Travels of Captaine John Smith Volume I - Pages 268-294



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That most generous and most honourable Lord, the Earle of Southhampton, 
being pleased to take upon him the title of Treasurer, and Master John 
Farrar his Deputy, with such instructions as were necessary, and 
admonitions to all Officers to take heede of extortion, ingrosing 
commodities, forestalling of markets, especially to have a vigilant care, 
the familiarity of the Salvages living amongst them made them not way to 
betray or surprize them, for the building of Guest-houses to relieve the 
weake in, and that they did wonder in all this time they had made no 
discoveries, nor knew no more then the very place whereon they did 
inhabit, nor yet could ever see any returne for all this continuall charge 
and trouble, therefore they sent to be added to the Councell seven 
Gentlemen, namely Mr. Thorp, Captaine Nuce, Mr. Tracy, Captaine Middleton, 
Captaine Blount, Mr. John Pountas, and Mr. Harwood, with men, munition, 
and all things thought fitting, but they write from Virginia, many of the 
Ships were so pestred with diseased people, & thronged together in their 
passage, there was much sicknesse and a great mortality, wherfore they 
desired rather a few able sufficient men well provided, then great 
multitudes, and because there were few accidents of note, but private 
advertisements by letters, we will conclude this yeere, and proceed to the 
next. Collected out of the Councels letters for Virginia.

1621. The Earle of South-hampton Treasurer. Master John Farrar Deputy. The 
election of Sir Francis Wyat Governour for Virginia.

The instructions and advertisements for this yeere were both from England 
and Virginia, much like the last: only whereas before they had ever a 
suspicion of Opechankanough, and all the rest of the Salvages, they had an 
eye over him more then any, but now they all write so confidently of their 
assured peace with the Salvages, there is now no more feare nor danger 
either of their power or trechery, so that every man planteth himselfe 
where he pleaseth, and followeth his businesse securely. But the time of 
Sir George Yearley being neere expired, the Councel here made choise of a 
worthy young Gentleman Sir Francis Wyat to succeed him, whom they

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forthwith furnished and provided, as they had done his Predecessors, with 
all the necessary instructions all these times had acquainted them for the 
conversion of the Salvages, the suppressing of planting Tobacco, and 
planting of Corne, not depending continually to be supplied by the 
Salvages, but in case of necessity to trade with them, whom long ere this, 
it hath beene promised and expected should have beene fed and relieved by 
the English, not the English by them; and carefully to redresse all the 
complaints of the needlesse mortality of their people, and by all 
diligence seeke to send something home to satisfie the Adventurers, that 
all this time had only lived upon hopes, grew so weary and discouraged, 
that it must now be substance that must maintaine their proceedings, & not 
letters, excuses and promises; seeing they could get so much and such 
great estates for themselves, as to spend after the rate of 100. pounds, 
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. nay some 2000. or 3000. pounds yearely, that 
were not worth so many pence when they went to Virginia, can scarce 
containe themselves either in diet, apparell, gaming, and all manner of 
such superfluity, within a lesse compasse than our curious, costly, and 
consuming Gallants here in England, which cannot possibly be there 
supported, but either by oppressing the Comminalty there, or deceiving the 
generality here (or both.)
Extracted out of the Councels Letters for Virginia.


Notes worthy observation. A degression

From Virginia, by the relations of the Chieftains there, & many I have 
conferred with, that came from thence hither, I have much admired to heare 
of the incredible pleasure, profit and plenty this Plantation doth abound 
in, and yet could never heare of any returne but Tobacco, but it hath oft 
amazed me to understand how strangely the Salvages hath beene taught the 
use of our armes, and imploied in hunting and fowling with our fowling 
peeces, and our men rooting in the ground about Tobacco like Swine; 
besides that, the Salvages that doe little but continually exercise their 
bow and arrowes, should dwell

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and lie so familiarly amongst our men that practised little but the Spade, 
being so farre asunder, and in such small parties dispersed, and neither 
Fort, exercise of armes used, Ordnances mounted, Courts of guard, nor any 
preparation nor provision to prevent a forraine enemy, much more the 
Salvages howsoever; for the Salvages uncertaine conformity I doe not 
wonder, but for their constancy and conversion, I am and ever have beene 
of the opinion of Master Jonas Stockam a Minister in Virginia, who even at 
this time, when all things were so prosperous, and the Salvages at the 
point of conversion, against all their Governours and Councels opinions, 
writ to the Councell and Company in England to this effect.

May 28.

Master Stockams relation.

We that have left our native country to sojourne in a strange land, some 
idle spectators, who either cowardly dare not, or covetously will not 
adventure either their purses or persons in so commendable a worke; others 
supporting Atlas of this almost unsupportable burdens as your selves, 
without whose assistance this Virginia Firmament (in which some) and I 
hope in short time will shine many more glorious Starres, though there be 
many Italiannated and Spaniolized Englishmen envies our prosperities, and 
by all their ignominious scandals they can devise seekes to dishearten 
what they can, those that are willing to further this glorious enterprize, 
to such I wish according to the decree of Darius, that whosoever is an 
enemy to our peace, and seeketh either by getting monipolicall patens, or 
by forging unjust tales to hinder our welfare, that his house were pulled 
downe, and a paire of gallowes made of the wood, and he hanged on them in 
the place.

As for those lasie servants, who had rather stand all day idle, than 
worke, though but an houre in this Vineyard, and spend their substance 
riotously, than cast the superfluity of their wealth into your Treasury, I 
leave them as they are to the eternall Judge of the world.

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But you right worthy, that hath adventured so freely, I will not examine, 
if it were for the glory of God, or your desire of gaine, which it may be 
you expect should flow unto you with a full tide, for the conversion of 
the Salvages: I wonder you use not the meanes, I confesse you say well to 
have them converted by faire meanes, but they scorne to acknowledge it, as 
for the gifts bestowed on them they devoure them, and so they would the 
givers if they could, and though many have endevoured by all the meanes 
they could by kindnesse to convert them, they finde nothing from them but 
derision and ridiculous answers. We have sent boies amongst them to learne 
their Language, but they returne worse than they went; but I am no States-
man, nor love I to meddle with any thing but my Bookes, but I can finde no 
probability by this course to draw them to goodnesse; and I am perswaded 
if Mars and Minerva goe hand in hand, they will effect more good in an 
houre, then those verball Mercurians in their lives, and till their 
Priests and Ancients have their throats cut, there is no hope to bring 
them to conversion.

The arrivall of Sir Francis Wyat.

ABout October arrived Sir Francis Wyat, with Master George Sands, 
appointed Treasurer, Master Davison Secretary, Doctor Pot the Physician, 
and Master Cloyburne the Surgian, but much provision was very badly 
conditioned, nay the Hogs would not eat that Corne they brought, which was 
a great cause of their sicknesse and mortality, and whatsoever is said 
against the Virginia Corne, they finde it doth better nourish than any 
provision is sent thither; the Sailers still they complaine are much to 
blame for imbesling the provisions sent to private men, killing of Swine, 
and disorderly trucking; for which some order would be taken.

In them nine Ships that went with Sir Francis Wyat not one Passenger died, 
at his arrivall he sent Master Thorpe to Opechancanough, whom hee found 
much

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satisfied with his comming, to confirme their leagues as he had done his 
Predecessors, and so contented his people should coinhabit amongst them, 
and hee found more motions of Religion in him than could be imagined: 
every man betaking himselfe to his quarter, it was ordered, that for every 
head they should plant but 1000. Plants of Tobacco, and upon each plant 
nine leaves, which will be about 100. weight, the Corne being appointed 
but at two shillings & six pence the bushell, required such labour, it 
caused most men neglect it, and depend upon trade; where were it rated at 
ten shillings the bushell, every man would indevour to have plenty to sell 
to the new commers, or any that wanted, and seldome any is transported 
from England, but it standeth in as much, besides the hazard and other 
necessaries, the Ships might transport of that burden. The 22. of November 
arrived Master Gookin out of Ireland, with fifty men of his owne, and 
thirty Passengers, exceedingly well furnished with all sorts of provision 
and cattle, and planted himselfe at Nupors-newes: the Cotten trees in a 
yeere grew so thicke as ones arme, and so high as a man: here any thing 
that is planted doth prosper so well as in no place better. For the 
mortality of the people accuse not the place, for of the old Planters and 
the families scarce one of twenty miscarries, onely the want of 
necessaries are the occasions of those diseases. And so wee will conclude 
this yeere with the shipping and numbers sent.
Out of the Councels Letters from Virginia.

Master Gookins Plantation. The number of Ships and men.

This yeere was sent one and twenty saile of Ships that imployed more than 
400. sailers and 1300. men, women and children of divers faculties, with 
foure-score cattle; the Tiger fell in the Turkes hands, yet safely 
escaped, and by the returne of their letters from thence, the company is 
assured there can bee no fitter places of Mines, Wood and Water for Iron 
than there; and the French men affirme no Country is more proper for 
Vines, Olives, Sike, Rice and Salt, &c. of which the next yeere they 
promise a good quantity.

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Gifts given.

THe Gentlemen and Mariners that came in the Royall James from the East-
Indies, gave towards the building of a free Schoole 70 pound, eight 
shillings, and six pence; and an unknowne person to further it, sent 
thirtie pounds; and another in like manner five & twentie pounds; another 
refusing to be made knowne, gave fortie shillings yeerely for a Sermon 
before the Virginia companie: also another that would not be knowne, sent 
for the College at Henrico, many excellent good religious bookes, worth 
ten pound, & a most curious Map of al that coast of America. Master Thomas 
Bargave their Preacher there deceased, gave a Librarie valued at one 
hundred Markes: and the Inhabitants hath made a contribution of one 
thousand and five hundred pounds, to build a house for the entertaining of 
strangers. This yeere also there was much suing for Patents for 
Plantations, who promised to transport such great multitudes of people: 
there was much disputing concerning those divisions, as though the whole 
land had beene too little for them: six and twentie obtained their 
desires, but as yet not past six hath sent thither a man; notwithstanding 
many of them would have more, and are not well contented; whom I would 
intreat, and all other wranglers, to peruse this saying of honest Claudius.

Patents granted.

See'st not the world of Natures worke, the fairest well, I wot,
How it, it selfe together ties, as in a true-loves knot.
Nor seest how th' Elements ayre combin'd, maintaine one constant plea,
How midst of heaven contents the Sunne, and shore containes the sea;
And how the aire both compasseth, and carrieth still earths frame,
Yet neither pressing burdens it, nor parting leaves the same.

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The observations of Master John Pory Secretarie of Virginia, in his 
travels.

My journey to the Easterne shore.

HAving but ten men meanly provided to plant the Secretaries land on the 
Easterne shore neere Acomack (Captaine Wilcocks plantation, the better to 
secure and assist each other). Sir George Yearley intending to visit 
Smiths Iles, fell so sicke that he could not, so that he sent me with 
Estinien Moll a French-man, to finde a convenient place to make salt in. 
Not long after Namenacus the King of Pawtuxunt, came to us to seeke for 
Thomas Salvage our Interpreter. Thus insinuating himselfe, he led us into 
a thicket, where all sitting downe, he shewed us his naked brest; asking 
if we saw any deformitie upon it, we told him, No; No more, said hee, is 
the inside, but as sincere and pure; therefore come freely to my Countrie 
and welcome: which wee promised wee would within six weekes after. Having 
taken a muster of the companies tenants, I went to Smiths Iles, where was 
our Salt-house: not farre off wee found a more convenient place, and so 
returned to James towne.

A good place to make salt in. The King of Pawtuxunts entertainment.

Being furnished the second time, wee arrived at Aquo hanock, and conferred 
with Kiptopeke their King. Passing Russels Ile and Onavcoke, we arrived at 
Pawtuxunt: the discription of those places, you may reade in Captaine 
Smiths discoveries, therefore needlesse to bee writ againe. But here 
arriving at Attoughcomoco the habitation of Namenacus and Wamanato, his 
brother, long wee staied not ere they came aboord us with a brasse Kettle, 
as bright without as within, ful of boyled Oisters. Strict order was given 
none should offend us, so that the next day I went with the two Kings a 
hunting, to discover what I could in their confines. Wamanato brought mee 
first to his house, where hee shewed mee his wife and children, and many 
Corne-fields; and being two miles within the woods a hunting, as the 
younger conducted me forth, so the elder brought me home, and used me

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as kindly as he could, after their manner. The next day he presented me 
twelve Bever skinnes and a Canow, which I requited with such things to his 
content, that he promised to keepe them whilst hee lived, and burie them 
with him being dead. Hee much wondered at our Bible, but much more to 
heare it was the Law of our God, and the first Chapter of Genesis 
expounded of Adam and Eve, and simple mariage; to which he replyed, hee 
was like Adam in one thing, for he never had but one wife at once: but he 
as all the rest, seemed more willing of other discourses they better 
understood. The next day the two Kings with their people, came aboord us, 
but brought nothing according to promise; so that Ensigne Salvage 
challenged Namenacus the breach of three promises, viz. not in giving him 
a Boy, nor Corne, though they had plentie, nor Moutapass a fugitive, 
called Robert Marcum, that had lived 5. yeeres amongst those northerly 
nations, which bee cunningly answered by excuses. Womanato it seemes, was 
guiltlesse of this falshood, because hee staied alone when the rest were 
gone. I asked him if he desired to bee great and rich; he answered, They 
were things all men aspired unto: which I told him he should be, if he 
would follow my counsell, so he gave me two tokens, which being returned 
by a messenger, should suffice to make him confident the messenger could 
not abuse us.

Some things being stolne from us, he tooke such order that they were 
presently restored, then we interchanged presents: in all things hee much 
admired our discretions, and gave us a guide that hee called brother, to 
conduct us up the River: by the way we met with divers that stil tould us 
of Marcum: and though it was in October, we found the Countrie very hot, 
and their Corne gathered before ours at James towne. The next day we went 
to Paccamaganant, and they directed us to Assacomoco, where their King 
Cassatowap had an old quarrell with Ensigne Salvage, but now seeming 
reconciled, went with us, with another Werowance towards Mattapanient, 
where

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they perswaded us ashore upon the point of a thicket; but supposing it 
some trecherie, we returned to our boat: farre we had not gone from the 
shore, but a multitude of Salvages sallied out of the wood, with all the 
ill words and signes of hostilitie they could. When wee saw plainly their 
bad intent, wee set the two Werowances at libertie, that all this while 
had line in the Cabbin, as not taking any notice of their villanie, 
because we would convert them by courtesie. Leaving them as we found them, 
very civill and subtill, wee returned the same way wee came, to the 
laughing Kings on the Easterne shore, who told us plainly, Namanicus would 
also have allured him into his Countrie, under colour of trade to cut his 
throat. Hee told us also Opechancanough had imployed Onianimo to kill 
Salvage, because he brought the trade from him to the Easterne shore, and 
some disgrace hee had done his sonne, and some thirteene of his people 
before one hundred of those Easterlings in rescuing Thomas Graves whom 
they would have slaine, where hee and three more did challenge the 
thirteene Pamaunkes to fight, but they durst not, so that all those 
Easterlings so derided them, that they came there no more.

Thomas Salvages good service.

This Thomas Salvage, it is sixteene yeeres since he went to Virginia, 
being a boy, hee was left with Powhatan, for Namontacke to learne the 
language, and as this Author affirmeth, with much honestie and good 
successe hath served the publike without any publike recompence, yet had 
an arrow shot through body in their service. This laughing King at 
Accomack, tels us the land is not two daies journy over in the broadest 
place, but in some places a man may goe in halfe a day, betwixt the Bay 
and the maine Ocean, where inhabit many people, so that by the narrownesse 
of the Land there is not many Deere, but most abundance of Fish and Fowle. 
Kiptope his brother rules as his Lieutenant, who seeing his younger 
brother more affected by the people than himselfe, freely resigned him the 
moitie of his Countrie, applying himselfe onely to husbandry and hunting, 
yet nothing neglected

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in his degree, nor is hee carelesse of any thing concernes the state, but 
as a vigilant and faithfull Counceller, as hee is an affectionated 
Brother, bearing the greater burden in government, though the lesser 
honour, where cleane contrary they on the Westerne shore, the younger 
beares the charge, and the elder the dignitie. Those are the best husbands 
of any Salvages we know: for they provide Corne to serve them all the 
yeare, yet spare; and the other not for halfe the yeare, yet want. They 
are the most civill and tractable people we have met with, and by little 
sticks will keepe as just an account of their promises, as by a tally. In 
their mariages they observe a large distance, as well in affinitie as 
consanguinitie; nor doe they use that devillish custome in making black 
Boyes. There may be on this shore about two thousand people: they on the 
West would invade them, but that they want Boats to crosse the Bay, and so 
would divers other Nations, were they not protected by us. A few of the 
Westerly Runnagados had conspired against the laughing King, but fearing 
their treason was discovered, fled to Smiths Iles, where they made a 
massacre of Deere and Hogges; and thence to Rickahake, betwixt Cissapeack 
and Nansamund, where they now are seated under the command of Itoyatin, 
and so I returned to James Towne, where I found the government rendred to 
Sir Francis Wyat. In February also he travelled to the South River 
Chawonock, some sixtie miles over land, which he found to be a very 
fruitfull and pleasant Country, yeelding two harvests in a yeare, and 
found much of the Silke grasse formerly spoken of, was kindly used by the 
people, and so returned.

1622. The Earle of Southampton Treasurer, and Nicolas Farrar Deputy.
Captaine Each sent to build a Fort to secure the Countrey.

It was no small content to all the Adventurers to heare of the safe 
arivall of all those ships and companies, which was thought sufficient to 
have made a Plantation

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of themselves: and againe to second them, was sent Captaine Each in the 
Abigale, a ship of three or foure hundred tunnes, who hath undertaken to 
make a Blockhouse amongst the Oyster banks, that shall secure the River. 
The furnishing him with Instruments, cost three hundred pounds; but the 
whole charge and the ships returne, will be neere two thousand pounds. In 
her went Captaine Barwicke with five and twentie men for the building 
ships and Boats, and not other waies to be imploied: and also a selected 
number to build the East Indie Schoole, but as yet from Virginia little 
returnes but private mens Tobacco, and faire promises of plentie of Iron, 
Silke, Wine, and many other good and rich commodities, besides the speedy 
conversion of the Salvages, that at first were much discouraged from 
living amongst them, when they were debarred the use of their peeces; 
therefore it was disputed as a matter of State, whether such as would live 
amongst them should use them or not, as a bait to allure them; or at least 
such as should bee called to the knowledge of Christ. But because it was a 
great trouble for all causes to be brought to James Towne for a triall, 
Courts were appointed in convenient places to releeve them: but as they 
can make no Lawes in Virginia till they be ratified here; so they thinke 
it but reason, none should bee inacted here without their consents, 
because they onely feele them, and must live under them. Still they 
complaine for want of Corne, but what must be had by Trade, and how 
unwilling any Officer when he leaveth his place, is to make good his 
number of men to his Successor, but many of them during their times to 
help themselves, undoes the Company: for the servants you allow them, or 
such as they hire, they plant on their private Lands, not upon that 
belongeth to their office, which crop alwaies exceeds yours, besides those 
which are your tenants to halfes, are forced to row them up and downe, 
whereby both you and they lose more then halfe. Nor are those officers the 
ablest or best deserving, but make their experience upon the companies

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cost, and your land lies unmanured to any purpose, and will yeeld as 
little profit to your next new officers.

The massacre upon the two and twentieth of March.

The death of Nemattanow writ by M. Wimp.

THe Prologue to this Tragedy, is supposed was occasioned by Nemattanow, 
otherwise called Jack of the Feather, because hee commonly was most 
strangely adorned with them; and for his courage and policy, was accounted 
amongst the Salvages their chiefe Captaine, and immortall from any hurt 
could bee done him by the English. This Captaine comming to one Morgans 
house, knowing he had many commodities that hee desired, perswaded Morgan 
to goe with him to Pamaunke to trucke, but the Salvage murdered him by the 
way; and after two or three daies returned againe to Morgans house, where 
he found two youths his Servants, who asked for their Master: Jack replied 
directly he was dead; the Boyes suspecting as it was, by seeing him weare 
his Cap, would have had him to Master Thorp: But Jack so moved their 
patience, they shot him, so he fell to the ground, put him in a Boat to 
have him before the Governor, then seven or eight miles from them. But by 
the way Jack finding the pangs of death upon him, desired of the Boyes two 
things; the one was, that they would not make it knowne hee was slaine 
with a bullet; the other, to bury him amongst the English. At the losse of 
this Salvage Opechankanough much grieved and repined, with great threats 
of revenge; but the English returned him such terrible answers, that he 
cunningly dissembled his intent, with the greatest signes he could of love 
and peace, yet within foureteene daies after he acted what followeth.

Security a bad guard.

Sir Francis Wyat at his arrivall was advertised, he found the Countrey 
setled in such a firme peace, as most men there thought sure and 
unviolable, not onely in regard of their promises, but of a necessitie. 
The poore weake Salvages being every way bettered by us, and

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safely sheltred and defended, whereby wee might freely follow our 
businesse: and such was the conceit of this conceited peace, as that there 
was seldome or never a sword, and seldomer a peece, except for a Deere or 
Fowle, by which assurances the most plantations were placed straglingly 
and scatteringly, as a choice veine of rich ground invited them, and 
further from neighbours the better. Their houses generally open to the 
Salvages, who were alwaies friendly fed at their tables, and lodged in 
their bed-chambers, which made the way plaine to effect their intents, and 
the conversion of the Salvages as they supposed.

Having occasion to send to Opechankanough about the middle of March, hee 
used the Messenger well, and told him he held the peace so firme, the sky 
should fall or he dissolved it; yet such was the treachery of those 
people, when they had contrived our destruction, even but two daies before 
the massacre, they guided our men with much kindnesse thorow the woods, 
and one Browne that lived among them to learne the language, they sent 
home to his Master; yea, they borrowed our Boats to transport themselves 
over the River, to consult on the devillish murder that insued, and of our 
utter extirpation, which God of his mercy (by the meanes of one of 
themselves converted to Christianitie) prevented, and as well on the 
Friday morning that fatall day, being the two and twentieth of March, as 
also in the evening before, as at other times they came unarmed into our 
houses, with Deere, Turkies, Fish, Fruits, and other provisions to sell 
us, yea in some places sat downe at breakfast with our people, whom 
immediatly with their owne tooles they slew most barbarously, not sparing 
either age or sex, man woman or childe, so sudden in their execution, that 
few or none discerned the weapon or blow that brought them to destruction: 
In which manner also they slew many of our people at severall works in the 
fields, well knowing in what places and quarters each of our men were, in 
regard of their familiaritie with us, for the effecting that

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great master-peece of worke their conversion; and by this meanes fell that 
fatall morning under the bloudy and barbarous hands of that perfidious and 
inhumane people, three hundred forty seven men, women and children, most 
by their owne weapons, and not being content with their lives, they fell 
againe upon the dead bodies, making as well as they could a fresh murder, 
defacing, dragging, and mangling their dead carkases into many peeces, and 
carying some parts away in derision, with base and brutish triumph.

Their cruelty.

Neither yet did these beasts spare those amongst the rest well knowne unto 
them, from whom they had daily received many benefits, but spightfully 
also massacred them without any remorse or pitie; being in this more fell 
then Lions and Dragons, as Histories record, which have preserved their 
Benefactors; such is the force of good deeds, though done to cruell 
beasts, to take humanitie upon them, but these miscreants put on a more 
unnaturall brutishnesse then beasts, as by those instances may appeare.

The murder of Master Thorp.

That worthy religious Gentleman M. George Thorp, Deputie to the College 
lands, sometimes one of his Majesties Pensioners, & in command one of the 
principall in Virginia; did so truly affect their conversion, that 
whosoever under him did them the least displeasure, were punished 
severely. He thought nothing too deare for them, he never denied them any 
thing, in so much that when they complained that our Mastives did feare 
them, he to content them in all things, caused some of them to be killed 
in their presence, to the great displeasure of the owners, and would have 
had all the rest guelt to make them the milder, might he have had his 
will. The King dwelling but in a Cottage, he built him a faire house after 
the English fashion, in which he tooke such pleasure, especially in the 
locke and key, which he so admired, as locking and unlocking his doore a 
hundred times a day, he thought no device in the world comparable to it.

Thus insinuating himselfe into this Kings favour for

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his religious purpose, he conferred oft with him about Religion, as many 
other in this former Discourse had done, and this Pagan confessed to him 
as he did to them, our God was better then theirs, and seemed to be much 
pleased with that Discourse, and of his company, and to requite all those 
courtesies; yet this viperous brood did, as the sequell shewed, not onely 
murder him, but with such spight and scorne abused his dead corps as is 
unfitting to be heard with civill eares. One thing I cannot omit, that 
when this good Gentleman upon his fatall houre, was warned by his man, who 
perceiving some treachery intended by those hell-hounds, to looke to 
himselfe, and withall ran away for feare he should be apprehended, and so 
saved his owne life; yet his Master out of his good meaning was so void of 
suspition and full of confidence, they had slaine him, or he could or 
would beleeve they would hurt him. Captaine Nathaniel Powell one of the 
first Planters, a valiant Souldier, and not any in the Countrey better 
knowne amongst them; yet such was the error of an over-conceited power and 
prosperitie, and their simplicities, they not onely slew him and his 
family, but butcher-like hagled their bodies, and cut off his head, to 
expresse their uttermost height of cruelty. Another of the old company of 
Captaine Smith, called Nathaniel Causie, being cruelly wounded, and the 
Salvages about him, with an axe did cleave one of their heads, whereby the 
rest fled and he escaped: for they hurt not any that did either fight or 
stand upon their guard. In one place where there was but two men that had 
warning of it, they defended the house against 60. or more that assaulted 
it. M. Baldwin at Warraskoyack, his wife being so wounded, she lay for 
dead, yet by his oft discharging of his peece, saved her, his house, 
himselfe, & divers others. At the same time they came to one Master 
Harisons house, neere halfe a mile from Baldwines, where was Master Thomas 
Hamer with six men, and eighteene or nineteene women and children. Here 
the Salvages with many presents and faire perswasions, fained they

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came for Capt. Ralfe Hamer to go to their King, then hunting in the woods, 
presently they sent to him, but he not comming as they expected, set fire 
of a Tobacco-house, and then came to tell them in the dwelling house of it 
to quench it; all the men ran towards it, but Master Hamer not suspecting 
any thing, whom the Salvages pursued, shot them full of arrowes, then beat 
out their braines. Hamer having finished a letter hee was a writing, 
followed after to see what was the matter, but quickly they shot an arrow 
in his back, which caused him returne and barricado up the doores, 
whereupon the Salvages set fire on the house. Harisons Boy finding his 
Masters peece loaded, discharged it at randome, at which bare report the 
Salvages all fled, Baldwin still discharging his peece, and Mr. Hamer with 
two and twentie persons thereby got to his house, leaving their owne 
burning. In like manner, they had fired Lieutenant Basse his house, with 
all the rest there about, slaine the people, and so left that Plantation.

Captaine Ralfe Hamer with forty escapeth.

Captaine Hamer all this while not knowing any thing, comming to his 
Brother that had sent for him to go hunt with the King, meeting the 
Salvages chasing some, yet escaped, retired to his new house then a 
building, from whence he came; there onely with spades, axes, and 
brickbats, he defended himselfe and his Company till the Salvages 
departed. Not long after, the Master from the ship had sent six 
Musketiers, with which he recovered their Merchants store-house, where he 
armed ten more, and so with thirtie more unarmed workmen, found his 
Brother and the rest at Baldwins: Now seeing all they had was burnt and 
consumed, they repaired to James Towne with their best expedition; yet not 
far from Martins hundred, where seventy three were slaine, was a little 
house and a small family, that heard not of any of this till two daies 
after.

All those, and many others whom they have as maliciously murdered, sought 
the good of those poore brutes, that thus despising Gods mercies, must 
needs now

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as miscreants be corrected by Justice: to which leaving them, I will knit 
together the thred of this discourse. At the time of the massacre, there 
were three or foure ships in James River, and one in the next, and daily 
more to come in, as there did within foureteene daies after, one of which 
they indevoured to have surprised: yet were the hearts of the English ever 
stupid, and averted from beleeving any thing might weaken their hopes, to 
win them by kinde usage to Christianitie. But divers write from thence, 
that Almighty God hath his great worke in this Tragedy, and will thereout 
draw honor and glory to his name, and a more flourishing estate and 
safetie to themselves, and with more speed to convert the Salvage children 
to himselfe, since he so miraculously hath preserved the English; there 
being yet, God be praised, eleven parts of twelve remaining, whose 
carelesse neglect of their owne safeties, seemes to have beene the 
greatest cause of their destructions: yet you see, God by a converted 
Salvage that disclosed the plot, saved the rest, and the Pinnace then in 
Pamaunkes River, whereof (say they) though our sinnes made us unworthy of 
so glorious a conversion, yet his infinite wisdome can neverthelesse bring 
it to passe, and in good time, by such meanes as we thinke most unlikely: 
for in the delivery of them that survive, no mans particular carefulnesse 
saved one person, but the meere goodnesse of God himselfe, freely and 
miraculously preserving whom he pleased.

The Letters of Master George Sands, a worthy Gentleman, and many others 
besides them returned, brought us this unwelcome newes, that hath beene 
heard at large in publike Court, that the Indians and they lived as one 
Nation, yet by a generall combination in one day plotted to subvert the 
whole Colony, and at one instant, though our severall Plantations were one 
hundred and fortie miles up on River on both sides.

But for the better understanding of all things, you must remember these 
wilde naked natives live not in

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great numbers together, but dispersed, commonly in thirtie, fortie, 
fiftie, or sixtie in a company. Some places have two hundred, few places 
more, but many lesse; yet they had all warning given them one from another 
in all their habitations, though farre asunder, to meet at the day and 
houre appointed for our destruction at al our several Plantations; some 
directed to one place, some to another, all to be done at the time 
appointed, which they did accordingly: Some entring their houses under 
colour of trading, so tooke their advantage; others drawing us abroad 
under faire pretences, and the rest suddenly falling upon those that were 
at their labours.

Six of the Councell slaine.

Six of the counsell suffered under this treason, and the slaughter had 
beene universall, if God had not put it into the heart of an Indian, who 
lying in the house of one Pace, was urged by another Indian his Brother, 
that lay with him the night before to kill Pace, as he should doe Perry 
which was his friend, being so commanded from their King; telling him also 
how the next day the execution should be finished: Perrys Indian presently 
arose and reveales it to Pace, that used him as his sonne; and thus them 
that escaped was saved by this one converted Infidell. And though three 
hundred fortie seven were shine, yet thousands of ours were by the meanes 
of this alone thus preserved, for which Gods name be praised for ever and 
ever.

How it was revealed.

Pace upon this, securing his house, before day rowed to James Towne, and 
told the Governor of it, whereby they were prevented, and at such other 
Plantations as possibly intelligence could be given: and where they saw us 
upon our guard, at the sight of a peece they ranne away; but the rest were 
most slaine, their houses burnt, such Armes and Munition as they found 
they tooke away, and some cattell also they destroied. Since wee finde 
Opechankanough the last yeare had practised with a King on the Easterne 
shore, to furnish him with a kind of poison, which onely growes in his 
Country to poison us. But of this bloudy acte never griefe and shame 
possessed

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any people more then themselves, to be thus butchered by so naked and 
cowardly a people, who dare not stand the presenting of a staffe in manner 
of a peece, nor an uncharged peece in the hands of a woman. (But I must 
tell those Authors, though some might be thus cowardly, there were many of 
them had better spirits.)

Memorandums.

Thus have you heard the particulars of this massacre, which in those 
respects some say will be good for the Plantation, because now we have 
just cause to destroy them by all meanes possible: but I thinke it had 
beene much better it had never happened; for they have given us an hundred 
times as just occasions long agoe to subject them, (and I wonder I can 
heare of none but Master Stockam and Master Whitaker of my opinion.) 
Moreover, where before we were troubled in cleering the ground of great 
Timber, which was to them of small use: now we may take their owne plaine 
fields and Habitations, which are the pleasantest places in the Countrey. 
Besides, the Deere, Turkies, and other Beasts and Fowles will exceedingly 
increase if we beat the Salvages out of the Countrey, for at all times of 
the yeare they never spare Male nor Female, old nor young, egges nor 
birds, fat nor leane, in season or out of season with them, all is one. 
The like they did in our Swine and Goats, for they have used to kill eight 
in tenne more then we, or else the wood would most plentifully abound with 
victuall; besides it is more easie to civilize them by conquest then faire 
meanes; for the one may be made at once, but their civilizing will require 
a long time and much industry. The manner how to suppresse them is so 
often related and approved, I omit it here: And you have twenty examples 
of the Spaniards how they got the West-Indies, and forced the treacherous 
and rebellious Infidels to doe all manner of drudgery worke and slavery 
for them, themselves living like Souldiers upon the fruits of their 
labours. This will make us more circumspect, and be an example to 
posteritie. (But I say, this might

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as well have beene put in practise sixteene yeares agoe as now.)

His Majesties gift.

Thus upon this Anvill shall wee now beat our selves an Armour of proofe 
hereafter to defend us against such incursions, and ever hereafter make us 
more circumspect: but to helpe to repaire this losse, besides his 
Majesties bounty in Armes, he gave the Company out of the Tower, and 
divers other Honorable persons have renewed their adventures, we must not 
omit the Honorable Citie of London, to whose endlesse praise wee may 
speake it, are now setting forward one hundred persons, and divers others 
at their owne costs are a repairing, and all good men doe thinke never the 
worse of the businesse for all these disasters.

London sets out 100 persons.

What growing state was there ever in the world which had not the like? 
Rome grew by oppression, and rose upon the backe of her enemies: and the 
Spaniards have had many of those counterbuffes, more than we. Columbus, 
upon his returne from the West-Indies into Spaine, having left his people 
with the Indies, in peace and promise of good usage amongst them, at his 
returne backe found not one of them living, but all treacherously slaine 
by the Salvages. After this againe, when the Spanish Colonies were 
increased to great numbers, the Indians from whom the Spaniards for 
trucking stuffe used to have all their corne, generally conspired together 
to plant no more at all, intending thereby to famish them; themselves 
living in the meane time upon Cassava, a root to make bread, onely then 
knowne to themselves. This plot of theirs by the Spaniards oversight, that 
foolishly depended upon strangers for their bread, tooke such effect, and 
brought them to such misery by the rage of famine, that they spared no 
uncleane nor loathsome beast, no not the poisonous and hideous Serpents, 
but eat them up also, devouring one death to save them from another; and 
by this meanes their whole Colony well-neere surfeted, sickned and died 
miserably, and when they had againe recovered this losse, by their 
incontinency

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an infinite number of them died on the Indian disease, we call the French 
Pox, which at first being a strange and an unknowne malady, was deadly 
upon whomsoever it lighted: then had they a little flea called Nigua, 
which got betweene the skinne and the flesh before they were aware, and 
there bred and multiplied, making swellings and putrifactions, to the 
decay and losse of many of their bodily members.

Againe, divers times they were neere undone by their ambition, faction, 
and malice of the Commanders. Columbus, to whom they were also much 
beholden, was sent with his Brother in chaines into Spaine; and some other 
great Commanders killed and murdered one another. Pizzaro was killed by 
Almagros sonne, and him Vasco beheaded, which Vasco was taken by Blasco, 
and Blasco was likewise taken by Pizzaros Brother: And thus by their 
covetous and spightfull quarrels, they were ever shaking the maine pillars 
of their Common-weale. These and many more mischiefes and calamities 
hapned them, more then ever did to us, and at one time being even at the 
last gaspe, had two ships not arrived with supplies as they did, they were 
so disheartned, they were a leaving the Countrey: yet we see for all those 
miseries they have attained to their ends at last, as is manifest to all 
the world, both with honour, power, and wealth: and whereas before few 
could be hired to goe to inhabit there, now with great sute they must 
obtaine it; but where there was no honesty, nor equity, nor sanctitie, nor 
veritie, nor pietie, nor good civilitie in such a Countrey, certainly 
there can bee no stabilitie.

Note this conclusion.

Therefore let us not be discouraged, but rather animated by those 
conclusions, seeing we are so well assured of the goodnesse and 
commodities may bee had in Virginia, nor is it to be much doubted there is 
any want of Mines of most sorts, no not of the richest, as is well knowne 
to some yet living that can make it manifest when time shall serve: and 
yet to thinke that gold and silver Mines are in a country otherwise most 
rich and fruitfull, or the

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greatest wealth in a Plantation, is but a popular error, as is that 
opinion likewise, that the gold and silver is now the greatest wealth of 
the West Indies at this present. True it is indeed, that in the first 
conquest the Spaniards got great and mighty store of treasure from the 
Natives, which they in long space had heaped together, and in those times 
the Indians shewed them entire and rich Mines, which now by the relations 
of them that have beene there, are exceedingly wasted, so that now the 
charge of getting those Metals is growne excessive, besides the consuming 
the lives of many by their pestilent smoke and vapours in digging and 
refining them, so that all things considered, the cleere gaines of those 
metals, the Kings part defraied, to the Adventurers is but small, and 
nothing neere so much as vulgarly is imagined; and were it not for other 
rich Commodities there that inrich them, those of the Contraction house 
were never able to subsist by the Mines onely; for the greatest part of 
their Commodities are partly naturall, and partly transported from other 
parts of the world, and planted in the West-Indies, as in their mighty 
wealth of Sugarcanes, being first transported from the Canaries; and in 
Ginger and other things brought out of the East-Indies, in their 
Cochanele, Indicos, Cotton, and their infinite store of Hides, Quick-
silver, Allum, Woad, Brasill woods, Dies, Paints, Tobacco, Gums, Balmes, 
Oiles, Medicinals and Perfumes, Sassaparilla and many other physicall 
drugs: These are the meanes whereby they raise that mighty charge of 
drawing out their gold and silver to the great & cleare revenue of their 
King. Now seeing the most of those commodities, or as usefull, may be had 
in Virginia by the same meanes, as I have formerly said; let us with all 
speed take the priority of time, where also may be had the priority of 
place, in chusing the best seats of the Country, which now by vanquishing 
the salvages, is like to offer a more faire and ample choice of fruitfull 
habitations, then hitherto our gentlenesse and faire comportments could 
attaine unto.

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The numbers that were slaine in those severall Plantations.

1 At Captaine Berkleys Plantation, himselfe and 21. others, seated at the
  Falling-Crick, 66. miles from James City.   22 
2 Master Thomas Sheffelds Plantation, some three miles from the Falling-
  Crick, himselfe and 12. others.   13 
3 At Henrico Iland, about two miles from Sheffelds Plantation.   6 
4 Slaine of the College people, twenty miles from Henrico.   17 
5 At Charles City, and of Captaine Smiths men.   5 
6 At the next adjoyning Plantation.   8 
7 At William Farrars house.   10 
8 At Brickley hundred, fifty miles from Charles City, Master Thorp and  10 
9 At Westover, a mile from Brickley.   2 
10 At Master John Wests Plantation.   2 
11 At Captaine Nathaniel Wests Plantation.   2 
12 At Lieutenant Gibs his Plantation.   12 
13 At Richard Owens house, himselfe and   6 
14 At Master Owen Macars house, himselfe and   3 
15 At Martins hundred, seven miles from James City   73 
16 At another place.   7 
17 At Edward Bonits Plantation.   50 
18 At Master Waters his house, himselfe and   4 
19 At Apamatucks River, at Master Perce his Plantation, five miles from
   the College.   4 
20 At Master Macocks Divident, Captaine Samuel Macock, and   4 
21 At Flowerda hundred, Sir George Yearleys Plantation.   6 
22 On the other side opposite to it.   7 
23 At Master Swinhows house, himselfe and   7 
24 At Master William Bickars house, himselfe and   4 
25 At Weanock, of Sir George Yearleys people.   21

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26 At Powel Brooke, Captaine Nathaniel Powel, and   12 
27 At South-hampton hundred.   5 
28 At Martin Brandons hundred.   7 
29 At Captaine Henry Spilmans house.   2 
30 At Ensigne Spences house.   5 
31 At Master Thomas Perse his house by Mulbery Ile, himselfe and   4
The whole number 347.

Men in this taking bettered with affliction,
Better attend, and mind, and marke Religion,
For then true voyces issue from their hearts,
Then speake they what they thinke in inmost parts,
The truth remaines, they cast off fained Arts.

How they were reduced to five or six places.

This lamentable and so unexpected a disaster caused them all beleeve the 
opinion of Master Stockam, and drave them all to their wits end: it was 
twenty or thirty daies ere they could resolve what to doe, but at last it 
was concluded, all the petty Plantations should be abandoned, and drawne 
onely to make good five or six places, where all their labours now for the 
most part must redound to the Lords of those Lands where they were 
resident. Now for want of Boats, it was impossible upon such a sudden to 
bring also their cattle, and many other things, which with much time, 
charge and labour they had then in possession with them; all which for the 
most part at their departure was burnt, ruined and destroyed by the 
Salvages. Only Master Gookins at Nuportsnewes would not obey the 
Commanders command in that, though hee had scarce five and thirty of all 
sorts with him, yet he thought himselfe sufficient against what could 
happen, and so did to his great credit and the content of his Adventurers. 
Master Samuel Jorden gathered together but a few of the straglers about 
him at Beggersbush, where he fortified and lived in despight of the enemy. 
Nay, Mistresse Proctor, a proper, civill, modest Gentlewoman did the like, 
till perforce the English

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Officers forced her and all them with her to goe with them, or they would 
fire her house themselves, as the Salvages did when they were gone, in 
whose despight they had kept it, and what they had a moneth or three 
weekes after the Massacre; which was to their hearts a griefe beyond 
comparison, to lose all they had in that manner, onely to secure others 
pleasures. Now here in England it was thought, all those remainders might 
presently have beene reduced into fifties or hundreds in places most 
convenient with what they had, having such strong houses as they reported 
they had, which with small labour might have beene made invincible Castles 
against all the Salvages in the Land, and then presently raised a company, 
as a running Armie to torment the Barbarous and secure the rest, and so 
have had all that Country betwixt the Rivers of Powhatan and Pamaunke to 
range and sustaine them; especially all the territories of Kecoughtan, 
Chiskact and Paspahege, from Ozenies to that branch of Pamaunke, comming 
from Youghtanund, which strait of land is not past 4. or 5. miles, to have 
made a peninsula much bigger then the Summer Iles, invironed with the 
broadest parts of those two maine Rivers, which for plenty of such things 
as Virginia affords is not to be exceeded, and were it well manured, more 
then sufficient for ten thousand men. This, were it well understood, 
cannot but be thought better then to bring five or six hundred to lodge 
and live on that, which before would not well receive and maintaine a 
hundred, planting little or nothing, but spend that they have upon hopes 
out of England, one evill begetting another, till the disease is past 
cure: Therefore it is impossible but such courses must produce most 
fearefull miseries and extreme extremities; if it prove otherwise, I 
should be exceeding glad. I confesse I am somewhat too bold to censure 
other mens actions being not present, but they have done as much of me; 
yea many here in England that were never there, & also many there that 
knowes little more then their Plantations, but as they are informed; and

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this doth touch the glory of God, the honour of my Country, and the 
publike good so much, for which there hath beene so many faire pretences, 
that I hope none will be angry for speaking my opinion, seeing the old 
Proverbe doth allow losers leave to speake; and Du Bartas saith,
Even as the wind the angry Ocean moves,
Wave hunteth Wave, and Billow Billow shoves,
So doe all Nations justell each the other,
And so one people doe pursue another,
And scarce a second hath the first unhoused,
Before a third him thence againe have roused.

The providence of Captaine Nuse.

AMongst the multitude of these severall Relations, it appeares Captaine 
Nuse seeing many of the difficulties to ensue, caused as much Corne to be 
planted as he could at Elizabeths city, & though some destroyed that they 
had set, fearing it would serve the Salvages for Ambuscadoes, trusting to 
releefe by trade, or from England, which hath ever beene one cause of our 
miseries, for from England wee have not had much, and for trading, every 
one hath not Ships, Shalops, Interpreters, men and provisions to performe 
it, and those that have, use them onely for their owne private gaine, not 
the publike good, so that our beginning this yeere doth cause many to 
distrust the event of the next. Here wee will leave Captaine Nuse for a 
while, lamenting the death of Captaine Norton, a valiant industrious 
Gentleman, adorned with many good qualities, besides Physicke and 
Chirurgery, which for the publike good he freely imparted to all gratis, 
but most bountifully to the poore; and let us speake a little of Captaine 
Croshaw amongst the midst of those broiles in the River of Patawomeke.

Captaine Croshaw his voyage to Patawomeke.

Being in a small Barke called the Elizabeth, under the command of Captaine 
Spilman, at Cekacawone, a Salvage stole aboord them, and told them of the 
Massacre, and that Opechancanough had plotted with his King and Country to 
betray them also, which they refused, but them of Wighcocomoco at the 
mouth of the river had

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undertaken it; upon this Spilman went thither, but the Salvages seeing his 
men so vigilant and well armed, they suspected themselves discovered, and 
to colour their guilt, the better to delude him, so contented his desire 
in trade, his Pinnace was neere fraught; but seeing no more to be had, 
Croshaw went to Patawomek, where he intended to stay and trade for 
himselfe, by reason of the long acquaintance he had with this King that so 
earnestly entreated him now to be his friend, his countenancer, his 
Captaine and director against the Pazaticans, the Nacotchtanks, and 
Moyaons his mortall enemies. Of this oportunity Croshaw was glad, as well 
to satisfie his owne desire in some other purpose he had, as to keepe the 
King as an opposite to Opechancanough, and adhere him unto us, or at least 
make him an instrument against our enemies; so onely Elis Hill stayed with 
him, and the Pinnace returned to Elizabeths City; here shall they rest 
also a little, till we see how this newes was entertained in England.

The arrivals of this newes in England.

It was no small griefe to the Councell and Company, to understand of such 
a supposed impossible losse, as that so many should fall by the hands of 
men so contemptible; and yet having such warnings, especially by the death 
of Nemattanow, whom the Salvages did thinke was shot-free, as he had 
perswaded them, having so long escaped so many dangers without any hurt. 
But now to leape out of this labyrinth of melancholy, all this did not so 
discourage the noble adventurers, nor divers others still to undertake new 
severall Plantations, but that divers ships were dispatched away, for 
their supplies and assistance thought sufficient. Yet Captaine Smith did 
intreat and move them to put in practise his old offer, seeing now it was 
time to use both it and him, how slenderly heretofore both had beene 
regarded, and because it is not impertinent to the businesse, it is not 
much amisse to remember what it was.