A.D. 1617.Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer.
The third Assise.
To begin his second yeere, he called the third Assise, where divers were punished as their faults deserved: three were condemned to die; two were reprived, but the third was hanged: the next day there was also a levy for the repairing two Forts; but that labour tooke not such effect as was intended, for want of good directions.
The country neere devoured with rats.
But the great God of heaven being angry at somewhat happened in those proceedings, caused such an increase of silly rats, in the space of two yeeres so to abound, before they regarded them, that they filled not onely these places where they were first landed, but swimming from place to place, spread themselves into all parts of the Countrey, insomuch that there was no Iland but it was pestered with them; and some fishes have beene taken with rats in their bellies, which they caught in swimming from Ile to Ile: their nests they had almost in every tree, and in most places their burrowes in the ground like conies: they spared not the fruits of the plants, or trees, nor the very plants themselves, but ate them up. When they had set their corne, the rats would come by troupes in the night and scratch it out of the ground. If by diligent watch any escaped till it came to earing, it should then very hardly escape them: and they became noysome even to the very persons of men. They used all the diligence they could for the destroying of them, [V.186.] nourishing cats both wilde and tame, for that purpose; they used rats-bane, and many times set fire on the woods, that oft ran halfe a mile before it was extinct; every man was enjoyned to set twelve traps, and some of their owne accord have set neere an hundred, which they ever visited twice or thrice in a night; they also trained up their dogges to hunt them, wherein they became so expert, that a good dog in two or three houres would kil forty or fifty. Many other devices they used to destroy them, but could not prevaile, finding them still increasing against them: nay they so devoured the fruits of the earth, that they were destitute of bread for a yeere or two; so that when they had it afterwards, they were so wained from it, they easily neglected to eat it with their meat. Besides they endevoured so much for the planting Tobacco for present gaine, that they neglected many things might more have prevailed for their good, which caused amongst them much weaknesse and mortality, since the beginning of this vermine.
A strange confusion of rats.
At last it pleased God, but by what meanes it is not well knowne, to take them away; in so much that the wilde cats and many dogs which lived on them, were famished, and many of them leaving the woods, came downe to their houses, and to such places where they use to garbish their fish, and became tame. Some have attributed the destruction of them to the encrease of wild cats, but that is not likely they should be so suddenly encreased rather at that time, then foure yeeres before; and the chiefe occasion of this supposition was, because they saw some companies of them leave the woods, and slew themselves for want of food. Others by the coldnesse of winter, which notwithstanding is never so great there, as with us in March, except it be in the wind: besides the rats wanted not the fethers of young birds and chickins, which they daily killed, and Palmeta mosse to build themselves warme nests out of the wind, as usually they did; neither doth it appeare that the cold was so mortall to them, seeing they would ordinarily swimme from place to place, and bee very fat even in the midst of winter. It remaineth then, that as God doth sometimes effect his will without subordinate and secondary causes, so wee need not doubt, but that in the speedy encrease of this vermine; as also by the preservation of so many of them by such weake meanes as they then enjoyed, and especially in the so sudden removall of this great annoyance, there was joyned with and besides the ordinary and manifest meanes, a more mediate and secret worke of God.
About this time Henry Long, with seven others in an extreame storme were cast away, but three of them escaped. One of them being asked what hee thought in the worst of that extremity, answered, he thought nothing but gallowes claime thy right, and it seemes God well heard his prayer, and rewarded his ingratitude; for he was hanged within halfe a yeere after. In that March also five men went to Sea, but as yet was never heard of, and three more drowned in a boat. By Hilliards house grew a very faire Cedar, which by a thunder clap was rent almost to small shivers, and a man stood by him, and Samuel Tanton, most fearfully blasted, yet neither they, the house, nor a little childe, yet a paire of racks in the house was all torne to fitters. The Neptune not long after arriving to fish for whale, her fortune proved no better then the Governours, yet some are of opinion, profit might be made by them.
The returne of M. Powel from the Indies.
In May they discried foure saile, so that manning all their Forts, they stood two daies in Armes, expecting what they were; at last they found it Master Powell returned from the West-Indies in the Hopewell, where missing such trade as he expected, these three Frigots comming in his way, he could not chuse but take them; Meale, Hides and Munition was their lading: Faire weather the Governor made with Powell till he had got all the goods into his owne possession, and then called Powell to a strict account for doing such an unwarrantable act; much a doe then was betwixt the taker and receiver; but Powell was glad to be excused to answer it in England, leaving all hee had taken behinde him in the Iles: The Neptune also returned with him, but noble Powell lost all his pay and pillage for this yeeres worke. For which the Company [V.187.] sent for to Tuckar, so that he also lost his part as well as Powell: Notwithstanding, the Governour by this meanes being strong in shipping, fitted the Carvill with twelve men, under the command of Edward Waters formerly spoken of, and sent them to Virginia about such businesse as hee had conceived. Arriving there, they obtained some goates, and hogs, & what they could spare, and so returned for the Summer Iles; but whether they could not finde the Iles for want of skill, or beaten off by ill weather, or the ill will they bare the Governor, it matters not much: but they bare up again for Virginia, where they all remained, and would returne no more to Summer lies.
A supposed mutiny by M. Pollard, and M. Rich.
The Governour thinking to make some use of the hides, set some that professed themselves Tanners, to make tryall of their skill; but they lost their labours and spoiled the hides. Also he called another Assise concerning a poore fellow called Gabriel, for concealing some speeches M. Pollard and M. Rich should use, tending to the dis-reputation of the Governour, and his injustice and cruelties; which being brought within the compasse of sedition and mutiny, though a yeere agoe; many were called in question about it, although every one ordinarily had spoke as much. Yet Gabriel for example sake was condemned to bee hanged, and was upon the ladder, but reprieved. The other two M. Pollard, and M. Rich were imprisoned, but upon better consideration the fact appeared so small and ridiculous, upon their submission they were pardoned, and restored to their places.
The division of the Summer lies into Tribes, byMaster Richard Norwood, Surveyor.
A.D. 1618.Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer.
The division of the Iles into Tribes.
According to the directions of the Councell and company as they had determined by lot, M. Norwood tooke a plot of the Ile, and divided it with as much faithfulnes as he could, assigning to every Adventurer his share or proportion, as namely, to lay out a large proportion, to bee called the generall land, and imployed for publike uses, as for the maintenance of the Governour, Ministers, Commanders of Forts, souldiers, and such like: and to this end was assigned S. Georges Iland, S. Davids Iland, Longbridge Iland, Smiths Iland, Coopers Iland, Cony Iland, Nonesuch Iland, part of the maine, and sundry other small Iles. The rest was to be divided into eight parts, each part to be called a tribe, and to have his denomination of some principall person that was Adventurer therein: and accordingly the first Tribe to bee Eastward, was then called Bedfords Tribe, now Hamiltons: the second, Smiths: Tribe the third, Cavendish, now Devonshires: the fourth, Pembrooks: the fift, Pagits: the sixt, Mansils, now Warwicks: the seventh, Southampton: the eighth, Sands: in the honours of the Right honorable the Marquis Hamilton, Sir Thomas Smith, the Earle of Devonshire, the Earle of Pembrooke, the Lord Pagit, the Earle of Warwicke, the Earle of Southampton, and Sir Edwin Sands. Againe each of those Tribes were to bee divided into fifty parts, called shares; and every Adventurer to have his shares in these tribes as was determined, by casting lots in England, the manner of it appeares by the Map, and more largely by his Booke of the Survay of the Countrey, which is in the Records of the Colony. And then began this which was before as you have heard, but as an unsetled and confused Chaos, to receive a disposition, forme, and order, and become indeed a Plantation.
The names of the Adventurers, and their shares in [V.188]every Tribe, according to the survey, and thebest information yet ascertained, of any oftheir alterations.
Hamiltons Tribe.
2. Smiths Tribe
3. Devonshire Tribe.
4. Pembrookes Tribe
5. Pagits Tribe.
6. Warwicks Tribe.
7. Southamptons Tribe.
8. Sandys Tribe.
Touching the common ground in each Tribe, as also the over-plus, you may finde that at large in the Booke of Surveyes amongst their Records.
Now though the Countrey was small, yet they could not conveniently have beene disposed and well setled, without a true description and a survey of it; and againe, every man being setled where he might constantly abide, they knew their businesse, and fitted their houshold accordingly: then they built no more Cabbens, but substantiall houses, they cleered their grounds, and planted not onely such things as would yeeld them their fruits in a few moneths, but also such as would affoord them profit within a few yeares, so that in a short time the Countrey began to aspire, and neerely approach unto that happinesse and prosperitie, wherein now it flourisheth, &c.
The first Magazine.1618.
But to follow the History; upon the best plot of ground could be found, the Governor prevailed so much with the generalitie, they built a faire house of Cedar, which being done, he appropriated it to himselfe, which occasioned exceeding much distaste. About this time arrived the Diana with a good supply of men and provision, and the first Magazin ever seene in those Iles; which course is not so much commended here, as cursed and abhorred by reason of enhansements of all the Inhabitants there; six or seven weeks this ship staied, then having towards her fraught thirtie thousand weight of Tobacco; which proving good, and comming to a lucky Market, gave great encouragement to the Adventurers to goe lustily forward in their Plantation, and without such successe, there is nothing but grudging and repining. But about the appropriation of this new built house, many bad discontents grew betwixt the oppressed Colony and the Governor, especially betwixt him and the Minister, and Lewes, who would neither be feared with threats nor imprisonment, that their malice continued till they met in England, of which the Minister made the cause so plaine, hee very well and honestly it seemes, discharged himselfe.
Two exploits of desperate Fugitives.
Now in those times of these endlesse uncivill broiles, two desperate men and a proper Gentlewoman got into a Boat, and thinking to make an escape to Virginia, as appeared by some Letters they left behinde them were never more heard on. The very next moneth after the like was attempted by six others, so desirous they were to be rid of their servitude; but their plot being discovered by one of their societie, they were apprehended, arraigned, and condemned to be hanged: the next day being led with halters about their neckes to the place of execution, one was hanged, and the rest reprived.
The arrival of the Blessing.
The Diana arriving well in England, for all the infinite numbers of complaints, the Tobacco did helpe to sweeten all manner of grievances, yet it bred a distaste in the opinions of so many, they began to thinke of another Governor; but for that time it was so qualified by divers of his friends, they dispatched away the Blessing, which arrived in the Somer Iles. Though their generall Letter was faire and courteous to the Governor, yet by the report of the Passengers and divers particular letters from his friends, it was assured him his cruelty and covetousnesse, for all his paines and industry was much disliked, nor was he like to enjoy his house, and that land he had [V.190.] planted for himselfe, by the extreme oppression of the Comminalty. This caused so many jelousies to arise in his conceit, that at last he fully resolved to returne by this ship, that no sooner set saile from England, then they proceeded to the nomination of a new Governor. Many were presented according to the affections of those that were to give in their voices, but it chiefely rested betwixt one Captaine Southwell, and one Mr. Nathaniel Butler, where wee will leave them a while to the consideration of the Court and Company. Now Captaine Tuckar having instituted Captaine Kendall one of the six Governors before spoken of for his substitute, returned with this ship directly for England, as well to excuse himselfe of those objections he suspected, as to get assured him the house and land he had alotted for himselfe, lest it might otherwise be disposed of in his absence.
Collected out of their Records by N. B. and the relations of M. Pollard, and divers others.
The Government of Captaine Miles Kendall,Deputy for Captaine Tuckar.
The arrival of two ships.
The unexpected returne of Captaine Tuckar, caused a demurre in the election of the new Governor; some perswading these oft changes were so troublesome, dangerous, and chargeable, it were best to continue Captaine Kendall; others againe stood for Captaine Tuckar, but during the time of these opinions, the Gilliflower was dispatched with a supply. Now I should have remembred, Tuckar was no sooner out of the harbour, but he met Master Elfred in a ship called the Treasurer, sent from Virginia to trade: by her he writ to his Deputy Master Kendall, to have a care of all things, and beware of too much acquaintance with this ship, which hee suspected was bound for the West-Indies. Notwithstanding, Elfred received what kindnesse the Ile could afford; he promised to revisit them at his returne; this done, because they would not be governlesse when his Deputiship was expired, there was a generall assembly, and by that Election Kendall was confirmed to succeed still Governor. Now they began to apply themselves to the finishing some plat-forme about Smiths Fort, and laying the foundation of a Church to be built of Cedar, till the Gillyflower arrived with some private letters to Kendall, how he was elected Governor of those Iles for three yeeres. During her stay they held their Assises, where for some few suspected facts three were condemned, and the better to terrifie the rest, led to the place of execution, but reprieved; divers of the rest had their faults pardoned, and the Gilliflower set saile for New found land.
Captain Butler chosen Governour.
The love and kindnesse, honesty and industry of this Captaine Kendall, hath beene very much commended; by others, somewhat disliked but an Angell in those imploiments cannot please all men, yet this consideration bred much ill bloud as well here as there, so that the Company directly concluded, Captaine Butler should with what expedition they could, goe to be their Governor: In the Interim they tooke the opportunitie of a ship, called the Sea-flower, bound for Virginia, and by her sent a Preacher and his Family, with divers Passengers, and newes of a new Governor. This bred a great distaste amongst many, that still they should have new officers and strangers for their Governors they never heard of, and themselves still kept there whether they would or no, without any preferment, no nor scarce any of them their inhabiting, to have any land at all of their owne, but live all as tenants, or as other mens poore servants.
About this time came in Captaine Kerby with a small Barke from the West-Indies, who having refreshed himselfe, was very kindly used by the Governor and so [V.191.] departed. Not long after a Dutch Frigot was cast away upon the Westerne shore, yet by the helpe of the English they saved the men, though the ship perished amongst the Rocks. A little after one Ensigne Wood being about the loading of a peece, by thrusting a pike into the concavitie, grating upon the shot, or somewhat about the powder, strucke fire within her and so discharged, but wounded him cruelly and blew him into the Sea, though hee was got out by some that stood by him, yet hee died of those wounds. Within two or three daies after, Captaine Elfred now comes in a second time: but of that we shall say more in the government of Captaine Butler, who presently after arrived with a good supply, and was kindly entertained by Captaine Kendall and all the Colony.
From a relation of Tho. Sparks, and divers others.
A.D. 1619The Government of Captaine Nathaniel Butler.
A plat-forme burnt, and much hurt by a Hericano.
Captaine Butler being arrived the twentieth of October, 1619. some mutterings there was how to maintaine their election of Captaine Kendall, but better remembring themselves, that conceit quickly dissolved. The next day, Kendall, the Ministers, and the Counsell went aboord to salute the new Governor, where after they had dined with the best entertainment he could give them; they saw the Redout belonging to the Kings Castle by a mischance on fire, whither he repaired with all the meanes he could to quench it; but all the platforme and cariages were consumed before their faces, and they could not helpe it. Two daies after he went up to the Towne, had his Commission publikely read, made a short speech to the Company, and so tooke upon him the government. Then presently he began to repaire the most necessary defects: The next moneth came in the Garland, sent from England six or seven weekes before him; so that being seventeene weeks in her voyage, it was so tedious and grievous to divers of the Fresh-water Passengers, that such a sicknesse bred amongst them, many died as well Sailers as Passengers. Having taken the best order he could for their releefe, passed through all the Tribes, and held his first Assise in Captaine Tuckars house at the over-plus. Towards the last of this moneth of Novemb. there arose a most terrible storme or Hericano, that blew up many great trees by the roots: the Warwick that brought the Governor was cast away, but the Garland rid by her, saved her selfe by cutting downe her Masts; and not long after a second storme, no lesse violent then the first, wherein the Mount which was a frame of wood built by Master More for a Watch-tower to looke out to Sea, was blowne up by the roots, and all that Winter crop of corne blasted: And thus was the new Governor welcomed.
The refortifying the Kings Castle.Amber-greece found.{MN}
With the beginning of the new yeere he began his first peece of fortification, upon a Rocke which flankers the Kings Castle, and finding the ship called the Treasurer starke rotten and unserviceable, hee tooke nine peeces of Ordinance from her to serve other uses. The Garland for want of meanes, could not make her voiage to Virginia as she was appointed; wherefore he entertained her to returne to England, with all the Tabacco they had in the Ile. It was January before she departed, in which time shee failed not much to have beene twice cast away. But those strange and unavoidable mischances, rather seemed to quicken the Governors industry then to dull it. Having finished the Church begun by Captaine Kendall, with an infinite toile and labour he got three peeces out of the wracke Warwicke. Having an excellent Dutch Carpinter he entertained of them that were cast away in the Dutch Frigot; he imploied him in building of Boats, whereof they were in exceeding great want. In February they discovered a tall ship beating too and againe, as it seemed by her working being ignorant of the Coast; some thought her a Spaniard to view their Forts, which stand most to that part she so neerely [V.192.] approached; some, English; but the most, some Dutch man of Warre: The wind blew so high, they durst not send out a Boat, though they much doubted she would be foule of their Rocks, but at last she bore up rommy for the Sea, and we heard of her no more. {MN} That evening, a lucky fellow it should seeme he was, that found a peece of Amber-greece of eight ounces, as he had twice before, which bringing to the Governor, he had ready money for the one halfe, after three pound an ounce, according to their order of Court, to encourage others to looke out for more, and prevent the mischiefe insueth by concealing of it.
The arrivall of two Dutch Frigots.
Within a few daies after, they descried two Frigots that came close to the shore, and sent a Letter to the Governor, writ in Italian, that they were Hollanders had beene in the West-Indies, and desired but to arrive, refresh themselves with wood and water, and so be gone. The Governor forthwith sent them to understand, that being there under his Majestie of England to command those Iles, he was to carrie himselfe a friend to his friends, and an enemy to his enemies; if therefore he could shew a lawfull Commission for his being honestly and nobly emploied, he and his should be kindly welcome, otherwise they were to adventure at their perills. But his Commission was so good, he staied there two moneths, and was so well fitted with Oile & Bacon, they were all glad and happy of this Dutch Captaine Scoutans arrivall, with many thanks to their old friend Captaine Powell that had conducted him thither: the Colony being exceedingly in great want and distresse, bought the most part of it at reasonable rates, so Captaine Scoutan returned to the West-Indies, and Captaine Powell for his part in the Low-Countries. Whilest these things were in action, the Adventurers in England made many a long looke for their ships; at last the Garland brought them all the newes, but the Tobacco was so spoiled either in the leaking ship, or the making up, it caused a great suspicion there could none was good come from those Iles; where (were they but perfit in the cure) questionlesse it would be much better then a great quantitie of that they sell for Verinas, and many a thousand of it in London hath beene bought and sold by that title.
The differences betwixt the Ministers.
The Governor being cleere of those distractions, falls upon the restoring of the burnt Redoubt, where he cuts out a new plat-forme, and mounts seven great peece of Ordnance upon new cariages of Cedar. Now amongst all those troubles, it was not the least to bring the two Ministers to subscribe to the Booke of Common Praier, which all the Bishops in England could not doe. Finding it high time to attempt some conformitie, bethought himselfe of the Liturgie of Garnsey and Jarse, wherein all those particulars they so much stumbled at, were omitted. No sooner was this propounded, but it was gladly imbraced by them both, whereupon the Governor translated it verbatim out of French into English, and caused the eldest Minister upon Easter day to begin the use thereof at S. Georges towne, where himselfe, most of the Councell, Officers and Auditorie received the Sacrament: the which forme they continued during the time of his government.
The rebuilding the Mount.
Much about this time, in such a faire morning, that had invited many Boats farre out to the Sea to fish, did rise such a Hericano that much indangered them all, so that one of them with two Boies were driven to Sea and never more heard of. The Ministers thus agreed, a Proclamation was published for keeping of the Sabbath, and all the defective cariages he endevoured to have renewed, builded a small Boat of Cedar onely to goe with Ores, to be ready upon any occasion to discover any shipping, and tooke order every Fort should have the like: Also caused numbers of Cedars to be brought from divers places in flotes, to rebuild the Mount, which with an unspeakable toile, was raised seven foot higher then before, and a Falcon mounted at the foot, to be alwaies discharged for a warning to all the Forts upon the discovery of any shipping, and this he called Rich Mount. This exceeding toile and labour, having no Cattle but onely mens strengths, caused many petitions [V.193.] to the Governour, that all those generall works might cease till they had reaped their harvests, in that they were in great distresse for victuall; which hee so well answered, their owne shames did cause them desist from that importunity, and voluntarily performe as much as hee required.
The Tomb, of Sir George Summers.
Finding accidentally a little crosse erected in a by place, amongst a many of bushes, understanding there was buried the heart and intrailes of Sir George Summers, hee resolved to have a better memory for so worthy a Souldier, then that. So finding also a great Marble stone brought out of England, hee caused it by Masons to bee wrought handsomely and laid over the place, which hee invironed with a square wall of hewen stone, Tombe like; wherein hee caused to bee graven this Epitaph he had composed, and fixed it upon the Marble stone; and thus it was,
In the yeere 1611, Noble Sir George Summers went hence to heaven; Whose well tri'd worth that held him still imploid, Gave him the knowledge of the world so wide. Hence 't was by heavens decree, that to this place He brought new guests, and name to mutuall grace. At last his soule and body being to part, He here bequeath'd his entrails and his heart.
Their manner of losses reformed.
Upon the sixt of June began the second Assise, that reduced them to the direct forme used in England. For besides the Governour and Councell, they have the Bailiffes of the Tribes, in nature of the Deputy Lieutenants of the shires in England, for to them are all precepts and warrants directed, and accordingly answered and respected; they performe also the duties of Justices of Peace, within their limits. The subordinate Officers to these in every tribe, are the Constables, Head-borowes, and Church-Wardens; these are the triers of the Tobacco, which if they allow not to be marchantable, is burnt: and these are the executioners of their civill and politicke causes.
Martiall Officers.
For points of warre and martiall affaires, they have the Governour for Lieutenant generall, the Sergeant major, Master of Ordinance, Captaines of Companies, Captaines of Forts, with their severall officers, to traine and exercise those numbers under their charge, in martiall discipline.
Civill Offices and Courts.
Concerning their Courts for decision of right and justice, the first, though last in constitution, is their generall assembly; allowed by the state in England, in the nature of a Parliament, consisting of about forty persons; viz. the Governour, the Counsell, the Bailiffes of the tribes, and two Burgesses of each tribe chosen by voyces in the tribe, besides such of the Clergie as the Governour thinkes most fit, to be held once a yeere, as you shal heare more thereof hereafter. The next Court is the Assise or Jayles of deliverie, held twice every yeere, in Christmas, and Whitson weeke, for all criminall offenders, and civill causes betwixt party and party; as actions of debt, trespasse, battery, slander, and the like: and these are determined by a Jury of twelve men, and above them is also a grand Jury to examine matters of greater consequence. The last day of the Assise might also well be held a Court, for hearing the transgressions in matters of contempt, mis-behaviour towards any Magistrate, riots, seditious speakers, contemners of warrants, and such like: there are also as occasion shall require, many matters heard by the Governor, or his Officers, and oft justice done in severall places, but those are but as daies of hearing, and as preparatives against their Courts, &c.
The second Assise.
At this last Assize eighteene were arrained for criminall causes, a number very extraordinary considering the place; but now occasioned by reason of the hard yeere, and the store of ill chosen new commers; of these, some were censured to the whipping post, some burned in the hand, but two were condemned to die, yet the one was reprieved, the other hanged; this done, every man returned to his home: many trials they made againe about the Warwicke, but to small purpose, her Ordnance being [V.194.] lashed so fast they could not be unloosed, till the ropes and decks were rotten, yet some few buttes of beare being flotie they got, which though it had lien six moneths under water was very good, notwithstanding the next yeere they recovered five peeces of Ordnance.
A generall assemblie in manner a Parliament.
Upon the first of August, according to the Companies instructions from England, began the generall assembly at the towne of Saint George, which was the first these Iles ever had; consisting is is said, of the Governour, Councell, Bailiffes, and Burgesses, and a Secretarie to whom all bils were presented, and by him openly read in the house, also a Clerke to record the Acts, being thirty two in all; fifteene of which being sent into England, were by a generall consent received and enacted, the titles whereof are these following: as for all the reasons for them, they would be too tedious to recite.
Their Acts.
The first was against the unjust sale and letting of apprentises and other servants, and this was especially for the righting the undertakers in England. The second, concerning the disposing of aged, diseased, and impotent persons, for it being considered how carelesse many are in preferring their friends, or sending sometimes any they can procure to goe, such unserviceable people should be returned back at their charge that sent them, rather then be burdensome to the poore Inhabitants in the Iles. The third, the necessary manning the Kings Castle, being the key of the Ile, that a garison of twelve able men should bee there alwaies resident: and 3000. eares of corne, and 1000. pounds of Tobacco payed them by the generality yeerely, as a pension. The fourth, against the making unmarchantable Tobacco, and Officers sworne to make true trials, & burne that was naught. The fift, injoyned the erection of certaine publike bridges, and the maintenance of them. The sixt, for a continuall supply of victuall for all the Forts, to bee preserved, till some great occasion to use it. The seventh was, for two fixed dayes every yeere for the Assises. The eight, commands the making of high-waies, and prohibiting the passage over mens grounds and planted fields, as well to prevent the spoyling gardens, conveniencie to answer any alarum. The ninth, for the preserving young tortoises and birds, that were carelesly destroyed. The tenth, provided against vagabonds, & prohibited the entertainement of other mens servants. The eleventh, compelled the setting of a due quantity of corne for every family. The twelfth, the care corne being set, enjoyned the keeping up of their poultry till it was past their reaches. The thirteenth, for the preservation of sufficient fences, & against the felling of marked trees appointed for bounds. The fourteenth, granted to a levy for a thousand pound weight of Tobacco, towards the payment of publike workes, as the the bridges and the mount. The fifteenth, for the enjoyning as acknowledgement and acception of all resident Governours, and the warranting him to continue, though his time be expired, till the arrivall of a legitimate successor from England, to prevent all unmeet and presumptuous elections, besides it was desired by petition in England, the new Governour should live two months as a private man after his arrivall, if his predecessor did stay so long, the better to learne and observe his course. And these are the contents of those fifteene Acts, appplied as you may perceive: which the lawes of England could not take notice of, because every climate hath somewhat to it selfe in that kinde in particular; for otherwise as it is conceived, it had beene a high impudency and presumption to have medled with them, or indeed with any such as these lawes, that had with such great judgement and justice alwaies provided for.
The arrivall of the Magazin ship.70000.weight of Tobacco.{MN}
No sooner was this businesse over, but the Magazin ship is discovered, and that night came into the Harbour, but in a very weake and sickly case, having cast over board twenty or thirty of her people, and so violent was the infection, that the most part of the sailers, as well as passengers, were so sicke, or dismaid, or both, that the Master confessed, had they stayed it the Sea but a weeke longer, they had all perished. There arrived with this ship divers Gentlemen of good fashion, with their wives and families; but many of them crasie by the tediousnesse of the voyage: howsoever most of them, by the [V.195.] excellent salubrity of the aire, then which the world hath not a better, soone after recovered; yet some there were that died presently after they got ashore, it being certainly the quality of the place, either to kill, or cure quickly, as the bodies are more or lesse corrupted. By this ship the Company sent a supply of ten persons for the generality, but of such bad condition that it seemed they had picked the Males out of Newgate, the Females from Bridewell: As the Governour found it his best course, to grant out the women to such as were so greedy of wives, and would needs have them for better for worse; and the men hee placed in the Kings Castle for souldiers. But this bad, weake, sickly supply being dispersed for their best reliefe, by the much imployment of his Boats in remooving them, many of his owne men became infected, so that for some weekes, they were not able to doe him any service at all. Strict instructions also they brought for the planting of Sugar canes, for which the Iland being rockie and dry, is so unproper, that few as yet have beene seene to prosper: yet there are others hold the contrary opinion, that there is raine so ordinarily, the Iles are so moist as produceth all their plants in such infinit abundance: there is no great reason to suspect this, were it rightly used, more then the rest. {MN} Seventy thousand weight of Tobacco being prepared towards her fraught she returned for England. No sooner was shee gone then came in another, sent by the Company and generalty, well conditioned, but shee failed not much to have beene cast away amongst those dangerous & terrible rocks; by her came also expresse command, they should entertaine no other ships, then were directly sent from the Company: this caused much grudging, and indeed a generall distraction and exclamation among the Inhabitants, to be thus constrained to buy what they wanted, and sell what they had at what price the Magazin pleased, and to debarre true men from comming to them for trade or reliefe, that were daily received in all the harbours in England. So long this ship stayed going for fraught and wages, the Master not caring how long he lay at that rate in a good harbour, the Governour was ready to send her away by Proclamation. Thus ended the first yeere of the government of C. Butler.