Travels of Captaine John Smith Volume I - Pages 174-202



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Chap. X.
How the Salvages became subject to the English.

When the Ships departed, all the provision of the Store (but that the 
President had gotten) was so rotten with the last Summers rayne, and eaten 
with Rats and Wormes, as the Hogges would scarcely eate it. Yet it was the 
Souldiers dyet till our returnes, so that we found nothing done, but our 
victuals spent, and the most part of our tooles, and a good part of our 
Armes conveyed to the Salvages. But now casting up the Store, and finding 
sufficient till the next harvest, the feare of starving was abandoned, and 
the company divided into tens, fifteens, or as the businesse required; six 
houres each day was spent in worke, the rest in Pastime and merry 
exercises, but the untowardnesse of the greatest number caused the 
President advise as followeth.

The Presidents advice to the Company.

Countrymen, the long experience of our late miseries, I hope is sufficient 
to perswade every one to a present correction of himselfe, and thinke not 
that either my pains, nor the Adventurers purses, will ever maintaine you 
in idlenesse and sloath. I speake not this to you all, for divers of you I 
know deserve both honour and reward, better then is yet here to be had: 
but the greater part must be more industrious, or starve, how ever you 
have beene heretofore tollerated by the authoritie of the Councell, from 
that I have often commanded you. You see now that power resteth wholly in 
my selfe: you must obey this now for a Law, that he that will not worke 
shall not eate (except by sicknesse he be disabled:) for the labours of 
thirtie or fortie honest and industrious men shall not be consumed to 
maintaine an hundred and fiftie idle loyterers. And though you presume the 
authoritie here is but a shadow, and that I dare not touch the lives

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of any but my owne must answer it: the Letters patents shall each weeke be 
read to you, whose Contents will tell you the contrary. I would wish you 
therefore without contempt seeke to observe these orders set downe, for 
there are now no more Counsellers to protect you, nor curbe my endevours. 
Therefore he that offendeth, let him assuredly expect his due punishment.

He made also a Table, as a publicke memoriall of every mans deserts, to 
incourage the good, and with shame to spurre on the rest to amendment. By 
this many became very industrious, yet more by punishment performed their 
businesse, for all were so tasked, that there was no excuse could prevaile 
to deceive him: yet the Dutch-mens consorts so closely convayed them 
powder, shot, swords, and tooles, that though we could find the defect, we 
could not finde by whom, till it was too late.

The Dutchmens plot to murther Cap. Smith.

All this time the Dutch men remaining with Powhatan, (who kindly 
entertained them to instruct the Salvages the use of our Armes) and their 
consorts not following them as they expected; to know the cause, they sent 
Francis their companion, a stout young fellow, disguised like a Salvage, 
to the Glasse-house, a place in the woods neare a myle from James Towne; 
where was their Rendezvous for all their unsuspected villany. Fortie men 
they procured to lie in Ambuscado for Captaine Smith, who no sooner heard 
of this Dutch-man, but he sent to apprehend him (but he was gone) yet to 
crosse his returne to Powhatan, the Captaine presently dispatched 20. shot 
after him, himselfe returning from the Glasse-house alone. By the way he 
incountred the King of Paspahegh, a most strong stout Salvage, whose 
perswasions not being able to perswade him to his Ambush, seeing him onely 
armed but with a faucheon, attempted to have shot him, but the President 
prevented his shoot by grapling with him, and the Salvage as well 
prevented him for drawing his faucheon, and perforce bore him into the 
River to have drowned him. Long they strugled in the water, till the 
President got such hold on his throat, he had neare

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strangled the King; but having drawne his faucheon to cut off his head, 
seeing how pittifully he begged his life, he led him prisoner to James 
Towne, and put him in chaynes.

The Dutch-man ere long was also brought in, whose villany though all this 
time it was suspected, yet he fayned such a formall excuse, that for want 
of language Captaine Winne understood him not rightly, and for their 
dealings with Powhatan, that to save their lives they were constrained to 
accommodate his armes, of whom he extreamely complained to have detained 
them perforce, and that he made this escape with the hazard of his life, 
and meant not to have returned, but was onely walking in the woods to 
gather Walnuts. Yet for all this faire tale, there was so small appearance 
of truth, and the plaine confession of Paspahegh of his trechery, he went 
by the heeles: Smith purposing to regaine the Dutch-men, by the saving his 
life. The poore Salvage did his best by his daily messengers to Powhatan, 
but all returned that the Dutch-men would not returne, neither did 
Powhatan stay them; and to bring them fiftie myles on his mens backes they 
were not able. Daily this Kings wives, children, and people came to visit 
him with presents, which he liberally bestowed to make his peace. Much 
trust they had in the Presidents promise: but the King finding his guard 
negligent, though fettered yet escaped. Captaine Winne thinking to pursue 
him found such troupes of Salvages to hinder his passage, as they 
exchanged many vollies of shot for flights of Arrowes. Captaine Smith 
hearing of this in returning to the Fort, tooke two Salvages prisoners, 
called Kemps and Tussore, the two most exact villaines in all the Country. 
With these he sent Captaine Winne and fiftie choise men, and Lieutenant 
Percie, to have regained the King, and revenged this injury, and so had 
done, if they had followed his directions, or beene advised with those two 
villaines, that would have betrayed both King & kindred for a peece of 
Copper, but he trifling away the night, the Salvages the next morning by 
the

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rising of the Sunne, braved him to come ashore to fight: a good time both 
sides let fly at other, but we heard of no hurt, onely they tooke two 
Canowes, burnt the Kings house, and so returned to James towne.

The Salvages desire Peace.

The President fearing those Bravado's would but incourage the Salvages, 
began againe himselfe to try his conclusions, whereby six or seaven were 
slaine, as many made prisoners. He burnt their houses, tooke their Boats, 
with all their fishing wires, and planted some of them at James towne for 
his owne use, and now resolved not to cease till he had revenged himselfe 
of all them had injured him. But in his journey passing by Paspahegh 
towards Chickahamania, the Salvages did their best to draw him to their 
Ambuscadoes; but seeing him regardlesly passe their Country, all shewed 
themselves in their bravest manner. To try their valours he could not but 
let fly, and ere he could land, they no sooner knew him, but they threw 
downe their armes and desired peace. Their Orator was a lustie young 
fellow called Okaning, whose worthy discourse deserveth to be remembred. 
And thus it was:

Okaning his Oration.

Captaine Smith, my Master is here present in the company, thinking it 
Capt. Winne, and not you, (of him he intended to have beene revenged) 
having never offended him. If he hath offended you in escaping your 
imprisonment, the fishes swim, the foules fly, and the very beasts strive 
to escape the snare and live. Then blame not him being a man. He would 
intreat you remember, you being a prisoner, what paines he tooke to save 
your life. If since he hath injured you he was compelled to it: but 
howsoever, you have revenged it with our too great losse. We perceive and 
well know you intend to destroy us, that are here to intreat and desire 
your friendship, and to enjoy our houses and plant our fields, of whose 
fruit you shall participate: otherwise you will have the worse by our 
absence; for we can plant any where, though with more labour, and we know 
you cannot live if you want our harvest, and that reliefe we bring you. If 
you

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promise us peace, we will beleeve you; if you proceed in revenge we will 
abandon the Country.

Upon these tearmes the President promised them peace, till they did us 
injury, upon condition they should bring in provision. Thus all departed 
good friends, and so continued till Smith left the Countrey.

A Salvage smoothered at James towne, and recovered.

Arriving at James Towne, complaint was made to the President, that the 
Chickahamanians, who all this while continued trade and seemed our 
friends, by colour thereof were the onely theeves. And amongst other 
things a Pistoll being stolne and the theefe fled, there was apprehended 
two proper young fellowes, that were brothers, knowne to be his 
confederates. Now to regaine this Pistoll, the one was imprisoned, the 
other was sent to returne the Pistoll againe within twelve houres, or his 
brother to be hanged. Yet the President pittying the poore naked Salvage 
in the dungeon, sent him victuall and some Char-coale for a fire: ere 
midnight his brother returned with the Pistoll, but the poore Salvage in 
the dungeon was so smoothered with the smoake he had made, and so 
pittiously burnt, that wee found him dead. The other most lamentably 
bewayed his death, and broke forth into such bitter agonies, that the 
President to quiet him, told him that if hereafter they would not steale, 
he would make him alive againe: but he little thought he could be 
recovered. Yet we doing our best with Aqua vitæ and Vineger, it pleased 
God to restore him againe to life, but so drunke & affrighted, that he 
seemed Lunaticke, the which as much tormented and grieved the other, as 
before to see him dead. Of which maladie upon promise of their good 
behaviour, the President promised to recover him: and so caused him to be 
layd by a fire to sleepe, who in the morning having well slept, had 
recovered his perfect senses, and then being dressed of his burning, and 
each a peece of Copper given them, they went away so well contented, that 
this was spread among all the Salvages for a miracle, that Captaine Smith 
could make a man alive that was dead.

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Two or three Salvages slaine in drying Powder.

Another ingenuous Salvage of Powhatans, having gotten a great bag of 
Powder, and the backe of an Armour, at Werowocomoco amongst a many of his 
companions, to shew his extraordinary skill, he did dry it on the backe as 
he had seene the Souldiers at James Towne. But he dryed it so long, they 
peeping over it to see his skill, it tooke fire, and blew him to death, 
and one or two more, and the rest so scorched, they had little pleasure to 
meddle any more with powder.

These and many other such pretty Accidents, so amazed and affrighted both 
Powhatan, and all his people, that from all parts with presents they 
desired peace; returning many stolne things which we never demanded nor 
thought of; and after that, those that were taken stealing, both Powhatan 
and his people have sent them backe to James towne, to receive their 
punishment; and all the Country became absolute as free for us, as for 
themselves.



Chap. XI.
What was done in three moneths having Victualls. The Store devoured by
Rats, how we lived three moneths of such naturall fruits as the Country
affoorded.

Now we so quietly followed our businesse, that in three moneths wee made 
three or foure Last of Tarre, Pitch, and Sope ashes; produced a tryall of 
Glasse; made a Well in the Fort of excellent sweet water, which till then 
was wanting; built some twentie houses; recovered our Church; provided 
Nets and Wires for fishing; and to stop the disorders of our disorderly 
theeves, and the Salvages, built a Blockhouse in the neck of our Isle, 
kept by a Garrison to entertaine the Salvages trade, and none to passe nor 
repasse Salvage nor Christian without the presidents order. Thirtie or 
forty Acres of ground we digged and planted. Of three sowes in eighteene

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moneths, increased 60, and od Piggs. And neere 500. chickings brought up 
themselves without having any meat given them: but the Hogs were 
transported to Hog. Isle: where also we built a block-house with a garison 
to give us notice of any shipping, and for their exercise they made 
Clapbord and waynscot, and cut downe trees. We built also a fort for a 
retreat neere a convenient River upon a high commanding hill, very hard to 
be assalted and easie to be defended, but ere it was finished this defect 
caused a stay.

Great extremitie by Rats.

In searching our casked corne, we found it halfe rotten, and the rest so 
consumed with so many thousands of Rats that increased so fast, but there 
originall was from the ships, as we knew not how to keepe that little we 
had. This did drive us all to our wits end, for there was nothing in the 
country but what nature afforded. Untill this time Kemps and Tassore were 
fettered prisoners, and did double taske and taught us how to order and 
plant our fields: whom now for want of victuall we set at liberty, but so 
well they liked our companies they did not desire to goe from us. And to 
expresse their loves for 16. dayes continuance, the Countrie people 
brought us (when least) 100. a day, of Squirrils, Turkyes, Deere and other 
wilde beasts: But this want of come occasioned the end of all our works, 
it being worke sufficient to provide victuall. 60. or 80. with-Ensigne 
Laxon was sent downe the river to live upon Oysters, and 20. with 
liutenant Percy to try for fishing at Poynt Comfort: but in six weekes 
they would not agree once to cast out the net, he being sicke and burnt 
sore with Gunpouder. Master West with as many went up to the falls, but 
nothing could be found but a few Acornes; of that in store every man had 
their equall proportion. Till this present, by the hazard and indevours of 
some thirtie or fortie, this whole Colony had ever beene fed. We had more 
Sturgeon, then could be devoured by Dog and Man, of which the industrious 
by drying and pounding, mingled with Caviare, Sorell and other wholesome 
hearbes

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would make bread and good meate: others would gather as much Tockwhogh 
roots, in a day as would make them bread a weeke, so that of those wilde 
fruites, and what we caught, we lived very well in regard of such a diet, 
But such was the strange condition of some 150, that had they not beene 
forced nolens, volens, perforce to gather and prepare their victuall they 
would all have starved or have eaten one another. Of those wild fruits the 
Salvages often brought us, and for that, the President would not fullfill 
the unreasonable desire, of those distracted Gluttonous Loyterers, to sell 
not only our kettles, hows, tooles, and Iron, nay swords, pieces, and the 
very Ordnance and howses, might they have prevayled to have beene but 
Idle: for those Salvage fruites, they would have had imparted all to the 
Salvages, especially for one basket of Corne they heard of to be at 
Powhatans, fifty myles from our Fort. Though he bought neere halfe of it 
to satisfie their humors, yet to have had the other halfe, they would have 
sould their soules, though not sufficient to have kept them a weeke. 
Thousands were their exclamations, suggestions and devises, to force him 
to those base inventions to have made it an occasion to abandon the 
Country. Want perforce constrained him to indure their exclaiming follies, 
till he found out the author, one Dyer a most crafty fellow and his 
ancient Maligner, whom he worthily punished, and with the rest he argued 
the case in this maner.

The Presidents order for the drones.

Fellow souldiers, I did little thinke any so false to report, or so many 
to be so simple to be perswaded, that I either intend to starve you, or 
that Powhatan at this present hath corne for himselfe, much lesse for you; 
or that I would not have it, if I knew where it were to be had. Neither 
did I thinke any so malitious as now I see a great many; yet it shal not 
so passionate me, but I will doe my best for my most maligner. But dreame 
no longer of this vaine hope from Powhatan, not that I will longer 
forbeare to force you, from your Idlenesse, and punish you if you rayle. 
But if I finde any more

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runners for Newfoundland with the Pinnace, let him assuredly looke to 
arive at the Gallows. You cannot deny but that by the hazard of my life 
many a time I have saved yours, when (might your owne wills have 
prevailed) you would have starved; and will doe still whether I will or 
noe; But I protest by that God that made me, since necessitie hath not 
power to force you to gather for your selves those fruites the earth doth 
yeeld, you shall not onely gather for your selves, but those that are 
sicke. As yet I never had more from the store then the worst of you: and 
all my English extraordinary provision that I have, you shall see me 
divide it amongst the sick. And this Salvage trash you so scornfully 
repine at; being put in your mouthes your stomackes can disgest, if you 
would have better you should have brought it; and therefore I will take a 
course you shall provide what is to be had. The sick shall not starve, but 
equally share of all our labours; and he that gathereth not every day as 
much as I doe, the next day shall be set beyond the river, and be banished 
from the Fort as a drone, till he amend his conditions or starve. But some 
would say with Seneca.

I know those things thou sayst are true good Nurse,
But fury forceth me to follow worse.
My minde is hurried headlong up and downe:
Desiring better counsell, yet finds none.

But seven of 200 dyed in nine moneths.

This order many murmured was very cruell, but it caused the most part so 
well bestirre themselves, that of 200. (except they were drowned) there 
died not past seven: as for Captaine Winne and Master Leigh they were dead 
ere this want hapned, and the rest dyed not for want of such as preserved 
the rest. Many were billeted amongst the Salvages, whereby we knew all 
their passages, fields and habitations, how to gather and use their fruits 
as well as themselves; for they did know wee had such a commanding power 
at James towne they durst not wrong us of a pin.

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The Salvages returne our fugitives.

So well those poore Salvages used us that were thus billetted, that divers 
of the Souldiers ran away to search Kemps & Tassore our old prisoners. 
Glad were these Salvages to have such an oportunity to testifie their love 
unto us, for in stead of entertaining them, and such things as they had 
stollen, with all their great Offers, and promises they made them how to 
revenge their injuryes upon Captaine Smith; Kemps first made himselfe 
sport, in shewing his countrie men (by them) how he was used, feeding them 
with this law, who would not work must not eat, till they were neere 
starved indeede, continually threatning to beate them to death: neither 
could they get from him, till hee and his consorts brought them perforce 
to our Captaine, that so well contented him and punished them, as many 
others that intended also to follow them, were rather contented to labour 
at home, then adventure to live idlely amongst the Salvages; (of whom 
there was more hope to make better Christians & good subjects, then the 
one halfe of those that counterfeited themselves both.) For so affraide 
was al those kings and the better sort of the people to displease us, that 
some of the baser sort that we have extreamly hurt and punished for their 
villanies would hire us, we should not tell it to their kings, or 
countrymen, who would also repunish them, and yet returne them to James 
towne to content the President for a testimony of their loves.

Master Sicklemores Journey to Chawwonoke.

Master Sicklemore well returned from Chawwonoke; but found little hope and 
lesse certaintie of them were left by Sir Walter Raleigh. The river, he 
saw was not great, the people few, the countrey most over growne with 
pynes, where there did grow here and there straglingly Pemminaw, we call 
silke grasse. But by the river the ground was good, and exceeding furtill;

Master Powels jorney to the Mangoags.

Master Nathanael Powell and Anas Todkill were also by the 
Quiyoughquohanocks conducted to the Mangoags to search them there: but 
nothing could they learne but they were all dead. This honest proper good 
promise-keeping king, of all the rest did ever best affect us, and

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though to his false Gods he was very zealous, yet he would confesse our 
God as much exceeded his as our Gunns did his Bow and Arrowes, often 
sending our President many presents, to pray to his God for raine or his 
corne would perish, for his Gods were angry. Three dayes journey they 
conducted them through the woods, into a high country towards the 
Southwest: where they saw here and there a little corne field, by some 
little spring or smal brooke, but no river they could see: the people in 
all respects like the rest, except their language: they live most upon 
rootes, fruites and wilde beasts; and trade with them towards the sea and 
the fatter countryes for dryed fish and corne, for skins.

The Dutch mens projects.

All this time to recover the Dutch-men and one Bentley another fugitive, 
we imployed one William Volday, a Zwitzar by birth, with Pardons & 
promises to regaine them. Little we then suspected this double villaine of 
any villany; who plainly taught us, in the most trust was the greatest 
treason; for this wicked hypocrite, by the seeming hate he bore to the 
lewd conditions of his cursed country men, (having this oportunity by his 
imployment to regaine them) convayed them every thing they desired to 
effect their projects, to distroy the Colony. With much devotion they 
expected the Spaniard, to whom they intended good service, or any other, 
that would but carry them from us. But to begin with the first oportunity; 
they seeing necessitie thus inforced us to disperse our selves, importuned 
Powhatan to lend them but his forces, and they would not onely distroy our 
Hoggs, fire our towne, and betray our Pinnace; but bring to his service 
and subjection the most of our company. With this plot they had acquainted 
many Discontents, and many were agreed to their Devilish practise. But one 
Thomas Douse, and Thomas Mallard (whose christian hearts relented at such 
an unchristian act) voluntarily revealed it to Captaine Smith, who caused 
them to conceale it, perswading Douse and Mallard to proceed in their 
confedracie: onely to bring the irreclamable Dutch men and

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the inconstant Salvages in such a maner amongst such Ambuscado's as he had 
prepared, that not many of them should returne from our Peninsula. But 
this brute comming to the eares of the impatient multitude they so 
importuned the President to cut off those Dutch men, as amongst many that 
offred to cut their throats before the face of Powhatan, the first was 
Lieutenant Percy, and Mr. John Cuderington, two Gentlemen of as bold 
resolute spirits as could possibly be found. But the President had 
occasion of other imploiment for them, & gave way to Master Wyffin and 
Sarjeant Jeffrey Abbot, to goe and stab them or shoot them. But the Dutch 
men made such excuses, accusing Volday whom they supposed had revealed 
their project, as Abbot would not, yet Wyffing would, perceiving it but 
deceit. The King understanding of this their imployment, sent presently 
his messengers to Captaine Smith to signifie it was not his fault to 
detaine them, nor hinder his men from executing his command: nor did he 
nor would he maintaine them, or any to occasion his displeasure.

The first arrivall of Captaine Argall.

But whilst this businesse was in hand. Arrived one Captaine Argall, and 
Master Thomas Sedan, sent by Master Cornelius to truck with the Colony, 
and fish for Sturgeon, with a ship well furnished, with wine and much 
other good provision. Though it was not sent us, our necessities was such 
as inforced us to take it. He brought us newes of a great supply and 
preparation for the Lord La Warre, with letters that much taxed our 
President for his hard dealing with the Salvages, and not returning the 
shippes fraughted Notwithstanding we kept this ship till the fleete 
arrived. True it is Argall lost his voyage, but we revictualled him, and 
sent him for England, with a true relation of the causes of our 
defailments, and how imposible it was to returne that wealth they 
expected, or observe their instructions to indure the Salvages 
insolencies, or doe any thing to any purpose, except they would send us 
men and meanes that could produce that they so much desired: otherwises 
all they did was lost, and

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could not but come to confusion. The villany of Volday we still 
dissembled. Adam upon his pardon came home but Samuell still stayed with 
Powhatan to heare further of their estates by this supply. Now all their 
plots Smith so well understood, they were his best advantages to secure us 
from any trechery, could be done by them or the Salvages: which with 
facility he could revenge when he would, because all those countryes more 
feared him then Powhatan, and hee had such parties with all his bordering 
neighbours: and many of the rest for love or feare would have done any 
thing he would have them, upon any commotion, though these fugitives had 
done all they could to perswade Powhatan, King James would kill Smith, for 
using him and his people so unkindly.

Note these inconveniences.

By this you may see for all those crosses, trecheries, and dissentions, 
how hee wrestled and overcame (without bloudshed) all that happened: also 
what good was done; how few dyed; what food the Countrey naturally 
affoordeth; what small cause there is men should starve, or be murthered 
by the Salvages, that have discretion to mannage them with courage and 
industrie. The two first yeares, though by his adventures, he had oft 
brought the Salvages to a tractable trade, yet you see how the envious 
authoritie ever crossed him, and frustrated his best endevours. But it 
wrought in him that experience and estimation amongst the Salvages, as 
otherwise it had bin impossible, he had ever effected that he did. 
Notwithstanding the many miserable, yet generous and worthy adventures, he 
had oft and long endured in the wide world, yet in this case he was againe 
to learne his Lecture by experience. Which with thus much adoe having 
obtained, it was his ill chance to end, when he had but onely learned how 
to begin. And though he left those unknowne difficulties (made easie and 
familiar) to his unlawfull successors, (who onely by living in James 
Towne, presumed to know more then all the world could direct them:) Now 
though they had all his Souldiers, with a tripple power, and twice tripple 
better meanes; by what they

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have done in his absence, the world may see what they would have done in 
his presence, had he not prevented their indiscretions: it doth justly 
prove, what cause he had to send them for England, and that he was neither 
factious, mutinous, nor dishonest. But they have made it more plaine since 
his returne for England; having his absolute authoritie freely in their 
power, with all the advantages and opportunitie that his labours had 
effected. As I am sorry their actions have made it so manifest, so I am 
unwilling to say what reason doth compell me, but onely to make apparant 
the truth, least I should seeme partiall, reasonlesse, and malicious.



Chapter XII.
The Arrivall of the third Supply.

The alteration of the government.

To redresse those jarres and ill proceedings, the Treasurer, Councell, and 
Company of Virginia, not finding that returne, and profit they expected; 
and them ingaged there, not having meanes to subsist of themselves, made 
meanes to his Majestie, to call in their Commission, and take a new in 
their owne names, as in their owne publication, 1610. you may reade at 
large. Having thus annihilated the old by vertue of a Commission made to 
the right Honourable, Sir Thomas West, Lord de la Warre, to be Generall of 
Virginia; Sir Thomas Gates, his Lieutenant; Sir George Somers, Admirall; 
Sir Thomas Dale, high Marshall; Sir Fardinando Wainman, Generall of the 
Horse; and so all other offices to many other worthy Gentlemen, for their 
lives: (though not any of them had ever beene in Virginia; except Captaine 
Newport, who was also by Patent made vice-Admirall:) those noble Gentlemen 
drew in such great summes of money, that they sent Sir Thomas Gates, Sir 
George Somers, and Captaine Newport with nine shippes, and five hundred 
people, who had each of them a Commission, who

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first arrived to call in the old, without the knowledge or consent of 
them, that had endured all those former dangers to beat the path, not any 
regard had at all of them. All things being ready, because those three 
Captaines could not agree for place, it was concluded they should goe all 
in one ship, so all their three Commissions were in that Ship with them 
called the Sea-Venture. They set sayle from England in May 1609. A small 
Catch perished at Sea in a Hericano: the Admirall with an hundred and 
fiftie men, with the two Knights, and their new Commission, their Bils of 
Loading, with all manner of directions, and the most part of their 
provision arrived not. With the other seaven Ships as Captaines arrived 
Ratliffe, whose right name (as is sayd) was Sicklemore, Martin, and 
Archur, with Captaine Wood, Captaine Webbe, Captaine Moone, Captaine King, 
Captaine Davis, and divers Gentlemen of good meanes, and great parentage. 
But the first as they had beene troublesome at Sea, began againe to marre 
all ashore: for though (as is said) they were formerly sent for England, 
yet now returning againe, graced by the titles of Captaines of the 
passengers, seeing the Admirall wanting, and great probabilitie of her 
losse, strengthened themselves with those new companies, so exclaiming 
against Captaine Smith, that they mortally hated him ere ever they saw 
him. Who understanding by his Scouts the arrivall of such a Fleet, little 
dreaming of any such supply, supposed them Spanyards. But he quickly so 
determined and ordered our affaires, as we little feared their Arrivall, 
nor the successe of our incounter; nor were the Salvages any way negligent 
for the most part, to ayd and assist us with their best power. Had it so 
beene we had beene happy; for we would not have trusted them but as our 
foes, where receiving them as our Countreymen and friends, they did what 
they could to murther our President, to surprise the Store, the Fort, and 
our lodgings, to usurpe the government, and make us all their servants and 
slaves, till they could consume us and our remembrance; and rather indeed 
to supplant us

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then supply us, as master William Box an honest Gentleman in this voyage 
thus relateth.

In the tayle of a Hericano wee were separated from the Admirall, which 
although it was but the remainder of that Storme, there is seldome any 
such in England, or those Northerne parts of Europe. Some lost their 
Masts, some their Sayles blowne from their Yards; the Seas so over-raking 
our Ships, much of our provision was spoyled, our Fleet separated, and our 
men sicke, and many dyed, and in this miserable estate we arrived in 
Virginia. But in this Storme,

When ratling Thunder ran along the Clouds;
Did not the Saylers poore, and Masters proud
A terror feele as strucke with feare of God?
Did not their trembling joynts then dread his rod?
Least for foule deeds and black mouth'd blasphemies,
The rufull time be come that vengeance cryes.

Mutinies.

To a thousand mischiefes those lewd Captaines led this lewd company, 
wherein were many unruly Gallants, packed thither by their friends to 
escape ill destinies, and those would dispose and determine of the 
government, sometimes to one, the next day to another; to day the old 
Commission must rule, to morrow the new, the next day neither, in fine 
they would rule all, or ruine all: yet in charitie we must endure them 
thus to destroy us, or by correcting their follies, have brought the 
worlds censure upon us to be guiltie of their blouds. Happie had we beene 
had they never arrived, and we for ever abandoned, and as we were left to 
our fortunes: for on earth for the number was never more confusion, or 
misery, then their factions occasioned.

The President seeing the desire those Braves had to rule; seeing how his 
authoritie was so unexpectedly changed, would willingly have left all, and 
have returned for England. But seeing there was small hope this new 
Commission would arrive, longer he would not suffer those factious spirits 
to proceede. It would be too tedious, too

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strange, and almost incredible; should I particularly relate the infinite 
dangers, plots, and practices, he daily escaped amongst this factious 
crew; the chiefe whereof he quickly layd by the heeles, till his leasure 
better served to doe them justice: and to take away all occasions of 
further mischiefe, Master Percie had his request granted to returne for 
England, being very sicke; and Mr. West with an hundred and twentie of the 
best he could chuse, he sent to the Falles; Martin with neare as many to 
Nandsamund, with their due proportions of all provisions according to 
their numbers.

The planting Nandsamund. The breach of peace with the Salvages.

Now the Presidents yeare being neare expired, he made Captaine Martin 
President to follow the order for the election of a President every yeare: 
but he knowing his owne insufficiency, and the companies untowardnesse and 
little regard of him, within three houres after resigned it againe to 
Captaine Smith, and at Nandsamund thus proceeded. The people being 
contributers used him kindly; yet such was his jealous feare, in the midst 
of their mirth, he did surprise this poore naked King, with his Monuments, 
houses, and the Isle he inhabited, and there fortified himselfe; but so 
apparantly distracted with feare, as imboldened the Salvages to assault 
him, kill his men, release their King, gather and carry away a thousand 
bushels of Corne, he not once offering to intercept them; but sent to the 
President then at the Falles for thirtie good shot; which from James Towne 
immediately was sent him. But he so well imployed them they did just 
nothing, but returned complaining of his tendernesse: yet he came away 
with them to James Towne, leaving his company to their fortunes.

Here I cannot omit the courage of George Forrest, that had seaventeene 
Arrowes sticking in him, and one shot through him, yet lived sixe or 
seaven dayes, as if he had small hurt, then for want of Chirurgery dyed.

Master West having seated his men by the Falles, presently returned to 
revisit James Towne: the President followed him to see that company 
seated; met him by the

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way, wondering at his so quicke returne; and found his company planted so 
inconsiderately, in a place not onely subject to the rivers inundation, 
but round invironed with many intollerable inconveniences.

Powhatan bought for Copper.

For remedie whereof he presently sent to Powhatan to sell him the place 
called Powhatan, promising to defend him against the Monacans. And these 
should be his Conditions (with his people) to resigne him the Fort and 
houses, and all that Countrey for a proportion of Copper; that all 
stealing offenders should be sent him, there to receive their punishment; 
that every house as a Custome should pay him a Bushell of Corne for an 
inch square of Copper, and a proportion of Pocones, as a yearely tribute 
to King James for their protection, as a dutie; what else they could spare 
to barter at their best discretions.

Mutinies.

But both this excellent place and those good Conditions did those furies 
refuse, contemning both him, his kinde care and authoritie. So much they 
depended on the Lord Generals new Commission; as they regarded none: the 
worst they could doe to shew their spights they did; supposing all the 
Monacans Country, gold; and none should come there but whom they pleased. 
I doe more then wonder to thinke how onely with five men, he either durst 
or would adventure as he did, (knowing how greedie they were of his bloud) 
to land amongst them, and commit to imprisonment all the Chieftaines of 
those mutinies, till by their multitudes being an hundred and twentie they 
forced him to retyre: yet in that interim he surprised one of their 
Boates, wherewith he returned to their ship; where in deed was their 
provision, which also he tooke, and well it chanced he found the Marriners 
so tractable and constant, or there had beene small possibilitie he had 
ever escaped. There were divers other of better reason and experience, 
that from their first landing, hearing the generall good report of his old 
Souldiers, and seeing with their eyes his actions so well mannaged with 
discretion, as Captaine Wood, Captaine Webbe, Cap. Moone, Captaine 
FitzJames, Master William Powell, Master Partridge,

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Master White, and divers others, when they perceived the malice of 
Ratliffe and Archer, and their faction, left their companies, and ever 
rested his faithfull friends. But the worst was that the poore Salvages, 
that daily brought in their contribution to the President, that disorderly 
company so tormented those poore soules, by stealing their corne, robbing 
their gardens, beating them, breaking the their houses and keeping some 
prisoners; that they daily complained to Captaine Smith, he had brought 
them for Protectors, worse enemies then the Monacans themselves: which 
though till then, for his love they had endured, they desired pardon if 
hereafter they defended themselves; since he would not correct them, as 
they had long expected he would. So much they importuned him to punish 
their misdemeanors, as they offered (if he would leade them) to fight for 
him against them. But having spent nine dayes in seeking to reclaime them; 
shewing them how much they did abuse themselves with these great guilded 
hopes of the South Sea Mines, commodities, or victories, they so madly 
conceived; then seeing nothing would prevaile, he set sayle for James 
Towne.

Thus oft we see from small greene wounds, and from a little griefe,
A greater sore and sicknesse growes, then will admit reliefe:
For thus themselves they did beguile, and with the rest play'd theefe.

An assalt by the Salvages.

Now no sooner was the Ship under sayle, but the Salvages assaulted those 
hundred and twentie in their Fort, finding some stragling abroad in the 
woods: they slew many, and so affrighted the rest, as their prisoners 
escaped,and they safely retyred, with the swords and cloakes of those they 
had slaine. But ere wee had sayled halfe a league, our ship grounding, 
gave us once more libertie to summon them to a parley; where we found them 
all so strangely amazed with this poore silly assault of twelve Salvages, 
that they submitted themselves upon any tearmes

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to the Presidents mercy; who presently put by the heeles sixe or seaven of 
the chiefe offenders: the rest he seated gallantly at Powhatan, in that 
Salvage Fort, readie built, and prettily fortified with poles and barkes 
of trees, sufficient to have defended them from all the Salvages in 
Virginia, dry houses for lodgings and neere two hundred accres of ground 
ready to be planted, and no place we knew so strong, so pleasant and 
delightfull in Virginia for which we called it Non-such. The Salvages also 
hee presently appeased, redelivering to either party their former losses. 
Thus all were friends.

The planting of Non-such. The Salvages appeased.

New officers appointed to command, and the President againe ready to 
depart, at that instant arrived Captaine West, whose gentle nature, by the 
perswasions and compassion of those mutinous prisoners, (alledging they 
had onely done this for his honor) was so much abused, that to regaine 
their old hopes, new turboyles did arise For they a-shore being possessed 
of all their victuall, munition, and every thing, grew to that height in 
their former factions, as the President left them to their fortunes: they 
returned againe to the open ayre at Wests Fort, abandoning Non-such, and 
he to James towne with his best expedition, but this hapned him in that 
Journey.

Captaine Smith blowne up with powder.

Sleeping in his Boate, (for the ship was returned two daies before) 
accidentallie, one fired his powder-bag, which tore the flesh from his 
body and thighes, nine or ten inches square in a most pittifull manner; 
but to quench the tormenting fire, frying him in his cloaths he leaped 
overboord into the deepe river, where ere they could recover him he was 
neere drowned. In this estate without either Chirurgian, or Chirurgery he 
was to goe neere an hundred myles. Arriving at James towne, causing all 
things to be prepared for peace or warres to obtaine provision, whilest 
those things were providing, Ratliffe, Archer, & the rest of their 
Confederates, being to come to their trials; their guiltie consciences, 
fearing a just reward for their deserts, seeing the President, unable to 
stand, and neere bereft of

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his senses by reason of his torment, they had plotted to have murdered him 
in his bed. But his heart did faile him that should have given fire to 
that mercilesse Pistoll. So not finding that course to be the best, they 
joyned together to usurpe the government, thereby to escape their 
punishment. The President, had notice of their projects, the which to 
withstand, though his old souldiers importuned him but permit them to take 
their heads that would resist his command, yet he would not suffer them, 
but sent for the Masters of the ships, and tooke order with them for his 
returne for England. Seeing there was neither Chirurgian, nor Chirurgery 
in the Fort to cure his hurt, and the ships to depart the next day, his 
Commission to be suppressed he knew not why, himselfe and souldiers to be 
rewarded he knew not how, and a new commission granted they knew not to 
whom (the which disabled that authority he had, as made them presume so 
oft to those mutinies as they did:) besides so grievous were his wounds, 
and so cruell his torments (few expecting he could live) nor was hee able 
to follow his busines to regaine what they had lost, suppresse those 
factions, and range the countries for provision as he intended; and well 
he knew in those affaires his owne actions and presence was as requisit as 
his directions, which now could not be, he went presently abroad, 
resolving there to appoint them governours, and to take order for the 
mutiners, but he could finde none hee thought fit for it would accept it. 
In the meane time, seeing him gone, they perswaded Master Percy to stay, 
who was then to goe for England, and be their President. Within lesse then 
an houre was this mutation begun and concluded. For when the Company 
understood Smith would leave them, & saw the rest in Armes called 
Presidents & Councellors, divers began to fawne on those new commanders, 
that now bent all their wits to get him resigne them his Commission: who 
after much adoe and many bitter repulses; that their confusion (which he 
tould them was at their elbowes) should not be attributed to him, for 
leaving the Colony without a Commission,

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he was not unwilling they should steale it, but never would he give it to 
such as they.

And thus, Strange violent forces drew us on unwilling: Reason perswading 
'gainst our loves rebelling. We saw and knew the better, ah curse accurst! 
That notwithstanding we imbrace the worst.

The causes why Smith left the Countrey and his Commission.

But had that unhappie blast not hapned, he would quickly have qualified 
the heate of those humors, and factions, had the ships but once left them 
and us to our fortunes; and have made that provision from among the 
Salvages, as we neither feared Spanyard, Salvage, nor famine; nor would 
have left Virginia, nor our lawfull authoritie, but at as deare a price as 
we had bought it, and payd for it. What shall I say but thus, we left him, 
that in all his proceedings, made Justice his first guide, and experience 
his second, even hating basenesse, sloath, pride, and indignitie, more 
then any dangers; that never allowed more for himselfe, then his souldiers 
with him; that upon no danger would send them where he would not lead them 
himselfe; that would never see us want, what he either had, or could by 
any meanes get us; that would rather want then borrow, or starve then not 
pay; that loved action more then words, and hated falshood and 
covetousnesse worse then death; whose adventures were our lives, and whose 
losse our deaths.

Leaving us thus with three ships, seaven boats, commodities readie to 
trade, the harvest newly gathered, ten weeks provision in the store, foure 
hundred nintie and od persons, twentie-foure Peeces of Ordnance, three 
hundred Muskets, Snaphances, and Firelockes, Shot, Powder, and Match 
sufficient, Curats, Pikes, Swords, and Morrios, more then men; the 
Salvages, their language, and habitations well knowne to an hundred well 
trayned and expert Souldiers; Nets for fishing; Tooles of all sorts to 
worke; apparell to supply our wants; six Mares and a Horse; five or sixe 
hundred Swine; as many Hennes and Chickens; some Goats; some sheepe; what 
was

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brought or bred there remained. But they regarding nothing but from hand 
to mouth, did consume that wee had, tooke care for nothing, but to perfect 
some colourable complaints against Captaine Smith. For effecting, whereof 
three weekes longer they stayed the Ships, till they could produce them. 
That time and charge might much better have beene spent, but it suted well 
with the rest of their discretions.

Besides James towne that was strongly Pallizadoed, containing some fiftie 
or sixtie houses, he left five or sixe other severall Forts and 
Plantations: though they were not so sumptuous as our successors expected, 
they were better then they provided any for us. All this time we had but 
one Carpenter in the Countrey, and three others that could doe little, but 
desired to be learners: two Blacksmiths; two saylers, & those we write 
labourers were for most part footmen, and such as they that were 
Adventurers brought to attend them, or such as they could perswade to goe 
with them, that never did know what a dayes worke was, except the Dutch-
men and Poles, and some dozen other. For all the rest were poore 
Gentlemen, Tradsmen, Serving-men, libertines, and such like, ten times 
more fit to spoyle a Common-wealth, then either begin one, or but helpe to 
maintaine one. For when neither the feare of God, nor the law, nor shame, 
nor displeasure of their friends could rule them here, there is small hope 
ever to bring one in twentie of them ever to be good there. 
Notwithstanding, I confesse divers amongst them, had better mindes and 
grew much more industrious then was expected: yet ten good workemen would 
have done more substantiall worke in a day, then ten of them in a weeke. 
Therefore men may rather wonder how we could doe so much, then use us so 
badly, because we did no more, but leave those examples to make others 
beware, and the fruits of all, we know not for whom.

The ends of Dutchmen.

But to see the justice of God upon these Dutch-men; the Valdo before spoke 
of, made a shift to get for England, where perswading the Merchants what 
rich Mines he had

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found, and great service he would doe them, was very well rewarded, and 
returned with the Lord La Warre: but being found a meere Impostor, he dyed 
most miserably. Adam and Francis his two consorts were fled againe to 
Powhatan, to whom they promised at the arrivall of my Lord, what wonders 
they would doe, would he suffer them but to goe to him. But the King 
seeing they would be gone, replyed; You that would have betrayed Captaine 
Smith to mee, will certainely betray me to this great Lord for your peace: 
so caused his men to beat out their braines.

To conclude, the greatest honour that ever belonged to the greatest 
Monarkes, was the inlarging their Dominions, and erecting Common-weales. 
Yet howsoever any of them have attributed to themselves, the Conquerors of 
the world: there is more of the world never heard of them, then ever any 
of them all had in subjection: for the Medes, Persians, and Assyrians, 
never Conquered all Asia, nor the Grecians but part of Europe and Asia. 
The Romans indeed had a great part of both, as well as Affrica: but as for 
all the Northerne parts of Europe and Asia, the interior Southern and 
Westerne parts of Affrica, all America & Terra incognita, they were all 
ignorant: nor is our knowledge yet but superficiall. That their 
beginnings, ending, and limitations were proportioned by the Almightie is 
most evident: but to consider of what small meanes many of them have begun 
is wonderfull. For some write that even Rome her selfe, during the Raigne 
of Romulus, exceeded not the number of a thousand houses. And Carthage 
grew so great a Potentate, that at first was but incirculed in the thongs 
of a Bulls skinne, as to fight with Rome for the Empire of the world. Yea 
Venice at this time the admiration of the earth, was at first but a 
Marish, inhabited by poore Fishermen. And likewise Ninivie, Thebes, 
Babylon, Delus, Troy, Athens, Mycena and Sparta, grew from small 
beginnings to be most famous States, though now they retaine little more 
then a naked name. Now this our

Page 198

yong Common-wealth in Virginia, as you have read once consisted but of 38 
persons, and in two yeares increased but to 200. yet by this small meanes 
so highly was approved the Plantation in Virginia, as how many Lords, with 
worthy Knights, and brave Gentlemen pretended to see it, and some did, and 
now after the expence of fifteene yeares more, and such massie summes of 
men and money, grow they disanimated? If we truely consider our 
Proceedings with the Spanyards, and the rest, we have no reason to 
despayre for with so small charge, they never had either greater 
Discoveries, with such certaine tryals of more severall Commodities, then 
in this short time hath beene returned from Virginia, and by much lesse 
meanes. New England was brought out of obscuritie, and affoorded fraught 
for neare 200 sayle of ships, where there is now erected a brave 
Plantation. For the happines of Summer Isles, they are no lesse then 
either, and yet those have had a far lesse, and a more difficult 
beginning, then either Rome, Carthage, or Venice.

Written by Richard Pots, Clarke of the Councell, William Tankard, and G.P.

Page 199

Now seeing there is thus much Paper here to spare, that you should not be 
altogether cloyed with Prose; such Verses as my worthy Friends bestowed 
upon New England, I here present you, because with honestie I can neither 
reject, nor omit their courtesies.

In the deserved Honour of the Author, Captaine John Smith, and his Worke.

DAmn'd Envie is a sp'rite, that ever haunts Beasts, mis-nam'd Men; 
Cowards, or Ignorants. But, onely such shee followes, whose deare worth 
(Maugre her malice) sets their glory forth.

If this faire Overture, then, take not; It
Is Envie's spight (deare friend) in men of wit;
Or Feare, lest morsels, which our mouths possesse,
Might fall from thence; or else, tis Sottishnesse.
If either; (I hope neither) thee they raise;
Thy(*) Letters are as Letters in thy praise;
Who, by their vice, improve (when they reproove.)
Thy vertue; so, in hate, procure thee Love.
Then, On firme Worth: this Monument I frame;
Scorning for any Smith to forge such fame.

(* Hinderers)


John Davies, Heref:

Page 200

To his worthy Captaine the Author.

That which wee call the subject of all Storie,
Is Truth: which in this Worke of thine gives glorie
To all that thou hast done. Then, scorne the spight
Of Envie; which doth no mans Merits right.
My sword may helpe the rest: my Pen no more
Can doe, but this; I'ave said enough before.
Your sometime Souldier, J. Codrinton, now Templer.

To my Worthy Friend and Cosen, Captaine John Smith.

It over-joyes my heart, when as thy Words
Of these designes, with deeds I doe compare.
Here is a Booke, such worthy truth affords,
None should the due desert thereof impare:
Sith thou, the man, deserving of these Ages,
Much paine hast ta'en for this our Kingdomes good,
In Climes unknowne, 'Mongst Turks and Salvages,
T'inlarge our bounds; though with thy losse of blood.
Hence damn'd Detraction: stand not in our way.
Envie, it selfe, will not the Truth gainesay.

N. Smith.

In the deserved Honour of my honest and worthy Captaine, John Smith, and 
his Worke.

Captaine and friend; when I peruse thy Booke
(With Judgements eyes) into my heart. I looke:
And there I finde (what sometimes Albion knew)
A Souldier, to his Countries-honour, true.
Some fight for wealth; and some for emptie praise;
But thou alone thy Countries Fame to raise.
With due discretion, and undanted heart,
I (oft) so well have seene thee act thy Part
In deepest plunge of hard extreamitie,
As forc't the troups of proudest foes to flie.

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Though men of greater Ranke and lesse desert
Would Pish-away thy Praise, it can not start
From the true Owner: for, all good mens tongues
Shall keepe the same. To them that Part belongs.
If, then, Wit, Courage, and Successe should get
Thee Fame; the Muse for that is in thy debt:
Apart whereof (least able though I be)
Thus here I doe disburse, to honor Thee.

Raleigh Crashaw.

Michael Phettiplace, Wil: Phettiplace, and Richard Wiffing, Gentlemen, and 
Souldiers under Captaine Smiths command: In his deserved honour for his 
Worke, and Worth.

Why may not wee in this Worke have our Mite,
That had our share in each black day and night,
When thou Virginia foild'st, yet kept'st unstaind;
And held'st the King of Paspeheh enchaind.
Thou all alone this Salvage sterne didst take.
Pamaunkees King wee saw thee captive make
Among seaven hundred of his stoutest men,
To murther thee and us resolved; when
Fast by the hayre thou ledst this Salvage grim,
Thy Pistoll at his breast to governe him:
Which did infuse such awe in all the rest
(Sith their drad Soveraigne thou had'st so distrest)
That thou and wee (poore sixteene) safe retir'd
Unto our helplesse Ships. Thou (thus admir'd)
Didst make proud Powhatan, his subjects send
To James his Towne, thy censure to attend:
And all Virginia's Lords, and pettie Kings,
Aw'd by thy vertue, crouch, and Presents brings
To gaine thy grace; so dreaded thou hast beene:
And yet a heart more milde is seldome seene;
So, making Valour Vertue, really;
Who hast nought in thee counterfeit, or slie;

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If in the sleight be not the truest Art,
That makes men famoused for faire desert.

Who saith of thee, this savors of vaine glorie,
Mistakes both thee and us, and this true Storie.
If it be ill in Thee, so well to doe;
Then, is ill in Us, to praise thee too.
But, if the first be well done; it is well,
To say it doth (if so it doth) excell.
Praise is the guerdon of each deare desert
Making the praised act the praised part
With more alacritie: Honours Spurre is Praise;
Without which, it (regardlesse) soone decaies.

And for this paines of thine wee praise thee rather,
That future Times may know who was the father
Of that rare Worke (New England) which may bring,
Praise to thy God, and profit to thy king.