A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROVINCE OF NEW ALBION. And a Direction for Adventurers with small stock to get two for one, and good land freely: And for Gentlemen, and all Servants, Labourers, and Artificers to live plentifully. And a former Description reprinted of the healthiest, pleasantest, and richest Plantation of New Albion in North Virginia, proved by thirteen witnesses. TOGETHER WITH A Letter from Master Robert Evelin, that lived there many years, showing the particularities, and excellency thereof. With a brief of the charge of victual, and necessaries, to transport and buy stock for each Planter, or Labourer, there to get his Master 50 l. per Annum, or more in twelve trades, and at 10 l. charges only a man. Printed in the Year 1648. The Order, medal, and ribbon of the Albion Knights, of the Conversion of 23 Kings, their support. Non arma nec Indi feroces Non Immensi Tremor Oceani DOCEBO INIQVOS VIAS tuas ET IMPII AD TE convertentur Edmundus COMES Palatinus ET Guber N ALBION SIC suos virtus BEAT Ployden's Arms. True virtue mounted aloft on Honour high, In a Serene Conscience as clear as sky. Albion's Arms. All power on life and death, the Sword and Crown, On gospel's Truth shines Honour and Renown. This Epistle and Preface shows Cato's best rules for a Plantation. To the Right Honourable and mighty Lord Edmund by Divine Providence Lord Proprieter, Earl Palatine, governor and Captain general of the Province of New Albion, and to the Right Honourable the Lord Viscount Monson of Castlemain, the Lord Sherard Baron of Letrim: and to all other the Viscounts, Barons, Baronets, Knights, Gentlemen, Merchants, Adventurers, and Planters of the hopeful Company of New Albion, in all 44 undertakers and subscribers, bound by Indenture to bring and settle 3000 able trained men in our said several Plantations in the said Province. Beauchamp Plantagenet of Belvil in New Albion Esquire, one of the Company, wisheth all health, happiness, and heavenly blessings. May it please your good Lordships and fellow Adventurers, HAving been blasted with the whirlwind of this late, unnatural and civil English war, seeing the Storm more likely to increase then to calm, I recollected my former journal and manual notes of my Travails by Land and Sea forty years since in Italy, France, Germany, Poland, and Belgia, and finding Omne solum forti patria, ut piscibus aequor; I perused all the books of any English Colonies, and by often conferences of the traders and resident planters, of the present state, condition, numbers, enemies, bad neighbours, air, health government, fortification and safety, religion, quietness, profit, and returns, shipping for supply and vent of the growing commodities; I conferred with my fellow patients, 7 Knights and Gentlemen, my kindred and neighbours, and reporting the true state of all our Colonies; and whiles thus musing I stood at a maze unresolved, the storm grew far more tempestuous with thunder and lightning, black and terrible gusts, and spouts, that made the rivers rise, and my friends to hide: for the roaring Cannon beat down their walls and houses, the Musqueteers, Dragoons▪ and Pistold horsemen swept all cattle and their goods afore them; the Pikemen in their enclosures and retreats, left them no beds, pots or pans; their silver plate was turned into earthen dishes: New names, and terms, like an unknown language, and like to strange people unheard of in all the Globe as far as our Antipodes, called Cavalleers, Presbyters, Independents, Roundheads, and Malignants, like the Goths, Huns, and Vandals, and Alans, that invaded and conquered Italy, Spain, and France; and like the Saxons, Jutes, and Angles, that conquered Britanny. These having plundered, and put upon us new Laws and Ordinances, called Contribution, Excise, Quartering, and Sequestrations, my friends were now and rightly by God's Providence made light, and not troubled or encumbered with much stuff to travel with, nor Farms, Tenements, or Copyholds, and for our sins our pride abated, our hearts humbled: our afflictions made us pray heartily, and call to God to direct us to infuse contrition and true sorrow, and purpose of amendment to follow his calling. We found this storm and heavy judgement had likewise afflicted Scotland, Ireland, Man, Jarsey, and Garasey Isles. Then perusing my old evidences, I found my ancestor Sir Richard Plantagenes had Chawton, Blendworth, Clanfield, and Catrington in Hampshire. But in those Civil-wars in Henry the sixth time, much like these or that of the guelves and Gibellines in Italy, all was lost. I resolved to be a Newter in this quarrel, not to kill English men and Christians, but with Christ to fly into Egypt, and like the Apostle Paul to fly out of one City into another, and get out of the fire: At last my seven Knights and Gentlemen employed me the oldest and boldest Traveller to see all English Plantations, by warrant to buy land in the healthiest and best for us eight, and for a hundred servants, and twenty of our old tenants and families. But in my private instructions, I was on a full and deliberate counsel directed to follow old Cato's rules in seating of the Roman Colonies, begun to be seated to save charge of Garrisons in new Conquests. First, to seat in a healthy pure air: else after all the hazard, charge and building past, their people die, and their posterity extinguish, and their children inherit ficknes & weakness. Secondly, to sit down in a fresh navigable river for trade and supply, where there was stone near to build, and not to build on wood subject to firing of enemies, negligence of servants, or treachery of slaves and apprentices; for this reason I on my view of Virginia, disliked Virginia, most of it being seated scatteringly in wooden clove board houses, where many by fire were undone, and by two massacres in an instant fired, without any forts there, or retreats of safety in time of danger, and seated amongst Saltmarches and Creeks, where thrice worse than Essex, and Tenet, and Kent for agues and diseases, brackish water to drink and use; and a flat Country, and standing waters in woods bred a double corrupt air, so the elements corrupted, no wonder as the old Virginians affirm, the sickness there the first thirty years to have killed 100000 men. And then generally five of six imported died, and now in June, July and August chiefly, one in nine die imported, absent a year and returning: though much land more now is cleared and victual and cattle mendeth the diet. Thirdly, Cato's and the third Roman rule was to seat in rich land so that the richness of the place and nearness of husbandry may continue the Colony with plenty and safety: this also Virginia for the most part wanteth, they living in salts, and most of their lands after two crops is a light hot earth, which kills barley with the hot ground and Sun in May. Thus instructed I viewed Barbadoes and Saint Christopher's, Bermudoes, New England, and Virginia, and Maryland; Saint Christopher's I find worn out, two parts full of French aliens subject to blast it, and winds blowing away Cotten, wanting victuals, and no store of land; Barbadoes hath some rich men, having Sugar mills, indigo, Ginger, Suckets of Oranges and lemons, and bad Tobacco; but their usual bread is of Cassada roots, whose juice is poison, so the negligence of a servant or slave in the right making of it may cost the whole family a poisoning; the servants usual food is some Pease, Potatoes, Roots, and those boiled make their drink called Mobby and Plantana roots; some rich have Poultry, and Hogs, and Cows tied up to trees, for there are few ranges and enclosures. These two last years the plague as I am informed killed 10000 brave people, and there are many hundred rebel Negro flaves in the woods; here was no store of land for our 120 men and their families, here wants the English man's grass, and so the English man's Beef, Mutton, Milk, Butter and Cheese, and they want rivers to turn their Sugar mills, so that New England sendeth Horses, and Virginia Oxen, to turn them at excessive rates, and their keeping is there chargeable, and at Barbadoes they buy much Beef and Meal, and Pease, and Fish from New England, and other places, yet this Isle is full of gallant people, very civil and well governed, and now no fear of the Spaniard being so populous. Then I touched at Bermudoes, an Isle twenty miles long, and two miles over; and in some places more guarded with Rocks and Isles, difficult in access, full of Figs, Oranges, lemons, Pomcitrons, Potatoes, and Plantans, maize wheat for bread, excellent Fish, Tobacco and Pease; healthy it is and quiet in government; But this Isle being but a pretty prison, was not for my Companies use. Thence I sailed to New England, where I found three months' snow, hard winter, but lean land, in general all along the Sea coast well peopled Towns, the people very thirsty, industrious, and temperate; their fish carried to Bilbao, and Saint Sebastans, their pipestaves to the Isles and Spain, and the corn of the floated river of Connectacute is transported, and the Beaver trade is their best subsistence. Still hoping for a richer and more temperate soil, I went to Virginia, passing 310 miles along the shores and Isles of New Albion, by Manhatas Isle, by Long Isle, Cape May, and the two Capes of Deleware Bay, by the lesser and southermost, being by our sea-mens' observations just in 38 degrees, and 40 minutes, and so by Chingotto, and Fe●z Isles in Maryland to Virginia, to Newports News, where receiving kind entertainment at Captain Matthews, at Master Fantleroys, and free quarter in all places, finding the Indian war ended, first by the valour, courage, and hot charge of Captain Martial, and valiant Stilwel, and finished by the personal and resolute March and Victory of Sir William Berkley governor, there taking the old King open Chankino prisoner, I wandered all over, finding no place for the reasons aforesaid fit for our Company: I went to Chicacoen, the North part of Virginia on Pawtomeck river, dividing it and Maryland, which I found healthier and better than Virginia, but than it was in war both with the Sasquehannocks, & all the Eastern Bay Indians, and a civil war between some revolters protestants, assisted by 50 plundered Virginians, by whom M. Leonard Calvert governor under his brother the Lord Baltamore, was taken prisoner and expelled: and the Isle of Kent taken from him also by Captain Clayborn of Virginia; yet I viewed Kent Isle, too wet, and plashy, having bad water, but there and at Chicacoen, and at Accomack in Virginia, and chiefly in New England, they related of the excellent temper, and pure air, fertility of soil, of hills that sheltered off the northwest winds, and blasts, valleys of grapes, rich mines, and millions of Elkes, Stags, Deer, Turkeys, Fowl, Fish, Cotten, rare fruits, Timber, and fair plains, & clear fields, which other Plantations want, this excelling all others: & finding it lay just midway between Virginia, too hot and aguish in the blasted plains on one side, and the cold New England on the other, and in the same elevation of Naples, the Garden of Europe, after one hunting voyage and view 60 miles on one side of Albion, and 310 miles on the other side, and Long Isle, finding the country's better and pleasanter then related, I made my addresses to the Lord governor of Albion, and having obtained under the Province Seal my grant of my Manor of Belvill containing 10000 acres, on a navigable river, having in it and near, alabaster, Terras for plaster of Paris, Building and Slatstone, store of Timber, clear Fields, Meads and Woods, and no Indians near, and Vines, I resolved to return to Holland, and to transport my friends, where most happily the second time meeting his Lordship, and perusing by his noble favour, all his lordship's Cards, and seamen's draughts, 17 journal books of discoveries, voyages, huntings, tradings, and several depositions under seal of the great beaver, and fur trade, rich mines, and many secrets and rarities. In fourteen days having with the two former books printed of Albion 1637, and 1642. made a full abstract and collection, agreeing with my own view & in the Depositions, and M. Evelins, and other the traders of Virginia & New England, I thought it most necessary for the good of all the Company, and many volunteers in Holland, distressed in England, and noble Knights, Gentlemen, that with a little stock may gain fair and rich possessions, and live in peace and quiet, to print and publish this my labour under all your lordship's Protections, most humbly craving your lordship's gentle acceptance. And because it conduceth much for a General & a Leader, to be known of his Commanders and Soldiers, his abilities, and virtues, and excellent parts drawing more men of honour and valour to follow him; it contenting much men of honour and dignity to be led and commanded by a better and more honourable, and more sufficient than themselves, and not their inferior: the meaner and poorer sort expecting all encouragement, justice and protection, and all the Company, the Adventures, and strangers to us all, may more freely and cheerfully go on, and set out their men, and expect the more and better returns & contentment, under his government, in whom Pietic, Religion, honour, Justice, Learning, valour, Judgement, Temperance, and policy shines; hope without offence or imputation of flattery, to affirm his virtues more than the gems of the Coronet of this our Earl Palatine, do adorn his noble parts. Since to me conscientiamea mille rests, I have had the honour to be admitted as his familiar, have marched, lodged, and cabbined together, amongst the Indians & in Holland, have seen so many of his Manuscript Books, and most excellent Rules and Observations of Law, Justice, Policy, I found his conversation as sweet and winning, as grave and sober, adorned with much Learning, enriched with six Languages, most grounded and experienced in foreign matters of State policy, and government, trade and sea voyages, by 4 years' travel in Germany, France, Italy and Belgium, by 5 years living an Officer in Ireland, and this last 7 years in America, his study and suits at home and abroad enabling his impartial and infallible judgement of Judicature, and certainly his perfect knowledge of his 23 Indian Kings, under the command of this our Lord royal, as of his good and bad neighbours, their power, wealth and weakness, English Aliens and Indians appears by his notes and books, where none of their treacheries, plots, conspiracies, haltings and villainies, their Antagonists, their numbers and abilities, the advantage of our arms and fights, and stratagerns are as Greek phalanges and they as Roman Manuples and enemies to side with; and how to quiet and regain, kill, or surprise them, is not expressed. What Port, Bay and soundings, Creek, river, rock, quarries of stone, slate, Iron mines, Gum-Dragoon, Lead, Gold, and Silver, alabaster, Terras Bolarmack, red soap earth, Terra-lemnia, dyer's ware, herbs and Plants, and their use, Ocar, Rudle, Cinnaber for quicksilver, and Vermilion, is not in particular, Cards by compass, and scale in books, with the trials and witnesses recorded. What land and sea profit, fishing, place for salt, Potas Dies, Fruits herbs and Plants, clear Fields, great Plains, fine and thick grass, Marshes, necks of land, rich, black, moulded countries for Tobacco, flax, Rice, choice Trees, and Timber for Shipping, and Pipestaves, Masts, Yards, Pitch, Tar, sheltered places for Grapes and Fruits; Cotten in Cotten river, invincible places by nature, others by a little charge and fort to be made impregnable, is not in this huge and waste Province, being 1000 mile compass delineated; and what Law or Policy, and summary Justice, Courts of Law, Equity, Appeals, Awards, or references, fit to compose differences, reconcile debates, to unite hearts, to settle the factious and seditious in any other English Colonies or Countries, and fit for our Justice, is not explained. Therefore my good Lords and Adventurers, since I speak of knowledge by view, and certain reports of wise and knowing men, I shall joy and congratulate with you all, in so able, sufficient, and honourable a governor, happily to rule, to defend, and do us justice; a tried and seasoned man, and excellent Pilot in all this Land and Seas, not afeard in person as a true Captain general by Land and Sea, to lead and settle us by Boat, Horse or Foot, as able and willing as any of the meanest; and therefore I think at first it most material to express the Law, Statutes, and Judgements, and Acts of Parliament of Counts, and Count Palatines, and County Palatines, and of our Province and County Palatine, Liberties, and the ancient family 1200 year from the Saxons in England, of our Earl Palatine, his pedigree and alliance. And since according as other Palatines, as he of Chester and Duresme, made their Barons and Knights, as therein many are yet living, you my Lord have begun to honour first your own children, I tender my best respects unto your Lps son and heir apparent Francis Lord Ployden, Baron of Mount royal, D. governor, and to Thomas Lord Ployden, Baron of Roymont, High admiral: and to the Lady Winefrid Baroness of Wedale, the pattern of mildness and modesty; and to the Lady Barbara, Baroness of Ritchneck, the mirror of wit and beauty, and to the Lady Katherine Baroness of Princeport, that pretty babe of grace, whose fair hands I kiss, hoping on your lordship's invitation C. C. T. and your two baronets' L. and M. to get them as they promised to go with us. I hope to get your Knights and 200 Planters on this side ready. And thus with tender of my service to your Lordships, and all the Company, I rest Your humblest servant, BEAUCHAMP PLANTAGENET. Middleboro this 5 of Decemb. 1648. THE CONTENTS OF THE several Chapters. Chap. 1. OF Counts or Earls created, and County Palatines, and of our Province and County Palatine, Liberties, and the ancient Family 1200 years of our Earl Palatine from the Saxons in England, his pedigree and alliance. Ch. 2. His Majesty, and his ancestors just title, and actual possession of these Countries, of some Aliens and pirates in landing and disinheriting the English Crown, and of bad English and Fugitives to them adhering; the just cause and excuse to expel them. Ch. 3. The Description of Master Robert Evelin and 13 witnesses, printed 7 years since, and now reprinted. Ch. 4. The more large and exact Description and Declaration of many things these last seven years, the bounds of all to it adjoining of Virginia, Maryland, New England; and Answer to Objections of bounds. The number of the present inhabitants, and their cattle in this Province, 1000 miles' compass; the number of Indians. Ch. 5. What Cargason is necessary to transport for the Lord of a Manor, or to trade or truck with the Indians. Ch. 6. Our present staple commodities, how oft a man transported and stocked to make of his 100 acres 50 or 70 per annum. CHAP. I. FOr the first creation of Earls in the Saxons time, and since by the Norman Kings in England, I refer you to that learned Antiquary Master Selden his Book, who writeth at large in his Book of Titles and Honours, as well of this as of foreign Nations. But there you shall find Records cited, and Earls made both by Privy Signet and Privy Seal, without the Great Seal. And they were not then merely titulary, and nominal, without Interest, Power and Judicature, as now they are commonly all, except the Earl of Arundel, who still is a local feodal Earl, by possession of the Castle, and of some Rapes or Liberties; for the Lord Lumley not long since for some years being possessed thereof, was for such time Earl of Arundel, and that earldom is confirmed, and so adjudged with his honour and precedency, by the house of Peers entered both in the Parliament, and Court of Honour rolls: and the royal Grant was, Do tibi Comitatum & tertiam partem profitucrum, unde Comes est. And he made the sheriff, or his Viscount, or Deputy: and the County Court was his, and it was an honour and office, both with the County and assignable, the assignee enjoying the County, honour and office, as in Master Selden's book is cited in their Patents, and was not so many large words for his Title and Peerage as is now used. But in the Reports 9 Jacobi of Sir John Davis in the case of the County Palatine, and in the Fourth Part of the Institutes of Sir Edward Coke, of Jurisdiction of Courts, of the three County Palatines, yet in England you may see Acts of Parliament, Judgements and full matter, showing, That there Sir Io. Davis fol. 59 were Comites Palatini of the first and higher rank, which had in their Territories absolute command in martial, civil and criminal matters, with all Royalties and Regalities which the second order of titulary or nominal Earls had not, both in the Saxons and Normans time, long before the title of Duke, marquess, or Viscount were here granted. Secondly, Comes Palatinus was Comes Palatii, being a chief fol. 60. council and Companion to the Emperor or King, Comes Curarum Par extans Curis, solo diademate dispar. That in Chester, Durham, Lancaster and Pembroke, were made Earl Palatines, and County Palatines: and in Ireland in Lemster, Earl Strongbows Sir Hugh de Lacie in Meth, to Sir Hugh de Lacie the younger in Vister. That William Martial marrying Earl Strongbows daughter, had by her five daughters: So as the Province of Lemster descending to them, it was divided into five Counties, to each of them one County Palatine. That Bracton fol. 62. the ancientest of Lawyers, avers Earl Palatines have regal power in all things saving Liegance to the King; Hugh Lupus by the conqueror was made Earl Palatine of the County of Chester, as free to the sword, as the King to the Crown, and the Palatine of Chester made Barons, the Baron of Haulton, the Baron of Malbanck, the Baron Malpas, the Baron of Kinderton, and in Lancaster, the Baron of Walton in Durham, the Baron of Hilton, and in Meth, Magnates and Barons; Baron de Streene, Baron de Nuven, Baron de Baltrim, Baron de la Narrow, Baron de Rheban in Kildare; the Baron Idrone in Caterlogh, the Baron of Burn-Church in Kilkenny, Baron of Nevil in Wexford, Baron of Loughmo in Tiperary, Baron Misset, and Baron Savage in Ulster. That these Earls Palatines had Parliaments, made tenures in Capite, and fol. 67. grand Serjancy, and the tenants sued out Licence of Alienations, and all Writs and Pleas, Officers, chancellors, Judges, and that none of the King's Officers could enter there, or that the King's Writs, neither at Law or Chancery, did lie or run there, and that the County Sir E. Coke fol. 211. Palatine was thereby absolutely severed from the crown. That the County Palatine of Lancaster was created by that of Chester: and to Chester was annexed his conquered small County of Flint in Wales, and made besides the four above, four other fol 21●. Barons: Vernon of Saybrook, Hammond de Massi Baron of Durham, and the Barons of Hawardin and Stockport, and in other Antiquities, Cornwall Baron of Burford in Shropshire. That any Manors or Lands lying out of the County Palatine if held thereof, and the pleas of the inhabitants there arising shall be tried within the County Palatine. Thomas and Hugh Count Palatines both, and both Bishops pleaded and returned to the King's Writs: I am a Lord royal here, the King's fol. 221. Writs do not run here. The eldest sisters son by descent after her mother was Earl Palatine of Pembroke; And the Law, Reports, and Abridgements, show they made Knights, and as Knights were to be impleaded; Divers statutes show Durham and the Earl Palatines, Mints, Durham pence yet extant. The Earl Palatines had in their Counties Iura Regalia, as the King fol. 204. had in his Palace, &c. Sir Io. Davis fol. 60. In the Lord Lovels Case, the name or title of a Baron is no name of dignity or addition, 8 H. 6. 10. but Earl is parcel of his name, and of the substance of his name, and if it be left out of the Writ, the Writ shall abate, 39 E. 3. 35. the case of Gilbert Vmfrevill Earl of Angus; and 14 E. 3. Brief 278. the case of Hugh de Audley Earl of Gloucester; yet note Master Burlacy, for not calling the Lord Mohun Lord, but Mohun, was committed to prison; and note in a Star-chamber Bill, the Lord Verulam, his widow marrying Sir John underhill, was called and charged as my Lady underhill▪ the late wife of Viscount Verulam, and not being called viscountess, the Bill was cast out, and a Fine for dishonour imposed. Now there be four other Lord Proprietors that have Palatine jurisdiction granted, and Provinces in the West-India Isles, Florida and Maryland, and as free as the Bishop of Durham had, but none have a special creation of an Earl Palatine, but ours of New Albion: nor have they the words with such Additions, Titles, Dignities, and privileges, as either Durham or any other had, nor any special grant to coin money; in that of Maryland special Resort or sovereign Dominion, which is a Court of Appeal, as in the case of King E. the third, and his son E. in Aquitany, with free fishing, and wood for houses, and to set up fishing stages, is reserved; Else all the Lord Proprietors have all the like Royalties and Regalities, and Sir E. Coke fol. 216. all these 11 H. 6. in a long Roll particularly expressed, are confirmed by Parliament to the Bishop of Durham, and so thereby to all the Lord Proprietors. And all of them have a special clause to give to the well deserving inhabitants in those Provinces, Titles, Honour and Dignities, so as they be not the same used in England. Now though some question is made whether the other four Lord Proprietors can make Barons or any Knights in their Provinces, because such Honours and Titles of Barons and Knights, are used here; but there is no question or doubt in the Province of New Albion, our Lord being an Earl Palatine 16 years standing, as free as Chester and Pembroke; or Lacie, OF Strongbow in Ireland, by that second power according to the judged cases in Law and in Parliament, may make provincial, local and fewdall Barons, as the 19 above named, and make Knight bachelors, though here used, & to have precedency, as others have had heretofore, though his intended order of Knights of the Conversion of Albion is more proper. And for our Earl Palatines Honour and Peerage in Ireland, and to make his Proxy in his absence in that House of Peers there▪ with all suh honour and Titles, & Precedency to him, his Countess, and children, in all places▪ as an Irish Earl, the special Decree and Clauses in the Charter doth fully warrant it. All the Civilians, Pleaders in the Court of Honour, and two sergeants of the coif at Law, nine in number, have certified it, and enroled on record, and is exemplified under the seal; the Baronets of Nova Scotia being President for the like case. And note both the King of France, and this our King, have made Barons and Knights, Hollanders, that have precedency there before other the subjects there. But to answer an Objection of some not truly informed and mistaken, conceiving that our Earl Palatine might in his country only and nowhere else, have his Honour, Title and Precedency. I answer, that our sovereign Lord King Charles▪ as Emperor of England, under his Privy Signet, signed with his royal hand, so granted and created him, which alone had been sufficient, as others have been made, in Master Selden's Book, Records and precedents mentioned; but being farther with special Clauses and Decree, and special Creation, so made and particularly granted, that both by Tenure and Dependency, and that this Province shall be of the Liegance of Ireland, and all there born to be free Denizens thereof, and under his majesty's Great Seal, there is no doubt or question thereof; For he is no Alien Earl made by an Alien King, as Copply by the French King, Duke Dudley, and Count Arundel by the Emperor, but by our own King the fountain of Honour; For an Earl by his Charter carrieth his Honour with him in all places, and that is his true name as above is adjudged, and is not to be sued or sue, is adjudged, without it; and so the nine learned Civilians and sergeants have certified; and Nova Scotia is so annexed to Scotland, Adam de Valentia, and marshal, Earle Palatines of Pembroke by Conquest in the kingdom or Principality of Wales, then out of England, was a Peer to the English Parliament, and so the three Irish conquerors Palatines recited; and how absurd a conceit it is that our Earl Palatine in Albion, and he of Pembroke in Wales, and the rest having all Regalities and Powers, Lordship, Honour and Titles, and power to give Honours and make Barons coming out of their Countries into England, should here be unlorded and debased unto Esquires without Lordship, Honour or Precedency. And note all these, and Earl Fitz Allen in his local earldom of Arundel by Writ being called to Parliament, is not there by an Earl; for to be called by Writ, is only to be a Lord or Baron, and so the Earl of Arundels Title and Precedency was adjudged him after long debate by Parliament. To conclude, the Earl Palatines of Chester and Pembroke, and Montgomery, or de Belesmo in Shropshire, were the greatest Princes▪ of England; and by their Conquests, and so in Ireland▪ by their Hazard and Conquests that kingdom and Wales is gotten to this Crown: And so the now Lord five Proprietors that now conquer on Indians, and convert Pagans, and civilize them, and bring them to the obedience of our sovereign, and at their own charges have made an entrance and sure way with the other Colonies of America to make our sovereign an Emperor of America, having now near two hundred thousand to defend his Empire; and therefore deserve all Honour and Encouragement; amongst which our Earl Palatine having adventured in person seven years, with so much hazard and charges, is chiefly to be advanced and honoured according to his worth. Now for the pedigree and ancient Family of our Earl Palatine of 1200 years' descent, being in England and borders of Wales: I find only a letter in the name changed, in each Age, and Conquest or change of Nation; for in Henry of Huntingdon, and William of Malmsbury, his Chronicles of all the Saxon Princes, that here arrived, and seated, and conquered the Britains; this family descending of a daughter, came with those Princes into Britain; and I find that in lower Saxony near Hamboro, and Holstein a member of the Empire, and in all Maps there is still in that harsh language Ployen a walled City by a lake, and Plowen a walled Castle of Count Plowen, a Count of the sacred Empire, in Grimston's and other Histories mentioned; Now the Welsh make and turn the vowel u into i. or y, as from Brutus to Britons, so Plowden to Ployden▪ as all Maps write it. In Deeds, and the Bishop of Hereford's Records I find Anno Domini 904. an Exchange pro decem manlis vocat Ploydanes place super quas Episcopus aedificaturus est Castrum, called Bishops Castle, in which Town the Ployden's have much lands and tenements, having Ployden Manor, Ployden Hall, Longvili Castle, and thirteen towns about it to this day, and at the coming in of H. the seventh were Commanders of that country, and Constables, or Chastellains of that Fort of Bishop's Castle; now Ployden and Ployden is all one, Forest of Danes for Denc, the Norman pronunciation, which name of Ployden signifieth kill Dane, or wound Dane: and Pleyden by Ry in Sussex was of this house, and signifieth in French hurt Dane, and this Pleyden sent his sons and conquered in Normandy, where are five families yet: and the heir of Pleyden wanting issue, made it an hospital, now held by the Earl of Thanet, Lord Toston; So Plowen, Ployen, Ploydane, Ployden, Plowden and Pleyden is all one, for the change of time, and several Nations pronunciation, Saxons, Danes, English, Welsh and Normans. And note, to this day an Esquire in France of 300 years standing of Coat armour shall take place and precedency of any Earl, Viscount or Baron, which is not so ancient of Coat armour, they not allowing the King by new creations to bar their inheritance and precedency. And for their greatness and pedigree, I find Ployden married the daughter of John de Monte Gomerico, (now called Mount Gomery) Earl of Salopshire, in William the conquerors reign, and in Edward the thirds time married the daughter of that great and rich Knight Burley conqueror in France: Humphrey Ployden in H. the seventh's time married the daughter and heir Stury of Stury Hall, daughter of Corbet, of Morton Corbet, by whom the Lacons, Laytons, Bromlees, Purcelswollascot, of Wollascot, and the two baronets' Lee and Corbet Knights for the County of Salop to this Parliament, are of his kindred. And of the daughters of John Ployden, Lord Blany of Ireland, and of the other daughter married to Hardwick, grandmother to that great Thin of Clause Castle; the third daughter married to Walcot of Walcot Close to Ployden, yet men of great possessions, the Countess of Bristol being a Walcot, and so her sons, the Lord Digby and Sir Lewis Dives, and viscountess Chichester, or Belfast, and the other Ladies her daughters are descended, and are his kindred. Our Earl Palatines mother being sister of Sir Richard Fermor of Somerton, and x of Sir George and Sir Hatton Fermor, descended of the Knightlies', and so the Lord Viscount Say and Seal, the Countess of Thomond a Fermor, and her children, and Viscount Wenman marrying Sir Hatton Fermors children: the Baroness of Aborgenny, and her sister married to Baronet Gage are his nieces; his mother the Lady Penel●pe, daughter to the Lord Darcy, Viscount Colchester, Earl River●; but his branches for three last descents are so many, and at least fifty baronets' Knights, Esquires, of 1000 l. per annum at least, and their numerous issue; but for heirs males of the name his first is Ployden of Wansteed, Ployden of Shipplacke, Ployden of Askon, Ployden of Ployden, and Ployden of Lee, and Doctor Ployden late of Lambeth. And for his now wife Countess Palatine, daughter and heir to two worthy families, niece of Sir George and Sir Hambden Paulet deceased, in that pedigree 300 from the marquess of Winchester, Lord high Treasurer of England are allied. All which I have more fully published, that all of his kindred may, any ways poor or oppressed, the sooner be preferred, advanced and transplanted to this most rich and pleasant Province, and to great possessions and honours there, as great Strongbow did 1200 of his to Wexford and Lemster in Ireland. CHAP. II. NOW for the full and ample satisfaction of the Reader of his majesty's just title, & power to grant, enjoy, & possess these countries, as well against Aliens as Indians which this forty years hath not been by print declared, You may read at large Master Hacluits Voyages and Discoveries▪ Master Purchas and Captain Smiths: for when the Spaniard and Portugal discovered and possessed 140 years since the East-Indies, Brasill, the South part of America, the Charibees and Antell Isles, and seated Saint John de porto Rico Hispanicla, Jamaica and Cuba, and the Fort and Port of Havanah, against the Gulf and Current, Batuana Isles, and point of Florida; then that most powerful and richest King of Europe, King Henry the seventh of England sent out an English man born in Bristol called Cabot, granted under his Great seal to him all places and countries by him to be discovered and possessed, who then beginning at Cape Florida discovered, entered on, took possession, set up crosses, and procured atturnment and acknowledgement of the Indian Kings to his then Majesty, as Head, Lord and Emperor of the South-west America, all along that coast both in Florida from 20 degrees to 35, where old Virginia in 35 and 30 minutes, 65 years since was seated by 5 several Colonies about Croatan Cape, Haloraske, and Rawley's Isle, by Sir Walter Raleigh, who had from Queen Elizabeth that place, and two hundred leagues from it in all places adjoining; Sir Richard Greenfield, Sir Ralph Lane, and Master White his partners s●ating and fortifying there; the said Cabot farther taking possession in 37 of that part called Virginia and Chisapeack Bay being now his majesty's Demesne Colony of Virginia, and of the next great Bay in or near 39, called now by the Dutch Cape Henlopen, the south river, and by us Cape James and Delaware Bay of the Baron of Delawares name, being then governor of Virginia, who by Sir Thomas Dale and Sir Samuel Argoll, 40 years since took possession and atturnment of the Indian Kings, and 60 years since Sir Walter Raleigh seated and left 30 men and four pieces of Ordnance at the Creek near Cape James, by the Dutch called Horekill, by us Ro●mont, and by the Indians Cui Achomoca; and so the next river by us called Hudson's river, of the name of Hudson an English man, the discoverer thirty five years since, who sold his discovery, plots and cards to the Dutch; and so Cabot discovered several rivers and countries all along the coast North-East, now called New England, and divided in nine several Governments, and further discovered Port royal, and that part called New Scotland, & set up Crosses, where you may see in the French Book called New France, the French found an old cross all mossy in an eminent place at the head of that Bay and Port, and discovered all that coast and Newfoundland, and that called Terra de Laborador, or New Britain, as far as the frozen strait of Davis; Shortly after one Master Hore in the Reign of King Henry the 8●●, renewed this actual possession, atturnment of the Indian Kings, brought home divers of the chief Indian Kings to England, who gave their Homage and Oath of fidelity for these countries to King Henry the eight in person sitting on his Throne in State in his Palace Hall at Westminster. Then Virginia being granted, settled, and all that part now called Maryland, New Albion, and New Scotland, being part of Virginia, Sir Thomas Dale, and Sir Samuel Argoll, Captains and Counsellors of Virginia, hearing of divers Aliens and Intruders, and Traders without licence, with a vessel and forty soldiers landed at a place called Mount Desert in Nova Scotia near S. John's river, or Twede, possessed by the French, there killed some French, took away their Guns and dismantled the Fort, and in their return landed at Manhatas Isle in Hudson's river, where they found four houses built, and a pretended Dutch governor, under the West-India Company of Amsterdam share or part; who kept trading boats and trucking with the Indians; but the said Knights told him their Commission was to expel him and all Aliens Intruders on his majesty's Dominion and Territories, this being part of Virginia, and this river an English discovery of Hudson and English man, the Dutch man contented them for their charge and voyage, and by his Letter sent to Virginia and recorded, submitted himself, Company and Plantation to his Majesty, and to the governor and government of Virginia; but the next pretended Dutch governor in Maps and printed Cards, calling this part New netherlands, failing in paying of customs, at his return to Plymouth in England, was there with his beaver goods and person, attached to his damage of 1500 l. whereupon at the suit of the governor and council of Virginia, his now Majesty by his ambassador in Holland, complaining of the said Aliens intrusion on such his Territories & Dominions, the said Lords, the States of Holland by their public instrument declared, That they did not avow, nor would protect them, being a private party of the Amsterdam West-India Company, but left them to his Majestics will & mercy: whereupon three several Orders from the council Table, and Commissions have been granted for the expelling and removing them thence, of which they taking notice, and knowing their weakness and want of victuals, have offered to sell the same for 2500 l. And lastly, taking advantage of our present war & distractions, now ask 7000 l. and have lately offered many affronts & damages to his Majestis subjects in New England: and in general endanger all his majesty's adjoining Countries, most wickedly, feloniously, and traitorously, contrary to the Marine and admiral Laws of all Christians, sell by whole sale guns, powder, shot and ammunition to the Indians, instructing them in the use of our fights and arms; insomuch as 2000 Indians by them armed, Mohacks, Raritans, and some of Long Isle with their own guns so sold them, fall into war with the Dutch, destroyed all their scattering Farms and Boors, in forcing them all to retire to their Up for't 40 leagues up that river, and to Manhatas, for all or most retreating to Manhatas, it is now a pretty town of trade having more English than Dutch: and it is very considerable that three years since Stuy their governor put out his Declaration, confessing that the neighbour English might well be offended with their selling Indians arms and ammunition, but being but a few and so scattered, they could not live else there, or trade, the Indians refusing to trade or suffer the Dutch to plow without they would sell them guns. The like folly they committed, and inconvenience to themselves, and all English, for eight years since, in their West-India Fleet, battered by the Spanish Armado, they brought home forty Swedish poor soldiers; and hearing that Captain Young and Master Evelin had given over their Fort begun at Eriwemeck within Delaware Bay, there half starved and tottered they left them, who learning the Indian language and finding much talk and trials of a gold mine there, though in truth fifty shillings charges produced of that light sand but nine shillings in gold and therefore was of Captain Young that tried it slighted; yet one Bogot under the Swedes name and Commission, there traded to cross the Dutch of Manhatas, and to undersell them, and left and seated there eighteen Swedes, who proclaiming a gold mine drew more to them, and have gotten a great trade; and now this last Summer fifteen Swedes and fifteen Dutch had a skirmish; the Swedes pulled down a Dutch trading house, and do both undersell them, and spoiled much their and English trading with the Indians, both striving to please and side with the Indians, both entertaining and refusing to return all English fugitives and servants. The Swedes hiring out three of their soldiers to the Sasquehannock●, have taught them the use of our arms and fights, and marching with them into the Kings own Colony of Virginia, have carried thence the King of Pawtomeck prisoner, and expelled his and eight other Indian Nations in Maryland civilised and subject to the English Crown. Now if a Proclamation of open war be set out against the Dutch and Swedes for this their villainy, and all English forbid to trade, victual or relieve them, they must both vanish, especially if those bad English that live, adhere and obey these Aliens in these his majesty's countries be warned of the statute of King James of famous memory, in these words: That all Subjects giving any obedience or acknowledgement to any foreign Prince, State, Pope, or Potentate, within his majesty's Territories and Dominions in England or beyond the sea, is a traitor, and shall forfeit and suffer as a traitor. And certainly all English, and chiefly those of New England being ready in twenty four hours will join to expel them both to regain their own trade, to get their seats, and to be rid of the danger of armed gunning Indians. CHAP. II. Whereas that part of America, or North Virginia, lying about 39 degrees at Delaware Bay called the Province of new Albion, is situate in the best and same temper, and as Italy, between too cold Germany, and too hot Barbary: so this lying just midway between New England 200 miles North, and Virginia 150 miles South, where now are settled 800000 English, and 140 ships in trade, is freed from the extreme cold and barrenness of the one & heat and aguish Marshes of the other & is like Lombary, and a rich fat soil, plain, and having 34 rivers on the main land, 17 great Isles, & partaketh of the healthiest air and most excellent commodities of Europe, and replenished with the goodliest woods of Oaks and all Timber for ships and Masts, Mulberries for silk, sweet cypress, Cedars, Pines and Firres, 4 sorts of Grapes for wine, & Raisins, & with the greatest variety of choice fruits, fish & fowl, stored with all sons of corn, yielding 5, 7 and 10 quarters an acre: Silkgras, salt, good Mines and dyer's ware, 5 sorts of Deer, buffs, and huge Elks to plow and work, all bringing 3 young at once. The Uplands covered many months with berries, roots, chestnuts, walnuts, Beech and Oak Mast to feed them, hogs and Turkeys, 500 in a flock, and having near the Colony of Manteses 400000 acres of plain mead land, and mere level, to be flowed and fludded by that river for corn, rice, rapes, flax and hemp. After 17 years trading and discovery there and trial made, is begun to be planted and stored by the governor and Company of New Albion, consisting of forty four Lords, Baronets, Knights and Merchants, who for the true informing of themselves, their friends, Adventurers and Partners by Residents and Traders there four several years out of their journal Books, namely, by captain Browne a shipmaster, and Master Stafford his Mate, and by Captain Claybourn 14 years there trading, and Constantine his Indian there born and bred, and by Master Robert Evelin 4 years there; yet by eight of their hands subscribed and enroled do testify this to be the true state of the Country, of the Land, and Delaware Bay or Charles River, which is further witnessed by Captain Smith and other books of Virginia and by New England's Prospect, new Canaan, Captain Powell's Map, and other descriptions of New England and Virginia. Captain Brown. Captain Clayborn. Robert Evelin. Stafford. Constantine. Stratton. Thomas White. Richard Buckham. Christoph. Thomas. Edward Monmouth. Tennis Palee. Edward Rhodes. Peter Rixford. Master Evelins Letter. Good Madam: SIr. Edmund our noble governor and Lord Earl Palatine, persisting still in his noble purpose to go on with his plantation in Delaware or Charles river, just midway between New England and Virginia, where with my uncle Young I several years resided, hath often informed himself both of me and Master S●rat●on, as I perceive by the hands subscribed of Edward Monmouth, tennis Palce, and as Master Buckham, Master White, and other shipmasters, and sailors, whose hands I know, and it to be true, that there lived and traded with me, and is sufficiently instructed of the state of the country, and people there, and I should very gladly according to his desire have waited on you into Hamshire to have informed your Honour in person, had not I next week been passing to Virginia. But nevertheless to satisfy you of the truth, I thought good to write unto you my knowledge, and first to describe you from the North side of Delaware unto Hudson's river, in Sir Edmund's Patent, called new Albion, which lieth just between New England and Maryland, and that Ocean sea, I take it to be about 160 miles. I find some broken land, Isles and Inlets, and many small Isles at Egbay: But going to Delaware Bay, by Cape May, which is 24 miles at most, and is as I understand very well set out, and printed in Captain Powell's Map of New England, done as is told me by a draught I gave to M. Daniel the plotmaker, which Sir Edmund saith you have at home, on that North side about five miles within a port, or rode for any ships called the Nook, and within it lieth the King of Kechemeches, having as I suppose about 50 men, and 12 leagues higher a little above the Bay and Bar is the river of Manteses, which hath 20 miles on Charles river, and 30 miles running up a fair navigable deep river all a flat level of rich and fat black Marsh mould▪ which I think to be 300000 acres: In this Sir Edmund intendeth as he saith to settle, and there the King of Manteses hath about 100 bowmen, next above about 6 leagues higher is a fair deep river 12 miles navigable, where is Freestone, and there over against is the King of Sikonesses, and next is Asomo●ches river and King with an hundred men, and next is Eriwoneck a King of forty men where we sat down, and five miles above is the King of Ramcock with a hundred men, and four miles higher the King of Axion with two hundred men, and next to him ten leagues overland an inland King of Calcesar, with an hundred & fifty men▪ & then there is in the middle of Charles river two fair woody Isles, very pleasant and fit for Parks, the one of a thousand acres, the other of fourteen hundred, or thereabout. And six leagues higher near a Creek called Mosilian, the King having two hundred men. And then we come to the falls, made by a rock of limestone▪ as I suppose it is, about sixty and five leagues from the sea, near to which is an Isle fit for a City, all materials there to build; and above, the river fair and navigable, as the Indians inform me, for I went but ten miles higher. I do account all the Indians to be eight hundred, and are in several factions and war against the Sasquehannocks, and are all extreme fearful of a gun, naked and unarmed against our shot, swords, and pikes. I had some bickering with some of them, and they are of so little esteem, as I durst with fifteen men sit down, or trade in despite of them, and since my return eighteen Swedes are settled there, and so sometime six Dutch do in a boat trade without fear of them. I saw there an infinite quantity of Bustards, Swans, Geese and Fowl, covering the shores as within the like multitude of Pigeons▪ and store of turkeys, of which I tried one to weigh forty and six pounds. There is much variety and plenty of delicate fresh and sea-fish, and shellfish, and Whales or Grampus: Elks, dear that bring three young at a time and the woods bestrewed many months with Chest-nuts, walnuts, Mast of several sorts to feed them, and Hogs, that would increase exceedingly. There the barren grounds have four kinds of Grapes and many Mulberries with Ash, Elms, and the tallest and greatest Pines and Pitch-trees that I have seen. There are Cedars, cypress, and Saffafras, with wild fruits, pears, wild cherries, pine-apples, and the dainty Parsemenas'. And there is no question but Almonds, and other fruits of Spain will prosper, as in Virginia. And (which is a good comfort) in four and twenty hours you may send or go by sea to New England or Virginia, with a fair wind, you may have cattle, and from the Indians two thousand barrels of corn, at twelve pence a bushel in truck, so as victuals are there cheaper and better, then to be transported: Neither do I conceive any great need of a Fort or Charge where there is no enemy. If my Lord Palatine will bring with him three hundred men or more▪ there is no doubt but that he may do very well and grow rich, for it is a most pure healthful air, & such pure wholesome springs, rivers, and waters, as are delightful, of a Desert, as can be seen, with so many varieties of several flowers, trees, and forests for swine. So many fair risings and prospects, all green and verdant: and Maryland a good friend and neighbour, in four & twenty hours ready to comfort and supply. And truly I believe, my Lord of Baltamore will be glad of my Lord Palatines Plantation and assistance against any enemy or bad neighbour. And if my Lord Palatine employ some men to sow flax, hemp and rapes in those rich Marishes, or build ships and make pipestaves, and load some ships with these wares, or fish from the Northward, he may have any money, ware, or company brought him by his own ships, or the ships of Virginia or New England all the year. And because your Honour is of the noble house of the Pawlets, and as I am informed, desire to lead many of your friends & kindred thither, whom as I honour, I desire to serve, I shall entreat you to believe me as▪ a Gentleman and Christian, I write you nothing but the truth, and hope there to take opportunity in due season to visit you, and do all the good offices in Virginia, my place or friends can serve you in. And thus tendering my service, I rest Madam, Your Honours most humble faithful servant Robert Evelin. CHAP. IV. NOw since Master Elmes letter and seven years' discoveries of the Lord governor in person, and by honest traders with the Indians, we find beside the Indian Kings by him known and printed, in this Province there is in all twenty three Indian Kings or chief Commanders, and besides the number of 800 by him named, there is at least 1200 under the two Raritan Kings on the North side next to Hudson's river, and those come down to the Ocean about little Egbay and Sandy Barnogate, and about the South cape two small Kings of forty men a piece, called Tirans and Tiascons, and a third reduced to fourteen men at Roymont, the Sasquehannocks are not now of the Naturals left above 110, though with their forced Auxiliaries the John a Does, and Wicomeses they can make 250: these together are counted valiant & terrible to other cowardly dull Indians, which they beat with the sight of guns only; but in truth meeting with English, are the basest cowards of all, though cunning and subtle to entrap and surprise on all straits, coverts, reeds, and ambushes, for at the last Maryland March against them, these 250 having surprised in the reeds, and killed five English men with the loss of one of theirs, Captain Cornwallis that noble, right valiant, and politic soldier, losing but one man more, killed with fifty five of his, and but raw and tired Marylanders, twenty nine Indians as they confessed, though compassed round with two hundred and fifty: and Summer was twelve month, Captain Lewis of Maryland at the Coves drawing but twenty men out of his wind bound Sloupes, and in two small Cocke-boates much distant, finding twenty four Canoes, and therein an hundred and forty Sasquehannocks, reduced by these three Swedes into a half moon, with intent to encompass the first small boat before the second could reach the former, at the first volley of ten sho●, and loss of one Indian, they run all away; for note generally twelve English with five foot Calivers, shoot thirty pellets, or dag shot, and fifty yards' distance, and the naked Indian shooteth but one arrow, and but thirty yards' distance, so as his Lordship knoweth well with such a squadron of twelve or thirteen mark-men, to encounter three hundred, and to bring by the lock the proudest Sagamoore, to be ransomed for any trespass: and not to suffer any Indian or trader without his lordship's badge or stamped livery worn, to come within twenty miles of his Plantation, or ten miles of their Cattle, as in all the out-skirts of Virginia is used, but to kill them. Insomuch as the Emperor Nicotowance saying was, my countrymen tell me I am a liar, when I tell them the English men will kill you if you go into their bounds; but valiant Captain Freeman made him no liar, when lately he killed three Indians so without badge encroaching. And therefore fair and far off is best with Heathen Indians; and fit it is to reduce all their trading to five Ports or Pallisadoed trucking houses, and to kill all stragglers and such spies without ransom. Then shall christians and their cattle be safe and quiet, and severely putting to death all that sell the Indians guns arms and ammunition, than Indians are sooner ruled, civilised and subjected, as in New England is daily seen. In Long Isle are about four Kings, and eight hundred bowmen, most of them two hundred miles off his Lps seat of Watcessit in Charles river, these of Long Isle are well civilised▪ living within ten miles, and in sight of eight thousand English in that part of New England being▪ and the five towns in Connectacute river, and New Haven town being populous, discourageth any hostility: but chiefly his Lordships six good free-holding towns in Long Isle, is a bridle to check and contain them; for Southampton, Hempsteed, Flushing, Gravesand and Ainsford are placed like distinct garrisons to command them. Then between the two South Capes there are two petty Kings called Aquats and little Matankin, having both an hundred bowmen, and above Watcessit South-west, are the black and white Mincos near three hundred men, being special friends to Watcessit, and enemies to the Sasquehannocks. Now for choice seats for English, Watcessit first, where were seventy English, as Master Miles deposeth, he swearing the officers there to his majesty's allegiance, and to obedience to your Lordship as governor, being twenty one leagues up Delaware Bay in Charles river, to which any ship may come, and about it Manteses plain, which Master Evelin avoucheth to be twenty miles broad, and thirty long▪ & 50 miles washed by two fair navigable rivers, and is 300000 acres fit to plow and sow all Corn, Tobacco, and flax, and Rice, the four staples of Albion. The second seat is three miles off to Watcessit adjoining to Charles and Cotton river, so named of six hundred l. of Cotton wild on trees growing: and is called Ritchneck, being twenty four miles compass, one wood, huge Timber trees, and two foot black mould, much desired of the Virginians to plant Tobacco, they alleging each plant there dried and cured, will bring a pound, whereas wom land five and six to a pound, and these large leaves in the new land, and freshes, serve to lap up all the bad S. Christopher's, and Barbadoes rolled Tobacco, and maketh it fire sooner: of the three upper leaves they make Varinas and Spanish. The Dutch give for this double price, and the English double for sweet scented: and though Charles river is 120 miles North of James river in Virginia, yet having a more far constant and tempered growing heat, Tobacco three years together tried, is riper, and sooner struck by wet seasons by full three weeks, than in Virginia, and hath yielded double the price: and no doubt Cotton will grow as in Milan, being three degrees more northward, though as there it dieth yearly by frost, is replanted by the seed as a Rosebush giveth a full cod. The third seat is at Roymont a strong, rich and fit place for a Fort. Sir Walter Raleigh left there thirty men, and four guns, the Dutch seated there fifteen men and a Fort, both to plant in that rich five miles' neck to Roymont river (which runneth down into Chisapoack Bay) choice Tobacco, and thereby to prejudice and undersell Virginia, as to set up a fishing Stage for Whales, these proved but Grampus, and they killing basely an Indian refusing quarter or ransom, were by the Indians killed and expelled twenty years since. This place is close to the In-south Cape, having a Creek of six foot water only, and two furlongs of the grand Delaware Bay: on one side is an Isthmos or Penisle, nine miles compass, fit for pasturage, and Hogs and Goats: and on the other side is a second Isthmos, four miles compass, easily fenced, and is but sixty miles over land to the Northermost and nearest part of Virginia, to drive cattle by land, and have supplies by horse and foot: and here is never ice or frost: sea-fish, all oysters, and shellfish, and fowl, all winter Cod to lade ships three months after December fit for salt and trade: and there is a poor Indian of fourteen men only, and weak to hinder any, all the soil is under a brick earth, stone flat hard by, and timber to build. The fourth seat is Wedale under Websneck, and is a valley six miles long, sheltered by hills from the northwest winds: below it is six miles a thicket of four sorts of excellent great Vines running on Mulberry and Sassafras trees; there are four sorts of Grapes, the first is the Tholouse Muscat, sweet scented, the second the great fox and thick Grape, after five months reaped being boiled and salted, and well fined, it is a strong red Xeres; the third a right Claret, the fourth a white Grape creeps on the land, maketh a pure gold colour white wine: tennis Pale the French man of these four made eight sorts of excellent wine, and of the Muscat acute boiled that the second draught will fox a reasonable pate four months old: and here may be gathered and made two hundred tun in the Vintage month, & replanted will amend; two other valleys there are of the same Grapes and large, above Wedale, the hill is called Websneck, environed with three rivers round, one of sixteen foot water navigable, all but a neck, a caliver shot over, easily imparked, being 9000 acres, the cliffs all of rich black mould, with huge timber trees, most fit for Tobacco and Corn not far off are rich lead mines, containing silver tried, and iron stone, and by it waters, and falls to drive them in an inhabited desert, no Christians or Indians near it, where Elkes, stags and Deer are most quiet, most fat, and not disturbed, so as five men in three or four days kill and salt sixty Deer, or an hundred twenty sides for summer's food: four or five hundred turkeys in a flock, Swans, Hoopers, Geese, Ducks Teles, and other fowls, a mile square, and seven mile together on the shores, for here is all chestnuts walnuts and Mast berries, and March feeds, wild Oats, and Vetches to feed them. Near hand is also in August Custard apples, and Papawes to make the best Perry English for 100 tun in a place, and all Plums, Hurtleberries, Black Cherries, wild aniseed, Perfimenas, and other dainty fruits, and roots are had, as in all the huge long Meads and Marshes, sweet seg roots ground nuts, Tucaho and Cuttinamon roots for Hogs and whole Warrens, and berries of sweet Muskerats, and here black Bears and Lions feeding on sweet foods, are killed and eaten In the head of Chisepeack river by Tomkins and Walton, was seen a camel Mare brown black, seven foot high, of which 300 mile westward are store, their skins brought and sold by the Indians confirm it. The fifth seat is Brent's fort, a steep rock, invincible and not to be battered, having an Isthmos of low hard ground like a Tongue below it environed with fresh water, and under it a Cove close to hide two ships or galleys, ships of 500 tun may come up to it, and hard by is good Mead and rich land, and Woods to plant; and in this desert is best living, stored as before with all game and their food to maintain them. The sixt is an I'll called Palmer's I'll, containing 300 acres, half mead, half wood; in it is a rock forty foot high, like a tower, fit to be built on for a trading house for all the Indians of Chisepeack gulf: it lieth a mile from each shore in Sasquehannocks river mouth, and there four Sakers will command that river, and renew the old trade that was; it lieth in forty degrees and twelve minutes, it is most healthy, but cold near the hills, and full as all the seventeen rivers there of eleven sorts of excellent fresh fish; the Indians in stead of salt do barbecado or dry and smoke fish, to each house a reek or great pile, and another of Sun dried on the rocks, Strawberries, Mulberries, Symnels, Maycocks and Horns like Cucumbers. The seventh is five mile off it, called Mount royal or Bolalmanack hill, and more properly Belveder, for thence you may see 100 miles off high hills, above the clouds like sugar-loaves that shelter and bear off the northwest winds; here is a clear Indian field six miles long to plant and plow rich land, and as well stored as the rest, and under it is Elk river, having many branches navigable, in all these the Tide of fresh sweet water ebbs and flows, and hath three fathom deep, the mouth of it is like a fort with fit Isthmos and necks, and runneth up seven leagues to a street, but eleven miles over land into Charles river, and Delaware Bay, this neck is a rare work of God, for it is 450 miles' compass to go by sea and water, from one side to the other of this eleven miles' street, and Wedale is on one of these branches. The eight seat is Kildorpy, near the falls of Charles river, near 200 miles up from the Ocean, it hath clear fields to plant and sow, and near it is sweet large meads of clover or honeysuckle, nowhere else in America to be seen, unless transported from Europe, a ship of 140 tuns may come up to these falls which is the best seat for health, and a trading house to be built on the rocks, and ten leagues higher are lead mines in stony hills. The ninth is called Mount Ployden, the seat of the Raritan King on the North side of this Province twenty miles from Sandhay sea, and ninety from the Ocean, next to Amara hill, the retired Paradise of the children of the Ethiopian Emperor, a wonder, for it is a square rock, two miles' compass, 150 foot high, a wall-like precipice, a strait entrance, easily made invincible, where he keeps two hundred for his guard, and under it a flat valley, all plain to plant and sow. The Sasquehannocks new Town is also a rare, healthy and rich place, with it a crystal broad river, but some falls below hinder navigation, and the hook hill on the Ocean with its clear fields near Hudson's river on one side, and a ten leagues flowing river on the southside is much commended for health and fish, were it not so Northerly. The bounds is a thousand miles' compass, of this most temperate, rich Province, for our South bound is Maryland North bounds, and beginneth at Aquats or the Southermost or first Cape of Delaware Bay in thirty eight and forty minutes, and so runneth by, or through, or including Kent Isle, through Chisapeack Bay to Pascatway; including the false of Pawtomecke river to the head or Northermost branch of that river, being three hundred miles due West, and thence Northward to the head of Hudson's river fifty leagues, and so down Hudson's river to the Ocean, sixty leagues, and thence by the Ocean and Isles a cross Delaware Bay to the South Cape fifty leagues; in all seven hundred and eighty miles. Then all Hudson's river, Isles, Long Isle, or Pamunke, and all Isles within ten leagues of the said Province being; and note Long Isle alone is twenty broad, and one hundred and eighty miles long, so that alone is four hundred miles' compass. Now I have examined all former Patents, some being surrendered, and some adjudged void, as gotten on false suggestions, as that at the council Table was at Master Godwin's suit, of Matachusets, and as Captain Clayborn heretofore Secretary, and now Treasurer of Virginia, in dispute with Master Leonard Calvert allegeth; that of Maryland is likewise void in part as gotten on false suggestions: for as Cap: Clayborn showeth the Maryland Patent in the first part declareth the King's intention to be to grant a land therea fter described, altogether dishabited and unplanted, though possessed with Indians. Now Kent Isle was with many households of English by C. Clayborn before seated, and because his Majesty by his privy signet shortly after declared it was not his intention to grant any lands before seated and habited: and for that it lieth by the Maryland printed Card, clean northward within Albion, and not in Maryland, and not only late seamen, but old Depositions in Claybornes' hand, show it so to be out of Maryland, and for that Albion's Privy signet is elder, and before Maryland Patent, Clayborn by force entered, and thrust out Master Calvert out of Kent; Next Maryland Patent coming to the Ocean, saith along by the Ocean unto Delaware Bay; That is the first Cape of the two most plain in view, and expressed in all late English and Dutch Cards; and note unto Delaware Bay is not into the Bay, nor farther than that Cape heading the Bay, being in thirty eight and forty, or at most by seven Observations I have seen, thirty eight and fifty minutes: So as undoubtedly, that is the true intended and ground bound, and line, and no farther, for the words following, are not words of Grant, but words of Declaration; that is, Which Delaware Bay lieth in forty degrees where New England ends; these are both untrue, and so being declarative is a false suggestion, is void, for no part of Delaware Bay lieth in forty. Now if there were but the least doubt of this true bounds, I should wish by consent or commission, a perambulation and boundary, not but there is land enough for all, and I hold Kent Isle having lately but twenty men in it, and the Mill and Fort pulled down, and in war with all the Indians near it, not worth the keeping. But it is material to give a touch of Religion and Government, to satisfy the curious and well-minded Adventurer. For Religion it being in England yet unsettled, several Translations of Bibles, and those expounded to each man's fancy, breeds new Sects, I conceive the Holland way now practised best to content all parties: first, by Act of Parliament or Grand Assembly, to settle and establish all the Fundamentals necessary to salvation, as the three Creeds, the Ten commandments, Preaching on the Lord's day, and great days, and Catechising in the afternoon, the Sacrament of the Altar and baptism; But no persecution to any dissenting, and to all such as to the Walloons, free Chapels; and to punish all as seditious, and for contempt, as bitterly rail and condemn others of the contrary; for this argument or persuasion of Religion, Ceremonies, or Church-Discipline, should be acted in mildness, love and charity, and gentle language, not to disturb the peace or quiet of the Inhabitants, but therein to obey the civil Magistrate. For the politic and civil Government, and Justice, Virginia and New England is our precedent: First, the Lord head governor, a Deputy governor, Secretary of Estate, or Seal keeper, and twelve of the council of State or upper House: and these or five of them is also a Chancery Court. Next out of Counties and Towns, at a free election and day prefixed, thirty Burgesses or Commons. Once yearly the tenth of November these meet, as at a Parliament or Grand Assembly, and make Laws, or repeal, alter, explain, and set taxes and rates for common defence, and without full consent of Lord, upper and lower House nothing is done: Appeals are here also tried, all criminal cases for life, above only by two Juries, or actions at Law, a Jury on either side may be called, and by them tried: and any before judgement, may stop the Law, and be tried in Equity; The two months' Courts may try before four Justices of Peace, any action not exceeding 10 l. or 1500 l. of Tobacco, at 4 s. charge only, and plead without attorney; an Appeal lieth thence to each quarter, or Chancery first Court above, and from thence an Appeal to the Grand Assembly: any matter under 40 s. value, or 200 l. of Tobacco, to be ended by the next Justice at 1 s. charge, no deposition to be taken but before two Justices, whereof one of the Quorum, or in Court, or before a council, or of Estate: and here is no Jeofails, nor Demurrers, but a Summary hearing, and a sheriff, and Clerk of Court, with small fees ends all for the most part in a few words. Last of all▪ how plentifully may a quiet industrious man live here, having rich Corn Land, Mead and Pasture, and Timbers, and Woods covered, many months with chestnuts and four other nuts, and mast for Deer, Hogs and Turkeys, Fish, Fowl, Venison, Wine and Fruits gratis? Our chief Staples are Tobacco, than flax and Rice, of which in floated lands you have infinite increase, and without floating you may have, and all the winter Ship-plankes, Clove board and pipestaves, these lade home ships twice a year hence, and for them bring you any English servants or English or Dutch wares, clothes, stuffs▪ drams▪ wines or what you bespeak: but surely we may easily grow rich if we will, and buy no clothes, for a good Weaver brought hither, will make us of our own flax nine sorts of linens, tufted Hollands, Velures, Velvets, Tuftaffetaes', and Plushes; and for Winter a good Glover with alum only of our own Elk-skins, maketh the best buff-coats, our own Stag and Deer skin's make best gentile and soldiers clothes, fittest for our Woods: a do-skin breeches with the fur inside in our short Winter, is better than two broad clothes and warmer, so we need no English clothing; Cattle in Virginia, and all Grain in New England brought to our doors cheaper than here; Indian Corn, or Pease, or Beans at twelve pence a bushel by truck with the Indians, and Rye Meal, a third, with the white and dry Mayz Meal, which is all together but twenty pence, a bushel of meal maketh the best bread, and we have more choice drinks then here, for sweet Stalk and pompion drink hopped, is good beer, and ale we have and malt as you; and in the hot Summer rock cold water, with an eighth of Peach Vinegar is the best Beaverage: Peaches better than Apricocks by some do feed Hogs, one man hath ten thousand trees, all Apples, Pears, Cherries, and other fruits grow here in half the time as in your cold and blasty Region, and so do all Hops & Roots, herbs and Garden stuff. Our days in Summer 2 hours shorter, and in Winter more comfortable two hours longer, and a warmer Sun and bigger fires, and no rent to my Landlord, makes us merry. He that is lazy and will not work, needs not fear starving, but may live as an Indian, sometimes Oysters, Cockles, Wilkes▪ Glams, Scollons two months together; sometimes wild Pease and Vetches, and Long Oats, sometimes Tuckaho, Cuttenoman ground, Nuts, Marhonions, sometime small nuts, Fillbirds, walnuts, Pokikerries, ten sorts of Berries, eggs of Fowl, small fish in Cove, at low water will teach him to live idly. CHAP. V. EAch Adventurer of twenty or fifty men must provide household necessaries, as irons and chains for a drawbridge, two Mares or Horses to breed or ride on, Pots, Pans, Dishes, Iron for a Cart and Plow, Chains, scythes, and Sickles, Nets, Lines and Hooks. A sail for a fishing Shallop of three tun, and Hemp to employ his people in making them, as with hair, and canvas for quilts, as well on shipboard as demurring at the sea port, as with locks, keys, bolts, and glass casements for his house. And generally fit Implements for the work or trade he intends. For trade with the Indians, buy Dutch or Welsh rugged cloth, seven quarters broad, a violet blue or red▪ at four or five shillings a yard, small hooks, and fishing lines, Morris bells, Jewes-harps, combs, trading knives, Hatchets, Axes, Hoes, they will bring you Venison, Turkeys, and fowls, Flesh, 4t for a pennyworth of corn at twelve pence a bushel. Provisions for each man, and the charge from London. 1. Canvas, or linen clothes, shoes, Hats, &c. costing here four pound for two men to buy Cows, Goats, and Hogs in Virginia, which there yields six pound, and will buy one Cow, and ox, two Goats, two sows, which for each man comes to 2 l. 0. 0. 2. Fraight for a Passenger, and his half Tun of provisions and tools. 1 l. 10. 0. 3. Victuals till his own stock and crop maintain him for seven months. That is, Pease, Oatmeal and Aquavite, 7 s. five bushels of Meal, of which two to be baked into biscuits, and five bushels of Malt, some must be ground and brewed for the voyage, both 1 l. 10 s. a hundred of beef, and Pork, 1 l. 2 s. two bushels of roots, 2 s. salt fish, 2 s. Cask to carry provision 5 s. five pound of Butter 2 s. 3 l. 10. 0. 4. One Hogshead of ears of Corn. Garden seeds, Hemp, and linseed with Cask, and some Rice from Virginia. 0. 16. 0. 5. Arms (viz.) a Sword, Calliver five foot long, or long pistol, Pikehead: six pound of powder, ten pound of shot, half an old slight Armour, that is, two to one Armour. 0. 19 s. 0. 6. Tools a Spade, Axe and shovel, 5 s, Iron and Steel to make and mend more, and two hundred of nails, 5 s. 0. 10. 0. 7. Guns and Powder for the Fort, that is, to every fifty four murderers, 8 l. a barrel of powder 4 l. 10 s. that is, to each man 5 s. Bed and Sheets of Canvas, to be filled with huls, each man a Rug 15 s. Sum total, 10 l 5. 0. CHAP. VI. 1. HEre by bringing good Labourers, and Tradesmen, the provident planters may do well by giving shares or double wages, when each man may earn his five, nay six shillings a day in Tobacco, flax, Rice. 2. For here the Ship-carpenters ten men a day will build a tun of shipping as in England, which with masts and yards there taken is here, and there worth 3 l. a tun, and yet here, and there is built at 1 l. a tun wages, which is 6 s. 2 days' work, having the Timber without money. 3. Here in 14 days they make a thousand of pipestaves, worth here four pound, and at the Canaries twenty pound a thousand, and so get six shillings a days work. 4. Here in making Iron they save 5 l. a tun in the price of wood, and 3 l. more in digging the Iron mine, and saving land carriage of it, and of the charcoal, for mine is taken on the Sea beach, and wood floated down the Rivers, and so each man earns 5 s. 10 d. a day, Iron valued at 12 l. per tun. 5. Here the constant trade of 350 ships, and 7000 men a fishing begin to leave cold Newfoundland small fish, and late taken, when this is before theirs two months at the market, 100 fish here yields four quintales, there scarce one, and here is fish all the year, there but only in the four warm months, so as for nine weeks' work each man above his diet, passage, and return, gets twenty pound, and twelve pound a man, and herein dried Base, in Sturgeon, in pressed mackerel, Herrings, and Pilchers, is got as well as well as in codfish, six shil. and eight shil. a day. And this returns ready French and Spanish coin. 6. Here the glorious ripening sun as warm as Italy or Spain, will bring rare fruits, wines, and such store of aniseed and liquorice, as well as Bay-salt, made without boiling, only in pans with the Sun, that each labourer may make 6 bushels a day, worth in these three 12 s. a day, And this maiden soil, so comforted with the sun's glittering beams, and being digged, and set with the Indian Wheat, and their Beans and Pease, with 40 s. charge in 40 days' work with seed, yields 10 quarters an acre, the same Wheat being ten times as big and as weighty as ours, besides Potatoes, Woad, Madder, Roots, and many Plants, and Tobacco, will yield half a tun of Flax, and a tun of Hemp, worth 12 l. an acre, and 6 s. a days work. 7. Here as in Province in France, Walnut-Milk, or oil ground and pressed, will yield the gatherer ten gallons, and 10 s. a days work. 8. Here the Land lieth covered seven months with Beech, and oak Mast, walnuts and Chestnuts, and three months with Groundnuts, Seg and other roots, and wild Pease, and Fetches yearly, so as forty Hogs for one, and ninety Turkeys, Partridges, Heathpoults, and tame Poultry, eating their fill, for one is ordinary increased. 9 Here the soap and Pot-ashes men paying in England 12 d. a bushel, and 4 d. carriage for ashes, and 20 l. a tun for Pot-ashes, may make them for a quarter and less: and get 8 s. a days work, by cutting, reeking, and burning whole plains of Fern, Brambles, and wild Vines, being thrice as strong as Wood-ashes. 10. Here a ship may go, and return in five months laded, and comfortably see their friends, making two voyages a year, in a healthy air, free from Enemies and Turks, and get two for one each voyage: that is, four for one of that stock, and proceed in a year. 11. Here the kind Gentleman that in England doth not live without debts, mortgages, suretyship, lawsuits and troubles, may here settle, and avoid bad company, and tempting occasions, and live in plenty, and variety of all sports, hunting dear, hawking Fowl, fishing, and many more sports, and sorts of game, as with dainty fruits; and lay up his spare rents. 12. Here the Soldier, and Gentlemen wanting employment, and not bred to labour, without going to war to kill Christians for 5 s. a week in the mouth of the roaring Cannon, or in a Siege threatened with famine, and pestilence: and but ten together against a few naked savages, may like a devout Apostolic soldier with sword, and the word to civilize, and convert them to be his majesty's Lieges, and by trading with them for furs, get his ten shillings a day, and at home intermixing sport and pleasure, with profit, store his Parks with Elks and