Travels of Captaine John Smith Volume I - Pages 203-235



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THE FOURTH BOOKE.

To make Plaine the True Proceedings of the Historie for 1609. we must 
follow the examinations of Doctor Simons, and two learned Orations 
published by the Companie; with the relation of the Right Honourable the 
Lord De la Ware.

What happened in the first government after the alteration in the time of 
Captaine George Piercie their Governour.

The planting Point Comfort. 1609.

The day before Captaine Smith returned for England with the ships, 
Captaine Davis arrived in a small Pinace, with some sixteene proper men 
more: To these were added a company from James towne, under the command of 
Captaine John Sickelmore alias Ratliffe, to inhabit Point Comfort. 
Captaine Martin and Captaine West, having lost their boats and neere halfe 
their men among the Salvages, were returned to James towne; for the 
Salvages no sooner understood Smith was gone, but they all revolted, and 
did spoile and murther all they

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incountered. Now wee were all constrained to live onely on that Smith had 
onely for his owne Companie, for the rest had consumed their proportions, 
and now they had twentie Presidents with all their appurtenances: Master 
Piercie our new President, was so sicke hee could neither goe nor stand. 
But ere all was consumed, Captaine West and Captaine Sickelmore, each with 
a small ship and thirtie or fortie men well appointed, sought abroad to 
trade. Sickelmore upon the confidence of Powhatan, with about thirtie 
others as carelesse as himselfe, were all slaine, onely Jeffrey Shortridge 
escaped, and Pokahontas the Kings daughter saved a boy called Henry 
Spilman, that lived many yeeres after, by her meanes, amongst the 
Patawomekes. Powhatan still as he found meanes, cut off their Boats, 
denied them trade, so that Captaine West set saile for England. Now we all 
found the losse of Captaine Smith, yea his greatest maligners could now 
curse his losse: as for corne, provision and contribution from the 
Salvages, we had nothing but mortall wounds, with clubs and arrowes; as 
for our Hogs, Hens, Goats, Sheepe, Horse, or what lived, our commanders, 
officers & Salvages daily consumed them, some small proportions sometimes 
we tasted, till all was devoured; then swords, armes, pieces, or any 
thing, wee traded with the Salvages, whose cruell fingers were so oft 
imbrewed in our blouds, that what by their crueltie, our Governours 
indiscretion, and the losse of our ships, of five hundred within six 
moneths after Captaine Smiths departure, there remained not past sixtie 
men, women and children, most miserable and poore creatures; and those 
were preserved for the most part, by roots, herbes, acornes, walnuts, 
berries, now and then a little fish: they that had startch in these 
extremities, made no small use of it; yea, even the very skinnes of our 
horses. Nay, so great was our famine, that a Salvage we slew, and buried, 
the poorer sort tooke him up againe and eat him, and so did divers one 
another boyled and stewed with roots and herbs: And one amongst the rest 
did kill his wife, powdered her, and had eaten part

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of her before it was knowne, for which hee was executed, as hee well 
deserved; now whether shee was better roasted, boyled or carbonado'd, I 
know not, but of such a dish as powdered wife I never heard of. This was 
that time, which still to this day we called the starving time; it were 
too vile to say, and scarce to be beleeved, what we endured: but the 
occasion was our owne, for want of providence, industrie and government, 
and not the barrennesse and defect of the Countrie, as is generally 
supposed; for till then in three yeeres, for the numbers were landed us, 
we had never from England provision sufficient for six moneths, though it 
seemed by the bils of loading sufficient was sent us, such a glutton is 
the Sea, and such good fellowes the Mariners; we as little tasted of the 
great proportion sent us, as they of our want and miseries, yet 
notwithstanding they ever over-swayed and ruled the businesse, though we 
endured all that is said, and chiefly lived on what this good Countrie 
naturally afforded; yet had wee beene even in Paradice it selfe with these 
Governours, it would not have beene much better with us; yet there was 
amongst us, who had they had the government as Captaine Smith appointed, 
but that they could not maintaine it, would surely have kept us from those 
extremities of miseries. This in ten daies more, would have supplanted us 
all with death.

The arrival of Sir Thomas Gates.

But God that would not this Countrie should be unplanted, sent and Sir 
Thomas Gates, and Sir George Sommers with one hundred and fiftie people 
most happily preserved by the Bermudas to preserve us: strange it is to 
say how miraculously they were preserved in a leaking ship, as at large 
you may reade in the insuing Historie of those Ilands.

The government resigned to Sir Thomas Gates, 1610.

1610.

When these two Noble Knights did see our miseries, being but strangers in 
that Countrie, and could understand no more of the cause, but by 
conjecture of our clamours and complaints, of accusing and excusing

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one another: They embarked us with themselves, with the best meanes they 
could, and abandoning James towne, set saile for England, whereby you may 
see the event of the government of the former Commanders left to 
themselves; although they had lived there many yeeres as formerly hath 
beene spoken (who hindred now their proceedings, Captaine Smith being 
gone.)

At noone they fell to the Ile of Hogs, and the next morning to Mulbery 
point, at what time they descried the Long-boat of the Lord la Ware, for 
God would not have it so abandoned. For this honourable Lord, then 
Governour of the Countrie, met them with three ships exceedingly well 
furnished with all necessaries fitting, who againe returned them to the 
abandoned James towne. Out of the observations of William Simmons Doctor 
of Divinitie.

The government devolved to the Lord la Ware.

The arrivall of the Lord la Ware.

HIs Lordship arrived the ninth of June 1610. accompanied with Sir 
Ferdinando Waynman, Captaine Houlcroft, Captaine Lawson, and divers other 
Gentlemen of sort; the tenth he came up with his fleet, went on shore, 
heard a Sermon, read his Commission, and entred into consultation for the 
good of the Colonie, in which secret counsell we will a little leave them, 
that we may duly observe the revealed counsell of God. Hee that shall but 
turne up his eie, and behold the spangled canopie of heaven, or shall but 
cast downe his eie, and consider the embroydered carpet of the earth, and 
withall shall marke how the heavens heare the earth, and the earth the 
Corne and Oile, and they relieve the necessities of man, that man will 
acknowledge Gods infinite providence: But hee that shall further observe, 
how God inclineth all casuall events to worke the necessary helpe of his 
Saints, must needs adore the Lords infinite goodnesse; never had any 
people more just cause, to cast themselves at the very foot-stoole of God, 
and to reverence his mercie, than this distressed Colonie; for if God had 
not sent Sir Thomas

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Gates from the Bermudas, within route daies they had almost beene 
famished; if God had not directed the heart of that noble Knight to save 
the Fort from fiering at their shipping, for many were very importunate to 
have burnt it, they had beene destitute of a present harbour and succour; 
if they had abandoned the Fort any longer time, and had not so soone 
returned, questionlesse the Indians would have destroied the Fort, which 
had beene the meanes of our safeties amongst them and a terror. If they 
had set saile sooner, and had lanched into the vast Ocean, who would have 
promised they should have incountered the Fleet of the Lord la Ware, 
especially when they made for New found land, as they intended, a course 
contrarie to our Navie approaching. If the Lord la Ware had not brought 
with him a yeeres provision, what comfort would those poore soules have 
received, to have beene relanded to a second distruction? This was the 
arme of the Lord of Hosts, who would have his people passe the red Sea and 
Wildernesse, and then to possesse the land of Canaan: It was divinely 
spoken of Heathen Socrates, If God for man be carefull, why should man bee 
over-distrustfull? for he hath so tempered the contrary qualities of the 
Elements,

That neither cold things want heat, nor moist things dry,
Nor sad things spirits, to quicken them thereby,
Yet make they musicall content of contrarietie,
Which conquer'd, knits them in such links together,
They doe produce even all this whatsoever.

The Lord Governour, after mature deliberation delivered some few words to 
the Companie, laying just blame upon them, for their haughtie vanities and 
sluggish idlenesse, earnestly intreating them to amend those desperate 
follies, lest hee should be compelled to draw the sword of Justice, and to 
cut off such delinquents, which he had rather draw, to the shedding of his 
vitall bloud, to protect them from injuries; heartning them with relation 
of that store hee had brought with him, constituting officers of all 
conditions,

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to rule over them, allotting every man his particular place, to watch 
vigilantly, and worke painfully: This Oration and direction being received 
with a generall applause, you might shortly behold the idle and restie 
diseases of a divided multitude, by the unitie and authoritie of this 
government to be substantially cured. Those that knew not the way to 
goodnesse before, but cherished singularitie and faction, can now chalke 
out the path of all respective dutie and service: every man endevoureth to 
outstrip other in diligence: the French preparing to plant the Vines, the 
English labouring in the Woods and grounds; every man knoweth his charge, 
and dischargeth the same with alacritie. Neither let any man be 
discouraged, by the relation of their daily labour (as though the sap of 
their bodies should bee spent for other mens profit) the setled times of 
working, to effect all themselves, or as the Adventurers need desire, 
required no more paines than from six of the clocke in the morning, untill 
ten, and from two in the afternoone, till foure, at both which times they 
are provided of spirituall and corporall reliefe. First, they enter into 
the Church, and make their praiers unto God, next they returne to their 
houses and receive their proportion of food. Nor should it bee conceived 
that this businesse excludeth Gentlemen, whose breeding never knew what a 
dales labour meant, for though they cannot digge, use the Spade, nor 
practice the Axe, yet may the staied spirits of any condition, finde how 
to imploy the force of knowledge, the exercise of counsell, the operation 
and power of their best breeding and qualities. The houses which are 
built, are as warme and defensive against wind and weather, as if they 
were tiled and slated, being covered above with strong boards, and some 
matted round with Indian mats. Our forces are now such as are able to tame 
the furie and trecherie of the Salvages: Our Forts assure the Inhabitants, 
and frustrate all assaylants. And to leave no discouragement in the heart 
of any, who personally shall enter into this great action, I will 
communicate a double comfort; first,

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Sir George Summers, that worthy Admirall hath undertaken a dangerous 
adventure for the good of the Colonie.

Upon the 15. of June, accompanied with Captaine Samuel Argall, hee 
returned in two Pinaces unto the Bermudas, promising (if by any meanes God 
will open a way to that Iland of Rocks) that he would soone returne with 
six moneths provision of flesh; with much crosse weather at last hee there 
safely arrived, but Captaine Argall was forced backe againe to James 
towne, whom the Lord De la Ware not long after sent to the River of 
Patawomeke, to trade for Corne; where finding an English boy, one Henry 
Spilman, a young Gentleman well descended, by those people preserved from 
the furie of Powhatan, by his acquaintance had such good usage of those 
kinde Salvages, that they fraughted his ship with Corne, wherewith he 
returned to James towne.

The building Fort Henry and Fort Charles.

The other comfort is, that the Lord la Ware hath built two new Forts, the 
one called Fort Henry, the other Fort Charles, in honour of our most noble 
Prince, and his hopefull brother, upon a pleasant plaine, and neare a 
little Rivilet they call Southampton River; they stand in a wholsome aire, 
having plentie of Springs of sweet water, they command a great circuit of 
ground, containing Wood, Pasture and Marsh, with apt places for Vines, 
Corne and Gardens; in which Forts it is resolved, that all those that come 
out of England, shall be at their first landing quartered, that the 
wearisomnesse of the Sea, may bee refreshed in this pleasing part of the 
Countrie, and Sir Thomas Gates hee sent for England. But to correct some 
injuries of the Paspahegs, he sent Captaine Pearcie, Master Stacy, and 
fiftie or threescore shot, where the Salvages flying, they burnt their 
houses, tooke the Queene and her children prisoners, whom not long after 
they slew.

The fertilitie of the soile, the temperature of the climate, the forme of 
government, the condition of our people, their daily invocating of the 
Name of God being thus expressed; why should the successe, by the rules of 
mortall judgement, bee disparaged? why should not the rich

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harvest of our hopes be seasonably expected? I dare say, that the 
resolution of Ceasar in France, the designes of Alexander, the discoveries 
of Hernando Cortes in the West, and of Emanuel King of Portugal in the 
East, were not encouraged upon so firme grounds of state and possibilitie.

But his Lordship being at the fales, the Salvages assaulted his troopes 
and slew three or foure of his men. Not long after, his Honour growing 
very sicke, he returned for England the 28. of March; in the ship were 
about five and fiftie men, but ere we arrived at Fyall, fortie of us were 
neare sicke to death, of the Scurvie, Callenture, and other diseases: the 
Governour being an English-man, kindly used us, but small reliefe we could 
get, but Oranges, of which we had plenty, whereby within eight dales wee 
recovered, and all were well and strong by that they came into England. 
Written by William Box.

The Counsell of Virginia finding the smalnesse of that returne which they 
hoped should have defrayed the charge of a new supply, entred into a deep 
consultation, whether it were fit to enter into a new Contribution, or in 
time to send for them home, and give over the action, and therefore they 
adjured Sir Thomas Gates to deale plainly with them, who with a solemne 
and a sacred oath replyed, That all things before reported were true, and 
that all men know that wee stand at the devotion of politicke Princes and 
States, who for their proper utilitie, devise all courses to grind our 
Merchants, and by all pretences to confiscate their goods, and to draw 
from us all manner of gaine by their inquisitive inventions, when in 
Virginia, a few yeeres labour by planting and husbandry, will furnish all 
our defects with honour and securitie. Out of a Declaration published by 
the Counsell, 1610.

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The government left againe to Captaine George Piercie, and the returne of 
the Lord la Ware, with his Relation to the Councell.

1611. Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer. The Relation of the Lord la Ware.

My Lords, now by accident returned from my charge at Virginia, contrary 
either to my owne desire, or other mens expectations, who spare not to 
censure me, in point of dutie, and to discourse and question the reason, 
though they apprehend not the true cause of my returne, I am forced out of 
a willingnesse to satisfie every man, to deliver unto your Lordships and 
the rest of this assemblie, in what state I have lived ever since my 
arrivall to the Colonie, what hath beene the just cause of my sudden 
departure, and on what tearmes I have left the same, the rather because I 
perceive, that since my comming into England, such a coldnesse and 
irresolution is bred in many of the Adventurers, that some of them seeke 
to withdraw their payments, by which the action must be supported, making 
this my returne colour of their needlesse backwardnesse and unjust 
protraction: which that you may the better understand, I was welcomed to 
James towne by a violent ague; being cured of it, within three weekes 
after I began to be distempered with other grievous sicknesses which 
successively and severally assailed me, for besides a relapse into the 
former disease, which with much more violence held me more than a moneth, 
and brought me to greater weaknesse; the flux surprised mee, and kept me 
many daies, then the crampe assaulted my weake body with strong paines, 
and after, the gout; all those drew me to that weaknesse, being unable to 
stirre, brought upon me the scurvie, which though in others it be a 
sicknesse of slothfulnesse, yet was it in me an effect of weaknesse, which 
never left me, till I was ready to leave the world.

In these extremities I resolved to consult with my friends, who finding 
nature spent in me, and my body almost consumed, my paines likewise daily 
increasing, gave me advice to preferre a hopefull recoverie, before

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an assured ruine, which must necessarily have ensued, had I lived but 
twentie daies longer in Virginia, wanting at that instant both food and 
Physicke, fit to remedie such extraordinary diseases; wherefore I shipped 
my selfe with Doctor Bohun and Captaine Argall, for Mevis in the West 
Indies, but being crossed with Southerly winds, I was forced to shape my 
course for the Westerne Iles, where I found helpe for my health, and my 
sicknesse asswaged, by the meanes of fresh dyet, especially Oranges and 
Limons, and undoubted remedie for that disease: then I intended to have 
returned backe againe to Virginia, but I was advised not to hazard my 
selfe, before I had perfectly recovered my strength: so I came for 
England; in which accident, I doubt not but men of judgement will imagine, 
there would more prejudice have happened by my death there, than I hope 
can doe by my returne.

For the Colony I left it to the charge of Captaine George Piercie, a 
Gentleman of honour and resolution, untill the comming of Sir Thomas Dale, 
whose Commission was likewise to bee determined upon the arrivall of Sir 
Thomas Gates, according to the order your Lordships appointed: the number 
I left were about two hundred, the most in health, and provided of at 
least ten moneths victuall, and the Countrie people tractable and 
friendly. What other defects they had, I found by Sir Thomas Gates at the 
Cowes; his Fleet was sufficiently furnished with supplies, but when it 
shall please God that Sir Thomas Dale, and Sir Thomas Gates shall arrive 
in Virginia with the extraordinarie supply, of 100. Kine, and 200. Swine, 
besides store of other provisions for the maintenance of the Colonie, 
there will appeare that successe in the action, as shall give no man cause 
of distrust, that hath already adventured, but incourage every good minde 
to further so good a worke, as will redound both to the glory of God, to 
the credit of our nation, and the comfort of all those that have beene 
instruments in the furthering of it. Out of the Lord la Wares discourse, 
published by Authoritie, 1611.

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The government surrendred to Sir Thomas Dale, who arrived in Virginia the 
tenth of May, 1611. out of Master Hamors Booke.

1611. Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer. The arrivall of Sir Thomas Dale.

BEfore the Lord la Ware arrived in England, the Councell and Companie had 
dispatched away Sir Thomas Dale with three ships, men and cattell, and all 
other provisions necessarie for a yeere; all which arrived well the tenth 
of May 1611. where he found them growing againe to their former estate of 
penurie, being so improvident as not to put Corne in the ground for their 
bread, but trusted to the store, then furnished but with three moneths 
provision; his first care therefore was to imploy all hands about setting 
of Corne, at the two Forts at Kecoughtan, Henry and Charles, whereby, the 
season then not fully past, though about the end of May, wee had an 
indifferent crop of good Corne.

His preparation to build a new towne.

This businesse taken order for, and the care and trust of it committed to 
his under-Officers, to James towne he hastened, where most of the companie 
were at their daily and usuall works, bowling in the streets; these hee 
imployed about necessarie workes, as felling of Timber, repayring their 
houses ready to fall on their heads, and providing pales, posts and 
railes, to impale his purposed new towne, which by reason of his 
ignorance, being but newly arrived, hee had not resolved where to seat; 
therefore to better his knowledge, with one hundred men he spent some time 
in viewing the River of Nausamund, in despight of the Indians then our 
enemies; then our owne River to the Fales, where upon a high land, 
invironed with the maine River, some twelve miles from the Fales, by 
Arsahattock, he resolved to plant his new towne.

It was no small trouble to reduce his people so timely to good order, 
being of so ill a condition, as may well witnesse his severitie and strict 
imprinted booke of Articles, then needfull with all extremitie to be 
executed; now much mitigated; so as if his Lawes had not beene so strictly 
executed, I see not how the utter subversion

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of the Colonie should have beene prevented, witnesse Webbes and Prices 
designe the first yeere, since that of Abbots, and others, more dangerous 
than the former. Here I entreat your patience for an Apologie, though not 
a pardon. This Jeffrey Abbots, how ever this Author censures him, and the 
Governour executes him, I know he had long served both in Ireland and 
Netherlands, here hee was a Sargeant of my Companie, and I never saw in 
Virginia a more sufficient Souldier, lesse turbulent, a better wit, more 
hardy or industrious, nor any more forward to cut off them that sought to 
abandon the Countrie, or wrong the Colonie; how ingratefully those deserts 
might bee rewarded, envied or neglected, or his farre inferiors preferred 
to over-top him, I know not, but such occasions might move a Saint, much 
more a man, to an unadvised passionate impatience, but how ever, it seemes 
he hath beene punished for his offences, that was never rewarded for his 
deserts. And even this Summer Cole and Kitchins plot with three more, 
bending their course to Ocanahowan, five daies journey from us, where they 
report are Spaniards inhabiting. These were cut off by the Salvages, hired 
by us to hunt them home to receive their deserts: So as Sir Thomas Dale 
hath not beene so tyrannous nor severe by the halfe, as there was 
occasion, and just cause for it, and though the manner was not usuall, wee 
were rather to have regard to those, whom we would have terrified and made 
fearefull to commit the like offences, than to the offenders justly 
condemned, for amongst them so hardned in evill, the feare of a cruell, 
painfull and unusuall death more restraines them, than death it selfe. 
Thus much I have proceeded of his endevours, untill the comming of Sir 
Thomas Gates, in preparing himselfe to proceed as he intended.

Divers mutinie suppressed.

Now in England againe to second this noble Knight, the Counsell and 
Companie with all possible expedition prepared for Sir Thomas Gates six 
tall ships, with three hundred men, and one hundred Kine and other Cattell,

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with munition and all other manner of provision that could be thought 
ncedfull; and about the first or second of August, 1611. arrived safely at 
James towne.

The government returned againe to Sir Thomas Gates, 1611.

The Second arrivall of Sir Thomas Gates.

These worthy Knights being met, after their welcoming salutations, Sir 
Thomas Dale acquainted him what he had done, and what he intended, which 
designe Sir Thomas Gates well approving, furnished him with three hundred 
and fiftie men, such as himselfe made choice of. In the beginning of 
September, 1611. hee set saile, and arrived where hee intended to build 
his new towne: within ten or twelve daies he had invironed it with a pale, 
and in honour of our noble Prince Henry, called it Henrico. The next worke 
he did, was building at each corner of the Towne, a high commanding 
Watchhouse, a Church, and Store-houses; which finished, hee began to 
thinke upon convenient houses for himselfe and men, which with all 
possible speed hee could he effected, to the great content of his 
companie, and all the Colonie.

The building of Henrico.

This towne is situated upon a necke of a plaine rising land, three parts 
invironed with the maine River, the necke of land well impaled, makes it 
like an Ile; it hath three streets of well-framed houses, a handsome 
Church, and the foundation of a better laid, to bee built of Bricke, 
besides Store-houses, Watch-houses, and such like: Upon the verge of the 
River there are five houses, wherein live the honester sort of people, as 
Farmers in England, and they keepe continuall centinell for the townes 
securitie. About two miles from the towne, into the Maine, is another 
pale, neere two miles in length, from River to River, guarded with 
severall Commanders, with a good quantitie of Corne-ground impailed, 
sufficiently secured to maintaine more than I suppose will come this three 
yeeres.

On the other side of the River, for the securitie of the towne, is 
intended to be impaled for the securitie of

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our Hogs, about two miles and a halfe, by the name of Hope in Faith, and 
Coxendale, secured by five of our manner of Forts, which are but 
Palisadoes, called Charitie Fort, Mount Malado, a guest house for sicke 
people, a high seat and wholsome aire Elisabeth Fort, and Fort Patience: 
And here hath Master Whitaker chosen his Parsonage, impaled a faire framed 
Parsonage, and one hundred acres called Rocke hall, but these are not 
halfe finished.

The building the Bermudas.

About Christmas following, in this same yeere 1611. in regard of the 
injurie done us by them of Apamatuck, Sir Thomas Dale, without the losse 
of any, except some few Salvages, tooke it and their Corne, being but five 
miles by land from Henrico, and considering how commodious it might be for 
us, resolved to possesse and plant it, and at the instant called it the 
new Bermudas, whereunto hee hath laid out and annexed to the belonging 
freedome and corporation for ever, many miles of Champian and Woodland 
ground in severall hundreds, as the upper and nether hundreds, Rochdale 
hundred, West Sherly hundred, and Digs his hundred. In the nether hundred 
he first began to plant, for there is the most Corne-ground, and with a 
pale of two miles, cut over from River to River, whereby we have secured 
eight English miles in compasse; upon which circuit, within halfe a mile 
of each other, are many faire houses already built, besides particular 
mens houses neere to the number of fiftie. Rochdale, by a crosse pale 
welnigh foure miles long, is also planted with houses along the pale, in 
which hundred our Hogs and Cattell have twentie miles circuit to graze in 
securely. The building of the Citie is referred till our harvest be in, 
which he intends to make a retreat against any forraigne enemie.

About fiftie miles from these is James towne, upon a fertill peninsula, 
which although fomerly scandaled for an unhealthfull aire, wee finde it as 
healthfull as any other part of the Countrie; it hath two rowes of houses 
of framed timber, and some of them two stories, and a garret

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higher, three large Store-houses joined together in length, and hee hath 
newly strongly impaled the towne. This Ile, and much ground about it, is 
much inhabited: To Kecoughtan we accounted it fortie miles, where they 
live well with halfe that allowance the rest have from the store, because 
of the extraordinarie quantitie of Fish, Fowle and Deere; as you may reade 
at large in the Discoveries of Captaine Smith. And thus I have truly 
related unto you the present estate of that small part of Virginia wee 
frequent and possesse.

1612. Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer. Captaine Argals arrivall.

Since there was a ship fraughted with provision, and fortie men; and 
another since then with the like number and provision, to stay twelve 
moneths in the Countrie, with Captaine Argall, which was sent not long 
after. After hee had recreated and refreshed his Companie, hee was sent to 
the River Patawomeake, to trade for Corne, the Salvages about us having 
small quarter, but friends and foes as they found advantage and 
opportunitie: But to conclude our peace, thus it happened. Captaine 
Argall, having entred into a great acquaintance with Japazaws, an old 
friend of Captaine Smiths, and so to all our Nation, ever since hee 
discovered the Countrie: hard by him there was Pocahontas, whom Captaine 
Smiths Relations intituleth the Numparell of Virginia, and though she had 
beene many times a preserver of him and the whole Colonie, yet till this 
accident shee was never seene at James towne since his departure, being at 
Patawomeke, as it seemes, thinking her selfe unknowne, was easily by her 
friend Japazaws perswaded to goe abroad with him and his wife to see the 
ship, for Captaine Argall had promised him a Copper Kettle to bring her 
but to him, promising no way to hurt her, but keepe her till they could 
conclude a peace with her father; the Salvage for this Copper Kettle would 
have done any thing, it seemed by the Relation; for though she had seene 
and beene in many ships, yet hee caused his wife to faine how desirous she 
was to see one, and that hee offered to beat her for her importunitie, 
till she wept. But at

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last he told her, if Pocahontas would goe with her, hee was content: and 
thus they betraied the poore innocent Pocahontas aboord, where they were 
all kindly feasted in the Cabbin. Japazaws treading oft on the Captaines 
foot, to remember he had done his part, the Captaine when he saw his time, 
perswaded Pocahontas to the Gunroome, faining to have some conference with 
Japazaws, which was onely that she should not perceive hee was any way 
guiltie of her captivitie: so sending for her againe, hee told her before 
her friends, she must goe with him, and compound peace betwixt her 
Countrie and us, before she ever should see Powhatan, whereat the old Jew 
and his wife began to howle and crie as fast as Pocahontas, that upon the 
Captaines faire perswasions, by degrees pacifying her selfe, and Japazaws 
and his wife, with the Kettle and other toies, went merrily on shore, and 
shee to James towne. A messenger forthwith was sent to her father, that 
his daughter Pocahontas he loved so dearely, he must ransome with our men, 
swords, peeces, tooles, &c. hee trecherously had stolne.

Seven English returned from Powhatan prisoners.

This unwelcome newes much troubled Powhatan, because bee loved both his 
daughter and our commodities well, yet it was three moneths after ere hee 
returned us any answer: then by the perswasion of the Councell, he 
returned seven of our men, with each of them an unserviceable Musket, and 
sent us word, that when wee would deliver his daughter, hee would make us 
satisfaction for all injuries done us, and give us five hundred bushels of 
Corne, and for ever be friends with us. That he sent, we received in part 
of payment, and returned him this answer: That his daughter should be well 
used, but we could not beleeve the rest of our armes were either lost or 
stolne from him, and therefore till hee sent them, we would keepe his 
daughter.

This answer, it seemed, much displeased him, for we heard no more from him 
a long time after, when with Captaine Argals ship, and some other vessels 
belonging to the Colonie, Sir Thomas Dale, with a hundred and

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Sir Thomas Dale his voyage to Pamaunke.fiftie men well appointed, went up 
into his owne River, to his chiefe habitation, with his daughter; with 
many scornfull bravado's they affronted us, proudly demanding why wee came 
thither; our reply was, Wee had brought his daughter, and to receive the 
ransome for her that was promised, or to have it perforce. They nothing 
dismayed thereat, told us, We were welcome if wee came to fight, for they 
were provided for us, but advised us, if wee loved our lives to retire; 
else they would use us as they had done Captaine Ratcliffe: We told them, 
wee would presently have a better answer; but we were no sooner within 
shot of the shore than they let flie their Arrowes among us in the ship.

A man shot in the forehead.

Being thus justly provoked, wee presently manned our Boats, went on shore, 
burned all their houses, and spoiled all they had we could finde; and so 
the next day proceeded higher up the River, where they demanded why wee 
burnt their houses, and wee, why they shot at us: They replyed, it was 
some stragling Salvage, with many other excuses, they intended no hurt, 
but were our friends: We told them, wee came not to hurt them, but visit 
them as friends also. Upon this we concluded a peace, and forthwith they 
dispatched messengers to Powhatan, whose answer, they told us, wee must 
expect foure and twentie houres ere the messengers could returne: Then 
they told us, our men were runne away for feare we would hang them, yet 
Powhatans men were runne after them; as for our Swords and Peeces, they 
should be brought us the next day, which was only but to delay time; for 
the next day they came not. Then we went higher, to a house of Powhatans, 
called Matchot, where we saw about foure hundred men well appointed; here 
they dared us to come on shore, which wee did; no shew of feare they made 
at all, nor offered to resist our landing, but walking boldly up and downe 
amongst us, demanded to conferre with our Captaine, of his comming in that 
manner, and to have truce till they could but once more send to their King 
to know his

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pleasure, which if it were not agreeable to their expectation, then they 
would fight with us, and defend their owne as they could, which was but 
onely to deferre the time, to carrie away their provision; yet wee 
promised them truce till the next day at noone, and then if they would 
fight with us, they should know when we would begin by our Drums and 
Trumpets.

Two of Powhatans sonnes come to see Pocahontas.

Upon this promise, two of Powhatans sonnes came unto us to see their 
sister, at whose sight, seeing her well, though they heard to the 
contrarie, they much rejoiced, promising they would perswade her father to 
redeeme her, and for ever be friends with us. And upon this, the two 
brethren went aboord with us, and we sent Master John Rolfe and Master 
Sparkes to Powhatan, to acquaint him with the businesse; kindly they were 
entertained, but not admitted the presence of Powhatan, but they spoke 
with Opechancanough, his brother and successor; hee promised to doe the 
best he could to Powhatan, all might be well. So it being Aprill, and time 
to prepare our ground and set our Corne, we returned to James Towne, 
promising the forbearance of their performing their promise, till the next 
harvest.

The mariage of Pocahontas to Master John Rolfe. 1613. Sir Thomas Smith 
Treasurer.

Long before this, Master John Rolfe, an honest Gentleman, and of good 
behaviour, had beene in Jove with Pocahontas, and she with him, which 
thing at that instant I made knowne to Sir Thomas Dale by a letter from 
him, wherein hee intreated his advice, and she acquainted her brother with 
it, which resolution Sir Thomas Dale well approved: the brute of this 
mariage came soone to the knowledge of Powhatan, a thing acceptable to 
him, as appeared by his sudden consent, for within ten daies he sent 
Opachisco, an old Uncle of hers, and two of his sons, to see the manner of 
the marriage, and to doe in that behalfe what they were requested, for the 
confirmation thereof, as his deputie; which was accordingly done about the 
first of Aprill: And ever since wee have had friendly trade and commerce, 
as well with Powhatan himselfe, as all his subjects.

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The Chicahamanias desire frienship.

Besides this, by the meanes of Powhatan, we became in league with our next 
neighbours, the Chicahamanias, a lustie and a daring people, free of 
themselves. These people, so soone as they heard of our peace with 
Powhatan, sent two messengers with presents to Sir Thomas Dale, and 
offered him their service, excusing all former injuries, hereafter they 
would ever be King James his subjects, and relinquish the name of 
Chickahamania, to be called Tassautessus, as they call us, and Sir Thomas 
Dale there Governour, as the Kings Deputie; onely they desired to be 
governed by their owne Lawes, which is eight of their Elders as his 
substitutes. This offer he kindly accepted, and appointed the day hee 
would come to visit them.

When the appointed day came, Sir Thomas Dale and Captaine Argall with 
fiftie men well appointed, went to Chickahamania, where wee found the 
people expecting our comming, they used us kindly, and the next morning 
sate in counsell, to conclude their peace upon these conditions:Articles 
of Peace.

First, they should for ever bee called Englishmen, and bee true subjects 
to King James and his Deputies. 
Secondly, neither to kill nor detaine any of our men, nor cattell, but 
bring them home. 
Thirdly, to bee alwaies ready to furnish us with three hundred men, 
against the Spaniards or any. 
Fourthly, they shall not enter our townes, but send word they are new 
Englishmen. 
Fiftly, that every fighting man, at the beginning of harvest, shall bring 
to our store two bushels of Corne, for tribute, for which they shall 
receive so many Hatchets. 
Lastly, the eight chiefe men should see all this performed, or receive the 
punishment themselves: for their diligence they should have a red coat, a 
copper chaine, and King James his picture, and be accounted his Noblemen.

All this they concluded with a generall assent, and a great shout to 
confirme it: then one of the old men

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began an Oration, bending his speech first to the old men, then to the 
young, and then to the women and children, to make them understand how 
strictly they were to observe these conditions, and we would defend them 
from the furie of Powhatan, or any enemie whatsoever, and furnish them 
with Copper, Beads, and Hatchets; but all this was rather for feare 
Powhatan and we, being so linked together, would bring them againe to his 
subjection; the which to prevent, they did rather chuse to be protected by 
us, than tormented by him, whom they held a Tyrant. And thus wee returned 
againe to James towne.

The benefit of libertie in the planters.

When our people were fed out of the common store, and laboured jointly 
together, glad was he could slip from his labour, or slumber over his 
taske he cared not how, nay, the most honest among them would hardly take 
so much true paines in a weeke, as now for themselves they will doe in a 
day, neither cared they for the increase, presuming that howsoever the 
harvest prospered, the generall store must maintaine them, so that wee 
reaped not so much Corne from the labours of thirtie as now three or foure 
doe provide for themselves. To prevent which, Sir Thomas Dale hath 
allotted every man three Acres of cleare ground, in the nature of Farmes, 
except the Bermudas, who are exempted, but for one moneths service in the 
yeere, which must neither bee in seed-time, nor harvest; for which doing, 
no other dutie they pay yeerely to the store, but two barrels and a halfe 
of Corne (from all those Farmers, whereof the first was William Spence, an 
honest, valiant, and an industrious man, and hath continued from 1607. to 
this present) from those is expected such a contribution to the store, as 
wee shall neither want for our selves, nor to entertaine our supplies; for 
the rest, they are to worke eleven moneths for the store, and hath one 
moneth onely allowed them to get provision to keepe them for twelve, 
except two bushels of Corne they have out of the store; if those can live 
so, why should any feare starving, and it were much

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better to denie them passage, that would not ere they come, bee content to 
ingage themselves to those conditions: for onely from the slothfull and 
idle drones, and none else, hath sprung the manifold imputations, Virginia 
innocently hath undergone; and therefore I would deter such from comming 
here, that cannot well brooke labour, except they will undergoe much 
punishment and penurie, if they escape the skurvie: but for the 
industrious, there is reward sufficient, and if any thinke there is 
nothing but bread, I referre you to his relations that discovered the 
Countrie first.

The government left to Sir Thomas Dale upon Sir Thomas Gates returne for 
England.

Captaine Argals voyage to Port Royall.

Sir Thomas Dale understanding there was a plantation of Frenchmen in the 
north part of Virginia, about the degrees of 45. sent Captaine Argall to 
Port Royall and Sancta Crux, where finding the Frenchmen abroad dispersed 
in the Woods, surprized their Ship and Pinnace, which was but newly come 
from France, wherein was much good apparel, and other provision, which he 
brought to James towne, but the men escaped, and lived among the Salvages 
of those Countries.

1614. Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer.

It pleased Sir Thomas Dale, before my returne to England, because I would 
be able to speake somewhat of my owne knowledge, to give mee leave to 
visit Powhatan and his Court: being provided, I had Thomas Salvage with 
mee, for my Interpreter, with him and two Salvages for guides, I went from 
the Bermuda in the morning, and came to Matchot the next night, where the 
King lay upon the River of Pamaunke; his entertainment was strange to me, 
the boy he knew well, and told him; My child, I gave you leave, being my 
boy, to goe see your friends, and these foure yeeres I have not seene you, 
nor heard of my owne man Namoutack I sent to England, though many ships 
since have beene returned thence: Having done with him, hee began with 
mee, and demanded for the chaine of pearle he sent his brother

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Sir Thomas Dale at his first arrivall, which was a token betwixt them, 
when ever hee should send a messenger from himselfe to him, he should 
weare that chaine about his necke, since the peace was concluded, 
otherwaies he was to binde him and send him home.

Master Hamars journey to Powhatan.

It is true Sir Thomas Dale had sent him such word, and gave his Page order 
to give it me, but he forgot it, and till this present I never heard of 
it, yet I replyed I did know there was such an order, but that was when 
upon a sudden he should have occasion to send an Englishman without an 
Indian Guide; but if his owne people should conduct his messenger, as two 
of his did me who knew my message, it was sufficient; with which answer he 
was contented, and so conducted us to his house, where was a guard of two 
hundred Bow-men, that alwaies attend his person. The first thing he did, 
he offered me a pipe of Tobacco, then asked mee how his brother Sir Thomas 
Dale did, and his daughter, and unknowne sonne, and how they lived, loved 
and liked; I told him his brother was well, and his daughter so contented, 
she would not live againe with him; whereat he laughed, and demanded the 
cause of my comming: I told him my message was private, and I was to 
deliver it onely to himselfe and Papaschicher, one of my guides that was 
acquainted with it; instantly he commanded all out of the house, but onely 
his two Queenes, that alwaies sit by him, and bade me speake on.

His message to Powhatan.

I told him, by my Interpreter, Sir Thomas Dale hath sent you two pieces of 
Copper, five strings of white and blue Beads, five woodden Combes, ten 
Fish-hookes, a paire of Knives, and that when you would send for it, hee 
would give you a Grind-stone; all this pleased him: but then I told him 
his brother Dale, hearing of the fame of his youngest daughter, desiring 
in any case he would send her by me unto him, in testimonie of his love, 
as well for that he intended to marry her, as the desire her sister had to 
see her, because being now one people, and hee desirous for ever to dwell 
in his Countrie,

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he conceived there could not be a truer assurance of peace and friendship, 
than in such a naturall band of an united union.

I needed not entreat his answer by his oft interrupting mee in my speech, 
and presently with much gravitie he thus replyed.

Powhatans answer.

I gladly accept your salute of love and peace, which while I live, I shall 
exactly keepe, his pledges thereof I receive with no lesse thanks, 
although they are not so ample as formerly he had received; but for my 
daughter, I have sold her within this few daies to a great Werowance, for 
two bushels of Rawrenoke, three daies journie from me. I replyed, I knew 
his greatnesse in restoring the Rawrenoke, might call her againe to 
gratifie his brother, and the rather, because she was but twelve yeeres 
old, assuring him, besides the band of peace, hee should have for her, 
three times the worth of the Rawrenoke, in Beads, Copper, Hatchets, &c. 
His answer was, he loved his daughter as his life, and though hee had many 
children, hee delighted in none so much as shee, whom if he should not 
often behold, he could not possibly live, which she living with us he 
could not do, having resolved upon no termes to put himselfe into our 
hands, or come amongst us; therefore desired me to urge him no further, 
but returne his brother this answer: That I desire no former assurance of 
his friendship, than the promise hee hath made, from me he hath a pledge, 
one of my daughters, which so long as she lives shall be sufficient, when 
she dies, he shall have another: I hold it not a brotherly part to desire 
to bereave me of my two children at once. Farther, tell him though he had 
no pledge at all, hee need not distrust any injurie from me or my people; 
there have beene too many of his men and mine slaine, and by my occasion 
there shall never be more, (I which have power to performe it, have said 
it) although I should have just cause, for I am now old, & would gladly 
end my daies in peace; if you offer me injurie, my countrie is large 
enough to goe from you: Thus

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much I hope will satisfie my brother. Now because you are wearie, and I 
sleepie, wee will thus end. So commanding us victuall and lodging, we 
rested that night, and the next morning he came to visit us, and kindly 
conducted us to the best cheere hee had. William Parker.

William Parker recovered.

While I here remained, by chance came an Englishman, whom there had beene 
surprized three yeeres agoe at Fort Henry, growne so like, both in 
complexion and habit like a Salvage, I knew him not, but by his tongue: 
hee desired mee to procure his libertie, which I intended, and so farre 
urged Powhatan, that he grew discontented, and told mee, You have one of 
my daughters, and I am content, but you cannot see one of your men with 
mee, but you must have him away, or breake friendship; if you must needs 
have him, you shall goe home without guides, and if any evill befall you, 
thanke your selves: I told him I would, but if I returned not well, hee 
must expect a revenge, and his brother might have just cause to suspect 
him. So in passion he left me till supper, and then gave me such as hee 
had with a cheerefull countenance: About midnight hee awaked us, and 
promised in the morning my returne with Parker; but I must remember his 
brother to send him ten great pieces of Copper, a Shaving-knife, a Frowe, 
a Grind-stone, a Net, Fish-hookes, and such toies; which lest I should 
forget, he caused me write in a table-booke he had; how ever he got it, it 
was a faire one, I desired hee would give it me; he told me, no, it did 
him much good in shewing to strangers, yet in the morning when we 
departed, having furnished us well with provision, he gave each of us a 
Bucks skin as well dressed as could be, and sent two more to his sonne and 
daughter: And so we returned to James towne.
Written by Master Ralph Hamor and John Rolph.


From a letter of Sir Thomas Dale and Master Whitakers.

I have read the substance of this relation, in a Letter written by Sir 
Thomas Dale, another by Master Whitaker, and a third by Master John Rolfe; 
how carefull they were to instruct her in Christianity, and how capable and

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desirous shee was thereof, after she had beene some time thus tutored, 
shee never had desire to goe to her father, nor could well endure the 
society of her owne nation: the true affection she constantly bare her 
husband was much, and the strange apparitions and violent passions he 
endured for her love, as he deeply protested, was wonderful, and she 
openly renounced her countries idolatry, confessed the faith of Christ, 
and was baptized, but either the coldnesse of the adventurers, or the bad 
usage of that was collected, or both, caused this worthy Knight to write 
thus. Oh why should so many Princes and Noblemen ingage themselves, and 
thereby intermedling herein, have caused a number of soules transport 
themselves, and be transported hither? Why should they, I say, relinquish 
this so glorious an action: for if their ends be to build God a Church, 
they ought to persevere; if otherwise, yet their honour ingageth them to 
be constant; howsoever they stand affected, here is enough to content 
them. These are the things have animated me to stay a little season from 
them, I am bound in conscience to returne unto; leaving all contenting 
pleasures and mundall delights, to reside here with much turmoile, which I 
will rather doe than see Gods glory diminished, my King and Country 
dishonoured, and these poore soules I have in charge revived, which would 
quickly happen if I should leave them; so few I have with me fit to 
command or manage the businesse: Master Whitaker their Preacher 
complaineth, and much museth, that so few of our English Ministers, that 
were so hot against the surplice and subscription come hether, where 
neither is spoken of. Doe they not wilfully hide their talents, or keepe 
themselves at home, for feare of losing a few pleasures; be there not any 
among them of Moses his minde, and of the Apostles, that forsooke all to 
follow Christ, but I refer them to the Judge of all hearts, and to the 
King that shall reward every one according to his talent.
From Virginia, June 18. 1614.


The businesse being brought to this perfection, Captaine

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Argall returned for England, in the latter end of June, 1614. arriving in 
England, and bringing this good tidings to the Councell and company by the 
assistances of Sir Thomas Gates, that also had returned from Virginia but 
the March before; it was presently concluded, that to supply this good 
successe with all expedition, the standing Lottery should be drawne with 
all diligent conveniency, and that posterity may remember upon occasion to 
use the like according to the declaration, I thinke it not amisse to 
remember thus much.

The Contents of the declaration of the Lottery published by the Counsell.

1615. Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer.

It is apparent to the world, by how many former Proclamations, we 
manifested our intents, to have drawn out the great standing Lottery long 
before this, which not falling out as we desired, and others expected, 
whose monies are adventured therein, we thought good therefore for the 
avoiding all unjust and sinister constructions, to resolve the doubts of 
all indifferent minded, in three speciall points for their better 
satisfaction.

But ere I goe any farther, let us remember there was a running Lottery, 
used a long time in Saint Pauls Church-yard, where this stood, that 
brought into the Treasury good summes of mony dayly, though the Lot was 
but small.

Now for the points, the first is, for as much as the Adventurers came in 
so slackly for the yeere past, without prejudice to the generality, in 
losing the blankes and prises, we were forced to petition to the 
honourable Lords, who out of their noble care to further this Plantation, 
have recommended their Letsenters to the Countries, Cities, and good 
townes in England, which we hope by adding in their voluntary Adventurers, 
will sufficiently supply us.

The second for satisfaction to all honest well affected minds, is, that 
though this expectation answer not our hopes, yet wee have not failed in 
our Christian care, the

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good of that Colony, to whom we have lately sent two sundry supplies, and 
were they but now supplied with more hands, wee should soone resolve the 
division of the Country by Lot, and so lessen the generall charge.

The third is our constant resolution, that seeing our credits are so farre 
ingaged to the honourable Lords and the whole State, for the drawing this 
great Lottery, which we intend shall be without delay, the 26. of June 
next, desiring all such as have undertaken with bookes to solicit their 
friends, that they will not with-hold their monies till the last moneth be 
expired, lest we be unwillingly forced to proportion a lesse value and 
number of our Blankes and Prises which hereafter followeth.


Welcomes.    Crownes. 
To him that first shall be drawne out with a blanke, 100 
To the second, 50 
To the third, 25 
To him that every day during the drawing of this Lottery, shall bee first 
drawne out with a blanke, 10

Prizes.                 Crownes. 
1 Great Prize of          4500 
2 Great Prizes, each of   2000 
4 Great Prizes, each of   1000 
6 Great Prizes, each of    500 
10 Prizes, each of         300 
20 Prizes, each of         200 
100 Prizes, each of        100 
200 Prizes, each of         50 
400 Prizes, each of         20 
1000 Prizes, each of        10 
1000 Prizes, each of         8 
1000 Prizes, each of         6 
4000 Prizes, each of         4 
1000 Prizes, each of         3 
1000 Prizes, each of         2

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Rewards.    Crownes. 
To him that shall be last drawne out with a blanke, 25 
To him that putteth in the greatest Lot, under one name, 400 
To him that putteth in the second greatest number, 300 
To him that putteth in the third greatest number, 200 
To him that putteth in the fourth greatest number, 100
If divers be of equall number, their rewards are to be divided 
proportionally.

Addition of new Rewards.      Crownes. 
The blanke that shall bee drawne out next before the great Prize shall 
have, 25 
The blanke that shall be drawne out next after the said great Prize, 25 
The blancks that shall be drawne out immediatly before the two next great 
Prizes, shall have each of them, 20 
The severall blankes next after them, each shall have, 20 
The severall blankes next before the foure great Prizes, each shall have 15
The severall blankes next after them, each shall have, 15 
The severall blankes next before the six great Prizes, each shall have, 10
The severall blankes next after them, each shall have, 10

The prizes, welcomes, and rewards, shall be payed in ready Mony, Plate, or 
other goods reasonably rated; if any dislike of the plate or goods, he 
shall have mony, abating only the tenth part, except in small prizes of 
ten Crownes or under.

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The mony for the Adventurers is to be paled to Sir Thomas Smith, Knight, 
and Treasurer for Virginia, or such Officers as he shall appoint in City 
or Country, under the common seale of the company for the receit thereof.

All prizes, welcomes and rewards drawne where ever they dwell, shall of 
the Treasurer have present pay, and whosoever under one name or poesie 
payeth three pound in ready money, shall receive six shillings and eight 
pence, or a silver spoone of that value at his choice.

A Spanish Ship in Virginia.

About this time it chanced a Spanish ship, beat too and againe before 
point Comfort, and at last sent a shore their boat, as desirous of a 
Pilot. Captaine James Davis the governor, immediatly gave them one, but he 
was no sooner in the boat, but away they went with him, leaving three of 
their companions behind them; this sudden accident occasioned some 
distrust, and a strict examination of those three thus left, yet with as 
good usage as our estate could afford them. They only confessed having 
lost their Admirall, accident had forced them into those parts, and two of 
them were Captaines, and in chiefe authority in the fleet: thus they lived 
till one of them was found to be an Englishman, and had been the Spaniards 
Pilot for England in 88. and having here induced some male-contents, to 
beleeve his projects, to run away with a small barke, which was 
apprehended, some executed, and he expecting but the Hangmans curtesie, 
directly confessed that two or three Spanish ships was at Sea, purposely 
to discover the estate of the Colony, but their Commission was not to be 
opened till they arrived in the Bay, so that of any thing more he was 
utterly ignorant. One of the Spaniards at last dyed, the other was sent 
for England but this reprieved, till Sir Thomas Dale hanged him at Sea in 
his voyage homeward; the English Pilot they carried for Spaine, whom after 
a long time imprisonment, with much sute was returned for England.

1616. Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer.

Whilst those things were effecting, Sir Thomas Dale, having setled to his 
thinking all things in good order,

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made choice of one Master George Yearly, to be Deputy-Governour in his 
absence, and so returned for England, accompanied with Pocahontas the 
Kings Daughter, and Master Rolfe her husband, and arrived at Plimmoth the 
12. of June, 1616.

The government left to Captaine Yearly.

A digression.

Now a little to commentary upon all these proceedings,let me leave but 
this as a caveat by the way; if the alteration of government hath 
subverted great Empires, how dangerous is it then in the infancy of a 
common-weale? The multiplicity of Governors is a great damage to any 
State, but uncertaine daily changes are burdensome, because their 
entertainments are chargeable, and many will make hay whilst the sunne 
doth shine, how ever it shall fare with the generality.

This deare bought Land with so much bloud and cost, hath onely made some 
few rich, and all the rest losers. But it was intended at the first, the 
first undertakers should be first preferred and rewarded, and the first 
adventurers satisfied, and they of all the rest are the most neglected; 
and those that never adventured a groat, never see the Country, nor ever 
did any service for it, imploied in their places, adorned with their 
deserts, and inriched with their ruines; and when they are fed fat, then 
in commeth others so leane as they were, who through their omnipotency doe 
as much. Thus what one Officer doth, another undoth, only ayming at their 
owne ends, thinking all the world derides his dignity, cannot fill his 
Coffers being in authority with any thing. Every man hath his minde free, 
but he can never be a true member to that estate, that to enrich himselfe 
beggers all the Countrie. Which bad course, there are many yet in this 
noble plantation, whose true honour and worth as much scornes it, as the 
others loves it; for the Nobilitie and Gentrie, there is scarce any of 
them expects any thing but the prosperitie of the action: and there are 
some Merchants and others, I am confidently perswaded, doe take more

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care and paines, nay, and at their continuall great charge, than they 
could be hired to for the love of money, so honestly regarding the 
generall good of this great worke, they would hold it worse than 
sacrilege, to wrong it but a shilling, or extort upon the common souldier 
a penny. But to the purposes, and to follow the Historie.

The government of Captaine Yearley.

Mr. George Yearly now invested Deputie Governour by Sir Thomas Dale, 
applied himselfe for the most part in planting Tobacco, as the most 
present commoditie they taine Yearley. could devise for a present gaine, 
so that every man betooke himselfe to the best place he could for the 
purpose: now though Sir Thomas Dale had caused such an abundance of corne 
to be planted, that every man had sufficient, yet the supplies were sent 
us, came so unfurnished, as quickly eased us of our superfluitie. To 
relieve their necessities, he sent to the Chickahamanias for the tribute 
Corne Sir Thomas Dale and Captaine Argall had conditioned for with them: 
But such a bad answer they returned him, that hee drew together one 
hundred of his best shot, with whom he went to Chickahamania; the people 
in some places used him indifferently, but in most places with much scorne 
and contempt, telling him he was but Sir Thomas Dales man, and they had 
payed his Master according to condition, but to give any to him they had 
no such order, neither would they obey him as they had done his Master; 
after he had told them his authoritie, and that he had the same power to 
enforce them that Dale had, they dared him to come on shore to fight, 
presuming more of his not daring, than their owne valours. Yearly seeing 
their insolencies, made no great difficultie to goe on shore at Ozinies, 
and they as little to incounter him: but marching from thence towards 
Mamanahunt, they put themselves in the same order they see us, lead by 
their Captaine Kissanacomen, Governour of Ozinies, & so marched close 
along by us, each as threatning other who should first begin. But that 
night we quartered against Mamanahunt, and they passed the River. The next 
day we followed them; there are few

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places in Virginia had then more plaine ground together, nor more plentie 
of Corne, which although it was but newly gathered, yet they had hid it in 
the woods where we could not finde it: a good time we spent thus in 
arguing the cause, the Salvages without feare standing in troupes amongst 
us, seeming as if their countenances had beene sufficient to dant us: what 
other practises they had I know not; but to prevent the worst, our 
Captaine caused us all to make ready, and upon the word, to let flie among 
them, where he appointed: others also he commanded to seize on them they 
could for prisoners; all which being done according to our direction, the 
Captaine gave the word, and wee presently discharged, where twelve lay, 
some dead, the rest for life sprawling on the ground, twelve more we tooke 
prisoners, two whereof were brothers, two of their eight Elders, the one 
tooke by Sergeant Boothe, the other by Robert a Polonian; Neere one 
hundred bushels of Corne we had for their ransomes, which was promised the 
Souldiers for a reward, but it was not performed: now Opechankanough had 
agreed with our Captaine for the subjecting of those people, that neither 
hee nor Powhatan could ever bring to their obedience, and that he should 
make no peace with them without his advice: in our returne by Ozinies with 
our prisoners wee met Opechankanough, who with much adoe, fained with what 
paines hee had procured their peace, the which to requite, they called him 
the King of Ozinies, and brought him from all parts many presents of 
Beads, Copper, and such trash as they had; here as at many other times wee 
were beholding to Captaine Henry Spilman our Interpreter, a Gentleman had 
lived long time in this Countrie, and sometimes a prisoner among the 
Salvages, and done much good service, though but badly rewarded. From 
hence we marcht towards James towne, we had three Boats loaded with Corne 
and other luggage, the one of them being more willing to be at James towne 
with the newes than the other, was overset, and eleven men cast away with 
the

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Boat, Corne and all their provision; notwithstanding this put all the rest 
of the Salvages in that feare, especially in regard of the great league we 
had with Opechankanough, that we followed our labours quietly, and in such 
securitie, that divers salvages of other Nations, daily frequented us with 
what provisions they could get, and would guide our men on hunting, and 
oft hunt for us themselves. Captaine Yearly had a Salvage or two so well 
trained up to their peeces, they were as expert as any of the English, and 
one hee kept purposely to kill him fowle. There were divers others had 
Salvages in like manner for their men. Thus we lived together, as if wee 
had beene one people, all the time Captaine Yearley staied with us, but 
such grudges and discontents daily increased among our selves, that upon 
the arrivall of Captaine Argall, sent by the Councell and Companie to bee 
our Governour, Captaine Yearley returned for England in the yeere 1617. 
From the writings of Captaine Nathaniel Powell, William Cantrill, Sergeant 
Boothe, Edward Gurganey.

Pocahontas instructions.

During this time, the Lady Rebecca, alias Pocahontas, daughter to 
Powhatan, by the diligent care of Master John Rolfe her husband and his 
friends, was taught to speake such English as might well bee understood, 
well instructed in Christianitie, and was become very formall and civill 
after our English manner; shee had also by him a childe which she loved 
most dearely, and the Treasurer and Company tooke order both for the 
maintenance of her and it, besides there were divers persons of great 
ranke and qualitie had beene very kinde to her; and before she arrived at 
London, Captaine Smith to deserve her former courtesies, made her 
qualities knowne to the Queenes most excellent Majestie and her Court, and 
writ a little booke to this effect to the Queene: An abstract whereof 
followeth.