A RELATION OF The successful beginnings of the Lord BALTEMORE'S Plantation in Mary-land. Being an extract of certain Letters written from thence, by some of the Adventurers, to their friends in England. To which is added, The Conditions of plantation propounded by his Lordship for the second voyage intended this present year, 1634. Anno. Dom. 1634. A Relation of the successful beginnings of the Lord Baltemore's plantation in Mary-land. ON Friday the 22. of November 1633. a small gale of wind coming gently from the Northwest, we weighed from the Cows in the I'll of Wight, about ten in the morning; and (having stayed by the way twenty days at the Barbadas, and fourteen days at S t. Christopher's, upon some necessary occasions) we arrived at Point-Comfort in Virginia on the 24. of February following, the Lord be praised for it. At this time one Captain Claybourne was come from the parts where we intended to plant, to Virginia; and from him we understood, that all the natives of those parts were in preparation of defence, by reason of a rumour some had raised amongst them, of six ships that were to come with a power of Spaniards, whose meaning was to drive all the inhabitants out of the country. We had good letters from his Majesty to the Governor and Council of Virginia, which made them favour us, and show us as noble usage as the place afforded, with promise, that for their cattle and Hogs, Corn or Poultry, our plantation should not want the open way to furnish ourselves from thence: they told us likewise, That when his Lordship should be resolved on a convenient place to make himself a seat; they should be able to provide him with as much Brick and Tile, as he should have occasion to employ, until his Lordship had made of his own: Also, that they had to furnish his Lordship with two or three hundred Stocks ready grafted with Pears, Apples, Plums, Apricots, Figgs, and Peaches, and some Cherries: That they had also some Orange and Limon trees in the ground, which yet thrived: Also, filberts, Hazelnuts, and Almonds; and in one place of the Colony, Quince-trees, wherewith they could furnish his Lordship; And in fine, that his Lordship should not want any thing that Colony had. On the 3. of March we came into Chesapeake Bay, and made sail to the North for Patoemeck river, the Bay running between two sweet lands in the channel of 7. 8. and 9 fathom deep, 10. League's broad, and full of fish at the time of the year; It is one of the delightfullest waters I ever saw, except Potoemeck, which we named Saint Gregory's. And now being in our own Country, we began to give names to places, and called the Southern Point, Cape Saint Gregory; and the Northerly Point, Saint michael's. This river, of all I know, is the greatest and sweetest, much broader than the Thames; so pleasant, as I for my part, was never satisfied in beholding it. Few Marshes, or Swampes, but the greatest part solid good earth, with great curiosity of woods, which are not choked up with under-shrubbs, but set commonly one from the other, in such distance, as a Coach and four horses may easily travel through them. At the first looming of the ship upon the river, we found (as was foretold us) all the Country in Arms. The King of the Paschattowayes had drawn together 1500. bowe-men, which we ourselves saw; the woods were fired in manner of beacons the night after; and for that our vessel was the greatest that ever those Indians saw, the scouts reported we came in a Canow, as big as an Island, and had as many men as there be trees in the woods. We sailed up the river till we came to Heron Lands, so called from the infinite number of that fowl there. The first of those Lands, we called Saint Clement's; The second, Saint Katherine's; And the third, Saint Cecilies'. We took land first in Saint Clements, which is compassed about with a shallow water, and admits no access without wading; here, by the overturning of the Shallop, the maids which had been washing at the land, were almost drowned, beside the loss of much linen, and amongst the rest I lost the best of mine, which is a very main loss in these parts. The ground is covered thick with pokickeries (which is a wild Walnut, very hard and thick of shell; but the meat (though little) is passing sweet) with black Walnuts, and acorns bigger than ours. It abounds with Vines, and salletts, herbs, and flowers, full of Cedar, and sassafras. It is but 400 acres big, and therefore too little for us to settle upon. here we went to a place, where a large tree was made into a Cross; and taking it on our shoulders, we carried it to the place appointed for it. The Governor and Commissioners putting their hands first unto it, than the rest of the chiefest adventurers. At the place prepared we all kneeled down, and said certain Prayers; taking possession of this Country for our Saviour; and for our sovereign Lord the King of England. Here our governor had good advice given him, not to land for good and all, before he had been with the Emperor of Paschattoway, and had declared unto him the cause of our coming: which was, first to learn them a divine Doctrine, which would lead their souls to a place of happiness after this life were ended: And also to enrich them with such ornaments of a civil life, wherewith our Country doth abound: and this Emperor being satisfied, none of the inferior Kings would stir. In conformity to this advice, he took two Pinnaces, his own, and another hired at Virginia; and leaving the ship before Saint Clements at Anchor, went up the river, and landing on the southside, and finding the Indians fled for fear, came to Patoemeck Town, where the King being a child, Archihau his Uncle governed both him, and his Country for him. He gave all the company good welcome; and one of the company having entered into a little discourse with him touching the errors of their religion, he seemed well pleased therewith; and at his going away desired him to return unto him again, telling him he should live at his Table, his men should hunt for him, and he would divide all with him. From hence they went to Paschattoway. All were here armed: 500 Bowmen came to the Waterside. The Emperor himself more fearless than the rest, came privately a board, where he was courteously entertained; and understanding we came in a peaceable manner, bade us welcome, and gave us leave to sit down in what place of his kingdom we pleased. While this King was aboard, all the Indians came to the Waterside, fearing treason, whereupon two of the King's men, that attended him in our ship were appointed to row on shore to quit them of this fear: but they refusing to go for fear of the popular fury; the interpreters standing on the deck, showed the King to them that he was in safety, wherewith they were satisfied. In this journey the Governor entertained Captain Henry Fleet and his three barks; who accepted a proportion in beaver trade to serve us, being skilful in the tongue, and well beloved of the natives. Whilst the Governor was abroad, the Indians began to lay aside fear, and to come to our Court of guard, which we kept night and day upon St. Clement's Isle: partly to defend our Barge, which was brought in pieces out of England and there made up, and partly to defend the Captain's men, which were employed in felling of trees, and cleaning pales for the pallizado: and at last they ventured to come aboard our ship. It was worth the hearing, for those who understood them, to hear what admiration they made at our ship; calling it a Canow; and wondering where so great a tree grew that made it, conceiving it to be made of one piece, as their Canow's are. Our great Ordnance was a great and fearful thunder, they had never heard any before; all the Country trembles at them. The Governor being returned, we came some nine leagues lower to a river on the North-side of that land, as big as the Thames: which we called Saint George's river: It runs up to the North about 20. miles before it comes to the fresh. This river makes two excellent Bays, for 300 sail of Ships of 1000 ton, to harbour in with great safety. The one Bay we named Saint George's; the other (and more inward) Saint mary's. The King of Yaocomoco, dwells on the lefthand or side thereof; and we took up our seat on the right, one mile within the land. It is as brave a piece of ground to set down on as most is in the Country, and I suppose as good (if not much better) than the primest parcel of English ground. Our Town we call Saint mary's: and to avoid all just occasion of offence, and colour of wrong, we bought of the King for Hatchetts, Axes, Howes, and Clothes, a quantity of some 30 miles of Land, which we call Augusta Carolina. And that which made them the more willing to sell it, was the wars they had with the Sasquesa-hanoughs, a nigh bordering nation, who came often into their Country, to waste and destroy; and forced many of them to leave their Country, and pass over Patoemeck to free themselves from peril, before we came. God no doubt disposing all this for them, who were to bring his law and light among these Infidels. Yet seeing we came so well prepared with arms, their fear was much less, and they could be content to dwell by us: yet do they daily relinquish their houses, lands, and corne-fields, and leave them to us. Is not this a piece of wonder, that a nation, which a few days before was in arms with the rest against us, should yield themselves now unto us like lambs, and give us their houses, lands, and livings for a trifle? Digitus Dei est hic: and surely some great good is intended by God to this Nation. Some few families of Indians are permitted yet to stay by us till next year, and then the land is free. We had not been long time seated there, ere Sir john Harvey Governor of Virginia, did our governor the honour (in most friendly manner) to visit him: and during the time of his being there, the King of Patuxunt also came to visit us; and being come aboard the Ark, and brought into the great cabin, and seated between the two Governors (Captain Fleet and Master Golding the interpreters being present) he began his speech as followeth. When I heard that a great Werowance of the English was come to Yoacomoco, I had a great desire to see him. But when I heard the Werowance of Pasbie-haye was come thither also to visit him; I presently start up, and without further counsel, came to see them both. In the time of his stay at Saint mary's, we kept the solemnity of carrying our colours on shore: and the King of Patuxunt accompanying us, was much taken with the ceremony. But the same night (he and Captain Fleet being at the Indian-House) the Arke's great guns, to honour the day, spoke aloud; which the King of Patuxunt with great admiration hearing, counselled his friends the Yoacomoco Indians to be careful that they break not their peace with us; and said: When we shoot, our Bowstrings give a twang that's heard but a little way off: But do you not hear what cracks their Bowstrings give? Many such pretty sayings he used in the time of his being with us, and at his departure, he thus expressed his extraordinary affection unto us. I do love the English so well, that if they should kill me, so that they left me but so much breath, as to speak unto my people, I would command them not to revenge my death: As for the Natives, they are proper tall men of person; swarthy by nature, but much more by Art: painting themselves with colours in oil, like a dark Red, which they do to keep the Gnatts off: wherein I confess, there is more ease than comeliness. As for their faces, they have other colours at times, as Blue from the nose upward, and Red downward, and sometime chose in great variety, and in very ghastly manner sometimes; they have no beards till they come to be very old, and therefore draw from each side of their mouths, lines to their very ears, to represent a beard, and this sometimes of one colour, and sometimes of another. They wear their hair generally very long, and it is as black as jet: which they bring up in a knot to the left-eare, and tie it about with a large string of Wampampegg, or Roanoake, or some other of the best jewels among them. Upon their forehead, some use to wear a Fish of Copper, and some wear other figures. About their necks, they use to wear many bugle chains, blue and white, and other colours; though these begin now not to be esteemed among them for truck. Their apparel generally is deere-skin, and other Fur, which they wear like loose mantles: yet under this, about their middle, all women and men, at man's estate, wear Perizomata (or round aprons) of skins, which keeps them decently covered, that without any offence of chaste eyes, we may converse with them. All the rest of their bodies are naked, and at times, some of the younger sort both men and women have just nothing to cover them. Their feet are as hard as any horn, when they run over prickles and thorns they feel it not. Their Arms is a Bow, with a bunch of Arrows, of a yard long, furnished with three feathers at the top; and pointed either with the point of a deer's horn, or a sharp three-cornered white flint; the rest is a small cane, or strait stick. They are so expert at these, that I have seen one a good distance off strike a very small bird through the middle: and they use to cast a thing up from hand, and before it comes to ground to meet it with a shaft. Their bows are but weak, and carry not level very far; yet these are their livelihood, and every day they are abroad after squirrels, paretidges, turkeys, dear, and the like game; whereof there is a wonderful plenty; though we dare not yet be so bold ourselves, as to fetch fresh meat by this means far off. The Indian houses are all built here in a long half Ouall; nine or ten foot high to the middle top, where (as in ancient Temples) the light is admitted by a window, half a yard square; which window is also the chimney, which giveth passage to the smoke, the fire being made in the midst of the floor (as in our old halls of England) and about it they use to lie. Save only that their kings and great men have their cabins, and a bed of skins well dressed (wherein they are excellent) set on boards, and four stakes driven into the ground. And now at this present, many of us live in these Witchotts (as they term them) conveniently enough till better be set up: But they are dressed up something better than when the Indians had them. The natural wit of this nation is good and quick, and will conceive a thing very readily: they excel in smell and taste, and have far sharper sight than we. Their ordinary diet is Poane and Omine, both made of corn, to which they add at times, Fish, Foule, or Venison. They are of great temperance, especially from Hott-waters or Wine, which they are hardly brought to taste, save only whom the English have corrupted with their own vices. For modesty, I must confess, I never saw from Man or Woman, any action tending to levity: and yet daily the poor souls are here in our houses, and take content to be with us, bringing sometimes Turkeys, sometimes Squirrills, as big as English Rabbetts, but much more dainty; at other times fine white cakes, Partridges, Oysters ready boiled and stewed: and do run unto us with smiling countenance when they see us, and will hunt and fish for us, if we will; and all this with intercourse of very few words, but we have hitherto gathered their meaning by signs. It is lawful among them to have more Wives than one; but all keep the rigour of conjugal faith unto their Husbands: The women's very aspect, is modest and grave. Generally the Nation is so noble, that you cannot do them any favour or good turns, but they return it. There is small passion among them, but they weigh all with a calm and quiet reason. And to do this the better, in great affairs they are studying in a long silence what is to be said or done: And then they answer yea, or no, in two words: And stand constantly to their resolution. If these people were once Christians, (as by some signs we have reason to think nothing hinders it but want of language) it would be a right virtuous, and renowned Nation. As for their religion, we have not language ourselves to find it out; Master Throughgood, who drives his Lordship's trade upon the river of Patuxunt, hath related somewhat: First, they acknowledge one God of Heaven, which they call [our] God; and cry, a thousand shames upon those Christians that so lightly offend so good a God. But they give no external honour unto him, but use all their might to please an Okee (or frantic spirit) for fear of harm from him. They adore also Wheat and Fire as two gods, very beneficial unto man's nature. In the Machicomoco, or Temple of Patuxunt, there was scene by our Traders this Ceremony. Upon a day appointed all the Towns met, and a great fire being made; about it stood the younger sort, and behind them again the elder. Then taking a little dear suett, they cast it into the fire, crying Taho, Taho, and lifting up their hands to heaven. After this, was brought forth before them a great Bag, filled with a large Tobacco-pipe and Poke, which is the word which they use for our Tobacco. This was carried about the fire, the youth following, and singing Taho, Taho, in very good tune of voice, and comely gesture of body. The round ended, one comes reverently to the bag, and opening it, takes out the Pipe, and divides the Poke from one, to one. As every one took his draught, he breathed his smoke upon all the limbs of his own body; as it were to sanctify them by this ceremony, to the honour and service of their God, whomsoever they meant. This is all I can say touching their religion: Save only that they seem to have some knowledge by tradition, of a flood wherein the World was drowned for sin. And now to return to the place itself, chosen for our plantation. We have been upon it but one month, and therefore can make no large relation of it: Yet thus much I can say of it already, For our safety, we have built a good strong Fort or Palizado, and have mounted upon it one good piece of Ordnance, and 4. Murderers, and have seven pieces of Ordnance more, ready to mount forthwith. For our provision, here is some store of Peasen, and Beans, and Wheat left on the ground by the Indians, who had satisfaction for it. We have planted since we came, as much Maize (or Indian Wheat) as will suffice (if God prosper it) much more company than we have. It is up about knee high above ground already, and we expect the return of 1000 for one, as we have reason for our hope, from the experience of the yield in other parts of this Country, as is very credibly related to us. We have also English Peasen, and French-beanes, Cotten, Oranges, Lemons, Melocotounes, Apples, Pears, Potatoes, and Sugarcanes of our own planting; beside Hortage coming up very finely. But such is the quantity of Vines, and Grapes now already upon them (though young) as I dare say if we had Vessels and skill, we might make many a ton of Wine, even from about our plantation; and such Wine, as those of Virginia say (for yet we can say nothing) as is as good as the Wine of Spain. I fear they exceed; but surely very good. For the clime of the Country is near the same with Seville and Corduba: lying between 38. and 40. degrees of Northerly latitude. Of Hogs we have already got from Achomack (a plantation in Virginia) to the number of 100, and more: and some 30. Cows; and more we expect daily, with Goats and Hens; our Horses and Sheep we must have out of England, or some other place by the way; for we can have none in Virginia. For the Commodities, I will speak more when I see further; only we have sent over a good quantity of Ironstone, for a trial, which if it prove well, the place is likely to yield infinite store of it. And for that flax and hemp which we have sowed, it comes up and we hope will thrive exceedingly well; I end with the soil which is excellent, covered with store of large Strauberies, Raspices Vines, Sassafras, Walnuts, Acorns and the like; and this in the wildest Woods too. The mould is black a foot deep, and then comes after a red Earth. All is high Wood, but in the Indian fields, which are some parcels of ground cleared for Corne. It abounds with good springs, which is our drink: Of beasts; I have seen Dear, Racounes, and Squirrels, beside which there are many others, which I have not yet seen. Of Birds diversly-feathered there are infinite; Eagles, Bitterness, Herons, Swans, Geese, Parteridge, Ducks, red, blue, party coloured Birds, and the like. By all which it appeareth, the Country aboundeth, not only with profit but with pleasure. And to say truth, there wanteth nothing for the perfecting of this hopeful plantation, but greater numbers of our countrymen to enjoy it. From S t. mary's in Mary-land, 27. May, 1634. We whose Names are here under written, having been Adventurers in this first voyage, and lately come for England, with intent to return thither with more provision of Men and other necessaries; were Eye-witnesses of the truth of this whole Relation; and are ready to give further satisfaction to any one in such particulars as shall be desired. Captain Edward Wintour. Captain William Humber. Robert Smithson. Robert Sympson. The Conditions of the plantation. 1 What person soever, subject to our Sovereign Lord the King of England, shall in this second voyage, be at the charge to transport into the said Province of Mary-land, himself or his Deputy, with ten able men fit for labour, between the ages of 20. and 60. every man being provided in all things necessary for a plantation: the particulars whereof they shall understand at the place mentioned at the end of these Conditions: (which together with their transportation, will amount to about 20 l. a man) His Lordship will assign to every such undertaker, and for every such ten men, a proportion of good land within the said Province, containing in quantity 3000. Acres of English measure, which shall be erected into a Manor, and be conveied to him, and his heirs forever: with all such Royalties and Privileges, as are usually belonging to Manors in England. Rendering and paying yearly unto his Lordsh. and his heirs for every such Manor; 600. pound weight, of good Wheat: and such other services as shall be generally agreed upon, for public use, and the common good; and as are usual in all other Plantations. 2 And forasmuch, as the straggling manner of dwelling used heretofore by our English in foreign Plantations, hath been found by experience to be very inconvenient, without comfort or security; besides the disorder and distraction, which it causeth in the government. And that at last (feeling the effects of that error) they have been compelled to unite themselves together in one place. His Lordsh. therefore intends, that all his Planters, shall dwell together at the first, at or as near as may be unto St. Mary's Town, the seat now chosen for the Colony: where his Lordsh. will assign, and convey unto every such undertaker as aforesaid, and his heirs for ever, a plot of ground fit for a house and garden, to build upon, and so much land as near unto the Town as conveniently may be (to plant Victual upon, and such other things as he the said under-taker shall think fit) according to the proportion of five Acres of English measure for every man. 3 Those that are not willing to be at the charge to transport the foresaid number of men required for a Manor, and yet perhaps will be contented to be at the charge of a lesser number, they shall have assigned to them and their heirs for ever, the like proportion of land, in, and about the Town, according to the number of their men as aforesaid; and a 100 Acres more for each man, allotted to them in some convenient place of the Province, as others have, and be made Freeholders' too hold of his Lordsh. paying a yearly quit rend of 20. pound weight of Wheat, for every such 100 Acres. 4 If any man shall be unwilling, to trouble himself with providing such men and their necessaries, as aforesaid, and yet are desirous to employ some money upon this Plantation; if they signify such their desire, according to the time and place, here-under prefixed: they shall have directions to dispose their money, in such a way, as shall give them content, whereby they may have the advantage of the former conditions, according to the proportion of the money they adventure. 5 Whatsoever Adventurers shall carry, or send over any women, more or fewer, in the second voyage, he shall be allowed 30. Acres of good land in surplusage above the former proportions: for every woman he shall so carry over, or send over. 6 Whatsoever husbandman, or other laboring-man, shall be willing to go to this Plantation, and to bind himself a servant there for five years, he shall be entertained (if he come within the limited time to the place appointed) upon these terms; that is to say; he shall be found sufficient meat and drink, and clothing, during the said term: and at the end of the said term, he shall have 50. Acres of good land conveied to him, and his heirs for ever, within the said Province, a whole years' provision of all necessaries according to the usual custom of other Plantations. And if he be either a sufficient Carpenter, joiner, Bricklayer, Brick-maker, Mason, Wheele-wright, Cooper, or Shipwright, in stead of these 50. Acres proposed, he shall have 100 Acres of good land, at the end of his term, and the rest of the aforesaid conditions, for three years' service only. Whosoever intends to partake in this second Voyage, must come, or send before the 20. of October next ensuing, to M. William Peasely Esq. his Lordsh. brother in-law, at his house on the backside of Drury-lane, over against the Cockpit on the field-side: And there to him deliver their transportation-money, according to the number of men they mean to send over, at the rate of six pound a man, to the end convenient passage may be reserved for them, in his Lordsh. shipping; beyond which time it will not be possible for any to partake in this second Voyage. 15. july 1634.