TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, THE Lord and others of his Majesty's most Honourable pritile Council.  
Right Honourable,  
IT is well seen, that all such in this Land as sear not Gods judgements, are loath to be judged by your Honourable it is also very apparent, that were it not but for your Honours, there would be no end of oppression and wrong not any living in this Land, neither for Poor nor Rith; and that therefore, all the Kings loving and true hearted Subjects, both high and low, have cause continually to pray for your Honours, next to our gracious Xing and his Royal Issue.  
Give me (your poote Suppliant) leave to declare the wrongs under which I have a long time groaned; honing spent many years in the service of the Summer Lands Company in much misery especially, in the two first years, wherein I was like to perish through want of food, when the Governor had not so much meal as would hold our one month, to give to every man one pound for a week, did (our of his care to save some alive) cull out all such as were heartless and lazy, and sent them into the main, to line upon Berries, or to statue, seeing there was no remedy: I than went to the Govenor, and told him that it was too much cruelty to let them starve in body and soul together, and therefore did desire that I might go with them. With much importunity he gave me leave to stay with them all the time of famine; in which time, I did pine a way to skin and bone, and became so weak, as they were glad to lead me to some low rock, on the side of an hill, where they set me down first, and then sat down themselves in rows upon the ground, to hear the word of God preached unto them. Their forwardness to hear God's word, and the Governor's love in sending continually to know how I did, did so hear and make glad my heart, as I made no reckoning of the misery and want that I lived in.  
When this Governor's time was out, he came for England, and left the government in the hands of six men to govern monthly.  
In the time of the misrule of those six Governors, three of them went out in a little Pinnace (to seek for some reliese) with a promise from the other three to admit of no Governor sent from England, until six month after there arrival: not long after their departure, one of the other three (named john Mansfield) became sole Governor, and for the strengthening of himself against the Governor that was expected from England, did draw a large Petition as though the People had drawn it to entreat him to keep the Government in his own hand; they promising to maintain him against the Goluernor that was expected from England to which Petition, he and one john Parker, a Blacksmith, drew the people every where to subscribe. Assoon as I heard thereof, I followed after from Tribe to Tribe preaching, and in my Sermons showing the unlawfulness and evil that was like to come of the rebellion intended, and so drew the people every where to renounice the said Petition.  
The Usurper hearing that the people had renounced the Petition, and that I was coming to the Town, did raise the whole Town up in arms, to apprehend me and one Mr. Fosseth, that kept me company; the said Mr. Fosseth being apprehended; they hung him up on the Wharse by the hands and fear, where he hung is grievous pain, no man daring to relieve him; but the women, who brought stones in their aprons, and thrust them under his body, to hear up the weight of it. After they had so hung him up, Parker the Blacksmith, came and with a Crow of iron broke open my Chamber door, and dragged me out to his own house, where he kept me prisoner, till a tumultuous assembly was called, by the name of an Assizes, and then brought me to the Bar, where I was arraigned and condemned for a contemner of authority: The sentence pronounced against me, was, that I should be deprived of my minist●…y; and confined to a little stand; where I should be kept from coming to the people.  
This sentence did so offend the people, as they would by no means yield to the execution of it; but told him, that they were starved enough in their bodies, and that he had no reason to starve them in their souls, by depriving them of my ministry. By which opposition, I had rest until the arrival of a new Governor, one Captain Tucker. Assoon as the Usurper heard that a ship was come into the Harbour with a new Governor, and what the new Governor had spoken to me, to preach at the reading of his Commission; he the said Usurper, caned the town people together, and told them, that if they would stand to him like then, he would stick to them, so long as he had a drop of blood in his heart; they promising that they would; he charged them to be up in arms the next day betimes, and told them, he would not have me to preach, but Mr. Keath: Mr. Keath was no Minister, but a poor Schollet, that cunningly had got himself sent over for a Minister) who to further the rebellion intended, had buzzed into the people's ears, that it was lawful to resist the Governor that was expected from England; and for prose thereof, did allege the example of the Israelites, their putting down of Rehoboam, and setting up of joreboam in his steed. And to stir up the Usurper to shed the blood of such as should dare to oppose him, he did allege the example of Athaliah, who to usurp the Government, did murder all the King●…de. Also be (the Usurper) cold the people, that presently after the Sermon, he would make a short speech to the Governor, and that he would have them (as soon as he had left speaking) to cry a Mansfield, a Mansfield, and then show themselves men.  
The next meaning, as I was studying for my Sermon, and looking out at a window, I saw the people up in arms, and heard one of them swears that he would sheathe his sword in the new Governor's guts: Whereupon I made haft out of my Chamber, and finding she Shipboate ready to go off did enter in, to go to the new Governor, to acquaint him with what was intended; the new Governor being then on shipboard: I was no sooner in the Boace, but certain Muscateres were sent in haste, by the Usurper to shoot at me, unless I would come out: Whereupon, the Mariners fearing they would shoot, and kill some of them instead of me, did set me on shore again.  
The Usurper seeing me about to land, came with a rusty brown Bill on his back, as though he meant to knock me in the head; telling the people, that they had all of them cause, to curse the time that ever they saw my face; which did put me in some sear, that either he or they would do me some mischief; therefore I made hast away, and locked myself in my Chamber.  
About three or sour hours after, the new Governor came, and was suffered quietly to go to the Church; where, as soon as Mr. Keath had made an end of his Sermon, the Usurper made a short speech unto him, and did no sooner make an end of speaking, but Mr. Keath (according as the Usurper had given order) was the first man, that cried a Mansfield, a Mansfield; and so was like to set us together by the ears, to cut one another's throat, even in the Church; had not the new Governor with speed caused his Commission to be read; the reading whereof, did so daunt the Usurper, as he came down and gave place unto him.  
Thus, I have in part delivered unto your Honours, the stir (that Satan in his instruments) did make in the time of the misrule of the six Governors; in hope thereby to bring ruin upon that poor new planted Vineyard of the Lord jesus.  
What he was not able to accomplish then, he was like to effect in the new Governor's time; who was a fit instrument for him to stir up the people to mutiny, and so to overthrew the Plantation: For he was no sooner established in his place, but he took from every one of the first Planters, half an Acre of ground, that the Company had given to them and theirs, which was no small discouragement unto them; considering the extreme pains that they had taken, in much hunger and nakedness, without any wages, in making 11. Forts.  
One Richard Sanders, and honest poor man, who had builded upon his half acre a convenient dwelling house, and had bestowed cost and labour upon a Garden Plot, where divers good herbs and flowers did grow; and grieving to have all taken from him on the sudden; before he was provided of any other place, for himself, his poor wife and children; did but ask if they might not complain to the King to for ask of that question, Capt. Tucker did imprison him, and put more Iron upon him, than no was able to hear, wherein hear lay upon the ground night and day in grievous pain.  
One Paul Deane, being arraigned and condemned, for stealing a piece of cheese, pleaded the benefit of his clergy (according to the laws of England) was rigorously denied, and so hanged.  
The poor man that was put in Irons for ask if they might not complain to the King (seeing how like a Tyrant Capt. Tucker behaved himself, in cudgelling the poor people, and in arraigning and condemning for small matters, and censuring such to roman perpetual slaves unto the cullony) he and four more, to free themselves from, his tyranny, did desperately leave the Lands and came for England, in a little Boat of two or three tons, or thereabout.  
The fear of his tyranny did reclaim divers of the lazy crew, so as they became painful labourers, for which he was much commended.  
The wrongs that he did me (your poor Suppliant) were like to tempt me above my strength: as first, he took my servant from me, and so constrained me to live comfortless alone; and to go up and down the Island, seeking for firewood, and to bring it home on my back, and then to go from house to house for fire, and to go with my Pitcher through the town, to the Pump for water; and to do other base and servile offices, very unbeseeming a Minister of God's word. Also he took from me a piece of black stuff, which St. Thomas Smith had caused to be bought for me. I being then in great want of clothing, and so poor, as I was constrained to go almost three years in one old straw Hat; and almost two years in one old pair of cobbled Shoes, uriven full of nails.  
Also, he took from me three acres of chaise ground for Tobacco, and two men that the Company had given me.  
Also, he did interrupt me in my Sermon, telling me, that I was out of my text, and when the Sermon was ended, he did threaten to clap my neck and heels together.  
The matter that did offend him, was this: I seeing (to my grief) how in his two last years, he game over all care of the Plantation, to build and plane for himself; and did exhaust the store, to build a stately house of Cedar for himself, God's house all that while, being but a thacht Hovel, which was kept so badly, as when it reigned, there was almost no place where the people could sit dry: I took occasion on a day in my Sermon to show how the wrath of God came on the Israelites, for the like neglect of God's house: Whereupon, he stood up, and with a loud voice, told me that I was out of my text, and to the evil example of the people, went out of the Church in agreat rage; and as soon as he saw me come out, came to me, and told me, that he would clap my neck and heels together: After that time, he he became an enemy unto Religion, so as he constrained me to give over the Thursday Lecture because the people could not come to hear me, he did so employ them about his own business; he spared not the Sabbath day, but sent the people abroad, so as I was much discouraged from preaching in the after noon.  
In the time of his Government God did bring a great judgement upon the Lands, 
There are almost a 100 little Lands, the biggest is but 18. miles long and almost two miles broad.  in that he caused Rats to abound, so as no Hand was free but were all like so many Conney-warrens of Rats.  
The Rats were a grievous plague unto the People, both within doors and without; Within, they devoured all provision of food, , and shoes: Without, they devoured the Come, by scraping it out of the ground when it was new set; the grains that were thrust in so deep as they could not scrape up, they devoured in the blade, as soon as it appeared above ground: Where some escaped them in the blade, they devoured in the ear. They devoured all other fruit of the earth, which served for food; and did kill and devour almost all the young Birds, and Chickens, & sucked, their eggs. I am not able to express the sear that was in the people, that they should be starved, when they saw that nothing that served for food, could be kept from the Rats.  
The people did spend their whole time, night, and day, in keeping the Rats under, by hunting them with dogs; setting of traps, and poison; & burning the Lands twice over, whereby much timber and firewood was consumed.  
Then, even then, when they endeavoured by all means to destroy the Rats, they increased the more; till God in mercy, hearing our prayers, did take them away on the sudden, in three or sour days, so as no man could tell how.  
Assoon as the Rats were gone, the people with glad hearts did betake themselves to plant Come, and by the blessing of God, had a plentiful harvest: Whereupon Capt. Tucker being minded to come for England, caused every man to bring a certain quantity of corn into the Forts, to be kept there in store, and handled the matter so (after he was come over) as he drew all the company to believe, that by means of his industry and care, the Lands were so well furnished with corn, and the Rats destroyed: Whereupon, to require his care, they did bestow upon him, the stately house that he had built, and three shares of the best land in all the Lands.  
At his coming away, he left the Government in the hands of one Captain Kendal; who through poverty, was constrained to take out of the Forts, the corn that Capt. Tucker and caused to be brought in.  
After Capt. Kendal, succeeded Capt. Nathaniel Butler, a man well qualified every way for such employment.  
He no sooner saw how God had done his part, to make those Lands strong, and safe from all foreign invasion, by fortifying them round about with fearful rocks and shoules, so as there is no coming near with ships to invade them, but in two narrow and durious channels, which do lead into two goodly and large Harbours; and how the first Planters in Capt. Moor's time, had done them best endeavours in the matter, of artificial fortifications. as,  
On the channel that leadeth into the west harbour, they had builded a strong Fort, and a Castle, which they called the King's Castle, where they had mounted 18. great Pieces, on carriages sent from England; which through the negligence of succeeding Governors, were gone to decay. Capt. Butler took small rest, till he had repaired such as could be repaired, and made new carriages of cedar for the rest: so now those 18. great Pieces are very serviceably mounted; so also are all the other great Pieces in the rest of the Forts. As, not fare from that channel, towards the south, is a Fort built by the first Planters in Capt. Moor's time, called Charies Fort, where are two great Pieces.  
On the North side of the Channel Capt. Butler bathe built a strong Fort to slanker the King's Castie, which he called Southampton Fort, where are five great Pieces, seruiceablely mounted by Cap. Butler on carriages of cedar: Which Fort doth make a great show to the sea, as though it were a Castle.  
To the Northward of that Fort, the first Planters in Capt. Moor's time, built a Fort, which they called Pembroke Fort, where are two great Pieces.  
The other Channel that leadeth into the Fast Harbour, commonly called the Town Harbour hath on the one side, towards the North, a Fort built by the first Planters in Capt. Moor's time; called Rogers Fort, where are 7. great Pieces.  
On the other side, towards the South, is a Fort called Smith's Fort, built by the first Planters in Capt. Moor's time, where are 5, great Pieces.  
Not fare from that Channel, towards the north, is a Fort called Penistons' Fort, built by the first planters in Capt. Moor's time, where is one great Piece.  
A little from that Fort, is a Fort built by the first Planters in Capt. Moor's time, called Sands Fort, where are 2. great Pieces.  
On a Hill near the Harbour, is a Fort built by the first Planters in Capt. Moor's time, called Warwick Fort, where are 3. great Pieces to command the Harbour.  
On a Hill near the Town was a high Mount, (built by the first Planters in Capt. Moor's time) blown down with a terrible gust of wind, & is now built up again higher and stronger, by Capt. Butler: where is also one great piece, mounted by Capt. Butler to give warning.  
In the Town, upon the Wharfe are 7. great Pieces, mounted by Capt. Butler, to command the Harbour; which great Pieces he recovered out of certain Wracks.  
Captain Butler hath built in the Town a fair town Hall of stone, and a fair strong Prison of cedar.  
In the Main he hath built throe fair long Bridges of cedar, like Kingston Bridge.  
In his time, the Kings I awes were established in the Lands, and the Assites kept orderly, as they are in England,  
Before his time, ever since Capt. Moor's time, the Governor's will went for law, and some of the King's Subjects were hanged contrary to the King's law, and some condemned and censured to perpetual slavery.  
Captain Butler did ordain sort every Tribe a justice of the Peace, a Constable, Chu●…h wardens, Sidemen, and Waywards; and did cause Cages, Stocks, and Cuckingstooles to be made in every Tribe.  
Notwithstanding, the great care that he had to suppress since, it did abound every day more and more, through the want of God's Word, the Lands being pestered with lewd Persons, taken up out of the S●…es, out of Newgate and Bridewell.  
In his time I came to England, to seed I could persuade some Ministers to go over, and to dequaint the Company with the weak estate of the Lands, and gr●…uances of the people, which were ready to mutiny.  
When I came into the Barmude Court to present the grievances of the People, and weak estate of the Lands, St. Edwas Sand; (misinforthed by Capt. Tucker) did stand up in the face of the Court, to accuse me of many soul crimes; saying unto me, Mr. Lewes, you do use in your Sermons to speak against the Church of England, to rail upon Bishops, and to say that the Book of Common Prayer is but in died Wife's tale; and you will not Baptise Children, unless their Parents do first make confession of their Faith.  
To his first accusation, I answered; that the Church of England was my Mother, and that all the knowledge, all the faith and hope of salvation that I have, I had it in the Church of England, which I take to be the true Church of God; and that therefore, my tongue shall be cut out of my mouth, before it shall speak against the Church of England, as some do:  
To his second, concerning tailing upon Bishops, I told him, that it were too much peevishness for me, to meddle with the Bishops there, where they could not meddle with me: The truth is, that preaching upon the suffering of our Saviour Christ, I shown how the high Priests, were the greatest enemies that our Sausour had: and from them I gathered, that the grace of God and learning dye not always go together; and for proof of my doctrine, I shown how the Romish Lord Bishops are the greatest supplanters of Christian Religion, and shedders of Christian blood; and did nominate bloody Bonner, Bishop of London, and Gardner Bishop of Winchester: Not speaking a word of the reverend Fathers, the Bishops of the Church of England, as it now stands, whom I honour from my heart, for the good that I have and daily do receive out of their godly and learned Works.  
To his third accusation, concerning the Book of Common Prayer: I answered, that I was so fare, from speaking, as I never had, and hoped never should have a thought in my heart, tending to that way: whereupon, Sr. Edwin did produce mine Enemy Capt. Tucker, for his Informer.  
Capt. Tucker did produce Capt. Kendal., who testified, that he had heard me say that the Book of Common Prayer was good for old men and wowen to read at home, when they were not able to go to Church.  
The Court taking notice how they differed in their testimony, some said, Make how these men cannot agree in their testimonies, fain they would do the poor man some harm, but they have not agreed upon the matter.  
Captain Kendal was one of the three Governors that promised to admit of no Governor sent from England, he became mine enemy because I had acquainted the Company with the wrongs that he had done the Lands in the time of his Government, in taking the corn out of the Forts, and disfurnishing the Lands of certain murdering Pieces, and other necessaries, which he sold to a Pirate. I did acquaint the Company with nothing but what Capt. Butler (than Governor) did advice me, and what I was bound by mine oath to declare, as I was one of the Privy Counsel in the Summer Lands.  
To his fourth accusation, concerning the Baptising of children, I answered, that many poor boys and girls, (taken up, out of the streets, out of New gate and Bride well and the Hospitals) were sent to the Summer's Lands, where they were brought up in ignorance like Heathen, so as, when they became men and women, and were married, and had children, they were not able to bring up their children in the Christian Faith: therefore, to bring such to have some care of themselves and of their children, I gave out, that I would not baptise their children, unless the parents were able to yield some reckoning of their Faith, or at least, rehearse the Articles without book; and to encourage them thereunto, I drew some of the better sort, (for example sake) to rehearse the Articles, before their children were baptised.  
After I had thus answered to his accusations, I desired the Court not to pass over slightly; the things whereof I was accused but, take some pains to examine and find out the truth: them, Sin Edwin (as though he had been satisfied) did stand up, saying unto me, Well, well; Master Lewes, it is enough for you, that we know you to be an honest man, and that you have done much good in the Plantation; as for these things, let them dye, stir in them as further.  
Though Sir Edwin made a show as though her were satisfied, and to have a good opinion of nee yet, such of the Company as are covet ously minded, and do aim altogether at their own end were so against me, as they denied to give any thing to wards my charges in crossing the seas in lying sick & weak at Falmouth, and in travelling from thence to London by land, bring eleven sore miles, with horse and guide, not able some day to travel about tenmyles; yea they were so against me as they refused to relieve me with my wages, and so constrained me, (for the bearing of my charges back again to the Summer Lands) to take from my poor wife all that I could, and to leave her in great want, which was no small grief unto me.  
Within few months after my arrival, a new Governor, (one Captain Bernard) was sent to succeed Captain Butler, and with him four Ministers.  
One of the Ministers named Master Wright, was no sooner landed, but went about the Lands invaighing against me, almost three weeks before I could find him out: at length, when I came where he was he told me that he took me to be a dishonour to the, Ministry and a shame to all Ministers, and that Sir Edwin Sands had told him that I was a man not fit to live in a Commonwealth: which opprobrious speeches, I took patiently, because the standers by did clear me of those things whereof he had accused me; so as he seemed to be satisfied, and went about the Lands, speaking well of me where he had spoken evil, and died within six or seven days after.  
The new Governor then lying upon his death bed, and hearing that I did grieve and pine away, because he and the Ministers had an evil opinion of me, did send an honest man, one Willam More to comfort me, willing him to tell me, that he found no truth in the reports that were made unto him of me by some of the Company, and that if I would stay in the Lands, I should find his love: within four days after this, It pleased God that he also died.  
After the death of the Govenour, diverse of the dishonest and unruly sort, (taking notice how the Ministers and the new Officers that were sent over with the new Governor, had an evil opinion of me) did so wrong and insult over me, as was like to break my heart, and having received a lamenmentable letter from my wife, signifying that the Company did refuse to pay the money that I did allow her, out of my wages, and that she was in great want, I resolved to come for England.  
At my return back again? Sir Edwin Sands and deputy Ferrar who then were the chief managers of the affairs of the Summer Lands, had got a new matter against me, which being openly read in the Court behind my back, did confirm divers of the Adventurers in the evil opinion that they had of me their new matter was, certain false notes, collected out of a Sermon, that I made before diverse that were inclined to mutiny, by means of which false notes, the hearts of such as with their multiplicity of voices bear most sway, are so set against me, as I am like to lose the greatest part of my wages to my utter undoing.  
Being advised by my friends to petition his Majesty's Commissioners for Virginea and Summer's Lands, my petition was sent by them to the Company for an answer; whereupon Master Nicholas Ferrar, than Deputy, came to the Commissioners and told them, that there was nothing due unto me, and that if there were, he would pay every penny himself.  
Sir Edwin alone, did take upon him to answer my Petition in writing, and did so wrong me, as one of the Commissioners told me, that there was such matters against me, as they must turn me to a higher authority: whereupon I did petition your Honours above twelve months since, and had an order to enjoin the Company to give present satisfaction of what was due: whereupon Master john Ferrar late Deputy came into the Court and openly in the face of the Court did affirm, that there was nothing due unto me, unto whose testimony, the multitude (who with their multiplicity of voices do bear all the sway) have given such credit, as I have no hope to recover my wages.  
The Governor Sir Thomas Smith, and others that are honourable and Christianly minded, though they be willing, yet are not able to help me, because of the multiplicity of voices that are against me: therefore I am constrained to appear from the multiplicity of voices to your Honours for justice.   

The Demands of me Lewes Hughes for the time that I have spent in the service of the Summer Lands Company and in suing for my wages.  
I Did Contract with the Company but for three years after 50, pounds per annum, as appeareth by their Order of Court made the 18. of March 1613. for which I acknowledge myself to be satisfied.  

The Copy of the Order.  
TAking in consideration, the necessity of sending over sufficient Ministers, they were given to understand of one Master Lewes Hughes, who prosereth himself to be employed for three years, and referred the determination to a private meeting, which was held the 26. of this present, where they agreed: viz. Master Governor, Master deputy, etc. That be should, if he could not enjoy his health return with the first shipping, and to have for the time he stays 50. pounds per annum, viz. 10. pounds to himself, and 40. pounds to his wife or to his Attorney.   
Those three years being expired, I wrote to the Company for more Ministers, that I might come home, they sending none, I was constrained to stay: For the next year after the expiration of the Contract, viz. 1617. Wherein I was kept there in much misery against my will, the people being increased, and dispersed up and down the Main into eight several Congregations, besides the Colony, having no Minister but myself to look to them all, living more like a slave then a Minister of God's word, my servant being detained from me by the Governor, so as I was constrained to live comfortless alone, and to go up & down the Island for fire wood, and to bring it home upon my back, and then to go from house to house for fire, and to go with my pitcher through the Town to the Pump for water, and to do other base and servile offices, very unbeseeming a Minister of God's word: notwithstanding all these discouragements, I did (through the help of God) preach constantly every Thursday once, and every Saboth twice, besides Cathechising: therefore I hope that the Company being Honourable, will not offer less than 100 pounds for that year, considering that out of my love to the Plantation, I did go for 50. pounds per annum, when they were willing and did offer to give to another 100 pounds who would not go under 200.  
For the year 1618. I require 100 pounds because the Company by an Order of Court held the 24. of june did allow for four Ministers for each of them 100 pounds per annum, and notwithstanding did leave me there alone to bear the burden of that year, without the help of any Minister, the people still increasing, and the Lands pestered with lewd disordered persons taken, up out of the streets, out of Newgate and Bridewell. Some of the company do say, that I was not alone, but had one Mr. Keath to help me: The truth is, that Mr. Keath was no Minister, neither was he any help but a great plague unto me, and was like to be the ruin of us all; when taking part with Mansfield the Usurper against the lawful Governor ', he was the first man that out of the Pulpit cried a Mansfield, a Mansfield, and so was like to set us together by the ears, to cut one another's throat, even in the Church.  

The Copy of the order.  
THe Ministers shall be chosen here in a quarter Court, and the provision for them there, is to be made on this sort: There shall be erected 4. Churobes, and 4. Parsonages belonging to them, and shall have 50. acres for each Parsonage, and upon each of those Parsonage Glebe's, there shall be placed 4. men; taken off from the common land, to occupy the same to halves, for the behoof of the Minister, and for the yearly maintenance of the Ministers. Over and above the houses and glebe's, it is ordered, that there shall bea apportioned to them out of the fruits of the earth, (growing and accrueing out of their several Parishes) a certain portion, by way of charge upon every share or Farm, so as to make each Minister's allowance in that kind, to the value of 100 pounds.   
For the year 1619. I require 100 pounds per annum, because the Company in a Court held the 25, of February, agreed & order, that the said order touching the Minister, should be prosecuted: and for the payment of the Ministers wages, they laid 3. pence the pound on the Tobacco, and left me alone to bear the burden of that year also, till the latter end of it, that one Mr. Lang was sent to assist me, who died there; unto whose Widow, the Company have paid after a 100 pounds per annum, according to the order.  

The Copy of the order.  
TAking into consideration, the defect of the Ministry in the Summer Lands, having at this present but only two, viz. Mr. Lewes and Mr. Bridges: and understading that the said Mr, Bridges is not sufficient to execute his function, as they desire: It was thought convenient, for the educating the Inhabitants in the fear of God, that two able Ministers shall presently be sent to assist Mr. Lewes, whom they wish may be desired to stay: And the said two Ministers, to be seated and employed upon the Tribes; and for their maintenance, it is agreed that the former order shall be prosecuted touching the Ministry, and what shall fail in that, of making good to each of them 100 pounds per ann. that then there shall be an imposition of 3. pence the pound) and not above) laid there upon the Tobacco, which shall return, the occupiers being willing to bear half with the owners in the contribution: And touching Mr. Bridges, it is thought fit to send for him home unless he please to stay as a private man, without salary from the Company.   
My Adversaries do say, that the Company, since my coming for England, have paid their Moitye, and that I was to receive the other in the Lands; and that therefore the Company are not to pay it.  
To them I answer, that I never could have four men to manage the Gleabe-land according to the order; and therefore, the people did not contribute there, but have paid their Moitye in money hear, according to the imposition laid on their Tobacco.  
For the year 1620. wherein (finding myself to faint under the intolerable butthen with I was constrained to undergo) I came to England, to see if I could persuade some Ministers to go over, and also to acquaint the Company with the grievances of the people, which were ready to mutiny: And also to acquaint them with the weak estate of the Lands, most needful to be looked into in time: I require a 100 pounds, according to their law. Because it was never heard, that a Minister in England, coming to London about the Important affairs of the Commonwealth, had his living sequestted from him for that time.  
For the year 1621. Wherein I did return to the Summer Lands, the Company then in their general Letters did desire the Governor to provide for me, according to their orders; which he could not do, because the Tobacco Harvest was passed before their letters came; Therefore, I desire that the 100 pounds due for that year may be made good some other way the poor people there having paid their moiety in money here, according to the imposition that was laid upon their Tobacco.  
For the year 1622. I am satisfied because the Governor (according to the order) did leavy 600. weight of Tobacco, to make up the Tobacco which was made that year on the glebe land to the value of a 100 pounds' starling.  
For the years 1623. & 1624. wherein the Company have not as yet discharged me of my Cure, neither by order of Court, nor by warning, nor by any satisfaction; but have kept me in suspense, suing for my wages with much grief of heart, being much indepted, having no means to pay my depts, nor to relieve myself, my poor Wife and Family, but by borrowing and going on the sore, so as my deptes are increased: The lease of my house which cost me 30. pounds, laid in pawn for 12. pounds, is forfeited: It is also forfeited to the Landlord for not paying the last quarters rend: a Bond of 60. pounds is forfeited for non payment of 27. pounds. My poor aged wife whose heart is almost broke with grieving, is miserable weak and sick, I having not a penny to buy her a lose of bread but as I borrow or beg; For these two years that have been so grievous and chargeable unto me, I will thankfully accept of what your Honours shall think fit, either by way of salary, because I am not as yet discharged of my Cure; or by way of damage, in regard of my losses and hindrances.  
Concerning the agreement, which (as they say) was made at my returns to the Summer Lands, viz. That if the Company would pay unto my Wife 95. pounds, and give me the transportation of two men, I would be therewith satisfied, and put the Company to no more charges: which agreement the Company did break first, in refusing to pay the said 90. pounds to my wife, which hath brought her to such want and grief, as is like to cost her her life, and therefore I am not bound to stand to it, considering they broke it first.  
Thus I have delivered unto your Honours, the just cause of my complaints, which in the bowels of CHRIST LESUS I commend unto your honours charitable consideration, for speedy redress of my wrongs. In Witness of the truth of all the premises, I have hereunto subscribed my name.  
LEWES HUGHS.