Page iv [blank]

Page v

THE TABLE:

Publishers' Note. .... xvii
 
The Epistle Dedicatorie to the Duchesse of Richmond and Lenox. .... xxiii 

A Preface of foure Poynts. .... xxv

Panegyrick Verses. .... xxvii 


The Contents of the generall History, divided into six Books: 

                         THE FIRST BOOKE.
 
A.D.   The first voyage to the new World, by Madock Prince
1170   of Wales. The next by Hanno Prince of Carthage,
       and how it was offred K. Hen. 7. by Chr.
1488   Cullumbus, that undertooke it for the Spanyards.
1492   1492. .... 1
 
1497   How John Cabot was imployed by King Hen. the 7.
1576   and found the Continent before Cullumbus. Also
1583   Sir Martin Frobisher, and Sir Humphrey Gilbert
1584   ranged towards the North. And how Captaine
       Amidas was sent to discover the coast of Florida
       by Sir Walter Raleigh and his associates. And the
       Country Wingandacoa was called Virginia by
       Queene Elizabeth. .... 2

Page vi

A.D.   Sir Richard Greenvill sent thither with 108. he left
1585   for a plantation. The discovery of the Rivers
       Chawonok and Moratoc. The trechery of their
       King, who with eight more were slaine, and they
       all returned to England againe the same yeare with
       Sir Francis Drake. .... 10
 
       The Observations of Master Heriot. Of their com-
       modities, victuall, fruits, beasts, fishes, and foules.
       Their Religion, and beliefe of God, of the Creation
       of the world, and man; the immortalitie of the
       soule; the subtiltie of their Priests; the peoples
       simplicitie, and desire of salvation; and other
       Accidents. .... 19
 
1586   Sir Rich. Greenvill sent to supply them. Not finding
       them, left fiftie. Their successe. .... 26
 
1587   Master White sent to relieve them, found they were all
       slaine, yet left 115. more, and departed. .... 26
 
1589   Returning the second time, he could not heare of them;
       his Observations and Accidents. .... 30
 
1602   A discovery by Captaine Gosnoll of Elizabeths Isles; his
       Observations, Relations, and returne. .... 33

       The voyage of Captaine Pring to the same Coast. .... 37
 
1603   The discovery of Captaine Waymouth; his Observations,
       Relations, and returne. .... 38
 
1605   A Map of the old Virginia, with the figures of the
       Salvages. .... 40
 

                         THE SECOND BOOKE.
       Of Virginia now planted, discovered by Captaine Smith.

1606   The Latitude, Temperature, and Capes; a description
       of Chisapeack Bay, and seaven navigable Rivers that
       fall into it, with their severall Inhabitants, and
       diversitie of Language. .... 43

Page vii

A.D.   Of things growing Naturally, as woods, fruits, gummes,
1606   berries, herbs, roots; also of beasts, birds, and fishes;
       how they divide the yeare, prepare their ground,
       plant their come, and use it, and other victuall. .... 52
 
       What commodities may be had by industry. The
       description of the people, their numbers, constitu-
       tions, dispositions, attyre, buildings, lodgings and
       gardens, their usage of children, striking of fire,
       making their Bowes and Arrowes, knives, swords,
       targets, and boats: how they spinne, make fish-
       hooks, and ginnes, and their order of hunting.
       Consultations and order in Warres. .... 60
 
       Their musicke, entertainment, trade, Physicke, Chirurgery
       and Charmes. Their Religion, God, burials ordinary
       and extraordinary, Temples, Priests, Ornaments,
       solemnities, Conjurations, Altars, sacrifices, black
       boyes, and resurrection. .... 70
 
       The manner of their government, their Emperor; his
       attendants, watch, treasury, wives, successors &
       authority: tenure of their lands, and manner of
       punishment, with some words of their Language
       Englished. .... 77
 
       And a Mappe of the Countrey of Virginia now planted.

 
                         THE THIRD BOOKE.
       Of the Accidents and Proceedings of the English.
 
1606   Their orders of government, Accidents in going, first
       landing and governement setled. .... 85
 
1607   The Salvages assault the Fort, the ships returne, their
       names were left, occasion of sicknes, plenty unex-
       pected, the building of James Towne, the beginning
       of Trade, two projects to abandon the Country. .... 88

Page viii

A.D.   Their first attempts upon the Salvages. Captaine Smith
1607   taken prisoner; their order of Triumph, and how
       he should have beene executed, was preserved, saved
       James towne from being surprised, how they Con-
       jured him. Powhatan entertained him, would have
       slaine him; how Pocahontas his daughter saved
       him, and sent him to James Towne. The third
       plot to abandon the Countrey suppressed. .... 96
 
       Their first Supply and Accidents. The Salvages opinion
       of our God. Captaine Smith revisits Powhatan;
       James Towne burnt; A conceited gold mine; A need-
       lesse charge; Captaine Newports returne for England. .... 104

1608   James Towne rebuilt, with a Church and Store-house;
       The Salvages plot to murther all the English;
       their insolencies suppressed. Different opinions
       among the Councell. .... 110
 
       Their names landed in this Supply. .... 113
 
       The discovery of the Bay of Chisapeack. Their fight
       and conference with the Kuskarawaoks; Ambuscadoes
       prevented in the river Patawomek; A mine like
       Antimony. How to deale with the Salvages. Smith
       neare killed with a Stingray. With many other
       Accidents in the discovery. A needlesse misery
       at James towne redressed. .... 115
 
       The second Voyage to discover the Bay. Their incounter
       with the Massawomekes and Tockwhoghs; the
       Sasquesahanoughs offer subjection to the English.
       The exceeding love of the Salvage Mosco. Their
       fight with the Rapahanocks; their fight wth the
       Manahokes. The King of Hassaninga's brother
       taken prisoner; his relation of those mountainers;
       peace concluded with all those Nations. The dis-
       covery of the river Payankatank; their fight with
       the Nandsamunds, & Chisapeacks; their returne to
       James town. .... 124

Page ix

A.D.   The Presidency surrendred to Cap. Smith. The second
1608   Supply by Captaine Newport, many Presents sent
       from England to Powhatan, his scorne, Consulta-
       tions; factions suppressed; Cap. Smith visiteth
       Powhatan; Pocahontas entertaines him with a
       Maske; the Coronation of Powhatan, and Conditions.
       The discovery of the Monacans; a punishment for
       swearing; the Chickahamanians forced to Contri-
       bution; the abuses of the Mariners; Master
       Scriveners voyage to Werowocomoco. .... 138
 
       Captaine Smiths Relation to England of the estate of
       the Colony: the names of them arrived in this
       Supply. Nandsamund forced to Contribution.
       The first Marriage in Virginia. Apamatuck dis-
       covered. .... 147
 
       Captaine Smiths journey to Pamaunkee. The discovery
       of the Chawwonocks. Smiths discourse to Pow-
       hatan; His reply and flattery; and his discourse
       of Peace and Warre. Powhatans plot to murther
       Smith, discovered by his daughter Pocahontas. .... 154
 
       Their escape at Pamaunkee. The Dutchmen deceive
       Captaine Winne, and arme the Salvages; sixteene
       English beset by seven hundred Salvage, Smith takes
       their King Opechankanough prisoner; the Salvages
       execuse & reconcilement. Master Scrivener and
       others drowned; Master Wiffins desperate journey
       to Pamaunkee; Powhatan constraines his men
       again to be trecherous; he is forced to fraught
       their Ship; Smith poysoned; the Dutch mens
       trechery. .... 163
 
       The Dutch-mens plot to murther Smith. He taketh
       the King of Paspahegh prisoner, and others; they
       become all subject to the English. A Salvage
       smoothered, yet recovered; three or foure Salvages
       slaine in drying stolne powder. .... 174

Page x

A.D.   Great extremity occasioned by ratts; Bread made of dryed
1608   Sturgeon; the punishment for loyterers; the dis-
       covery of the Mangoags. Captaine Argals first
       arrivall; the inconveniences in a Plantation. .... 179 

1609   The government altered; the arrivall of the third
       Supply; mutinies; Nandsamund planted; breach
       of peace with the Salvages; Powhatans chiefe seat
       bought for Copper; Mutinies. Captaine Smith
       blowne up with Gun-powder; a bloudy intent;
       the causes why he left the Country and his Com-
       mission; his returne for England; the ends of
       the Dutch-men. .... 187

       Certaine Verses of seaven Gentlemen. .... 199


                         THE FOURTH BOOKE. 
With their Proceedings after the alteration of the Government.

       How the mutiners proceeded; the Salvages revolt; the
       planting point Comfort. Them at Nandsamund,
       and the Fals, defeated by the Salvages. Captaine
       Ratliff, with thirtie slaine by Powhatan. The fruits
       of improvidence. The arrivall of Sir Thomas Gates.
1610   James Towne abandoned. The arrivall of the Lord
       La Warre; their actions, and both their returnes. .... 203 

1611   The government left to Captaine Percie; & his Pro-
       ceedings. The arrivall of Sir Thomas Dale, and
       his actions. .... 211

       The second arrivall of Sir Thomas Gates; the building
1612   Henerico; and the Bermudas; how Captaine Argall
       tooke Pocahontas prisoner, Dales voyage to Pamaunkee.
1613   The marriage of Pocahontas to Master Rolfe. Articles
       of Peace with the Salvages. .... 215

1614   The government left to Sir Thomas Dale. Captaine Argals
       voyage to port Royall. Master Hamers to Powhatan;
       and their Accidents. .... 223

Page xi

A.D.   The manner of the Lottery. A Spanish Shippe in Virginia.
1615   Dale with Pocahontas comes for England. Capt.
1616   Yerley left Deputy Governour; his warres and peace
       with the Chickahamanians, and proceedings. .... 228

       A relation to Queene Anne of the quality & condition of
1617   Pocahontas; how the Queen entertained her; Capt.
1618   Argall sent governour; the death of Powhatan; ten
       English slaine; Argals accidents and proceedings.
       The Lord de la Warre sent againe governour; his
       death. A relation of their present estates. Haile-
       stones 8. inches about. .... 236

1619   Sir George Yerley sent governor; Waraskoyack planted.
       A parliament in Virginia; foure Corporations
       appointed; the adventures of Cap. Ward; the
       number of ships and men sent this yeare; gifts
       given; Patents granted. .... 245

1620   A desperate Sea fight by Captaine Chester with two
       Spanish men of warre; the names of the Adventurers. .... 250 

1621   Notes and observations. A relation of their estates by
       Master Stockam. The arrivall of Sir Francis Wyat
       with nine ships. Master Gockings plantation; and
       their accidents; the number of ships and men sent
       this yeare; gifts given, Patents granted. .... 268 

       Master Pories journeyes to Pawtuxunt, and other places,
       with his accidents. .... 274

1622   Capt. Each sent to build Forts and Barks. The cause
       and manner of the Massacre; the numbers slaine;
       the providence of Cap. Nuse; Cap. Chroshaw his
       voyage to Patowomek. .... 277

       Capt. Smiths offer to the Company to suppresse the
       Salvages. Their answer; the manner of the Sallery;
       Chroshaw stayes at Patawomek; the escape of Waters
       and his wife. Cap. Hamar goes to Patawomek;

Page xii

A.D.   Chroshaws plot for all their preservations. Capt.
1622   Madison sent to Patawomek. Cap. Powell kils three
       Salvages. Sir George Yerleys journey to Acomack.
       The misery of Captaine Nuse. The kindness of the
       King of Patawomek; a vile policy of a Salvage;
       Madisons mischiefe unto the Patawomeks. It was
       not well don to make Opechankanough drinke
       healths. 300. surpriseth Nandsamund and Pamaun-
1623   kee. The opinion of Cap. Smith how to subject the
       Salvages. The arrivall of Cap. Butler in Virginia,
       and other Accidents. .... 295

       The losse of Cap. Spilman and 26. men. A particular of
       such necessaries as are fit for private persons or
       families. .... 313

       A briefe relation by Cap. Smith to his Majesties Commis-
       sioners, for the reformation of Virginia. The 7
       questions the right Worthie Commissioners de-
1624   manded, and his answers; how the King hath
       pleased to take it into his consideration. .... 318

       At this present two ships are going; more a preparing;
       new Commissions sent. A Proclamation, no Tobacco
       be used in England, but what shall come from Vir-
       ginia, or the Somer Isles; quere the Proclamation. 


                         THE FIFT BOOKE.
       A Mappe of the Somer Isles and Fortresses. The descrip-
       tion of the Isles, the fruits, fishes, soyle, ayre, beasts,
1593   birds, with the relation of the shipwrack of Henry
       May. .... 331

1609   The shipwrack of Sir Tho. Gates, and Sir George Somers;
1610   their accidents, deliverance and arrivall in Virginia.
       Somers returne to the Isles; his death, and Epitaph,
1611   the accidents hapned; three men lived there alone
       two yeares. .... 341

Page xiii

A.D.   Master More sent to make a plantation. A peece of
1612   Amber Greece found of 80. pound weight; much
       dissension; Mores industrie in fortifying and waighing
1613   Ordnance out of the wracks. Their first Supply; a
       strange increase of Potatoes. The attempt of 2
       Spanish ships; a great mortality; a strange being of
1614   Ravens; a new Supply, with their Accidents, and
       Moores returne. .... 348

1615   The rent of the six governours; a wonderfull accident of
       Hilliard, not much lesse then a miracle. .... 355

1616   The government of Ca. Tuckar; Assises; the strange
       adventure of 5 men in a boat; plants from the West
1617   Indies; the endevours of Cap. Powell; Assises. The
       Country neer devoured with ratts; their strange con-
1618   fusion. The divisions of the Isles into Tribes, and
       Tribes into shares, by Mr. Norwood; the names of
       the adventurers, and their shares. .... 359

       The first Magazin; two exployts of desperate fugitives.
       The returne of Cap. Tuckar. Cap. Kendall left
       deputy-governor, and their Accidents. .... 372
 
1619   The government of Cap. Butler; A platforme burnt, and
       much hurt by a Hericano. The refortifying the
       Kings Castle. The arrivall of two Dutch Frigots.
       The rebuilding the Mount, and a Tombe for Sir
       George Somers. The reformation of their lawes and
       officers. Their Assises. A Parliament. Their acts;
       their opinion of the Magazin. The building three
1620   Bridges. The generall Assises; A strange deliverance
       of a Spanish wracke. A strange Sodomy; many
1621   Ordnances got from wracks. Their estates present. .... 376

1622   Master Barnard sent to be governour; his arrivall, death,
1623   and funerall, with the proceedings of Mr. Harrison
1624   his successor, & Cap. Woodhouse their governor. .... 394

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Page xv

ILLUSTRATIONS

Facsimile of the Engraved Title Page of 'The Generall Historie,' 1624,
... xx 
Portrait of Frances, Duchess of Richmond and Lenox, ... xxviii 
Portrait of Pocahontas, ... 104 
A description of part of the Adventures of Captain Smith in Virginia, with 
Map of Ould Virginia, ... 208 
Map of The Summer Isles, ... 368 
Map of Virginia, ... 396

Page xvi [blank]

Page xvii

PUBLISHERS' NOTE

John Smith 'was borne in Willoughby in Lincolneshire, and a Scholler in 
the two Free-schooles of Alford and Louth.' His father, George Smith, 
'anciently descended from the ancient Smiths of Crudley in Lancashire,' 
was a farmer-tenant of Lord Willoughby, to whom he bequeathed as a token 
of his 'dewtifull good will the best of my two yeares old colts.' John, 
the eldest son, was baptised in the Parish Church of Willoughby, on the 
6th January, 1579. 'His parents dying when he was about thirteene yeeres 
of age, left him a competent meanes, which hee not being capable to 
manage, little regarded; his minde being even then set upon brave 
adventures, sould his Satchell, bookes, and all he had intending secretly 
to get to Sea, but that his fathers death stayed him.' About the age of 
fifteen he was bound apprentice to 'Master Thomas Sendell of Linne the 
greatest Merchant of all those parts; but because hee would not presently 
send him to Sea, he never saw his master in eight yeeres after.' At length 
he succeeded in attending Peregrine Bertie, second son of Lord Willoughby, 
to France, but in a few weeks he was sent back to England 'his service 
being needlesse.' Unwelcome at home, his friends 'liberally gave him (but 
out of his owne estate) ten shillings to be rid of

Page xviii

him.' With this he made his way to Paris and made friends with 'one Master 
David Hume, who making some use of his purse, gave him Letters to his 
friends in Scotland to preferre him to King James.' Smith, however, having 
spent nearly all his money in Rouen, went to Havre where 'he first began 
to learne the life of a souldier.' He next served two or three years in 
the Low Countries. Thence proceeding to Scotland (being shipwrecked on the 
Holy Island on the way) he delivered his letters, but 'After much kinde 
usage amongst those honest Scots,' finding he had 'neither money nor means 
to make him a Courtier' he returned to Willoughby. Here he retired to the 
woods, built himself a 'Pavillion of boughs' and lived chiefly on venison, 
'his exercise a good horse, with his lance and Ring,' his books 
Macchiavelli's 'Art of War' and Marcus Aurelius. Tiring of this life after 
a short time he returned to the Low Countries and began the adventurous 
career of which he gives such an enthralling description in his 'True 
Travels, Adventures and Observations.

In 1605 he returned to England, and the next year prepared to join an 
expedition to Guiana but the scheme was frustrated by the death of the 
intended leader, Charles Lee. On 19th December 1606 he sailed from 
Blackwall with the Colonists for Virginia. For the next three years he was 
busily employed, as his 'Generall Historie of Virginia' witnesses, in 
founding the Colony; in September 1609 he narrowly escaped death by the 
accidental explosion of a bag of gunpowder, and left for England to 
recruit his health. He did not return to Virginia, but for the next few

Page xix

years was engaged in encouraging the colonisation of New England, and in 
1614 he sailed thither on a voyage of exploration. On his return he 
presented to Prince Charles the first accurate map of the New England 
coast. In 1615 he made two attempts to revisit New England: the first 
failed through his ship being dismasted in a storm; in the second he was 
captured by a French ship of war, but after serving with his captors 
against the Spaniards he was set free. In 1617 he made another attempt, 
but the ships were storm-stayed in port and the expedition was abandoned. 
Thereafter he remained in London where he employed himself in encouraging 
American colonisation by the production of maps and pamphlets. He died in 
London in June 1631, and was buried in St. Sepulchre's Church.

Of Smith's works, here reprinted, 'The Generall Historie of Virginia New 
England and the Summer Isles with the names of the Adventurers, Planters 
and Governours from their first beginning Anno 1584 to this present 1624' 
was published in London by Michael Sparkes in the latter year. The 
editions of 1626, 1627 and 1632 differ only from that of 1624 in the date 
on the title page. From a copy of the prospectus of the work in the 
possession of the Society of Antiquaries of London we learn that Smith 
intended to insert only three maps instead of the six which subsequently 
appeared, and that these three maps would cost nearly 'an hundred pounds, 
which summe I cannot disbursse.' From the dedication it is clear that but 
for the help of the Duchess of Richmond and Lennox the book would not have 
been published, at all events

Page xx

in its original shape, and it is probable that her liberality enabled 
Smith to increase the number of maps and add the portraits of the Duchess 
herself and Pocahontas. In the original editions pages 97 to 104 are 
invariably missing, and it was for long thought that they had been 
suppressed. The late Mr. Henry Stevens, F.S.A., however, showed from 
comparison of the types and ornaments that the book had been handed to two 
printers to be set up simultaneously, and that the hiatus was caused by 
the first portion of the work not occupying in print the number of pages 
assigned to it, the second portion meanwhile having been partly printed 
off. This theory is corroborated by the title page, which bears the 
imprint, 'Printed by I. D. and I. H. for Michael Sparkes.'

'A Sea Grammar, with the Plaine Exposition of Smith's Accidence for young 
Sea-men enlarged' was 'Printed by John Haviland' in 1627 in London. It is 
the enlarged edition of the 'Accidence for young Seamen' which Smith 
promised in his preface to the 'Accidence,' where he states, 'For this 
Small Pamphlet, if I find you kindly and friendly accept it, I meane ere 
long, more largely to explaine the particulers.' In the preface to the 
'True Travels' Smith explicitly claims the authorship of the 'Sea Grammar' 
and gives its success as one of the reasons for printing the 'True 
Travels.'

'The True Travels, Adventures and Observations of Captaine John Smith, In 
Europe, Asia, Affrica, and America, from Anno Domini 1593 to 1629' was 
printed by 'J. H. for Thomas Slater, and are to bee sold at the Blew Bible 
in Greene Arbour, 1630.' The book was compiled at the instance of Sir 
Robert Cotton, 'that

[image of title page of 1624 edition - see beginning of this Intro]

Page xxi [blank]

Page xxii

most learned Treasurer of Antiquitie.' The question as to the truth of the 
adventures recorded in this book has given rise to heated and prolonged 
controversy.

Smith was a prolific writer of tracts and pamphlets on the colonisation of 
Virginia and New England, but the substance of them is contained in 'The 
Generall Historie' and 'The True Travels.'

In accordance with the scheme of this series, the edition here presented 
is an exact reprint of the Original Editions except that the letters i, j, 
u and v have been altered to conform to modern usage, and obvious 
printers' errors, both of spelling and punctuation, have been corrected. 
References to the pages of the original editions are given in the margin, 
and a full index has been added.

Glasgow,
February, 1907.




Page xxiii

TO THE ILLUSTRIOUS AND MOST NOBLE PRINCESSE, THE LADY FRANCIS, Duchesse of 
Richmond and Lenox.

May it please your Grace,

This History, as for the raritie and varietie of the subject, so much more 
for the judicious Eyes it is like to undergoe, and most of all for that 
great Name, whereof it dareth implore Protection, might and ought to have 
beene clad in better robes then my rude military hand can cut out in Paper 
Ornaments. But because, of the most things therein, I am no Compiler by 
hearsay, but have beene a reall Actor; I take my selfe to have a propertie 
in them: and therefore have beene bold to challenge them to come under the 
reach of my owne rough Pen. That, which hath beene indured and passed 
through with hardship and danger, is thereby sweetned to the Actor, when 
he becometh the Relator. I have deeply hazarded my selfe in doing and 
suffering, and why should I sticke to hazard my reputation in Recording? 
He that acteth two parts is the more borne withall if he come short, or 
fayle in one of them. Where shall we looke to finde a Julius Cæsar, whose 
atchievments shine as cleare in his owne Commentaries, as they did in the 
field? I confesse, my hand, though able to weild a weapon among the 
Barbarous, yet well may tremble in handling a Pen among so many Judicious: 
especially

Page xxiv

when I am so bold as to call so piercing, and so glorious an Eye, as your 
Grace, to view these poore ragged lines.

Yet my comfort is, that heretofore honorable and vertuous Ladies, and 
comparable but amongst themselves, have offred me rescue and protection in 
my greatest dangers: even in forraine parts, I have felt reliefe from that 
sex. The beauteous Lady Tragabigzanda, when I was a slave to the Turkes, 
did all she could to secure me. When I overcame the Bashaw of Nalbrits in 
Tartaria, the charitable Lady Callamata supplyed my necessities. In the 
utmost of many extremities, that blessed Pokahontas, the great Kings 
daughter of Virginia, oft saved my life. When I escaped the crueltie of 
Pirats and most furious stormes, a long time alone in a small Boat at Sea, 
and driven ashore in France, the good Lady Madam Chanoyes, bountifully 
assisted me.

And so verily these my adventures have tasted the same influence from your 
Gratious hand, which hath given birth to the publication of this 
Narration. If therefore your Grace shall daigne to cast your eye on this 
poore Booke, view I pray you rather your owne Bountie (without which it 
had dyed in the wombe) then my imperfections, which have no helpe but the 
shrine of your glorious Name to be sheltered from censorious condemnation. 
Vouchsafe some glimpse of your honorable aspect, to accept these my 
labours; to protect them under the shadow of your excellent Name: which 
will inable them to be presented to the Kings royall Majestie, the most 
admired Prince Charles, and the Queene of Bohemia: your sweet 
Recommendations will make it the worthier of their good countenances. And 
as all my endevours are their due tribute: so this Page shall record to 
posteritie, that my service shall be to pray to God, that you may still 
continue the renowned of your sexe, the most honored of men, and the 
highly blessed of God.

Your Graces faithfull
and devoted servant,
JOHN SMITH.

Page xxv

A Preface of foure Poynts.

I.
This plaine History humbly sheweth the truth; that our most royall King 
James hath place and opportunitie to inlarge his ancient Dominions without 
wronging any; (which is a condition most agreeable to his most just and 
pious resolutions:) and the Prince his Highness may see where to plant new 
Colonies. The gaining Provinces addeth to the Kings Crown: but the 
reducing Heathen people to civilitie and true Religion, bringeth honour to 
the King of Heaven. If his Princely wisedome and powerfull hand, renowned 
through the world for admirable government, please but to set these new 
Estates into order; their composure will be singular: the counsell of 
divers is confused; the generall Stocke is consumed; nothing but the touch 
of the Kings sacred hand can erect a Monarchy.

II.
Most noble Lords and worthy Gentlemen, it is your Honors that have 
imployed great paines and large expence in laying the foundation of this 
State, wherein much hath beene buried under ground, yet some thing hath 
sprung up, and given you a taste of your adventures. Let no difficulties 
alter your noble intentions. The action is an honour to your Country: and 
the issue may well reimburse you your summes expended. Our practices have 
hitherto beene but assayes, and are still to be amended. Let your bountie 
supply the necessities of weake beginnings, and your excellent judgements 
rectifie the proceedings; the returne cannot choose in the end but bring 
you good Commodities, and good contentments,

Page xxvi

by your advancing shipping and fishing so usefull unto our Nation.

III.
Yee valiant and generous spirits, personall possessors of these new-found 
Territories, banish from among you Cowardise, covetousnes, jealousies, and 
idlenes, enemies to the raising your honours and fortunes; vertue, 
industry, and amitie, will make you good and great, and your merits live 
to ensuing Ages. You that in contempt of necessities, hazard your lives 
and estates, imploying your studies and labours in these faire endevours, 
live and prosper as I desire my soule should prosper.

IIII.
For my selfe let emulation and envie cease, I ever intended my actions 
should be upright: now my care hath beene that my Relations should give 
every man they concerne, their due. But had I not discovered and lived in 
the most of those parts, I could not possibly have collected the 
substantiall truth from such a number of variable Relations, that would 
have made a Volume at least of a thousand sheets. Though the beginning may 
seeme harsh in regard of the Antiquities, brevitie, and names; a 
pleasanter Discourse ensues. The stile of a Souldier is not eloquent, but 
honest and justifiable; so I desire all my friends and well-wishers to 
excuse and accept it, and if any be so noble as to respect it, he that 
brought New England to light, though long since brought in obscuritie, he 
is againe to be found a true servant to all good designes.

So I ever rest yours to command,
JOHN SMITH.



Page xxvii

PANEGYRICK VERSES.

A Gentleman desirous to be unknowne, yet a great Benefactor to Virginia, 
his love to the Author, the Company, and History.

Stay, reade, behold, skill, courage, knowledge, Arts;
Wonder of Nature: Mirror of our Clime.
Mars, Vulcan, Neptune strive to have their parts,
Rare Ornaments, rich honours of our time.

From far fetcht Indies, and Virginia's soyle,
Here Smith is come to shew his Art and skill:
He was the Smith that hammered famins foyle,
And on Powhatan's Emperour had his will.

Though first Columbus, Indies true Christofer;
Cabots, brave Florida, much admirer;
Meta Incognita, rare Martin Forbisher;
Gilberts brave Humphery, Neptunes devourer;

Captaine Amadis, Raleighs discoverer;
Sir Richard Grenvill, Zealands brave coaster:
Drake, doomes, drowne, death, Spaines scorner;
Gosnolds Relates, Pring prime observer.

Though these be gone, and left behinde a name,
Yet Smith is here to Anvile out a peece
To after Ages, and eternall Fame,
That we may have the golden Jasons fleece.

He Vulcan like did forge a true Plantation,
And chain'd their Kings, to his immortall glory;
Restoring peace and plentie to the Nation,
Regaining honour to this worthy Story.

Page xxviii

By him the Infidels had due correction,
He blew the bellowes still of peace and plentie:
He made the Indians bow unto subjection,
And Planters ne're return'd to Albion empty.

The Colonies pin'd, starv'd, staring, bones so feeble,
By his brave projects, proved strong againe:
The Souldiers' lowance he did seeke to treble,
And made the Salvage in uncouth place remaine.

He left the Countrey in prosperous happie state,
And plenty stood with peace at each mans doore:
Regarding not the Salvage love nor hate:
Themselves grew well, the Indians wondrous poore.

This there he did and now is home return'd,
To shew us all that never thither goe:
That in his heart, he deepely oft hath mourn'd,
Because the Action goeth on so slow.

Wise,   Rich,
grave,   prize
Brave,   Benefactors,
Replant, want, continue still good Actors.
finde,
and   bring
kinde,   eyes
Be   to blind;
By Gods great might, give Indians light.

Bloud,
money,   to
doe
Spend   that good,
That may give Indians heav'nly food.

no lesse,
God   you
And   still
shall blesse;
Both you and yours the Lands possesse.

S. M.


See here behold as in a Glasse,
All that is, or is and was.

T. T. 1624.

[image caption: The portraiture of the illustreous Princesse Frances 
Duchess of Richmond and Lenox daugter of Thomas LD. Howard of Bindon sonne 
of Thomas Duke of Norfok. whose mother was Elisabeth daughter of Edward 
Duke of Buckingham. Anno 1623 infculptum a Guilh: Passco Londinum.]

Page xxix

Samuel Purchas of his friend Captaine John Smith, and his Virginia.

LOe here Smiths Forge, where Forgery's Roague-branded,
True Pegasus is shoo'd, fetters are forged
For Silke-sotts, Milk-sops, base Sloth, farre hence landed, (Soile-chang'd,
(*) Soule-soil'd still) Englands dregs, discharged,
To plant (supplant!) Virginia, home-disgorged:
Where, vertues, praise, frames, good men Stories armour
'Gainst Time, Achilles-like, with best Arts charged;
Pallas, all-arm'd, all-learn'd, can teach Sword-Grammer,
Can Pens of Pikes; Armes t' Arts; to Scholar, Souldier, hammer:

(* Cælumnon animum mutant.)

Can Pilgrim make a Maker; all so well
Hath taught Smith scoure my rustie out-worne Muse,
And so conjur'd her in Virginian Cell,
That things unlearned long by want of use,
Shee fresh areeds me read, without abuse
By fabling. Arthurs great Acts little made
By greater lies she saith; seales Faith excuse
(a)T' Island, Groonland, Estotiland to wade
After lie-legends; Malgo, Brandon, are Wares braide.

(a These are said a thousand yeares agoe to have beene in the North parts 
of America.)

The Fryer of Linne(b) frights her with his black Art;
Nor Brittish Bards can tell where Madoc(c) planted.
Cabots, Thorns, Elyots truth have wonne her heart,
Eldest discov'rers of New Worlds Cont'nent (granted
So had just Fates.) Colon and Vespuce panted;
This got the name,(d) last, least of Three; the Other
New Worlds Isles found first: Cabot is most chanted
In Three-Mens-song; did more New World discover
Then both, then any; an hundred degrees coasted over.

(b He is said to discover the Pole 1360.)

(c Madoc ap Owen Planted some remote Westernparts. 1170.)

(d America named of Americus Vesputius which discovered les then Colon or 
Sir Sebastian Cabot, and the Continent later. Colon first found the Isles 
1492. the Continent 1498. Above a yeare after Cabot had don it. He was set 
forth by Henry 7. and after by Hen. 8. Knighted, and made grand Pilot of 
England by Ed. 6 Under whom he procured the sending of Sir Hugh 
Willoughby, & discovery of Greenland and Russia: having by himself 
discovered on America from 67 North lat. to neere 40 South.)

Page xxx

Haile Sir Sebastian, Englands Northern Pole,
Virginia's finder; Virgin Eliza nam'd it,
Gave 't Raleigh. (Rut, Prat, Hore, I not enrole)
Amadas rites to English right first fram'd it.
Lane planted, return'd, nor had English tam'd it:
Greenviles and Whites men all slaine; New Plantation
James founds, Sloth confounds, feare, pride, faction sham'd it:
Smiths Forge mends all, makes chaines for Savage Nation,
And feeds the rest; the rest reade in his Bookes Relation.


Thomas Macarnesse to his worthy friend and Countryman, Captaine John Smith.

Who loves to live at home, yet looke abroad,
And know both passen and unpassen road,
The prime Plantation of an unknowne shore,
The men, the manners, fruitfulnesse, and store:
Read but this little Booke, and then confesse,
The lesse thou lik'st and lov'st, thou liv'st the lesse.

He writ it with great labour, for thy good,
Twice over, now in paper, 'fore in blood;
It cost him deare, both paines, without an ayme
Of private profit, for thy publicke gaine.
That thou mightst read and know and safely see,
What he by practice, thou by Theoree.

Commend him for his loyall loving heart,
Or else come mend him, and take thou his part.


To his friend Captaine John Smith, and his Worke.

I Know not how Desert more great can rise,
Then out of Danger t'ane for good mens Good;
Nor who doth better winne th' Olympian prize,
Than he whose Countryes Honor stirres his bloud;
Private respects have private expectation,
Publicke designes, should publish reputation.

Page xxxi

This Gentleman whose Volumne heere is stoard
With strange discoverie of Gods strangest Creatures,
Gives us full view, how he hath Sayl'd, and Oar'd,
And Marcht, full many myles, whose rough defeatures,
Hath beene as bold, as puissant, up to binde
Their barbarous strength's, to follow him dog-linde.

But wit, nor valour, now adayes payes scores
For estimation; all goes now by wealth,
Or friends; tush! thrust the beggar out of dores
That is not Purse-lyn'd; those which live by stealth
Shall have their haunts; no matter what's the guest
In many places; monies well come best.

But those who well discerne, esteeme not so:
Nor I of thee brave Smith, that hast beat out
Thy Iron thus; though I but little know
To what t' hast seene; yet I in this am stout:
My thoughts, maps to my minde some accidents,
That makes mee see thy greater presidents.

Jo: Done.

To my worthy friend Captaine John Smith.

How great a part of knowledge had wee lost,
Both of Virginia and the Summer Isles,
Had not thy carefull diligence and cost
Inform'd us thus, with thy industrious stile!
Like Cæsar now thou writ'st what thou hast done,
These acts, this Booke will live while ther's a Sunne.

Edw: Worseley.

To his much respected friend Captaine John Smith.

Envie avant. For Smith, whose Anvill was Experience,
Could take his heat, knew how and when to Strike,
Wrought well this Peece; till After-negligence
Mistaking temper, Cold, or Scorch'd; or like

Page xxxii

Unskilfull workmen, that can never Fyle
Nor Pollish it, that takes in Forge such toyle:
Heere Noble Smith, thou shewest the Temper true,
Which other Tampring-Tempres never knew.


Ro: Norton.

To his loving friend Captaine John Smith.

Where actions speake the praises of a man,
There, Pennes that use to flatter silent be,
Or if they speake, it is to scorne or scanne;
For such with vertue seldome doe agree.

When I looke backe on all thy labours past,
Thy travels, perils, losses oft sustaind
By Sea and Land; and (which is worst and last)
Neglect or small reward, so dearely gaind,

I doe admire thy still undanted spirit;
unwearied yet to worke thy Countries good.
This be thy praise then, due unto thy merit;
For it th' hast venter'd life; and lost thy blood.


1.   2.   3.   1.   2.   3.
Truth, travayle, and Neglect, pure, painefull, most unkinde,
1.   2.   3.   1.   2.   3.
Doth prove, consume, dismay, the soule, the corps, the minde.

Edw: Ingham.

To my deare friend by true Vertue ennobled Captaine John Smith.

More then enough I cannot thee commend:
Whose both abilities and Love doe tend
So to advance the good of that Estate,
By English charge, and Planters propagate
Through heapes of painfull hazards; in the first
Of which, that Colony thy Care hath nurst.
And often that effected but with ten
That after thee, and now, three hundred men

Page xxxiii

Have faild in, 'mong the Salvages; who shake
At bruit of Thee, as Spaine at Name of Drake.
Which well appeares; considering the while
Thou governedst, nor force of theirs, ne guile
Lessend a man of thine; but since (I rue)
In Brittish blood they deeply did imbrue
Their Heathen hands. And (truth to say) we see,
Our selves wee lost, untimely leaving Thee.
Nor yet perceive I any got betweene
Thee and thy merit; which hath better beene
In prayse; or profit much; if counted just;
Free from the Weales abuse, or wronged trust.
Some few particulars perhaps have sped;
But wherein hath the publicke prospered?
Or is there more of those Vast Countries knowne,
Then by thy Labours and Relations showne
First, best? And shall we love Thee now the lesse?
Farre be it! fit condignely to expresse
Thankes, by new Charge, or recompence; by whom,
Such past good hath, such future good may come.

David Wiffin.

Noble Captaine Smith, my worthy Friend.

Not like the Age wherein thou liv'st, to lie
Buried in basenesse, sloth, or Ribaldrie
(For most doe thus) hast thou thy selfe applide;
But, in faire Actions, Merits height descride:
Which (like foure Theaters to set thee forth)
The worlds foure Quarters testifie thy worth.
The last whereof (America) best showes
Thy paines, and prayse; and what to thee shee owes,
(Although thy Sommer shone on th' Elder Three,
In as great Deeds as great varietie)
For opening to Her Selfe Her Selfe, in Two(*)
Of Her large Members; Now Ours, to our view.
Thereby endearing us to thy desart,
That doubly dost them to our hands impart;
There by thy Worke, Heere by thy Workes; By each
Maist thou Fames lasting Wreath (for guerdon) reach.
And so become, in after Times t' ensue,
A President for others, So to do.

William Grent.

(* Virginia now inhabited, and New-England.)

To his worthily affected Friend, Captaine John Smith.

Amongst so many that by learned skill,
Have given just praise to thee, and to thy Booke,
Deare friend receive this pledge of my good will,
Whereon, if thou with acceptation looke,
And thinke it worthie, ranke amongst the rest:
Use thy discretion, I have done my best.