Travels of Captaine John Smith Volume I - Pages 355-384



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A supply, and M. Mores returne.

This ship much refreshed this miserable Colony, but Master More seeing 
they sent not for him, his time being now expired, understanding how badly 
they reputed him in England, and that his imploiment now was more for 
their owne ends then any good for himselfe, resolved directly to returne 
with this ship. Having setled all things in the best order he could, left 
the government to the charge of the counsell of six to succeed each other 
monethly, till they had further directions from England; whose names were 
Captaine Miles Kendall, Captaine John Mansfield, Thomas Knight, Charles 
Caldycot, Edward Waters, and Christopher Carter, with twelve others for 
their assistances. More thus taking leave of those Ilands, arrived in 
England, much wrangling they had, but at last they confirmed him according 
to promise eight shares of Land, and so he was dismissed of his charge, 
with shew of favour and much friendship.

The rule of the six Governors.

1615. Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer.

The first thing they did was casting of lots, who should rule first, which 
lot lighted upon Master Caldicot. This last supply somewhat abated the 
extremitie of their miseries, and the better in that their fortifications 
being finished, they had the more leasure to goe abroad with that meanes 
was brought to that purpose to fish. Chard as you have heard, whom all 
this while More had kept Prisoner, they set at libertie: now by reason of 
their former miseries, little or nothing could be done; yet this Governour 
having thus concluded his moneth, and prepared a Frigot and two and 
thirtie men, hee imbarked himselfe with two other of his fellow 
counsellers: namely, Knight and Waters for the West-Indies, to get Fruits 
and Plants, Goats, young Cattle, and such like. But this poore vessell, 
whether through ill weather, or want of Mariners, or both, in stead of the 
Indies fell with the Canaries, where taking a poore Portugall, the which 
they manned with ten of their owne people, as soone after separated from 
her in a storme, &

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the next day was taken by a French Pickaroune, so that the Frigot out of 
hope of her prize, makes a second time for the West-Indies, where she no 
sooner arrived, but foundred in the sea; but the men in their Boat 
recovered a desolate Ile, where after some few moneths stay, an English 
Pyrat tooke them in, and some of them at last got for England, and some 
few yeares after returned to the Somer Iles.

Captaine John Mansfield his moneth.

THe Frigot thus gone, Captaine Mansfield succeeded. Then was contrived a 
petition, as from the generalitie, unto the triumverat Governors; wherein 
they supplicated, that by no meanes they should resigne the government to 
any should come from England, upon what tearmes soever, untill six moneths 
after the returne of their ship sent to the West-Indies: about this 
unwarrantable action, Master Lewes Hues their Preacher was so violent in 
suppressing it, that such discontents grew betwixt the Governors and him, 
and divisions among the Company, he was arraigned, condemned, and 
imprisoned, but not long detained before released. Then the matter fell so 
hotly againe to be disputed betwixt him and one Master Keath a Scotch-man, 
that professed schollership, that made all the people in a great 
combustion: much adoe there was, till at last as they sate in the Church 
and ready to proceed to a judicary course against Master Hues, suddenly 
such an extreme gust of wind and weather so ruffled in the trees and 
Church; some cried out a miracle; others, it was but an accident common in 
those Iles, but the noise was so terrible it desolved the assembly: 
notwithstanding, Master Hues was againe imprisoned, and as suddenly 
discharged; but those factions were so confused, and their relations so 
variable, that such unnecessary circumstances were better omitted then any 
more disputed.

Master Carter. Captaine Kendall. Capt. Mansfield.

This mans moneth thus ended, begins Master Carter, which was altogether 
spent in quietnesse, and then

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Captaine Miles Kendall had the rule, whose moneth was also as quietly 
spent as his Predecessors. Then Captaine Mansfield begins his second 
moneth, when the ship called the Edwin arrived with good supplies. About 
this time divers Boats going to sea were lost, and some men drowned; and 
many of the Company repaired to Master Hues, that there might bee a 
Councell according to Master Mores order of six Governours, and twelve 
Assistants, whereupon grew as many more such silly brawles as before, 
which at last concluded with as simple a reconciliation. In the interim 
happened to a certaine number of private persons as miserable and 
lamentable an accident, as ever was read or heard of, and thus it was:

A wonderfull accident.

In the month of March, a time most subject of all others to such tempests; 
on a Friday there went seven men in a boat of two or three tunnes to fish. 
The morning being faire, so eager they were of their journey, some went 
fasting: neither carried they either meat or drinke with them, but a few 
Palmeta berries, but being at their fishing place some foure leagues from 
the shoare, such a tempest arose, they were quickly driven from the sight 
of land in an overgrowne Sea, despairing of all hope, onely committing 
themselves to Gods mercy, let the boat drive which way shee would. On 
Sunday the storme being somewhat abated, they hoysed saile as they thought 
towards the Island. In the evening it grew starke calme; so that being too 
weake to use their oares, they lay a drift that night. The next morning 
Andrew Hilliard, for now all his companions were past strength either to 
helpe him or themselves: before a small gale of wind spred his saile 
againe. On Tuesday one died, whom they threw over board. On Wednesday 
three. And on Thursday at night the sixt. All these but the last were 
buried by Hilliard in the Sea, for so weake hee was growne hee could not 
turne him over as the rest, whereupon hee stripped him, ripping his belly 
with his knife, throwing his bowels into the water, hee spread

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his body abroad tilted open with a sticke, and so lets it lie as a 
cisterne to receive some lucky raine-water, and this God sent him 
presently after, so that in one small shoure hee recovered about foure 
spoonefuls of raine water to his unspeakeable refreshment; he also 
preserved neere halfe a pint of blood in a shooe, which he did sparingly 
drinke of to moist his mouth: two severall daies he fed on his flesh, to 
the quantity of a pound, on the eleventh day from his losing the sight of 
land, two flying fishes fals in his boat, whose warme jucie blood hee 
sucked to his great comfort. But within an houre after to his greater 
comfort you will not doubt, he once againe descried the land, and within 
foure houres after was cast upon a rocke neere to Port royall, where his 
boat was presently split in pieces, but himselfe, though extreamly weake, 
made shift to clamber up so steepe and high a rocke, as would have 
troubled the ablest man in the Ile to have done that by day hee did by 
night.

Being thus astride on a rocke, the tumbling Sea had gotten such possession 
in his braines, that a good while it was before his giddy head would 
suffer him to venture upon the forsaking it: towards the morning he 
craules a shore, and then to his accomplished joy descernes where hee is, 
and travels halfe a day without any refreshment then water, whereof wisely 
and temperately he stinted him selfe, otherwise certainely hee had drunke 
his last. In which case hee attaines a friends house: where at the first 
they tooke him for a ghost, but at last acknowledged and received him with 
joy, his story after some houres of recovery of strength to tell it, heard 
out with admiration: he was not long after conveyed to the towne, where he 
received his former health, and was living in the yeere 1622.

Treasure found in the Summer lles.

The next newes that happened in this time of ease, was, that a merry 
fellow having found some few Dollars against the Flemish wracke, the bruit 
went currant the treasure was found, and they all made men. Much adoe 
there was to prevent the purloining of it, before they had it:

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where after they had tyred themselves with searching, that they found, 
amounted not to above twenty pounds starling, which is not unlike but to 
be the remainder of some greater store, washed from some wracke not farre 
from the shore.

The company by the Edwin receiving newes of the revels were kept in Sommer 
Iles, resolved to make choice of a new Governour, called Master Daniel 
Tuckar, that a long time had bin a planter in Virginia in the government 
of Captaine Smith. All things being furnished for his voyage; hee set 
saile in the George, consorted with the Edwin, with many passengers, which 
being discovered by them in those Iles, they supposed them the Frigot sent 
to the West Indies; but when they understood what they were, much 
preparation they made to resist the new Governour. Many great ostentations 
appeared on both sides, but when the quondam Governour did see his men for 
most part forsake him; all was very well and quietly compounded, and with 
much kindnesse received and welcomed a shore, where his Commission was no 
sooner read, then they accepted and acknowledged him for their Governour.

The Government of Captaine Daniel Tuckar.

1616. Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer.

ABout the midst of May arrived this Governor, where finding the 
Inhabitants both abhorring all exacted labour, as also in a manner 
disdaining and grudging much to be commanded by him; it could not but 
passionate any man living. But at last according to the Virginia order, 
hee set every one was with him at Saint Georges, to his taske, to cleere 
grounds, fell trees, set corne, square timber, plant vines and other 
fruits brought out of England. These by their taske Masters by breake a 
day repaired to the wharfe, from thence to be imployed to the place of 
their imployment, till nine of the clocke, and then in the after-noone 
from three till Sunne-set. Beside meat, drinke and cloaths, they had for a 
time a certaine kinde of brasse money with a hogge

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on the one side, in memory of the abundance of hogges was found at their 
first landing.

Captaine Tuckars proceedings.

This course thus squared, imitating divers orders used in Virginia, by Sir 
Tho. Dale: he began by them to looke into his instructions given by the 
Company. Whereupon by one Mr. Richard Norwood a Survayor, sent over for 
that purpose, in the time of Master Moore, hee began to lay out the eight 
tribes in the maine, which were to consist of fifty shares to a tribe; and 
twenty five acers to every share. He also began to plant some Colony men 
on some of the especiall shares. He swore also certaine of the chiefe men 
of every tribe to bee Bailiffes thereof; and appointed as many men as hee 
was able for all supplied shares. The goods landed in the store houses hee 
sent from thence, and dispersed it to his workemen in generall: some Boats 
also began to be builded; but the pinace called the Thomas suspected might 
make an escape, was laid up in a docke, where shee yet remaineth.

A Barke sent to the West Indies.

In the beginning of the second moneth of his government, he directed 
warrants to all the Bailiffes, for the holding of a generall Assise at 
Saint Georges, and appointed Master Stokes Lieutenant of the Kings Castle 
at the Gurnets head. The Edwin came with him he sent to the West Indies by 
directions from England, to trade with the natives, for cattell, corne, 
plants, and other commodities. A course of great importance, which had it 
been pursued, would certainly have produced more hopefull effects for the 
good of the Colony, then all the supplies and Magazines from England hath 
or will in a long time.

The Assises.

Presently after her departure began the Assises, executed by his Deputy. 
The chiefe matter handled was the hanging one John Wood a French man, for 
speaking many distastefull and mutinous speeches against the Governour, to 
shew the rest by that example, the power of his authority, which after 
with his owne hands he so oft executed with a bastinado amongst the poorer 
sort;

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many tearmed it a cruelty, not much lesse then tyranny: but the sequell is 
more then strange.

The strange adventure of five men in a boat.

So it was that five of them, seeing by no meanes they could get passage 
for England, resolved to undergoe all hazards but they would make an 
escape from such servitude. The chiefe mariner and plotter of this 
businesse, was Richard Sanders and his confederates, William Goodwin a 
ship Carpenter, Thomas Harison a Joyner; James Barker a Gentleman, and 
Henry Puet. These repairing to the Governour, and with pleasing 
insinuations told him, if hee would allow them but things necessary, they 
would build him a boat of two or three tunnes, with a close decke, should 
goe a fishing all weathers. The Governour halfe proud that hee had brought 
his men to so good a passe, as he conceived, to offer themselves to so 
necessary a worke; instantly with all willingnesse furnished them with all 
things they could desire, and many faire promises to incourage them to 
performe it with all expedition. Having made choise of a place most fit 
from molestation, they went forward with that expedition, that in a short 
time shee was brought to perfection. By this time, the ship that brought 
the Governour, being ready to depart, hee sends a lusty gange to goe fetch 
his new boat to carry him aboard, but arriving at the place where she was 
built, they could heare no more of her, but she was gone the last evening 
to Sea, to try how shee would saile. Much search and dispute was where 
this boat should be: but at last they found divers letters in the cabbins, 
to this effect, directed to the Governour, and other their friends: that 
their hard and bad usage was so intolerable, and their hope so small ever 
againe to see their Countrey, or be delivered from such servitude, they 
did rather chuse to put themselves to that desperate hazard to goe for 
England, in which if they miscaried, as it was much to be mistrusted, 
their lives and bloods should be required at their hands was the cause. A 
compasse Diall Barker had borrowed of Master Hues, to whom he writ that as 
hee had oft

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perswaded them to patience, and that God would pay them though none did: 
hee must now bee contented with the losse of his Diall, with his owne 
doctrine. Such leasure they found to bee merry when in the eye of reason 
they were marching into a most certaine ruine. The Governour being thus 
satisfied of their escape, extreamly threatned them no lesse then a 
hanging, but the stormes of the Ocean they now more feared then him; good 
provision by bartering they had got from the ship, where Goodwin in a 
bravado told the Mariners, though he could not be permitted to goe with 
them, yet peradventure hee might be in England before them, whereat the 
Master and his Mate laughed merrily. But having beene now under saile 
three weekes, the winds so favoured them, they felt nothing of what they 
had cause to feare: then a blustering gale blowing in their teeth, put 
them to much extremity for divers dayes, then becomming more gentle away 
they past prosperously some eight or ten dayes more, till meeting a French 
Piccaroune of whom they desired succour, hee like himselfe tooke from them 
what hee liked, leaving them not so much as a crosse-staffe to observe 
withall, and so cast them off: their course still they continued till 
their victuall began to fall to the lowest ebbe; and the very knees of 
their small vessell were halfe hewed away for fire wood. At last to their 
infinit joy they arrived in Ireland, where the Earle of Tomund honorably 
entertained them, and caused the boat to be hung up for a Monument, and 
well she might, for shee had sailed more then 3300. miles by a right line 
thorow the maine Sea, without any sight of land, and I thinke since God 
made the world, the like navigation was never done, nor heard of. This 
fortunate Sanders going to the East Indies, in the rifling some ships 
there tooke, it was his chance to buy an old chest, for three or foure 
shillings, but because it wanted a key hee repented his bargaine, and 
would gladly have sold it againe for lesse. A certaine time it lay tossed 
to and fro as a thing hee little regarded, but at last having

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little to doe, hee broke it open, where he found a thousand pounds 
starling, or so much gold as bought him in England a good estate, which 
leaving with his wife he returned againe to the East Indies.

Plants from the West Indies.

The George setting saile three dayes after this escape, the Governour 
seazed and confiscated all that those fugitives left behinde them. Within 
a weeke after returned the Edwin from the West Indies, furnished with 
figges, pynes, sugar-canes, plantaines, papanes and divers other plants, 
which were presently replanted, and since increased into greater numbers, 
also an Indian and a Negar, and so much ligna vitæ as defrayed all the 
charge. The Governor thus busied amongst his plants, making hedges of 
Figtrees, and Pomgranets, and severall divisions by Palizadoes for the 
defence of their guarding and keeping their cattell, for in such husbandry 
qualities he well deserved great commendations. The Adventurers to supply 
him sent with all speed they could the Hopewell, a small Barke, but an 
excellent sailer, and in her one Captaine Powell an excellent Mariner, and 
well acquainted in the Indies where he was to goe trade, after he had 
landed his passengers in the Summer Iles: but in his journey at the 
Westerne Iles meeting a Brasile man, hee liked the suger and passengers so 
well, hee mand the Carvill with his owne men, and continued his course, 
but bethinking himself how this would be entertained at the Summer Iles, 
hee found such doubts, hee went directly for the West Indies to take time 
to resolve what to doe: arriving there hee met a French rover, one every 
way as cunning as himselfe, but much more trecherous. A great league of 
kindnesse is soone made betweene them, upon confidence whereof, Powell and 
some of the chief with him being invited aboord him, is easily entised, 
and in the midst of their cups both hee and his company treacherously made 
prisoners; and thus was forced to give him their prise, or hang at the 
yards arme with all his company. Having set them a shore, away goes the 
French man; Powels ship

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being but hard by, presently fetcht them all a boord, but finding his 
victuall neere spent, and no hope at all to recover his prize, set his 
Portugales on shore, and set saile for the Summer Iles; where safely 
arriving, hee declared the whole passage to the Governour, lest some other 
in telling might make it worse, of which the Governour seemed well enough 
to approve.

The second Assise.

This Governour still spent his time in good husbandry, although, some of 
the snarling sort here in England, whom nothing will please, writ to him 
hee was fitter to be a Gardiner then a Governour: some time he spent in 
digging of a great pond, but that worke proved altogether unprofitable: 
about that time was held the second Assise. The greatest matter passed, 
was a Proclamation against the spoile of Cahowes, but it came too late, 
for they were most destroyed before: a platforme hee caused to be erected 
by Pagits Fort, where a good Fort were very necessary. Captaine Powell not 
having performed his service in the West Indies, he conditioned with the 
Company, is sent thither againe by this Governour, and thirteene or 
fourteene of his best men, furnished with all things necessary. In the 
meane time the Company understanding, that in January, February and March, 
there are many Whales, for which fishing they sent the Neptune, a tall 
ship well provided with every thing fitting for that purpose. But before 
she arrived, Captaine Tuckar, who had brought also with him most 
provisions for that imploiment, sent three good Shalops to try what could 
be done, but whether it was the swiftnes of the Whale in swimming, or the 
condition of the place, certaine it is for all their labour and hazard, 
they could kill none, though they strucke many.

1617. The third Assise. Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer.

To begin his second yeere, he called the third Assise, where divers were 
punished as their faults deserved: three were condemned to die; two were 
reprived, but the third was hanged: the next day there was also a levy for 
the repairing two Forts; but that labour tooke not such effect as was 
intended, for want of good directions.

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The countrey neere devoured with rats.

But the great God of heaven being angry at somewhat happened in those 
proceedings, caused such an increase of silly rats, in the space of two 
yeeres so to abound, before they regarded them, that they filled not onely 
those places where they were first landed, but swimming from place to 
place, spread themselves into all parts of the Countrey, insomuch that 
there was no Iland but it was pestered with them; and some fishes have 
beene taken with rats in their bellies, which they caught in swimming from 
Ile to Ile: their nests they had almost in every tree, and in most places 
their burrowes in the ground like conies: they spared not the fruits of 
the plants, or trees, nor the very plants themselves, but ate them up. 
When they had set their corne, the rats would come by troupes in the night 
and scratch it out of the ground. If by diligent watch any escaped till it 
came to earing, it should then very hardly escape them: and they became 
noysome even to the very persons of men. They used all the diligence they 
could for the destroying of them, nourishing cats both wilde and tame, for 
that purpose; they used rats-bane, and many times set fire on the woods, 
that oft ran halfe a mile before it was extinct; every man was enjoyned to 
set twelve traps, and some of their owne accord have set neere an hundred, 
which they ever visited twice or thrice in a night; they also trained up 
their dogges to hunt them, wherein they became so expert, that a good dog 
in two or three houres would kil forty or fifty. Many other devices they 
used to destroy them, but could not prevaile, finding them still 
increasing against them: nay they so devoured the fruits of the earth, 
that they were destitute of bread for a yeere or two; so that when they 
had it afterwards, they were so wained from it, they easily neglected to 
eat it with their meat. Besides they endevoured so much for the planting 
Tobacco for present gaine, that they neglected many things might more have 
prevailed for their good, which caused amongst them much weaknesse and 
mortality, since the beginning of this vermine.

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A strange confusion of rats.

At last it pleased God, but by what meanes it is not well knowne, to take 
them away; in so much that the wilde cats and many dogs which lived on 
them, were famished, and many of them leaving the woods, came downe to 
their houses, and to such places where they use to garbish their fish, and 
became tame. Some have attributed the destruction of them to the encrease 
of wild cats, but that is not likely they should be so suddenly encreased 
rather at that time, then foure yeeres before; and the chiefe occasion of 
this supposition was, because they saw some companies of them leave the 
woods, and slew themselves for want of food. Others by the coldnesse of 
winter, which notwithstanding is never so great there, as with us in 
March, except it be in the wind: besides the rats wanted not the fethers 
of young birds and chickins, which they daily killed, and Palmeta mosse to 
build themselves warme nests out of the wind, as usually they did; neither 
doth it appeare that the cold was so mortall to them, seeing they would 
ordinarily swimme from place to place, and bee very fat even in the midst 
of winter. It remaineth then, that as God doth sometimes effect his will 
without subordinate and secondary causes, so wee need not doubt, but that 
in the speedy encrease of this vermine; as also by the preservation of so 
many of them by such weake meanes as they then enjoyed, and especially in 
the so sudden removall of this great annoyance, there was joyned with and 
besides the ordinary and manifest meanes, a more mediate and secret worke 
of God.

About this time Henry Long, with seven others in an extreame storme were 
cast away, but three of them escaped. One of them being asked what hee 
thought in the worst of that extremity, answered, he thought nothing but 
gallowes claime thy right, and it seemes God well heard his prayer, and 
rewarded his ingratitude; for he was hanged within halfe a yeere after. In 
that March also five men went to Sea, but as yet was never heard of, and 
three more drowned in a boat. By Hilliards

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house grew a very faire Cedar, which by a thunder clap was rent almost to 
small shivers, and a man stood by him, and Samuel Tanton, most fearfully 
blasted, yet neither they, the house, nor a little childe, yet a paire of 
racks in the house was all torne to fitters. The Neptune not long after 
arriving to fish for whale, her fortune proved no better then the 
Governours, yet some are of opinion, profit might be made by them.

The returne of M. Powel from the Indies.

In May they discried foure saile, so that manning all their Forts, they 
stood two daies in Armes, expecting what they were; at last they found it 
Master Powell returned from the West-Indies in the Hopewell, where missing 
such trade as he expected, these three Frigots comming in his way, he 
could not chuse but take them; Meale, Hides and Munition was their lading: 
Faire weather the Governor made with Powell till he had got all the goods 
into his owne possession, and then called Powell to a strict account for 
doing such an unwarrantable act; much a doe then was betwixt the taker and 
receiver; but Powell was glad to be excused to answer it in England, 
leaving all hee had taken behinde him in the Iles: The Neptune also 
returned with him, but noble Powell lost all his pay and pillage for this 
yeeres worke. For which the Company sent for to Tuckar, so that he also 
lost his part as well as Powell: Notwithstanding, the Governour by this 
meanes being strong in shipping, fitted the Carvill with twelve men, under 
the command of Edward Waters formerly spoken of, and sent them to Virginia 
about such businesse as hee had conceived. Arriving there, they obtained 
some goates, and hogs, & what they could spare, and so returned for the 
Summer Iles; but whether they could not finde the Iles for want of skill, 
or beaten off by ill weather, or the ill will they bare the Governor, it 
matters not much: but they bare up again for Virginia, where they all 
remained, and would returne no more to Summer Iles.

A supposed mutiny by M. Pollard, and M. Rich.

The Governour thinking to make some use of the

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hides, set some that professed themselves Tanners, to make tryall of their 
skill; but they lost their labours and spoiled the hides. Also he called 
another Assise concerning a poore fellow called Gabriel, for concealing 
some speeches M. Pollard and M. Rich should use, tending to the dis-
reputation of the Governour, and his injustice and cruelties; which being 
brought within the compasse of sedition and mutiny, though a yeere agoe; 
many were called in question about it, although every one ordinarily had 
spoke as much. Yet Gabriel for example sake was condemned to bee hanged, 
and was upon the ladder, but reprieved. The other two M. Pollard, and M. 
Rich were imprisoned, but upon better consideration the fact appeared so 
small and ridiculous, upon their submission they were pardoned, and 
restored to their places.

1618. The division of the Iles into Tribes. Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer.

The division of the Summer Iles into Tribes, by Master Richard Norwood, 
Surveyor.

According to the directions of the Councell and Company, as they had 
determined by lot, M. Norwood tooke a plot of the Ile, and divided it with 
as much faithfulnes as he could, assigning to every Adventurer his share 
or proportion, as namely, to lay out a large proportion, to bee called the 
generall land, and imployed for publike uses, as for the maintenance of 
the Governour, Ministers, Commanders of Forts, souldiers, and such like: 
and to this end was assigned S. Georges Iland, S. Davids Iland, Longbridge 
Iland, Smiths Iland, Coopers Iland, Cony Iland, Nonesuch Iland, part of 
the maine, and sundry other small Iles. The rest was to be divided into 
eight parts, each part to be called a tribe, and to have his denomination 
of some principall person that was Adventurer therein: and accordingly the 
first Tribe to bee Eastward, was then called Bedfords Tribe, now 
Hamiltons: the second, Smiths: Tribe the third, Cavendish, now 
Devonshires: the fourth, Pembrooks: the fift, Pagits: the sixt,

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Mansils, now Warwicks: the seventh, Southhampton: the eighth, Sands: in 
the honours of the Right honorable the Marquis Hamilton, Sir Thomas Smith, 
the Earle of Devonshire, the Earle of Pembrooke, the Lord Pagit, the Earle 
of Warwicke, the Earle of Southhampton, and Sir Edwin Sands. Againe each 
of those Tribes were to bee divided into fifty parts, called shares; and 
every Adventurer to have his shares in these tribes as was determined, by 
casting lots in England, the manner of it appeares by the Map, and more 
largely by his Booke of the Survay of the Countrey, which is in the 
Records of the Colony. And then began this which was before as you have 
heard, but as an unsetled and confused Chaos, to receive a disposition, 
forme, and order, and become indeed a Plantation.

The names of the Adventurers, and their shares in every Tribe, according 
to the survey, and the best information yet ascertained, of any of their 
alterations.

Hamiltons Tribe.         Shares. 
James L. Marquis Hamil.    6 
Sir Edward Harwood.   4 
M. John Delbridge.   3 
M. John Dike.   3 
M. Ellis Roberts.   2 
M. Robert Phips.   1 
M. Ralph King.   1 
M. Quicks assignes.   2 
M. William Cannig.   4 
M. William Cannig.   1 
M. William Web.   1 
M. John Bernards assignes.   2 
M. Elias Roberts Jun.   1 
M. John Gearing.   2 
M. Cleophas Smith.   2 
Robert Earle of Warwick.   4 
M. Thomas Covell.   3 
M. Greenwels assignes   1 
M. Cley.   1 
M. Powlson.   1 
M. John Dike.   1.1/2 
Common land for conveniency.   25 
M. John Dike.   1.1/2 
M.George Thorps assignes.   1

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2. Smiths Tribe.         Shares 
Sir Dudley Digs assignes.   2 
M. Richard Edwards.   2 
M. William Pane.   4 
M. Robert Smith.   2 
M. George Barkley assignes.   5 
Sir Samuel Sands.   1 
M. Anthony Pennistone.   4 
Sir Edwin Sands.   5 
Sir Thomas Smith.   5 
M. Richard More.   4 
M. Ad. Brumfield.   2 
M. Rob. Johnson Alderman.   5 
M. John Wroth.   3 
M. George Smith.   4

3. Devonshire Tribe.     Shares. 
M. Anth. Penistone.        2 
M. John Dike.   1 
M. John Dike.   1 
M. John Bernards heires.   2 
Robert Earle of Warwick.   2 
M. Francis West.   2 
Will. Lord Cavendish.   5 
Will. Earle of Devonshire.   5 
M. Edw. Luckin.   5 
M. Edw. Ditchfield.   1 
M. Edw. Ditchfield.   4 
M. Will. Nicols.   2 
M. Edw. Ditchfield.   1 
M. John Fletcher.   2 
M. Gedion Delawne.   2 
M. Anth. Pennistone.   3 
M. Best.   2 
M. Edw. Luckin.   2 
M. Richard Rogers.   2 
M. Will. Palmer.   4

4. Pembrookes Tribe.     Shares. 
M. George Smith.           4 
Gleab land.   2 
M. Nicholas Hide.   1 
Sir Lawrence Hide.   1 
M. Thomas Indwyn.   2 
Will. Earle of Pemb.   10 
M. Richard Edwards.   1 
M. Harding.   1 
M. Rich. Edwards.   1 
M. Elias Roberts.   1 
M. Rich. Edwards.   1 
M. Jacobsons assignes.   1 
M. John Farrar.   1 
M. Nicholas Farrar.   1 
M. Nicholas Farrar.   1 
M. Will. Canning.   2 
M. Richard Martin.   2 
M. Moris Abbot.   2 
M. Rich. Caswell.   1 
M. Rich. Caswell.   2 
M. Will. Caswell.   1 
M. Rich. Edwards.   2 
M. Rich. Caswell.   1 
M. Rich Edwards.   1 
M. George Sands assignes.   2 
M. Will Paine.   2

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5. Pagits Tribe.         Shares. 
M. John Chamberlaine.      5 
M. Tho. Ayres, and M. Rich. Wiseman.   4 
M. Rich. Wiseman   1 
Will. Lord Pagit.   10 
M. Will. Palmer.   4 
M. Bagnell.   5 
M. John Bale.   1 
M. Wheatley.   4 
M. Christop. Barron.   4 
M. John Wodall.   1 
M. John Wodall.   1 
M. Lewis.   2 
M. Owen Arthors assignes.   2 
M. George Etheridge.   4 
   2 
Sir Will. Wade.   1 
M. John Bernards heires.   1

6. Warwicks Tribe.       Shares. 
M. Wheatley,               2 
Cap. Daniel Tuckar.   2 
M. Will. Felgate.   1 
Rob. Earle of Warwicke.   5 
M. George Smith.   5 
M. Sam. Tickner.   2 
M. Francis Mevell.   1 
M. Stephen Sparrow.   1 
M. Joseph Man.   5 
Cap. Daniel Tuckar.   2 
M. Elias More.   1 
Doctor. Anth. Hunton.   2 
M. Francis Moverill.   1 
M. Rich. Poulson.   1 
M. Math. Shephard.   1 
M. George Tuckar.   10 
M. Ch. Clitheroe.   1 
M. George Swinow.   2 
M. Rich. Tomlings.   1 
M. Francis Meverill.   1 
M. John Waters.   2 
M. Martin Bond.   2

7. Southamptons Tribe.   Shares. 
Cap. Dan. Tuckar.          4 
M. John Britton.   1 
M. Rich. Chamberland.   3 
M. Leon. Harwods assignes.   1 
M. John Banks.   1 
Sir Nathanael Rich.   12 
Rob. Earle of Warwicke.   3 
M. Richard More.   6 
M. George Scot. M. Edward Scot. M. Antho. Abdy.   6 
Hen. Earle of Southampton.   4 
M. And. Broumfield.   2 
M. Henry Timbed.   2 
Sir Tho. Hewet.   2 
M. Perce.   1 
Sir Ralph Winwood.   2

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8. Sandys Tribe.         Shares. 
M.George Barcklies heires. 5 
Sir Edwin Sands.   5 
M. Jerom Hidon.   10 
M. Tho. Millin and M. John Cuffe.   2 
M. Robert Chamberlaine.   2 
M. Abr. Chamberlaine.   1 
M. George Smith.   2 
M. Robert Gore.   3 
Sir Edw. Sackvile.   1 
Sir John Danvers.   1 
M. Robert Gore.   2 
M. John Delbridge.   1 
M. John Wroth.   1 
M. John Wests heires.   4 
M. Richard Chamberlaine.   10

Touching the common ground in each Tribe, as also the over-plus, you may 
finde that at large in the Booke of Surveyes amongst their Records.

Now though the Countrey was small, yet they could not conveniently have 
beene disposed and well setled, without a true description and a survey of 
it; and againe, every man being setled where he might constantly abide, 
they knew their businesse, and fitted their houshold accordingly: then 
they built no more Cabbens, but substantiall houses, they cleered their 
grounds, and planted not onely such things as would yeeld them their 
fruits in a few moneths, but also such as would affoord them profit within 
a few yeares, so that in a short time the Countrey began to aspire, and 
neerely approach unto that happinesse and prosperitie, wherein now it 
flourisheth, &c.

The first Magazin. 1618.

But to follow the History; upon the best plot of ground could be found, 
the Governor prevailed so much with the generalitie, they built a faire 
house of Cedar, which being done, he appropriated it to himselfe, which 
occasioned exceeding much distaste. About this time arrived the Diana with 
a good supply of men and provision, and the first Magazin ever seene in 
those Iles; which course is not so much commended here, as cursed and 
abhorred by reason of enhansements of all the Inhabitants there; six or 
seven weeks this ship staied, then having towards her fraught thirtie 
thousand weight of Tobacco; which proving good, and comming to a

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lucky Market, gave great encouragement to the Adventurers to goe lustily 
forward in their Plantation, and without such successe, there is nothing 
but grudging and repining. But about the appropriation of this new built 
house, many bad discontents grew betwixt the oppressed Colony and the 
Governor, especially betwixt him and the Minister, and Lewes, who would 
neither be feared with threats nor imprisonment, that their malice 
continued till they met in England, of which the Minister made the cause 
so plaine, hee very well and honestly it seemes, discharged himselfe.

Two exploits of desperate Fugitives.

Now in those times of these endlesse uncivill broiles, two desperate men 
and a proper Gentlewoman got into a Boat, and thinking to make an escape 
to Virginia, as appeared by some Letters they left behinde them were never 
more heard on. The very next moneth after the like was attempted by six 
others, so desirous they were to be rid of their servitude; but their plot 
being discovered by one of their societie, they were apprehended, 
arraigned, and condemned to be hanged: the next day being led with halters 
about their neckes to the place of execution, one was hanged, and the rest 
reprived.

The arrivall of the Blessing.

The Diana arriving well in England, for all the infinite numbers of 
complaints, the Tobacco did helpe to sweeten all manner of grievances, yet 
it bred a distaste in the opinion of so many, they began to thinke of 
another Governor; but for that time it was so qualified by divers of his 
friends, they dispatched away the Blessing, which arrived in the Somer 
Iles. Though their generall Letter was faire and courteous to the 
Governor, yet by the report of the Passengers and divers particular 
letters from his friends, it was assured him his cruelty and 
covetousnesse, for all his paines and industry was much disliked, nor was 
he like to enjoy his house, and that land he had planted for himselfe, by 
the extreme oppression of the Comminalty. This caused so many jelousies to 
arise in his conceit, that at last he fully resolved to returne by this 
ship, that no sooner set saile from England, then

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they proceeded to the nomination of a new Governor. Many were presented 
according to the affections of those that were to give in their voices, 
but it chiefely rested betwixt one Captaine Southwell, and one Mr. 
Nathaniel Butler, where wee will leave them a while to the consideration 
of the Court and Company. Now Captaine Tuckar having instituted Captaine 
Kendall one of the six Governors before spoken of for his substitute, 
returned with this ship directly for England, as well to excuse himselfe 
of those objections he suspected, as to get assured him the house and land 
he had alotted for himselfe, lest it might otherwise be disposed of in his 
absence.

Collected out of their Records by N. B. and the relations of M. Pollard, 
and divers others.

The arrivall of two ships.

The Government of Captaine Miles Kendall, Deputy for Captaine Tuckar.

THe unexpected returne of Captaine Tuckar, caused a demurre in the 
election of the new Governor; some perswading these oft changes were so 
troublesome, dangerous, and chargeable, it were best to continue Captaine 
Kendall; others againe stood for Captaine Tuckar, but during the time of 
these opinions, the Gilliflower was dispatched with a supply. Now I should 
have remembred, Tuckar was no sooner out of the harbour, but he met Master 
Elfred in a ship called the Treasurer, sent from Virginia to trade: by her 
he writ to his Deputy Master Kendall, to have a care of all things, and 
beware of too much acquaintance with this ship, which hee suspected was 
bound for the West-Indies. Notwithstanding, Elfred received what kindnesse 
the Ile could afford; he promised to revisit them at his returne; this 
done, because they would not be governlesse when his Deputiship was 
expired, there was a generall assembly, and by that Election Kendall was 
confirmed to succeed still Governor. Now they began to apply themselves to

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the finishing some plat-forme about Smiths Fort, and laying the foundation 
of a Church to be built of Cedar, till the Gillyflower arrived with some 
private letters to Kendall, how he was elected Governor of those Iles for 
three yeeres. During her stay they held their Assises, where for some few 
suspected facts three were condemned, and the better to terrifie the rest, 
led to the place of execution, but reprieved; divers of the rest had their 
faults pardoned, and the Gilliflower set saile for New found land.

Captaine Butler chosen Governor.

The love and kindnesse, honesty and industry of this Captaine Kendall, 
hath beene very much commended; by others, somewhat disliked: but an 
Angell in those imploiments cannot please all men, yet this consideration 
bred much ill bloud as well here as there, so that the Company directly 
concluded, Captaine Butler should with what expedition they could, goe to 
be their Governor: In the Interim they tooke the opportunitie of a ship, 
called the Sea-flower, bound for Virginia, and by her sent a Preacher and 
his Family, with divers Passengers, and newes of a new Governor. This bred 
a great distaste amongst many, that still they should have new officers 
and strangers for their Governors they never heard of, and themselves 
still kept there whether they would or no, without any preferment, no nor 
scarce any of them their inhabiting, to have any land at all of their 
owne, but live all as tenants, or as other mens poore servants.

About this time came in Captaine Kerby with a small Barke from the West-
Indies, who having refreshed himselfe, was very kindly used by the 
Governor and so departed. Not long after a Dutch Frigot was cast away upon 
the Westerne shore, yet by the helpe of the English they saved the men, 
though the ship perished amongst the Rocks. A little after one Ensigne 
Wood being about the loading of a peece, by thrusting a pike into the 
concavitie, grating upon the shot, or somewhat about the powder, strucke 
fire within her and so discharged, but wounded him cruelly and blew him 
into the Sea, though

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hee was got out by some that stood by him, yet hee died of those wounds. 
Within two or three daies after, Captaine Elfred now comes in a second 
time: but of that we shall say more in the government of Captaine Butler, 
who presently after arrived with a good supply, and was kindly entertained 
by Captaine Kendall and all the Colony.

From a relation of Tho. Sparks, and divers others.

The Government of Captaine Nathaniel Butler.

A plat-forme burnt, and much hurt by a Hericano. 1619.

Captaine Butler being arrived the twentieth of October, 1619. some 
mutterings there was how to maintaine their election of Captaine Kendall, 
but better remembring themselves, that conceit quickly dissolved. The next 
day, Kendall, the Ministers, and the Counsell went aboord to salute the 
new Governor, where after they had dined with the best entertainment he 
could give them; they saw the Redout belonging to the Kings Castle by a 
mischance on fire, whither he repaired with all the meanes he could to 
quench it; but all the platforme and cariages were consumed before their 
faces, and they could not helpe it. Two daies after he went up to the 
Towne, had his Commission publikely read, made a short speech to the 
Company, and so tooke upon him the government. Then presently he began to 
repaire the most necessary defects: The next moneth came in the Garland, 
sent from England six or seven weekes before him; so that being seventeene 
weeks in her voyage, it was so tedious and grievous to divers of the Fresh-
water Passengers, that such a sicknesse bred amongst them, many died as 
well Sailers as Passengers. Having taken the best order he could for their 
releefe, passed through all the Tribes, and held his first Assise in 
Captaine Tuckars house at the over-plus. Towards the last of this moneth 
of Novemb. there arose a most terrible storme or Hericano, that blew up 
many great trees by the roots: the Warwick that brought the Governor was 
cast away, but the Garland rid by her, saved her selfe by cutting downe 
her Masts;

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and not long after a second storme, no lesse violent then the first, 
wherein the Mount which was a frame of wood built by Master More for a 
Watch-tower to looke out to Sea, was blowne up by the roots, and all that 
Winter crop of corne blasted: And thus was the new Governor welcomed.

The refortifying the Kings Castle.

With the beginning of the new yeere he began his first peece of 
fortification, upon a Rocke which flankers the Kings Castle, and finding 
the ship called the Treasurer starke rotten and unserviceable, hee tooke 
nine peeces of Ordinance from her to serve other uses. The Garland for 
want of meanes, could not make her voiage to Virginia as she was 
appointed; wherefore he entertained her to returne to England, with all 
the Tabacco they had in the Ile. It was January before she departed, in 
which time shee failed not much to have beene twice cast away. But those 
strange and unavoidable mischances, rather seemed to quicken the Governors 
industry then to dull it. Having finished the Church begun by Captaine 
Kendall, with an infinite toile and labour he got three peeces out of the 
wracke Warwicke. Having an excellent Dutch Carpinter he entertained of 
them that were cast away in the Dutch Frigot; he imploied him in building 
of Boats, whereof they were in exceeding great want. In February they 
discovered a tall ship beating too and againe, as it seemed by her 
working, being ignorant of the Coast; some thought her a Spaniard to view 
their Forts, which stand most to that part she so neerely approached; 
some, English; but the most, some Dutch man of Warre: The wind blew so 
high, they durst not send out a Boat, though they much doubted she would 
be foule of their Rocks, but at last she bore up rommy for the Sea, and we 
heard of her no more. That evening, a lucky fellow it should seeme he was, 
that found a peece of Amber-greece of eight ounces, as he had twice 
before, which bringing to the Governor, he had ready money for the one 
halfe, after three pound an ounce, according to their order of Court, to 
encourage others to looke out

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for more, and prevent the mischiefe insueth by concealing of it.

The arrivall of two Dutch Frigots.

Within a few daies after, they descried two Frigots that came close to the 
shore, and sent a Letter to the Governor, writ in Italian, that they were 
Hollanders had beene in the West-Indies, and desired but to arrive, 
refresh themselves with wood and water, and so be gone. The Governor 
forthwith sent them to understand, that being there under his Majestie of 
England to command those Iles, he was to carrie himselfe a friend to his 
friends, and an enemy to his enemies; if therefore he could shew a lawfull 
Commission for his being honestly and nobly emploied, he and his should be 
kindly welcome, otherwise they were to adventure at their perills. But his 
Commission was so good, he staied there two moneths, and was so well 
fitted with Oile & Bacon, they were all glad and happy of this Dutch 
Captaine Scoutans arrivall, with many thanks to their old friend Captaine 
Powell that had conducted him thither: the Colony being exceedingly in 
great want and distresse, bought the most part or it at reasonable rates, 
so Captaine Scoutan returned to the West-Indies, and Captaine Powell for 
his part in the Low-Countries. Whilest these things were in action, the 
Adventurers in England made many a long looke for their ships; at last the 
Garland brought them all the newes, but the Tobacco was so spoiled either 
in the leaking ship, or the making up, it caused a great suspicion there 
could none was good come from those Iles; where (were they but perfit in 
the cure) questionlesse it would be much better then a great quantitie of 
that they sell for Verinas, and many a thousand of it in London hath beene 
bought and sold by that title.

The differences betwixt the Ministers.

The Governor being cleere of those distractions, falls upon the restoring 
of the burnt Redoubt, where he cuts out a large new plat-forme, and mounts 
seven great peece of Ordnance upon new cariages of Cedar. Now amongst all 
those troubles, it was not the least to bring the two Ministers to 
subscribe to the Booke of Common Praier,

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which all the Bishops in England could not doe. Finding it high time to 
attempt some conformitie, bethought himselfe of the Liturgie of Garnsey 
and Jarse, wherein all those particulars they so much stumbled at, were 
omitted. No sooner was this propounded, but it was gladly imbraced by them 
both, whereupon the Governor translated it verbatim out of French into 
English, and caused the eldest Minister upon Easter day to begin the use 
thereof at S. Georges towne, where himselfe, most of the Councell, 
Officers and Auditorie received the Sacrament: the which forme they 
continued during the time of his government.

The rebuilding the Mount.

Much about this time, in such a faire morning, that had invited many Boats 
forte out to the Sea to fish, did rise such a Hericano that much 
indangered them all, so that one of them with two Boles were driven to Sea 
and never more heard of. The Ministers thus agreed, a Proclamation was 
published for keeping of the Sabbath, and all the defective cariages he 
endevoured to have renewed, builded a small Boat of Cedar onely to goe 
with Ores, to be ready upon any occasion to discover any shipping, and 
tooke order every Fort should have the like: Also caused numbers of Cedars 
to be brought from divers places in flotes, to rebuild the Mount, which 
with an unspeakable toile, was raised seven foot higher then before, and a 
Falcon mounted at the foot, to be alwaies discharged for a warning to all 
the Forts upon the discovery of any shipping, and this he called Rich 
Mount. This exceeding toile and labour, having no Cattle but onely mens 
strengths, caused many petitions to the Governour, that all those generall 
works might cease till they had reaped their harvests, in that they were 
in great distresse for victuall; which hee so well answered, their owne 
shames did cause them desist from that importunity, and voluntarily 
performe as much as hee required.

The Tombe of Sir George Summers.

Finding accidentally a little crosse erected in a by place, amongst a many 
or bushes, understanding there was

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buried the heart and intrailes of Sir George Summers, hee resolved to have 
a better memory for so worthy a Souldier, then that. So finding also a 
great Marble stone brought out of England, hee caused it by Masons to bee 
wrought handsomely and laid over the place, which hee invironed with a 
square wall of hewen stone, Tombe like; wherein hee caused to bee graven 
this Epitaph he had composed, and fixed it upon the Marble stone; and thus 
it was,
In the yeere 1611,
Noble Sir George Summers went hence to heaven;
Whose well tri'd worth that held him still imploid,
Gave him the knowledge of the world so wide.
Hence 't was by heavens decree, that to this place
He brought new guests, and name to mutuall grace.
At last his soule and body being to part,
He here bequeath'd his entrails and his heart.

Their manner of lawes reformed.

Upon the sixt of June began the second Assise, that reduced them to the 
direct forme used in England. For besides the Governour and Councell, they 
have the Bailiffes of the Tribes, in nature of the Deputy Lieutenants of 
the shires in England, for to them are all precepts and warrants directed, 
and accordingly answered and respected; they performe also the duties of 
Justices of Peace, within their limits. The subordinate Officers to these 
in every tribe, are the Constables, Head-borowes, and Church-Wardens; 
these are the triers of the Tobacco, which if they allow not to be 
marchantable, is burnt: and these are the executioners of their civill and 
politicke causes.

Martiall Officers.

For points of warre and martiall affaires, they have the Governour for 
Lieutenant generall, the Sergeant major, Master of Ordinance, Captaines of 
Companies, Captaines of Forts, with their severall officers, to traine and 
exercise those numbers under their charge, in martiall discipline.

Civill Officers and Courts.

Concerning their Courts for decision of right and

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justice, the first, though last in constitution, is their generall 
assembly; allowed by the state in England, in the nature of a Parliament, 
consisting of about forty persons; viz. the Governour, the Counsell, the 
Bailiffes of the tribes, and two Burgesses of each tribe chosen by voyces 
in the tribe, besides such of the Clergie as the Governour thinkes most 
fit, to be held once a yeere, as you shal heare more thereof hereafter. 
The next Court is the Assise or Jayles of deliverie, held twice every 
yeere, in Christmas, and Whitson weeke, for all criminall offenders, and 
civill causes betwixt party and party; as actions of debt, trespasse, 
battery, slander, and the like: and these are determined by a Jury of 
twelve men, and above them is also a grand Jury to examine matters of 
greater consequence. The last day of the Assise might also well be held a 
Court, for hearing the transgressions in matters of contempt, mis-
behaviour towards any Magistrate, riots, seditious speakers, contemners of 
warrants, and such like: there are also as occasion shall require, many 
matters heard by the Governor, or his Officers, and oft justice done in 
severall places, but those are but as daies of hearing, and as 
preparatives against their Courts, &c.

The second Assise.

At this last Assize eighteene were arrained for criminall causes, a number 
very extraordinary considering the place; but now occasioned by reason of 
the hard yeere, and the store of ill chosen new commers; of these, some 
were censured to the whipping post, some burned in the hand, but two were 
condemned to die, yet the one was reprieved, the other hanged; this done, 
every man returned to his home: many trials they made againe about the 
Warwicke, but to small purpose, her Ordnance being lashed so fast they 
could not be unloosed, till the ropes and decks were rotten, yet some few 
buttes of beare being flotie they got, which though it had lien six 
moneths under water was very good, notwithstanding the next yeere they 
recovered five peeces of Ordnance.

A generall assemblie in manner a Parliament.

Upon the first of August, according to the Companies

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instructions from England, began the generall assembly at the towne of 
Saint George, which was the first these Iles ever had; consisting as is 
said, of the Governour, Councell, Bailiffes, and Burgesses, and a 
Secretarie to whom all bils were presented, and by him openly read in the 
house, also a Clerke to record the Acts, being thirty two in all; fifteene 
of which being sent into England, were by a generall consent received and 
enacted, the titles whereof are these following: as for all the reasons 
for them, they would be too tedious to recite.

Their Acts.

The first was against the unjust sale and letting of apprentises and other 
servants, and this was especially for the righting the undertakers in 
England. The second, concerning the disposing of aged, diseased, and 
impotent persons, for it being considered how carelesse many are in 
preferring their friends, or sending sometimes any they can procure to 
goe, such unserviceable people should be returned back at their charge 
that sent them, rather then be burdensome to the poore Inhabitants in the 
Iles. The third, the necessary manning the Kings Castle, being the key of 
the Ile, that a garison of twelve able men should bee there alwaies 
resident: and 3000. eares of corne, and 1000. pounds of Tobacco payed them 
by the generality yeerely, as a pension. The fourth, against the making 
unmarchantable Tobacco, and Officers sworne to make true trials, & burne 
that was naught. The fift, injoyned the erection of certaine publike 
bridges, and the maintenance of them. The sixt, for a continuall supply of 
victuall for all the Forts, to bee preserved, till some great occasion to 
use it. The seventh was, for two fixed dayes every yeere for the Assises. 
The eight, commands the making of high-waies, and prohibiting the passage 
over mens grounds and planted fields, as well to prevent the spoyling of 
gardens, as conveniencie to answer any alarum. The ninth, for the 
preserving young tortoises and birds, that were carelesly destroyed. The 
tenth, provided against vagabonds, & prohibited the entertainement of 
other mens servants. The eleventh, compelled the setting

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of a due quantity of corne for every family. The twelfth, the care corne 
being set, enjoyned the keeping up of their poultry till it was past their 
reaches. The thirteenth, for the preservation of sufficient fences, & 
against the felling of marked trees appointed for bounds. The fourteenth, 
granted to a levy for a thousand pound weight of Tobacco, towards the 
payment of publike workes, as the bridges and the mount. The fifteenth, 
for the enjoyning an acknowledgement and acception of all resident 
Governours, and the warranting him to continue, though his time be 
expired, till the arrivall of a legitimate successor from England, to 
prevent all unmeet and presumptuous elections, besides it was desired by 
petition in England, the new Governour should live two months as a private 
man after his arrivall, if his predecessor did stay so long, the better to 
learne and observe his course. And these are the contents of those 
fifteene Acts, applied as you may perceive: which the lawes of England 
could not take notice of, because every climate hath somewhat to it selfe 
in that kinde in particular; for otherwise as it is conceived, it had 
beene a high impudency and presumption to have medled with them, or indeed 
with any such as these lawes, that had with such great judgement and 
justice alwaies provided for.

The arrivall of the Magazin ship.

No sooner was this businesse over, but the Magazinship is discovered, and 
that night came into the Harbour, but in a very weake and sickly case, 
having cast over board twenty or thirty of her people, and so violent was 
the infection, that the most part of the sailers, as well as passengers, 
were so sicke, or dismaid, or both, that the Master confessed, had they 
stayed at the Sea but a weeke longer, they had all perished. There arrived 
with this ship divers Gentlemen of good fashion, with their wives and 
families; but many of them crasie by the tediousnesse of the voyage, 
howsoever most of them, by the excellent salubrity of the aire, then which 
the world hath not a better, soone after recovered; yet some there were 
that died presently after they got ashore, it being certainly

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the quality of the place, either to kill, or cure quickly, as the bodies 
are more or lesse corrupted. By this ship the Company sent a supply of ten 
persons for the generality, but of such bad condition that it seemed they 
had picked the Males out of Newgate, the Females from Bridewell: As the 
Governour found it his best course, to grant out the women to such as were 
so greedy of wives, and would needs have them for better for worse; and 
the men hee placed in the Kings Castle for souldiers. But this bad, weake, 
sickly, supply being dispersed, for their best reliefe, by the much 
imployment of his Boats in remooving them, many of his owne men became 
infected, so that for some weekes, they were not able to doe him any 
service at all. Strict instructions also they brought for the planting of 
Sugar canes, for which the Iland being rockie and dry, is so unproper, 
that few as yet have beene seene to prosper: yet there are others hold the 
contrary opinion, that there is raine so ordinarily, the Iles are so 
moist, as produceth all their plants in such infinit abundance: there is 
no great reason to suspect this, were it rightly used, more then the rest. 
Seventy thousand weight of Tobacco being prepared towards her fraught, she 
returned for England. No sooner was shee gone then came in another, sent 
by the Company and generalty, well conditioned, but shee failed not much 
to have beene cast away amongst those dangerous & terrible rocks; by her 
came also expresse command, they should entertaine no other ships, then 
were directly sent from the Company: this caused much grudging, and indeed 
a generall distraction and exclamation among the Inhabitants, to be thus 
constrained to buy what they wanted, and sell what they had at what price 
the Magazin pleased, and to debarre true men from comming to them for 
trade or reliefe, that were daily received in all the harbours in England. 
So long this ship stayed going for fraught and wages, the Master not 
caring how long he lay at that rate in a good harbour, the Governour was 
ready to send her away by Proclamation. Thus ended the first yeere of the 
government of C. Butler.