NOVA BRITANNIA: OFFERING MOST Excellent fruits by Planting in VIRGINIA. Exciting all such as be well affected to further the same.  
LONDON Printed for SAMVEL MACHAM, and are to be sold at his Shop in Paul's Churchyard, at the Sign of the Bulhead. 1609.   

To the Right Worshipful, Sir THOMAS SMITH, of London Knight, one of his majesties Council for VIRGINIA, and Treasurer for the Colony, and Governor of the Companies of the MOSCOVIA and East INDIA Merchants Peace, health and happiness in CHRIST.  
Right worshipful Sir,  
FOrasmuch as I have always observed your honest zeal to God, accompanied with so excellent carriage and resolution, in actions of best consequence, I cannot but discover unto you for your further encouragement, the sum of a private speech or discourse, touching our plantation in Virginia, uttered not long since in London, where some few Adventurers (well affecting the enterprise) being met together touching their intended project, one among the rest stood up and began to relate (in effect) as followeth.  
R. I.   

NOVA BRITANNIA. Offering most excellent fruits by Planting in VIRGINIA.  
WHereas in our last meeting and conference the other day, observing your sufficient reasons answering all objections, and your constant resolution to go on in our Plantation, they gave me so good content and satisfaction, that I am driven against myself, to confess mine own error in standing out so long, whereby many of you (my friends) were engaged in the business before me, at whose often instigations I was but little moved, and lightly esteemed of it till being in place, where observing the wise and prudent speech, of a worthy Gentleman, (well known to you all) a most painful mannager of such public affairs within this City, which moved so effectually, touching the public utility of this noble enterprise, that withholding no longer, I yielded my money and endeavours as others did to advance the same, and now upon more advised consideration, I must needs say I never accounted my poor means employed to better purpose, than (by God's help) the success of this may be, and therefore I cannot but deliver (if you please to hear) what I rudely conceive of a sudden.  
There are divers monuments already published in Print to the world▪ manifesting and showing, that the Coasts and parts of Virginia have been long since discovered, peopled and possessed by many English, both men, women, and children, the natural subjects of our late Queen Elizabeth, of famous memory, conducted and left there at sundry times, And that the same footing and possession is there kept and possessed by the same English▪ or by their seed and offspring, without any interruption or invasion, either of the Savages (the natives of the country) or of any other Prince or people (for aught we ●eare or know) to this day, which argueth sufficiently to us (and it is true) that over those English and Indian people, no Christian King or Prince (other than james our Sovereign Lord and King) ought to have rule or Dominion, or can by possession, conquest, or inheritance, truly claim or make just title to those Territories, or to any part thereof, except it be (as we hear of late) that a challenge is laid to all, by virtue of a Donation from Alexander the sixth, Pope of Rome, wherein (they say) is given all the West Indies, including Florida and Virginia, with all America, and whatsoever islands adjacent.  
But what is this to us? they are blind indeed that stumble here, it is much like that great donation of Constantine whereby the Pope himself doth hold and claim the City of Rome, and all the Western Empire, a thing that so crosseth all Histories of truth, and sound Antiquity, that by the apt resemblance of those two Donations, the whole West Empire, from a temporal Prince to the Pope, and the whole West Indies, from the Pope to a temporal Prince▪ I do verily guess they be near of kin, they are so like each other, the one an old tale vain and fabulous, the other a new toy most idle and ridiculous.  
When the flatterers of Cambyses King of Persia, could find no law to warrant his immoderate lust and incestuous marriage with his own daughter, yet they told him of another law which they had found, whereby the Kings of Persia might do what they listed: if in these cases likewise there be a law that the Pope may do what he list, let them that list obey him, for we believe not in him.  
Letting go (therefore) these legendary fables, which howsoever some men hold authentic as their Creed, yet are they in the judgement of wise men, things of no value, nor do import to us, any cause of doubt or fear, but that we go on in our honest enterprise, and lawful purpose now in hand, that (as we hope) his Majesty mindeth not the reliquishing his estate and interest, derived to him by right of succession, from his immediate predecessor, but for the further planting and succouring our old Colony, hath given us leave to make new supplies, which we lately sent thither under the conduct of Christopher Newport Captain: And hath granted many gracious privileges, under the great Seal, to us and to our Heirs for ever, that will adventure or plant in the said plantation: So I wish and entreat all well affected subjects, some in their persons, others in their purses, cheerfully to adventure, and jointly take in hand this high and acceptable work, tending to advance and spread the Kingdom of God, and the knowledge of the truth, among so many millions of men and women, Savage and blind, that never yet saw the true light shine before their eyes, to enlighten their minds and comfort their souls, as also for the honour of our King, and enlarging of his kingdom, and for preservation and defence of that small number our friends and countrymen already planted, least for want of more supplies we become a scorn to the world▪ subjecting our former adventures to apparent spoil and hazard, and our people (as a prey) to be sacked and pulled out of possession, as were the French out of Nova Francia, not many years ago▪ and which is the jest and last respect▪ (yet usually preferred) for the singular good and benefit that will undoubtedly arise to this whole Nation, and to every one of us in particular, that will adventure therein, as by true relation (God willing) I shall make it manifestly appear to all.  
It is known to the world, and cannot be forgotten, that the days and reign of Queen Elizabeth, brought forth the highest degree of wealth, happiness, and honour, that ever England had before her time, whereof to let pass the particular praises, as impertinent to my purpose, I do only call to mind our Royal Fleets and Merchants Ships, (the jewels of our land) our excellent Navigators, and admirable voyages, as into all parts and round about the Globe with good success, to the high fame and glory of our Nation, so especially their aim and course was most directed to the new found world, to the main land and infinite islands of the West Indies, intending to discover with what convenience to Plant and settle English Colonies, in places not already possessed and inhabited by subjects of other Christian Princes, wherein after many tedious and perilous adventures, howsoever strange seas and miserable famine, had devoured and distressed ships and men of inestimable value, yet were not the remnant escaping, swallowed up of despair, nor their heart and spirits daunted with fear, but daily armed afresh with invincible courage, and greater resolution (scorning to sit down by their losses) made new attempts, not enduring to look on whilst so huge and spacious countries (the fourth part of the world) and the greatest and wealthiest part of all the rest, should remain a wilderness, subject (for the most part) but to wild beasts and fowls of the air, and to savage people, which have no Christian, nor civil use of any thing, and that the subjects only of one Prince Christian, which but within the memory of man began first to creep upon the face of those Territories, & now by means of their remnants settled here & there, do therefore imagine the world to be theirs, shouldering out all other nations, accounting themselves Kings and Commanders, not only in towns and places where they have planted, but over all other parts of America, which contain sundry vast and barbarous Regions, many of which (to this day) they never knew, nor did ever settle soot therein: which notwithstanding, if it were yielded them as due, yet their strength and means far inferior to their aspires, will never stretch to compass or replenish the hundredth part thereof: and this we proved true not many years ago, our Prince and theirs being then at open hostility, their best and chiefest residences were scattered with so poor and slender troops, that with handfuls of men (at sundry times) we ran thorough all, surprising and sacking their strongest forts and towns in those parts, and might long since with ease, following and seconding our forces, have set them to their stint.  
But seeing we so passed by their dwellings, that in seating ourselves, we sought not to unsettle them, but by God's mercy, after many storms▪ were brought to the Coast of another country, far distant and remote from their habitations: why should any frown or envy at it, or if they do, why should we (neglecting so fair an opportunity) faint or fear to enlarge ourselves, where is our force and ancient vigour? Doth our late reputation sleep in the dust? No, no, let not the world deceive itself, we still remain the same, and upon just occasion given, we shall quickly show it too: having now by God's blessing, more means than ever heretofore, being strongly sensed where we wont to lie open: Our plant, we trust, is firmly rooted, our arms and limbs are strong, our branches fair, and much desire to spread themselves abroad.  
But before I come to describe this earthly Paradise, or to prove the points of my proposition mentioned before, you shall know, that the first discovery and actual possession taken thereof, was in the reign, and by the subjects of Henry the seventh of England, at which time did Spain also discover, and by that right of discovery, doth retain and hold their Nova Hispania, and all other their limits upon that Coast: But that we now intent to ground upon is a more late Discovery and actual possession, taken in the name and right of Queen Elizabeth, in Anno 1584. the 13▪ of july, as it is truly set down in the Book of English Uoyages, by sundry English Captains and Gentlemen in that voyage, whose names are recorded in that Discourse (and many of which are yet living) whereof when her Majesty had true information, she named the Country Virginia, and did assign to Walter Raleigh (than a Gentleman of worth) power and Authority to Plant forces and Colonies there, at his pleasure, who transported thither in Anno 1587. by the conduct of john White chief Leader, above an hundred men, Women, and Children at one time, and left them there to Inhabit to this day: Notwithstanding, it is true indeed (as some may object.) It is now above twenty years ago since these things were done, and yet ever since in all this time, we never saw or heard of any good that hath come from thence, nor of any hope, that might encourage us anew to engage ourselves therein.  
But let us rightly weigh the reasons of it, and then judge: Those hundred and upwards, conducted thither by john White, and whose particular Names you may see Recorded in the same Book of Uoyages, were left there, with intent and promise, to be supplied from England, with more companies and all necessaries, the next year following: in the mean time, they were to Plant and fortify themselves in be●t manner they could, and to make a Discovery of such Minerals, and other Merchandise, as the Country should yield by nature. But as all good Actions have their Crosses and their Bane attending on them, so had this: for that those which had the Managing of a new Supply, being the next year sufficiently furnished to Sea for that end, yet most unnaturally, being Tainted with that common corruption of time, turned their head another way, and with greedy minds, betook themselves wholly to hunt after Pillage upon the Spanish Coast, where spending their men, their time, and provisions, they were not able (being come and arrived at the port) to make up into the land to visit and relieve their friends, but were forced to retire for England again, whereby the edge of those Adventurers that set them forth was so abated, that this most honourable enterprise so happily begun, was by this occasion most unhappily ended, neither had our poor countrymen left there, any means from thence to visit us, nor in all this time to give us any light of their own estate: whereas then, if those beginnings had been followed as they ought, and as by God's help we now intend, that country had long since become a most royal addition to the Crown of England, and a very nursery and fountain of much wealth and strength to this Kingdom.  
When Christopher Columbus (the first bewrayer of this new world) was to make his proffer where he liked best, he chose Henry the seventh of England, as in those days the most worthy, and best furnished for Navigations, of all the Kings in Christendom: offering to invest his Majesty with the most precious and richest ●aines of the whole earth, never known before, as he did also the like to the Kings of Portugal and Spain, who (as the story saith) for his poor apparel and simple looks, and for the novelty of his proposition, was of most men accounted a vain fool, and utterly rejected: save that the Spanish better conceiving then some others, began to entertain and make use of his skill, which within these hundred years, hath brought forth those apparent fruits to the world as cannot be hid. Their Territories enlarged, their Navigations increased, their subjects enriched, and their superfluity of coin overspreading all parts of the world, procures their Crown to flourish, and highly commendeth the wisdom of Spain: whose quick apprehension and speedy address, prevented all other Princes: albeit (as you know) their greatness of mind arising together with their money and means, hath 〈◊〉 all Christendom these forty years and more.  
And this I but mention, to note the blind diffidence of our English natures, which laugh to scorn the name of Virginia, and all other new projects, be they never so probable, and will not believe till we see the effects: as also to show how capable men ought to be, in things of great importance, advisedly to take the first occasions. We read of Hannibal, when chase home the Romans to the gates of Rome, and neglecting then to scale the walls, could never after with all his strength and policies come near the like advantage: yet I must briefly tell you now, what I conceive with joy, that howsoever the business of this plantation hath been formerly miscarried, yet it is now going on in better way, not enterprised by one or two private subjects, who in their greatness of mind, sought to compass that, which rather beseemed a mighty Prince, (such as ours) or the whole State to take in hand: for it is not unknown to you all, how many Noble men of Honourable minds, how many worthy Knights, Merchants, and others of the best disposition, are now joined together in one Charter, to receive equal privileges, according to their several adventures: every man engaging his purse, and some Noblemen, Knights and Gentlemen, intending to go in their own persons, which I did hears to protest and vow, against any people, whomsoever shall any way seek to entrap or impeach our proceedings, an utter revenge upon their bodies or goods, if they be to be found upon Sea or land: whereby we have assured hope (God assisting us) to be effectually able to make good against all, and in short time to bring to a most happy event the thing we take in hand.  
And now in describing the natural seat and disposition of the country itself: if I should say no more but with Caleb and joshua, The land which we have searched out is a very good land, if the Lord love us, he will bring our people to it, and will give it us for a possession. This were enough to you that are willing, but yet a little more in particular observed, by the best Maps and Printed discourses, and by conference of such as have been lately there and seen it, I think good to deliver to satisfy others: First the voyage is not long nor tedious, six Weeks at ease will send us thither, whereas six Months suffice not to some other places, where we Trade: our course and passage is thorough the great Ocean, where is no fear of Rocks or flats, nor subject to the straight and restraint of foreign Princes, most Winds that blow, are apt and fit for us, and none can hinder us: when we come to the Coast, there is continual depth enough, with good Bottom for Anchor hold, and the Land is fair to fall with all, full of excellent good Harbours: the world affords no better for Ships of all burdens, many pleasant islands great and small affronting the Coast: Two goodly Rivers are discovered winding far into the Main, the one in the North part of the Land by our Western Colony, Knights and Gentlemen of Excester, Plymouth and others: The other in the South part thereof by our Colony of London: Upon which River, being both broad, deep and pleasant, abounding with store of fish, our Colony have begun to fortify themselves, and have built a town, and named it (in honour of our King) james town fourscore miles within land, upon the North side of the River (as is London upon the River of Thames) from whence we have discovered the same River, one hundred miles further into the main Land, in the searching whereof, they were so ravished with the admirable sweetness of the stream, and with the pleasant land trending along on either side, that their joy exceeded and with great admiration they praised God.  
The country itself is large and great assuredly, though as yet, no exact discovery can be made of all, It is also commendable, and hopeful every way, the air and climate most sweet and wholesome, much warmer than England, and very agreeable to our Natures: It is inhabited with wild and savage people, that live and lie up and down in troops, like herds of Dear in a Forest: they have no law but nature, their apparel skins of beasts, but most go naked: the better sort have houses, but poor ones, they have no Art nor Science, yet they live under superior command, such as it is, they are generally very loving and gentle, and do entertain and relieve our people with great kindness: they are easy to be brought to good, and would fain embrace a better condition: the land yieldeth naturally for the sustentation of man, abundance of fish, both scale and shell: of land and water fowls, infinite store: of Deer, Rain● and fallow, Stags, Coneys, and Hares, with many fruits and roots good for meat.  
There are valleys and plains streaming with sweets Springs, like veins in a natural body: there are hills and mountains making a sensible proffer of hidden treasure, never yet searched: the land is full of minerals, plenty of woods (the wants of England) there are growing goodly Oaks and Elms, ●eech and Birch, Spruce, Walnut, Cedar and Fir trees, in great abundance, the soil is strong and lusty of it own nature, and sendeth out naturally fruitful vines running upon trees, and shrubs: it yieldeth also Ro●●n, Turpentine, Pitch and Tar, Sassafras, Mulbery-trees and Silkworms, many Skins and rich Furs, many sweet woods, and Dyers woods, and other costly dies: plenty of Sturgeon, Timber for Shipping▪ Mast, plank and deal, Soap ashes, Caviar, and what else we know not yet, because our days are young. But of this that I have said, if bare nature be so amiable in it naked kind, what may we hope, when Art and Nature both shall join, and strive together, to give best content to man and beast? as now in handling the several parts propounded, I shall show in order as they lie.  
For the first (if I forget not myself) how it may tend to advance the Kingdom of God, by reducing savage people from their blind superstition to the light of Religion, when some object, we seek nothing less than the cause of God, being led on by our own private ends, and secondly how we can warrant a supplantation of those Indians, or an invasion into their right and possessions.  
To the first we say, as many actions both good in themselves, and in their success, have been performed with bad intents: so in this case, howsoever our naughtiness of mind may sway very much, yet God may have the honour, and his Kingdom advanced in the action done: but yet by the way, me thinks this objection comes in due time, and doth well admonish us, how to rectiffe our hearts and ground our meditations before we begin: we do generally applaud, and highly commend the goodness of the cause, and that it is such a profitable plough, as every honest man ought to set his hand unto, both in respect of God and the public good this, is our general voice, and we say truth, for so it is.  
But we must beware that under this pretence that bittet root of greedy gain be not so settled in our hearts, that being in a golden dream, if it fall not out presently to our expectation, we flinke away with discontent, and draw our purses from the charge. If any show this affection, I would wish his baseness of mind to be noted. What must be our direction then, no more but this: if thou dost once approve the work, lay thy hand to it cheerfully, and withdraw it not till thy task be done, at all assays and new supplies of money be not lag, nor like a dull horse that's always in the lash, for here lies the po●son of all good attempts, when as men without haling and pulling, will not be drawn to performance, for by this, others are discouraged, the action lies undone, and the first expense is lost: But are we to look for no gain in the lieu of all adventures? yes undoubtedly, there is assured hope of gain, as I will show anon in due place, but look it be not chief in your thoughts, God that hath said by Solomon: Cast thy bread upon the waters, and after many days thou shalt find it: he will give the blessing: And as for supplanting the savages, we have no such intent: Our intrusion into their possessions shall tend to their great good, and no way to their hurt, unless as unbridled beasts, they procure it to themselves: We purpose to proclaim and make it known to them all, by some public interpretation that our coming thither is to plant ourselves in their country: yet not to supplant and root them out, but to bring them from their base condition to a far better: First, in regard of God the Creator, and of jesus Christ their Redeemer, if they will believe in him. And secondly, in respect of earthly blessings, whereof they have now no comfortable use, but in beastly brutish manner, with promise to defend them against all public and private enemies. We can remember since Don john Daquila with his forces invading Ireland, a noble civil kingdom, where all (except a few runagates) were settled in the truth of Religion, and lived by wholesome laws, under the mild government of Christian Kings and Princes, long before his grandsires cradle: yet he thought it no robbery to proclaim and publish to the world, that his coming thither, was to none other end, but to free the Nation from their bondage, and tyrannous subjection, and to bring the blind souls to Catholic Religion: a plausible pretence, the least end of his thought.  
But if this were coined in those days by the Minters themselves, to pass for currant thorough the world, howsoever base it was indeed, we hope they will be as favourable to our case, and give as free passage and allowance to our invasion, much more currant, and so far different, as not to bring a people (according to our proverb) out of the frying pan into the fire, but to make their condition truly more happy, by a mutual interchange and commerce in this sort: That as to our great expense and charge, we make adventures, to impart our divine riches, to their inestimable gain, and to cover their naked misery with civil use of food, and clothing, and to train them by gentle mesnes to those manual arts and skill, which they so much affect, and do admire to see in us: so in lieu of this, we require nothing at their hands, but a quiet residence to us and ours, that by our own labour and toil, we may work this good unto them and recompense our own adventures, costs and travels in the end: wherein, they shallbe most friendly welcome to conjoin their labours with ours, and shall enjoy equal privileges with us, in whatsoever good success, time or means may bring to pass. To which purpose, we may verily believe, that God hath reserved in this last age of the world, an infinite number of those lost and scattered sheep, to be won and recovered by our means, of whom so many as obstinately refuse to unite themselves unto us, or shall malign or disturb our plantation, our chattel, or whatsoever belonging to us: they shall be held and reputed recusant, withstanding their own good: and shall be dealt with as enemies of the Commonwealth of their country: whereby how much good we shall perform to those that be good, and how little injury to any, will easily appear, by comparing our present happiness with our former ancient miseries, wherein we had continued brutish, poor and naked Britanes to this day, if julius Caesar with his Roman Legions (or some other) had not laid the ground to make us tame and civil.  
But for my second point propounded, the honour of our King, by enlarging his Kingdoms to prove how this may tend to that: no argument of mine can make it so manifest, as the same is clear in itself: Divine testimonies show, that the honour of a King consisteth in the multitude of subjects, and certainly the state of the jews was far more glorious, by the conquests of David, and under the ample reign of Solomon, then ever before or after: The twelve Tribes were then all subject: the bordering Nations tributary▪ no doubt a happy subjection to many of them: whereby they had the better means to believe and know God the Creator of heaven and earth: Honourable I grant is just Conquest by sword, and Hercules is feigned to have had all his felicity, in subduing and rooting out the Tyrants of the world, but unfeignedly it is most honourable indeed, to subdue the tyranny of the roaring Lion, that devours those poor souls in their ignorance, and leads them to hell for want of light, when our Dominions shall be enlarged, and the subjects multiplied of a people so bought and ransomed▪ not by storms of raging cruelties (as west India was converted) with rapiers point and Musket shot, murdering so many millions of naked Indians, as their Stories do relate, but by fair and loving means, suiting to our English natures, like that soft and gentle voice, wherein the Lord appeared to Elias: How honourable will this be, in the sight of men and of ages to come? but much more glorious in the sight of God, when our King shall come to make his triumph in heaven. The prophet Daniel doth assure, that for this conquest of turning many unto righteousness, he shall shine as the stars for ever and ever.  
And yet this is not all that may be said, the ancient law, the law of Moses sets it down, as a blessed thing, when the Prince and people of God, shall be able to lend to all, and need to borrow of none, and it added very much to the fame and wisdom of King Solomon, which the world came far and near to wonder at, in that his Kingdoms were replenished with gold and silver in abundance, and with riches brought in by ships, sent yearly forth in ample trade of Merchandise, whereof we read not the like among all the Kings of Israel. And upon good warrant I speak it here in private, what by these new discoveries into the Western parts, and our hopeful settling in chiefest places of the East, with our former known trades in other parts of the world, I do not doubt (by the help of God) but I may live to see the days (if Merchants have their due encouragement) that the wisdom, Majesty, and Honour of our King, shall be spread and enlarged to the ends of the world, our Navigations mightily increased, and his majesties customs more than trebled.  
And as for the third part, the relieving our men already planted, to preserve both them and our former adventures, I shall not need to say much, the necessity is so apparent, that I hope no Adventurer will be wanting therein.  
Our Saviour Christ resembles them that give over in their best duties, to foolish builders, that having laid the foundation, do gravel themselves in the mid way and so become ridiculous: It had been extreme madness in the jews (when having sent to spy the land that flowed with milk and honey, and ten for two returned back with tidings of impossibility to enter and prevail,) if then they had retired and lost the land of promise: No doubt, the Devil that envied then that enterprise of theirs▪ doth now the like in ours, and we must make account, and look to be encountered with many discoragements, partly by our friends and neighbours, (such as we use to say) will neither go to Church nor tarry at home, as also (which is no new thing) even by such as have been sent to spy the land, one while objecting the charge will be great, the business long, and the gains nothing, and beside▪ the Anakimes that dwell in the mountains, will come and pull us out by the ears, with such like fooleries I know not what.  
But we must be prepared with Caleb and josua (so highly commended) to oppose an extraordinary zeal against the detra●●ings of such, to rescue our enterprise from malicious ignorance, and to still their murmurings with reproof, for though in ordinary and common occasions, it be our duty to be carried with ordinary patience, meekness and humility, yet to show an excellent spirit, when the cause is worth it, and in such a case as this, requiring passing resolution; It is but our weakness to stumble at straws, and a baseness to gnaw upon every bone that is cast in our way, which we may observe by those noble dogs of Albania presented to King Alexander, whose natures contemned to encounter or prey upon seely beasts of no valour, but with an overflowing courage flying upon the Lion and the Tiger, did th●n declare their virtue.  
And now it follows, how it can be good for this Commonwealth: which is likewise most apparent many ways. First, if we consider what strength of shipping may be raised and maintained thence, in furnishing our own wants of sundry kinds, and the wants of other Nations too, in such needful things arising thence, which can hardly now be obtained from any other part of the world, as plank and timber for shipping, with Deal and Wainscot, pipestaves and clabbord, with store of Soap ashes, whereof there grow the best woods to make them in great abundance, all which we may there have, the wood for the cutting, and the Ashes for the burning, which though they be gross commodities, yet no Merchandise is better requested, nor will sooner yield gold or silver in any our bordering Nations. England and Holland alone, spend in these about three hundredth thousand pounds sterling every year: we may transport hither or unto Hamborough, Holland, or other places, fifty per centum better cheap, then from Prusia or Polonia, from whence they are only now to be had, where also the woods are so spent and wasted, that from the place where the wood is cut and the ashes burnt, they are brought by land at least two hundred miles to ship. And from thence we may have Iron and Copper also in great quantity, about which the expense and waste of wood, as also for building of Ships, will be no hurt, but great service to that country: the great superfluity whereof, the continual cutting down, in many hundred years, will not be able to overcome, whereby will likewise grow a greater benefit to this land, in preserving our woods and timber at home, so infinitely and without measure, upon these occasions cut down, and fallen to such a sickness and wasting consumption, as all the physic in England cannot cure.  
We doubt not but to make there in few years store of good wines, as any from the Canaries, by replanting and making tame the vines that naturally grow there in great abundance, only send men of skill to do it, and Cooper's to make cask, and hoops for that and all other uses, for which there is wood enough at hand.  
There are Silkworms, and plenty of Mulberietrees, whereby Ladies, Gentlewomen and little children, (being set in the way to do it) may be all employed with pleasure, in making Silk, comparable to that of Persia, Turkey, or any other. We may bring from thence Sturgeon, Caviar, and new land-fish of the best. There grows hemp for Cordage, an excellent commodity, and flax for linen cloth; which being sown and well manured, in such a climate and fertile soil, will make great benefit, and will put down that of other countries.  
And for the making of Pitch, Tar, Turpentine, Soap-ashes, Deal, Wainscott, and such like, we have already provided and sent thither skilful workmen from Foreign parts, which may teach and set ours in the way, whereby we may set many thousands a work, in these and such like services.  
For as I told you before, there must be Art and industry with other helps and means extended, with a little patience to bring these things to pass, we must not look to reap with joy, except we sow in tears: The abundance of King Salomon's gold and silver, did not rain from heaven upon the heads of his subjects: but heavenly providence blessed his Navigations and public affairs, the chief means of their wealth.  
Experience hath lately taught us by some of our neighbour Provinces, how exceedingly it mounts the State of a commonwealth, to put forth Navigation (if it were possible) into all parts and corners of the world, to furnish our own wants, and also to supply from one Kingdom to another, such several needful things, as for want of shipping and other means they cannot furnish of themselves, for this will raise experience, and men of skill, as also strength at Sea and land, with honour, wealth, and riches, returning still to the heads and Fountains, from whence their first occasions grew.  
We may but look a little back, and we shall see what a novice our nation was within these sixscore years, in case of Foreign trade, not knowing whence to fetch, nor which way to transport, but only to some mart or staple town, within two days sailing▪ and that was counted so great a matter then, that therefore they were called Merchant adventurers, and the great Hulks of Italy, which in those days brought spices Corants and such like, and lands at Southampton, (the Storehouse then for Merchandise) are Chronicled for wonders in our English Stories, for indeed we knew no better then, but were content (as babes) with Easterlings on the one hand & Lumbards' on the other, which were continual Leigers in London, and fed us as they listed.  
And take this ever as a rule, that Domestic merchandising brings forth but poor effects in a Commonwealth, whereof I needed not have showed example further than our own doors.  
What was the case of England before the golden days of Queen Elizabeth at whose coming to the crown, the state of Merchants was so poor and mean, that renting out her customs in wards, but at a very low rate, yet it brought the farmer upon his knees.  
A man that marks the difference, and shall compare those times and these together, shall think it were impossible, (unless his knowledge taught him otherwise) that the days and reign of one Elizabeth, whose hand was ever lending, to distressed neighbour Princes, and her sword unsheathed continually, repulsing foreign enemies, should yet relieve and raise the state of her customs, the strength of her Navy▪ and the condition of her people, every way seven fold to that they were before, only by encouraging the royal trade of Merchandise, as we see it this day apparent: Let God have the honour, and blessed be her memory, and the memorial of those managers of State in her days, for their worthy counsels, many of which though they now sleep, and rest with their Sovereign in peace, yet some do still remain, and do succeed in place, where long may they stand and their seed after them, like the Pillars and Worthies of King David, to shield the head and honour of our Solomon, and still to uphold and enlarge our happiness for ever: and this I am driven to speak and mention by the way, where I meant it not, in regard of some which upon a disaster begin to ware weary of all, discouraging themselves and others, from this and all other foreign adventures: to let them know, that each thing hath increase, from whence it had beginning: and to put ourselves in mind, that we fail not in furthering those causes that bring forth such effects.  
Another instance might be showed in one particular, which taxeth very much our English Nation, and all the Subjects of our sovereign King, that enjoying such plenty of wood-lands, and fruitful soils, within England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales: yet our want of industry to be such, that Netherlanders which have not a stick of wood growing nor any land for sowing, should surpass and go beyond us in continual plenty of corn and shipping, me thinks the reformation hereof should find more favour at our hands, that in such points of civil policy, no people of lesser means should cast us so behind, and each well minded man should lend his help to heal and cure such stains and scars in the face of our state, as being viewed and weighed well, may very well make us blush.  
And now to our present business in hand, which so many stumble at, in regard of the continual charge, I would have them know, that it cannot be great nor long, as the business may be handled. Two things are especially required herein, people to make the plantation, and money to furnish our present provisions, and shippings now in hand: For the first we need not doubt, our land abounding with swarms of idle persons, which having no means of labour to relieve their misery, do likewise swarm in lewd and naughty practices, so that if we seek not some ways for their foreign employment, we must provide shortly more prisons and corrections for their bad conditions, for it fares with populous common weals, as with plants and trees that be too frolic, which not able to sustain and feed their multitude of branches, do admit an engrafting of their buds and Sciences into some other soil, acounting it a benefit for preservation of their kind, and a disburdening their stock of those superfluous twigs that suck away their nourishment. And we shall find that hence it was, the Goths and Uandalles with other barbarous nations, seeing an overflowing of their multitudes at home, did therefore send their Armies out as raging floods at sundry times, to cover the faces of Spain, Italy and other Provinces, to f●ée their own from pestering: so that you see it no new thing, but most profitable for our State, to rid our multitudes of such as lie at home, pestering the land with pestilence and penury, and infecting one another with vice and villainy, worse than the plague itself: whose very miseries drives many of them, by means to be cut off, as bad and wicked members, or else both them and theirs to be relieved, at the common charge of others.  
Yet I do not mean, that none but such unsound members, and such poor as want their bread, are fittest for this employment: for we intent to have of every trade and profession, both honest, wise and painful men, whereof our land and City is able to spare, and furnish many (as we had experience in our last sending thither) which will be glad to go, and plant themselves so happily, and their children after them, to hold and keep conformity, with the laws, language and religion of England for ever,  
Touching which, I do earnestly admonish you to beware and shun three kinds of people: the first, a most vile minded sort, and for the most part bad members of this City, by some means shaken out of their honest courses, and now shifting by their wits, will be always devising some unhappiness to wrong the plantation: such as daily beat their brains, and seek by lying suggestions; under colour of good pretence to the Commonwealth to infringe our ancient liberties, and would (if they were not met withal and kerbed by authority) make a monopoly to themselves, of each thing after other, belonging to the freedom of every man's profession, the very wrack of Merchandizing.  
The second sort are papists, professed or Recusant of which I would not one, seasoned with the least taint of that leaven, to be settled in our plantation, nor in any part of that country, but if once perceived, such a one, weed him out, and ship him home for England, for they will ever be plotting and conspiring, to root you out if they can, howsoever they swear, flatter, and equivocate, believe them not: keep only these two examples in mind.  
Watson the Seminary priest in his printed Quodlibets: he, of all other men protesteth the greatest truth and fidelity to his Prince and country; objecting all the bloody plots and treasons, to have come from the combination of jesuits, and from Parsons that Arch-Atheist in chief, but as for himself, he wished no longer to live and breath, than the thoughts of his heart should be true and upright to his prince and Country: Notwithstanding, this Watson was the very first wretch of all other, that had his hand in treason against our King, and reaped his reward according to his wish.  
The other example is a Popish Pamphlet, called the Lay Catholics Petition, offered to his Majesty for toleration of Popery, protesting likewise their fidelity and unfeigned love to his Majesty, offering to be bound life for life with good sureties for their loyal behaviour: happy▪ men had we been to have taken their bonds, (no doubt) for even at that instant, when this petition was exhibiting, the chief heads of those lay Catholics, were then labouring with all their might, to undermine the Parliament house, to shake the Pillars, and the whole frame of the Kingdom to shivers  
And which is more, there is newly dispersed an idle discourse against an honourable parsonage of this Land, by a Papist, that terms himself a Catholic Divine, defending Garnet the popish Priest; saying, there was nothing against him at his arraignment, but only his acquaintance with the Powder-plotte: which (saith he) being revealed unto him in auricular confession, he might not therefore by the law and right of Catholic religion, disclose nor make it known.  
How like you these Catholics and this divinity? if they grow so bold and desperate in a mighty settled State, how much more dangerous in the birth and infancy of yours? Therefore if you will live and prosper, harbour not this viperous brood in your bosom, which will eat out and consume the womb of their mother.  
The third sort to avoid, are evil affected Magistrates, a plague that God himself complains of by the Prophet Isaiah: O my people, they that lead thee, cause thee to err. Touching which, I am no way able to speak enough, for herein lies the very life of all: let no partiality prefer them, unless they be worthy men; if they be papists or popishly minded; if profane Atheists, contemning God and his word, turning religion to policy, unchaste, idle, ambitious, proud and tyrannous, forgetting their allegiance to their King, and duty to their country, neglecting their commission of employment, advancing vil●e and vicious persons like themselves, and basely using those that be virtuous, godly, and well affected: then look for no blessing nor assistance of God, but misery, crosses, and confusions in all we take in hand: but in men of knowledge, and religious education, there is ever found true humility, temperance and justice, joined with confidence, valour and noble courage, such as was in Moses the man of God, whose justice exceeded, and courage was incomparable, and yet the meekest man that went upon the earth: ten of such will chase an hundred: no adversity can make them despair, their provident care will ever be to repulse injuries, and repress the insolent, to encourage the painful and best minded, to employ the idle to some honest labours, and to relieve with mercy and commiseration, the most feeble, weakest and meanest member.  
And as for the general sort that shall go to be planters, be they never so poor, so they be honest, and painful, the place will make them rich: all kind of Artificers we must-first employ, are Carpenters, Shipwrights, Masons, sawyer's, Brickemakers, Bricklayers, Plowmen, Sowers, Planters Fishermen, Cooper's, smith's, Mettel-men Tailors, Turner's, and such like, to make and fit all necessaries, for comfort and use of the Colony, and for such as are of no trades (if they be industrious) they shall have there employment enough, for there is a world of means to set many thousands a work●, partly in such things as I mentioned before, and many other profitable works, for no man must live idle there.  
And by this employment, we may happily stop the course of those Irregular youths of no religion, that daily run from us to Rome and Rheims for exhibition, which after a little hammering and training there by Parsons and his Imps, they become pliable for the impression of any villainy whatsoever, as appears by their positions and practices at home and abroad.  
And hereby our Mariners shall not lie idle, nor our Owners sell their ships for want of freight: you know how many good ships are daily sold, and made away to foreign nations: how many men for want of employment▪ betake themselves to Tunis, Spain and Florence, and to serve in courses not warrantable, which would better beseem, our own walls and borders to be spread with such branches, that their native country, and not foreign Princes, might reap their fruit, as being both exquisite Navigators, and resolute men for service, as any the world affords.  
We intent to Plant there (God willing) great plenty of Sugar Canes, for which the soil and climate is very apt and fit; also Linseed, and Rapeséeds to make Oils, which because the soyle●s strong & cheap, may there be sowed and the oil made to great benefit: we must plant also Oranges, Lemons, Almonds, aniseeds, Rice, Cummin, Cotten wool, Carowey seeds, Ginger, Madder, Olives, Oris, Sumacke and many such like, which I cannot now name, all very good Merchandise, and will there grow and increase, as well as in Italy or any other part of the straits, whence we fetch them now. And in searching the land, there is undoubted hope of finding Cochinell, the plant of rich Indigo, Graineberries, Beaver Hides, Pearls, rich Treasure, and the South sea, leading to China, with many other benefits which our daylight will discover.  
But of all other things, that God hath denied that country, there is want of Sheep to make woollen cloth, and this want of cloth, must always be supplied from England, whereby when the Colony is thoroughly increased, and the Indians brought to our Civility, (as they will in short time) It will cause a mighty vent of English clothes, a great benefit to our Nation, and raising again of that ancient trade of clothing, so much decayed in England: whose lifting up again (me thinks I see apparently approaching, by the good dispositions of our best sort of Citizens, who willingly engage themselves to undertake all new discoveries, as into this of the West, and by the North West to find out China. And unto the East beyond the Cape, into the Red Sea, the gulf of Persia, the straits of Sunda, and among all the Kings of India, for the good and honour of our Nation: Which calls to mind, a blind prophesy in one of the Sibells, that before the end of the world there shall be a discovery of all Nations: which shall come to be known and acquainted together, as one neighbour with another, which since the confusion of tongues have lyeu obscure and hid.  
But however that be, yet these good minds and resolutions, do serve for imitation to others, and do deserve assuredly the best encouragement, whereby we shall not still betake ourselves to small and little Shipping (as we daily do begin) but shall rear again such merchants Ships both tall and stout, as no Foreign Sail that swims shall make them vail or stoop: whereby to make this little Northern corner of the world, to be in short time the richest Storehouse and Staple for Merchandise in all Europe.  
The second thing to make this plantation is money, to be raised among the adventurers▪ wherein the sooner and more deeply men engage themselves, their charge will be the shorter, & their gain the greater, as in this last point which I have to speak for the good of each particular Adventurer, I will make it plain.  
First you shall understand, that his Majesty hath granted us an enlargement of our Charter, with many ample privileges, wherein we have Knights and Gentlemen of good place: Named for the King's counsel of Virginia to govern us: As also every Planter and Adventurer shall be inserted in the Patent by name: This ground being laid, we purpose presently to make supply of Men Women and children (so many as we can) to make the Plantation. We call those Planters that go in their persons to dwell there: And those Adventurers that adventure their money and go not in person, and both do make the members of one Colony. We do account twelve pound ten shillings to be a single share adventured. Every ordinary man or woman, if they will go and dwell there, and every Child above ten years, that shall be carried thither to remain, shallbe allowed for each of their persons a single share, as if they had adventured twelve pound ten shillings in money. Every extraordinary man, as Divines, Governors, Ministers of state and justice, Knights, Gentlemen, Physicians, and such as be men of worth for special services, are all to go as planters, and to execute their several functions in the Colony, and are to be maintained at the common charge, and are to receive their divident (as others do) at seven years end, and they are to be agreed with all before they go, and to be rated by the Council, according to the value of their persons: which shallbe set down and Registered in a book, that it may always appear what people have gone to the Plantation, at what time they went, and how their persons were valued: And likewise, if any that go to be planters will lay down money to the Treasurer, it shall be also registered and their shares enlarged accordingly▪ be it for more or less. All charges of settling and maintaining the plantation, and of making supplies▪ shall be borne in a joint stock of the adventurers for seven years after the date of our new enlargement: during which time there shall be no adventure, nor goods returned in private from thence, neither by Master, mariner, Planter nor passenger, they shall be restrained by bond and search, that as we supply from hence to the Planters at our own charge all necessaries for food and apparel, for fortifying and building of houses in a joint stock, so they are also to return from thence the increase and fruits of their labours, for the use and advancement of the same joint stock, till the end of seven years: at which time we purpose (God willing) to make a division by Commissioners appointed, of all the lands granted unto us by his Majesty, to every of the Colony, according to each man's several adventure, agreeing with our Register book, which we doubt not will be for every share of twelve pound ten shillings, five hundred acres at least. Now if any think that we shall be tied to a continual charge, of making new supplies for seven years, let them conceive thus much, that if we do it thoroughly at the first, by engaging ourselves at once, in furnishing many men and other means: assuredly after the second year, the returns from thence will be able with an overplus, to make supplies at large, so that our purses shallbe freed, and the overplus of stock will also grow to greatness, which stock is also (as the land) to be divided equally at seven years end or sooner, or so often as the company shall think fit for the greatness of it, to make a divident.  
And as by this we shall be soon freed from charge and expense, so there grows a greater benefit to the planters (by bestowing their labours cheerfully) to make return of Stock, for hereby the sooner they f●eeing us from disbursements, the more our shares and portions will be lessened in the divident of Stock and land at seven years end▪ whereby the less coming to us, the more will be to them, so that here is no discouragement any way, if men will be capable to do themselves good. But if we will be so wise to linger, and lie in the wind, to hear what news, to bring in our Stock next year, and when we are behind for four or five Adventures, we come dropping in with one or two and still run in arrearages for twice so much: (For I know many that would bring in stock amongst us, but they lie out to see what success first: and upon such like terms.) Is this Gentlemanlike or Marchantlike, in truth it is paltry, and such as would bring all to nought, if we should be so minded too, and I tell you true, our single shares will make but a hungry Plantation, if we do not at the least double them now: and therefore I urge it the more, for that the very life of all is now in the beginning by making our supplies thoroughly, and thence will our gains arise both sooner and certain. yet I grant that others may come in hereafter at any time, either to adventure h●s person or money, or both, but if there be spent one year of the seven before he comes in, or he that comes in with the first shall notwithstanding be a year behind in supplies, they shall be both alike shortened in a seventh part of the divident both of stock and lands, and if two years behind, then shortened two sevenths, and if but six months, yet a fourteenth part, for every man is Registered according to the time, his money or person began to adventure, or made supply, so that they which come late▪ get not the 〈◊〉 of those that bore the first brunt of the business, and this will neither advantage him that withholds nor hinder ●im that is forward▪ for whatsoever falls from him that is slack, will be found of him that supplies in due time. But every man that comes in now in the first of these seven years and shall afterwards upon all occasions perform i● due time, every twelve pound ten shillings so brought in shall be accounted an entice single share, and shall receive accordingly without abridgement, as it had been brought in, when the enterprise first began, and not otherwise.  
And as for the divisions of lands at seven years end which (some may object) will be little worth▪ and unequally d●uided: let them understand, that no man shall have his lot entirely in one place, to be all of the best, or all of the worst, but each man shall have proportionably to his adventures, in three or four distinct differences, that may be made in the goodness or badness of the grounds by Commissioners equally chosen by the Adventurers here, and the Planters there; and as for the value and little worth now, of those grounds in Virginia, we know that in England within these thirty or forty years, the yearly rent of those grounds (in many places) were not worth five shillings, that now do go for forty and more.  
And howsoever those grounds in Virginia are now but little worth indeed, yet time and means will make them better, considering how they pass our grounds in England, both in regard of the soil and climate, fit for many precious uses: And also in how many several places we purpose to plant our Colony, and not to bestow our costs upon james-towne only, and upon the grounds lying thereabout, and to let all▪ the rest lie barren: for seeing his Majesty hath granted to our Colony as much circuit of ground as all England almost we purpose (God willing) if we may be supplied with sufficient means) to settle out of hand, six or seven plantations more, all upon, or near our main-river, as capital towns, twenty miles each from other, and every plantation shall manure and husband the lands and grounds lying near unto it, and allotted for the circuit thereof, and shall all endeavour for a joint stock, and shall be still supplied from hence with more money and provisions, and against any public injury shall be ready to unite, and join themselves together. and by this mea●es we shall come to have our divident in lands of worth and well manured, which will be either bought or rent of us at a good value by the planters, or by such as intend hereafter to inhabit there, as also by these several plantations (which haply one place better fitting then another) we shall bring forth more several sorts of Merchandise, and be also better fortified: and besides the Planters will be in such hope to have their own shares and habitations in those lands, which they have so husbanded, that it will cause contending and emulation among them, which shall bring forth the most profitable and beneficial fruits for the joint stock.  
Whereby undoubtedly, we shall be soon freed from further expense, our gains will grow▪ and our stock increase, we shall fallen our timber, saw our plank, and quickly make good shipping there, and shall return from thence with good employment, an hundred sail of good Ships yearly, all which good and much more, we shall withstand and bring ourselves into a labyrinth, if we pinch and spare our purses now: therefore not to hold you longer with many words, (being near Exchange time as I take it) remember what I have said in proving my proposition, and take my conclusion in a word or two.  
Seeing our provocations are so many, our cause and title good, avaunt all idle oracles that seek to bar us: The wisdom of the wisest saith in these cases, Whatsoever thy hand shall find to do, do it with all thy might.  
Our forefathers not looking out in time, lost the prime and fairest proffer of the greatest wealth in the world, and we tax their omission for it, yet now it falls out, that we their children are tried in the like, there being yet an excellent portion left, and by Divine providence offered to our choice, which (seeing we have arms to embrace,) let it not be accounted hereafter, As a prize in the hands of fools, that had no hearts to use it.  
The honour of our nation is now very great by his majesties means and we his subjects cannot enlarge and uphold it by gazing o●, and talking what hath been done, but by doing that good, which may be commended hereafter, if we sit still and let slip occasions, we shall gather rust, and do unfeather our own wings, committing the folly of the wise Romans herein, that in time of their glory, flowing with the Conquests and spoils of the world, and having gotten the Goddess Victoria to Rome, they clipped her wings▪ and set her up among their Gods, that she might take her flight no more, as she had formerly done from the Grecians and others, and so effeminating their valour with idleness and security, it brought confusion and ruin to their state.  
Let not such a prize of hopeful events, so lately purchased by the hazard of our valiant men▪ in the deep Seas of foreign dangers, now perish in the Haven by our neglect, the lives of our friends already planted, and of those noble Knights and Gentlemen that intend to go shortly, must lie at our mercy to be relieved and supplied by us, or to be made a prey unto others (though we fear not the subjects of any Prince in amity, that they will offer wrong unto us:) And howsoever we hear tales and rumours of this and that, yet be not dismayed, for I tell you, if we find that any miscreants have wronged, or go about to hurt our few hundreds there, we shall be ready to right it again with many thousands, like the giant Anteus, whose often foils renewed his strength the more.  
And consider well that great work of freing the poor Indians from the devourer, a compassion that every good man (but passing by) would show unto a beast: their children when they come to be saved, will bless the day when first their fathers saw your faces.  
If those undaunted English and Scottish Captains▪ that so often ventured their lives, and spilled their blood, to reconquer Palestina from the Turks and Saracens, had seen the gap so open in their days, and the way leading to so many goodly purchases, certainly it had not now been left for us to do. How strange a thing is this that all the States of Europe have been a sleep so long? that for an hundred years and more, the wealth and riches of the East and West should run no other current but into one coffer, so long till the running over, spread itself abundantly among a factious crew of new created Friars, and that to no more special end, then with instigating bloody plots to pierce the heart of a Christian State and true Religion.  
It is long since I read in a little treatise, made by Frith an English Martyr, an excellent foretelling touching the happiness of these Northern islands, and of great wonders that should be wrought by Scots and English, before the coming of Christ, but I have almost forgotten, and cannot readily call it to mind as I would, and therefore I omit it now, Protesting unto you, it would be my grief and sorrow, to be exempted from the company of so many honourable minded men, and from this enterprise, tending to so many good ends, and then which, I truly think this day, there is not a work of more excellent hope under the Sun, and far excelling (all circumstances weighed) those Noble deeds of Alexander, Hercules and those heathen monarchs, for which they were deemed Gods among their posterity.  
And so I leave it to your consideration, with a memorable note of Thomas Lord Howard Earl of Surry, when K. Henry the eight, with his Nobles at Dover took shipping for Turwin & Turney, and bidding the said Earl farewell, whom he made Governor in his absence, the Story saith the Nobleman wept, and took his leave with tears, an admirable good nature in a valiant mind, grieving to be left behind his Prince and Peers in such an honourable service.  
FINIS.