AN HISTORICAL DISCOVERY AND RELATION OF THE English Plantations, in NEW ENGLAND.  
Containing their Aventurous passages, their happy Arrival and comfortable planting, manifesting the goodness of God in their preservations from many apparent dangers.  
WITH A Relation of such Religious and Civil Laws, and Customs as are in practice amongst the Indians, with their natures and habits.  
AS ALSO A Naration of the Air, Earth, Water, Fish, and Fowls of that Country.  
Continued from the first beginning, in the year of our Lord 1607. and so handling all passages of Moment successively from time to time.  
LONDON Printed for john Bellamy, and are to be sold at his shop at the 3 Golden Lions in Cornhill, near the Exchange, 1627.   

To the Reader.  
COurteous Reader, be entreated to make a favourable construction of my forwardness, in publishing these inseving discourses, the desire of carrying the Gospel of Christ, into those foreign parts, amongst those people that as yet have had no knowledge, nor taste of God, as also to procure unto themselves and others a quiet and comfortable habytation: 〈◊〉 amongst other things the inducements (unto these undertakers of the then hopeful, and now experimentally known good enterprise for plantation, in New England, to set afoot and prosecute the same & though it fared with them, as it is common to the most actions of this nature, that the first attempts prove diffecult, as the sequel more at large expresseth, yet it hath pleased God, cue beyond our expectation in so short a time, to give hope of letting some of them see (though some he hath taken out of this vale of tears) some grounds of hope, of the accomplishment of both those ends by them, at first propounded.  
And as myself then much desired, and shortly hope to effect, if the Lord will, the putting to of my shoulder in this hopeful business, and in the mean time, these relations coming to my hand from my both known & faithful friends, on whose writings I do much rely, I thought it not a miss to make them more general, hoping of a cheerful proceeding, both of Adventurers and planters, entreating that the example of the hon: Virginia and Bermudas Companies, incountering with so many distasters, and that for diverse years together, with an unwearied resolution, the good effects whereof are now eminent, may prevail as a spur of preparation also touching this no less hopeful Country though yet an infant, the extent & commodities whereof are as yet not fully known, after time will unfold more: such as desire to take knowledge of things, may in form themselves by this ensuing treatise, and if they please also by such as have been there a first and second time, my barty prayer to God is that the event of this and all other honourable and honest undertake, may be for the furtherance of the kingdom of Christ, the enlarging of the bounds of our Sovereign Lord King james, & the good and profit of those, who either by purse, or person, or both, are agents in the same, so I take leave and rest  
Thy friend, G. MOURT.   

CERTAIN USEFUL ADVERTISEMENTS SENT in a Letter written by a discreet friend unto the Planters in New England, at their first setting sail from Southampton, who earnestly desiresh the prosperity of that their new Plantation.  
Loving and Christian friends, I do heartily and in the Lord salute you all, as being they with whom I am present in my best affection, and most earnest longings after you, though I be constrained for a while to be bodily absent from you, I say constrained, God knowing how willingly and much rather than otherwise I would have borne my part with you in this first brunt, were I not by strong necessity held back for the present. Make account of me in the mean while, as of a man divided in myself with great pain, and as (natural bonds set aside) having my better part with you. And though I doubt not but in your godly wisdoms you both foresee and resolve upon that which concerneth your present state and condition both severally and jointly, yet have I thought but my duty to add some further spur of provocation unto them who run already, if not because you need it, yet because I owe it in love and duty.  
And first, as we are daily to renew our repentance with our God, special for our sins known, and general for our unknown trespasses; so doth the Lord call us in a singular manner upon occasions of such difficulty and danger as lieth upon you, to a both more narrow search and careful reformation of our ways in his sight, lest he calling to remembrance our sins forgotten by us or unrepented of, take advantage against us, and in judgement leave us for the same to be swallowed up in one danger or other; whereas on the contrary, sin being taken away by earnest repentance and the pardon thereof from the Lord, sealed up unto a man's conscience by his Spirit, great shall be his security and peace in all dangers, sweet his comforts in all distresses, with happy deliverance from all evil, whether in life or in death.  
Now next after this heavenly peace with God and our own consciences, we are carefully to provide for peace with all men what in us lieth, especially with our associates, and for that end watchfulness must be had, that we neither at all in ourselves do give, no nor easily take offence being given by others. Woe be unto the world for offences, for though it be necessary (considering the malice of Satan and man's corruption) that offences come, yet woe unto the man or woman either by whom the offence cometh, saith Christ, Math. 18. 7. And if offences in the unseasonable use of things in themselves indifferent, be more to be feared then death itself, as the Apostle teacheth, 1. Cor. 9 15. how much more in things simply evil, in which neither honour of God nor love of man is thought worthy to be regarded.  
Neither yet is it sufficient that we keep ourselves by the grace of God from giving offence, except withal we be armed against the taking of them when they are given by others. For how unperfect and lame is the work of grace in that person, who wants charity to cover a multitude of offences, as the Scriptures speak. Neither are you to be exhorted to this grace only upon the common grounds of Christianity, which are, that persons ready to take offence, either want charity to cover offences, or wisdom duly to weigh humane frailty; or lastly are gross, though close hypocrites, as Christ our Lord teacheth, Math. 7. 1, 2, 3. as indeed in mine own experience, few or none have been found which sooner give offence, than such as easily take it; neither have they ever proved sound and profitable members in societies, which have nourished in themselves that touchey humour. But besides these, there are diverse special motives provoking you above others to great care and conscience this way: As first, you are many of you strangers, as to the persons, so to the infirmities one of another, and so stand in need of more watchfulness this way, lest when such things fall out in men and women as you suspected not, you be inordinately affected with them; which doth require at your hands much wisdom and charity for the covering and preventing of incident offences that way. And lastly your intended course of civil community will minister continual occasion of offence, and will be as fuel for that fire, except you diligently quench it with brotherly forbearance. And if taking of offence causelessly or easily at men's doings be so carefully to be avoided, how much more heed is to be taken that we take not offence at God himself, which yet we certainly do so oft as we do murmur at his providence in our crosses, or bear impatiently such afflictions as where with he pleaseth to visit us. Store we up therefore patience against the evil day, without which we take offence at the Lord himself in his holy and just works.  
A fourth thing there is carefully to be provided for, to wit, that with your common employments you join common affections truly bend upon the general good, avoiding as a deadly plague of your both common and special comfort all retiredness of mind for proper advantage, and all singularly affected any manner of way; let every man repress in himself and the whole body in each person, as so many rebels against the common good, all private respects of men's selves, not sorting with the general conveniency. And as men are careful not to have a new house shaken with any violence before it be well settled and the parts firmly knit: so be you, I beseech you brethren, much more careful, that the house of God which you are and are to be, be not shaken with unnecessary novelties or other oppositions at the first settling thereof.  
Lastly, whereas you are to become a body politic, using amongst yourselves civil government, and are not furnished with any persons of special eminency above the rest, to be chosen by you into office of government: Let your wisdom and godliness appear, not only in choosing such persons as do entirely love, and will diligently promote the common good, but also in yielding unto them all due honour and obedience in their lawful administrations; not beholding in them the ordinarinesse of their persons, but God's ordinance for your good; nor being like unto the foolish multitude, who more honour the gay coat, then either the virtuous mind of the man, or glorious ordinance of the Lord. But you know better things, and that the image of the Lords power and authority which the Magistrate beareth, is honourable, in how mean persons soever. And this duty you both may the more willingly, and aught the more conscionably to perform, because you are at least for the present to have only them for your ordinary governors, which yourselves shall make choice of for that work.  
Sundry other things of importance I could put you in mind of, and of those before mentioned in more words, but I will not so far wrong your godly minds, as to think you heedless of these things, there being also diverse among you so well able to admonish both themselves and others of what concerneth them. These few things therefore, and the same in few words I do earnestly commend unto your care and conscience, joining there with my daily incessant prayers unto the Lord, that he who hath made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all rivers of waters, and whose providence is over all his works, especially over all his dear children for good, would so guide and guard you in your ways, as inwardly by his Spirit, so outwardly by the hand of his power, as that both you and we also, for and with you, may have after matter of praising his Name all the days of your and our lives. Fare you well in him in whom you trust, and in whom I rest  
An unfeigned well-willer of your happy success in this hopeful voyage, I. R.   


A brief RELATION OF THE DISCOVERY AND PLANTATION of New England.  
ALthough it be a course, far from the mind of us, that are undertakers for the advancement of the Plantation of New-England, to seek by any vain ostentation to extol our own endeavours: yet we cannot but strive to vindicate our reputation from the injurious aspersions that have been laid upon it, by the malicious practices of some that would adventure nothing in the beginning, but would now reap the benefit of our pains and charges, and yet not seem beholding to us; and to that end they disvalue what is past, and by sinister informations derogate what they can from the present course intended: the rather because the good Orders appointed to be put in execution there, are likely to restrain the licentious irregularity of other places. And this hath induced us to publish our proceedings, whereunto it hath pleased God to give a blessing: as to any of indifferent judgement may appear by that which followeth.  
WHen this design was first attempted, some of the present company were therein chiefly interessed; who being careful to have the same accomplished, did send to the discovery of those Northern parts a brave Gentleman, Captain Henry Challons, with two of the Natives of that Territory, the one called Maneday, the other Assecomet. But his misfortunes did expose him to the power of certain Strangers, enemies to his proceedings, so that by them, his company were seized, the ships and goods confiscated, and that Voyage wholly overthrown.  
This loss, & unfortunate beginning, did much abate the rising courage of the first Adventurers; but immediately upon his departure, it pleased the noble Lord chief justice, Sir john Popham knight, to send out another ship, wherein Captain Thomas Haman went Commander, & Martin Prinne of Bristol Master, with all necessary supplies, for the seconding of Captain Challons and his people; who arriving at the place appointed, and not finding that Captain there, after they had made some discovery, and found the Coasts, Havens, and Harbours answerable to our desires, they returned. Upon whose relation the Lord Chief justice, and we all waxed so confident of the business, that the year following every man of any worth, formerly interessed in it, was willing to join in the charge for the sending over a competent number of people to lay the ground of a hopeful plantation.  
Here upon Captain Popham, Captain Rawley Gilbert, and others were sent away with two Ships, and an hundred Landmen, Ordnance, and other provisions necessary for their sustentation and defence; until other supply might be sent. In the mean while, before they could return, it pleased God to take from us this worthy member, the Lord Chief justice, whose sudden death did so astonish the hearts of the most part of the Adventurers, as some grew cold, and some did wholly abandon the business. Yet Sir Francis Popham his son, certain of his private friends, and other of us, omitted not the next year (holding on our first resolution) to join in sending forth a new supply, which was accordingly performed.  
But the Ships arriving there, did not only bring uncomfortable news of the death of the Lord Chief justice, together with the death of Sir john Gilbert, the elder brother unto Captain Rawley Gilbert, who at that time was Precedent of that Council: But found that the old Captain Popham was also dead; who was the only man (indeed) that died there that Winter, wherein they endured the greater excremities; for that, in the depth thereof, their lodgings and stores were burnt, and they thereby wondrously distressed.  
This calamity and evil news, together with the resolution that Captain Gilbert was forced to take for his own return, (in that he was to succeed his brother, in the inheritance of his lands in England) made the whole company to resolve upon nothing but their return with the Ships; and for that present to leave the Country again, having in the time of their abode there (notwithstanding the coldness of the season, and the small help they had) built a pretty Bark of their own, which served them to good purpose, as easing them in their returning.  
The arrival of these people here in England, was a wonderful discouragement to all the first undertakers, in so much as there was no more speech of settling any other plantation in those parts for a long time after: only Sir Francis Popham having the Ships and provision, which remained of the company, and supplying what was necessary for his purpose, sent diverse times to the coasts for trade and fishing; of whose loss or gains himself is best able to give account.  
Our people abandoning the plantation in this sort as you have heard; the Frenchmen immediately took the opportunity to settle themselves within our limits; which being heard of by those of Virginia, that discreetly took to their consideration the inconveniences that might arise, by suffering them to harbour there, they dispatched Sir Samuel Argall, with commission to displace them, which he performed with much discretion, judgement, valour, and dexterity. For having seized their Forts, which they had built at Mount Mansell, Saint Croix, and Port Real, he carried away their Ordnance he also surprised their Ship, Cattle, and other provisions, which he transported to the Colony in Virginia, to their great benefit. And hereby he hath made a way for the present hopeful plantation to be made in Nova-scotia, which we hear his Majesty hath lately granted to Sir William Alexander Knight, one of his Majesty's most honourable Council of the Kingdom of Scotland, to be held of the said Crown, and that not without some of our privities, as by approbation under writing may and doth appear. Whereby it is manifest that we are so far from making a Monopoly of all those lands belonging to that coast (as hath been scandalously by some objected) That we wish that many would undertake the like.  
In this Interim there were of us who apprehenedd better hopes of good that might ensue by this attempt, being thereunto persuaded, both by the relations of our people that had endured the many difficulties whereunto such actions are subjected chiefly in the Winter season; and likewise by the informations given them by certain of the Natives, that had been kept a long time in their hands; wherefore we resolved once more to try the verity thereof, and to see if possibly we might find something that might induce a fresh resolution to prosecute a work so pious and so honourable. And thereupon they dispatched Captain Hotson, of the I'll of Wight, together with Captain Herley, Master john Matthew, Master Sturton, with two Saluages, the one called Epenow, the other Manawet, with commission and directions fit for them to observe and follow, the better to bring to pass what was expected. But as in all humane affairs, there is nothing more certain, than the uncertainty thereof; so fell it out in this; for a little before such time as they arrived upon the coast with the foresaid Savages, who were Naturals of those parts, it happened there had been one Hunt (a worthless fellow of our Nation (set out by certain Merchants for love of gain; who (not content with the commodity he had by the fish, and peaceable trade he found among the Savages) after he had made his dispatch, and was ready to set sail, (more savage-like than they) seized upon the poor innocent creatures; that in confidence of his honesty had put themselves into his hands. And stowing them under hatches, to the number of twnety four, carried them into the straits, where he sought to sell them for slaves, and sold as many as he could get money for. But when it was understood from whence they were brought, the Friars of those parts took the rest from them, and kept them to be instructed in the Christian Faith; and so disappointed this unworthy fellow of the hopes of gain he conceived to make by this new & devilish project.  
This being known by our two Saluages, formerly spoken of, they presently contracted such an hatred against our whole Nation, as they immediately studied how to be revenged; and contrived with their friends the best means to bring it to pass; but Manawet dying in a short time after the Ships arrival there, and the other observing the good order, and strong guard our people kept, studied only how to free himself out of our hands, and thereupon laid the plot very orderly, and indeed effected his purpose, although with so great hazard to himself and friends, that laboured his rescue, that Captain Hobson and his whole company imagined he had been slain. And though in the recovery of his body they wounded the Master of our Ship, and diverse other of our company, yet was not their design without the slaughter of some of their people, and the hurts of other, compassed, as appeared afterward.  
Hereupon Captain Hobson and his company, conceiving the end of their attempt to be frustrace, resolved without more ado to return, and so those hopes, that charge and voyage was lost also, for they brought home nothing but the news of their evil success, of the unfortunate cause thereof, and of a war now new begun between the inhabitants of those parts, and us. A miserable comfort for so weak means as were now left, to pursue the conclusion of so tedious an enterprise.  
While this was a working, we found the means to send out Captain john Smith from Plymouth, in a ship, together with Master Darmer and diverse others with him, to lay the foundation of a new Plantation, and to try the fishing of that Coast, and to seek to settle a trade with the Natives: But such was his misfortune, as being scarce free of our own Coast, he had his masts shaken over board by storms and tempests, his ship wonderfully distressed, and in that extremity forced to come back again; so as the season of the year being almost spent, we were of necessity enforced to furnish him with another ship, and taking out the provision of the first, dispatched him away again, who coming to the height of the Western Islands, was chased by a French Pirate, and by him made prisoner, although his ship in the night escaped away, and returned home with the loss of much of her provision, and the overthrow of that voyage, to the ruin of that poor Gentleman Captain Smith, who was detained prisoner by them, and forced to suffer many extremities, before he got free of his troubles.  
Notwithstanding these disasters, it pleased God so to work for our encouragement again, as he sent into our hands Tasquantum, one of those Saluages that formerly had been betrayed by this unworthy Hunt before named, by whose means there was hope conceived to work a peace between us, and his friends, they being the principal inhabitants of that coast, where the fire was kindled. But this savage Tasquantum, being at that time in the Newfound land with Captain Mason, Governor there for the undertakers of that Plantation: Master Darmer (who was there also, and sometimes before employed as we have said by us, together with Captain john Smith) found the means to give us intelligence of him, and his opinion of the good use that might be made of his employment, with the readiness of Captain Mason, to further any of our attempts that way, either with boats or other provision necessary, and resolving himself to go from thence, advised us to send some to meet with him, at our usual place of fishing, to aid him in his endeavour, that they joining together, might be able to do what he hoped would be very acceptable unto all well wishers of that business.  
Upon this news, we dispatched the next season Captain Rocraft, with a Company for that purpose, in hope to have met with Captain Darmer; but the care and discretion of Captain Mason was such, finding Captain Darmers' resolution to go beyond his means, that he persuaded him first to go for England, that providing himself there, as was requisite, he might proceed in time expedient, which counsel he observed (as fit it was) although our expectation of his joining with Captain Rocraft was thereby disappointed. Yet so it happened, that Captain Reoraft at his arrival in those parts, met with a French Bark that lay in a Creek a fishing, and trading, which he seized on, and sent home the Master and Company in the same Ship which he went out in.  
With this Bark and his own Company, he meant to keep the Coast that Winter quarter, being very well fitted both with salt, and other necessaries for his turn: but as this was an Act of extremity (the poor man being of our own Religion) so succeeded it accordingly. For in a short time after, certain of this Captain's company, conspired together to cut his throat, and to make themselves masters of the whole spoil, and so to seek a new fortune where they could best make it. This conspiracy being discovered to the Captain, he let it go on, till the time that it should have been put in execution, when he caught them in there own train, and so apprehended them in the very instant that they were purposed to begin their massacre.  
But after he had prevented the mischief, and seized upon the malefactors, he took to his consideration what was best to be done with them. And being loath by himself to dispatch them as they deserved, he resolved to put them ashore, thinking by their hazard that it was possible they might discover something, that might advance the public; and so giving them some Arms for their defence, and some victual for their sustentation, until they knew better how to provide for themselves, he left them at a place called Sawaguatock, where they remained not long, but got from thence to Menehighon, an Island lying some three leagues in the Sea, and fifteen leagues from that place, where they remained all that Winter, with bad lodging, and worse fare, yet came all safe home save one sickly man, which died there, the rest returned with the Ship we sent for Rocrafts supply and provision, to make a fishing voyage.  
After these fellows were landed, the Captain finding himself but weakly man'd, and his Ship to draw too much water to coast those places, that by his instructions he was assigned to discover, he resolved to go for Virginia where he had lived a long time before, and had (as he conceived) many friends, that would help him with some things that he had occasion to use. Arriving there, he was not deceived of his expectation; for Sir Samuel Argall being their Governor, and one that respected him much for his own sake, was the readier to help him, in regard of the good he wished to the business wherein he was employed.  
But all this could not prevail, for after that Sir Samuel Argall came from thence (his departure being more sudden than was expected) it fell out that the new Governor entered the Harbour: and finding Rocraft ready to be gone, sent to him to command him to come aboard to speak with him, which he readily obeyed, as soon as he could fit his boat and men for that purpose. And so leaving his Bark with her great Anchor a head, and taking with him the half of his company, he was forced to stay aboard the new Governors' Ship that night. In the mean while a storm arising, our Bark wanting hands to do their labour, drove a shore, and there sunk. But yet the Governor and Captain so laboured the next day, when they knew thereof, as that they freed her again, but that occasion forced our Captain to stay so long in the Country to fit himself anew, as in the interim a quarrel fell out between him and another of that place; so as Rocraft was slain, and the Bark sunk the second time, and finally disabled from yielding us any benefit to this present.  
But we not knowing this disaster, and Captain Darmer arriving with his savage out of Newfoundland, dispatched him away the next season, in a ship we sent again for the fishing business, and assigned him a company to join with Rocraft and his people.  
Captain Darmer arriving there, and not finding Rocraft, was a little perplexed, and in doubt what to do: yet hearing by those Mutineers which he found there, that he was gone for Virginia; he was hopeful of his return; and lived in that expectation, till such time as he heard (by a ship that came from thence to fish for the Colony) the confusion of his fortune, and the end of his misery in this world. Then he determined to take the Pinnace that the year before was assigned to Rocraft for him to make the trade with, and with her to proceed on his design, and so embarked himself, and his provision and company in her. And leaving the fishermen to their labour, he coasted the shore from thence, searching every Harbour, and compassing every Cape-land, till he arrived in Virginia; where he was in hope to meet with some of the provision, or company of Rocraft, to help to supply him of what he wanted; as also to lay a Deck upon his Pinnace, that before had not any, and now was taught by experience the necessity of having that defect supplied.  
But those hopes failed him (all being before that time ruined and dispersed) so far, as he saw it in vain to hope for help by that means, and therefore attempted to make the best of what he had of his own. And going to set his men a work, they all in a few days after their arrival, fell sick of a disease which happened at that time in the country, so as now he was not only forced to be without hope of their helping of him, but must labour himself all he could to attend and sustain them; but so God favoured him, that they recovered, and in time convenient he dispatched his business there, and put himself to Sea again, resolving to accomplish in his journey back to New-England, what in his last Discovery he had omitted.  
In his passage he met with certain Hollanders, who had a trade in hudson's river some years before that time, with whom he had conference about the state of that coast, and their proceedings with those people: whose answer gave him good content. He betook himself to the following of his business, discovering many goodly Rivers, and exceeding pleasant, and fruitful coasts, and Islands, for the space of 80. leagues from East to West, for so that coast doth range along from hudson's River to Cape james.  
Now after we had found by Captain Rocrafts' relation made the year before, the hopes he conceived of the benefits that coast would afford, towards the upholding of the charge for settling our Plantation by reason of the commodities arising by fishing and furs, if a course might be taken for the managing of that business, as was fit for such a design; as well as for the advancement of the public good of our whole Nation, and satisfaction of every well disposed person, that had a will to be interessed therein.  
It was held to be most convenient to strengthen ourselves by a new Grant to be obtained from his royal Majesty: the rather, finding that those of Virginia had by two several Patents settled their bounds, and excluded all from intermeddling with them that were not free of their Company; and had wholly altered the form of their Government, from the first ground laid for the managing the affairs of both Colonies, leaving us as desperate, and our business as abandoned.  
These considerations (as is said) together with the necessity of settling our affairs, bounds and limits, distinct from theirs, made us resolve to petition his Majesty for the renewing of our Grant.  
By which time the rumour of our hopes was so publicly spread abroad, and the commodities of the Fish, and trade so looked into, as it was desired, that all that coast might be made free, as well to those of Virginia, as to us to make their commodity: How just or unjust that motion was, we will not argue, seeing the business is ended.  
By this means, our precedings were interrupted, and we questioned about it; first, by the Counsel of Virginia, whom we thought to have benefully satisfied therein, before we could have way given us for a new Patent, 〈…〉 having been heard by certain of the Lords of the Council; and the business by them so ordered, 〈◊〉 we were directed to proceed and to have our Grant agreeable to the liberty of the Virginia Company, the frame of our government excepted; but this order not being liked of, it was again heard & concluded. Lastly, the Parent being past the Seal, it was stopped upon new suggestions to the King, and by his Majesty referred to the Council to be settled, by whom the former Orders were confirmed, the difference cleared, and we ordered to have our Patent delivered us.  
These disputes held us almost two years, so as all men were afraid to join with us, and we thereby left hopeless of any thing more, than that which our own fortunes would yield to advance our proceedings, in which time so many accidents happened unto us at home, and abroad, that we were fain to give order by the ships we sent a fishing, for the retiring of Master Darmer, and his people, until all things were cleared, and we better provided of means to go through with our design: but this worthy Gentleman confident of the good likely to ensue, and resolutely resolving to pursue the ends he aimed at, could not be persuaded to look back, as yet; and so refusing to accept our offer, began again to prosecute his Discovery, wherein he was betrayed by certain new Saluages, who suddenly set upon him, giving him fourteen or fifteen wounds, but by his valour, and dexterity of spirit he freed himself out of their hands, yet was constrained to retire into Virginia again the second time, for the cure of his wounds, where he fell sick of the infirmities of that place, and thereof died: so ended this worthy Gentleman his days, after he had remained in the discovery of that coast two years, giving us good content in all he undertook; and after he had made the peace between us and the Saluages, that so much abhorred our Nation, for the wrongs done them by others, as you have heard: but the fruit of his labour in that behalf we as yet receive to our great commodity, who have a peaceable plantation at this present among them, where our people both prosper, and live in good liking, and assuredness of their neighbours, that had been formerly so much exasperated against us, as will more at large appear hereafter.  
But having passed all these storms abroad, and undergone so many homebred oppositions, and freed our Patent, which we were by order of State assigned to renew, for the amendment of some defects therein contained, we were assured of this ground more boldly to proceed on than before; and therefore we took first to consideration how to raise the means to advance the plantation. In the examination thereof, two ways did offer themselves: The one was the voluntary contribution of the Patentees; The other, by an easy ransoming of the freedoms of those that had a will to partake only of the present profits, arising by the trade, and fishing upon the coast.  
The first was to proceed from those Noblemen, and others that were Patentees, and they agreed by order among themselves to disburse a hundred pounds a piece, for the advancement of such necessary business, as they had in hand.  
The second was to be accomplished by settling such liberties and orders in the western cities, and towns, as might induce every reasonable man, in, and about them, affecting the public good, or a regular proceeding in the business of trade, to embrace an uniformity, and to join in a community, or joint stock together How reasonable, or unreasonable those orders were, is hereafter to be seen, and judged by every well affected person, or any truly loving the public good of our Nation, whereunto is annexed the difference of trading by a joint stock under government and order; and the promiscuous trading without order, and in a disjointed manner, as of late they have done to the infinite prejudice of others already, as also to the loss of many of themselves, that contemptuously and greedily have leapt into that course, as it were in despite of all Authority, whose reward, in time, will follow.  
Before these Orders were to be tendered to those cities and towns, it was desired that there might be letters sent from their Lordships, admonishing them of his Majesty's royal Grant, that prohibiteth any not free of that business, to intermeddle within our limits, upon pain of confiscation of ship and goods. These letters expressing withal the good affection of those that were interessed in the business, to entertain any that should be willing to conform themselves to such orders, as had in that behalf been established.  
But those letters how full of justice soever they appeared, were as distasteful, as was the rumour of Order unto them: for by it every particular man thought himself straight debarred of liberty to run his own currant, in which he thought his freedom did only consist; and by debarring him thereof, his private ends were overthrown, which was to endeavour to prevent his neighbour of the market he aimed at, or the Harbour he resolved to go unto, or the present trade he expected to have by his private industry, but as for the public he cared not, let that fare as it would. While these things were in dispute, and likely to have taken a good foundation, the news of the Parliament flew to all parts, & then the most factious of every place, presently combined themselves to follow the business in Parliament, where they presumed to prove the same to be a Monopoly, and much tending to the prejudice of the common good. But that there should be a conformity in trade, or a course taken to prevent the evils that were likely to ensue, or to appropriate possessions, or lands, after a generous manner, in remote parts of the world, to certain public persons, of the commonwealth, for the taking care, and spending their time and means how to advance the enlargement of their Country, the honour of their King, and glory of their God; these were thought crimes worthy the taking notice of, and the principal Actors in this kind, must be first traduced in private, then publicly called upon in Parliament, to answer such other scandals as could by malice be invented.  
But as this business was in itself just, and righteous, so was it as earnestly desired, they might have had the opportunity to have answered it before so unpartial judges, and so reverend persons; if so it might have been without offence to the authority of his royal Majesty, that had extended itself by virtue of his Prerogative so far off, and without the Laws of this Realm, and to be put in execution without the public expense, or charge of the commonwealth, or prejudice to any other former employments of our Nation, and indeed without offence to any that coveted not to put their sickle into the harvest of other men, or whose envious & covetous humours stirred them not up to shame themselves in the conclusion.  
These troubles thus unfortunately falling out, have notwithstanding hindered us from the hopes we had this year, to give some life extraordinarily to those affairs, & therefore we are forced of necessity to refer the main of our resolution, till a more convenient opportunity, and till we have gotten our ships and provision fit to serve our turns both to give the Law along those coasts, and to perform such other service, as is thereby intended for the public good of our Adventurers, and defence of our Merchants, that shall frequent those places, according to such Orders, as shall be found behooveful in that behalf.   

The Clime and condition of the Country, and the present estate of our affairs there.  
YOu have heard already the many disasters, calamities, misfortunes, oppositions, and hindrances we have had, and received. Howbeit many are omitted, in that we desire not to trouble the Reader with more than enough; or to affright the minds of weak spirits, that will believe there is no better success to be looked for from such attempts: although it be true that the best designs do oftentimes carry with them the most impediments, whether it be that God will have it so, to try our constancy, or otherwise to make us know, that it is he only that worketh after his own will, according to the time he hath assigned, and that there is nothing done but by him, as also that, that is only best which he will have to be done, and that time most proper which he hath assigned for the same.  
But by these you may imagine (seeing we have none other helps than our own fortunes to build upon) there can no great matters be performed in these storms and tempests. Notwithstanding, you may know we have not been more hindered one way, than blessed an other: for, as our patience, constancy, travels and charge hath been great, so hath it (indeed) manifoldly been required: For, by GOD'S favour, and these gentlemen's industry; we have made a most ample discovery of the most commodious Country for the benefit of our Nation, that ever hath been found.  
For better satisfaction of the Reader in this behalf, we have thought it fit, by the way, to acquaint him first with the nature of the place where we have settled ourselves, whereby he may see reason for what we have done, remembering him likewise, that in settling of plantations, there is principally to be considered: The air, for the health of the Inhabitants. The soil, for fertility fit for corn, and feeding of cattle wherewith to sustain them The Sea, for commodity of trade and commerce, the better to enrich their public and private State, as it shall grow to perfection, and to raise employments, to furnish the course of those affairs.  
Now for the quality of the Air, there is none of judgement but knows it proceedeth either from the general disposition of the Sphere, or from the particular constitution of the place.  
Touching the disposition of the Sphere, it is not only seated in the temperate Zone, but as it were in the Centre, or middle part thereof, for that the middle part of that Country hath about three hundred and ten degrees of Longitude; and stands in the forty fourth and forty fifth degrees of the Northern Latitude, that is, twenty degrees from the fiery Tropic, and as much from the freezing Arctic Circle: Under the same climate and course of the Sun that Constantinople, and Rome, the Ladies of the World; Italy, and France, the Gardens of Europe, have their situation, within the limits of the fifth and sixth Climate, after the later computation; having their longest day fifteen hours and some odd minutes.  
Touching the constitution of the place (which is about sixty two degrees by Sea from our Continent Westerly) The Maritine parts thereof are somewhat colder, than the nature of the Clime otherwise affordeth; for that the beams of the Sun are weakened, partly by the unstable reflection of the same upon the Sea, and partly by being laden with abundance of moisture it exhales out of the vast Ocean, whereby the nature thereof is not so violently there expressed, as in the like parallel further into the maine is accustomed. Nor is that Sea coast so subject to droughts or want of rain in seasonable times, as other parts are of like Latitudes, and by that reason the Sea coasts are at all times more cold than is the Inland. And the Eastern coast which receiveth the rising of the Sun, is likewise colder than are the Western parts, towards the declining of the same, as our morning airs (for example) even in the heat of Summer are cold and quick, when the day and evening are very sweltering. And this makes those parts more suitable to the nature of our people, who neither find content in the colder Climates, nor health in the hotter; but (as herbs and plants) affect their native temperature, and prosper kindly no where else.  
And indeed, the hot Country's yield sharper wits, but weaker bodies, and fewer children; the colder, more slow of conceit, but stronger of body, and more abounding in procreation. So that, though the invention of Arts hath risen from the Southern Nations, yet they have still been subject to the inundations, and invasions of the more Northerly people, by reason of their multitudes, together with the strength of their body, and hardness of their constitutions.  
But this Country, what by the general and particular situation, is so temperate, as it seemeth to hold the golden means, and indeed is most agreeable to the nature of our own, which is made manifest by experience, the most infallible proof of all assertions; in so much as our people that are settled there, enjoy their life and health much more happily, then in other places; which can be imputed to no other cause, than the temperature of the Climate.  
Now, as the Clime is found to be so temperate, so delicate, and healthful, both by reason and experience; such is the soil also, some parts thereof yielding wonderful increase, both of the Corn, the Natives have most use of; as also of our own, of all sorts: with infinite variety of nourishing roots, and other herbs, and fruits, common among them, but rare with us.  
Besides, the Coast doth abound with most convenient Havens, and Harbours, full of singular Islands, fit for Plantation; replenished with Plants and Wood of all sorts; as Oak, Cedars, Spruce, Fir, Pyne, Walnut, Chestnut, Elm, Sassafras, Plum-trees, and Calamus Aromaticus, etc.  
The people are tractable (if they be not abused) to commerce and Trade withal, and as yet have good respect of us. The Seas are stored with all kinds of excellent fish, and in many places upon the coast, fit to make Salt in. The Country aboundeth with diversity of wild foul, as Turkeys, Partridges, Swans, Cranes, wild Geese of two sorts, wild Ducks of three sorts, many Doves, especially when Strawberries are ripe.  
There are several sorts of Dear in those parts, and some that bring forth two, three, and four young at once, which is a manifest proof of the fertility of the Soil, or temper of the Clime, or both together.  
There is also a certain Beast, that the Natives call a Moss, he is as big bodied as an Ox, headed like a fallow Deer, with a broad Palm, which he mues every year, as doth the Deer, and neck like a Red Deer, with a short mane, running down along the reins of his back, his hair long like an Elk, but esteemed to be better than that for Saddler's use, he hath likewise a great bunch hanging down under his throat, and is of the colour of our blacker sort of fallow Deer, his legs are long, and his feet as big as the feet of our Oxen, his tail is longer than the single of a Deer, and reacheth almost down to his huxens, his skin maketh very good Buff, and his flesh is excellent good food, which the Natives use to jerkin and keep all the year to serve their turn, and so proves very serviceable for their use. There have been many of them seen in a great Island upon the Coast, called by our people Mount Mansell, whither the Saluages go at certain seasons to hunt them; the manner whereof is, by making of several fires, and setting the Country with people, to force them into the Sea, to which they are naturally addicted, and then there are others that attend them in their Botes with bows and weapons of several kinds, wherewith they slay and take at their pleasure. And there is hope that this kind of Beasts may be made serviceable for ordinary labour with Art and Industry.  
The known Commodities of that Country, are Fish of several sorts, rich Furs, as Beavers, Otters, martin's, black Fox, Sables, etc. There are likewise plenty of Vines, of three kinds, and those pleasant to the taste, yet some better than other. There is Hemp, Flax, Silkgrasse, several veins of Ironstone, commodities to make Pitch, Rosen, Tar; Deal boards of all sorts, Sparres, Masts, for Ships of all burdens; in a word, there comes no commodity out of France, Germany, or the Sound, but may be had there, with reasonable labour and industry.  
Further, we have settled at this present, several Plantations along the Coast, and have granted patents to many more that are in preparation to be gone with all conveniency. Those of our people that are there, have both health and plenty, so as they acknowledge there is no want of any thing, but of industrious people, to reap the commodities that are there to be had, and they are indeed so much affected to the place, as they are loath to be drawn from thence, although they were directed to return to give satisfaction to those that sent them, but chose rather to perform that office by letters, together with their excuse, for breach of their duty in that behalf. And thus you see there is no labour well employed, but hath his reward at one time or other.  
These encouragements have emboldened us to proceed, to the engaging of ourselves, for the building of some Ships of good burden, and extraordinary Mould, to lie upon the Coast for the defence of Merchants and Fishermen, that are employed there, as also to Waft the Fleets, as they go to and from their Markets: and we purpose from henceforth to build our shipping there, where we find all commodities fit for that service, together with the most opportune places, that can be desired.  
Lastly, finding that we have so far forth prevailed, as to wind ourselves into familiarity with the Natives, (which are in no great number) along the Coast for two hundred Leagues together, we have now dispatched some of our people of purpose, to dive into the bowels of the Continent, there to search and find out what Port, or Place, is most convenient to settle our main Plantation in, where we mean to make the Residency of our State and Government, as also to be assured, what other commodities may be raised for the public, and private benefit of those that are dealers in that business, and willing to be interessed in any the Lands there: Whither is gone this year already, for us to vary from it, and therefore we have resolved to build our Edifices upon it, and to frame the same after the platform already laid, and from whence we take our denomination. So as we purpose to commit the managing of our whole affairs there in general, unto a Governor, to be assisted by the advice and counsel of so many of the Patentees as shall be there resident, together with the Officers of State, that is to say; The Treasurer for the managing of the treasure and revenues belonging to that State. The Marshal for matters of Arms, and affairs of wars, be it defensive or offensive. The Admiral for maritine business civil or criminal, and the forces belonging to the Sea. The master of the ordnance for munition, artillery and other provisions for public store of Armies by Sea or Land; as also such other persons of judgement and experience, as by the Precedent and Counsel established here, for the better governing of those affairs shall be thought fit.  
By this Head, and these Members, united together, the great affairs of the whole State is to be managed, according to their several authorities, given them from their Superiors, the Precedent and Council established as aforesaid.  
And for that all men by nature are best pleased to be their own carvers, and do most willingly submit to those Ordinances, or Orders whereof themselves are authors: it is therefore resolved, that the general laws whereby that State is to be governed, shall be first framed and agreed upon by the general assembly of the States of those parts, both Spiritual and Temporal.  
For the better distinction whereof, and the more orderly proceeding, agreeable (as is said) to the present State of this our Realm, two parts of the whole Territory is to be divided between the Patentees, into several Counties, to be by themselves or their friends planted, at their pleasure or best commodity. The other third part is to be reserved for public uses, to be belonging to the State, as their revenue for defraying of public charge.  
But as well this third part, as the two formerly spoken of, is to be divided into Counties, Baronries, Hundreds, and the like, from all which the Deputies for every County, and Baronry, are to be sent in the name and behalf of the Subjects, under them to consult and agree upon the Laws so to be framed, as also to reform any notable abuses committed in former proceedings.  
Yet these are not to be assembled, but by order from the Precedent and Council here, who are to give life to the Laws so to be made, as those to whom of right it best belongs, according to his Majesty's royal grant in that behalf, as also that under God, and his Sacred Highness, they are the principal Authors of that foundation. And thus much for the general form of our Government.  
In like manner are the Counties to be governed by the chief Head or Deputy thereof with other Officers under him. As his Steward, controller, Treasurer of his revenues; and so the Baronries by their Stewards, and other inferior ministers, who are to have assigned them the power of high and low justice within themselves for determining of Controversies, with reservation of Appeal in some cases to the supreme Courts.  
And further, these Lords of Counties may of themselves subdivide their said County into Manors and Lordships, as to them shall seem best, giving to the Lords thereof power of keeping of Courts, and L●●●…, as is here used in England, for the determining of petty matters, arising between the Lords, and the Tenants, or any other.  
And there is no less care to be taken for the trade and public commerce of Merchants, whose government ought to be within themselves, in respect of the several occasions arising between them, the tradesmen, and 〈…〉 mechanics, with whom they have most to do: and who are generally the chief inhabitants of great Cities, and Towns, in all parts; it is likewise provided, that all the Cities in that Territory, and other inferior Towns where Tradesmen are in any numbers, shall be incorporate and made bodies politic, to govern their affairs and people as it shall be found most behooveful for the public good of the same; according unto the greatness or capacity of them, who shall be made likewise capable to send certain their Deputies, or Burgesses to this public assembly, as members thereof, and who shall have voices equal with any the rest.  
BY this you see our main drift is but to take care for the well ordering of the business, seeking by all means to avoid (what we may) the intermeddling with any men's moneys, or disposing of any men's fortunes, save only our own; leaving to every particular undertaker the employment of their adventures, and the raising of their profits, out of their proper limits, and possessions, as shall seem best to themselves, or their officers, or ministers, whom they employ, and whom they may be bold to question, or displace, as to themselves shall seem most fitting.  
And hereby all men may know, that as it is not in our wills to delude and deceive any, so we are careful not to give the least cause of suspicion of any evil in that kind; so much the rather for that we daily see by experience, the abuses committed in like cases by inferior ministers, to be a notable cause to dehort the good dispositions of many otherwise well affected to Plantations, for that they observe those that are so employed to grow rich, and their adventures to come to nothing.  
And we further desire that all men should be persuaded, we covet not to engross any thing at all unto ourselves, but that we should be exceeding glad to find more of our Nation, so free in disposition, as to partake with us, as well in the profit, as in the future travel, and charge thereof; without looking back to our expense, or labour already past, to the end that all our hands being united together, the work may be so much the sooner advanced, well knowing and freely confessing, that it is sufficient to give content to a multitude, and that of all sorts. For such as are truly Pious, shall find here the opportunity to put in practise the works of piety, both in building of Churches, and raising of Colleges for the breeding of youth, or maintenance of Divines and other learned men. If they be such as affect Glory, and to continue their memory to future ages, they may have here the means to raise Houses, Parishes, yea Towns, or Provinces, to their Names and Posterity. Do they aim at wealth? here is the way for their industry to satiate their appetites in that, if they be not unsatiable. Do they long after pleasure? here is as much to be had as may content any, not merely voluptuous, or only prodigal. Do they aspire to be Commanders? here is the place where they may have command of their own friends, or tenants, if they be of any worth, or means extraordinary wherewith to transport any numbers. If otherwise of experience and virtue, it is likely they may attain places of government for the public State. So as you see there wants no occasions, or opportunity to invite, or give satisfaction to such as have patience to attend the time.  
And indeed we shall be glad, that this, or any thing else may induce a free and noble resolution, in any well affected person, to endeavour the advancement of these ends, together with us, in that they shall find them agreeable to honour, and honesty; and if there be any that can add aught unto our endeavours, by their advice or otherwise, there is none that shall more readily embrace the same then we; whose intents are only framed for the prosperity of the business, as is already said, and as we hope will all those be, that shall assent to join with us, both in the labour, profit, and honour, without respect to the weakness of the motive, by which it hath been heretofore moved, or any thing save the work itself. For by it you shall find the Honour of our God, our King, and Nation, will be advanced, without effusion of Christian blood, or question of wrong to the present Inhabitants. For that they themselves both desire it, & we intent not to take aught, but what they that are there, are willing we should be seized of, both for the defence of them against their Enemies, and their preservation in peace among themselves, & propagation of the Christian Faith, which with wonderful alacrity many of them seem to give care unto, and for whose speedy conversion we intent to be as careful as of our own happiness; and as diligent to build them houses, and to provide them Tutors for their breeding, and bringing up of their children, of both sects, as to advance any other business whatsoever, for that we acknowledge ourselves specially bound thereunto. And this being done, to refer the success, to the Author of Heaven and Earth, to whom be all Honour and glory.   
FINIS.