A briefe and true report of the new found land of
Virginia
: of the commodities there found, and to be
raised, aswell merchantable as others: Written by
Thomas Heriot, servant to Sir Walter Ralegh, a
member of the Colony, and there imployed in discovering a full twelvemoneth.
Rafe Lane one of her Majesties Esquiers, and Governour
of the Colony in Virginia
, above mentioned, for the
time there resident, to the gentle Reader wisheth all
happinesse in the Lord.
ALBEIT (gentle Reader) the credit of the reports in this
Treatise contained can little be furthered by the testimony
of one as my selfe, through affection judged partiall,
though without desert: neverthelesse, forsomuch as I
have bene requested by some my particular friends, who
conceive more rightly of me, to deliver freely my knowledge of the same, not onely for the satisfying of them,
but also for the true information of any other whosoever,
that comes not with a prejudicate minde to the reading
thereof: thus much upon my credit I am to affirme, that
things universally are so truely set downe in this Treatise
by the authour thereof, an actor in the Colony, and a
man no lesse for his honesty then learning commendable,
as that I dare boldly avouch, it may very well passe
with the credit of trueth even amongst the most true
relations of this age. Which as for mine owne part I
am ready any way with my word to acknowledge, so
also (of the certaintie thereof assured by mine owne
experience) with this my publique assertion I doe affirme
the same. Farewell in the Lord.
To the Adventurers, Favourers, and Welwillers of the
enterprise for the inhabiting and planting in Virginia
.
SINCE the first undertaking by Sir Walter Ralegh to
deale in the action of discovering of that countrey which
is now called and knowen by the name of Virginia
, many
voyages having beene thither made at sundry times to
his great charge; as first in the yere 1584, and afterwards
in the yeres 1585, 1586, and now of late this last yeere
1587: there have bene divers and variable reports, with
some slanderous and shamefull speeches bruted abroad
by many that returned from thence: especially of that
discovery which was made by the Colony transported by
Sir Richard Grinvile in the yere 1585, being of all others
the most principall, and as yet of most effect, the time
of their abode in the countrey being a whole yere, when
as in the other voyage before they stayed but sixe weeks,
and the others after were onely for supply and transportation, nothing more being discovered then had bene
before. Which reports have not done a little wrong to
many that otherwise would have also favoured and
adventured in the action, to the honour and benefit of
our nation, besides the particular profit and credit which
would redound to themselves the dealers therein, as I
hope by the sequel of events, to the shame of those that
have avouched the contrary, shall be manifest, if you
the adventurers, favourers and welwillers doe but either
increase in number, or in opinion continue, or having
beene doubtfull, renew your good liking and furtherance
to deale therein according to the woorthinesse thereof
already found, and as you shall understand hereafter to
be requisit. Touching which woorthinesse through cause
of the diversity of relations and reports, many of your
opinions could not be firme, nor the minds of some that
are well disposed be setled in any certaintie.
I have therefore thought it good, being one that have
beene in the discoverie, and in dealing with the naturall
inhabitants specially imployed : and having therefore seene
and knowen more then the ordinary, to impart so much
unto you of the fruits of our labours, as that you may
know how injuriously the enterprise is slandered, and
that in publique maner at this present, chiefly for two
respects.
First, that some of you which are yet ignorant or
doubtfull of the state thereof, may see that there is
sufficient cause why the chiefe enterpriser with the favour
of her Majesty, notwithstanding such reports, hath not
onely since continued the action by sending into the
countrey againe, and replanting this last yeere a new
Colony, but is also ready, according as the times and
meanes will affoord, to follow and prosecute the same.
Secondly, that you seeing and knowing the continuance
of the action, by the view hereof you may generally
know and learne what the countrey is, and thereupon
consider how your dealing therein, if it proceed, may
returne you profit and gaine, be it either by inhabiting
and planting, or otherwise in furthering thereof.
And least that the substance of my relation should
be doubtfull unto you, as of others by reason of their
diversitie, I will first open the cause in a few words,
wherefore they are so different, referring my selfe to
your favourable constructions, and to be adjudged of, as
by good consideration you shall finde cause.
Of our company that returned, some for their misdemeanour and ill dealing in the countrey have bene
there worthily punished, who by reason of their bad
natures, have maliciously not onely spoken ill of their
Governours, but for their sakes slandered the countrey
it selfe. The like also have those done which were of
their consort.
Some being ignorant of the state thereof, notwithstanding since their returne amongst their friends &
acquaintance, and also others, especially if they were in
company where they might not be gainsayd, would seeme
to know so much as no men more, and make no men
so great travellers as themselves. They stood so much,
as it may seeme, upon their credit and reputation, that
having bene a twelvemoneth in the countrey, it would
have bene a great disgrace unto them, as they thought,
if they could not have sayd much, whether it were true
or false. Of which some have spoken of more then ever
they saw, or otherwise knew to be there. Other some
have not bene ashamed to make absolute deniall of that,
which although not by them, yet by others is most
certainly and there plentifully knowen, & other some
make difficulties of those things they have no skill of.
The cause of their ignorance was, in that they were
of that many that were never out of the Island where
we were seated, or not farre, or at the least wise in
few places els, during the time of our abode in the
country: or of that many, that after gold & silver was
not so soone found, as it was by them looked for, had
litle or no care of any other thing but to pamper their
bellies: or of that many which had litle understanding,
lesse discretion, and more tongue then was needfull or
requisite.
Some also were of a nice bringing up, only in cities
or townes, or such as never (as I may say) had scene
the world before. Because there were not to be found
any English cities, nor such faire houses, nor at their
owne wish any of their old accustomed dainty food, nor
any soft beds of downe or feathers, the countrey was to
them miserable, and their reports thereof according.
Because my purpose was but in briefe to open the
cause of the variety of such speeches, the particularities
of them, and of many envious, malicious, and slanderous
reports and devices els, by our owne countreymen besides,
as trifles that are not worthy of wise men to be thought
upon, I meane not to trouble you withall, but will passe
to the commodities, the substance of that which I have
to make relation of unto you.
The Treatise whereof, for your more ready view and
easier understanding, I will divide into three speciall
parts. In the first I will make declaration of such commodities there already found or to be raised, which will
not onely serve the ordinary turnes of you which are
and shall be the planters and inhabitants, but such an
overplus sufficiently to be yeelded, or by men of skill to
be provided, as by way of traffique and exchange with
our owne nation of England
, will inrich your selves the
providers: those that shall deale with you, the enter
prisers in generall, and greatly profit our owne countreymen, to supply them with most things which heretofore
they have bene faine to provide either of strangers or
of our enemies, which commodities, for distinction sake,
I call Merchantable.
In the second I will set downe all the commodities
which we know the countrey by our experience doth yeeld
of it selfe for victuall and sustenance of mans life, such
as are usually fed upon by the inhabitants of the countrey,
as also by us during the time we were there.
In the last part I will make mention generally of such
other commodities besides, as I am able to remember,
and as I shall thinke behoovefull for those that shall
inhabit, and plant there, to know of, which specially
concerne building, as also some other necessary uses:
with a briefe description of the nature and maners of
the people of the countrey.
The first part of Merchantable commodities.
SILKE of grasse, or Grasse silke. There is a kind of
grasse in the country, upon the blades whereof there
groweth very good silke in forme of a thin glittering
skin to be stript off. It groweth two foot & an halfe
high or better: the blades are about two foot in length,
and halfe an inch broad. The like groweth in Persia
,
which is in the selfe same climate as Virginia
, of which
very many of the Silke works that come from thence into
Europe
are made. Hereof if it be planted and ordered
as in Persia
, it cannot in reason be otherwise, but that
there will rise in short time great profit to the dealers
therein, seeing there is so great use and vent thereof
aswel in our countrey as elsewhere. And by the meanes
of sowing and planting it in good ground, it will be farre
greater, better, and more plentifull then it is. Although
notwithstanding there is great store thereof in many
places of the countrey growing naturally and wild, which
also by proofe here in England
, in making a piece of
Silke grogran, we found to be excellent good.
Worme silke. In many of our journeys we found
Silke-wormes faire and great, as bigge as our ordinary
Walnuts. Although it hath not bene our hap to have
found such plenty, as elswhere to be in the countrey we
have heard of, yet seeing that the countrey doth naturally
breed and nourish them, there is no doubt but if arte
be added in planting of Mulberie trees, and others, fit
for them in commodious places, for their feeding &
nourishing, and some of them carefully gathered & husbanded in that sort, as by men of skil is knowen to be
necessary: there wil rise as great profit in time to the
Virginians, as thereof doth now to the Persians, Turks,
Italians and Spanyards.
Flaxe and Hempe. The trueth is, that of Hempe and
Flaxe there is no great store in any one place together,
by reason it is not planted but as the soile doth yeeld
of it selfe: and howsoever the leafe and stemme or stalke
do differ from ours, the stuffe by judgement of men of
skill is altogether as good as ours: and if not, as further
proofe should finde otherwise, we have that experience
of the soile, as that there cannot be shewed any reason
to the contrary, but that it will grow there excellent
well, and by planting will be yeelded plentifully, seeing
there is so much ground whereof some may well be applied
to such purposes. What benefit heereof may grow in
cordage and linnens who cannot easily understand?
Allum. There is a veine of earth along the sea coast
for the space of forty or fifty miles, whereof by the judgement of some that have made triall here in England
, is
made good Allum, of that kind which is called Roch
allum. The richnesse of such a commodity is so well
knowen, that I need not to say any thing thereof. The
same earth doth also yeeld White coprasse, Nitrum, and
Alumen plumeum, but nothing so plentifully as the
common Allum, which be also of price, and profitable.
Wapeih. A kind of earth so called by the naturall
inhabitants, very like to Terra sigillata, and having bene
refined, it hath bene found by some of our Physicians
and Chyrurgians, to be of the same kind of vertue, and
more effectuall. The inhabitants use it very much for
the cure of sores and wounds: there is in divers places
great plenty, and in some places of a blew sort.
Pitch, Tarre, Rozen and Turpentine. There are those
kinds of trees which yeeld them abundantly and great
store. In the very same Island where we were seated,
being fifteene miles of length, and five or sixe miles in
breadth, there are few trees els but of the same kinde,
the whole Island being full.
Sassafras, called by the inhabitants Winauk, a kind of
wood of most pleasant and sweet smell, and of most
rare vertues in physicke for the cure of many diseases.
It is found by experience to be far better and of more uses
then the wood which is called Guaiacum, or Lignum vitae.
For the description, the maner of using, and the manifold
vertues therof, I refer you to the booke of Monardes,
translated and entituled in
English, The joyfull newes
from the West Indies.
Cedar. A very sweet wood, and fine timber, whereof
if nests of chests be there made, or timber thereof fitted
for sweet and fine bedsteds, tables, desks, lutes, virginals,
and many things els, (of which there hath bene proofe
made already) to make up fraight with other principall
commodities, will yeeld profit.
Wine. There are two kindes of grapes that the soile
doth yeeld naturally, the one is small and sowre, of the
ordinary bignesse as ours in England
, the other farre
greater and of himselfe lushious sweet. When they are
planted and husbanded as they ought, a principall commodity of wines by them may be raised.
Oile. There are two sorts of Walnuts, both holding
oile; but the one farre more plentifull then the other.
When there are mils and other devices for the purpose,
a commodity of them may be raised, because there are
infinite store. There are also three severall kindes of
berries in the forme of Oke-akornes, which also by the
experience and use of the inhabitants, we find to yeeld
very good and sweet oile. Furthermore, the beares of
the countrey are commonly very fat, and in some places
there are many. Their fatnesse, because it is so liquid,
may well be termed oile, and hath many speciall uses.
Furres. All along the Sea coast there are great store
of Otters, which being taken by weares and other engines
made for the purpose, wil yeeld good profit. We hope
also of Marterne furres, and make no doubt by the
relation of the people, but that in some places of the
countrey there are store, although there were but two
skinnes that came to our hands. Luzernes also we have
understanding of, although for the time we saw none.
Deers skinnes dressed after the maner of Chamoes,
or undressed, are to be had of the naturall inhabitants
thousands yerely by way of traffike for trifles, and no
more waste or spoile of Deere then is and hath bene
ordinarily in time before.
Civet-cats. In our travels there was found one to have
bin killed by a Savage or inhabitant, & in another place
the smel where one or more had lately bene before,
whereby we gather, besides then by the relation of the
people, that there are some in the country: good profit
will rise by them.
Iron. In two places of the countrey specially, one
about fourescore, & the other six score miles from the
fort or place where we dwelt, we found nere the water
side the ground to be rocky, which by the triall of a
Minerall man was found to holde iron richly. It is
found in many places of the country els: I know nothing
to the contrary, but that it may be allowed for a good
merchantable commodity, considering there the small
charge for the labour & feeding of men, the infinite store
of wood, the want of wood & deerenesse thereof in
England
, and the necessity of ballasting of ships.
Copper. An hundred and fifty miles into the maine
in two townes we found with the inhabitants divers small
plates of Copper, that had bene made as we understood
by the inhabitants that dwell further into the country,
where as they say are mountaines and rivers that yeeld
also white graines of mettall, which is to be deemed
Silver. For confirmation whereof, at the time of our first
arrivall in the countrey, I saw, with some others with
me, two small pieces of Silver grosly beaten, about the
weight of a testron, hanging in the eares of a Wiroans or
chiefe lord that dwelt about fourescore miles from us: of
whom through inquiry, by the number of dayes and the
way, I learned that it had come to his hands from the
same place or neere, where I after understood the Copper
was made, and the white graines of metall found. The
aforesayd Copper we also found by triall to holde Silver.
Pearle. Sometimes in feeding on Muscles we found
some Pearle: but it was our happe to meet with ragges,
or of a pide colour: not having yet discovered those
places where we heard of better and more plenty. One
of our company, a man of skill in such matters, had
gathered together from among the Savage people about
five thousand: of which number he chose so many as made
a faire chaine, which for their likenesse and uniformity in
roundnesse, orientnesse, and pidenesse of many excellent
colours, with equality in greatnesse, were very faire and
rare: and had therefore beene presented to her Majesty,
had we not by casualty, and through extremity of a storme
lost them, with many things els in comming away from
the countrey.
Sweet gummes of divers kinds, and many other
Apothecary drugges, of which we will make speciall mention, when we shall receive it from such men of skill in
that kinde, that in taking reasonable paines shal discover
them more particularly then we have done, and then now
I can make relation of, for want of the examples I had
provided and gathered, and are now lost, with other
things by casualty before mentioned.
Dies of divers kinds: There is Shoemake well knowen,
and used in England
for blacke: the seed of an herbe
called Wasebur, little small roots called Chappacor, and
the barke of the tree called by the inhabitants Tangomockonomindge: which dies are for divers sorts of red:
their goodnesse for our English clothes remaine yet to be
prooved. The inhabitants use them only for the dying of
haire, and colouring of their faces, and mantles made of
Deere skinnes: and also for the dying of rushes to make
artificiall works withall in their mats and baskets: having
no other thing besides that they account of, apt to use
them for. If they will not proove merchantable, there
is no doubt but the planters there shall finde apt uses
for them, as also for other colours which we know to
be there.
Woad: a thing of so great vent and uses amongst
English Diers, which can not be yeelded sufficiently in
our owne countrey for spare of ground, may be planted
in Virginia
, there being ground enough. The growth
thereof need not to be doubted, when as in the
Islands
of the Acores it groweth plentifully, which are in the same
climate. So likewise of Madder.
We caried thither Suger-canes to plant, which being
not so well preserved as was requisite, and besides the
time of the yeere being past for their setting when we
arrived, we could not make that proofe of them as we
desired. Notwithstanding, seeing that they grow in the
same climate, in the South part of Spaine, and in
Barbary, our hope in reason may yet continue. So likewise
for Orenges and Limmons. There may be planted also
Quinses. Whereby may grow in reasonable time, if the
action be diligently prosecuted, no small commodities
in Sugars, Suckets, and Marmelades.
Many other commodities by planting may there also
be raised, which I leave to your discreet and gentle considerations: and many also may be there, which yet we
have not discovered. Two more commodities of great
value, one of certeinty, and the other in hope, not to
be planted, but there to be raised and in short time to
be provided, and prepared, I might have specified. So
likewise of those commodities already set downe I might
have sayd more: as of the particular places where they
are found, and best to be planted and prepared: by what
meanes, and in what reasonable space of time they might
be raised to profit, and in what proportion: but because
others then welwillers might be there withall acquainted,
not to the good of the action, I have wittingly omitted
them: knowing that to those that are well disposed, I
have uttered, according to my promise and purpose, for
this part sufficient.
The second part of such commodities as Virginia
is
knowen to yeeld for victuall and sustenance of mans
life, usually fed upon by the naturall inhabitants; as
also by us, during the time of our abode: and first
of such as are sowed and husbanded.
PAGATOWR, a kinde of graine so called by the inhabitants:
the same in the West Indies is called Mayz: English
men call it Guiny-wheat or Turkey-wheat, according to
the names of the countreys from whence the like hath
beene brought. The graine is about the bignesse of our
ordinary English peaze, and not much different in forme
and shape: but of divers colours: some white, some
red, some yellow, and some blew. All of them yeeld
a very white and sweet flowre: being used according to
his kinde, it maketh a very good bread. We made of
the same in the countrey some Mault, whereof was
brewed as good Ale as was to be desired. So likewise
by the helpe of Hops, therof may be made as good
Beere. It is a graine of marvellous great increase: of
a thousand, fifteene hundred, and some two thousand
folde. There are three sorts, of which two are ripe in
eleven & twelve weeks at the most, sometimes in tenne,
after the time they are set, and are then of height in
stalke about sixe or seven foot. The other sort is ripe
in foureteene, and is about tenne foot high, of the stalks
some beare foure heads, some three, some one, and some
two: every head conteining five, sixe, or seven hundred
graines, within a few more or lesse. Of these graines,
besides bread, the inhabitants make victuall, either by
parching them, or seething them whole untill they be
broken: or boiling the flowre with water into a pap.
Okindgier, called by us Beanes, because in greatnesse
and partly in shape they are like to the beanes in England
, saving that they are flatter, of more divers colours,
and some pide. The leafe also of the stemme is much
different. In taste they are altogether as good as our
English peaze.
Wickonzowr, called by us Peaze, in respect of the
Beanes, for distinction sake, because they are much lesse,
although in forme they litle differ: but in goodnesse of
taste much like, and are far better then our English
Peaze. Both the beanes and peaze are ripe in ten weeks
after they are set. They make them victuall either by
boiling them all to pieces into a broth, or boiling them
whole untill they be soft, and beginne to breake, as is
used in England
, either by themselves, or mixtly together: sometime they mingle of the Wheat with them:
sometime also, being whole sodden, they bruse or punne
them in a morter, and therof make loaves or lumps of
doughish bread, which they use to eat for variety.
Macocquer, according to their several formes, called
by us Pompions, Melons, and Gourds, because they are
of the like formes as those kinds in England
. In Virginia
such of severall formes are of one taste, and very good,
and do also spring from one seed. There are of two
sorts: one is ripe in the space of a moneth, and the
other in two moneths.
There is an herbe which in Dutch is called Melden.
Some of those that I describe it unto take it to be a
kinde of Orage: it groweth about foure or five foot
high: of the seed thereof they make a thicke broth, and
pottage of a very good taste: of the stalke by burning
into ashes they make a kinde of salt earth, wherewithall
many use sometimes to season their broths: other salt
they know not. We our selves used the leaves also for
pot-herbs.
There is also another great herbe, in forme of a Marigolde, about sixe foot in height, the head with the floure
is a spanne in breadth. Some take it to be Planta Solis:
of the seeds hereof they make both a kinde of bread and
broth.
All the aforesayd commodities for victuall are set or
sowed, sometimes in grounds apart and severally by themselves, but for the most part together in one ground
mixtly: the maner thereof, with the dressing and preparing of the ground, because I will note unto you the
fertility of the soile, I thinke good briefly to describe.
The ground they never fatten with mucke, dung, or
any other thing, neither plow nor digge it as we in
England
, but onely prepare it in sort as followeth. A
few dayes before they sowe or set, the men with woodden
instruments made almost in forme of mattocks or hoes
with long handles: the women with short peckers or
parers, because they use them sitting, of a foot long,
and about five inches in breadth, doe onely breake the
upper part of the ground to raise up the weeds, grasse,
and olde stubbes of corne stalks with their roots. The
which after a day or two dayes drying in the Sunne,
being scrapt up into many small heaps, to save them
labour for carying them away, they burne into ashes.
And whereas some may thinke that they use the ashes
for to better the ground, I say that then they would
either disperse the ashes abroad, which wee observed
they do not, except the heaps be too great, or els would
take speciall care to set their corne where the ashes lie,
which also wee finde they are carelesse of. And this is
all the husbanding of their ground that they use.
Then their setting or sowing is after this maner. First
for their corne, beginning in one corner of the plot, with
a pecker they make a hole, wherein they put foure
graines, with care that they touch not one another (about
an inch asunder) & cover them with the molde againe:
and so thorowout the whole plot making such holes, and
using them after such maner, but with this regard, that
they be made in ranks, every ranke differing from other
halfe a fadome or a yard, and the holes also in every
ranke as much. By this meanes there is a yard spare
ground betweene every hole: where according to discretion here and there, they set as many Beanes and
Peaze; in divers places also among the seeds of
Macocquer, Melden, and Planta solis.
The ground being thus set according to the rate by
us experimented, an English acre conteining forty
pearches in length, and foure in breadth, doth there
yeeld in croppe or ofcome of corne, Beanes and Peaze,
at the least two hundred London
bushels, besides the
Macocquer, Melden, and Planta solis; when as in England
forty bushels of our Wheat yeelded out of such an
acre is thought to be much.
I thought also good to note this unto you, that you
which shall inhabit, and plant there, may know how
specially that countrey corne is there to be preferred
before ours: besides, the manifold wayes in applying
it to victual, the increase is so much, that small labor
& paines is needful in respect of that which must be used
for ours. For this I can assure you that according to
the rate we have made proofe of, one man may prepare
and husband so much ground (having once borne corne
before) with lesse then foure and twenty houres labour,
as shall yeeld him victual in a large proportion for a
twelvemoneth, if he have nothing els but that which the
same ground will yeeld, and of that kinde onely which
I have before spoken of: the sayd ground being also
but of five and twenty yards square. And if need require,
but that there is ground enough, there might be raised
out of one and the selfesame ground two harvests or
ofcomes: for they sow or set, and may at any time when
they thinke good, from the midst of March untill the
end of June: so that they also set when they have eaten
of their first croppe. In some places of the countrey
notwithstanding they have two harvests, as we have
heard, out of one and the same ground.
For English corne neverthelesse, whether to use or
not to use it, you that inhabit may doe as you shall
have further cause to thinke best. Of the growth you
need not to doubt: for Barley, Oats, and Peaze, we have
seene proofe of, not being purposely sowen, but fallen
casually in the woorst sort of ground, and yet to be as
faire as any we have ever scene heere in England
. But
of Wheat, because it was musty, and had taken salt
water, we could make no triall: and of Rie we had none.
Thus much have I digressed, and I hope not unnecessarily: now will I returne againe to my course, and
intreat of that which yet remaineth, apperteining to this
chapter.
There is an herbe which is sowed apart by it selfe,
and is called by the inhabitants Uppowoc: in the West
Indies it hath divers names, according to the severall
places and countreys where it groweth and is used: the
Spanyards generally call it Tabacco. The leaves thereof
being dried and brought into pouder, they use to take
the fume or smoake thereof, by sucking it thorow pipes
made of clay, into their stomacke and head; from whence
it purgeth superfluous fleame and other grosse humours,
and openeth all the pores and passages of the body: by
which meanes the use thereof not onely preserveth the
body from obstructions, but also (if any be, so that they
have not bene of too long continuance) in short time
breaketh them: whereby their bodies are notably preserved in health, and know not many grievous diseases,
wherewithall we in England
are often times afflicted.
This Uppowoc is of so precious estimation amongst
them, that they thinke their gods are marvellously
delighted therewith: whereupon sometime they make
hallowed fires, and cast some of the pouder therin for
a sacrifice: being in a storme upon the waters, to pacific
their gods, they cast some up into the aire and into the
water: so a weare for fish being newly set up, they cast
some therein and into the aire: also after an escape of
danger, they cast some into the aire likewise: but all
done with strange gestures, stamping, sometime dancing,
clapping of hands, holding up of hands, and staring up
into the heavens, uttering therewithall, and chattering
strange words and noises.
We our selves, during the time we were there, used
to sucke it after their maner, as also since our returne,
and have found many rare and woonderfull experiments
of the vertues thereof: of which the relation would
require a volume by it selfe: the use of it by so many
of late men and women of great calling, as els, and some
learned Physicians also, is sufficient witnesse.
And these are all the commodities for sustenance of
life, that I know and can remember, they use to husband:
all els that follow, are found growing naturally or wilde.
Of Roots.
OPENAUK are a kinde of roots of round forme, some of
the bignesse of Walnuts, some farre greater, which are
found in moist and marish grounds growing many
together one by another in ropes, as though they were
fastened with a string. Being boiled or sodden, they
are very good meat. Monardes calleth these roots, Beads
or Pater nostri of Santa Helena.
Okeepenauk are also of round shape, found in dry
grounds: some are of the bignesse of a mans head.
They are to be eaten as they are taken out of the ground:
for by reason of their drinesse they will neither rost
nor seethe. Their taste is not so good as of the former
roots: notwithstanding for want of bread, and sometimes for variety the inhabitants use to eat them with
fish or flesh, and in my judgement they do as well as
the housholde bread made of Rie here in England
.
Kaishucpenauk, a white kinde of roots about the bignesse of hennes egges, and neere of that forme: their
taste was not so good to our seeming as of the other,
and therefore their place and maner of growing not so
much cared for by us: the inhabitants notwithstanding
used to boile and eat many.
Tsinaw, a kind of root much like unto that which in
England
is called the China
root brought from the East
Indies. And we know not any thing to the contrary
but that it may be of the same kinde. These roots grow
many together in great clusters, and do bring foorth a
brier stalke, but the leafe in shape farre unlike: which
being supported by the trees it groweth neerest unto,
will reach or climbe to the top of the highest. From
these roots while they be new or fresh, being chopt into
small pieces, and stampt, is strained with water a juice
that maketh bread, and also being boiled, a very good
spoonmeat in maner of a gelly, and is much better in
taste, if it be tempered with oile. This Tsinaw is not
of that sort, which by some was caused to be brought into
England
for the China
root; for it was discovered since,
and is in use as is aforesayd: but that which was brought
hither is not yet knowen, neither by us nor by the
inhabitants to serve for any use or purpose, although
the roots in shape are very like.
Coscushaw some of our company tooke to be that
kinde of root which the Spanyards in the West Indies
call Cassavy, whereupon also many called it by that
name: it groweth in very muddy pooles, and moist
grounds. Being dressed according to the countrey maner,
it maketh a good bread, and also a good spoonmeat,
and is used very much by the inhabitants. The juice
of this root is poison, & therefore heed must be taken
before any thing be made therewithall: either the roots
must be first sliced and dried in the Sunne, or by the
fire, and then being punned into floure, will make good
bread: or els while they are greene they are to be pared,
cut in pieces, and stampt: loaves of the same to be layd
nere or over the fire untill it be sowre; and then being
well punned againe, bread or spoonmeat very good in
taste and holesome may be made thereof.
Habascon is a root of hote taste, almost of the forme
and bignesse of a Parsnip: of it selfe it is no victuall,
but onely a helpe, being boiled together with other meats.
There are also Leeks, differing little from ours in
England
, that grow in many places of the countrey; of
which, when we came in places where they were, we
gathered and eat many, but the naturall inhabitants
never.
Of Fruits.
CHESTNUTS there are in divers places great store: some
they use to eat raw, some they stampe and boile to make
spoonmeat, and with some being sodden, they make such
a maner of dough bread as they use of their beanes
before mentioned.
Walnuts. There are two kinds of Walnuts, and of
them infinite store: in many places, where are very great
woods for many miles together, the third part of trees
are Walnut trees. The one kinde is of the same taste
and forme, or little differing from ours of England
, but
that they are harder and thicker shelled: the other is
greater, and hath a very ragged and hard shell: but the
kernel great, very oily and sweet. Besides their eating
of them after our ordinary maner, they breake them with
stones, and punne them in morters with water, to make
a milke which they use to put into some sorts of their
spoonemeat: also among their sodde wheat, peaze, beanes
and pompions, which maketh them have a farre more
pleasant taste.
Medlars, a kinde of very good fruit: so called by us
chiefly for these respects: first in that they are not
good untill they be rotten, then in that they open at the
head as our Medlars, and are about the same bignesse:
otherwise in taste and colour they are farre different;
for they are as red as cheries, and very sweet: but
whereas the chery is sharpe sweet, they are lushious
sweet.
Mutaquesunnauk, a kinde of pleasant fruit almost of
the shape and bignesse of English peares, but that they
are of a perfect red colour aswell within as without.
They grow on a plant whose leaves are very thicke, and
full of prickles as sharpe as needles. Some that have
beene in the Indies, where they have seene that kind of
red die of great price, which is called Cochinile, to grow,
doe describe his plant right like unto this of Metaquesunnauk; but whether it be the true Cochinile, or a bastard
or wilde kinde, it cannot yet be certified, seeing that
also, as I heard, Cochinile is not of the fruit, but found
on the leaves of the plant: which leaves for such matter
we have not so specially observed.
Grapes there are of two sorts, which I mentioned in
the merchantable commodities.
Strawberies there are as good and as great as those
which we have in our English gardens.
Mulberies, Applecrabs, Hurts or Hurtleberies, such as
we have in England
.
Sacquenummener, a kinde of berries almost like unto
Capers, but somewhat greater, which grow together in
clusters upon a plant or hearbe that is found in shallow
waters: being boiled eight or nine houres according to
their kinde, are very good meat and holesome; otherwise
if they be eaten they will make a man for the time frantike or extremely sicke.
There is a kinde of Reed which beareth a seed almost
like unto our Rie or Wheat; and being boiled is good
meat.
In our travels in some places we found Wilde peaze
like unto ours in England
, but that they were lesse, which
are also good meat.
Of a kinde of fruit or berry in forme of Acornes.
THERE is a kinde of berry or acorne, of which there are
five sorts that grow on severall kindes of trees: the one
is called Sagatemener, the second Osamener, the third
Pummuckoner. These kinde of acornes they use to drie
upon hurdles made of reeds, with fire underneath, almost
after the maner as we dry Malt in England
. When they
are to be used, they first water them untill they be soft,
and then being sod, they make a good victuall, either
to eat so simply, or els being also punned to makes loaves
or lumps of bread. These be also the three kinds, of
which I sayd before the inhabitants used to make sweet
oile.
Another sort is called Sapummener, which being boiled
or parched, doth eat and taste like unto Chesnuts. They
sometime also make bread of this sort.
The fift sort is called Mangummenauk, and is the
acorne of their kinde of Oake, the which being dried
after the maner of the first sorts, and afterward watered,
they boile them, and their servants, or sometime the
chiefe themselves, either for variety or for want of bread,
do eat them with their fish or flesh.
Of Beasts.
DEERE, in some places there are great store: neere unto
the Sea coast they are of the ordinary bignesse of ours
in England
, and some lesse: but further up into the
countrey, where there is better food, they are greater:
they differ from ours onely in this, their tailes are longer,
and the snags of their hornes looke backward.
Conies. Those that we have seene, and all that we
can heare of are of a gray colour like unto Hares: in
some places there are such plenty that all the people of
some townes make them mantles of the furre or flue of
the skinnes of those which they usually take.
Saquenuckot and Maquowoc, two kinds of small beasts
greater then Conies, which are very good meat. We
never tooke any of them our selves but sometime eat of
such as the inhabitants had taken and brought unto us.
Squirels, which are of a grey colour, we have taken
and eaten.
Beares, which are of blacke colour. The beares of this
countrey are good meat. The inhabitants in time of
Winter do use to take & eat many: so also sometime
did we. They are taken commonly in this sort: In some
Islands or places where they are, being hunted for,
assoone as they have spiall of a man, they presently run
away, and then being chased, they clime and get up the
next tree they can: from whence with arrowes they are
shot downe starke dead, or with those wounds that they
may after easily be killed. We sometime shot them
downe with our calievers.
I have the names of eight and twenty severall sorts
of beasts, which I have heard of to be here and there
dispersed in the countrey, especially in the maine: of
which there are only twelve kinds that we have yet discovered; and of those that be good meat we know only
them before mentioned. The inhabitants sometime kill
the Lion, and eat him: and we sometime as they came
to our hands of their Woolves or Woolvish dogs, which
I have not set downe for good meat, least that some
would understand my judgement therein to be more
simple then needeth, although I could alleage the difference in taste of those kinds from ours, which by some
of our company have bene experimented in both.
Of Fowle.
TURKIE cocks and Turkie hennes, Stockdoves, Partridges,
Cranes, Hernes, and in Winter great store of Swannes
and Geese. Of all sorts of fowle I have the names in
the countrey language of fourescore and sixe, of which
number, besides those that be named, we have taken,
eaten, & have the pictures as they were there drawen,
with the names of the inhabitants, of severall strange
sorts of water fowle eight, and seventeene kinds more
of land fowle, although we have seene and eaten of many
more, which for want of leasure there for the purpose,
could not be pictured: and after we are better furnished
and stored upon further discovery with their strange
beasts, fish, trees, plants, and herbs, they shalbe also
published.
There are also Parrots, Faulcons, and Marlin hauks,
which although with us they be not used for meat, yet
for other causes I thought good to mention.
Of Fish.
FOR foure moneths of the yeere, February, March, Aprill
and May, there are plenty of Sturgeons. And also in
the same moneths of Herrings, .some of the ordinary
bignesse of ours in England
, but the most part farre
greater, of eighteene, twenty inches, and some two foot
in length and better: both these kinds of fish in those
moneths are most plentifull, and in best season, which
we found to be most delicate and pleasant meat.
There are also Trouts, Porpoises, Rayes, Oldwives,
Mullets, Plaice, and very many other sorts of excellent
good fish, which we have taken and eaten, whose names
I know not but in the countrey language: we have the
pictures of twelve sorts more, as they were drawen in
the countrey, with their names.
The inhabitants use to take them two maner of wayes;
the one is by a kinde of weare made of reeds, which in
that country are very strong: the other way, which is
more strange, is with poles made sharpe at one end, by
shooting them into the fish after the maner as Irish men
cast darts, either as they are rowing in their boats, or
els as they are wading in the shallowes for the purpose.
There are also in many places plenty of these kinds
which follow:
Sea-crabs, such as we have in England
.
Oisters, some very great, and some small, some round,
and some of a long shape: they are found both in salt
water and brackish, and those that we had out of salt
water are farre better then the other, as in our countrey.
Also Muscles, Scalops, Periwinkles, and Crevises.
Seekanauk, a kinde of crusty shel-fish, which is good
meat, about a foot in bredth, having a crusty taile many
legges like a crab, and her eyes in her backe. They
are found in shallowes of waters, and sometime on the
shore.
There are many Tortoises both of land and sea kinde,
their backs and bellies are shelled very thicke; their
head, feet, and taile, which are in appearance, seeme
ougly, as though they were members of a serpent or
venimous beasts; but notwithstanding they are very good
meat, as also their eggs. Some have bene found of a
yard in bredth and better.
And thus have I made relation of all sorts of victuall
that we fed upon for the time we were in Virginia
, as
also the inhabitants themselves, as farre forth as I know
and can remember, or that are specially woorthy to be
remembred.
The third and last part of such other things as are
behovefull for those which shall plant and inhabite to
know of, with a description of the nature and maners
of the people of the Countrey.
Of commodities for building and other necessary uses.
THOSE other things which I am more to make rehearsal
of, are such as concerne building, & other mechanicall
necessary uses, as divers sorts of trees for house and
ship-timber, and other uses else: Also lime, stone, and
bricke, least that being not mentioned some might have
bene doubted of, or by some that are malitious the
contrary reported.
Okes there are as faire, straight, tall, and as good
timber as any can be, and also great store, and in some
places very great.
Walnut trees, as I have said before very many, some
have bene seene excellent faire timber of foure and five
fadome, and above fourescore foote streight without
bough.
Firre trees fit for masts of ships, some very tall and
great.
Rakiock, a kinde of trees so called that are sweete
wood, of which the inhabitants that were neere unto
us doe commonly make their boates or Canoas of the
forme of trowes, onely with the helpe of fire, hatchets
of stones, and shels: we have knowen some so great
being made in that sort of one tree, that they have caried
well 20. men at once, besides much baggage: the timber
being great, tall, streight, soft, light, and yet tough
ynough I thinke (besides other uses) to be fit also for
masts of ships.
Cedar, a sweete wood good for seelings, chests, boxes,
bedsteads, lutes, virginals, and many things els, as I
have also said before. Some of our company which have
wandered in some places where I have not bene, have
made certaine affirmation of Cyprus
, which for such and
other excellent uses is also a wood of price and no small
estimation.
Maple, and also Wich-hazle, whereof the inhabitants
use to make their bowes.
Holly, a necessary thing for the making of birdlime.
Willowes good for the making of weares and weeles
to take fish after the English maner, although the
inhabitants use onely reedes, which because they are so
strong as also flexible, doe serve for that turne very well
and sufficiently.
Beech and Ashe, good for caske-hoopes, and if neede
require, plowe worke, as also for many things els.
Elme.} { Sassafras trees.
Ascopo a kinde of tree very like unto Lawrell, the
barke is hot in taste and spicie, it is very like to that
tree which Monardes describeth to be Cassia Lignea of
the West Indies.
There are many other strange trees whose names I
know not but in the Virginian language, of which I am
not now able, neither is it so convenient for the present
to trouble you with particular relation: seeing that for
timber and other necessary uses, I have named sufficient.
And of many of the rest, but that they may be applied
to good use, I know no cause to doubt.
Now for stone, bricke, and lime, thus it is. Neere
unto the Sea coast where wee dwelt, there are no kinde
of stones to be found (except a few small pebbles about
foure miles off) but such as have bene brought from
further out of the maine. In some of our voyages we
have seene divers hard raggie stones, great pebbles, and
a kinde of gray stone like unto marble of which the
inhabitants make their hatchets to cleave wood. Upon
inquirie wee heard that a little further up into the
Countrey were of all sorts very many, although of
quarries they are ignorant, neither have they use of any
store whereupon they should have occasion to seeke any.
For if every housholde have one or two to cracke nuts,
grinde shels, whet copper, and sometimes other stones
for hatchets, they have ynough: neither use they any
digging, but onely for graves about three foote deepe:
and therefore no marveile that they know neither quarries,
nor lime-stones, which both may be in places neerer then
they wot of.
In the meane time until there be discovery of sufficient
store in some place or other convenient, the want of
you which are & shalbe the planters therein may be as
well supplied by bricke : for the making whereof in divers
places of the Countrey there is clay both excellent good,
and plentie, and also by lime made of oyster shels, and
of others burnt, after the maner as they use in the
Isles
of Tenet and Shepy, and also in divers other places of
England
: Which kinde of lime is well knowen to be as
good as any other. And of oyster shels there is plentie
ynough: for besides divers other particular places where
are abundance, there is one shallow Sound along the
coast, where for the space of many miles together in
length, and two or three miles in breadth, the ground is
nothing els, being but halfe a foote or a foote under
water for the most part.
Thus much can I say furthermore of stones, that about
120. miles from our fort neere the water in the side of
a hill, was found by a Gentleman of our company, a
great veine of hard ragge stones, which I thought good
to remember unto you.
Of the nature and maners of the people.
IT resteth I speake a word or two of the naturall inhabitants, their natures and maners, leaving large discourse
thereof until time more convenient hereafter: nowe onely
so farre foorth, as that you may know, how that they in
respect of troubling our inhabiting and planting, are not
to be feared, but that they shall have cause both to feare
and love us, that shall inhabite with them.
They are a people clothed with loose mantles made of
deere skinnes, and aprons of the same round about their
middles, all els naked, of such a difference of statures
onely as wee in England
, having no edge tooles or
weapons of yron or steele to offend us withall, neither
knowe they how to make any: those weapons that they
have, are onely bowes made of Witch-hazle, and arrowes
of reedes, flat edged truncheons also of wood about a
yard long, neither have they any thing to defend themselves but targets made of barkes, and some armours
made of sticks wickered together with thread.
Their townes are but small, and neere the Sea coast
but fewe, some contayning but tenne or twelve houses;
some 20. the greatest that we have seene hath bene but
of 30. houses: if they bee walled, it is onely done with
barkes of trees made fast to stakes, or els with poles
onely fixed upright, and close one by another.
Their houses are made of small poles, made fast at
the tops in round forme after the maner as is used in
many arbories in our gardens of England
, in most townes
covered with barkes, and in some with artificiall mats
made of long rushes, from the tops of the houses downe
to the ground. The length of them is commonly double
to the breadth, in some places they are but 12. and 16.
yards long, and in other some we have seene of foure
and twentie.
In some places of the Countrey, one onely towne
belongeth to the government of a Wiroans or chiefe
Lord, in other some two or three, in some sixe, eight,
and more: the greatest Wiroans that yet wee had dealing
with, had but eighteene townes in his government, and
able to make not above seven or eight hundreth fighting
men at the most. The language of every government
is different from any other, and the further they are
distant, the greater is the difference.
Their maner of warres amongst themselves is either
by sudden surprising one an other most commonly about
the dawning of the day, or moone-light, or els by
ambushes, or some subtile devises. Set battels are very
rare, except it fall out where there are many trees, where
either part may have some hope of defence, after the
delivery of every arrow, in leaping behind some or other.
If there fall out any warres betweene us and them,
what their fight is likely to bee, wee having advantages
against them so many maner of wayes, as by our discipline, our strange weapons and devises else, especially
Ordinance great and small, it may easily bee imagined:
by the experience wee have had in some places, the
turning up of their heeles against us in running away
was their best defence.
In respect of us they are a people poore, and for want
of skill and judgement in the knowledge and use of our
things, doe esteeme our trifles before things of greater
value: Notwithstanding, in their proper maner (considering the want of such meanes as we have), they seeme
very ingenious. For although they have no such tooles,
nor any such crafts, Sciences and Artes as wee, yet in
those things they doe, they shew excellencie of wit. And
by how much they upon due consideration shall finde
our maner of knowledges and crafts to exceede theirs in
perfection, and speede for doing or execution, by so much
the more is it probable that they should desire our friendship and love, and have the greater respect for pleasing
and obeying us. Whereby may bee hoped, if meanes of
good government be used, that they may in short time
bee brought to civilitie, and the imbracing of true
Religion.
Some religion they have already, which although it be
farre from the trueth, yet being as it is, there is hope
it may be the easier and sooner reformed.
They beleeve that there are many gods, which they
call Mantoac, but of different sorts & degrees, one onely
chiefe and great God, which hath bene from all eternitie.
Who, as they affirme, when hee purposed to make the
world, made first other gods of a principall order, to
be as meanes and instruments to be used in the creation
and government to follow, and after the Sunne, moone,
and starres as pettie gods, and the instruments of the
other order more principal. First (they say) were made
waters, out of which by the gods was made all diversitie
of creatures that are visible or invisible.
For mankinde they say a woman was made first, which
by the working of one of the gods, conceived and brought
foorth children: And in such sort they say they had their
beginning. But how many yeeres or ages have passed
since, they say they can make no relation, having no
letters nor other such meanes as we to keepe Records
of the particularities of times past, but onely tradition
from father to sonne.
They thinke that all the gods are of humane shape,
and therefore they represent them by images in the formes
of men, which they call Kewasowok, one alone is called
Kewas: them they place in houses appropriate or temples,
which they call Machicomuck, where they worship, pray,
sing, and make many times offring unto them. In some
Machicomuck we have seene but one Kewas, in some
two, and in other some three. The common sort thinke
them to be also gods.
They beleeve also the immortalitie of the soule, that
after this life as soone as the soule is departed from the
body, according to the workes it hath done, it is either
caried to heaven the habitacle of gods, there to enjoy
perpetuall blisse and happinesse, or els to a great pitte
or hole, which they thinke to be in the furthest parts of
their part of the world toward the Sunne set, there to
burne continually: the place they call Popogusso.
For the confirmation of this opinion, they tolde me
two stories of two men that had bene lately dead and
revived againe, the one happened but few yeeres before
our comming into the Countrey of a wicked man, which
having bene dead and buried, the next day the earth
of the grave being seene to move, was taken up againe,
who made declaration where his soule had bene, that
is to say, very neere entring into Popogusso, had not
one of the gods saved him, and gave him leave to returne
againe, and teach his friends what they should do to
avoyd that terrible place of torment. The other happened
in the same yeere we were there, but in a towne that
was 60. miles from us, and it was told me for strange
newes, that one being dead, buried, and taken up againe
as the first, shewed that although his body had lien dead
in the grave, yet his soule was alive, & had travailed
farre in a long broad way, on both sides whereof grew
most delicate and pleasant trees, bearing more rare and
excellent fruits, then ever hee had seene before, or was
able to expresse, and at length came to most brave and
faire houses, neere which he met his father that had
bene dead before, who gave him great charge to goe
backe againe, and shew his friendes what good they
were to doe to enjoy the pleasures of that place, which
when he had done he should after come againe.
What subtiltie soever be in the Wiroances and priestes,
this opinion worketh so much in many of the common
and simple sort of people, that it maketh them have great
respect to their Governours, and also great care what
they doe, to avoyd torment after death, and to enjoy
blisse, although notwithstanding there is punishment
ordeined for malefactours, as stealers, whoremongers,
and other sorts of wicked doers, some punished with
death, some with forfeitures, some with beating, according to the greatnesse of the facts.
And this is the summe of their Religion, which I
learned by having speciall familiaritie with some of their
priests. Wherein they were not so sure grounded, nor
gave such credite to their traditions and stories, but
through conversing with us they were brought into great
doubts of their owne, and no small admiration of ours,
with earnest desire in many, to learne more then wee
had meanes for want of perfect utterance in their language
to expresse.
Most things they sawe with us, as Mathematicall
instruments, sea Compasses, the vertue of the load-stone
in drawing yron, a perspective glasse whereby was shewed
many strange sights, burning glasses, wilde firewoorkes,
gunnes, hookes, writing and reading, spring-clockes that
seeme to goe of themselves and many other things that
wee had were so strange unto them, and so farre exceeded
their capacities to comprehend the reason and meanes
how they should be made and done, that they thought
they were rather the workes of gods then of men, or at
the leastwise they had bene given and taught us of the
gods. Which made many of them to have such opinion
of us, as that if they knew not the trueth of God and
Religion already, it was rather to bee had from us whom
God so specially loved, then from a people that were so
simple, as they found themselves to be in comparison
of us. Whereupon greater credite was given unto that
wee spake of, concerning such matters.
Many times and in every towne where I came, according as I was able, I made declaration of the contents of
the Bible, that therein was set foorth the true and onely
God, and his mightie workes, that therein was conteined
the true doctrine of salvation through Christ, with many
particularities of Miracles and chiefe points of Religion,
as I was able then to utter, and thought fit for the time.
And although I told them the booke materially and of
it selfe was not of any such vertue, as I thought they
did conceive, but onely the doctrine therein conteined:
yet would many be glad to touch it, to embrace it, to
kisse it, to holde it to their breastes and heads, and
stroke over all their body with it, to shew their hungry
desire of that knowledge which was spoken of.
The Wiroans with whom we dwelt called Wingina,
and many of his people would bee glad many times to
be with us at our Prayers, and many times call upon
us both in his owne towne, as also in others whither hee
sometimes accompanied us, to pray and sing Psalmes,
hoping thereby to be partaker of the same effects which
we by that meanes also expected.
Twise this Wiroans was so grievously sicke that he
was like to die, and as he lay languishing, doubting of
any helpe by his owne priestes, and thinking hee was
in such danger for offending us and thereby our God,
sent for some of us to pray and bee a meanes to our
God that it would please him either that he might live,
or after death dwell with him in blisse, so likewise were
the requests of many others in the like case.
On a time also when their corne began to wither by
reason of a drought which happened extraordinarily,
fearing that it had come to passe by reason that in some
thing they had displeased us, many would come to us
and desire us to pray to our God of England
, that he
would preserve their Corne, promising that when it was
ripe we also should be partakers of the fruit.
There could at no time happen any strange sicknesse,
losses, hurts, or any other crosse unto them, but that
they would impute to us the cause or meanes thereof,
for offending or not pleasing us. One other rare and
strange accident, leaving others, wil I mention before
I end, which moved the whole Countrey that either knew
or heard of us, to have us in wonderfull admiration.
There was no towne where wee had any subtile devise
practised against us, wee leaving it unpunished or not
revenged (because we sought by all meanes possible to
win them by gentlenesse) but that within a few dayes
after our departure from every such Towne, the people
began to die very fast, and many in short space, in some
Townes about twentie, in some fourtie, and in one sixe
score, which in trueth was very many in respect of their
numbers. This happened in no place that we could
learne, but where we had bin, where they used some
practise against us, & after such time. The disease also
was so strange, that they neither knewe what it was,
nor how to cure it, the like by report of the oldest men
in the Countrey never happened before, time out of
minde. A thing specially observed by us, as also by
the naturall inhabitants themselves. Insomuch that when
some of the inhabitants which were our friends, and
especially the Wiroans Wingina, had observed such
effects in foure or five Townes to followe their wicked
practises, they were perswaded that it was the worke
of our God through our meanes, and that we by him
might kill and slay whom we would without weapons,
and not come neere them. And thereupon when it had
happened that they had understanding that any of their
enemies had abused us in our journeys, hearing that we
had wrought no revenge with our weapons, and fearing
upon some cause the matter should so rest: did come
and intreate us that we would be a meanes to our God
that they as others that had dealt ill with us might in
like sort die, alleadging how much it would bee for our
credite and profite, as also theirs, and hoping furthermore
that we would doe so much at their requests in respect
of the friendship we professed them.
Whose entreaties although wee shewed that they were
ungodly, affirming that our God would not subject himselfe to any such prayers and requests of men: that
indeede all things have bene and were to be done
according to his good pleasure as he had ordeined: and
that we to shewe our selves his true servants ought
rather to make petition for the contrary, that they with
them might live together with us, be made partakers
of his trueth, and serve him in righteousnesse, but notwithstanding in such sort, that wee referre that, as all
other things, to bee done according to his divine will
and pleasure, and as by his wisedome he had ordeined
to be best.
Yet because the effect fell out so suddenly and shortly
after according to their desires, they thought neverthelesse it came to passe by our meanes, & that we in using
such speeches unto them, did but dissemble the matter,
and therefore came unto us to give us thankes in their
maner, that although we satisfied them not in promise,
yet in deedes and effect we had fulfilled their desires.
This marveilous accident in all the Countrey wrought
so strange opinions of us, that some people could not
tell whether to thinke us gods or men, and the rather
because that all the space of their sicknes, there was no
man of ours knowen to die, or that was specially sicke:
they noted also that we had no women amongst us,
neither that we did care for any of theirs.
Some therefore were of opinion that we were not borne
of women, and therefore not mortal, but that we were
men of an old generation many yeeres past, then risen
againe to immortalitie.
Some would likewise seeme to prophecie that there
were more of our generation yet to come to kill theirs
and take their places, as some thought the purpose was,
by that which was already done. Those that were
immediatly to come after us they imagined to be in the
aire, yet invisible and without bodies, and that they by
our intreatie and for the love of us, did make the people
to die in that sort as they did, by shooting invisible
bullets into them.
To confirme this opinion, their Phisitions (to excuse
their ignorance in curing the disease) would not be
ashamed to say, but earnestly make the simple people
beleeve, that the strings of blood that they sucked out
of the sicke bodies, were the strings wherewithall the
invisible bullets were tied and cast. Some also thought
that wee shot them our selves out of our pieces, from
the place where wee dwelt, and killed the people in any
Towne that had offended us, as wee listed, howe farre
distant from us soever it were. And other some said,
that it was the speciall worke of God for our sakes, as
we our selves have cause in some sort to thinke no lesse,
whatsoever some doe, or may imagine to the contrary,
specially some Astrologers, knowing of the Eclipse of
the Sunne which we saw the same yeere before in our
voyage thitherward, which unto them appeared very
terrible. And also of a Comet which began to appeare
but a fewe dayes before the beginning of the saide sicknesse. But to exclude them from being the speciall
causes of so speciall an accident, there are further reasons
then I thinke fit at this present to be alleadged. These
their opinions I have set downe the more at large, that
it may appeare unto you that there is good hope they
may be brought through discreete dealing and government to the imbracing of the trueth, and consequently to
honour, obey, feare and love us.
And although some of our company towards the end
of the yeere, shewed themselves too fierce in slaying
some of the people in some Townes, upon causes that
on our part might easily ynough have bene borne withall:
yet notwithstanding, because it was on their part justly
deserved, the alteration of their opinions generally and
for the most part concerning us is the lesse to be doubted.
And whatsoever els they may be, by carefulnesse of our
selves neede nothing at all to be feared.
The conclusion.
Now I have (as I hope) made relation not of so few and
small things, but that the Countrey (of men that are
indifferent and well disposed) may bee sufficiently liked:
If there were no more knowen then I have mentioned,
which doubtlesse and in great reason is nothing to that
which remaineth to be discovered, neither the soyle, nor
commodities. As we have reason so to gather by the
difference we found in our travailes, for although al
which I have before spoken of, have bene discovered and
experimented not farre from the Sea coast, where was
our abode and most of our travailing: yet sometimes
as we made our journeys further into the maine and
Countrey; we found the soile to be fatter, the trees
greater and to grow thinner, the ground more firme and
deeper mould, more and larger champions, finer grasse,
and as good as ever we saw any in England
; in some
places rockie and farre more high and hilly ground, more
plentie of their fruites, more abundance of beastes, the
more inhabited with people, and of greater pollicie and
larger dominions, with greater townes and houses.
Why may wee not then looke for in good hope from
the inner parts of more and greater plentie, as well of
other things, as of those which wee have already discovered? Unto the Spaniards happened the like in
discovering the maine of the West Indies. The maine
also of this
Countrey of Virginia, extending some wayes
so many hundreds of leagues, as otherwise then by the
relation of the inhabitants wee have most certaine knowledge of, where yet no Christian prince hath any possession or dealing, cannot but yeelde many kinds of
excellent commodities, which we in our discovery have
not yet seene.
What hope there is els to bee gathered of the nature
of the Climate, being answerable to the
Iland of Japan,
the land of China
, Persia
, Jury, the
Ilands of Cyprus
and Candy, the South parts of Greece
, Italy
and Spaine,
and of many other notable and famous Countreys,
because I meane not to be tedious, I leave to your owne
consideration.
Whereby also the excellent temperature of the aire
there at all seasons, much warmer then in England
,
and never so vehemently hot, as sometimes is under and
betweene the Tropikes, or neere them, cannot be knowen
unto you without further relation.
For the holsomnesse thereof I neede to say but thus
much: that for all the want of provision, as first of
English victuall, excepting for twentie dayes, we lived
onely by drinking water, and by the victuall of the
Countrey, of which some sorts were very strange unto
us, and might have bene thought to have altered our
temperatures in such sort, as to have brought us into
some grievous and dangerous diseases: Secondly the
want of English meanes, for the taking of beastes, fish
and foule, which by the helpe onely of the inhabitants and
their meanes could not bee so suddenly and easily provided for us, nor in so great number and quantities, nor
of that choise as otherwise might have bene to our better
satisfaction and contentment. Some want also we had
of clothes. Furthermore in al our travailes, which were
most specially and often in the time of Winter, our
lodging was in the open aire upon the ground. And
yet I say for all this, there were but foure of our whole
company (being one hundreth and eight) that died all
the yeere, and that but at the latter ende thereof, and
upon none of the aforesaide causes. For all foure,
especially three, were feeble, weake, and sickly persons
before ever they came thither, and those that knew them,
much marveled that they lived so long being in that case,
or had adventured to travaile.
Seeing therefore the aire there is so temperate and
holsome, the soyle so fertile, and yeelding such commodities, as I have before mentioned, the voyage also
thither to and fro being sufficiently experimented to be
perfourmed twise a yeere with ease, and at any season
thereof: And the dealing of Sir Walter Ralegh so liberall
in large giving and granting lande there, as is already
knowen, with many helpes and furtherances else: (The
least that he hath granted hath bene five hundreth acres
to a man onely for the adventure of his person) I hope
there remaines no cause whereby the action should be
misliked.
If that those which shall thither travaile to inhabite
and plant bee but reasonably provided for the first yeere,
as those are which were transported the last, and being
there, doe use but that diligence and care, that is requisit,
and as they may with ease: There is no doubt, but for
the time following, they may have victuals that are excellent good and plentie ynough, some more English sorts
of cattel also hereafter, as some have bene before, and
are there yet remayning, may, and shall be (God willing)
thither transported. So likewise, our kinde of fruites,
rootes, and hearbes, may be there planted and sowed,
as some have bene already, and prove well: And in
short time also they may raise so much of those sorts of
commodities which I have spoken of, as shall both enrich
themselves, as also others that shall deale with them.
And this is all the fruit of our labours, that I have
thought necessary to advertise you of at this present:
What else concerneth the nature and maners of the
inhabitants of Virginia
, the number with the particularities
of the voyages thither made, and of the actions of such
as have bene by Sir Walter Ralegh therein, and there
imployed, many worthy to be remembred, as of the first
discoverers of the Countrey, of our Generall for the time
Sir Richard Grinvil, and after his departure of our
Governour there
Master Ralph Lane, with divers other
directed and imployed under their government: Of the
Captaines and Masters of the voyages made since for
transportation, of the Governour and assistants of those
already transported, as of many persons, accidents, and
things els, I have ready in a discourse by it selfe in
maner of a Chronicle, according to the course of times:
which when time shall be thought convenient, shall be
also published.
Thus referring my relation to your favourable constructions, expecting good successe of the action, from him
which is to be acknowledged the authour and governour,
not onely of this, but of all things els, I take my leave
of you, this moneth of February 1587.
