Travels of Captaine John Smith Volume I - Pages 144-173



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No sooner were we landed, but the President dispersed so many as were 
able, some for Glasse, others for Tarre, Pitch, and Sope-ashes, leaving 
them with the Fort to the Councels oversight, but 30 of us he conducted 
downe the river some 5 myles from James towne, to learne to make Clapbord, 
cut downe trees, and lye in woods. Amongst the rest he had chosen Gabriel 
Beadle, and John Russell, the onely two gallants of this last Supply, and 
both proper Gentlemen. Strange were these pleasures to their conditions; 
yet lodging, eating, and drinking, working or playing, they but doing as 
the President did himselfe. All these things were carried so pleasantly as 
within a weeke they became Masters: making it their delight to heare the 
trees thunder as they fell; but the Axes so oft blistered their tender 
fingers, that many times every third blow had a loud othe to drowne the 
eccho; for remedie of which sinne, the President devised how to have every 
mans othes numbred, and at night for every othe to have a Cann of water 
powred downe his sleeve, with which every offender was so washed (himselfe 
and all) that a man should scarce heare an othe in a weeke.

A punishment for swearing.

For he who scornes and makes but jests of cursings, and his othe,
He doth contemne, not man but God, nor God, nor man, but both.

By this, let no man thinke that the President and these Gentlemen spent 
their times as common Wood-haggers at felling of trees, or such other like 
labours, or that they were pressed to it as hirelings, or common slaves; 
for what they did, after they were but once a little inured, it seemed and 
some conceited it, onely as a pleasure and recreation, yet 30 or 40 of 
such voluntary Gentlemen would doe more in a day then 100 of the rest that 
must be prest to it by compulsion, but twentie good workemen had beene 
better then them all.

30. Men better then 100.

Master Scrivener, Captaine Waldo, and Captaine Winne at the Fort, every 
one in like manner carefully

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regarded their charge. The President returning from amongst the woods, 
seeing the time consumed and no provision gotten, (and the Ship lay idle 
at a great charge and did nothing) presently imbarked himselfe in the 
discovery barge, giving order to the Councell to send Lieutenant Percie 
after him with the next barge that arrived at the Fort; two Barges he had 
himselfe and 18 men, but arriving at Chickahamania, that dogged Nation was 
too well acquainted with our wants, refusing to trade, with as much scorne 
and insolency as they could expresse. The President perceiving it was 
Powhatans policy to starve us, told them he came not so much for their 
Corne, as to revenge his imprisonment, and the death of his men murthered 
by them, and so landing his men and readie to charge them, they 
immediately fled: and presently after sent their Ambassadors with corne, 
fish, foule, and what they had to make their peace, (their Corne being 
that yeare but bad) they complained extreamely of their owne wants, yet 
fraughted our Boats with an hundred Bushels of Corne, and in like manner 
Lieutenant Percies, that not long after arrived, and having done the best 
they could to content us, we parted good friends, and returned to James 
towne.

A bad reward for well-doing.

Though this much contented the Company, (that feared nothing more then 
starving) yet some so envied his good successe, that they rather desired 
to hazzard a starving, then his paines should prove so much more 
effectuall then theirs. Some projects there were invented by Newport and 
Ratliffe, not onely to have deposed him, but to have kept him out of the 
Fort; for that being President, he would leave his place and the Fort 
without their consents, but their hornes were so much too short to effect 
it, as they themselves more narrowly escaped a greater mischiefe.

A good Taverne in Virginia.

All this time our old Taverne made as much of all them that had either 
money or ware as could be desired: by this time they were become so 
perfect on all sides (I meane the souldiers, saylers, and Salvages) as 
there was tenne

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times more care to maintaine their damnable and private trade, then to 
provide for the Colony things that were necessary. Neither was it a small 
policy in Newport and the Marriners to report in England we had such 
plentie, and bring us so many men without victuals, when they had so many 
private Factors in the Fort, that within six or seaven weeks, of two or 
three hundred Axes, Chissels, Hows, and Pick-axes, scarce twentie could be 
found: and for Pike-heads, shot, Powder, or any thing they could steale 
from their fellowes, was vendible; they knew as well (and as secretly) how 
to convey them to trade with the Salvages for Furres, Baskets, Mussaneeks, 
young Beasts, or such like Commodities, as exchange them with the Saylers 
for Butter, Cheese, Beefe, Porke, Aquavitæ, Beere, Bisket, Oatmeale, and 
Oyle: and then fayne all was sent them from their friends. And though 
Virginia affoorded no Furres for the Store, yet one Master in one voyage 
hath got so many by this indirect meanes, as he confessed to have sold in 
England for 30l.

Those are the Saint-seeming Worthies of Virginia, that have 
notwithstanding all this meate, drinke, and wages; but now they begin to 
grow weary, their trade being both perceived and prevented; none hath 
beene in Virginia that hath observed any thing, which knowes not this to 
be true, and yet the losse, the scorne, the misery, and shame, was the 
poore Officers, Gentlemen, and carelesse Governours, who were all thus 
bought & sold; the adventurers cousened, and the action overthrowne by 
their false excuses, informations, and directions. By this let all men 
judge, how this businesse could prosper, being thus abused by such 
pilfring occasions. And had not Captaine Newport cryed Peccavi, the 
President would have discharged the ship, and caused him to have stayed 
one yeare in Virginia, to learne to speake of his owne experience.

Master Scriveners voyage to Werowocomoco.

Master Scrivener was sent with the Barges and Pinnace to Werowocomoco, 
where he found the Salvages more readie to fight then trade; but his 
vigilancy was such as prevented their projects, and by the meanes of 
Namontack

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got three or foure hogsheads of Corne, and as much Pocones, which is a red 
roote, which then was esteemed an excellent Dye.

Captaine Newport being dispatched, with the tryals of Pitch, Tarre, 
Glasse, Frankincense, Sope ashes; with that Clapboord and Waynscot that 
could be provided: met with Mr. Scrivener at poynt Comfort, and so 
returned for England. We remaining were about two hundred.


The Copy of a Letter sent to the Treasurer and Councell of Virginia from 
Captaine Smith, then President in Virginia.

Right Honorable, &c.

I Received your Letter, wherein you write, that our minds are so set upon 
faction, and idle conceits in dividing the Country without your consents, 
and that we feed You but with ifs & ands, hopes, & some few proofes; as if 
we would keepe the mystery of the businesse to our selves: and that we 
must expresly follow your instructions sent by Captain Newport: the charge 
of whose voyage amounts to neare two thousand pounds, the which if we 
cannot defray by the Ships returne, we are like to remain as banished men. 
To these particulars I humbly intreat your Pardons if I offend you with my 
rude Answer.

For our factions, unlesse you would have me run away and leave the 
Country, I cannot prevent them: because I do make many stay that would els 
fly any whether. For the idle Letter sent to my Lord of Salisbury, by the 
President and his confederats, for dividing the Country &c. What it was I 
know not, for you saw no hand of mine to it; nor ever dream't I of any 
such matter. That we feed you with hopes, &c. Though I be no scholer, I am 
past a schoole-boy; and I desire but to know, what either you, and these 
here doe know, but that I have learned to tell you by the continuall 
hazard of my life. I have not concealed from you any thing I know; but I 
feare some cause you to beleeve much more then is true.

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Expresly to follow your directions by Captaine Newport, though they be 
performed, I was directly against it; but according to our Commission, I 
was content to be overruled by the major part of the Councell, I feare to 
the hazard of us all; which now is generally confessed when it is too 
late. Onely Captaine Winne and Captaine Waldo I have sworne of the 
Councell, and Crowned Powhatan according to your instructions.

For the charge of this Voyage of two or three thousand pounds, we have not 
received the value of an hundred pounds. And for the quartred Boat to be 
borne by the Souldiers over the Falles, Newport had 120 of the best men he 
could chuse. If he had burnt her to ashes, one might have carried her in a 
bag, but as she is, five hundred cannot, to a navigable place above the 
Falles. And for him at that time to find in the South Sea, a Mine of gold; 
or any of them sent by Sir Walter Raleigh: at our Consultation I told them 
was as likely as the rest. But during, this great discovery of thirtie 
myles, (which might as well have beene done by one man, and much more, for 
the value of a pound of Copper at a seasonable tyme) they had the Pinnace 
and all the Boats with them, but one that remained with me to serve the 
Fort. In their absence I followed the new begun workes of Pitch and Tarre, 
Glasse, Sopeashes, and Clapboord, whereof some small quantities we have 
sent you. But if you rightly consider, what an infinite toyle it is in 
Russia and Swethland, where the woods are proper for naught els, and 
though there be the helpe both of man and beast in those ancient 
Commonwealths, which many an hundred yeares have used it, yet thousands of 
those poore people can scarce get necessaries to live, but from hand to 
mouth. And though your Factors there can buy as much in a week as will 
fraught you a ship, or as much as you please; you must not expect from us 
any such matter, which are but a many of ignorant miserable soules, that 
are scarce able to get wherewith to live, and defend our selves against 
the inconstant Salvages: finding but here and there a tree fit for the

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purpose, and want all things els the Russians have. For the Coronation of 
Powhatan, by whose advice you sent him such presents, I know not; but this 
give me leave to tell you, I feare they will be the confusion of us all 
ere we heare from you againe. At your Ships arrivall, the Salvages harvest 
was newly gathered, and we going to buy it, our owne not being halfe 
sufficient for so great a number. As for the two ships loading of Corne 
Newport promised to provide us from Powhatan, he brought us but foureteene 
Bushels; and from the Monacans nothing, but the most of the men sicke and 
neare famished. From your Ship we had not provision in victuals worth 
twenty pound, and we are more then two hundred to live upon this: the one 
halfe sicke, the other little better. For the Saylers (I confesse) they 
daily make good cheare, but our dyet is a little meale and water, and not 
sufficient of that. Though there be fish in the Sea, foules in the ayre, 
and Beasts in the woods, their bounds are so large, they so wilde, and we 
so weake and ignorant, we cannot much trouble them. Captaine Newport we 
much suspect to be the Authour of those inventions. Now that you should 
know, I have made you as great a discovery as he, for lesse charge then he 
spendeth you every meale; I have sent you this Mappe of the Bay and 
Rivers, with an annexed Relation of the Countries and Nations that inhabit 
them, as you may see at large. Also two barrels of stones, and such as I 
take to be good Iron ore at the least; so devided, as by their notes you 
may see in what places I found them. The Souldiers say many of your 
officers maintaine their families out of that you send us: and that 
Newport hath an hundred pounds a yeare for carrying newes. For every 
master you have yet sent can find the way as well as he, so that an 
hundred pounds might be spared, which is more then we have all, that helpe 
to pay him wages. Cap. Ratliffe is now called Sicklemore, a poore 
counterfeited imposture. I have sent you him home, least the company 
should cut his throat. What he is, now every one can tell you: if he and 
Archer

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returne againe, they are sufficient to keepe us alwayes in factions. When 
you send againe I intreat you rather send but thirty Carpenters, 
husbandmen, gardiners, fisher men, blacksmiths, masons, and diggers up of 
trees, roots, well provided; then a thousand of such as we have: for 
except wee be able both to lodge them, and feed them, the most will 
consume with want of necessaries before they can be made good for any 
thing. Thus if you please to consider this account, and of the unnecessary 
wages to Captaine Newport, or his ships so long lingering and staying here 
(for notwithstanding his boasting to leave us victuals for 12 moneths, 
though we had 89 by this discovery lame and sicke, and but a pinte of 
Corne a day for a man, we were constrained to give him three hogsheads of 
that to victuall him homeward) or yet to send into Germany or Poleland for 
glasse-men & the rest, till we be able to sustaine our selves, and relieve 
them when they come. It were better to give five hundred pound a tun for 
those grosse Commodities in Denmarke, then send for them hither, till more 
necessary things be provided. For in over-toyling our weake and unskilfull 
bodies, to satisfie this desire of present profit, we can scarce ever 
recover our selves from ore Supply to another. And I humbly intreat you 
hereafter, let us know what we should receive, and not stand to the 
Saylers courtesie to leave us what they please, els you may charge us with 
what you will, but we not you with any thing. These are the causes that 
have kept us in Virginia, from laying such a foundation, that ere this 
might have given much better content and satisfaction; but as yet you must 
not looke for any profitable returnes: so I humbly rest.

The Names of those in this Supply, were these: with their Proceedings and 
Accidents.

Captaine Peter Winne, Captaine Richard Waldo, were appoynted to be of the 
Councell. 

Master Francis West, brother to the Lord La Warre.

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Gent. 
Thomas Graves. 
Raleigh Chroshaw. 
Gabriel Beadle. 
John Beadle. 
John Russell. 
William Russell. 
John Cuderington. 
William Sambage. 
Henry Leigh. 
Henry Philpot. 
Harmon Harrison. 
Daniel Tucker. 
Henry Collins. 
Hugh Wolleston. 
John Hoult. 
Thomas Norton. 
George Yarington. 
George Burton. 
Thomas Abbay. 
William Dowman. 
Thomas Maxes. 
Michael Lowick. 
Master Hunt. 
Thomas Forrest. 
John Dauxe.

Tradsmen. 
Thomas Phelps. 
John Prat. 
John Clarke. 
Jeffrey Shortridge. 
Dionis Oconor. 
Hugh Winne. 
David ap Hugh. 
Thomas Bradley. 
John Burras. 
Thomas Lavander. 
Henry Bell. 
Master Powell. 
David Ellis. 
Thomas Gibson.

Labourers. 
Thomas Dawse. 
Thomas Mallard. 
William Tayler. 
Thomas Fox. 
Nicholas Hancock. 
Walker. 
Williams. 
Floud. 
Morley. 
Rose. 
Scot. 
Hardwyn.

Boyes. 
Milman. 
Hilliard.

Mistresse Forrest, and Anne Burras her maide; eight Dutch men and Poles, 
with some others, to the number of seaventie persons, &c.

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Nandsamund forced to contribution.

These poore conclusions so affrighted us all with famine, that the 
President provided for Nandsamund, and tooke with him Captaine Winne, and 
Mr. Scrivener, then returning from Captaine Newport. These people also 
long denied him not onely the 400 Baskets of Corne they promised, but any 
trade at all; (excusing themselves they had spent most they had, and were 
commanded by Powhatan to keepe that they had, and not to let us come into 
their river) till we were constrained to begin with them perforce. Upon 
the discharging of our Muskets they all fled and shot not an Arrow; the 
first house we came to we set on fire, which when they perceived, they 
desired we would make no more spoyle, and they would give us halfe they 
had: how they collected it I know not, but before night they loaded our 
three Boats; and so we returned to our quarter some foure myles downe the 
River, which was onely the open woods under the lay of a hill, where all 
the ground was covered with snow, and hard frozen; the snow we digged away 
and made a great fire in the place; when the ground was well dryed, we 
turned away the fire; and covering the place with a mat, there we lay very 
warme. To keepe us from the winde we made a shade of another Mat; as the 
winde turned we turned our shade, and when the ground grew cold we removed 
the fire. And thus many a cold winter night have wee laine in this 
miserable manner, yet those that most commonly went upon all those 
occasions, were alwayes in health, lusty, and fat. For sparing them this 
yeare, the next yeare they promised to plant purposely for us; and so we 
returned to James towne. About this time there was a marriage betwixt John 
Laydon and Anne Burras; which was the first marriage we had in Virginia.

The first marriage in Virginia. Apamatuck discovered.

Long he stayed not, but fitting himselfe and Captaine Waldo with two 
Barges. From Chawopoweanock, and all parts thereabouts, all the people 
were fled, as being jealous of our intents; till we discovered the river 
and people of Apamatuck; where we found not much, that they had we equally 
divided, but gave them copper and

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such things as contented them in consideration. Master Scrivener and 
Lieutenant Percie went also abroad, but could find nothing.

The President seeing the procrastinating of time, was no course to live, 
resolved with Captaine Waldo (whom he knew to be sure in time of need) to 
surprise Powhatan, and all his provision, but the unwillingnesse of 
Captaine Winne, and Master Scrivener, for some private respect, plotted in 
England to ruine Captaine Smith, did their best to hinder their project; 
but the President whom no perswasions could perswade to starve, being 
invited by Powhatan to come unto him: and if he would send him but men to 
build him a house, give him a gryndstone, fiftie swords, some peeces, a 
cock and a hen, with much copper and beads, he would load his Ship with 
Corne. The President not ignorant of his devises and subtiltie, yet 
unwilling to neglect any opportunitie, presently sent three Dutch-men and 
two English, having so small allowance, few were able to doe any thing to 
purpose: knowing there needed no better a Castle to effect this project, 
tooke order with Captaine Waldo to second him, if need required; Scrivener 
he left his substitute, and set forth with the Pinnace, two Barges, and 
fortie-six men, which onely were such as voluntarily offered themselves 
for his Journey, the which by reason of Mr. Scriveners ill successe, was 
censured very desperate, they all knowing Smith would not returne emptie, 
if it were to be had; howsoever, it caused many of those that he had 
appointed, to find excuses to stay behinde.



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Chap. VIII.
Captaine Smiths Journey to Pamaunkee.

The twentie-nine of December he set forward for Werowocomoco: his Company 
were these;

In the Discovery Barge himselfe.

Gent. 
Robert Behethland. 
Nathanael Graves. 
John Russell. 
Raleigh Chrashow. 
Michael Sicklemore. 
Richard Worley.

Souldiers. 
Anas Todkill. 
William Love. 
William Bentley. 
Jeffrey Shortridge. 
Edward Pising. 
William Ward.

In the Pinnace. 
Lieutenant Percie, brother to the Earle of Northumberland. 
Master Francis West, brother to the Lord La Warre. 
William Phittiplace, Captaine of the Pinnace. 
Jonas Profit, Master. 
Robert Ford, Clarke of the Councell.

Gent. 
Michael Phittiplace. 
Jeffrey Abbot, Serjeant. 
William Tankard. 
George Yarington.

Souldiers. 
James Browne. 
Edward Brinton. 
George Burton. 
Thomas Coe. 
John Dods. 
Henry Powell.

Thomas Gipson, David Ellis, Nathanael Peacock, Saylers. John Prat, George 
Acrig, James Read, Nicholas Hancock, James Watkins, Thomas Lambert, foure 
Dutch-men, and Richard Salvage were sent by Land before to build the house 
for Powhatan against our Arrivall.

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The good counsell of Warraskoyack.

This company being victualled but for three or foure dayes, lodged the 
first night at Warraskoyack, where the President tooke sufficient 
provision. This kind King did his best to divert him from seeing Powhatan, 
but perceiving he could not prevaile, he advised in this manner. Captaine 
Smith, you shall find Powhatan to use you kindly, but trust him not, and 
be sure he have no oportunitie to seize on your Armes; for he hath sent 
for you onely to cut your throats. The Captaine thanking him for his good 
counsell: yet the better to try his love, desired guides to Chawwonock; 
for he would send a present to that King, to bind him his friend. To 
performe this journey was sent Mr. Sicklemore, a very valiant, honest, and 
a painefull Souldier: with him two guides, and directions how to seeke for 
the lost company of Sir Walter Raleighs, and silke Grasse. Then we 
departed thence, the President assuring the King perpetuall love; and left 
with him Samuel Collier his Page to learne the Language.

So this Kings deeds by sacred Oath adjur'd.
More wary proves, and circumspect by ods:
Fearing at least his double forfeiture;
To offend his friends, and sin against his Gods.

Plentie of victualls.

The next night being lodged at Kecoughtan; six or seaven dayes the 
extreame winde, rayne, frost and snow caused us to keepe Christmas among 
the Salvages, where we were never more merry, nor fed on more plentie of 
good Oysters, Fish, Flesh, Wild-foule, and good bread; nor never had 
better fires in England, then in the dry, smoaky houses of Kecoughtan: but 
departing thence, when we found no houses we were not curious in any 
weather to lye three or foure nights together under the trees by a fire, 
as formerly is sayd. An hundred fortie eight foules the President, Anthony 
Bagnall, and Serjeant Pising did kill at three shoots. At Kiskiack the 
frost & contrary winds forced us three or foure dayes also (to suppresse 
the insolency of those proud Salvages) to quarter

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in their houses, yet guard our Barge, and cause them give us what we 
wanted; though we were but twelve and himselfe, yet we never wanted 
shelter where we found any houses. The 12 of January we arrived at 
Werowocomoco, where the river was frozen neare halfe a myle from the 
shore; but to neglect no time, the President with his Barge so far had 
approached by breaking the ice, as the ebbe left him amongst those oasie 
shoules, yet rather then to lye there frozen to death, by his owne example 
he taught them to march neere middle deepe, a flight shot through this 
muddy frozen oase. When the Barge floated, he appoynted two or three to 
returne her aboord the Pinnace. Where for want of water in melting the 
ice, they made fresh water, for the river there was salt. But in this 
march Mr. Russell, (whom none could perswade to stay behinde) being 
somewhat ill, and exceeding heavie, so overtoyled himselfe as the rest had 
much adoe (ere he got ashore) to regaine life into his dead benummed 
spirits. Quartering in the next houses we found, we sent to Powhatan for 
provision, who sent us plentie of bread, Turkies, and Venison; the next 
day having feasted us after his ordinary manner, he began to aske us when 
we would be gone: fayning he sent not for us, neither had he any corne; 
and his people much lesse: yet for fortie swords he would procure us 
fortie Baskets. The President shewing him the men there present that 
brought him the message and conditions, asked Powhatan how it chanced he 
became so forgetfull; thereat the King concluded the matter with a merry 
laughter, asking for our Commodities, but none he liked without gunnes and 
swords, valuing a Basket of Corne more precious then a Basket of Copper; 
saying he could rate his Corne, but not the Copper.

Cap. Smiths discourse to Powhatan.

Captaine Smith seeing the intent of this subtill Salvage began to deale 
with him after this manner. Powhatan, though I had many courses to have 
made my provision, yet beleeving your promises to supply my wants, I 
neglected all to satisfie your desire: and to testifie my

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love, I sent you my men for your building, neglecting mine owne. What your 
people had you have ingrossed, forbidding them our trade: and now you 
thinke by consuming the time, we shall consume for want, not having to 
fulfill your strange demands. As for swords and gunnes, I told you long 
agoe I had none to spare; and you must know those I have can keepe me from 
want: yet steale or wrong you I will not, nor dissolve that friendship we 
have mutually promised, except you constraine me by our bad usage.

Powhatans reply and flattery.

The King having attentively listned to this Discourse, promised that both 
he and his Country would spare him what he could, the which within two 
dayes they should receive. Yet Captaine Smith, sayth the King, some doubt 
I have of your comming hither, that makes me not so kindly seeke to 
relieve you as I would: for many doe informe me, your comming hither is 
not for trade, but to invade my people, and possesse my Country, who dare 
not come to bring you Corne, seeing you thus armed with your men. To free 
us of this feare, leave aboord your weapons, for here they are needlesse, 
we being all friends, and for ever Powhatans.

With many such discourses they spent the day, quartering that night in the 
Kings houses. The next day he renewed his building, which hee little 
intended should proceede. For the Dutch-men finding his plentie, and 
knowing our want, and perceiving his preparations to surprise us, little 
thinking we could escape both him and famine; (to obtaine his favour) 
revealed to him so much as they knew of our estates and projects, and how 
to prevent them. One of them being of so great a spirit, judgement, and 
resolution, and a hireling that was certaine of his wages for his labour, 
and ever well used both he and his Countrymen; that the President knew not 
whom better to trust; and not knowing any fitter for that imployment, had 
sent him as a spy to discover Powhatans intent, then little doubting his 
honestie, nor could ever be certaine of his villany till neare halfe a 
yeare after.

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Whilst we expected the comming in of the Country, we wrangled out of the 
King ten quarters of Corne for a copper Kettell, the which the President 
perceiving him much to affect, valued it at a much greater rate; but in 
regard of his scarcity he would accept it, provided we should have as much 
more the next yeare, or els the Country of Monacan. Wherewith each seemed 
well contented, and Powhatan began to expostulate the difference of Peace 
and Warre after this manner.

Powhatans discourse of peace and warre.

Captaine Smith, you may understand that I having seene the death of all my 
people thrice, and not any one living of these three generations but my 
selfe; I know the difference of Peace and Warre better then any in my 
Country. But now I am old and ere long must die, my brethren, namely 
Opitchapam, Opechancanough, and Kekataugh, my two sisters, and their two 
daughters, are distinctly each others successors. I wish their experience 
no lesse then mine, and your love to them no lesse then mine to you. But 
this bruit from Nandsamund, that you are come to destroy my Country, so 
much affrighteth all my people as they dare not visit you. What will it 
availe you to take that by force you may quickly have by love, or to 
destroy them that provide you food. What can you get by warre, when we can 
hide our provisions and fly to the woods? whereby you must famish by 
wronging us your friends. And why are you thus jealous of our loves seeing 
us unarmed, and both doe, and are willing still to feede you, with that 
you cannot get but by our labours? Thinke you I am so simple, not to know 
it is better to eate good meate, lye well, and sleepe quietly with my 
women and children, laugh and be merry with you, have copper, hatchets, or 
what I want being your friend: then be forced to flie from all, to lie 
cold in the woods, feede upon Acornes, rootes, and such trash, and be so 
hunted by you, that I can neither rest, eate, nor sleepe; but my tyred men 
must watch, and if a twig but breake, every one cryeth there commeth 
Captaine Smith: then must I fly I know not whether: and thus with

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miserable feare, end my miserable life, leaving my pleasures to such 
youths as you, which through your rash unadvisednesse may quickly as 
miserably end, for want of that, you never know where to finde. Let this 
therefore assure you of our loves, and every yeare our friendly trade 
shall furnish you with Corne; and now also, if you would come in friendly 
manner to see us, and not thus with your guns and swords as to invade your 
foes. To this subtill discourse, the President thus replyed.

Capt. Smiths Reply.

Seeing you will not rightly conceive of our words, we strive to make you 
know our thoughts by our deeds; the vow I made you of my love, both my 
selfe and my men have kept. As for your promise I find it every day 
violated by some of your subjects: yet we finding your love and kindnesse, 
our custome is so far from being ungratefull, that for your sake onely, we 
have curbed our thirsting desire of revenge; els had they knowne as well 
the crueltie we use to our enemies, as our true love and courtesie to our 
friends. And I thinke your judgement sufficient to conceive, as well by 
the adventures we have undertaken, as by the advantage we have (by our 
Armes) of yours: that had we intended you any hurt, long ere this we could 
have effected it. Your people comming to James Towne are entertained with 
their Bowes and Arrowes without any exceptions; we esteeming it with you 
as it is with us, to weare our armes as our apparell. As for the danger of 
our enemies, in such warres consist our chiefest pleasure: for your riches 
we have no use: as for the hiding your provision, or by your flying to the 
woods, we shall not so unadvisedly starve as you conclude, your friendly 
care in that behalfe is needlesse, for we have a rule to finde beyond your 
knowledge.

Many other discourses they had, till at last they began to trade. But the 
King seeing his will would not be admitted as a law, our guard dispersed, 
nor our men disarmed, he (sighing) breathed his minde once more in this 
manner.

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Powhatans importunity to have us unarmed to betray us.

Captaine Smith, I never use any Werowance so kindely as your selfe, yet 
from you I receive the least kindnesse of any. Captaine Newport gave me 
swords, copper, cloathes, a bed, towels, or what I desired; ever taking 
what I offered him, and would send away his gunnes when I intreated him: 
none doth deny to lye at my feet, or refuse to doe what I desire, but 
onely you; of whom I can have nothing but what you regard not, and yet you 
will have whatsoever you demand. Captaine Newport you call father, and so 
you call me; but I see for all us both you will doe what you list, and we 
must both seeke to content you. But if you intend so friendly as you say, 
send hence your armes, that I may beleeve you; for you see the love I 
beare you, doth cause me thus nakedly to forget my selfe.

Smith seeing this Salvage but trifle the time to cut his throat, procured 
the salvages to breake the ice, that his Boate might come to fetch his 
corne and him: and gave order for more men to come on shore, to surprise 
the King, with whom also he but trifled the time till his men were landed: 
and to keepe him from suspicion, entertained the time with this reply.

Cap. Smiths discourse to delay time, till he found oportunity to surprise 
the King.

Powhatan you must know, as I have but one God, I honour but one King; and 
I live not here as your subject, but as your friend to pleasure you with 
what I can. By the gifts you bestow on me, you gaine more then by trade: 
yet would you visit mee as I doe you, you should know it is not our 
custome, to sell our curtesies as a vendible commodity. Bring all your 
countrey with you for your guard, I will not dislike it as being over 
jealous. But to content you, to morrow I will leave my Armes, and trust to 
your promise. I call you father indeed, and as a father you shall see I 
will love you: but the small care you have of such a childe caused my men 
perswade me to looke to my selfe.

Powhatans plot to have murdered Smith.

By this time Powhatan having knowledge his men were ready whilest the ice 
was a breaking, with his luggage women and children, fled. Yet to avoyd

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suspicion, left two or three of the women talking with the Captaine, 
whilest hee secretly ran away, and his men that secretly beset the house. 
Which being presently discovered to Captaine Smith, with his pistoll, 
sword, and target hee made such a passage among these naked Divels; that 
at his first shoot, they next him tumbled one over another, and the rest 
quickly fled some one way some another: so that without any hurt, onely 
accompanied with John Russell, hee obtained the corps du guard. When they 
perceived him so well escaped, and with his eighteene men (for he had no 
more with him a shore) to the uttermost of their skill they sought excuses 
to dissemble the matter: and Powhatan to excuse his flight and the sudden 
comming of this multitude, sent our Captaine a great bracelet and a chaine 
of pearle, by an ancient Oratour that bespoke us to this purpose, 
perceiving even then from our Pinnace, a Barge and men departing and 
comming unto us.

A chaine of pearle sent the Captaine for a present.

Captaine Smith, our Werowance is fled, fearing your gunnes, and knowing 
when the ice was broken there would come more men, sent these numbers but 
to guard his corne from stealing, that might happen without your 
knowledge: now though some bee hurt by your misprision, yet Powhatan is 
your friend and so will for ever continue. Now since the ice is open, he 
would have you send away your corne, and if you would have his company, 
send away also your gunnes, which so affrighteth his people, that they 
dare not come to you as hee promised they should.

Pretending to kill our men loaded with baskets, we caused them do it 
themselves.

Then having provided baskets for our men to carry our corne to the boats, 
they kindly offered their service to guard our Armes, that none should 
steale them. A great many they were of goodly well proportioned fellowes, 
as grim as Divels; yet the very sight of cocking our matches, and being to 
let fly, a few wordes caused them to leave their bowes and arrowes to our 
guard, and beare downe our corne on their backes; wee needed not importune 
them to make dispatch. But our Barges

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being left on the oase by the ebbe, caused us stay till the next high-
water, so that wee returned againe to our old quarter. Powhatan and his 
Dutch-men brusting with desire to have the head of Captaine Smith, for if 
they could but kill him, they thought all was theirs, neglected not any 
oportunity to effect his purpose. The Indians with all the merry sports 
they could devise, spent the time till night: then they all returned to 
Powhatan, who all this time was making ready his forces to surprise the 
house and him at supper. Notwithstanding the eternall all-seeing God did 
prevent him, and by a strange meanes. For Pocahontas his dearest jewell 
and daughter, in that darke night came through the irksome woods, and told 
our Captaine great cheare should be sent us by and by: but Powhatan and 
all the power he could make, would after come kill us all, if they that 
brought it could not kill us with our owne weapons when we were at supper. 
Therefore if we would live shee wished us presently to bee gone. Such 
things as shee delighted in, he would have given her: but with the teares 
running downe her cheekes, shee said shee durst not be seene to have any: 
for if Powhatan should know it, she were but dead, and so shee ranne away 
by her selfe as she came. Within lesse then an hour came eight or ten 
lusty fellowes, with graat platters of venison and other victuall, very 
importunate to have us put out our matches (whose smoake made them sicke) 
and sit down to our victuall. But the Captaine made them taste every dish, 
which done hee sent some of them backe to Powhatan, to bid him make haste 
for hee was prepared for his comming. As for them hee knew they came to 
betray him at his supper: but hee would prevent them and all their other 
intended villanies: so that they might be gone. Not long after came more 
messengers, to see what newes; not long after them others. Thus wee spent 
the night as vigilantly as they, till it was high-water, yet seemed to the 
salvages as friendly as they to us: and that wee were so desirous to give 
Powhatan content, as hee requested, wee did leave

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him Edward Brynton to kill him foule, and the Dutchmen to finish his 
house; thinking at our returne from Pamaunkee the frost would be gone, and 
then we might finde a better oportunity if necessity did occasion it, 
little dreaming yet of the Dutch-mens treachery, whose humor well suted 
this verse:

Is any free, that may not live as freely as he list?
Let us live so, then w'are as free, and bruitish as the best.



Chap. IX.
How wee escaped surprising at Pamaunkee.

The Dutch men deceive Cap. Winne.

We had no sooner set sayle but Powhatan returned, and sent Adam and 
Francis (two stout Dutch-men) to James towne: who faining to Captaine 
Winne that all things were well, and that Captaine Smith had use of their 
armes, wherefore they requested new (the which were given them) they told 
him their comming was for some extraordinary tooles, and shift of 
apparell; by which colourable excuse they obtained sixe or seaven more to 
their confederacie, such expert theeves, that presently furnished them 
with a great many swords, pike-heads, peeces, shot, powder and such like: 
Salvages they had at hand to carry it away, and the next day they returned 
unsuspected, leaving their confederates to follow, and in the interim to 
convay them such things as they could: for which service they should live 
with Powhatan as his chiefe affected, free from those miseries that would 
happen the Colony. Samuel their other consort Powhatan kept for their 
pledge, whose diligence had provided them three hundred of their kinde of 
hatchets; the rest fifty swords, eight peeces, and eight pikes. Brynton 
and Richard Salvage seeing the Dutch-men so diligent to accommodate the 
Salvages with weapons, attempted to have gotten to James towne, but they 
were apprehended, and expected ever when to be put to death.

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Within two or three dayes we arrived at Pamaunkee, the King as many dayes 
entertained us with feasting and much mirth. And the day appointed to 
beginne our trade, the President, Lieutenant Percie, Mr. West, Mr. 
Russell, Mr. Behethland, Mr. Crashaw, Mr. Powell, Mr. Ford, and some 
others to the number of fifteene, went up to Opechancanoughs house (a 
quarter of a mile from the river) where wee found nothing but a lame 
fellow and a boy: and all the houses round about of all things abandoned. 
Not long wee stayed ere the King arrived, and after him came diverse of 
his people loaden with bowes and arrowes: but such pinching commodities, 
and those esteemed at such a value, as our Captaine began with the King 
after this manner.

Smiths Speech to Opechancanough.

Opechancanough, the great love you professe with your tongue, seemes meere 
deceit by your actions. Last yeere you kindly fraughted our ship: but now 
you have invited mee to starve with hunger: you know my want, and I your 
plenty; of which by some meanes I must have part: remember it is fit for 
Kings to keepe their promise. Here are my commodities, whereof take your 
choice, the rest I will proportion fit bargains for your people.

The King seemed kindly to accept his offer, and the better to colour his 
project, sold us what they had to our owne content, promising the next day 
more company, better provided. The Barges and Pinnace being committed to 
the charge of Mr. Phetiplace; the President with his old fifteene marched 
up to the Kings house, where wee found foure or five men newly arrived, 
each with a great basket. Not long after came the King, who with a 
strained cheerfulnesse held us with discourse what paines he had taken to 
keep his promise; till Mr. Russell brought us in newes that we were all 
betrayed: for at least seven hundred Salvages well armed, had invironed 
the house, and beset the fields. The King conjecturing what Russell 
related, wee could well perceive how the extremity of his feare bewrayed 
his intent: whereat some of our company seeming dismaied with the thought 
of

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such a multitude; the Captaine encouraged us to this effect.

Smiths speech to his Company.

Worthy Countrey-men, were the mischiefes of my seeming friends no more 
then the danger of these enemies, I little cared were they as many more: 
if you dare doe, but as I. But this is my torment, that if I escape them, 
our malicious Councell with their open mouthed Minions, will make me such 
a peace-breaker (in their opinions in England) as will breake my necke. I 
could wish those here, that make these seeme Saints, and me an oppressor. 
But this is the worst of all, wherein I pray you aid mee with your 
opinions. Should wee beginne with them and surprise the King, we cannot 
keepe him and defend well our selves. If wee should each kill our man, and 
so proceed with all in the house; the rest will all fly: then shall wee 
get no more then the bodies that are slaine, and so starve for victuall. 
As for their fury it is the least danger, for well you know, being alone 
assaulted with two or three hundred of them, I made them by the helpe of 
God compound to save my life. And wee are sixteene, and they but seaven 
hundred at the most; and assure your selves, God will so assist us, that 
if you dare stand but to discharge your pieces, the very smoake will bee 
sufficient to affright them. Yet howsoever, let us fight like men, and not 
die like sheepe: for by that meanes you know God hath oft delivered mee, 
and so I trust will now. But first, I will deale with them, to bring it to 
passe wee may fight for something, and draw them to it by conditions. If 
you like this motion, promise me you will be valiant.

The time not permitting any argument, all vowed to execute whatsoever hee 
attempted, or die: whereupon the Captaine in plaine tearmes told the King 
this.

Smiths offer to Opechancanough.

I see Opechancanough your plot to murder me, but I feare it not. As yet 
your men and mine have done no harme, but by our direction. Take therefore 
your Armes, you see mine, my body shall bee as naked as yours: the Isle in 
your river is a fit place, if you be contented: and

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the conquerour (of us two) shall be Lord and Master over all our men. If 
you have not enough, take time to fetch more, and bring what number you 
will; so every one bring a basket of corne, against all which I will stake 
the value in copper, you see I have but fifteene, and our game shall be, 
the Conquerour take all.

Opechancanoughs device to betray Smith.

The King being guarded with forty or fifty of his chiefe men, seemed 
kindly to appease Smiths suspicion of unkindnesse, by a great present at 
the doore, they intreated him to receive. This was to draw him out of the 
doore, where the bait was guarded with at least two hundred men, and 
thirty lying under a great tree (that lay thwart as a barricado) each his 
arrow nocked ready to shoot. The President commanded one to go see what 
kind of deceit this was, and to receive the present; but hee refused to 
doe it: yet the Gentlemen and all the rest were importunate to goe, but he 
would not permit them, being vexed at that Coward: and commanded 
Lieutenant Percie, Master West, and the rest to make good the house; 
Master Powell and Master Behethland he commandedto guard the doore, and in 
such a rage snatched the King by his long locke in the middest of his men, 
with his Pistoll readie bent against his brest. Thus he led the trembling 
King, neare dead with feare amongst all his people: who delivering the 
Captaine his Vambrace, Bow, and Arrowes, all his men were easily intreated 
to cast downe their Armes, little dreaming any durst in that manner have 
used their King: who then to escape himselfe bestowed his presents in good 
sadnesse, and causing a great many of them come before him unarmed, 
holding the King by the hayre (as is sayd) he spake to them to this effect.

Smith taketh the King prisoner. Smiths discourse to the Pamaunkees.

I see (you Pamaunkees) the great desire you have to kill me, and my long 
suffering your injuries hath imboldened you to this presumption. The cause 
I have forborne your insolencies, is the promise I made you (before the 
God I serve) to be your friend, till you give me just cause to be your 
enemy. If I keepe this vow,

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my God will keepe me, you cannot hurt me, if I breake it, he will destroy 
me. But if you shoot but one Arrow to shed one drop of bloud of any of my 
men, or steale the least of these Beads, or Copper, I spurne here before 
you with my foot; you shall see I will not cease revenge (if once I begin) 
so long as I can heare where to finde one of your Nation that will not 
deny the name of Pamaunk. I am not now at Rassaweak halfe drowned with 
myre, where you tooke me prisoner; yet then for keeping your promise and 
your good usage and saving my life, I so affect you, that your denyals of 
your trechery, doe halfe perswade me to mistake my selfe. But if I be the 
marke you ayme at, here I stand, shoot he that dare. You promised to 
fraught my Ship ere I departed, and so you shall, or I meane to load her 
with your dead carcasses, yet if as friends you will come and trade, I 
once more promise not to trouble you, except you give me the first 
occasion, and your King shall be free and be my friend, for I am not come 
to hurt him or any of you.

The Salvages dissemble their intent.

Upon this away went their Bowes and Arrowes, and men, women, and children 
brought in their Commodities: two or three houres they so thronged about 
the President and so overwearied him, as he retyred himselfe to rest, 
leaving Mr. Behethland and Mr. Powell to receive their presents, but some 
Salvages perceiving him fast asleepe, & the guard somewhat carelesly 
dispersed, fortie or fiftie of their choise men each with a club, or an 
English sword in his hand began to enter the house with two or three 
hundred others, that pressed to second them. The noyse and hast they made 
in, did so shake the house they awoke him from his sleepe, and being halfe 
amazed with this suddaine sight, betooke him strait to his sword and 
Target; Mr. Chrashaw and some others charged in like manner; whereat they 
quickly thronged faster backe then before forward. The house thus 
cleansed, the King and some of his auncients we kept yet with him, who 
with a long Oration, excused this intrusion. The rest of the day was spent 
with much kindnesse, the companie againe

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renewing their presents with their best provisions, and whatsoever he gave 
them they seemed therewith well contented.

Now in the meane while since our departure, this hapned at our Fort. 

Master Scrivener having received Letters from England to make himselfe 
either Cæsar or nothing, he began to decline in his affection to Captaine 
Smith, that ever regarded him as himselfe, and was willing to crosse the 
surprising of Powhatan. Some certaine daies after the Presidents 
departure, he would needs goe visit the Isle of Hogs, and tooke with him 
Captaine Waldo (though the President had appointed him to be ready to 
second his occasions) with Mr. Anthony Gosnoll and eight others; but so 
violent was the wind (that extreame frozen time) that the Boat sunke, but 
where or how none doth know. The Skiff was much over loaden, and would 
scarce have lived in that extreame tempest had she beene empty: but by no 
perswasion he could be diverted, though both Waldo and an hundred others 
doubted as it hapned. The Salvages were the first that found their bodies, 
which so much the more encouraged them to effect their projects. To 
advertise the President of this heavie newes, none could be found would 
undertake it, but the Journey was often refused of all in the Fort, untill 
Master Richard Wyffin undertooke alone the performance thereof.

The losse of Mr. Scrivener and others with a Skiff. Master Wyffins 
desperate journey.

In this Journey he was incountred with many dangers and difficulties in 
all parts as he passed. As for that night he lodged with Powhatan, 
perceiving such preparation for warre, not finding the President there: he 
did assure himselfe some mischiefe was intended. Pocahontas hid him for a 
time, and sent them who pursued him the cleane contrary way to seeke him; 
but by her meanes and extraordinary bribes and much trouble in three dayes 
travell, at length he found us in the middest of these turmoyles. This 
unhappy newes the President swore him to conceale from the company, and so 
dissembling his sorrow with the best countenances he could, when the night 
approched went safely aboord with all his Souldiers;

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leaving Opechancanough at libertie, according to his promise, the better 
to have Powhatan in his returne.

Powhatan constraineth his men to be trecherous. The third attempt to 
betray us.

Now so extreamely Powhatan had threatned the death of his men, if they did 
not by some meanes kill Captaine Smith: that the next day they appointed 
all the countrey should come to trade unarmed: yet unwilling to be 
trecherous, but that they were constrained, hating fighting with him 
almost as ill as hanging, such feare they had of bad successe. The next 
morning the Sunne had not long appeared, but the fields appeared covered 
with people and Baskets, to tempt us on shore: but nothing was to be had 
without his presence, nor they would not indure the sight of a gun. When 
the President saw them begin to depart, being unwilling to loose such a 
bootie, he so well contrived the Pinnace, and his Barges with Ambuscadoes, 
as onely with Lieutenant Percie, Mr. West, and Mr. Russell, with their 
Armes went on shore; others he appointed unarmed to receive what was 
brought. The Salvages flocked before him in heapes, and the banke serving 
as a trench for a retreat, he drew them fayre open to his Ambuscado's. For 
he not being to be perswaded to goe visit their King, the King knowing the 
most of them unarmed, came to visit him with two or three hundred men, in 
the forme of two halfe Moones; and with some twentie men, and many women 
loaden with painted Baskets. But when they approached somewhat neare us, 
their women and children fled. For when they had environed and beset the 
fields in this manner, they thought their purpose sure, yet so trembled 
with feare as they were scarse able to nock their Arrowes: Smith standing 
with his three men ready bent, beholding them till they were within danger 
of our Ambuscado's, who upon the word discovered themselves, and he 
retyred to the Barge. Which the Salvages no sooner perceived, then away 
they fled, esteeming their heeles for their best advantage.

That night we sent Mr. Chrashaw, and Mr. Ford to James towne to Cap. 
Winne. In the way betweene

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Werowocomoco and the Fort they met foure or five of the Dutchmens 
Confederates going to Powhatan: the which to excuse those Gentlemens 
suspition of their running to the Salvages, returned to the Fort and there 
continued.

A chayne of pearle sent to obtaine peace.

The Salvages hearing our Barge goe downe the river in the night, were so 
terribly affrayde, that we sent for more men (we having so much threatned 
their ruine, and the rasing of their houses, boats, and wires) that the 
next day the King sent our Captaine a chayne of Pearle, to alter his 
purpose and stay his men: promising though they wanted themselves, to 
fraught our ship and bring it aboord to avoyd suspition. So that five or 
six dayes after, from all parts of the Country within ten or twelve myles 
in the extreame frost and snow, they brought us provision on their naked 
backes.

The President poysoned: the offender punished.

Yet notwithstanding this kindnesse and trade, had their art and poyson 
beene sufficient, the President, with Mr. West, and some others had beene 
poysoned; it made them sicke, but expelled it selfe. Wecuttanow, a stout 
young fellow, knowing he was suspected for bringing this present of 
poyson, with fortie or fiftie of his chiefe companions (seeing the 
President but with a few men at Potauncak) so proudly braved it, as though 
he expected to incounter a revenge. Which the President perceiving in the 
midst of his company, did not onely beate, but spurned him like a dogge, 
as scorning to doe him any worse mischiefe. Whereupon all of them fled 
into the woods, thinking they had done a great matter to have so well 
escaped: and the townsmen remaining presently fraughted our Barge to be 
rid of our companies, framing many excuses to excuse Wecuttanow, (being 
sonne to their chiefe King, but Powhatan) and told us if we would shew 
them him that brought the poyson, they would deliver him to us to punish 
as we pleased. Men may thinke it strange there should be such a stirre for 
a little corne, but had it beene gold with more ease wee might have got 
it; and had it wanted, the whole Colony had

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starved. Wee may be thought very patient to endure all those injuries, yet 
onely with fearing them wee got what they had. Whereas if we had taken 
revenge, then by their losse, we should have lost our selves. We searched 
also the Countries of Youghtanund and Mattapanient, where the people 
imparted that little they had with such complaints and teares from the 
eyes of women and children, as he had beene too cruell to have beene a 
Christian, that would not have beene satisfied and moved with compassion. 
But had this hapned in October, November, and December, when that unhappie 
discovery of Monacan was made, we might have fraughted a ship of fortie 
tuns, and twise as much might have beene had from the Rivers of 
Rapahanock, Patawomek, and Pawtuxunt.

The Dutchmen did much hurt.

The maine occasion of our thus temporizing with them was, to part friends 
as we did, to give the lesse cause of suspition to Powhatan to fly, by 
whom we now returned with a purpose to have surprised him and his 
provision. For effecting whereof (when we came against the Towne) the 
President sent Mr. Wyffin and Mr. Coe ashore to discover and make way for 
his intended project. But they found that those damned Dutch-men had 
caused Powhatan to abandon his new house and Werowocomoco, and to carry 
away all his corne and provision: and the people they found so ill 
affected, that they were in great doubt how to escape with their lives. So 
the President finding his intent frustrated, and that there was nothing 
now to be had, and therefore an unfit time to revenge their abuses, sent 
Master Michael Phittiplace by Land to James towne, whether we sayled with 
all the speed we could; wee having in this Journey (for 25l. of Copper, 
and 50l. of Iron & Beads) enough to keepe 46 men six weekes, and every man 
for his reward a moneths provision extraordinary (no Trade being allowed 
but for the store) we got neare 200l waight of deere suet, and delivered 
to the Cape Merchant 479 Bushels of Corne.

Those temporizing proceedings to some may seeme

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too charitable, to such a daily daring trecherous people: to others not 
pleasing, that we washed not the ground with their blouds, nor shewed such 
strange inventions in mangling, murdering, ransacking, and destroying (as 
did the Spanyards) the simple bodies of such ignorant soules; nor 
delightfull, because not stuffed with Relations of heapes and mynes of 
gold and silver, nor such rare commodities, as the Portugals and Spanyards 
found in the East and West Indies. The want whereof hath begot us (that 
were the first undertakers) no lesse scorne and contempt, then the noble 
conquests and valiant adventures beautified with it, prayse and honour. 
Too much I confesse the world cannot attribute to their ever memorable 
merit: and to cleare us from the blind worlds ignorant censure, these few 
words may suffice any reasonable understanding.

An Apology for the first Planters.

It was the Spanyards good hap to happen in those parts where were infinite 
numbers of people, who had manured the ground with that providence, it 
affoorded victualls at all times. And time had brought them to that 
perfection, they had the use of gold and silver, and the most of such 
commodities as those Countries affoorded: so that what the Spanyard got 
was chiefely the spoyle and pillage of those Countrey people, and not the 
labours of their owne hands. But had those fruitfull Countries beene as 
salvage, as barbarous, as ill peopled, as little planted, laboured, and 
manured, as Virginia: their proper labours it is likely would have 
produced as small profit as ours. But had Virginia beene peopled, planted, 
manured, and adorned with such store of precious Jewels, and rich 
commodities as was the Indies: then had we not gotten and done as much as 
by their examples might be expected from us, the world might then have 
traduced us and our merits, and have made shame and infamy our recompence 
and reward.

But we chanced in a Land even as God made it, where we found onely an 
idle, improvident, scattered people, ignorant of the knowledge of gold or 
silver, or any commodities,

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and carelesse of any thing but from hand to mouth, except bables of no 
worth; nothing to incourage us, but what accidentally we found Nature 
afforded. Which ere we could bring to recompence our paines, defray our 
charges, and satisfie our Adventurers; we were to discover the Countrey, 
subdue the people, bring them to be tractable, civill, and industrious, 
and teach them trades, that the fruits of their labours might make us some 
recompence, or plant such Colonies of our owne, that must first make 
provision how to live of themselves, ere they can bring to perfection the 
commodities of the Country: which doubtlesse will be as commodious for 
England as the west Indies for Spaine, if it be rightly mannaged: 
notwithstanding all our home-bred opinions, that will argue the contrary, 
as formerly some have done against the Spanyards and Portugalls. But to 
conclude, against all rumor of opinion, I onely say this, for those that 
the three first yeares began this Plantation; notwithstanding all their 
factions, mutinies, and miseries, so gently corrected, and well prevented: 
peruse the Spanish Decades; the Relations of Master Hackluit, and tell me 
how many ever with such small meanes as a Barge of 22 tuns, sometimes with 
seaven, eight, or nine, or but at most, twelve or sixteene men, did ever 
discover so many fayre and navigable Rivers, subject so many severall 
Kings, people, and Nations, to obedience, and contribution, with so little 
bloudshed.

And if in the search of those Countries we had hapned where wealth had 
beene, we had as surely had it as obedience and contribution, but if we 
have overskipped it, we will not envie them that shall find it: yet can we 
not but lament, it was our fortunes to end when we had but onely learned 
how to begin, and found the right course how to proceed.

By Richard Wyffin, William Phittiplace, Jeffrey Abbot, and Anas Todkill.