Rosenfeld Susan. Encyclopedia of American Historical Documents

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Six weeks being spent in this manner, Captain New-

port (who was hired only for our transportation) was to

return with the ships.

Now Captain Smith, who all this time from their

departure from the Canaries was restrained as a prisoner

upon the scandalous suggestions of some of the chiefs

(envying his repute) who fained he intended to usurp the

government, murder the council, and make himself king,

that his confederates were dispersed in all the three ships,

and that divers of his confederates that revealed it, would

affirm it; for this he was committed as a prisoner.

Thirteen weeks he remained thus suspected, and by

that time the ships should return they pretended out of

their commiserations, to refer him to the council in En-

gland to receive a check, rather than by particulating his

designs make him so odious to the world, as to touch his

life, or utterly overthrow his reputation. But he so much

scorned their charity, and publicly defied the uttermost of

their cruelty; he wisely prevented their policies, though he

could not suppress their envy; yet so well he demeaned

himself in this business, as all the company did see his

innocency, and his adversaries’ malice, and those suborned

to accuse him, accused his accusers of subornation; many

untruths were alleged against him; but being so apparently

disproved, begat a general hatred in the hearts of the com-

pany against such unjust commanders, that the president

was adjudged to give him 2001; so that all he had was

seized upon, in part of satisfaction, which Smith presently

returned to the store for the general use of the colony.

Many were the mischiefs that daily sprung from their igno-

rant (yet ambitious) spirits; but the good doctrine and

exhortation of our preacher Master Hunt reconciled them,

and caused Captain Smith to be admitted of the council.

The next day all received the communion, the day fol-

lowing the savages voluntarily desired peace, and Captain

Newport returned for England with news; leaving in Vir-

ginia 100 the 15 of June 1607. Being thus left to our for-

tunes, it fortuned that within ten days scarce ten among us

could either go, or well stand, such extreme weakness and

sickness oppressed us. And thereat none need marvel, if

they consider the cause and reason, which was this.

While the ships stayed, our allowance was somewhat

bettered, by a daily proportion of biscuit, which the sailors

would pilfer to sell, give, or exchange with us, for money,

sassafras, furs, or love. But when they departed, there

remained neither tavern, beer house, nor place of relief,

but the common kettle. Had we been as free from all sins

as gluttony, and drunkenness, we might have been canon-

ized for Saints; but our president would never have been

admitted, for ingrossing to his private, oatmeal, sack, oil,

aquavitse, beef, eggs, or what not, but the kettle; that

indeed he allowed equally to be distributed, and that was

half a pint of wheat, and as much barley boiled with water

for a man a day, and this having fried some 26 weeks in the

ship’s hold, contained as many worms as grains; so that we

might truly call it rather so much bran than corn, our drink

was water, our lodgings castles in the air.

With this lodging and diet, our extreme toil in bearing

and planting pallisades, so strained and bruised us, and our

continual labor in the extremity of the heat had so weak-

ened us, as were cause sufficient to have made us as mis-

erable in our native country, or any other place in the

world.

From May, to September, those that escaped, lived

upon sturgeon, and sea-crabs, fifty in this time we buried,

the rest seeing the president’s projects to escape these mis-

eries in our pinnace by flight (who all this time had neither

felt want nor sickness) so moved our dead spirits, as we

deposed him; and established Ratcliff in his place, (Gosnol

being dead) Kendall deposed. Smith newly recovered,

Martin and Ratcliff was by his care preserved and relieved,

and the most of the soldiers recovered with the skillful dili-

gence of Master Thomas Wotton our surgeon general.

But now was all our provision spent, the sturgeon

gone, all helps abandoned, each hour expecting the fury of

the savages; when God the patron of all good endeavors, in

that desperate extremity so changed the hearts of the sav-

ages, that they brought such plenty of their fruits, and pro-

vision, as no man wanted. . . .

III.

But our comedies never endured long without a tragedy;

some idle exceptions being muttered against Captain

Smith, for not discovering the head of Chickahamania

river, and taxed by the council, to be too slow in so wor-

thy an attempt. The next voyage he proceeded so far that

with much labor by cutting of trees insunder he made his

passage; but when his barge could pass no farther, he left

her in a broad bay out of danger of shot, commanding

none should go ashore till his return: himself with two

English and two savages went up higher in a canoe; but

he was not long absent, but his men went ashore, whose

want of government gave both occasion and opportunity

to the savages to surprise one George Cassen, whom they

slew, and much failed not to have cut off the boat and all

the rest.

Smith little dreaming of that accident, being got to the

marshes at the river’s head, twenty miles in the desert, had

his two men slain (as is supposed) sleeping by the canoe,

while himself by fowling sought them victual: who finding

he was beset with 200 savages, two of them he slew, still

defending himself with the aid of a savage his guide whom

he bound to his arm with his garters, and used him as a

buckler, yet he was shot in his thigh a little, and had many

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arrows that stuck in his clothes but no great hurt, till at last

they took him prisoner.

When this news came to Jamestown, much was their

sorrow for his loss, few expecting what ensued.

Six or seven weeks those Barbarians kept him pris-

oner, many strange triumphs and conjurations they made

of him, yet he so demeaned himself among them, as he not

only diverted them from surprising the fort, but procured

his own liberty, and got himself and his company such esti-

mation among them, that those savages admired him more

than their own Quiyouckosucks. . . .

At last they brought him to Meronocomoco, where

was Powhatan their emperor. Here more than two hun-

dred of those grim courtiers stood wondering at him, as he

had been a monster; till Powhatan and his train had

put themselves in their greatest braveries. Before a fire

upon a seat like a bedstead, he sat covered with a great

robe, made of Rarowcun (raccoon?) skins, and all the tails

hanging by. On either hand did sit a young wench of 16 or

18 years, and along on each side the house, two rows of

men, and behind them as many women, with all their

heads and shoulders painted red: many of their heads

bedecked with the white down of birds; but every one

with something: and a great chain of white beads about

their necks.

At his entrance before the king, all the people gave a

great shout. The queen of Appamatuck was appointed to

bring him water to wash his hands, and another brought

him a bunch of feathers, instead of a towel to dry them:

having feasted him after their best barbarous manner they

could, a long consultation was held, but the conclusion

was, two great stones were brought before Powhatan: then

as many as could laid hands on him, dragged him to them,

and thereon laid his head, and being ready with their

clubs, to beat out his brains, Pocahontas the king’s dearest

daughter, when no entreaty could prevail, got his head in

her arms, and laid her own upon his to save him from

death: whereat the Emperor was contented he should live

to make him hatchets, and her bells, beads, and copper; for

they thought him as well of all occupations as themselves.

For the king himself will make his own robes, shoes,

bowes, arrows, pots; plant, hunt, or do anything so well as

the rest.

Two days after, Powhatan having disguised himself in

the most fearful manner he could, caused Captain Smith

to be brought forth to a great house in the woods, and

thereupon a mat by the fire to be left alone. Not long after

from behind a mat that divided the house, was made the

most doleful noise he ever heard; then Powhatan more like

a devil than a man, with some two hundred more as black

as himself, came unto him and told him now they were

friends, and presently he should go to Jamestown, to send

him two great guns, and a grindstone, for which he would

give him the country of Capahowosick, and forever esteem

him as his son Nantaquoud.

IV.

So to Jamestown with 12 guides Powhatan sent him. That

night they quartered in the woods, he still expecting (as he

had done all this long time of his imprisonment) every

hour to be put to one death or other: for all their feasting.

But almighty God (by his divine providence) had mollified

the hearts of those stern barbarians with compassion. The

next morning betimes they came to the fort, where Smith

having used the savages with what kindness he could, he

showed Rawhunt, Powhatan’s trusty servant, two demi-cul-

verins and a millstone to carry Powhatan: they found them

somewhat too heavy; but when they did see him discharge

them, being loaded with stones, among the boughs of a

great tree loaded with icicles the ice and branches came so

tumbling down, that the poor savages ran away half dead

with fear. But at last we regained some conference with

them, and gave them such toys; and sent to Powhatan, his

women, and children such presents, as gave them in gen-

eral full content.

Now in Jamestown they were all in combustion, the

strongest preparing once more to run away with the pin-

nace; which with the hazard of his life, with Sakre falcon

and musket shot, Smith forced now the third time to stay

or sink.

Some no better than they should be, had plotted with

the president, the next day to have put him to death by the

Levitical law, for the lives of Robinson and Emry; pre-

tending the fault was his that had led them to their ends:

but he quickly took such order with such lawyers, that he

laid them by the heels till he sent some of them prisoners

for England.

Now every once in four or five days, Pocahontas with

her attendants, brought him so much provision, that saved

many of their lives, that else for all this had starved with

hunger.

Thus from numb death our good God sent relief,

The sweet assuager of all other grief.

His relation of the plenty he had seen, especially at

Werawocomoco, and of the state and bounty of Powhatan,

(which till that time was unknown) so revived their dead

spirits (especially the love of Pocahontas) as all men’s fear

was abandoned.

Thus you may see what difficulties still crossed any

good endeavor; and the good success of the business being

thus often brought to the very period of destruction; yet

you see by what strange means God has still delivered it.

As for the insufficiency of them admitted in commis-

sion, that error could not be prevented by the electors;

Early Settlements and Government in the English Colonies 83

there being no other choice, and all strangers to each

other’s education, qualities, or disposition. And if any

deem it a shame to our Nation to have any mention

made of those enormities, let him peruse the Histories

of the Spaniard’s Discoveries and Plantations, where

they may see how many mutinies, disorders, and dissen-

sions have accompanied them, and crossed their

attempts: which being known to be particular men’s

offenses; does take away the general scorn and contempt,

which malice, presumption, coveteousness, or ignorance

might produce; to the scandal and reproach of those,

whose actions and valiant resolutions deserve a more

worthy respect.

Now whether it had been better for Captain Smith, to have

concluded with any of those several projects, to have aban-

doned the country, with some ten or twelve of them, who

were called the better sort, and have left Master Hunt our

preacher, Master Anthony Gosnol, a most honest, worthy,

and industrious gentleman, Master Thomas Wotton, and

some 27 others of his countrymen to the fury of the sav-

ages, famine, and all manner of mischiefs, and inconve-

niences, (for they were but forty in all to keep possession

of this large country;) or starve himself with them for com-

pany, for want of lodging: or but adventuring abroad to

make them provision, or by his opposition to preserve the

action, and save all their lives; I leave to the censure of all

honest men to consider. . . .

Source:

John Smith. The General Historie of Virginia, New England, and

the Summer Isles. London: Printed by I. D. and I. H. for

Michael Sparkes, 1624.

John Rolfe to the Governor of Virginia,

(Letters from Jamestown), 1613

John Rolfe, an early inhabitant of the Jamestown colony and

member of the colony’s governing council, is requesting per-

mission to marry Pocahontas, daughter of the powerful Indian

chief Powhatan and the purported savior of Captain John

Smith. Pocahontas and Rolfe were married in 1613, and their

union secured a peace between the Indians and the colonists

that lasted until 1622, five years after her death.

________________________

_______________________

Letter of John Rolfe to Sir Thomas Dale

The coppie of the Gentle-mans letters to Sir Thomas Dale,

that after married Powhatans daughter, containing the rea-

sons moving him thereunto.

Honourable Sir, and most worthy Governor:

When your leasure shall best serve you to peruse these

lines, I trust in God, the beginning will not strike you into

a greater admiration, then the end will give you good con-

tent. It is a matter of no small moment, concerning my

own particular, which here I impart unto you, and which

toucheth mee so neerely, as the tendernesse of my salva-

tion. Howbeit I freely subject my selfe to your grave and

mature judgement, deliberation, approbation, and deter-

mination; assuring my selfe of your zealous admonitions,

and godly comforts, either perswading me to desist, or

incouraging me to persist therin, with a religious and godly

care, for which (from the very instant, that this began to

roote it selfe within the secret bosome of my brest) my

daily and earnest praiers have bin, still are, and ever shall

be produced forth with as sincere a godly zeale as I possi-

bly may to be directed, aided and governed in all my

thoughts, words, and deedes, to the glory of God, and for

my eternal consolation. To persevere wherein I never had

more neede, nor (till now) could ever imagine to have bin

moved with the like occasion.

But (my case standing as it doth) what better worldly

refuge can I here seeke, then to shelter my selfe under the

safety of your favourable protection? And did not my ease

proceede from an unspotted conscience, I should not dare

to offer to your view and approved judgement, these pas-

sions of my troubled soule, so full of feare and trembling

in hypocrisie and dissimulation. But knowing my owne

innocency and godly fervor, in the whole prosecution here-

of, I doubt not of your benigne acceptance, and clement

construction. As for malicious depravers, and turbulent

spirits, to whom nothing is tastful but what pleaseth their

unsavory paalat, I passe not for them being well assured in

my perswasion (by the often trial and proving of my selfe,

in my holiest meditations and praiers) that I am called

hereunto by the spirit of God; and it shall be sufficient for

me to be protected by your selfe in all vertuous and pious

indevours. And for my more happie proceeding herein, my

daily oblations shall ever be addressed to bring to passe so

good effects, that your selfe, and all the world may truely

say: This is the worke of God, and it is marvelous in our

eies.

But to avoid tedious preambles, and to come neerer

the matter: first suffer me with your patence, to sweepe

and make cleane the way wherein I walke, from all suspi-

cions and doubts, which may be covered therein, and faith-

fully to reveale unto you, what should move me hereunto.

Let therefore this my well advised protestation, which

here I make betweene God and my own conscience, be a

sufficient witnesse, at the dreadfull day of judgement

(when the secret of all mens harts shall be opened) to con-

demne me herein, if my chiefest intent and purpose be

not, to strive with all my power of body and minde, in the

undertaking of so mightie a matter, no way led (so farre

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forth as mans weakenesse may permit) with the unbridled

desire of carnall affection: but for the good of this planta-

tion, for the honour of our countrie, for the glory of God,

for my owne salvation, and for the converting to the true

knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, an unbeleeving crea-

ture, namely Pokahuntas. To whom my hartie and best

thoughts are, and have a long time bin so intagled, and

inthralled in so intricate a laborinth, that I was even awea-

ried to unwinde my selfe thereout. But almighty God, who

never faileth his, that truly invocate his holy name hath

opened the gate, and led me by the hand that I might

plainely see and discerne the safe paths wherein to treade.

To you therefore (most noble Sir) the patron and

Father of us in this countrey doe I utter the effects of this

setled and long continued affection (which hath made a

mightie warre in my mediations) and here I doe truely

relate, to what issue this dangerous combate is come unto,

wherein I have not onely examined, but throughly tried

and pared my thoughts even to the quick, before I could

Snde and fit wholesome and apt applications to cure so

daungerous an ulcer. I never failed to offer my daily and

faithfull praiers to God, for his sacred and holy assistance.

I forgot not to set before mine eies the frailty of mankinde,

his prones to evill, his indulgencie of wicked thoughts, with

many other imperfections wherein man is daily insnared,

and oftentimes overthrowne, and them compared to my

present estate. Nor was I ignorant of the heavie displea-

sure which almightie God conceived against the sonnes of

Levie and Israel for marrying strange wives, nor of the

inconveniences which may thereby arise, with other the

like good motions which made me looke about warily and

with good circumspection, into the grounds and principall

agitations, which thus should provoke me to be in love with

one whose education hath bin rude, her manners bar-

barous, her generation accursed, and so discrepant in all

nurtriture frome my selfe, that oftentimes with feare and

trembling, I have ended my private controversie with this:

surely these are wicked instigations, hatched by him who

seeketh and delighteth in mans destruction; and so with

fervent praiers to be ever preserved from such diabolical

assaults (as I tooke those to be) I have taken some rest.

Thus-when I had thought I had obtained my peace and

quitnesse, beholde another, but more gracious tentation

hath made breaches into my holiest and strongest medita-

tions; with which I have bin put to a new traill, in a

straighter manner then the former: for besides the many

passions and sufferings which I have daily, hourely, yea and

in my sleepe indured, even awaking mee to astonishment,

taxing mee with remisnesse, and carlesnesse, refusing and

neglecting to performe the duetie of a good Christian,

pulling me by the eare, and crying: why dost not thou inde-

vour to make her a Christian? And these have happened to

my greater wonder, ven when she hath bin furthest seper-

ated from me, which in common reason (were it not an

undoubted worke of God) might breede forgetfulnesse of

a farre more worthie creature. Besides, I say the holy spirit

of God often demaunded of me, why I was created?

If not for transitory pleasures and worldly vanities, but

to labour in the Lords vineyard, there to sow and plant, to

nourish and increase the fruites thereof, daily adding witt

the good husband in the Gospell, somewhat to the tallent,

that in the end the fruites may be reaped, to the comfort

of the laborer in this life, and his salvation in the world to

come? And if this be, as undoubtedly this is, the service

Jesus Christ requireth of his best servant: wo unto him that

hath these instruments of pietie put into his hands and wil-

fillly despiseth to worke with them. Likewise, adding here-

unto her great apparance of love to me, her desire to be

taught and instructed in the knowledge of God, her capa-

blenesse of understanding, her aptnesse and willingnesse

to receive anie good impression, and also the spirituall,

besides her owne incitements stirring me up hereunto.

What should I doe? Shall I be of so untoward a dispo-

sition, as to refuse to leade the blind into the right way?

Shall I be so unnaturall, as not to give bread to the hun-

grie? or uncharitable, as not to cover the naked? Shall I

despise to actuatethese pious dueties of a Christian? Shall

the base feare of displeasing the world, overpower and

with holde mee from revealing unto man these spirituall

workes of the Lord, which in my meditations and praiers,

I have daily made knowne unto him? God forbid. I

assuredly trust hee hath thus delt with me for my eternall

felicitie, and for his glorie: and I hope so to be guided by

his heavenly graice, that in the end by my faithfilll paines,

and christianlike labour, I shall attaine to that blessed

promise, Pronounced by that holy Prophet Daniell unto

the righteous that bring many unto the knowledge of God.

Namely, that they shall shine like the starres forever and

ever. A sweeter comfort cannot be to a true Christian, nor

a greater incouragement for him to labour all the daies of

his life, in the performance thereof, nor a greater gaine of

consolation, to be desired at the hower of death, and in the

day of judgement.

Againe by my reading, and conference with honest and

religious persons, have I received no small encouragement,

besides serena mea conscientia, the cleerenesse of my con-

science, clean from the filth of impurity, quoe est instar

muri ahenei, which is unto me, as a brasen wall. If I should

set down at large, the perhioations and godly motions,

which have striven within mee, I should but make a tedious

and unnecessary volume. But I doubt not these shall be suf-

ficient both to certifie you of my tru intents, in discharging

of my dutie to God, and to your selfe, to whose gracious

providence I humbly submit my selfe, for his glory, your

honour, our Countreys good, the benefit of this Plantation,

and for the converting of one unregenerate, to regenera-

Early Settlements and Government in the English Colonies 85

tion; which I beseech God to graunt, for his deere Sonne

Christ Jesus his sake. Now if the vulgar sort, who square all

mens actions by the base rule of their owne filthinesse, shall

taxe or taunt me in this my godly labour: let them know, it

is not any hungry appetite, to gorge my selfe with inconti-

nency; sure (if I would, and were so sensually inclined) I

might satisfie such desire, though not without a seared con-

science, yet with Christians more pleasing to the eie, and

lesse fearefull in the offence unlawfully committed. Nor am

I in so desperate an estate, that I regard not what becom-

meth of mee; nor am I out of hope but one day to see my

Country, nor so void of friends, nor mean in birth, but there

to obtain a mach to my great content: nor have I ignorantly

passed over my hopes there, or regardlesly seek to loose the

love of my- friends, by taking this course: I know them all,

and have not rashly overslipped any.

But shal it please God thus to dispose of me (which I

earnestly desire to fulfill my ends before sette down) I will

heartely accept of it as a godly taxe appointed me, and I

will never cease, (God assisting me) untill I have accom-

plished, and brought to perfection so holy a worke, in

which I will daily pray God to blesse me, to mine, and her

eternall happines. And thus desiring no longer to live, to

enjoy the blessings of God, then this my resolution doth

tend to such godly ends, as are by me before declared: not

doubting of your favourable acceptance, I take my leave,

beseeching Almighty God to raine downe upon you, such

plenitude of his heavenly graces, as your heart can wish

and desire, and so I rest,

At your command

most willing to be

disposed off,

John Rolfe

Source:

J. Franklin Jameson. Narratives of Early Virginia. New York:

Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1907.

Edward Winslow’s Letter, 1621

This letter, dated December 12, 1621, was written by Edward

Winslow, one of the early governors of the Plymouth Colony.

It appears in

Mourt’s Relation

, a journal of the Pilgrims’ first

year in New England. Published in England in 1622, the jour-

nal is thought to be the work of Winslow and another promi-

nent Plymouth governor, William Bradford. In the letter below,

Winslow discusses the character of the Indians, the climate,

the landscape, and the food available in this new land. He also

recounts the arrival of new men to the colony, discusses the

goods the Pilgrims have sent back to England, and offers

advice to new settlers on what they should bring. Most inter-

esting perhaps is his description of the autumn feast the Pil-

grims shared with the Indians, which became the basis for the

modern American holiday of Thanksgiving. Winslow ends his

account of the feast by saying, “And although it be not always

so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness

of God we are so far from want, that we often wish you par-

takers of our plenty.”

________________________

_______________________

Although I received no letter from you by this ship, yet

forasmuch as I know you expect the performance of my

promise, which was, to write unto you truly and faithfully

of all things, I have therefore at this time sent unto you

accordingly, referring you for further satisfaction to our

more large relations.

You shall understand that in this little time a few of us

have been here, we have built seven dwelling-houses and

four for the use of the plantation, and have made prepara-

tion for divers others. We set last spring some twenty acres

of Indian corn, and sowed some six acres of barley and

peas; and according to the manner of the Indians, we

manured our ground with herrings, or rather shads, which

we have in great abundance, and take with great ease at our

doors. Our corn did prove well; and, God be praised, we

had a good increase of Indian corn, and our barley indiffer-

ent good, but our peas not worth the gathering, for we

feared they were too late sown. They came up very well,

and blossomed; but the sun parched them in the blossom.

Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four

men on fowling, that so we might, after a special manner,

rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our

labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a

little help beside, served the company almost a week. At

which time, among other recreations, we exercised our

arms, many of the Indians coming among us, and among

the rest their greatest king, Massasoit, with some ninety

men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted; and

they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to

the plantation, and bestowed on our governor, and upon

the captain and others. And although it be not always so

plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness

of God we are so far from want, that we often wish you

partakers of our plenty.

We have found the Indians very faithful in their

covenant of peace with us, very loving, and ready to plea-

sure us. We often go to them, and they come to us. Some

of us have been fifty miles by land in the country with them,

the occasions and relations whereof you shall understand

by our general and more full declaration of such things as

are worth the noting. Yea, it has pleased God so to possess

the Indians with a fear of us and love unto us, that not only

the greatest king among them, called Massasoit, but also all

the princes and peoples round about us, have either made

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suit unto us, or been glad of any occasion to make peace

with us; so that seven of them at once have sent their mes-

sengers to us to that end. Yea, an isle at sea, which we never

saw, hath also, together with the former, yielded willingly to

be under the protection and subject to our sovereign lord

King James. So that there is now great peace amongst the

Indians themselves, which was not formerly, neither would

have been but for us; and we, for our parts, walk as peace-

ably and safely in the wood as in the highways in England.

We entertain them familiarly in our houses, and they as

friendly bestowing their venison on us. They are a people

without any religion or knowledge of any God, yet very

trusty, quick of apprehension, ripe-witted, just.

For the temper of the air here, it agrees well with that

in England; and if there be any difference at all, this is

somewhat hotter in summer. Some think it to be colder in

winter; but I cannot out of experience so say. The air is

very clear, and not foggy, as has been reported. I never in

my life remember a more seasonable year than we have

here enjoyed; and if we have once but kine, horses, and

sheep, I make no question but men might live as contented

here as in any part of the world. For fish and fowl, we have

great abundance. Fresh cod in the summer is but coarse

meat with us. Our bay is full of lobsters all the summer,

and affords a variety of other fish. In September we can

take a hogshead of eels in a night, with small labor, and can

dig them out of their beds all the winter. We have muscles

and othus at our doors. Oysters we have none near, but we

can have them brought by the Indians when we will. All

the spring-time the earth sends forth naturally very good

salad herbs. Here are grapes, white and red, and very

sweet and strong also; strawberries, gooseberries, raspber-

ries, etc.; plums of three sorts, white, black, and red, being

almost as good as a damson; abundance of roses, white, red

and damask; single, but very sweet indeed. The country

wants only industrious men to employ; for it would grieve

your hearts if, as I, you had seen so many miles together by

goodly rivers uninhabited; and withal, to consider those

parts of the world wherein you live to be even greatly bur-

dened with abundance of people. These things I thought

good to let you understand, being the truth of things as

near as I could experimentally take knowledge of, and that

you might on our behalf give God thanks, who hath dealt

so favorably with us.

Our supply of men from you came the 9th of Novem-

ber, 1621, putting in at Cape Cod, some eight or ten

leagues from us. The Indians that dwell thereabout were

they who were owners of the corn which we found in

caves, for which we have given them full content, and are

in great league with them. They sent us word there was a

ship near unto them, but thought it to be a Frenchman;

and indeed for ourselves we expected not a friend so soon.

But when we perceived that she made for our bay, the gov-

ernor commanded a great piece to be shot off, to call home

such as were abroad at work. Whereupon every man, yea

boy, that could handle a gun, were ready, with full resolu-

tion that, if she were an enemy, we would stand in our just

defense, not fearing them. But God provided better for us

than we supposed. These came all in health, not any being

sick by the way, otherwise than by sea-sickness, and so con-

tinue at this time, by the blessing of God. . . .

When it pleased God we are settled and fitted for the

fishing business and other trading, I doubt not but by the

blessing of God the gain will give content to all. In the

meantime, that we have gotten we have sent by this ship;

and though it be not much, yet it will witness for us that we

have not been idle, considering the smallness of our num-

ber all this summer. We hope the merchants will accept of

it, and be encouraged to furnish us with things needful for

further employment, which will also encourage us to put

forth ourselves to the uttermost.

Now because I expect your coming unto us, with other

of our friends, whose company we much desire, I thought

good to advertise you of a few things needful. Be careful to

have a very good bread-room to put your biscuits in. Let

your cask for beer and water be iron-bound, for the first

tire, if not more. Let not your meat be dry-salted; none can

better do it than the sailors. Let your meal be so hard trod

in your cask that you shall need an adz or hatchet to work

it out with. Trust not too much on us for corn at this time,

for by reason of this last company that came, depending

wholly upon us, we shall have little enough till harvest. Be

careful to come by some of your meal to spend by the way;

it will much refresh you. Build your cabins as open as you

can, and bring good store of clothes and bedding with you.

Bring every man a musket or fowling-piece. Let your piece

be long in the barrel, and fear not the weight of it, for most

of our shooting is from stands. Bring juice of lemons, and

take it fasting; it is of good use. For hot waters, aniseed

water is the best; but use it sparingly. If you bring anything

for comfort in the country, butter or salad oil, or both, is

very good. Our Indian corn, even the coarsest, makes as

pleasant meat as rice; therefore spare that, unless to spend

by the way. Bring paper and linseed oil for your windows,

with cotton yarn for your lamps. Let your shot be most for

big fowls, and bring store of powder and shot. I forbear

further to write for the present, hoping to see you by the

next return. So I take my leave, commending you to the

Lord for a safe conduct unto us, resting in him,

Your loving friend,

E. W.

Source:

Edward Winslow and William Bradford. Mourt’s Relation: A

Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, 1622.

Early Settlements and Government in the English Colonies 87

Thomas Dale, “Lawes Divine,

Morall and Martiall,” 1612

Laws written by Thomas Dale in 1612 to bring order to colo-

nial Virginia. Jamestown, the first English settlement in Amer-

ica, was established in 1607 by the Virginia Company of

London. By the winter of 1609, many colonists, discouraged

by bad times and starvation, tried to flee. However, they re-

turned once they met ships bringing supplies and new colo-

nists. Thomas Dale found the settlement in rebellion, with a

large disinclination to work. As deputy governor, he issued a

criminal code that placed the colonists under martial law; he

is remembered for its merciless austerity, including recom-

mending that a food thief be tied to a tree until he starved.

________________________

_______________________

For the Colony in Virginea Brittania. Lawes Divine,

Morall and Martiall, etc.

Alget qui non Ardet.

Res nostrae subinde non sunt, quales quis optaret, sed

quales esse possunt.

Printed at London for Walter Burre. 1612.

To the Right Honorable, the Lords of the Councell of

Virginia.

Noblest of men, though tis the fashion now Noblest to

mixe with basest, for their gaine; Yet doth it fare farre oth-

erwise with you, That scorne to turn to Chaos so againe,

And follow your supreme distinction still, Till of most

noble, you become divine And imitate your maker in his

will, To have his truth in blackest nations shine. What had

you beene, had not your Ancestors Begunne to you, that

make their nobles good? And where white Christians turn

in maners Mores You wash Mores white with sacred Chris-

tian bloud This wonder the, that others nothing make

Forth then (great Lords) for your Lords Saviors sake.

By him, all whose duty is tributary to your Lordships,

and unto so excellent a cause.

William Strachey.

To the constant, mighty, and worthie friends, the Commit-

ties, Assistants unto his Majesties Councell for the Colonie

in Virginea-Brittania.

When I went forth upon this voyage, (Right worthy

Gentlemen) true it is, I held it a service of dutie, (during

the time of my unprofitable service, and purpose of stay in

the Colonie, for which way else might I adde unto the least

hight of so Heroicke and pious a building) to propose unto

myself to be (though an unable) Remembrancer of all acci-

dents, occurrences, and undertakings thereunto, adventi-

tiall: In most of which since the time our right famous sole

Governour then, now Lieutenant Generall Sir Thomas

Gates Knight, after the ensealing of his Commission

hasted to our fleete in the West, there staying for him, I

have both in the Bermudas, and since in Virginia beene a

a sufferer and an eie witnesse, and the full storie of both in

due time shall consecrate unto your viewes, as unto whom

by right it appertaineth, being vowed patrones of a worke,

and enterprise so great, then which no object nor action

(the best of bests) in these time, may carry with it in the

like fame, honour, or goodnesse.

Howbet since many impediments, as yet must detaine

such my observations in the shadow of darknesse, (untill I

shall be able to deliver them perfect unto your judgements

why I shall provoke and challenge) I do in the meane time

present a transcript of the Toparchia or State of those duties,

by which their Colonie stands regulated and commaunded,

that such may receive due checke, who malitiously and des-

perately heretofore have censured of it, and by examining of

which they may be right sorie so to have defaulked from us

as if we lived there lawlesse, without obedience to our

Countrey, or observance of Religion to God.

Nor let it afflict the patience of such full and well

instructed judgments, unto whom many of these constitu-

tions and Lawes Divine or Marshall may seeme auncient

and common, since these grounds are the same constant,

Asterismes, and starres, which must guide all that travell in

these perplexed wayes, and paths of publique affairs; and

whosoever shall wander from them, shall but decline a

hazardous and by-course to bring their purposes to good

effect.

Nor let another kind quarrell or traduce the Printing

of them to be delivered in particular to officers and private

Souldiers for their better instruction, especially unto a

Company for the grievous, unsettled and unfurnished,

since we know well how short our memories are often-

times, and unwilling to give storage to the better things,

and such things as limit and bound mankind in their nec-

essariest duties.

For which it transcends not the reach of his under-

standing, who is conversant, if but as for a festivall exercise,

(every privy Moone) in reading of a booke, that records

and edicts for manners or civil duties, have usually beene

fixed upon ingraven Tables, for the Commons daily to

overlooke: a custome more especially cherished by those

not many yeeres since in Magnuza who have restored (as I

may say) after so great a floud and rage of abused good-

nesse, all Lawes, literature and Vertue againe, which had

well nigh perished, had not the force of piety and sacred

reason remaining in the bosomes of some few, opposed

itselfe against the fury of so great a calamity, of whom it is

an undenyable truth, that the meanes and way whereby

they reduced the generall defection, was by printing

thereby so houlding uppe those involved principles; and

88 ERA 1: Three Worlds Meet

Instructions wherein (as in a mirror), the blind and wan-

dering judgement might survaye, what those knowledges

were, which taught both how to governe, and how to obey,

(the end indeed of sociable mankinds Creation) since with-

out order and governement, (the onely hendges, where-

upon, not onely the safety, but the being of all states doe

turne and depend) what society may possible subsist, or

commutative goodnesse be practised. And thus lawes

being published, every common eye may take survey of

their duties, and carrying away the tenour of the same,

meditate, and bethinke how safe, quiet, and comely it is to

be honest, just, and civill.

And indeed all the sacred powers of knowledge and

wisedome are strengthened by these two waies, either by a

kind of divine nature, which his happy creation hath

blessed him with, the vertue whereof comprehendeth,

foreseeth and understandeth the truth and cleerenesse of

all things: or by instruction and tradition from others,

which must improve his wants, and by experience render

him perfect, awaking him in all seasons a vigilant ob-

server of civill cautions and ordinances, an excellent rea-

son inforcing no lesse unto the knowledge of him that

will shine a starre in the firmament, where good men

move, and that is, that no man doth more ill then hee that

is ignorant.

For the avoiding of which, and to take away the plea

of I did not know in him that shall exorbitate or goe aside

with any delinquencie which may be dangerous in example

or execution, albeit true it is how hee is indeede the good

and honest man that will be good, and to that needeth

fewe other precepts. It hath appeared most necessary unto

our present Ethnarches Deputy Governor Sir Thomas

Dale knight Marshall, not onely to exemplifie the old

Lawes of the Colony, by Sir Thomas Gates published and

put in execution by our Lord Generall Laware during his

time one whole yeere of being there, but by vertue of his

office, to prescribe and draw new, with their due penaltyes,

according unto which wee might live in the Colony justly

one with another, and performe the generall service for

which we first came thither, and with so great charges and

expences, are now setled and maintained there.

For my paines, and gathering of them, as I know they

will be right welcom to such young souldiers in the Colony

who are desirous to learne and performe their duties, so I

assure me, that by you I shall bee encouraged to go on in

the discharge of greater offices by examining and favour-

ing my good intention in this, and in what else my poore

knowledge or faithfulnesse may enable me to be a servant

in so beloved and sacred a businesse. And even so com-

mitting to your still most abstract, grave and unsatisfied

carefulnesse, both it and myselfe, I wish returne of seven

fold into such his well inspired bosome, who hath lent his

helping hand unto this new Sion. From my lodging in the

blacke Friers.

At your best pleasures, either to returne unto the

Colony, or to pray for the successe of it heere.

William Strachey.

Articles, Lawes, and Orders, Divine, Politique, and Mar-

tiall for the Colony in Virginea: first established by Sir

Thomas Gates Knight, Lieutenant Generall, the 24th of

May 1610. exemplified and approved by the Right Hon-

ourable Sir Thomas West Knight, Lord Lawair, Lord Gov-

ernour and Captaine Generall the 12th of June 1610.

Againe exemplified and enlarged by Sir Thomas Dale

Knight, Marshall, and Deputie Governour, the 22nd of

June. 1611.

Whereas his Majestie like himselfe a most zealous

Prince hath in his owne Realmes a principall care of true

Religion, and reverence to God, and hath alwaies strictly

commaunded his Generals and Governours, with all his

forces wheresoever, to let their waies be like his ends, for

the glorie of God.

And forasmuch as no good service can be performed,

or warre well managed, where militarie discipline is not

observed, and militarie discipline cannot be kept, where

the rules or chiefe parts thereof, be not certainely set

downe, and generally knowne, I have (with the advise and

counsell of Sir Thomas Gates Knight, Lieutenant Generall)

adhered unto the lawes divine, and orders politique, and

martiall of his Lordship (the same exemplified) an addition

of such others, as I have found either the necessitie of the

present State of the Colonie to require, or the infancie, and

weaknesse of the body thereof, as yet able to digest, and

doe now publish them to all persons in the Colonie, that

they may as well take knowledge of the Lawes themselves,

as of the penaltie and punishment, which without partiali-

tie shall be inflicted upon the breakers of the same.

1. First since we owe our highest and supreme duty,

our greatest, and all our allegeance to him, from whom all

power and authoritie is derived, and flowes as from the

first, and onely fountaine, and being especiall souldiers

emprest in this sacred cause, we must alone expect our

successe from him, who is onely the blesser of all good

attempts, the King of kings, the commaunder of com-

maunders, and Lord of Hostes, I do strictly commaund

and charge all Captaines and Officers, of what qualitie or

nature soever, whether commanders in the field, or in

towne, or townes, forts or fortresses, to have care that the

Almightie God bee duly and daily served, and that they call

upon their people to heare Sermons, as that also they dili-

gently frequent Morning and Evening praier themselves

by their owne exemplar and daily life, and dutie herein,

Early Settlements and Government in the English Colonies 89

encouraging others thereunto, and that such, who shall

often and wilfully absent themselves, be duly punished

according to the martiall law in that case provided.

2. That no man speake impiously or maliciously,

against the holy and blessed Trinitie, or any of the three

persons, that is to say, against God the Father, God the

Son, and God the holy Ghost, or against the knowne Arti-

cles of the Christian faith, upon paine of death.

3. That no man blaspheme Gods holy name upon

paine of death, or use unlawful oathes, taking the name of

God in vaine, curse, or banne, upon paine of severe pun-

ishment for the first offence so committed, and for the sec-

ond, to have bodkin thrust through his tongue, and if he

continue the blaspheming of Gods holy name, for the third

time so offending, he shall be brought to a martiall court,

and there receive censure of death for his offence.

4. No man shall use any traiterous words against his

Majesties Person, or royall authority upon paine of death.

5. No man shall speake any word, or do any act, which

may tend to the derision, or despight of Gods holy word

upon paine of death: Nor shall any man unworthily de-

meane himselfe unto any Preacher, or Minister of the

same, but generally hold them in all reverent regard, and

dutiful intreatie, otherwise he the offender shall openly be

whipt three times, and ask publike forgivenesse in the

assembly of the congregation three several Saboth daies.

6. Everie man and woman duly twice a day upon the

first towling of the Bell shall upon the working daies

repaire unto the Church, to hear divine Service upon pain

of losing his or her dayes allowance for the first omission,

for the second to be whipt, and for the third to be con-

demned to the Gallies for six Moneths. Likewise no man

or woman shall dare to violate or breake the Sabboth by

any gaming, publique, or private abroad, or at home, but

duly sanctifie and observe the same, both himselfe and his

familie, by preparing themselves at home with private

prayer, that they may be the better fitted for the publique,

according to the commandements of God, and the orders

or our Church, as also every man and woman shall repaire

in the morning to the divine service, and Sermons

preached upon the Saboth day, and in the afternoon to

divine service, and Catechising, upon paine for the first

fault to lose their provision, and allowance for the whole

weeke following, for the second to lose the said allowance,

and also to be whipt, and for the third to suffer death.

7. All Preachers or Ministers within this our Colonie,

or Colonies, shall in the Forts, where they are resident,

after divine Service, duly preach every Sabbath day in the

forenoone, and Catechise in the afternoone, and weekely

say the divine service, twice every day, and preach every

Wednesday, likewise every Minister where he is resident,

within the same Fort, or Fortresse, Townes or Towne, shall

chuse unto him, foure of the most religious and better dis-

posed as well to informe of the abuses and neglects of the

people in their duties, and service to God, as also to the

due reparation, and keeping of the Church handsome, and

fitted with all reverent observances thereunto belonging:

likewise every Minister shall keepe a faithful and true

Record, or Church Booke, of all Christnings, Marriages,

and deaths of such our people, as shall happen within their

Fort, or Fortresses, Townes or Towne at any time, upon

the burthen of a neglectfull conscience, and upon paine of

losing their Entertainement.

8. He that upon pretended malice, shall murther or

take away the life of any man, shall bee punished with

death.

9. No man shal commit the horrible, and detestable

sins of Sodomie upon pain of death; and he or she that can

be lawfully convict of Adultery shall be punished with

death. No man shall ravish or force any woman, maid

or Indian, or other, upon pain of death, and know the that

he or shee, that shall commit fornication, and evident

proofe made thereof, for their first fault shall be whipt,

for their second they shall be whipt, and for their third

they shall be whipt three times a weeke for one month,

and aske publique forgivenesse in the Assembly of the

Congregation.

10. No man shall bee found guilty of Sacriledge, which

is a Trespasse as well committed in violating and abusing

any sacred ministry, duty or office of the Church, irrever-

ently, or prophanely, as by beeing a Church robber, to

filch, steale or carry away any thing out of the Church

appertaining thereunto, or unto any holy, and consecrated

place, to the divine Service of God, which no man should

doe upon paine of death: likewise he that shall rob the

store of any commodities therein, of what quality soever,

whether provisions of victuals, or of Arms, Trucking stuffe,

Apparrell, Linnen, or Wollen, Hose or Shooes, Hats or

Caps, Instruments or Tooles of Steele, Iron, etc. or shall

rob from his fellow souldier, or neighbour, any thing that is

his, victuals, apparell, household stuffe, toole, or what nec-

essary else soever, by water or land, out of boate, house, or

knapsack, shall bee punished with death.

11. Hee that shall take an oath untruly, or beare false

witnesse in any cause, or against any man whatsoever, shall

be punished with death.

12. No manner of person whatsoever, shall dare to

detract, slaunder, calumniate, or utter unseemely, and

unfitting speeches, either against his Majesties Hon-

ourable Councell for this Colony, resident in England, or

against the Committees, Assistants unto the said Councell,

or against the zealous indeavors, and intentions of the

whole body of Adventurers for this pious and Christian

Plantation, or against any publique booke, or bookes,

which by their mature advise, and grave wisdomes, shall be

thought fit, to be set foorth and publisht, for the advance-

90 ERA 1: Three Worlds Meet

ment of the good of this Colony, and the felicity thereof,

upon paine for the first time so offending, to bee whipt

three severall times, and upon his knees to acknowledge

his offence and to aske forgivenesse upon the Saboth day

in the assembly of the congregation, and for the second

time so offending to be condemned to the Galley for three

yeares, and for the third time so offending to be punished

with death.

13. No matter of Person whatsoever, contrarie to the

word of God (which tyes every particular and private man,

for conscience sake to obedience, and duty of the Magis-

trate, and such as shall be placed in authoritie over them),

shall detract, slaunder, calumniate, murmur, mutenie,

resist, disobey, or neglect the commaundments, either of

the Lord Governour, and Captaine Generall, the Lieu-

tenant Generall, the Martiall, the Councell, or any autho-

rised Captaine, Commaunder or publike Officer, upon

paine for the first time so offending to be whipt three sev-

erall times, and upon his knees to acknowledge his offence,

with asking forgivenesse upon the Saboth day in the

assembly of the congregation, and for the second time so

offending to be condemned to the Gally for three yeares:

and for the third time so offending to be punished with

death.

14. No man shall give any disgracefull words, or com-

mit any act to the disgrace of any person in this Colonie, or

any part thereof, upon paine of being tied head and feete

together, upon the guard everie night for the space of one

moneth, besides to bee publikely disgraced himselfe, and

be made uncapable ever after to possesse any place, or

execute any office in this imployment.

15. No man of what condition soever shall barter,

trucke, or trade with the Indians, except he be thereunto

appointed by lawful authority, upon paine of death.

16. No man shall rifle or dispoile, by force or violence,

take away any thing from any Indian comming to trade, or

otherwise, upon paine of death.

17. No Cape Marchant, or Provant Master, or Muni-

tion Master, or Truck Master, or keeper of any store, shall

at any time imbezell, sell, or give away any thing under his

Charge to any Favorite, of his, more then unto any other,

whome necessity shall require in that case to have extraor-

dinary allowance of Provisions, nor shall they give a false

accompt unto the Lord Governour, and Captaine Gener-

all, unto the Lieuetenant Generall, unto the Marshall, or

any deputed Governor, at any time having the commaund

of the Colony, with intent to defraud the said Colony, upon

paine of death.

18. No man shall imbezel or take away the goods of

any man that dyeth, or is imployed from the town or Fort

where he dwelleth in any other occasioned remote service,

for the time, upon pain of whipping three severall times,

and restitution of the said goods againe, and in danger of

incurring the penalty of the tenth Article, if so it may come

under the construction of theft. And if any man die and

make a will, his goods shall be accordingly disposed; if hee

die intestate, his goods shall bee put into the store, and

being valued by two sufficient praisers, his next of kinne

(according to the common Lawes of England), shall from

the Company, Committies, or adventurers, receive due

satisfaction in monyes, according as they were praised, by

which meanes the Colonie shall be the better furnished;

and the goods more carefully preserved, for the right

heire, and the right heire receive content for the same in

England.

19. There shall be no Capttain, Master, Marriner, say-

lor, or any else of what quality or condition soever, belong-

ing to any Ship or Ships, at this time remaining, or which

shall hereafter arrive within this our River, bargaine, buy,

truck or trade with any one member in this Colony, man,

woman, or child, for any toole or instrument of iron, steel

or what else, whether appertaining to Smith Carpenter,

Joyner, Shipwright, or any manuall occupation, or handi-

craft man whatsoever, resident within our Colonie, nor

shall they buy or bargaine, for any apparell, linnen, or

wollen, houshold-stuffe, bedde, bedding, sheete towels,

napkins, brasse, pewter, or such like, eyther for ready

money, or provisions, nor shall they exchange their provi-

sions, of what quality soever, whether Butter, Cheese,

Bisket, meal, Oatmele, Aquavite, oyle, Bacon, any kind of

Spice, or such like, for any such aforesaid instruments, or

tooles, Apparell, or household-stuffe, at any time, or so

long as they shall here remain, from the date of these pre-

sents upon paine of losse of their wages in England, con-

fiscation and forfeiture of such their monies and

provisions, and upon peril beside of such corporall punish-

ment as shall be inflicted upon them by verdict and cen-

sure of a martiall Court: Nor shall any officer, souldier, or

Trades man, or any else of what sort soever, members of

this Colony, dare to sell any such Toole, or instruments,

necessary and usefull, for the businesse of the Colonie, or

trucke, sell, exchange, or give away his apparell, or house-

hold stuffe of what sort soever, unto any such Seaman,

either for mony, or any such foresaid provisions, upon

paine of 3 times severall whipping, for the one offender,

and the other upon perill of incurring censure, whether of

disgrace, or addition of such punishment, as shall bee

thought fit by a Court martiall.

20. Whereas sometimes heeretofore the covetous and

wide affections of some greedy and ill disposed Seamen,

Saylers, and Marriners, laying hold upon the advantage of

the present necessity, under which the Colony sometimes

suffered, have sold unto our people, provisions of Meale,

Oatmeale, Bisket, Butter, Cheese etc., at unreasonable

rates, and prises unconscionable: for avoiding the like to

bee now put in practise, there shall no Captain, Master,

Early Settlements and Government in the English Colonies 91