ALthough it bee a course, farre from the minde of vs, that are vndertakers for the aduance­ment of the Plantation of New-England, to seeke by any vaine ostentation to extoll our owne endeuours: yet we cannot but striue to vindicate our reputati­on from the iniurious aspersions that haue beene laid vpon it, by the malicious practises of some that would aduenture nothing in the beginning, but would now reape the benefit of our paines and charges, and yet not seeme beholding to vs; and to that end they dis­ualew what is past, and by sinister informations dero­gate what they can from the present courie intended: the rather because the good Orders appointed to bee put in execution there, are likely to restraine the licen­tious irregularitie of other places. And this hath in­duced vs to publish our proceedings, whereunto it hath pleased God to giue a blessing: as to any of in­different [Page] iudgement may appeare by that which fol­loweth.

VVHen this designe was first attempted, some of the present company were therein chiefly in­teressed; who being carefull to haue the same accom­plished, did send to the discouery of those Northerne parts a braue Gentleman, Captaine Henry Challons, with two of the Natiues of that Territory, the one called Maneday, the other Assecomet. But his mis­fortunes did expose him to the power of certaine Strangers, enemies to his proceedings, so that by them, his company were seized, the ships and goods confiscated, and that Voyage wholly ouerthrowne.

This losse, & vnfortunate beginning, did much abate the rising courage of the first Aduenturers; but immedi­ately vpon his departure, it pleased the noble Lord chiefe Iustice, Sir Iohn Popham knight, to send out another ship, wherein Captain Thomas Haman went Commander, & Marti ne Prinne of Bristow Master, with all necessarie supplies, for the seconding of Captaine Challons and his people; who arriuing at the place appointed, and not finding that Captaine there, after they had made some discouery, and found the Coasts, Hauens, and Harbors answerable to our desires, they returned. Vpon whose relation the Lord Chiefe Iustice, and wee all waxed so confide nt of the businesse, that the yeere following eue­rie man of any worth, formerly interessed in it, was willing to ioyne in the charge for the sending ouer a competent number of people to lay the ground of a hopefull plantation.

Here upon Captaine Popham, Captaine Rawley Gil­bert, and others were sent away with two Ships, and an hundred Landmen, Ordnance, and other prouisions necessarie for their sustentation and defence; vntill o­ther [Page] supply might bee sent. In the meane while, be­fore they could returne, it pleased God to take from vs this worthy member, the Lord Chiefe Iustice, whose sud­den death did so astonish the hearts of the most part of the Aduenturers, as some grew cold, and some did wholly abandon the businesse. Yet Sir Francis Popham his sonne, certaine of his priuate friends, and other of vs, omitted not the next yeare (holding on our first re­solution) to ioyne in sending forth a new supply, which was accordingly performed.

But the Ships arriuing there, did not only bring vn­comfortable newes of the death of the Lord Chiefe Iustice, together with the death of Sir Iohn Gilbert, the elder brother vnto Captaine Rawley Gilbert, who at that time was President of that Councell: But found that the old Captaine Popham was also dead; who was the onely man (indeed) that died there that Winter, wherein they indured the greater extremi­ties; for that, in the depth thereof, their lodgings and stores were burnt, and they thereby wondrously distressed.

This calamitie and euill newes, together with the resolution that Captaine Gilbert was forced to take for his owne returne, (in that hee was to suceed his bro­ther, in the inheritance of his lands in England) made the whole company to resolue vpon nothing but their returne with the Ships; and for that present to leaue the Countrey againe, hauing in the time of their abode there (notwithstanding the coldnesse of the season, and the small helpe they had) built a prettie Barke of their owne, which serued them to good purpose, as easing them in their returning.

The arriuall of these people heere in England, was a wonderfull discouragement to all the first vnderta­kers, in so much as there was no more speech of set­ling [Page] any other plantation in those parts for a long time after: only Sir Francis Popham hauing the Ships and prouision, which remained of the company, and sup­plying what was necessary for his purpose, sent diuers times to the coasts for trade and fishing; of whose losse or gaines himselfe is best able to giue account.

Our people abandoning the plantation in this sort as you haue heard; the Frenchmen immediately tooke the opportunitie to settle themselues within our limits; which being heard of by those of Virginia, that dis­creetly tooke to their consideration the inconueniences that might arise, by suffering them to harbour there, they dispatched Sir Samuel Argall, with commission to displace them, which hee performed with much dis­cretion, iudgement, valour, and dexteritie. For ha­uing seized their Forts, which they had built at Mount Mansell, Saint Croix, and Port Reall, he carryed away their Ordnance, hee also surprised their Ship, Cattle, and other prouisions, which hee transported to the Collonie in Virginia, to their great benefit. And hereby he hath made a way for the present hopefull plantation to bee made in Noua-Scotia, which we heare his Maie­stie hath lately granted to Sir William Alexander Knight, one of his Maiesties most honourable Councell of the Kingdome of Scotland, to bee held of the said Crowne, and that not without some of our priuities, as by approbation vnder writing may and doth ap­peare. Whereby it is manifest that wee are so farre from making a Monopoly of all those lands be­longing to that coast (as hath beene scandalously by some obiected) That we wish that many would vndertake the like.

In this Interim there were of vs who apprehenedd better hopes of good that might ensue by this attempt, being thereunto perswaded, both by the relations of our [Page] people that had indured the many difficulties where­unto such actions are subiected chiefly in the Win­ter season; and likewise by the informations giuen them by certaine of the Natiues, that had beene kept a long time in their hands; wherefore we resolued once more to trie the veritie thereof, and to see if possibly we might finde something that might induce a fresh re­solution to prosecute a worke so pious and so honoura­ble. And thereupon they dispatched Captaine Hob­son, of the Ile of Wight, together with Captaine Her­ley, Master Iohn Matthew, Master Sturton, with two Sal­uages, the one called Epenow, the other Manawet, with commission and directions fit for them to obserue and follow, the better to bring to passe what was expected. But as in all humane affaires, there is nothing more certaine, then the vncertaintie thereof; so fell it out in this; for a little before such time as they arriued vp­on the coast with the foresaid Sauages, who were Na­turalls of those parts, it happened there had beene one Hunt (a worthlesse fellow of our Nation (set out by cer­taine Merchants for loue of gaine; who (not content with the commoditie he had by the fish, and peaceable trade he found among the Sauages) after hee Irad made his dispatch, and was ready to set sayle, (more sauage­like then they) seized vpon the poore innocent crea­tures, that in confidence of his honestie had put them­selues into his hands. And stowing them vnder hat­ches, to the number of twenty foure, carried them into the Straights, where hee sought to sell them for flaues, and sold as many as he could get money for. But when it was vnderstood from whence they were brought, the Friers of those parts tooke the rest from them, and kept them to be instructed in the Christian Faith, and so disappointed this vnworthy fellow of the hopes of gaine he conceiued to make by this new & diuellish proiect.

[Page] This being knowne by our two Saluages, formerly spoken of, they presently contracted such an hatred against our whole Nation, as they immediatly studied how to be reuenged; and contriued with their friends the best meanes to bring it to passe; but Manawet dying in a short time after the Ships arriuall there, and the other obseruing the good order, and strong guard our people kept, studied only how to free himselfe out of our hands, and thereupon laid the plot very orderly, and indeed effected his purpose, although with so great hazard to himselfe and friends, that laboured his rescue, that Captaine Hobson and his whole compa­ny imagined he had beene slaine. And though in the recouery of his body they wounded the Master of our Ship, and diuers other of our company, yet was not their designe without the slaughter of some of their people, and the hurts of other, compassed, as appea­red afterward.

Hereupon Captaine Hobson and his companie, conceiuing the end of their attempt to bee frustrate, resolued without more adoe to returne, and so those hopes, that charge and voyage was lost also, for they brought home nothing but the newes of their euill suc­cesse, of the vnfortunate cause thereof, and of a warre now new begunne betweene the inhabitants of those parts, and vs. A miserable comfort for so weake meanes as were now left, to pursue the conclusion of so tedious an enterprise.

While this was a working, wee found the meanes to send out Captainer Iohn Smith from Plymouth, in a ship, together with Master Darmer and diuers others with him, to lay the foundation of a new Plantation, and to try the fishing of that Coast, and to seeke to settle a trade with the Natiues: But such was his misfortune, as being scarce free of our owne Coast, he had his masts [Page] shaken ouer boord by stormes and tempasts, his ship wonderfully distressed, and in that extremity forced to come backe againe; so as the season of the yeere being almost spent, we were of necessitie enforced to furnish him with another ship, and taking out the prouision of the first, dispatched him away againe, who comming to the height of the Westerne Islands, was chased by a French Pirate, and by him made prisoner, although his ship in the night escaped away, and returned home with the losse of much of her prouision, and the ouer­throw of that voyage, to the ruine of that poore Gen­tleman Captaine Smith, who was detained prisoner by them, and forced to suffer many extremities, before hee got free of his troubles.

Notwithstanding these disasters, it pleased God so to worke for our incouragement againe, as hee sent into our hands Tasquantum, one of those Saluages that for­merly had beene betrayed by this vnworthy Hunt be­fore named, by whose meanes there was hope concei­ued to worke a peace betweene vs, and his friends, they being the principall inhabitants of that coast, where the fire was kindled. But this Saluage Tasquantum, being at that time in the New-found land with Captain Mason Gouernour there for the vndertakers of that Plantation: Master Darmer (who was there also, and sometimes before imployed as we haue said by vs, to­gether with Captaine Iohn Smith) found the meanes to giue vs intelligence of him, and his opinion of the good vse that might be made of his imployment, with the readinesse of Captaine Mason, to further any of our attempts that way, either with boats or other pro­uision necessary, and resoluing himselfe to goe from thence, aduised vs to send some to meet with him, at our vsuall place of fishing, to aid him in his indeuour, that they ioyning together, might be able to doe what [Page] he hoped would be verie acceptable vnto all well wish­ers of that businesse.

Vpon this newes, we dispatched the next season Cap­taine Rocraft, with a Company for that purpose, in hope to haue met with Captaine Darmer; but the care and discretion of Captaine Mason was such, finding Captaine Darmers resolution to goe beyond his meanes, that hee perswaded him first to goe for Eng­land, that prouiding himselfe there, as was requisite, he might proceed in time expedient, which counsell he obserued (as fit it was) although our expectation of his ioyning with Captaine Rocraft was thereby disappoin­ted. Yet so it happened, that Captaine Rocraft at his arri­uall in those parts, met with a French Barke that lay in a Creeke a fishing, and trading, which he seized on, and sent home the Master and Company in the same Ship which he went out in.

With this Barke and his owne Company, hee meant to keepe the Coast that Winter quarter, being very well fitted both with salt, and other necessaries for his turne: but as this was an Act of extremity (the poore man being of our owne Religion) so succeeded it ac­cordingly. For in a short time after, certaine of this Captaines company, conspired together to cut his throat, and to make themselues masters of the whole spoile, and so to seeke a new fortune where they could best make it. This conspiracie being discouered to the Captaine, hee let it goe on, till the time that it should haue beene put in execution, when hee caught them in there owne traine, and so apprehended them in the ve­ry instant that they were purposed to beginne their massacre.

But after he had preuented the mischiefe, and seized vpon the malefactors, hee tooke to his consideration what was best to be done with them. And beeing loth [Page] by himselfe to dispatch them as they deserued, he resol­ued to put them a shore, thinking by their hazard that it was possible they might discouer something, that might aduance the publike; and so giuing them some Armes for their defense, and some victuall for their su­stentation, vntill they knew better how to prouide for themselues, he left them at a place called Sawaguatock, where they remained not long, but got from thence to Menehighon, an Island lying some three leagues in the Sea, and fifteene leagues from that place, where they re­mained all that Winter, with bad lodging, and worse fare, yet came all safe home saue one sickly man, which dyed there, the rest returned with the Ship wee sent for Rocrafts supply and prouision, to make a fishing voyage.

After these fellowes were landed, the Captaine fin­ding himselfe but weakely man'd, and his Ship to draw too much water to coast those places, that by his instructions he was assigned to discouer, hee resolued to goe for Virginia where he had liued a long time before, and had (as hee conceiued) many friends, that would helpe him with some things that he had occasion to vse. Arriuing there, he was not deceiued of his expectation; for Sir Samuel Argall being their Gouernour, and one that respected him much for his owne sake, was the readier to helpe him, in regard of the good hee [...] ­shed to the businesse wherein he was imployed.

But all this could not preuaile, for after that Sir Sa­muell Argall came from thence (his departure being more suddaine then was expected) it fell out that the new Gouernour entred the Harbour: and finding Rocraft ready to bee gone, sent to him to command him to come aboord to speake with him, which he rea­dily obeyed, assoone as he could fit his boat and men for that purpose. And so leauing his Barke with her [Page] great Anker a head, and taking with him the halfe of his company, hee was forced to stay aboard the new Gouernours Ship that night. In the meane while a storme arising, our Barke wanting hands to doe their labour, droue a shoare, and there sunke. But yet the Gouernour and Captaine so laboured the next day, when they knew thereof, as that they freed her againe, but that occasion forced our Captaine to stay so long in the Countrey to fit himselfe anew, as in the interim a quarrell fell out betweene him and another of that place; so as Rocraft was slaine, and the Barque sunke the second time, and finally disabled from yeelding vs any benefit to this present.

But we not knowing this disaster, and Captaine Dar­mer arriuing with his Saluage out of Now-found-land, dispatched him away the next season, in a shippe we sent againe for the fishing businesse, and assigned him a company to ioyne with Rocraft and his people.

Captaine Darmer arriuing there, and not finding Rocraft, was a little perplexed, and in doubt what to doe: yet hearing by those Mutiners which he found there, that he was gone for Ʋirginia; he was hopefull of his returne; and liued in that expectation, till such time as he heard (by a ship that came from thence to fish for the Collony) the confusion of his fortune, and the end of his misery in this world. Then he determi­ned to take the Pinnace that the yeare before was assig­ned to Rocraft for him to make the trade with, and with her to proceed on his designe, and so embarked him­selfe, and his prouision and company in her. And lea­uing the fisher-men to their labour, he coasted the shore from thence, searching euery Harbor, and compassing euery Cape-land, till he arriued in Ʋirginia; where he was in hope to meet with some of the prouision, or company of Rocraft, to helpe to supply him of what [Page] he wanted; as also to lay a Decke vpon his Pinnace, that before had not any, and now was taught by experience the necessitie of hauing that defect supplied.

But those hopes failed him (al being before that time ruined and dispersed) so farre, as he saw it in vaine to hope for help by that means, and therfore attempted to make the best of what hee had of his owne. And go­ing to set his men a worke, they all in a few dayes after their arriuall, fell sicke of a difease which hapned at that time in the country, so as now he was not onely forced to be without hope of their helping of him, but must labor himselfe all he could to attend and sustaine them; but so God fauoured him, that they recouered, and in time conuenient he dispatched his businesse there, and put himselfe to Sea againe, resoluing to accomplish in his iourney backe to New-England, what in his last Dis­couery he had omitted.

In his passage he met with certaine Hollanders, who had a trade in Hudsons riuer some yeares before that time, with whom he had conference about the state of that coast, and their proceedings with those people: whose answer gaue him good content. He betooke himselfe to the following of his businesse, discouering many goodly Riuers, and exceeding pleasant, and fruit­full coasts, and Islands, for the space of 80. leagues from East to West, for so that coast doth range along from Hudsons Riuer to Cape Iames.

Now after we had found by Captaine Rocrafts rela­tion made the yeare before, the hopes he conceiued of the benefits that coast would afford, towards the vphol­ding of the charge for setling our Plantation by reason of the commodities arising by fishing and furres, if a course might be taken for the mannaging of that busi­nesse, as was fit for such a designe; as well as for the aduancement of the publique good of our whole Nati­on, [Page] and satisfac [...]n of euery well disposed person, that had a will to be interessed therein.

It was held to be most conuenient to strengthen our selues by a new Grant to be obtained from his royall Maicstic: the rather, finding that those of Virginia had by two seuerall Patents setled their bounds, and exclu­ded all from intermedling with them that were not free of their Company; and had wholly altered the forme of their Gouernment, from the first ground layed for the managing the affaires of both Collonies, leauing vs as desperate, and our businesse as abandoned.

These considerations (as is said) together with the necessitie of setling our affaires, bounds and limits, di­stinct from theirs, made vs resolue to petition his Maicstic for the renewing of our Grant.

By which time the rumour of our hopes was so pub­liquely spread abroad, and the commodities of the Fish, and trade so looked into, as it was desired, that all that coast might be made free, as well to those of Ʋirginia, as to vs to make their commoditie: How iust or vniust that motion was, we will not argue, seeing the businesse is ended.

By this meanes, our proceedings were interrupted, and we questioned about it; first, by the Counsell of Ʋirginia, whom we thought to haue benefully satisfied therein, before we could haue way giuen vs for a new Patent, both parties hauing beene heard by certaine of the Lords of the Councell; and the businesse by them so ordered, as we were directed to proceed and to haue our Grant agreeable to the libertie of the Virginia Com­pany, the frame of our gouernment excepted; but this order not being liked of, it was againe heard & conclu­ded. Lastly, the Patent being past the Seale, it was stopt vpon new suggestions to the King, and by his Maiestie referred to the Councell to be setled, by whom the for­mer [Page] Orders were confirmed, the difference cleared, and we ordered to haue our Patent deliuered vs.

These disputes held vs almost two yeeres, so as all men were afraid to ioyne with vs, and we thereby left hopelesse of any thing more, than that which our owne fortunes would yeeld to aduance our proceedings, in which time so many accidents hapned vnto vs at home, and abroad, that wee were [...]ine to giue order by the ships we sent a fishing, for the retiring of Master Dar­mer, and his people, vntill all things were cleared, and we better prouided of meanes to goe through with our designe: but this worthy Gentleman confident of the good likely to ensue, and resolutely resoluing to pursue the ends he aymed at, could not be perswaded to looke backe, as yet; and so refusing to accept our offer, began againe to prosecute his Discouery, wherein he was be­trayed by certaine new Saluages, who sodainly set vpon him, giuing him foureteene or fifteene wounds, but by his valour, and dexteritie of spirit he freed himselfe out of their hands, yet was constrained to retire into Vir­ginia again the second time, for the cure of his wounds, where he fell sicke of the infirmities of that place, and thereof dyed: so ended this worthie Gentleman his dayes, after he had remained in the discouery of that coast two yeares, giuing vs good content in all hee vndertooke; and after he had made the peace between vs and the Saluages, that so much abhorred our Nati­on, for the wrongs done them by others, as you haue heard: but the fruit of his labour in that behalfe we as yet receiue to our great commoditie, who haue a peace­able plantation at this present among them, where our people both prosper, and liue in good liking, and assu­rednesse of their neighbours, that had beene formerly so much exasperated against vs, as will more at large appeare hereafter.

[Page] But hauing passed all these stormes abroad, and vn­dergone so many home-bred oppositions, and freed our Parent, which we were by order of State assigned to renew, for the amendment of some defects therein con­tained, we were assured of this ground more boldly to proceed on than before; and therefore we tooke first to consideration how to raise the meanes to aduance the plantation. In the examination thereof, two wayes did offer themselues: The one was the voluntary con­tribution of the Patentees; The other, by an easie ran­soming of the freedomes of those that had a will to par­take onely of the present profits, arising by the trade, and fishing vpon the coast.

The first was to proceed from those Noble-men, and others that were Patentees, and they agreed by order among themselues to disburse a hundred pounds a peece, for the aduancement of such necessary busines, as they had in hand.

The second was to be accomplished by setling such liberties and orders in the westerne cities, and townes, as might induce euery reasonable man, in, and about them, affecting the publike good, or a regular procee­ding in the businesse of trade, to embrace an vniformi­tie, and to ioyne in a communitie, or ioynt stocke toge­ther: How reasonable, or vnreasonable those orders were, is hereafter to be seene, and iudged by euery well affected person, or any truly louing the publike good of our Nation, whereunto is annexed the difference of trading by a ioynt stocke vnder gouernment and orders and the promiscuous trading without order, and in a dis-joynted manner, as of late they haue done to the in­finite preiudice of others already, as also to the losse of many of themselues, that contemptuously and greedily haue leapt into that course, as it were in despight of all Authoritie, whose reward, in time, will follow.

[Page] Before these Orders were to be tendered to those ci­ties and townes, it was desired that there might be let­ters sent from their Lordships, admonishing them of his Maiesties royall Grant, that prohibiteth any not free of that busines, to intermeddle within our limits, vpon paine of confiscation of ship and goods. These letters expressing withall the good affection of those that were interessed in the businesse, to entertaine any that should be willing to conforme themselues to such orders, as had in that behalfe beene established.

But those letters how full of Iustice soeuer they ap­peared, were as distastefull, as was the rumor of Order vnto them: for by it euery particular man thought him­selfe strait debarred of libertie to run his owne currant, in which he thought his freedome did onely consist; and by debarring him thereof, his priuate ends were ouer­throwne, which was to endeuour to preuent his neigh­bour of the market he aimed at, or the Harbour he resol­ued to goe vnto, or the present trade hee expected to haue by his priuate industrie, but as for the publique hee cared not, let that fare as it would. While these things were in dispute, and likely to haue taken a good foundation, the news of the Parliament flew to all parts, & then the most factious of euery place, presently com­bined themselues to follow the businesse in Parliament, where they presumed to proue the same to be a Mono­polie, and much tending to the preiudice of the com­mon good. But that there should be a conformitie in trade, or a course taken to preuent the euills that were likely to ensue, or to appropriate possessions, or lands, after a generous manner, in remote parts of the world, to certaine publique persons, of the common-wealth, for the taking care, and spending their time and means how to aduance the enlargement of their Countrey, the honour of their King, and glory of their God; these were [Page] thought crimes worthy the taking notice of, and the principall Actors in this kinde, must be first traduced in priuate, then publiquely called vpon in Parliament, to answer such other scandalls as could by malice be in­uented.

But as this businesse was in it selfe iust, and righ­teous, so was it as earnestly desired, they might haue had the opportunitie to haue answered it before so vn­partiall Iudges, and so reuerend persons; if so it might haue been without offence to the authoritie of his royall Maiestie, that had extended it selfe by vertue of his Pre­rogatiue so farre off, and without the Lawes of this Realme, and to be put in execution without the publike expence, or charge of the common-wealth, or preiudice to any other former imployments of our Nation, and in­deed without offence to any that couered not to put their sickle into the haruest of other men, or whose enuious & couetous humors stirred them not vp to shame them­selues in the conclusion.

These troubles thus vnfortunately falling out, haue notwithstanding hindered vs from the hopes we had this yeare, to giue some life extraordinarily to those af­faires, & therefore we are forced of necessitie to refer the maine of our resolution, till a more conuenient oppor­tunitie, and till we haue gotten our ships and prouision fit to serue our turnes both to giue the Law along those coasts, and to performe such other seruice, as is thereby intended for the publike good of our Aduenturers, and defence of our Marchants, that shall frequent those pla­ces, according to such Orders, as shall be found behoue­full in that behalfe.

YOu haue heard already the many disa­sters, calamities, misfortunes, oppositi­ons, and hinderances we haue had, and receiued. Howbeit many are omitted, in that we desire not to trouble the Rea­der with more than enough; or to af­fright the minds of weak spirits, that will beleeue there is no better successe to be looked for from such attempts: although it be true that the best designes do oftentimes cary with them the most impediments, whether it be that God will haue it so, to trie our constancie, or other­wise to make vs know, that it is he onely that worketh after his owne will, according to the time he hath as­signed, and that there is nothing done but by him, as also that, that is onely best which hee will haue to be done, and that time most proper which he hath assigned for the same.

But by these you may imagine (seeing we haue none other helps than our owne fortunes to build vpon) there can no great matters bee performed in these stormes and tempests. Notwithstanding, you may know wee haue not beene more hindred one way, than blessed an other: for, as our patience, constancie, trauels and charge hath beene great, so hath it (indeed) manifoldly beene requited: For, by GODS fauour, and these Gentle­mens industrie, we haue made a most ample discouerie of the most commodious Country for the benefit of our Nation, that euer hath beene found.

For better satisfaction of the Reader in this behalfe, [Page] we haue thought it fit, by the way, to acquaint him first with the nature of the place where wee haue setled our selues, whereby hee may see reason for what wee haue done, remembring him likewise, that in settling of plan­tations, there is principally to be considered: The aire, for the health of the Inhabitants. The soile, for fertili­tie fit for corne, and feeding of cattle wherewith to su­staine them The Sea, for commoditie of trade and com­merce, the better to enrich their publique and priuate State, as it shall grow to perfection, and to raise imploy­ments, to furnish the course of those affaires.

Now for the quality of the Aire, there is none of iudgement but knowes it proceedeth either from the generall disposition of the Sphere, or from the par­ticular constitution of the place.

Touching the disposition of the Sphere, it is not onely seated in the temperate Zone, but as it were in the Center, or middle part thereof, for that the mid­dle part of that Country hath about three hundred and ten degrees of Longitude; and stands in the forty fourth and forty fifth degrees of the Northerne Latitude, that is, twenty degrees from the fiery Tro­picke, and as much from the freesing Articke Circle: Vnder the same climate and course of the Sunne that Constantinople, and Rome, the Ladies of the World; Italy, and France, the Gardens of Europe, haue their situation, within the limits of the fifth and sixt Cli­mate, after the later computation; hauing their lon­gest day fifteene houres and some odde minutes.

Touching the constitution of the place (which is about sixty two degrees by Sea from our Continent Westerly) The Maritine parts thereof are somewhat colder, then the nature of the Clime otherwise affor­deth; for that the beames of the Sunne are weakned, partly by the vnstable reflection of the same vpon the [Page] Sea, and partly by beeing laden with abundance of moisture it exhales out of the vast Ocean, whereby the nature thereof is not so violently there expressed, as in the like parallel further into the maine is accusto­med. Nor is that Sea coast so subiect to droughts or want of raine in seasonable times, as other parts are of like Latitudes, and by that reason the Sea coasts are at all times more cold then is the Inland. And the Easterne coast which receiueth the rising of the Sunne, is like­wise colder then are the Westerne parts, towards the declining of the same, as our morning aires (for ex­ample) euen in the heat of Summer are cold and quicke, when the day and euening are very sweltring. And this makes those parts more sutable to the nature of our people, who neither finde content in the colder Climates, nor health in the hotter; but (as hearbs and plants) affect their natiue temperature, and prosper kindly no where else.

And indeed, the hot Countreys yeeld sharper wits, but weaker bodies, and fewer children; the colder, more slow of conceit, but stronger of body, and more abounding in procreation. So that, though the in­uention of Arts hath risen from the Southerne Nations, yet they haue still beene subiect to the inundations, and inuasions of the more Northerly people, by rea­son of their multitudes, together with the strength of their body, and hardnesse of their constitu­tions.

But this Country, what by the generall and par­ticular situation, is so temperate, as it seemeth to hold the golden meane, and indeed is most agreea­ble to the nature of our owne, which is made mani­fest by experience, the most infallible proofe of all assertions; in so much as our people that are setled there, enioy their life and health much more hap­pily, [Page] then in other places; which can bee imputed to no other cause, then the temperature of the Climate.

Now, as the Clime is found to bee so temperate, so delicate, and healthfull, both by reason and expe­rience; such is the soile also, some parts thereof yeel­ding wonderfull increase, both of the Corne, the Na­tiues haue most vse of; as also of our owne, of all sorts: with infinite variety of nourishing roots, and other herbes, and fruits, common among them, but rare with vs.

Besides, the Coast doth abound with most con­uenient Hauens, and Harbors, full of singular Islands, fit for Plantation; replenished with Plants and Wood of all sorts; as Oake, Cedars, Spruce, Firre, Pyne, Walnut, Chestnut, Elme, Sassafras, Plum­trees, and Calamus Aromaticus, &c.

The people are tractable (if they bee not abused) to commerce and Trade withall, and as yet haue good respect of vs. The Seas are stored with all kindes of excellent fish, and in many places vpon the coast, fit to make Salt in. The Country aboundeth with diuersity of wild foule, as Turkeys, Partriges, Swans, Cranes, wilde Geese of two sorts, wilde Duckes of three sorts, many Doues, especially when Strawberies are ripe.

There are seuerall sorts of Deere in those parts, and some that bring forth two, three, and foure young at once, which is a manifest proofe of the fertility of the Soile, or temper of the Clime, or both together.

There is also a certaine Beast, that the Natiues call a Mosse, hee is as big bodied as an Oxe, headed like a fallow Deere, with a broad Palme, which hee mues euery yeere, as doth the Deere, and necke like a Red Deere, with a short mane, running downe along the raines of his backe, his haire long like an Elke, but [Page] esteemed to be better then that for Sadlers vse, he hath likewise a great bunch hanging downe vnder his throat, and is of the colour of our blacker sort of fallow Deere, his legges are long, and his feet as bigge as the feet of our Oxen, his taile is longer then the single of a Deere, and reacheth almost downe to his huxens, his skinne maketh very good Buffe, and his flesh is excellent good food, which the Natiues vse to Ierkin and keepe all the yeere to serue their turne, and so prooues very seruicea­ble for their vse. There haue beene many of them seene in a great Island vpon the Coast, called by our people Mount Mansell, whither the Saluages goe at certaine seasons to hunt them; the manner whereof is, by making of seuerall fires, and setting the Coun­trey with people, to force them into the Sea, to which they are naturally addicted, and then there are others that attend them in their Botes with bowes and wea­pons of seuerall kindes, wherewith they slay and take at their pleasure. And there is hope that this kinde of Beasts may bee made seruiceable for ordinary labour with Art and Industry.

The knowne Commodities of that Country, are Fish of seuerall sorts, rich Furres, as Beauers, Otters, Martins, blacke Fox, Sables, &c. There are likewise plenty of Vines, of three kindes, and those pleasant to the taste, yet some better then other. There is Hempe, Flax, Silkgrasse, seuerall veines of Ironstone, commo­dities to make Pitch, Rosen, Tarre; Deale boords of all sorts, Sparres, Masts, for Ships of all burdens; in a word, there comes no commodity out of France, Ger­many, or the Sound, but may be had there, with reaso­nable labour and industry.

Further, wee haue setled at this present, seuerall Plantations along the Coast, and haue granted Patents to many more that are in preparation to bee gone with [Page] all conueniencie. Those of our people that are there, haue both health and plenty, so as they acknowledge there is no want of any thing, but of industrious peo­ple, to reape the commodities that are there to be had, and they are indeed so much affected to the place, as they are loth to be drawne from thence, although they were directed to returne to giue satisfaction to those that sent them, but chose rather to performe that office by letters, together with their excuse, for breach of their duty in that behalfe. And thus you see there is no labour well imployed, but hath his reward at one time or other.

These incouragements haue imboldned vs to pro­ceed, to the ingaging of our selues, for the building of some Ships of good burden, and extraordinary Mould, to lie vpon the Coast for the defense of Merchants and Fishermen, that are imployed there, as also to Waft the Fleets, as they goe to and from their Markets: and we purpose from henceforth to build our shipping there, where wee find all commodities fit for that seruice, to­gether with the most opportune places, that can bee desired.

Lastly, finding that wee haue so far forth preuailed, as to winde our selues into familiarity with the Natiues, (which are in no great number) along the Coast for two hundred Leagues together, wee haue now dispat­ched some of our people of purpose, to diue into the bowels of the Continent, there to search and finde out what Port, or Place, is most conuenient to settle our maine Plantation in, where wee meane to make the Residencie of our State and Gouernment, as also to bee assured, what other commodities may be raised for the publique, and priuate benefit of those that are dealers in that businesse, and willing to bee interessed in any the Lands there: Whither is gone this yeere already, [Page] for Trade and Fishing onely, thirty Saile of the better sort of Ships, belonging to the Westerne parts, be­sides those who are gone for transportation of the Planters, or supply of such as are already planted, whose returne (as is supposed) will amount (at the least) to thirty thousand pound, the greater part whereof comes home in Bullion.

And therefore as touching the third happinesse of these parts, which is the Sea, there needeth no other or greater commendation then this benefit of Fishing assu­red vnto vs by common Experience; although it affords many other hopes both in regard of the facilitie of the nauigation, the boldnesse of the Coast, the conueniency of Roades, Hauens and Harbors, for performance of all manner of imployments; yet is there also found Showes of Pearle, Ambergrees, great numbers of Whales, and other marchantable meanes to raise profit to the indu­strious Inhabitants or diligent Traders.

Heere you may see to what profit our industry and charge hath beene imploied; what benefit our Coun­trey is like to receiue by it, and whether it bee reason wee should bee so traduced, as we haue beene, wee see­king nothing more then the glory of God, the enlar­ging of his Highnesse Dominions, and generall good of all his Maiesties loyall subiects, and striuing for the better accomplishment therof to keepe Order, and settle Gouernment in those affaires, to preserue from ruine and confusion so faire a foundation, whereon is likely to bee built the goodliest frame that hath euer beene vndertaken to be raised by our Nation.

AS there is no Common-wealth that can stand without gouernment, so the best gouernments haue euer had their beginnings from one su­preme head, who hath disposed of the administration of Iustice, and execution of publike affaires, ei­ther according to lawes established, or by the aduice, or counsell of the most eminent, dis­creetest, and best able in that kinde. The verity of this is so cleere, as it needs no example: for that indeed all na­tions from the beginning, vnto this present, follow still the same rule in effect, howsoeuer they vary in the forme, or some small circumstances.

And vpon this generall ground, the Kings of these our Realmes did first lay the foundations of their Mo­narchies; reseruing vnto themselues the soueraigne Power of all (as fit it was) and diuiding their kingdomes into Counties, Baronries, Hundreds, and the like; in­stituted their Lieutenants, or Officers, meet to gouerne those Subdiuisions, that the Subiect might with the more ease receiue iustice, and the Soueraignes at more leasure the better able to dispose of matters of greater consequence.

This foundation being so certaine, there is no reason [Page] for vs to vary from it, and therefore we haue resolued to build our Edifices vpon it, and to frame the same after the platforme already layd, and from whence wee take our denomination. So as we purpose to commit the managing of our whole affaires there in generall, vn­to a Gouernour, to be assisted by the aduice and counsel of so many of the Patentees as shall be there resident, to­gether with the Officers of State, that is to say; The Treasurer for the managing of the treasure and reue­nues belonging to that State. The Martiall for matters of Armes, and affaires of warres, be it defensiue or of­fensiue. The Admirall for maritine businesse ciuill or criminall, and the forces belonging to the Sea. The master of the ordnance for munition, artillery and o­ther prouisions for publique store of Armies by Sea or Land; as also such other persons of iudgement and experience, as by the President and Counsell establi­shed here, for the better gouerning of those affaires shall be thought fit.

By this Head, and these Members, vnited together, the great affaires of the whole State is to be managed, according to their seuerall authorities, giuen them from their Superiours, the President and Councell establi­shed as aforesaid.

And for that all men by nature are best pleased to be their owne caruers, and doe most willingly submit to those Ordinances, or Orders whereof themselues are authors: it is therefore resolued, that the generall lawes whereby that State is to be gouerned, shall be first fra­med and agreed vpon by the generall assembly of the States of those parts, both Spirituall and Temporall.

For the better distinction whereof, and the more or­derly proceeding, agreeable (as is said) to the present State of this our Realme, two parts of the whole Terri­torie is to be diuided betweene the Patentees, into seue­rall [Page] Counties, to be by themselues or their friends plan­ted, at their pleasure or best commoditie. The other third part is to be reserued for publique vses, to be be­longing to the State, as their reuenew for defraying of publique charge.

But as well this third part, as the two formerly spo­ken of, is to be diuided into Counties, Baronries, Hundreds, and the like, from all which the Deputies for euery County, and Baronry, are to be sent in the name and behalfe of the Subiects, vnder them to con­sult and agree vpon the Lawes so to be framed, as also to reforme any notable abuses committed in former proceedings.

Yet these are not to be assembled, but by order from the President and Councell heere, who are to giue life to the Lawes so to be made, as those to whom of right it best belongs, according to his Maiesties royall grant in that behalfe, as also that vnder God, and his Sacred Highnesse, they are the principall Authors of that foundation. And thus much for the generall forme of our Gouernment.

In like manner are the Counties to be gouerned by the chiefe Head or Deputy thereof with other Officers vnder him. As his Steward, Comptroller, Treasurer of his reuenews; and so the Baronries by their Stewards, and other inferiour ministers, who are to haue assig­ned them the power of high and low Iustice within themselues for determining of Controuersies, with reseruation of Appeale in some cases to the supreme Courts.

And further, these Lords of Counties may of them­selues subdiuide their said County into Mannors and Lordships, as to them shall seeme best, giuing to the Lords thereof power of keeping of Courts, and Leets, as is heere vsed in England, for the determining of petty [Page] matters, arising betweene the Lords, and the Tenants, or any other.

And there is no lesse care to be taken for the trade and publique commerce of Merchants, whose gouern­ment ought to be within themselues, in respect of the seuerall occasions arising betweene them, the trades­men, and other the Mechanickes, with whom they haue most to doe: and who are generally the chiefe inhabi­tants of great Citties, and Townes, in all parts; it is likewise prouided, that all the Cities in that Territory, and other inferiour Townes where Trades-men are in a­ny numbers, shall be incorporate and made bodies po­litique, to gouerne their affaires and people as it shall be found most behouefull for the publique good of the same; according vnto the greatnes or capacity of them, who shall be made likewise capable to send certaine their Deputies, or Burgesses to this publique assembly, as members thereof, and who shall haue voyces equall with any the rest.

BY this you see our maine drift is but to take care for the well ordering of the businesse, seeking by all meanes to auoyd (what we may) the intermedling with any mens monies, or disposing of any mens fortunes, saue onely our owne; leauing to euery particular vnder­taker the imployment of their aduentures, and the rai­sing of their profits, out of their proper limits, and possessions, as shall seeme best to themselues, or their officers, or ministers, whom they imploy, and whom they may be bold to question, or displace, as to them­selues shall seeme most fitting.

And hereby all men may know, that as it is not in our wills to delude and deceiue any, so wee are carefull not to giue the least cause of suspicion of any euill in that kinde; so much the rather for that wee daily see by ex­perience, [Page] the abuses committed in like cases by infe­riour ministers, to be a notable cause to dehort the good dispositions of many otherwise well affected to Planta­tions, for that they obserue those that are so imployed to grow rich, and their aduentures to come to nothing.

And wee further desire that all men should bee per­swaded, wee couet not to engrosse any thing at all vnto our selues, but that wee should bee exceeding glad to finde more of our Nation, so free in disposition, as to partake with vs, as well in the profit, as in the future tra­uell, and charge thereof; without looking backe to our expence, or labour already past, to the end that all our hands being vnited together, the worke may bee so much the sooner aduanced, well knowing and freely confessing, that it is sufficient to giue content to a multitude, and that of all sorts. For such as are truely Pious, shall finde heere the opportunity to put in pra­ctise the workes of piety, both in building of Churches, and raising of Colledges for the breeding of youth, or maintenance of Diuines and other learned men. If they be such as affect Glory, and to continue their memory to future ages, they may haue heere the meanes to raise Houses, Parishes, yea Townes, or Prouinces, to their Names and Posterity. Doe they aime at wealth? heere is the way for their industry to satiate their appetites in that, if they be not vnsatiable. Doe they long after plea­sure? here is as much to be had as may content any, not meerely voluptuous, or onely prodigall. Doe they as­p [...]re to be Commanders? here is the place where they may haue command of their owne friends, or tenants, if they be of any worth, or meanes extraordinary where­with to transport any numbers. If otherwise of expe­rience and vertue, it is likely they may attaine places of gouernement for the publique State. So as you see there wants no occasions, or opportunity to inuite, or [Page] giue satisfaction to such as haue patience to attend the time.

And indeed we shall be glad, that this, or any thing else may induce a free and noble resolution, in any well affected person, to endeuour the aduancement of these ends, together with vs, in that they shall finde them a­greeable to honour, and honestie; and if there bee any that can adde ought vnto our endeuours, by their ad­uice or otherwise, there is none that shall more readily embrace the same then wee; whose intents are onely framed for the prosperity of the businesse, as is already said, and as we hope will all those be, that shall assent to ioyne with vs, both in the labor, profit, and honour, without respect to the weakenesse of the motiue, by which it hath beene heeretofore mooued, or any thing saue the worke it selfe. For by it you shall finde the Honour of our God, our King, and Nation, will bee aduanced, without effusion of Christian bloud, or que­stion of wrong to the present Inhabitants. For that they themselues both desire it, & we intēd not to take ought, but what they that are there, are willing wee should bee seized of, both for the defence of them against their Ene­mies, and their preseruation in peace among them­selues, & propagation of the Christian Faith, which with wonderfull alacrity many of them seeme to giue care vnto, and for whose speedy conuersion wee intend to bee as carefull as of our owne happinesse; and as dili­gent to build them houses, and to prouide them Tutors for their breeding, and bringing vp of their children, of both sects, as to aduance any other businesse what­soeuer, for that wee acknowledge our selues specially bound thereunto. And this being done, to referre the successe, to the Author of Heauen and Earth, to whom be all Honour and glory.