AN Encouragement TO COLONIES. By Sir WILLIAM ALEXANDER, KNIGHT.  Alter erit tum Tiphis, & altera quae vehat Argo delectos Heroas— 
FOR THOU SHALT LABOUR PEACE PLENTY   printer's device of William Stansby 
LONDON Printed by William Stansby. 1625.   

TO THE MOST EXCELLENT PRINCE.  
THough you have graced the Labours of some (as much admired for your courtesy as they for their indiscretion) who might have been condemned for presuming to importune you for their Patron; yet it would seem a profanation of greatness to place your name upon the Frontispiece of every vulgar Paper, but as no Work hath more need of your countenance, then Encouraging of Colonies; So it would appear to me (I know not suspecting my own partiality, whither seduced by Desire, or warranted by Reason) that there is no ground whereupon your countenance may shine with a more public applause. This is the way (making the Gospel of jesus Christ known in unknown parts) by supplying the necessities of many, with a lawful increase of necessary commerce, to procure glory unto God, honour to yourself, and benefit to the World; By this means, you that are borne to rule Nations, may be the beginner of Nations, enlarging this Monarchy without blood, and making a Conquest without wronging of others, whereof in regard of your youth any good beginning in this (like your virtue upon which it doth depend) boding a speedy Progress Time in your own time, doth promise a great perfection. The glory of greatness (that it may have a harmony with goodness) consisting more in raising then in ruining of others, it is a fare better course to purchase fame by the Plantation of a new World, nor as many Princes have done by the desolation of this. And since your Royal Father during whose happy reign, these seeds of Sceptres have been first from hence sown in America, by his gracious favour fare above any merit of mine hath emboldened me the meanest of many thousands of his subjects to attempt so great an Enterprise, as to lay the foundation of a Work that may so much import the good of that ancient Kingdom, where so many of your Ancestors were buried, and where yourselves were borne. I have both by reading what doth rest upon Record, and by conferring with sundry that have been embarked in such a business, been curious to remark the managing thereof, that the experience of times past might with the less danger at the charges of others, improve them that are to practice at this present. And the fruits of my Labours I do humbly offer here unto your Highness, hoping by the commendable endeavours, therein remembered (though itself be but a trivial Treatise, not worthy your sight) to conciliate your good opinion towards them that are to adventure in this kind. Amongst whom (if ever my fortunes have any conformity with my mind) I purpose to contribute as much as my weak abilities can be able to afford for accomplishing this brave Design, wherein my greatest Ambition shall be that both this Age and the Posterity may know how much I desire by some observable effect to be remembered for being  
Your Highness' most humble and affectionate Servant. W. A.   

AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO COLONIES.  
THe sending forth of Colonies (seeming a novelty) is esteemed now to be a strange thing, as not only being above the courage of common men, but altogether alienated from their knowledge, which is no wonder, since that course though both ancient, and usual, hath been by the intermission of so many ages discontinued, yea was impossible to be practised so long as there was no vast ground, howsoever men had been willing, whereupon Plantations might have been made, yet there is none who will doubt but that the world in her infancy, and innocency, was first peopled after this manner.  
The next generations succeeding Shem planted in Asia, Cham's in Africa, and japhets in Europe: Abraham and Lot were Captains of Colonies, the Land then being as free as the Seas are now, since they parted them in every part where they passed, not taking notice of natives without impediment. That memorable troop of jews which Moses led from Egypt to Canaan was a kind of Colony though miraculously conducted by God, who intended thereby to advance his Church and to destroy the rejected Ethnikes. Salmanezer King of Ashur was remarked for the first who did violate the natural ingenuity of this commendable kind of policy by too politic an intention; for having transported the ten Tribes of Israel, to the end that transplanting and dispersing them, he might either weaken their strength, or abolish their memory by incorporating of them with his other Subjects; he to prevent the dangers incident amongst remote vassals did send a Colony to inhabit Samaria of a purpose thereby to secure his late and questionable conquest.  
Who can imagine by this industrious course of Plantations, what an unexpected progress from a despised beginning hath been suddenly made to the height of greatness! The Phoenicians quickly founded Sidon, and Tirus, so much renowned both by sacred, and humane writers, and a few Tirians builded Carthage, which had first no more ground allowed her than could be compassed by the extended dimensions of a Bulls hide, which for acquiring of the more ground they divided in as many sundry parts as was possible, yet in end that Town became the Mistress of Africa, and the rival of Rome: and Rome itself that great Lady of the World, and terror to all Nations, ambitiously claiming for her first founders a few scandalized fugitives that fled from the ruins of Troy, did rise from small appearances to that exorbitancy of power, which at this day is remembered with admiration; Though the walls of it at that time were very low when the one brother did kill the other for jumping over them, either jealousy already prevailing above natural affection, or else unadvised anger constructing that which might have been casually or carelessly done, in a sinistrous sense to the hateful behaviour of insolency or scorn; Their number then was not only very small, but they wanted women, without which they could not increase, nor subsist, till they ravished the daughters of the Sabins, by a violent match at first, portending their future rapines, and what a furious offspring they were likely to engender. And when that haughty City began to suffer the miseries which she had so long been accustomed to inflict upon others, the venerable City of Venice (keeping for so many ages a spotless reputation) was first begun by a few discouraged persons, who fleeing from the fury of the barbarous Nations that then encroached upon Italy, were distracted with fear and (seeking for their safety) did stumble upon a commodious dwelling.  
The Grecians were the first, at least of all the Gentiles, (who joining learning with arms) did both do, and write that which was worthy to be remembered; and that small parcel of ground whose greatness was then only valued by the virtue of the inhabitants, did plant Trapizonde in the East, and many other Cities in Asia the less, the protecting of whose liberties was the first cause of war between them and the Persian Monarches; then besides all the adjacent Isles they planted Siracusa in Sicily, most part of Italy, which made it to be called Graecia mayor, and Marseills in France. O what a strange alteration! that this part, which did flourish thus, whilst it was possessed by vigorous spirits, who were capable of great enterprises, did so many brave things should now (the seat of base servile people) become the most abject and contemptible part of all the Territories belonging to the barbarous Ottomans, whose insolent janissaries (as the Praetorian Guards did with their Emperors, and Mamalukes of Egypt with their Sultan's) presume at this time to dispose of the Regal power, upbraiding the miserable folly of Christians, who dangerously embarked in intestine wars, though invited by an encountering occasion, neglect so great, so glorious, and so easy a conquest.  
The Romans coming to command a well peopled World, had no use of Colonies, but only thereby to reward such old deserving Soldiers as (age and merit pleading an immunity from any further constrained travel) had bravely exceeded the ordinary course of time appointed for military service, which custom was used in Germany, France, Spain, and Britain, and likewise that the Towns erected in this sort might serve for Citadels imposed upon every conquered Province, whereof some do flourish at this day, and of others nothing doth remain but the very name only, their ruins being so ruined, that we can hardly condescend upon what solitary part to bestow the fame of their former being.  
I am loath by disputable opinions to dig up the Tombs of them that more extenuated than the dust are buried in oblivion & will leave these disregarded relics of greatness to continue as they are, the scorn of pride, witnessing the power of time. Neither will I after the common custom of the world, overualuing things past disualue the present, but considering seriously of that which is lately done in Ireland, do find a Plantation there inferior to none that hath been heretofore. The Babylonians having conquered the Israelites did transplant them as exposed to ruin in a remote Country, sending others of their own Nation (that they might be utterly extirpated) to inhabit Samaria in their places. And our King hath only divided the most seditious families of the Irish by dispersing them in sundry parts within the Country, not to extinguish, but to dissipate their power, who now neither have, nor give cause of fear. The Romans did build some Towns which they did plant with their own people by all rigour to curb the Natives next adjacent thereunto, And our King hath incorporated some of his best Britons with the Irish, planted in sundry places without power to oppress, but only to civilize them by their example. Thus Ireland which heretofore was scarcely discovered, and only irritated by others, proving to the English as the Lowe-Countries did to Spain, a means whereby to waste their men, and their money, is now really conquered, becoming a strength to the State, and a glory to his Majesty's government, who hath in the settling thereof excelled all that was commended in any ancient Colony.  
As all first were encouraged to Plantations by the largeness of the conquests that were proposed unto them, fearing only want of people, and not of land, so in after ages when all known parts became peopled, they were quickly entangled with the other extremity, grudging to be bounded within their prospect, and jarring with their neighbours for small parcels of ground, a strife for limits limiting the lives of many who entering first in controversy upon a point of profit though with the loss of ten times more, valuing their honour by the opinion of others behoved to proceed as engaged for the safety of their reputation. Then richesses being acquired by industry, and glory by employments, these two did beget avarice, and ambition, which lodging in some subtle heads upon a politic consideration to unite intestine divisions did transfer their spleen to foreign parts, not seeking to rectify the affections, but to busy them abroad where least harm was feared, and most benefit expected, so that where they had first in a peaceable sort sought for Lands only wherewith to furnish their necessity, which conveniency, or sufficiency, did easily accommodate, now aiming at greatness the desires of men grown infinite, made them strangers to contentment, and enemies to rest.  
Some Nations seeking to exchange for better seats, others to command their neighbours, there was for many ages no speech but of wrongs and revenges, conquests and revolts, razings and ruining of States, a continual revolution determining the periods of Time by the miseries of mankind, and in regard of the populousness of these ages during the Monarchies of the Assyrians, Persians, Grecians, and Romans, the world could not have subsisted if it had not been purged of turbulent humours by letting out the blood of many thousands, so that war was the universal Chirurgeon of these distempered times: And thereafter O what monstrous multitudes of people were slain by huge deluges of barbarous armies that overflowed Italy, France and Spain! and the Christians have long been subject to the like calamities wanting a commodity how they might (not wronging others) in a Christian manner employ the people that were more chargeable than necessary at home, which was the cause of much mischief among themselves, till at that time when Spain was striving with France how to part Italy, as Italy had formerly done with Carthage how to part Spain. Then it pleased God having pity of the Christians who for purposes of small importance did prodigally prostitute the lives of them whom he had purchased with so precious a ransom, as it were for diverting that violent kind of vanity, to discover a new world, which it would seem in all reason should have transported them with designs of more moment, whereby glory and profit with a guiltless labour was to be attained with less danger whereunto they are as it were invited, and provoked with so many eminent advantages palpably exposed to any clear judgement that I think (this obvious facility vilifying that which a further difficulty might the more endear) the easiness of the prey hath blunted the appetite.  
When Christopher Columbus had in vain propounded this enterprise to diverse Christian Princes, Isabel of Castille against the opinion of her husband (though so much renowned for wit yet not reaching this mystery) did first furnish him for a Voyage, as if it were fatal that that Nation should owe the greatest part of their greatness to the female Sex, And if the Spaniards would sincerely, and gratefully have bestowed the benefits whereby God did allure them to possess this Land for the planting of it with Christians inclined to civility, and religion, it had at this day considering the excellency of the soil, for all the perfections that nature could afford; been the most singularly accomplished place of the world, but it hath infortunatly fallen out fare otherwise, that the treasures that are drawn from thence (mines to blow up minds and rocks to ruin faith) do prove the seed of dissension, the sinews of the war, and nursery of all the troubles amongst Christians.  
The Spaniards that were so happy as to chance first upon this new World, were of all others (having but a vast mountainous Country) in regard of their scarcity of people, most unfit for planting thereof, and could not but soon have abandoned the same, if they had not so quickly encountered with the rich Ours of Mexico, New Spain and Peru, which were once likely to have been lost for lack of wood, till the way was invented of refining Silver by quicksilver, which may be easily done out of any oar that is free from Lead, and (all the Spaniards disdaining work as a servile thing below their abilities) their greatest trouble is the want of workmen: for the Natives that are extant, surviving many vexations, if they become civil out of an indulgency to liberty, and ease, whereunto all the Americans (liking better of a penurious life thus then to have plenty with taking pains) are naturally inclined, that they may have a secure ease warranted by an order, do betake themselves to Cloisters, so that they have no means to prosecute these works but by drawing yearly a great number of Negroes from Angola, and other parts, which being but an unnatural merchandise, are bought at a dear rate, and maintained with danger, for they once of late, as I have heard from one that was there at that time designed to murder their Masters, by a plot which should have been put in execution upon a Good-friday, when all being exercised at their devotion were least apt to apprehend such a wicked course, and it is always feared that to revenge what of necessity they must suffer, and to procure their liberty hating most what they feel for the present, and hoping for better by a change, they will join with any strong enemy that landing there dare attempt the conquest of that Country.  
I will not here insist in setting down the manner how the Spaniards made themselves Masters of so many rich and pleasant Countries, but do leave that to their own Histories, though I confess (like wisemen) they are very sparing to report the estate of these parts, and do bar all strangers from having access thereunto, wishing to enjoy that which they love in private, and not inconsiderately vaunting by the vanity of praises to procure unto themselves the vexation that they might suffer by the earnest pursuit of emulating rivals, but as they did bravely begin, and resolutely prosecute their Discoveries in America, so hath it justly recompensed their courage, proving the ground of all that greatness which at this time (not without cause) doth make them (as able, or willing, to conquer others if not both) so much suspected by every jealous State. And Henry the Seventh the Solomon of England had his judgement only condemned for neglecting that good occasion which was first offered unto him by Columbus, yet did he presently seek to repair his error by sending forth Sebastian Chabot a Venetian who did discover the I'll of Newfoundland, and this part of the Continent of America now intended to be planted by his Majesty's Subjects under the name of New England, and New Scotland, so that the fruits of his happy reign still growing to a greater perfection and now ripe to be gathered by this age, as he made way by the marriage of his eldest daughter for uniting these two Nations at home, so did he the same likewise by this discovery abroad, but the accomplishment of both was reserved for his Majesty now reigning, and no Prince in the world may more easily effectuate such a purpose since his Dominions afford abundance of brave men singularly valued for able bodies and active spirits whereof the English have already given good proof of their sufficiency in foreign Plantations; but before I proceed further in that which doth concern them I must observe what the French have done in this kind.  
All such adventurous designs out of ignorance, or envy (either contemned, or doubtfully censured) are never approved, nor imitated, till they be justified by the success, & then many who had first been too distrustful falling in the other extremity of an implicit confidence, to redeem their former neglects, do precipitate themselves in needless dangers. After that the Spaniards were known to prosper, and that it was conceived by the Voyage of Chabot what a large vastness this new Continent was likely to prove, Francis the first did furnish forth ●ohn Verrizzon a Florentine, who did discover that part of America which was first (and most justly) called New France, and now Terra Florida. And upon his return he affirming it to be (as it is indeed for all the excellencies of nature) one of the most pleasant parts of the world, This was the cause that after a long delay (during the space of two Princes whole reigns) some new Discoveries reviving the memory of this, in the year of God 1562. Charles the ninth (having a haughty mind, and being so ravished with a desire of glory, that he was sometimes tempted by sinistrous suggestions in seeking after it to go upon wrong grounds) was quickly enamoured with the eminency of such a singular design, wherein he did employ john Ribaut, who coming to Florida, was kindly received by the Natives there, and having made choice of a place where to build a Fort, after he had stayed a time giving direction for such things as were necessary to be done, he left forty men therein when he came away with one Captain Albert to command them, who after that he had with difficulty been freed from the danger of famine, and of fire (unseasonably affecting the disused austerity of the Ancients) did for a small offence hang one of his company with his own hands, so losing both the dignity of his place, and the hearts of his people at one time, which he should have been extremely studious to preserve, esteeming them as fellows of his sufferings, and coheirs of his hopes, at least the quality of the offence and necessity of his death should have been made so clear, that as importing a common good, all (if not urging it) should at least have condescended thereunto, but this error of his was acquitted in as rude a manner: for his company putting him to death did make choice of another Captain, and despairing of a new supplie though wanting skilful workmen for such a purpose (necessity sharpening their wits) they builded a little Bark which they calfatted and made fit for the Seas with the Gums of trees which they found there in stead of Pitch, and in place of Sails they furnished her with such linens as they had upon their beds, and being thus set forth (courageously overcoming a number of admirable difficulties) did return to France after a desperate manner.  
The dangerless return, and plausible hopes of Ribaut, assisted by the serious persuasions of the Admiral, (the received opinion of whose not questioned wisdom was enough to warrant any thing that had his approbation) did move the French King to send out a great number of men with a competent provision of all things requisite under the charge of Monsieur Laudonier, who had a prosperous Voyage, and a congratulated arrival at the French Fort by the Savages in Florida, but immediately thereafter he was extremely perplexed with the unexpected, mutinies and factious offers of some whom he had carried with him, who had not gone thither intending what they pretended, out of a clear resolution to inhabit that bounds, but did only flee from some inconveniences that had vexed them at home, such men as hating labour they could not industriously serve by their endeavours in a mechanike trade, so were they not capable of generous inspirations that provoke magnanimity, but habitually bred to vice were naturally enemies to virtue, which made thirty of them taking away a Bark that belonged to the Plantation betake themselves to the Seas in hope (continuing as they had been accustomed in naughty courses) to seize upon a prize whereby they might incontinent be made rich; and their design in some measure had the projected issue, but in place of raising their fortunes (the Lord never blessing them that abandon such a worthy work, much less with a mind to do mischief) it proved in end away to work their confusion, And Laudoniere being happy to have his company purged of such pestiferous fellows did carry himself bravely as became a commander, advisedly enquiring concerning the Savages, what their force was, what relation they had one to another, where they were friends or foes, how their pleasures were placed, and by what accounts they reckoned their gains or losses, so that he was always ready as might stand best with the good of his affairs to assist, or oppose, to divide, or agree any party, thus by showing power purchasing authority, till he drew the balance of all business to be swayed where he would as being Master of the Country. Hereupon (the umbragious aspersions of envy so darkening reason that it could not discern merit at least out of a depraved opinion with a derogatory censure cancelling all natural ingenuity, could not or would not acknowledge what was due thereunto) a report was spread in France by some that Laudoniere lived like a Prince disdaining the condition of a Subject, and the French out of a preposterous policy fearing what they should have wished that one of their own Nation could be too great abroad, they sent back Ribaut with a new commission to succeed him in his charge, (shaking thereby the first foundation of a growing greatness) who seeking to steal privately upon him to prevent advertisements that he might take him at unawares did hardly escape to have been sunk at his first entry.  
Immediately after that Ribaut was admitted Governor (Laudoniere having showed himself as dutiful to obey as he had been skilful in commanding) intelligence was given them that six Spanish Ships were riding at an anchor not fare from thence, and he ambitiously aspiring to grace his beginning with some great matter against the advice of all the rest with an obstinate resolution would needs go and pursue them taking the best of the company with him, and so left the Fort weakly guarded, which made it to prove an easy prey for the Spaniards of whom the most part leaving their Ships (a mind transported with hope not thinking of pain) did march thorough the woods whence no peril was expected, and in a marvelous stormy night, as if the very Heavens (accessarily culpable) had conspired with the malice of men for the working of mischief. When the Frenchmen (too much affecting their own ease) had neglected their watch, surprising their Fort did put them all to the sword, which extreme cruelty of theirs was bravely revenged by one Captain Gorgues a Gentleman of Bordeaux, who out of a generous disposition being sensible of this public injury whereby all his Nation was interested, as if it had only in particular imported the ruin of his own fortunes, went of purpose to this part, and secretly before his coming was known contracting a great friendship with the Savages who did hate the austere countenance, and rigorous government of the Spaniards, when it came to be compared with the insinuating forms of the French, he found the means by a stratagem that he used to entrap the Spaniards, by the death of them all expiating that which they had made his Countrymen formerly to suffer, yet after the manner of many being more apt to acquire then to preserve (acting greater things when carried with the impetuosity of a present fury than he could confirm with the constant progress of a well settled resolution) he made no more use of his victory, but returned back to France, flattering himself with the hope of a triumphal welcome, in place whereof by some means made Court he was proclaimed a Rebel, as a sacrifice appointed to appease Spain. This was the last thing that the French did in Florida.  
The next foreign adventure was likewise procured by the Admiral, a worthy man, who would gladly have diuer●ed the vindictive dispositions of his Countrymen from the bloody civil wars wherewith they were then entangled, to prosecute some brave enterprise abroad whereby they might not be made guilty, and yet have glory, The man that did offer himself for Conductor of the Voyage was one Villegagnon a Knight of Malta who then pretended to be of the reformed religion (as all do who affect to appear what they are not indeed) making show of extraordinary remorse, and zeal, and that he had a desire to retire himself from the vanity, corruption, and vexation of their parts to some remote place in America, where professing himself such as he was, he might (free from all kind of impediments) begin a new life, and where he hoped to found such a Colony as should serve for a retreat to all those of the reformed Religion who (weary of the persecutions at home) would go where they might live with safety, and enjoy the liberty of their conscience, by this means he got a great number to accompany him, amongst whom was john de Lerie their Minister, a learned man who wrote a discourse of all that passed in this Voyage, and there were sundry others that came from the Town of Geneva, so that having a reasonable number and well provided, he embarked and sailed towards Brasile, making choice of a place fit for a Plantation, where they found (the soil excellent, the Natives well inclined towards them, and a supply coming in due time) all things so concurring for their contentment that they might have begun a great work happy and hopeful for their posterity, if Villagagnon had been the man that he made them believe he was, but he apparently never loving them of the Religion in his heart had counterfeited to do so for a time, only (angling their affections) by this means to draw a supply from them; for as soon as he was settled in his government, that he found himself strong enough by Catholics, and others of his friends that he had with him to do (as he thought) what he would, strait, removing the mask that hypocrisy had put upon him, he discharged all exercise of the reformed religion which no man with more fervency had professed then himself, commanding all to conform themselves to the orders that he had set down, but (in place of fear which he purposed to give, receiving but contempt) this base kind of carriage did quite overthrow and they making a party amongst themselves did remove with their Minister john de Lerie, which division of their Colony in two was the was cause that neither could subsist, so that Villagagnon abandoning that Country, all after many several designs returned unto France, having found no impediment to so good a purpose but the perverseness of such minds as they had earried with them.  
Monsieur De Laraverdier a very worthy Gentleman did of late enterprise the like course in the same bounds, and was crossed in the same manner by the difference of Religion (disputations quickening them to contravert who will not be converted) that distracted his company with several opinions, yet at this time a long continuance making that less strange amongst the French than it was wont to be, the Gentleman did command with such judgement, and discretion, that what ever private dislike was, it never bursted forth in any open insurrection. And for the space of four or five years being befriended by the Natives, though continually opposed both by the Spaniards, and by the Portugals, yet he always prevailed, living (as himself told me) with more contentment than ever he had done in his time either before or since; he could never discern any Winter there by the effects, seeing no stormy weather at all, and finding a continual greenness to beautify the fields, which did afford such abundance, and variety of all things necessary for the maintenance, that they were never in any danger of famine, but in end finding no more people coming from France, and fearing that time should wear away them that were with him; then being flattered with the love of his native soil, longing to see his friends, and tempted by the hope of a present gain, which as he imagined might the better enable him for some such purpose in an other part, he capitulated with the Spaniards to surrender the place having assurance given him for a great sum of money which should have been delivered in Spain, but coming to receive the same (it being more easy to pay debt by revenging a pretended injury then with money which some would rather keep then their Faith) he was cast in prison, where he remained long, till at last he was delivered by the mediation of our King's Ambassador, and came here where I spoke with him of purpose to give his Majesty thanks- I hear that for the present he is now at Rochel (with a hope to repair his error) ready to embark for some such like enterprise. This is all that the Frenchmen have done in the South parts of America, and now I will make mention of their proceed in these parts that are next unto us.  
Francis the first of France a brave Prince, and naturally given to great things, after the Voyage made by john Verrizan (Chabot having discovered the Continent for Henry the seventh) did send forth james Quartier one of Saint Malo, who by two several Voyages did discover the River of Cannada, and by his relation doth commend it exceedingly as being fertile in variety of Fishes, and bordered with many pleasant meadows, and stately woods, having in sundry parts abundance of Vines growing wild, chief in one Isle which he hath called by the name of the I'll of Orleans. This man never made any Plantation at all, but only discovered and trafficked with the Savages, neither was there any further done by Roberwall, who did live one Winter at Cape Breton.  
The marquis De la Roche by a Commission from Henry the fourth, intending a Voyage for Cannada, happened by the way upon the I'll of Sablon (which is now comprehended within the Patent of New Scotland) and there (trusting to the strength of the place where there are no Savages at all) landed some of his men till he should have found a convenient place within the main Land fit for habitation, promising then to return for them; but it was his fortune by reason of contrary winds never to find the main Land, being blown back to France without seeing of them, where he was in the time of the civil wars (such is the uncertainty of worldly things producing unexpected effects) taken prisoner by the Duke of Mercoeur, and shortly after died, so that his people whom he had left at Sablon furnished but for a short time had quickly spent their provisions, and took for their maintenance only such things as the place itself did without labour freely afford, which hath a race of Kowes (as is thought) first transported thither by the Portugals that have long continued there, and sundry roots fit to be eaten, with abundance of Fishes, Fowle and Venison. And (having no means to live but by sport) as for their apparel they clothed themselves with the skins of such creatures as they could kill by Land, or Sea, so that living there for the space of twelve years when they were presented to Henry the fourth who had hired a Fisherman to bring them home, as I have heard from them that did see them at first before the King, they were in very good health, and looked as well, as if they had lived all that time in France: But having been abused by the Fisherman who (cunningly concealing that he had been directed by the King) did bargain with them to have all their skins for transporting them home, which were of great value, some of them being of black Foxes, which were sold at fifty pounds sterling a piece, and above, for the recovery thereof they intended a process against him before the Court of Parliament at Paris, wherein by the equity of their cause, or by the compassion of the judges, they prevailed, gaining by that means a stock wherewith to traffic in these parts again.  
Monsieur De Montes procuring a Patent from Henry the fourth of Cannada from the 40. degree Eastward comprehending all the bounds that is now both within New England and New Scotland (after that Queen Elizabeth had formerly given one thereof as belonging to this Crown by Chabots' Discovery) did set forth with a hundred persons fitted for a Plantation, carried in two ships of small burden, which parting from France on several days did appoint their meeting at the Port of Campseau, but the ship wherein Monsieur De Montes had placed himself going first, and fearing the huge Mountains of Ice that dissolving from the fare Northern parts come alongst the coast of Newfoundland during the Spring time, did take her course more to the South, and arrived at Port De Mutton a Bay now in the fore-land of New Scotland, from whence one of the Natives of the Country (either out of courtesy, or to gain a reward) leaving his Wife and Children (as a pledge, or else to be nourished with them) went to Campseau, and within a week brought them news from their other Ship that had arrived there, which coming to them, and Monsieur Champlein who had gone in a shallop to discover the coast being returned, they sailed together Westwards to Cape Sable, and from thence Northwards to Bay Saint Maries, where towards the South side thereof they found good meadows and arable ground fit to be planted upon, and towards the North a mountainous and mineral bounds, having discovered one vein of metal that did hold Silver, and two of Iron stone: After this, having seen Port Royal, they went to the River called by them Sante Croix, but more fit now to be called Tweed, because it doth divide New England and New Scotland, bounding the one of them upon the East, and the other upon the West side thereof, here they made choice of an I'll that is within the middle of the same where to winter, building houses sufficient to lodge their number; There, besides other sorts of wood, they had store of Cedar trees, and found the ground very fertile as it did prove afterwards, bringing forth that which they did sow with an extraordinary increase, yet during the Winter time when they could not conveniently go to the main Land, they found it a very incommodious dwelling, specially for want of fresh Springs; And the soil being of itself humid, and obnoxious to waters, they had not been so industrious as to cast a ditch wherewith to dry the ground whereupon their houses stood, and in end finding that a little Isle was but a kind of large prison, they resolved to return unto Port Royal, whereof I will give a particular Description, because it was the place of their residence, as I intent it to be for the chief Colony of the Scottish Nation, grounding that which I am to deliver upon such Discourses as the Frenchmen have written, and upon that which I have heard reported by sundry others who have seen the same.  
The entry in Port Royal is from the South side of a great Bay, which doth make the South part of New Scotland almost an I'll, and hath the passage at first so narrow, with a current so violent, that Ships can hardly enter if they take not the Tide right, and may easily be commanded by any Ordnance that is planted on either side, where there are parts fit for that purpose; As soon as they are within the Bay, it doth enlarge itself to the breadth of seven or eight miles, and doth continue so as if it were square for the like bounds in length; There are within the same two Isles every one of them extending itself about three miles in circuit, and both are well garnished with trees, and grass; divers Rivers and Brooks do fall within this large bosom on every side, of which the chief is one that doth come from the South, being discovered to be above forty miles portative, and it hath all alongst on every side for the bounds of a mile, or half a mile at least, very fair meadows which are subject to be overflowed at high tides, and there is Land fit to be laboured lying between them and the woods, which do compass all about with very fair trees of sundry sorts, as Oaks, Ash, Playnes, Maple, Beech, Birch, Cypress, Pine and Fir; The great River doth abound exceedingly in Salmon and Smelts during their season, and every little Brook in Trout. One Lake within this Bay hath yearly a great quantity of Herrings, which by reason of a strict way which they pass are easy to be taken, and all the year over they never want shellfish, such as Lobsters, Crabs, Cockles and Mussels. The chief beasts that inhabit the Woods there, are Ellans, Hart, Hind, and fallow Deer, with store of other wild beasts, such as Wolves, Bears, Foxes, and Otters, but the most useful of all is the Beaver, both for his flesh that is esteemed to be very delicate for eating, and for the skin that is of good value; as for wild foul, there is great variety and store, of Partridges, Plovers, Woodcocks, Larks, Wild Geese, Wild Ducks, Heron and Crane, with many other forts peculiar to that part of the World, and not known here.  
Upon the East side of this Port the French did entrench themselves, building such houses as might serve to accommodate their number, and a little from thence Monsieur Champlein did cut a walk through the Woods, where they delighted to repair in Summer to shroud themselves from the heat, and the rather that they had a sweet Melody which was made by the variety of voices, of singing Birds which without any affectation did afford them natural Music.  
Some six miles further up that side of the River they built a Barn, and laboured ground for Wheat; over against which they madea Water-mill upon a River, that doth fall in on the West side, the Dam of it being there where the Herrings haunt most, and they did likewise try some ground near by for Wheat, whereas their own Writers make mention, they reaped above forty for one, but what they did was rather trying the nature of the soil to satisfy their curiosity then to have a quantity fit for their maintenance, which they trusted to be sent unto them by two Merchants from the Rochel, and were that way well furnished so long as they keeped their skins to give them in exchange (but the Merchants either by some private conveyances) or by the coming in of some Flemings to traffic, being disappointed by the Planters as soon as they miss their present Commodity did likewise frustrate them of the provisions that they expected. Whereupon Monsieur de Montes betaking himself to trade for Furs. Monsieur Poutrincourt resolved to prosecute the Plantation at that place, and lent for his So● Biencourt to France, to bargain with some that would send them a supply, such as was requisite for establishing of that Colony.  
The first that embraced his Propositions were the jesuites who as they have ordinarily good wits which made them the rather capable of so advantageous a project, so they were the more animated thereunto (by upbraiding the laziness of our Clergy) to show with what fervency they travel to propagate the Gospel in doing whereof (whither it be ambition or devotion that provokes them sparing no pains) they have traveled both to the East and West Indies, and to that admired Kingdom of China; their Society in France prevailing with all that had any inclination either to religion, or to virtue did easily gather a voluntary contribution for the furthering of so commendable a purpose, thereafter they sent away two Fathers of their company with a new supply of all things necessary to the Plantation at Port Royal, but shortly after their arrival (their predominant disposition hardly yielding to any Superior, specially if it be a Secular power) they be-beganne to contradict Poutrincourt, in the execution of these Decrees which had been given forth by him as Civil Magistrate of that place. Whereupon the Gentleman extremely discontented, and weary of contesting with them, having said that it was his part to rule them upon earth, and theirs only to guide him the way to Heaven, he returned back to France, leaving his Son Biencourt in his place, who being a youth at that time of more courage than circumspectness, disdaining to be controlled by them whom he had invited thither, and scorning their insupportable presumption, and imperious kind of carriage, using Spiritual Arms for Temporal ends, whose spleen had excommunicated and branded him with a Spiritual censure, he threatened them by his Temporal power with a more palpable panishment, so that after much controversy, resolving to separate themselves, the two jesuites taking a part of the company with them, went from thence to a place in New England, called by them Mount Desert ' where they seated themselves, and having a supply from the Queen Mother, did plant sundry fruit trees of the most delicate kinds in France, such as Apricockes and Peaches never intending to remove from thence.  
At this time Sir Samuel Argall, who hath been Governor of Virginia, coasting alongst New England, to traffic, discover, or to acquire things necessary for the Southern Colony in these parts, where the Lands are reputed to be more fertile, and the Seas more frequented, did conceive by a description made unto him by the Savages, that there were some come from this part of the World to inhabit there, and being jealous of any thing that might derogate from the honour, or prove prejudicial to the benefit of his Nation, whereof their interest in this was easy to be apprehended, he went whereas he was informed that they were, and his unexpected arrival, as it would seem, not only amazing the minds of the French, but likewise preventing their preparation, and resolution, he approached so near to a ship that lay before their Fore, that he beat them all that were within, with Musket shot, from making any use of their Ordnance, and killed one of the two jesuites, who was giving fire to a Piece; having taken the ship he landed and went before the Fort, summoning them that were within to yield themselves, who at the first made some difficulty, ask a time to advice, but that being refused, they privately abandoned the Fort, stealing out by some back way into the Woods, where they stayed one night, and the next day coming back rendered themselves, giving up the Patent they had from the French King to be canceled, he used them courteously, as their own Writers do make mention, suffering such as had a mind to go for France, to seek out fisher's ships wherein they might be transported, the rest that were willing to go for Virginia, went thither alongst with him, no man having lost his life, but only that one jesuite who was killed whilst they made resistance during the time of the conflict, thereafter Father Biard the other of the jesuites coming back from Virginia, with Sir Samuel Argall, out of the indigestable malice that he had conceived against Biencourt, did inform him where he had planted himself offering (as he did) to conduct him thither. As soon as they were entered within the Port, near the uppermost of the Lands, Sir Samuel directing the ship to ride at a reasonable distance to attend occasions before the Fort, did land himself with forty of the best of his men upon a Meadow, where immediately they heard a Piece of Ordnance from the Fort, and he conceiving since it was shot whilst it could do no harm that it was done either but to give terror to them, or to warn some that might happen to be abroad, Did make the greater haste towards the Fort, where he presently entered, finding it abandoned without any men at all, left for the defence thereof, he went up the River side five or six miles, where he saw their Barns and the ground where a great quantity of Wheat had grown, which he carried with him to serve for Seed in Virginia, he saw likewise their Corn Mill very conveniently placed, which together with the Barns he left standing untouched. As for the Fort itself he destroyed it down to the ground, razing the French Arms, and leaving no monument remaining, that might witness their being there.  
After this Biencourt who had been some where abroad travelling through the Country, coming home desired to confer with Sir Samuel Argall, who did meet with him apart from the Company upon a Meadow, and after they had expostulated a space for what had past controverting concerning the French and English Title to these bounds, at last Biencourt offered (If he might have a protection) to depend upon our King, and to draw the whole Furs of that Country to one Port, where he would divide them with him, As likewise he would show him good Metals, whereof he gave him pieces, but the other refused to join in any society with him, protesting that his Commission was only to displant him, and that if he found him there, after that time he would use him as an enemy. Biencourt labouring earnestly to have had the jesuit (as he confessed) with a purpose to hang him. Whilst they were discoursing together, one of the Savages came suddenly forth from the Woods, and licentiated to come near, did after his manner earnestly mediate a peace, wondering why they that seemed to be of one Country should use others with such hostility, and that with such a form of habit and gesture as made them both to laugh.  
After this Biencourt removing from thence to some other part, Monsieur Champlein who had lived long here, did carry a company with him from France, of some forty persons or thereabouts up the River of Canada, whom he planted on the North side thereof, with a purpose to serve for a factory, drawing all the Trade of that fare running River (which a Plantation would have dispersed in many parts) within the hands of a few whom he doth command otherwise if his desires had been bended that way, he might have planted many people there ere now, the place is called Kebeck, where the French do prosper well, having Corn by their own labour, which may furnish themselves for food, and likewise for a stock to trassique with the Savages, with sundry Fruits, Roots, Vine, Grapes and Turkey Wheat. Champlein hath discovered the River of Canada, from the Gulf upwards above twelve hundred miles, finding in it sometimes such falls, as to scape the same, he must carry his Boat a little way by Land, and then he did many times come to great Lakes at the end whereof he did always find a River again, and the last Lake where he came was a very huge one, judged to be three hundred miles in length, by the report of some Savages, who did affirm unto him, that at the further end thereof they did find Salt-water, and that they had seen great Vessels which made Champlein believe that a passage might be there to the Bay of California, or to some part of the South Sea, which would prove an inestimable benefit for the Inhabitants of those parts, opening a near way to China, which hath been so many sundry ways with so great charges so long sought for, howsoever in regard of the season, and for want of necessary provisions, Champlein did return back at that time with a purpose to go again another year, which if he hath done is not yet known, but this is most certain, that the River of Canada hath a long course and through many goodly Countries, some of these great Lakes by sending forth, or by receiving great Rivers, do afford means of commerce as fare as to some parts of Terra Florida, as may be gathered by Champleins Discovery. And now having given a breviary of all that is done by the French in America, will next report of that which hath been done by some others.  
I will not here make mention of the many and brave Voyages that at the Sea have happily been performed by the English, which same by eternal records hath recommended to be applauded by the best judgements of every age, but I will only shortly touch that which they have attempted by way of Plantation, beginning with the Newfound Land which was first discovered, and doth lie nearest to this Country. Sir Humphrey Gilbert having a Commission from Queen Elizabeth did take possession of it in her name at Saint john's Harbour, and thereafter purposed to have seen Canada, but encountering with some unexpected crosses as he was returning from thence, seeking to condemn an opinion (malice or envy ordinarily taxing all aspiring spirits whose virtue by way of reflection doth upbraid the baseness of others) that had been conceived of him as wanting courage, he precipitated himself upon an other extremity, not to seem fearful, proving desperate; for in the time of a storm, out of a needless bravery, to show a contempt of danger, being in a little small Pinnace, and refusing to come to his best Ship that was of a large burden, he was suddenly swallowed up by the waves near to the I'll of Sablon, and his death did overthrow great hopes of a Plantation that by the generousness of his mind might justly have been expected from him; but long before his time and ever since the English had used to fish upon the Bank, and within the Bays of Newfound Land, and the sweetness of the benefit arising from thence, did persuade a company composed of Londoners and West-country men to join together for sending some to inhabit there, where before howsoever the Summer was large as hot as here, the Winter was thought unsufferable.  
The first houses for a habitation were built in Cupid's Cove within the Bay of Conception, where people did dwell for sundry years together, and some well satisfied both for pleasure, and profit, are dwelling there still, finding small difference between the seasons of the year in that Climate, and here. There is another Plantation begun at Harbour à Grace within the same Bay by the City of Bristol called Bristols Hope, whereas by the sowing and reaping of some Corns of sundry sorts doth appear what further may possibly be expected; And within these three years Master Secretary Caluert hath planted a company at Ferriland, who both for building and making trial of the ground have done more than ever was performed before by any in so short a time, having already there a brood of Horses, Kowes, and other beastial, and by the industry of his people he is beginning to draw back yearly some benefit from thence already: which course howsoever at first it prove good, or bad for his particular, is by example beneficial for the public.  
Last, I hear that my Lord Viscount Falkland now Lord Deputy of Ireland, hath this last year sent a company to inhabit at Renouze a place lying South-west from Ferriland, where the soil is esteemed to be the best whereupon any hath settled there as yet, and he hath the shortest way, and best opportunity of any within his Majesty's Dominions for transporting of people and cattles to that part from Ireland, which if his course be rightly directed, as all have reason to wish, may promise him a good success.  
The first Patentees for Newfoundland have given me a grant of that part thereof which doth lie Northwest from the Bay of Placentia to the great Gulf of Canada overagainst New Scotland, where I had made a Plantation ere now, if I had not been diverted by my designs for New Scotland, but I purpose to do it as soon as conveniently I may. The most part of the bounds whereupon any hath planted as yet in Newfound Land is found to be rocky and not fit to be manured: it may be these that made choice thereof (neglecting the Land) had only a regard to dwell commodiously for making use of the Sea, the present profits whereof doth recompense the loss of that which might be expected by the other, but there can be no hope of any constant dwelling where the people that inhabit do not take a course to maintain themselves by their own Corns, and pasture, as all there might do, if they would respect their posterity more than the present time.  
Before I come to the Continent I must remember the Isles of the Bermudas, whose Discovery and Plantation was procured by so strange a means, for a Ship happening to perish upon their Coast, her passengers seeking the next Land for a refuge, they were compelled to do that out of necessity whereunto in good reason, both for honour and profit, they might more warrantably have been invited; Thus doth benefit flow from loss, safety from ruin, and the Plantation of a Land from the desolation of a Ship: they found at the first store of Hogs, which in all appearance had their beginning from some such an accident as theirs was, and the Fowls were there in abundance so easy to be taken that they could scarcely be frighted away, these first people by repairing of their Ship which was cast away upon the Land, or by building some other Vessel out of her mines, coming back to England, and reporting what was past, some joined together in a company after they had taken a Patent thereof from the King, and did send people of purpose to inhabit there, who trusting too much to the goodness of the soil, and neglecting their own industry, or not governing that well which was carried with them, were reduced to a great distress for want of victuals, so that, if they had not been confined within an Island (more sensible of a present suffering then capable of future hopes) they would willingly have retired from thence, but a great quantity of Ambergris having been found by one by chance, and sent back in a Ship that was going for London, their Merchants finding it to be of a great value, were so encouraged by such a substantial argument, that they presently dispatched away a new supply of persons and all provisions necessary, who arriving there, and having considered what a gulf of famine was likely to have swallowed their fellows, they improving their judgement by the others experience, by betaking themselves to labour in time did prevent the like inconvenience; there is no Land where men can live without labour, nor none so barren whence industry cannot draw some benefit, All Adam's posterity were appointed to work for their food, and none must dream of an absolute case, which can no where subsist positively, but only comparatively, according to the occasions more or less.  
This Plantation of the Bermudas, a place not known when the King came to England, hath prospered so in a short time, that at this present, besides their ordinary (and too extraordinarily valued) commodity of Tobacco, they have growing there Oranges, Figs, and all kind of fruits that they please to plant, and do now intent to have a Sugar work. These Isles being about twenty miles in breadth can only be entered into but by one passage, which is fortified and easily commanded by Ordnance, so that, having no Savages within, and fearing no forces without, it is esteemed to be impregnable; and the number of the Inhabitants there, being near three thousand persons, are sufficient for the ground that they possess, This part may prove exceedingly steadable to this State, if ever it happer to have (as it hath heretofore had) any designs for served in these Seas.  
The first Plantation that ever the English intened abroad was in Virginia, which was first discovered and named so by Sir Walter Raleigh, who in the time of Queen Elizabeth did place some persons, to inhabit there, who not being supplied in time, or out of ignorance, or laziness, not using the ordinary means (the usual fault of all beginners) were brought by famine to a great extremity. And Sir Francis Drakes coming by chance that way did transport them back with him to England, whilst at the same time there was another company furnished forth by Sir Walter Raleigh, who missing them whom they expelled to have found there, did remain still themselves; but what did become of them, if they did remove to some other part, perish, disperse, or incorporate with the Savages (no monument of them remaining) is altogether unknown; This noble work having so hard a beginning after a long discontinuance was revived again in the King's time by a company composed of Noblemen, Gentlemen, and Merchants, who (joining private purses with public supplies) did send thither a sufficient Colony, well furnished with all things necessary, who after their first coming had a continual war with the Natives, till it was reconciled by a Marriage of their King's sister with one of the Colony, who having come to England, as she was returning back, died, and was buried at Gravesend. Thus even amongst these Savages (liberty being valued above life) as they were induced to contest in time, before that power which they suspected, could come to such a height, that it might have a possibility of depressing them, so was their malice with their fears, quickly calmed by the means of a marriage; Lawful allyances thus by admitting equality remove contempt, and give a promiscuous otf-spring extinguishing the distinction of persons, which if that People become Christians, were in some sort tolerable, for it is the only course that uniting minds, free from jealousies, can first make strangers confide in a new friendship, which by communicating their blood with mutual assurance is left hereditary to their posterity.  
This longed for peace, though it bred a great contentment for the time, was attended by wrapping them that apprehended no further danger (too common an inconvenient up in the lazy remissness of improvident security. For a number leaning the feat of the main Colony, did disperse themselves to live apart, as if they had been into a well inhabited Country, which (as perchance) it had emboldened the Savages to embrace the first occasion of a quarrel, so did it give them an easy way for executing the mischief that they intended, by killing two or three hundred persons before they could advertise one another, fare less, join to oppose them in a company together, which course might not only then have made them able to resist, but preventing the others resolution had kept them from being pursued: yet I hear of late, that they have revenged this injury (though (as some report) not after a commendable manner) by killing their King, with a great number of the chief of them whom they suspected most.  
This Plantation of Virginia, if it had not been crossed by the Incursion of the Savages abroad, and by the division of their Owners at home, had at tayned to a great perfection ere now, having had Inhabitants from hence to the number of near three thousand persons, and if some of them who are there, being Lords of reasonable proportions of ground, and having people of their own, owing nothing but due obedience to a Superior Power, and the leading of a life conform to the Laws, had no care but (making their Lands to maintain themselves) how to build, plant, and plenish in such sort as might best establish a fortune for their Posterity, they might quickly make up a new Nation, but it is a great discouragement unto them who dwell there, that they must labour like the Servants of a Family, purchasing their food and raiment from England, in exchange of Tobacco, as they are directed by their Masters, many whereof are strangers to the estate of that bounds, and intending to settle none of their Race there, have no care but how the best benefit may presently be drawn back from thence, the number of voices at their assemblies prevailing more than the soundness of judgement, otherwise that Country before this time for Wine, Oil, Wheat, and other things necessary for the life of man might have equalled for the like quantity any bounds within Europe, to which the soil of itself lacking nothing but the like industry is no way inferior. And it is to be exceedingly wished by all his Majesty's subjects that the Plantation of Virginia may prosper well, which lying nearest to the part from whence danger might come, may prove a Bulwark for the safety of all the rest.  
That which is now called New England was first comprehended within the Patent of Virginia, being the North-east part thereof, it was undertaken in a Patent by a company of Gentlemen in the West of England, one of whom was Sir john Popham then Lord Chief justice, who sent the first company that went of purpose to inhabit there near to Segadahoek, but those that went thither, being pressed to that enterprise, as endangered by the Law, or by their own necessities (no enforced thing proving pleasant, discontented persons suffering, while as they act can seldom have good success, and never satisfaction) they after a Winter stay dreaming to themselves of new hopes at home returned back with the first occasion, and to justify the suddenness of their return, they did coin many excuses, burdening the bounds where they had been with all the aspersions that possibly they could device, seeking by that means to discourage all others, whose provident forwardness importuning a good success, might make their base sluggishness for abandoning the beginning of a good work, to be the more condemned.  
About a four years since, a ship going for Virginia, coming by chance to harbour in the South-west part of New England, near Cape Cod, the company whom she carried for Plantation, being weary of the Sea, and enamoured with the beauty of the bounds that first offered itself unto them gorgeously garnished with all wherewith pregnant nature ravishing the sight with variety) can grace a fertile field, did resolve to stay, and seated themselves in that place which is now called New Plymouth, where they have builded good houses, and by their own industry have provided themselves in such sort as they are likely to subsist, keeping a good correspondency with the Captains of the Savages, who have done nothing hitherto that might offend them (and after this) though they would dare attempt nothing to their prejudice, who are now above two hundred persons, and do increase their number yearly. They find both the Land and the Seas there abounding in all things needful for the use of man, and do govern themselves after a very civil and provident manner.  
Sir Ferdinando Gorge hath been a chief man for the furtherance of all things that might tend to the advancement of New England, having been at great charges these many years passed for the Discovery thereof, in doing which (a good intention bend for other ends, casually bringing forth this effect) the fishing there (not sought for) was found, which doth prove now so profitable, as forty or fifty Sail are employed there from England yearly, and all that have gone thither, have made advantageous Voyages.  
This last year, he sent his Son Captain Robert Gorge with a Colony to be planted in Messasuats bonds, and as I hear out of a generous desire by his example to encourage others for the advancement of so brave an Enterprise he is resolved shortly to go himself in person, and to carry with him a great number well fitted for such a purpose, and many Noblemen in England, (whose names and proportions as they were marshaled by lot, may appear upon the Map) having interressed themselves in that bounds, are to send s●uerall Colonies, who may quickly make this to exceed all the other Plantations.  
Having sundry times exactly weighed that which I have already delivered, and being so exceedingly inflamed to do some good in that kind, that I would rather bewray the weakness of my power, then conceal the greatness of my desire, being much encouraged hereunto by Sir Ferdinando Gorge, and some others of the undertakers for New England, I show them that my Countrymen would never adventure in such an Enterprise, unless it were as there was a New France, a New Spain, and a New England, that they might likewise have a New Scotland, and that for that effect they might have bounds with a correspondency in proportion (as others had) with the Country whereof it should bear the name, which they might hold of their own Crown, and where they might be governed by their own Laws; they wisely considering that either Virginia, or New England, hath more bounds then all his Majesty's subjects are able to plant, and that this purpose of mine, by breeding a virtuous emulation amongst us, would tend much to the advancement of so brave a work, did yield to my desire, designing the bounds for me in that part, which had been questioned by the French, and leaving the limits thereof to be appointed by his Majesty's pleasure, which are expressed in the Patent granted unto me, under his great Seal of his Kingdom of Scotland, marching upon the West towards the River of Saint Croix now Tweed (where the Frenchmen did design their first Habitation) with New England, and on all other parts it is compassed by the great Ocean, and the great River of Canada, so that though sundry other preceding patents are imaginarily limited by the degrees of the Heaven, I think that mine be the first National Patent that ever was clearly bounded within America by particular limits upon the Earth.  
As soon as my Patent was passed, resolving to take possession of the Lands, that were granted unto me, I provided myself of a ship at London, in the month of March, in Anno 1622. but that the business might begin from that Kingdom, which it doth concern, whereby some of my Countrymen might be persuaded to go, and others by conceiving a good opinion thereof, to depend by expectation upon the reports of such of their acquaintance, as were to adventure in that Voyage, I directed her to go about by S. George's Channel, to Kirkcubright, where she arrived in the end of May; Some Gentlemen of that country, upon whose friendship I reposed most, happening at that time to be out of the Kingdom, I encountered with sundry unexpected difficulties: the prizes of victuals being within the space of three months, since I had parted before from Scotland, suddenly tripled, and yet so scarce as I could hardly in haste be well furnished, yet since I was so far advanced, lest I should lose that which was done, if I did not the rest, I used the best diligence I could to provide the ship with all things necessary. Then the very people specially Artizens, of whom I stood in need, were at first loath to embark for so remote a part, as they imagined this to be, some scarce believing that there could be any such bounds at all, and no wonder, since never any in that part had ever traveled thither, and all novelties being disinherited, or disualued, few of good sort would go, and ordinary persons were not capable of such a purpose.  
At last, in the end of june, they parted from thence to the I'll of Man, and after some stay there, in the beginning of August, leaving the sight of his Majesty's Dominions, did betake themselves to the Sea. Though by reason so the lateness of their setting forth, they had the winds very contrary about the midst of September, they discovered Saint Peter's Lands, and were near to Cape Bretton, but yet were beaten back again by a great storm to Newfoundland. And as they passed by the Bay of Placentia, neglecting the occasion to place themselves in some part of my bounds, there as they might have done, they went into Saint john's Harbour, where they concluded to stay that Winter, and sent the ship home for a new supply of such things as were needful.  
Though it might have discouraged me much, that they had retired to Newfoundland, foreseeing that what they had with them might be wasted, and that it would be as chargeable and difficult to furnish them forth from thence, as if they were to go of new from Scotland, yet rather than they should be in danger for want of provision, making me any way guilty of their loss, that had adventured their lives, trusting to my care, I fraughted a ship of purpose furnished with such things as were required in a Note, which they sent home with their Messenger. This ship was dispatched by me from London in the end of March 1623. but she happened to stay so long at Plymouth, first, upon some necessary occasions, and last by contrary winds, it being the eight and twentieth of April, before she parted from thence, having no good winds at all, that they arrived not at Saint john's Harbour, till the fift of june. At their coming they found the company not fit for a Plantion which had first by an unexpected cause been divided in two during the Winter, and in May some doubting of a supply, had engaged themselves to serve Fishermen, by which means they gained their maintenance, and some means beside, so that they could hardly be gathered together again, and their Minister and Smith (both for Spiritual and Temporal respects, the two most necessary members) were both dead, so that seeing no hope to plant themselves in any good fashion that year, ten of the principal persons concluded to go alongst with the ship to New Scotland, to discover the Country, and to make choice of a fit place for a Habitation against the next year, considering very well, that they could not do so much good by staying there with so few a number, as they might do at their return, by reporting the truth to their friends, of that which they had seen, whereby a new Colony might be encouraged to set forth well furnished, and instructed according to that which might be learned by their experience.  
The three and twentieth of june, they loosed from Saint john's Harbour, and sailed towards New Scotland, where for the space of fourteen days, they were by fogs and contrary winds kept back from spying Land till the eight of july, that they saw the West part of Cape Bretton, and till the thirteenth day, they sailed alongst the Coast, till they ran the length of Port de Mutton, where they discovered three very pleasant Harbours, and went ashore in one of them, which after the ships name, they called Luke's Bay, where they found a great way up a very pleasant River, being three fathom deep at a low water at the entry thereof, & on every side of the same they did see very delicate Meadows, having Roses white and red, growing thereon wtih a kind of wild Lily, which had a dainty smell, the next day they resolved (coasting alongst the land) to discover the next Harbour, which was but two leagues distant from the other, where they found a more pleasant River than the first, being four fathom deep at a low water with Meadows on both sides thereof, having Roses and Lilies growing thereon as the other had, they found within this River, a very fit place for a Plantation, both in regard that it was naturally apt to be fortified, and that all the ground between the two Rivers, was without wood, and very good fat Earth, having several sorts of berries growing thereon, as Gooseberries, Strawberries, Hind-beries, Rasberies, and a kind of red Wine berry, as also some sorts of grain, as Pease, some Ears of Wheat, Barley and Rye growing there wild; the Pease grow in abundance alongst the Coast, very big and good to eat, but did taste of the fitch, this River is called Port jolly, from whence they coasted alongst to Port Negro, being twelve leagues distant, where all the way as they sailed alongst, they spied a very pleasant Country, having growing every where such things as were observed in the two Harbours where they had been before. They found likewise in every River abundance of Lobsters, Cockles, and other shel-fishes, and also not only in the Rivers, but all the Coast alongst, numbers of several sorts of Wildfowl, as Wild-goose, black Duck, Woodcock, Crane, Heron, Pigeon, and many other sorts of Fowl which they knew not. They did kill as they sailed alongst the Coast great store of Cod, with several other sorts of great fishes. The Country is full of Woods not very thick, and the most part Oak, the rest are Fir, Spruce, Birch, with some Sicamores, and Ashes, and many other sorts of Wood which they had not seen before. Having disconered this part of the Country, in regard of the Voyage their ship was to make to the Straits with fishes, they resolved to coast alongst from Luke's Bay to Port the Mutton, being four leagues to the East thereof, where they encountered with a Frenchman, that in a very short time had made a great Voyage, for though he had furnished one ship away with a great number of fishes, there were near so many ready as to load himself & others. After they had taken a view of this Port, which to their judgement they found no ways inferior to the rest they had seen before, they resolved to retire back to Newfoundland, where their ship was to receive her loading of fishes. The 20. of july they loosed from thence, and the seven and twentieth thereof they arrived at Saint john's Harbour, and from thence sailed alongst to the Bay of Conception, where they left the ship, and dispatched themselves home in several ships that belonged to the West part of England.  
This is no wonder, that the French being so slightly planted, did take no deeper root in America, for they as only desirous to know the nature and quality of the soil, and of things that were likely to grow there, did never seek to have them in such quantity as was requisite for their maintenance, affecting more by making a needless ostentation, that the World should know they had been there, then that they did continue still to inhabit there, like them, that were more in love with glory then with virtue, then being always subject to divisions amongst themselves, it was impossible that they could subsist, which proceeded sometime from emulation or envy, and at other times from the laziness of the disposition of some, who (loathing labour) could be commanded by none, who would impose more upon them then was agreeable with the indifferency of their affections and superficial endeavours.  
The English were free from these mutinies, and wanted not industry enough, but their out of a custom they have to travel more for the benefit that doth flow from grass, then by manuring of the ground for Corn, or otherwise if they were forced so to do by their Owners at London, who enforcing a speedy return by their labour, would needs be trusted with furnishing of them victuals, they applying themselves to Tobacco, and such things as might import a present commodity, neglecting the time that might have been employed for building, planting and husbandry, did live but like hired Servants, labouring for their Masters, and not like Father's providing for their Family and Posterity, which can never be avoided till the ground be inhabited by them, that being Owners thereof, will trust it with their maintenance, and do content themselves with the delight of that which may give glory to them, and profit to their heirs.  
The Plantations in America do approach nearest to the purity of these that (by an industrious diligence) in the infancy of the first age did extend the mutiplying generations of Mankind, to people the then Desert Earth, for here they may possess themselves without dispossessing of others, the Land either wanting Inhabitants, or having none that do appropriate to themselves any peculiar ground, but (in a straggling company) run like beasts after beasts, seeking no soil, but only after their prey. And where of old the Danes, Gauls, Goths, Huns, Vandals, Longobards, and thereafter Sarazens, Turks, and Tartarians, did (with an inundation of people) encroach upon these places of Europe, which were most civil, and where the Gospel was best planted, out of an ambitious envy to draw unto themselves the glory that any Nation had formerly gained, or out of an exorbitant avarice to swallow up their substance, and to usurp (if they had power challenging right) any Lands that were better than their own, as the most part did in Greece, Hungary, Spain, Italy and France. We here go to cause preach the Gospel where it was never heard, and not to subdue but to civillize the Savag ruin could give to us neither glory nor benefit, since in place of fame it would breed infamy, and would defraud us of many able bodies, that hereafter (besides the Christian duty in saving their souls) by themselves or by their Posterity may serve to many good uses, when by our means they shall learn lawful Trades, and industries, the Authors whereof (though preventing the like Superstition) may acquire no less reverence from them, nor in like case of old Saturn, Bacchus, Ceres and Pallas, by teaching to plant Corn, Wine, and Oil, did get from the credulous ignorance of them with whom they communicated their knowledge.  
When I do consider with myself what things are necessary for a Plantation, I cannot but be confident that my own Countrymen are as fit for such a purpose as any men in the world, having daring minds that upon any probable appearances do despise danger, and bodies able to endure as much as the height of their minds can undertake, naturally loving to make use of their own ground, and not trusting to traffic. Then Scotland by reason of her populousness being constrained to disburden herself (like the painful Bees) did every year send forth swarms whereof great numbers did haunt Pole with the most extreme kind of drudgeric (if not dying under the burden) scraping a few crumbs together, till now of late that they were compelled, abandoning their ordinary calling, to betake themselves to the wars against the Russians, Turks, or sweden, as the Polonians were pleased to employ them, others of the better sort being bred in France, in regard of the ancient league, did find the means to force out some small fortunes there, till of late that the French though not altogether violating, yet not valuing (as heretofore) that friendship which was so religiously observed by their predecessors, and with so much danger and loss deserved by ours, have altered the estate of the Guards, and do derogate from our former liberties, which this King now reigning, we hope, will restore to the first integrity. The necessities of Ireland are near supplied, and that great current which did transport so many of our people is worn dry. The Low Countries have spent many of our men, but have enriched few, and (though raising their flight with such borrowed feathers, till they were checked by a present danger) did too much vilipend these favourable Springs by which their weakness was chief refreshed: But howsoever some particular men might prosper under a foreign Prince, all that adventure so, do either perish by the way, or if they attain unto any fortune, do lose the same by some colour that strict laws urged against a stanger can easily afford, or else naturalising themselves where they are, they must disclaim their King and Country, to which by time (the object of their affections altered) being bound to have a care of that part where there posterity must live, they turn every way strangers, which necessity imposed upon them to take this course, and inconuencies following thereupon, may be prevented by this new Plantation. And where the Scottish Merchants before had no trade but by transporting Commodities that might have been employed at home, and oftentimes money, to bring back Wine from France, and Pitch, Tar, and Timber from the Easter Seas. Now only by exporting of men, Corn, and Cattle, they may within a little time be able to furnish back in exchange these things before named. As likewise a great benefit of fishes, Furs, Timber and Metals, drawing forth our people to foreign Traffic, wherewith they never have been accustomed before, and that to the great increase of the Customs, helping hereby to enrich that ancient Kingdom, which of all the rest hath only lost by his Majesty's greatness, being hereby not only defrauded of his own presence, and of the comfort that his countenance did continually afford, but likewise of many Commodities arising to any Country where a Court is Resident, as the universal poverty thereof (having few rich unless it be some judges and their Clerks) by a common complaint doth too sensibly testify.  
I have never remembered any thing with more admiration than America, considering how it hath pleased the Lord to lock it up so long amidst the depths, concealing it from the curiosity of the Ancients, that it might be discovered in a fit time for their posterity, they were so fare of old from apprehending it by any reach of reason, that the most learned men (as they thought) by infallible grounds, in regard of the degrees of the Heaven, did hold that these Zones could not be inhabited, which now are known to include the most pleasant parts in the Word. This never came to the knowledge of any Hebrew, Greek, or Roman, who had the most able minds to have found out such a mystery: and howsoever some would gloze upon that Fable of Plato's Atlantic Island, I have never observed any thing amongst the Ancient Writers tending to such a purpose, if it be not these lines of Seneca the Tragedian, whereby he might (if not with a prophetic, yet with a poetic rapture) deliver that which he had a mind to make the posterity expect, and was in possibility to happen.  
Venient annis—  
Secula seris, quibus occanus  
Vincula rerum laxet, & ingens  
Pateat tellus, Tiphisque novos  
Detegat orbs; nec fit terris  
Vltima Thule.  
And it is a thing not yet comprehended by the course of natural reason, how these parts of the World came first to be peopled: We must grant (according to the grounds of Divinity) their people to be descended from Noah, and it is not long since that (the Loadstone being found out) the best Sailors (scorning as in former times to be only coasters) have brought the Art of Navigation to that perfection, that they durst resolutely adventure to search the most remote parts in the Ocean, and if any had gone thither of purpose to inhabit, they would have carried with them the most use full kinds of tame Cattle, such as Horses, Cowes, and Sheep, whereof never any was found in these parts, till they were transported thither of late years; but only such wild beasts as of themselves might have wandered any where through vast Forests, and Deserts: so that I do think there must be some narrow passage upon the East, towards Terra Australis Incognita, not yet discovered, from whence people by time might have come (crossing the Straits of Magelane) to inhabit Brasile, Chile, and Peru, or rather I should think that there were some Continent, or Narrow Sea towards the North, about the Straits of Anien, from whence the first Inhabitants in America might have come; because the wild beasts that are there are creatures most peculiar to the North, such as Elkes, Bears, and Beavers, which are known to be ordinary with the Russians, and Tartarians; and I am the more confirmed in this opinion, when I remember of the Mountains of Ice that come floating every Spring alongst the Coast of Newfoundland, which (as it is likely) may dissolve from some Sea that hath been frozen during the Winter time, over which people, and wild beasts might have commodity to pass; but this is a matter that can hardly be determined by demonstration or reason, therefore (all men forming that which they know not, according to the square of their own conceits.) We must leave this to the unlimited liberty of the imagination of man.  
But the thing most wonderful of all is this, though now it be clearly discovered, that so few are willing to make use thereof; This doth chief proceed from want of knowledge, few being willing to adventure upon that wherewith they are not acquainted by their own experience, and yet those who have not made trial themselves, if they will trust others, may be abundantly satisfied by the reports of a number, who to Plant and Traffic do yearly haunt these parts. If the true estate of that which might be done at this time by the joining of some reasonable company together were rightly understood, then so many would not live at home as they do, losing their time, where they can make no benefit, and burdenable to them to whom they are not useful, rather admitted, then welcomed, the one thinking that their service should deserve a reward, and the other that their maintenance is an unnecessary charge, neither gaining, and both discontented: then would not so many adventure their lives for the defence of strangers, whereby they scarce can acquire that which doth defray their own charges, and howsoever the hope of Honour may flatter a generous spirit, there is no great appearance by this means to provide for a Family, or for a Posterity. And if we rightly consider the benefit that may arise by this enterprise abroad, it is not only able to afford a sufficient means for their maintenance, who cannot conveniently live at home, by disburdening the Country of them, but it is able to enable them to deserve of their Country, by bringing unto it both Honour and Profit.  
Where was ever Ambition baited with greater hopes than here, or where ever had Virtue so large a field to reap the fruits of Glory, since any man, who doth go thither of good quality, able at first to transport a hundred persons with him furnished with things necessary, shall have as much Bounds as may serve for a great Man, whereupon he may build a Town of his own, giving it what form or name he will, and being the first Founder of a new estate, which a pleasing industry may quickly bring ●o a perfection, may leave a fair inheritance to his posterity, who shall claim unto him as the Author of their Nobility there, rather than to any of his Ancestors that had preceded him, though never so nobly borne elsewhere, and if the vastness of their hopes cannot be bounded within their first limits, as soon as they have strengthened themselves for such a design, either by Sea or by Land, (in regard of the large Countries next adjacent hereunto) there doth always rest a fair possibility of a further increase, either for them, or for their successors; and so every one of inferior sort may expect proportionably according to his adventure: The Merchant's that are given to trade, where can they have a fairer ground for gain then here; and that beside that which may be expected from so fertile a Land by industry or husbandry hereafter, in present commodities, such as Cod fishes and Herring in the Seas, Salmonds in the Rivers, Furs, Pype-staves, Pot-ashes, and all that may arise from the plenty of good Wood, Minerals, and other things though not known to strangers that only coast alongst the Lands, that may be discovered hereafter by them that are to inhabit the Bounds.  
Here those that are so disposed, without making a Monastical retreat (free from a multitude of troubles) may enjoy the pleasures of contemplation, being solitary when they will, and yet accompanied when they please, and that not with such company as (pressed by importunity) they must discontentedly admit, but only by them of whom they have made choice, and whom they have carried with them, with whom (as partners of their travels) by mutual discourses they may remember their former dangers, and communicate their present joys: here are all sorts of objects to satisfy the variety of desires. I might speak of the sport that may be had by Hunting, Hawking, Fishing, and Fowling, where all these creatures have had so long a time for increase, without being destroyed or frighted, as likewise of the great contentment that must come by daily discoveries of new Fields and Rivers, with the diversity of things not seen before that may happen to be found in them: but I would rather have all at first to think of the pains they must endure, in bringing of so notable a Work to perfection, since no good thing can be had with ease, and all the sons of men are borne to labour. But leaving these worldly respects, the greatest encouragement of all for any true Christian is this, that here is a large way for advancing the Gospel of jesus Christ, to whom Churches may be builded in places where his Name was never known; and if the Saints of Heaven rejoice at the conversion of a Sinner, what exceeding joy would it be to them to see many thousands of Savage people (who do now live like brute beasts) conue●ted unto God, and I wish (leaving these dreams of Honour and Profit, which do intoxicate the brains, and impoyson the mind with transitory pleasures) that this might be our chief end to begin a new life, serving God more sincerely than before, to whom we may draw more near, by retiring ourselves further from hence.  
As I would have no man that hath a mind for this course, to abuse his judgement, by trusting too much to the fertility of the bounds where he is to go, and too little to his own providence, and industry, whereby he may be made to neglect the preparing himmselfes for this Voyage after such a manner as is requisite, So I altogether dislike them that possessed with the preposterous apprehensions of fear (like the lazy man of whom Solomon speaketh, that pretending difficulties to prevent travel, would say there was a Lion in the way) will needs imagine the worst that is in possibility to happen: for such a man (too ingeniously subtle in conjecturing danger) doth both by preiudicated opinions disable himself, and discourage them, who not being duly informed, are confirmed by the confidence of other undertakers, that profess to have knowledge, there is no man at home where he was borne, so free from the accidents of fortune who may not quickly by a public, or by a private calamity be brought in some measure to suffer, and much rather should we arm ourselves with a high resolution against all inconuencies that can occur in such a foreign enterprise (being circumspectly provident, but not confounded with a dejecting fear) where the greatness of so well grounded hopes for us and for our Posterity should make us (hoping for pleasure) to digest any present pain, with a courage greater than can be braved by any apprehended trouble. And because the Lord in such eminent Exploits doth commonly glorify himself by a few number, I wish that all such whose hearts do misgive them portending any disaster (like them of gideon's troops that bowed down like beasts to the water) should retire in time, ere the contagiousness of their infirmity come to infect them that are more sound disposed. There is no just cause for a reasonable man to fear any worldly thing, but only disgrace and want of necessary maintenance: A man can hardly fall in the first here, since an honourable intention what ever the success prove must acquire praise, and the other by ordinary means, is easy to be avoided, but I am so fare from painting out a supposed facility to snare weak minds, that I would have none (with whom it is not fit to communicate more than they be capable of) to embark in this business, but only such as do resolve against the worst, for I profess as Cato did, when he was to enter the Deserts of Arabia.  
— Neque enim mihi fallere quenquam  
Est animus, tectoque metu perducere vulgus.  
Hi mihi sint comites, quos ipsa pericula ducent,  
Qui me teste, pati, vel quae tristissima, pulchrum,  
Romanumque putant; at qui sponsore salutis  
Miles eget, capiturque animae dulcedine, vadat  
Ad Dominum meliore via.—  
And last should not these memorable Exploits of late performed in the East and West Indies by the Flemings, inflame us with a generous ardour to equal, or rather to exceed them, whose penurity of people (even at home) must be supplied by the superfluity of ours: They have not only in the East Indies by several Habitations appropriated large Territories to themselves, but likewise to the great prejudice of their Neighbours, improouing their own profit, have engrossed the general Commerce by consequence depending thereupon. And if they seat themselves (as it is likely they will do) in Brasill, providently prosecuting the good beginning that they have gotten by sparing people of their own, or by interesting Strangers whom they dare trust for founding of a sufficient Colony, that being strong enough to defend and command the Inhabitants. (Securely exacting a due obedience) may enable them for greater matters; then confining with the very Springs whence the streams flow that entertain the power of their enemies (exhausting their substance both by Sea and Land) they have a marvelous fair occasion offered to advance themselves by depressing of the opposed party whose prosperous and desired success (whilst the adding to one doth derogate from another) if not emulated in time, will be envied hereafter.  
I know that many of my Nation if they had been as willing as they are able had been more fit than I am for this purpose, but yet it hath oftentimes pleased God to do the greatest matters by the meanest Instruments. And as no one man could accomplish such a Work by his own private fortunes, so if it shall please his Majesty (as he hath ever been disposed for the furthering of all good Works more for the benefit of his Subjects, then for his own particular) to give his help accustomed for matters of less moment hereunto, making it appear to be a Work of his own, that others of his subjects may be induced to concur in such a common cause, no man could have had my charge that with more affection and sincerity should have used his endeavours for discharging of the same, but I must trust to be supplied by some public helps, such as hath been had in other parts, for the like cause whereunto, as I doubt not, but many will be willing out of the nobleness of their disposition, for the advancing of so worthy a Work, So I hope will some others, the rather out of their private respect to me, who shall continue as I have heretofore done, both to do and write in so fare, as so mean an ability as mine may reach, what (I conceive) may prove for the credit or benefit of my Nation, to whom I wish all happiness.  
FINIS.