to gorge myself with incontinency; sure (if I would, and were so sensually inclived) I might satisfy such desire, though not without a seared conscience, yet with Christians more pleasing to the eye, and less fearful in the offence unlawfully committed. Nor am I in so desperate an estate, that I regard not what becometh of me; nor am I out of hope but one day to see my Country, nor so void of friends, nor mean in birth, but there to obtain a mach to my great content: nor have I ignorantly passed over my hopes there, or regardlessly seek to lose the love of my friends, by taking this course: I know them all, and have not rashly overslipped any.  
But shall it please God thus to dispose of me (which I earnestly desire to fulfil my ends before set down) I will heartily accept of it as a goaly tax appointed me, and I will never cease, (God assisting me) until I have accomplished, & brought to perfection so holy a work, in which I will daily pray God to bless me, to mine, and her eternal happiness. And thus desiring no longer to live, to en●oy the blessings of God, than this my resolution doth tend to such godly ends, as are by me before declared: not doubting of your favourable acceptance, I take my leave, beseeching Almighty God to rain down upon you, such plenitude of his heavenly graces, as your heart can wish and desire, and so I rest,  
At your command most willing to be disposed off john Rolfe.  
VIrginia therefore standing now in such a goodly proportion, and fair forwardness of thriving, as it was never yet hitherto seen in, since it began to be first planted: cannot but soon come to perfection, to the exceeding great comfort of all well affected Christians, and no small profit of the planters, and adventurers: if it be well seconded and supplied, with a good number of able men: Wherefore, let none be hereafter unwilling all they may to further this most honourable Action, and be forward to uphold and support it from falling, by their speech, and countenance, and freely adventuring thither, both in their persons, & also by their purses, as God hath enabled them. To conclude, as Azariah said once to King Azah, juda, and Benjamin, so say I unto all. Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall have a reward. And as the holy Apostle said to the Corinthians, Be ye therefore steadfast, unmovable, abundant always in the works of the Lord, for as much as ye know your labour is not in vain in the Lord, let us not therefore be weary of welldoing: for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not as the Apostle told the Galatians. Farewell.  
FINIS.   

Errata.  
PAg● 5. inc 33. her. p. 10, l. 16. Op●●hanka●●. p. 15. l. 14. Wer●ance. p. 17. l. 22. manu●●, p. 17. l. 34. next to us. r●ad so as if. p. 18. l. 4. half, p. 18. l. 8. as. p. 18. l. 12. purposed. p. 21. l. 16. divers, p. 21. l. 27 Sai●e. p. 22. l. 21. after do●● read, not. p. 2●. l. 13. leave out, he. p. 24. l. 16, cure. p. 27. l. 24● bring. p. 21. l. 2. read immediately after by name, Coxendale: and after the word, called, read, Hope in faith. p. 21. l. 25. Some●. p. 42. l. 24. ●uring p. 45. l. ●. read. after discontent, wen●, p. 46. l. 11. messengers. p. 47. l. 11. personally.