Chapter XIII: Front Matter (13)

_Henry Hudson_ relates, That Sailing in the River _Montains_, in forty Degrees, he saw the _Indians_ make strange Gestures in their Dancing and Singing; he observ’d farther, that they carry’d Darts pointed with sharp Stones, Sodder’d to the Wood; that they slept under the Sky on Mats or Leaves; took much Tobacco, and very strong; and that though courteous and friendly, they were very Thieves. He Sailing thirty Leagues further, went in his Boat to an old _Indian_ Commander of forty Men and seventeen Women, who conducted him to the Shore, where they all dwelt in one House, artificially built of the Barks of Oak-trees; round about it lay above three Ships load of Corn, and _Indian_ Beans to dry, besides the Plants which grew in the Fields. No sooner had _Hudson_ enter’d the House, but he was receiv’d on two Mats spread on the ground; and two Men immediately were sent out to shoot Venison or Fowls; and instantly returning, brought two Pigeons; a fat Dog, whom they nimbly flea’d with shells, was also laid down to the fire: They also made other Preparations for _Hudsons_ Entertainment, but not willing to venture himself amongst them, that Night, tasted not of it, notwithstanding the _Indians_ breaking their Darts, threw them into the fire, that thereby they might drive away all fears and jealousies from him.

[Sidenote: _New Netherlanders_ Apparel.]

The Habits of the Natives, especially of the Men, are few; the Women go more neat than the Men; and though the Winter pinches them with excessive cold, yet they go naked till their thirteenth year: Both Men and Women wear a Girdle of Whale-fins and _Sea-shells_; the Men put a piece of Cloth, half an Ell long, and three quarters broad, between their Legs, so that a square piece hangs behind below his Back, and another before over his Belly. The Women wear a Coat which comes half way down their Legs, so curiously wrought with _Sea-shells_, that one Coat sometimes costs thirty Pounds. Moreover, their Bodies are cover’d with Deer-skins, the lappets or ends of which hang full of Points; a large Skin button’d on the right Shoulder, and ty’d about the middle, serves for an upper Garment, and in the Night for a Blanket: Both Men and Women go for the most part bare-headed; the Women tie their Hair behind in a tuft, over which they wear a square Cap wrought with _Sea-shells_, with which they adorn their Foreheads, and also wear the same about their Neck and Hands, and some also about their middle. Before the _Hollanders_ were Planted here, they wore Shoes and Stockings of _Buffelo_’s-skins; some likewise made Shoes of Wheaten-straw, but of late they come nearer to our Fashions: The Men Paint their Faces with several Colours; the Women only put here and there a black Spot; both of them are very reserv’d.

[Sidenote: Their houses.]

[Sidenote: Remove.]

Their Houses are most of them built of one fashion, onely differing in length; all of them agree in breadth of twenty Foot: They build after this manner, they set Peel’d Boughs of Nut-Trees in the ground, according to the bigness of the place which they intend to build, then joyning the tops of the Boughs together, they cover the Walls and top with the Bark of Cypress, Ashen, and Chest-nut-Trees, which are laid one upon another, the smallest side being turn’d inwards: according to the bigness of the Houses, several Families, to the number of fifteen dwell together, every one having his Apartment. Their Fortifications are most of them built on steep Hills, near Rivers; the access to them is onely at one place, they are built after this manner: They set great Poles in the Ground, with Oaken _Pallisadoes_ on each side, cross-ways one amongst another; between the crosses they set other Trees, to strengthen the Work: Within this inclos’d they generally build twenty or thirty Houses, of which some are a hundred and eighty Foot long, and some less, all of them full of People: In the Summer they pitch Tents along by the River side to Fish; against Winter they remove into the Woods, to be near their Game of Hunting, and also Fuel.

[Sidenote: Many Wives.]

[Sidenote: Marriages.]

[Sidenote: Whoring permitted.]

[Sidenote: Strange Marrying.]

[Sidenote: Child-bearing Womens strange actions.]

[Sidenote: Funerals.]

[Sidenote: Mourning over the dead remarkable.]

To take many Women is not customary here, only amongst Military Officers, who Marry three or four Wives, which so well agree, that there is never any difference betwixt them; those that are not of Age, never Marry but with the consent and advice of their Parents: Widows and unmarry’d Men follow their own opinion and choice; only they take Cognizance of their Estates and Extraction: The Bridegroom always presents the Bride; for the least offence, the Man after having soundly beaten his Wife, turns her out of Doors, and Marries another, insomuch, that some of them have every year a new Wife: On breach of Marriage, the Children follow the Mother, from whom they account their Generation: They account Adultery, if committed under the bare Canopy of Heaven, a great Sin: Whoring is Licenc’d to single Women, if they receive Money for it, and no Man scruples to Marry them; nay, those that are Marry’d, boast how many they have enjoy’d before their Marriage: She that is inclin’d to Marry, covers her whole body, and sets her self wrapt up in the middle of the way, where a Batchelor passing by sees her, and makes up the Match blindfold: When impregnated, they take great care that their Fruit receives no hindrance nor prejudice: When the time of their Delivery approaches, (which they know exactly) they go to a Melancholly place in the Woods, though in the coldest Weather, where they raise up a Hut of Mats, and bring the Child into the World without any help or Company, wash the Child in cold Water, and wrap it up in Mats; then a few days after going home, they bring up the Infant with great care, none putting them out to Nurse: So long as a Woman gives suck, or is quick with Child, she will not admit of Copulation; one who hath the Flowers, never comes abroad: In time of sickness they faithfully assist one another: When any die, the nearest Relations shut their Eyes; and after having watch’d them some days, they are Interr’d after this manner: The Corps is plac’d sitting with a Stone under its Head, near it they set a Pot, Kettle, Dish, Spoons, Money, and Provisions to use in the other World; then they pile Wood round about it, and cover it over with Planks, on which throwing Earth and Stones, they set _Pallisadoes_, and make the Grave like a House, to which they shew Veneration, wherefore they account it a great piece of villany to deface any thing of it: The Men make no shew of sorrow over the Dead, but the Women mourn exceedingly, and carry themselves very strangely, beating their Breasts, scratching their Faces, and calling night and day on the name of the Deceas’d: The Mothers make great Lamentation at the Death of their Children, especially Sons, for they shave off the Hair of their Heads, which at the Funeral is burnt in the presence of all their Relations; which is also perform’d by the Women when their Husbands die; besides, they black all their Faces, and putting on a Hart-skin Shirt, mourn a whole year, notwithstanding they liv’d very contentiously together.

[Sidenote: Conjurers.]

On some occasions they go a Worshipping of the Devil, to a certain place where the Sorcerers shew strange Feats of Activity, tumbling over and over, beating themselves, and not without great noise leaping in and about a great Fire: at last they make a great Cry all together; upon which (as they say) the Devil appears to them in the shape either of a tame or wild Beast: the first signifies bad, and the other good fortune; both inform them of future Events, though darkly; and if the business fall out contrary, they affirm that they have not rightly understood the Devil’s meaning. Moreover they bewitch some in such a manner, that they foam at the Mouth, throw themselves into the Fire, and beat themselves severely; and so soon as they whisper in the Ear of those whom they have bewitch’d, they immediately recover their former health.

[Sidenote: Language of the _New Netherlanders_.]

The Language of this Countrey is very various, yet it is divided into onely four principal Tongues, as the _Manhattans_, _Wappanoo_, _Siavanoo_, and _Minqua_’s, which are very difficult for Strangers to learn, because they are spoken without any Grounds or Rules.

[Sidenote: Money.]

Their Money is made of the innermost Shells of a certain Shell-fish, cast up twice a year by the Sea: These Shells they grind smooth, and make a Hole in the middle, cutting them of an exact bigness, and so put them on Strings, which then serve in stead of Gold, Silver, and Copper Coin.

[Sidenote: Vices and Vertues.]

[Sidenote: Strange Stoves.]

Now to say something of the Vices and Vertues of the Inhabitants. They are in the first place very slovenly and nasty, stubborn, covetous, revengeful, and much addicted to filching and stealing. Some appear reserv’d, using few words, which they utter after serious consideration, and remember a long time. Their Understandings being improv’d by the _Hollanders_, they are quick of apprehension, to distinguish good from bad: they will not endure any Oppression, but are very patient of Heat, Cold, Hunger and Thirst. They have a strange way of using Stoves, which are set in the Ground and cover’d with Earth, into which they go through a little Door. A sick Person coming into the same, sets himself down, and places hot Stones round about him; which done, and having sweat a considerable time, he leaps into cold Water, by which he finds ease of all his Distempers.

[Sidenote: Arms.]

[Sidenote: Remarkable actions of some Prisoners.]

[Sidenote: Laws.]

[Sidenote: Council-Assembly.]

Though these People know no great distinction between Man and Man, as other Nations, yet they have noble and ignoble Families amongst them; superior and inferior Offices, which they enjoy by Inheritance; but sometimes the Martial Offices are bestowed according to the Valour of the Persons: Their Generals seldom give their Enemies a Field-Battel, by drawing or dividing their Men into Regiments or Companies, but make it their whole Design to defeat their Enemies by sudden Sallies from Ambuscado’s; for they never stand out a close Fight, unless compell’d to it, but if encompass’d round, they fight to the last Man. When any danger threatens, the Women and Children are convey’d to a secure place. Their Arms formerly were Bowes and Arrows, and Battel-axes, but now they use Musquets, which they have learn’d to handle with great dexterity. Their square Shields cover all their Bodies and Shoulders. About their Heads they tie a Snakes Skin, in the middle of which sticks either a Fox’s or Bear’s Tail. They cannot be known by their Faces, they are all over so besmear’d with Paint of divers colours. They seldom give Quarter to their Enemies, except Women and Children, which the Conquerors use as their own, that by that means they may increase and strengthen themselves: and if any Prisoner is not kill’d presently after the Battel, but falls into the Hands of one whose Relations have formerly been slain by his Party, he is Roasted three days by degrees before he gives up the Ghost. It deserves no small admiration, that the Sufferer during the whole time of his Torture, Sings till he breathes his last. They have few or no Punishments for any Offence, committing few Crimes which are by them accounted Capital. If any one steal, and the Goods be found in his custody, the Governor of the place where he resides commands him onely to restore the same to the Owner. If any one murther or kill the other, the Relations of the slain, if they can take the Malefactor in twenty four hours, may without Examination or delay put him to death also; but that time being once expir’d, the Revenger is liable to be kill’d in the same time by his Relations whom he slew. All Obligations have their power and vertue from certain Presents deliver’d upon the making of a Contract, which is done thus: They dry as many Sticks as they have Articles, which if they agree upon, every Man on the concluding of the Discourse lays a Present before the others Feet. Sometimes they hang up the Presents, because they are often three days in Consultation before they resolve; after which if the Presents be taken down, it is a certain sign of their Agreement; but if not, they proceed no farther, unless the Articles and Presents are alter’d. On Businesses of consequence the Commonalty repair to their Governor’s House, there to hear and enquire what the Nobility there assembled have concluded or resolv’d on; at which the best Orator standing up, tells them their Intentions. It happens sometimes that a turbulent Person making a Mutiny, and refusing to hearken to reason, is immediately beheaded by one of the Nobility; in contradiction of which none dare presume to speak the least word.

[Sidenote: Religion.]

[Sidenote: Diabolical Worship.]

[Sidenote: Their ridiculous Opinion of God.]

[Sidenote: As also of the Creation.]

There are scarce any steps of Religion found amongst these People, onely they suppose the Moon to have great influence on Plants. The Sun, which over-looks all things, is call’d to witness whene’re they Swear. They bear great respect, and stand much in fear of _Satan_, because they are often plagued by him when they go a Hunting or Fishing: wherefore the first of what they take is burnt in honor of him, that he to whom they ascribe all wickedness might not hurt them. When they feel pain in any part of their Body, they say that the Devil sits in the same. They acknowledge that there resides a God above the Stars, but troubles not himself with what the Devil doth on Earth, because he continually recreates himself with a most beautiful Goddess, whose original is unknown: She on a certain time (say they) descended from Heaven into the Water, (for before the Creation all things were Water) into which she had instantly sunk, had not the Earth arose under her Feet, which grew immediately to such a bigness, that there appear’d a World of Earth, which produc’d all sorts of Herbs and Trees; whilst the Goddess taking to her self a Hart, Bear, and Wolf, and Conceiving by them, she was not long after deliver’d of several Beasts at one time: and from thence proceeded not onely the diversity of Beasts, but also Men, of which some are black, white, or sallow; in nature fearful like a Hart, or cruel and valiant like a Bear, or deceitful like Wolves: after this the Mother of all things ascended up to Heaven again, and sported there with the Supream Lord, whom they say they know not, because they never saw him: wherefore they shall have less to answer for than _Christians_, which pretend to know him to be the Punisher of things both good and bad, which are daily committed by them: and for this ridiculous Opinion they can hardly be brought to embrace the _Christian_ Faith.

[Sidenote: Of the Immortality of the Soul.]

Concerning the Souls of the Deceased, they believe, that those which have been good in their life-time, live Southward in a temperate Countrey, where they enjoy all manner of pleasure and delight; when as the Wicked wander up and down in a miserable Condition. The Eccho which resounds from the Cries of wild Beasts in the Night, they suppose to be the Spirits of Souls transmigrated into wicked Bodies.

[Sidenote: Their _Canticas_, or Dancing.]

At their _Canticas_, or Dancing-Matches, where all Persons that come are freely Entertain’d, it being a Festival time. Their Custom is when they Dance, for the Spectators to have short Sticks in their Hands, and to knock the Ground and Sing altogether, whilst they that Dance sometimes act Warlike postures, and then they come in painted for War with their Faces black and red, or some all black, some all red, with some streaks of white under their Eyes, and so jump and leap up and down without any order, uttering many Expressions of their intended Valour. For other Dances they onely shew what antick Tricks their ignorance will lead them to, wringing of their Bodies and Faces after a strange manner, sometimes jumping into the Fire, sometimes catching up a Firebrand, and biting off a live Coal, with many such tricks, that will affright rather than please an _English_-man to look upon them, resembling rather a company of infernal Furies than Men.

[Sidenote: Their sitting in Council.]

When their King or _Sachem_ sits in Council, he hath a Company of Arm’d Men to guard his Person, great respect being shewn him by the People, which is principally manifested by their silence. After he hath declared the cause of their Convention, he demands their Opinion, ordering who shall begin: The Person order’d to speak, after he hath declar’d his mind, tells them he hath done: no Man ever interrupting any Person in his Speech, nor offering to speak, though he make never so many long stops, till he says he hath no more to say. The Council having all declar’d their Opinions, the King after some pause gives the definitive Sentence, which is commonly seconded with a shout from the People, every one seeming to applaud and manifest their Assent to what is determin’d.

If any Person be condemn’d to die, which is seldom, unless for Murther or Incest, the King himself goes out in Person (for you must understand they have no Prisons, and the guilty Person flies into the Woods) where they go in quest of him, and having found him, the King shoots first, though at never such a distance, and then happy is the Man that can shoot him down; for he that hath the fortune to be Executioner, is for his pains made some Captain, or other Military Officer.

They grease their Bodies and Hair very often, and paint their Faces with several Colours, as black, white, red, yellow, blue, _&c._ which they take great pride in, every one being painted in a several manner.

Within two Leagues of _New York_ lieth _Staten-Island_, it bears from _New York_ West something Southerly: It is about twenty Miles long, and four or five broad, most of it very good Land, full of Timber, and producing all such Commodities as _Long-Island_ doth, besides Tin and store of Iron Oar; and the _Calamine_ Stone is said likewise to be found there: There is but one Town upon it, consisting of _English_ and _French_, but it is capable of entertaining more Inhabitants.

Betwixt this and _Long-Island_ is a large Bay, which is the coming in for all Ships and Vessels out of the Sea.

On the North-side of this Island _After-skull_ River puts into the Main Land, on the West-side whereof there are two or three Towns, but on the East-side but one. There are very great Marshes or Meadows on both sides of it, excellent good Land, and good convenience for the setling of several Towns. There grows black Walnut and Locust, as there doth in _Virginia_, with mighty, tall, streight Timber, as good as any in the North of _America_: It produceth any Commodity which _Long-Island_ doth.

_Hudson_’s River runs by _New York_ Northward into the Countrey, towards the Head of which is seated _New Albany_, a Place of great Trade with the _Indians_, betwixt which and _New York_, being above a hundred Miles, is as good Corn-Land as the World affords, enough to entertain hundreds of Families, which in the time of the _Dutch_ Government of these Parts could not be setled by reason of the _Indians_, excepting one Place, call’d _The Sopers_, which was kept by a Garrison, but since the Reducement of these Parts under His Majesties Obedience, and a Patent granted to his Royal Highness the Duke of _York_, which is about six years, by the care and diligence of the Honorable Collonel _Nichols_, sent thither as Deputy to his Highness, such a League of Peace was made, and Friendship concluded betwixt that Colony and the _Indians_, that they have not resisted or disturb’d any _Christians_ there, in the setling or peaceable possessing of any Lands within that Government, but every Man hath sat under his own Vine, and hath peaceably reap’d and enjoy’d the Fruits of their own Labors, which God continue.

[Sidenote: _Raritan-River._]

Westward of _After-skull_ River before mention’d, about eighteen or twenty Miles, runs in _Raritan_ River Northward into the Countrey some scores of Miles; both sides of which River are adorn’d with spacious Meadows, enough to feed thousands of Cattel: The Wood-Land is very good for Corn, and stor’d with wild Beasts, as Deer, Elks, and an innumerable multitude of Fowl, as in other parts of the Countrey. This River is thought very capable for the erecting of several Towns and Villages on each side of it, no place in the North of _America_ having better convenience for the maintaining of all sorts of Cattel for Winter and Summer Food.

Upon this River is no Town setled, onely one at the Mouth of it; but next to it, Westward, is a Place call’d _Newasons_; where are two or three Towns and Villages setled upon the Sea-side, but none betwixt that and _Delaware-Bay_, which is about sixty Miles, all which is a rich Champain Countrey, free from Stones, and indifferent level, having store of excellent good Timber, and very well water’d, having Brooks or Rivers ordinarily, one or more in every Miles travel. This Countrey is peopled onely with wild Beasts, as Deer, Elks, Bears, and other Creatures, so that in a whole days Journey you shall meet with no Inhabitants except a few _Indians_. It is also full of stately Oaks, whose broad-branch’d tops serve for no other use, but to keep off the Suns heat from the wild Beasts of the Wilderness, where is Grass as high as a Man’s Middle, which serves for no other end, except to maintain the Elks and Deer, who never devour a hundredth part of it, than to be burnt every Spring to make way for new. How many poor People in the World would think themselves happy, had they an Acre or two of Land, whilst here is hundreds, nay thousands of Acres that would invite Inhabitants.

[Sidenote: _Delaware-Bay._]

_Delaware-Bay_, the Mouth of the River, lieth about the mid way betwixt _New York_ and the _Capes_ of _Virginia_.

The best Commodities for any to carry with them to this Countrey is Clothing, the Countrey being full of all sorts of Cattel, which they may furnish themselves withal at an easie Rate, for any sort of _English_ Goods, as likewise Instruments for Husbandry and Building, with Nails, Hinges, Glass, and the like. They get a Livelihood principally by Corn and Cattel, which will there fetch them any Commodities: Likewise they Sowe store of Flax, which they make every one Cloth of for their own wearing; as also Woollen Cloth, and Linsey-woolsey; and had they more Tradesmen amongst them, they would in a little time live without the help of any other Countrey for their Clothing; for Tradesmen there are none but live happily there, as Carpenters, Blacksmiths, Masons, Taylors, Weavers, Shoemakers, Tanners, Brickmakers, and so any other Trade: Them that have no Trade betake themselves to Husbandry, get Land of their own, and live exceeding well.

We shall conclude our Discourse of this Countrey with a notable Character given thereof by a late Writer, as to the great advantage of happy living in all respects, for whosoever shall be pleas’d to betake himself thither to live.

[Sidenote: The Character of a happy Countrey.]

“If there be any terrestrial happiness (saith he) to be had by any People, especially of an inferior rank, it must certainly be here. Here any one may furnish himself with Land, and live Rent-free, yea, with such a quantity of Land, that he may weary himself with walking over his Fields of Corn, and all sorts of Grain, and let his Stock amount to some hundreds; he needs not fear there want of Pasture in the Summer, or Fodder in the Winter, the Woods affording sufficient supply, where you have Grass as high as a Man’s Knees, nay, as high as his Waste, interlac’d with Pea-Vines, and other Weeds that Cattel much delight in, as much as a Man can pass through: And these Woods also every Mile or half-Mile are furnish’d with fresh Ponds, Brooks, or Rivers, where all sorts of Cattel, during the heat of the day, do quench their thirst, and cool themselves. These Brooks and Rivers being inviron’d of each side with several sorts of Trees and Grape-Vines, Arbor-like interchanging places, and crossing these Rivers, do shade and shelter them from the scorching beams of the Sun. Such as by their utmost Labors can scarcely get a Living, may here procure Inheritances of Lands and Possessions, stock themselves with all sorts of Cattel, enjoy the benefit of them whilst they live, and leave them to their Children when they die. Here you need not trouble the Shambles for Meat, nor Bakers and Brewers for Beer and Bread, nor run to a Linnen-Draper for a supply, every one making their own Linnen, and a great part of their woollen Cloth for their ordinary wearing. And how prodigal (if I may so say) hath Nature been to furnish this Countrey with all sorts of wild Beasts and Fowl, which every one hath an interest in, and may Hunt at his pleasure; where, besides the pleasure in Hunting, he may furnish his House with excellent fat Venison, Turkies, Geese, Heath-hens, Cranes, Swans, Ducks, Pigeons, and the like; and wearied with that, he may go a Fishing, where the Rivers are so furnish’d, that he may supply himself with Fish before he can leave off the Recreation. Here one may travel by Land upon the same Continent hundreds of Miles, and pass through Towns and Villages, and never hear the least complaint for want, nor hear any ask him for a Farthing. Here one may lodge in the Fields and Woods, travel from one end of the Countrey to another, with as much security as if he were lock’d within his own Chamber: And if one chance to meet with an _Indian_ Town, they shall give him the best Entertainment they have, and upon his desire direct him on his Way. But that which adds happiness to all the rest, is the healthfulness of the Place, where many People in twenty years time never know what Sickness is; where they look upon it as a great Mortality, if two or three die out of a Town in a years time. Besides the sweetness of the Air, the Countrey it self sends forth such a fragrant smell, that it may be perceiv’d at Sea before they can make the Land: No evil Fog or Vapor doth any sooner appear, but a North-West or Westerly Wind immediately dissolves it, and drives it away. Moreover, you shall scarce see a House, but the South-side is begirt with Hives of Bees, which increase after an incredible manner: So that if there be any terrestrial _Canaan_, ’tis surely here, where the Land floweth with Milk and Honey.”

A
NEW DESCRIPTION
OF
MARY-LAND.

SECT. III.

Before We proceed to the Description of this Countrey, it will be first requisite to relate the true occasion and means, whereby this part of _America_ came to be erected into a Province, and call’d _Mary-land_.

[Sidenote: The situation.]

In the Year of our Lord 1631. _George_ Lord _Baltemore_ obtain’d of King _Charles_ the First, of _Great Brittain, &c._ a Grant of that part of _America_, (first discover’d by the _English_) which lies between the Degrees of thirty seven and fifty Minutes, or thereabouts, and forty of Northerly Latitude; which is bounded on the South by _Virginia_; on the North, by _New England_, and _New Jersey_, part of _New York_, lying on the East side of _Delaware Bay_; on the East, by the Ocean; and on the West, by that part of the Continent which lies in the Longitude of the first Fountains of the River call’d _Patomeck_.

In pursuance of this Grant to his said Lordship, a Bill was prepar’d, and brought to His Majesty to Sign, who first ask’d his Lordship, what he should call it, there being a Blank in the Bill designedly left for the Name, which his Lordship intended should have been _Crescentia_; but his Lordship leaving it to His Majesty to give it a Name, the King propos’d to have it call’d _Terra-Mariæ_, in _English_, _Mary-land_, in honor of his Queen, whose Name was _Mary_; which was concluded on, and inserted into the Bill, which the King then Sign’d; and thereby the said Tract of Land was erected into a Province by that Name.

His Lordship somewhat delaying the speedy passing of it under the Great Seal of _England_, dy’d in the _interim_, before the said Patent was perfected; whereupon a Patent of the said Province was shortly afterwards pass’d to his Son and Heir, (who was Christen’d by the Name of _Cœcil_, but afterwards confirm’d by the Name of _Cœcilius_,) the now Lord _Baltemore_, under the Great Seal of _England_, bearing Date _June 20. 1632._ in the eighth Year of His said Majesties Reign, with all Royal Jurisdictions and Prerogatives, both Military and Civil in the said Province, as Power to Enact Laws, Power of pardoning all manner of Offences, Power to confer Honors, _&c._ to be held of His said Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, Kings of _England_ in common Soccage, as of His Majesties Honor of _Windsor_ in the County of _Berks_ in _England_; yielding and paying yearly for the same to His Majesty and to His Heirs and Successors for ever, two _Indian_ Arrows of those parts, at the Castle of _Windsor_ aforesaid, on Tuesday in _Easter_ Week, and the fifth part of all Gold and Silver Oar, which shall happen to be found in the said Province.

[Sidenote: The Bounds.]

“By the said Patent is Granted to his Lordship, his Heirs and Assigns, all that part of a _Peninsula_, lying in the parts of _America_, between the Ocean on the East, and the Bay of _Chesapeack_ on the West; and divided from the other part thereof by a right Line drawn from the Promontory, or _Cape_ of Land call’d _Watkin’s-Point_, situate in the aforesaid Bay, near the River of _Wigcho_ on the West, unto the main Ocean on the East, and between that bound on the South, unto that part of _Delaware Bay_ on the North, which lies under the fortieth Degree of Northerly Latitude from the Equinoctial, where _New England_ ends; and all that Tract of Land between the bounds aforesaid, that is to say, passing from the aforesaid Bay call’d _Delaware Bay_, in a right Line by the Degree aforesaid, unto the true _Meridian_ of the first Fountains of the River of _Patomeck_; and from thence stretching towards the South, unto the furthest Bank of the said River, and following the West and South side thereof, unto a certain place call’d _Cinquack_, near the Mouth of the said River, where it falls into the Bay of _Chesapeack_, and from thence by a streight Line unto the aforesaid Promontory, or place call’d _Watkin’s-Point_, which lies in thirty seven Degrees and fifty Minutes, or thereabouts, of Northern Latitude.”

[Sidenote: Title.]

By this Patent his Lordship and his Heirs and Assigns are Created the true and absolute Lords and Proprietaries of the said Province, saving the Allegiance and Soveraign Dominion due to His Majesty, His Heirs, and Successors; so that he hath thereby a Soveraignty Granted to him and his Heirs, dependant upon the Soveraignty of the Crown of _England_.

[Sidenote: The first Seating.]

His Lordship, in the Year 1633. sent his second Brother Mr. _Leonard Calvert_, and his third Brother Mr. _George Calvert_, with divers other Gentlemen of Quality, and Servants to the number of two hundred Persons at least, to settle a Plantation there; who set Sail from the _Cowes_ in the _Isle of Wight_ in _England_, on _Novemb. 22._ in the same Year; having made some stay by the way, at the _Barbadoes_ and _St. Christophers_ in _America_, they arriv’d at _Point Comfort_ in _Virginia_, on _February 24._ following; from whence shortly after they Sail’d up the Bay of _Chesapeack_, and _Patomeck_ River. And having review’d the Country, and given Names to several places, they pitch’d upon a Town of the _Indians_ for their first Seat, call’d _Yoacomaco_, (now Saint _Maries_) which the then Governor Mr. _Leonard Calvert_, freely Purchas’d of the Natives there, for the Lord Proprietaries use, with Commodities brought from _England_.

That which facilitated the Treaty and Purchase of the said place from the _Indians_, was a resolution which those _Indians_ had then before taken, to remove higher into the Countrey where it was more Populous, for fear of the _Sansquehanocks_, (another, and more Warlike People of the _Indians_, who were their too near Neighbors, and inhabit between the Bays of _Chesapeack_ and _Delaware_) there being then actual Wars between them, insomuch, that many of them were gone thither before the _English_ arriv’d: And it hath been the general practice of his Lordship, and those who were employ’d by him in the Planting of the said Province, rather to purchase the Natives Interest, (who will agree for the same at easie rates) than to take from them by force, that which they seem to call their Right and Inheritance, to the end all Disputes might be remov’d touching the forcible Incroachment upon others, against the Laws of Nature or Nations.

[Sidenote: The number of Inhabitants.]

Thus this Province at the vast Charges, and by the unweary’d Industry and endeavor of the present Lord _Baltemore_, the now absolute Lord and Proprietary of the same was at first Planted, and hath since been supply’d with People and other Necessaries, so effectually, that in this present Year 1671. the number of _English_ there amounts to fifteen or twenty thousand Inhabitants, for whose Encouragement there is a Fundamental Law establish’d there by his Lordship, whereby _Liberty of Conscience_ is allow’d to all that Profess to believe in _Jesus Christ_; so that no Man who is a _Christian_ is in danger of being disturb’d for his Religion; and all Persons being satisfi’d touching his Lordships Right, as Granted by his Superior Soveraign, the King of _Great Brittain_, and possess’d by the consent and agreement of the first _Indian_ Owners, every Person who repaireth thither, intending to become an Inhabitant, finds himself secure, as well in the quiet enjoyment of his Property, as of his Conscience.

Mr. _Charles Calvert_, his Lordships onely Son and Heir, was in the Year 1661. sent thither by his Lordship to Govern this Province and People, who hath hitherto continu’d that Charge of his Lordships Lieutenant there, to the general satisfaction and encouragement of all Persons under his Government, or otherwise concern’d in the Province.

The precedent Discourse having given you a short Description of this Province from its Infancy to this day, together with an account of his Lordships Patent and Right, by which he holds the same; we will here speak something of the Nature of the Countrey in general, and of the Commodities that are either naturally afforded there, or may be procur’d by Industry.

The Climate is very healthful, and agreeable with _English_ Constitutions; but New-comers have most of them heretofore had the first year of their Planting there in _July_ and _August_, a Sickness, which is call’d there _A Seasoning_, but is indeed no other than an Ague, with cold and hot Fits, whereof many heretofore us’d to die for want of good Medicines, and accommodations of Diet and Lodging, and by drinking too much Wine and Strong-waters; though many, even in those times, who were more temperate, and that were better accommodated, never had any _Seasonings_ at all; but of late years, since the Countrey hath been more open’d by the cutting down of the Woods, and that there is more plenty of _English_ Diet, there are very few die of those Agues, and many have no _Seasonings_ at all, especially those that live in the higher parts of the Country, and not near to the Marshes and Salt-water.

In Summer, the heats are equal to those of _Spain_, but qualifi’d daily about Noon, at that time of the Year, either with some gentle Breezes, or small Showres of Rain: In Winter there is Frost and Snow, and sometimes it is extremely cold, insomuch, that the Rivers and the Northerly part of the Bay of _Chesapeack_ are Frozen, but it seldom lasts long; and some Winters are so warm, that People have gone in half Shirts and Drawers only at _Christmas_: But in the Spring and Autumn, (_viz._) in _March_, _April_, and _May_, _September_, _October_, and _November_, there is generally most pleasant temperate Weather: The Winds there are variable, from the South comes Heat, Gusts, and Thunder; from the North or North-West, cold Weather; and in Winter, Frost and Snow; from the East and South-East, Rain.

The Soyl is very fertile, and furnish’d with many pleasant and commodious Rivers, Creeks, and Harbors.

The Country is generally plain and even, and yet distinguish’d with some pretty small Hills and Risings, with variety of Springs and Rivulets: The Woods are for the most part free from Underwood, so that a Man may Travel or Hunt for his Recreation.

The ordinary entrance by Sea into this Country is between two _Capes_, distant each from the other about seven or eight Leagues; the South _Cape_ is call’d _Cape Henry_; the North, _Cape Charles_; within the _Capes_ you enter into a fair _Bay_, Navigable for at least two hundred Miles, and is call’d _Chesapeack Bay_, stretching it self Northerly through the heart of the Countrey, which adds much to its Fame and Value: Into this Bay fall many stately Rivers, the chief whereof is _Patomeck_, which is Navigable for at least a hundred and forty Miles: The next Northward, is _Patuxent_, at its entrance distant from the other about twenty Miles, a River yielding great Profit as well as Pleasure to the Inhabitants; and by reason of the Islands and other places of advantage that may Command it, both fit for Habitation and Defence: Passing hence to the Head of the Bay, you meet with several pleasant and commodious Rivers, which for brevity we here omit to give any particular account of: On the Eastern Shore are several commodious Rivers, Harbors, Creeks, and Islands; to the Northward whereof you enter into another fair Bay, call’d _Delaware Bay_; wide at its entrance about eight Leagues, and into which falls a very fair Navigable River.

[Sidenote: The natural Commodities of the Countrey.]

This Countrey yields the Inhabitants many excellent things for Physick and Chyrurgery; they have several Herbs and Roots which are great Preservatives against Poyson, as _Snake-Root_, which presently cures the bitings of the _Rattle-Snake_, which are very Venomous, and are bred in the Countrey; others that cure all manner of Wounds; they have _Saxafras_, _Sarsaparilla_, Gums and Balsoms, which Experience (the Mother of Art) hath taught them the perfect use of.

An _Indian_ seeing one of the _English_ much troubled with the Tooth-ach, fetch’d a Root out of a Tree, which apply’d to the Tooth, gave ease immediately to the Party; other Roots they have fit for Dyers, wherewith the _Indians_ Paint themselves as _Pacoone_ (a deep red,) _&c._

The Timber of these parts is good and useful for Building of Houses and Ships, the white Oak for Pipe-staves, the red for Wainscot; there is likewise black Wall-Nut, Cedar, Pine, and Cypress, Chest-nut, Elme, Ash, and Popelar, all which are for Building and Husbandry: Fruit-trees, as Mulberries, _Persimons_, with several kind of Plumbs, and Vines in great abundance.

Of Strawberries there is plenty, which are ripe in _April_, Mulberries in _May_, Rasberries in _June_, and the _Maracok_, which is something like a Lemon, is ripe in _August_. In Spring time there are several sorts of Herbs, as Corn-sallet, Violets, Sorrel, Purslane, and others which are of great use to the _English_ there.

In the upper parts of the Countrey are _Buffeloes_, _Elks_, _Tygers_, _Bears_, _Wolves_, and great store of Deer; as also Beavers, Foxes, Otters, Flying-Squirils, _Racoons_, and many other sorts of Beasts.

Of Birds, there is the Eagle, Goshawk, Falcon, _Lanner_, Sparrow-hawk, and _Marlin_; also wild Turkies in great abundance, whereof many weigh fifty Pounds in weight and upwards, and of Partridge great plenty: There are likewise sundry sorts of singing Birds, whereof one is call’d a _Mock-Bird_, because it imitates all other Birds; some are red, which sing like Nightingales, but much louder; others black and yellow, which last sort excels more in Beauty than tune, and is by the _English_ there call’d the _Baltemore-Bird_, because the Colours of his Lordships Coat of Arms are black and yellow: Others there are that resemble most of the Birds in _England_, but not of the same kind, for which we have no names: In Winter there are great plenty of Swans, Cranes, Geese, Herons, Duck, Teal, Widgeons, Brants, and Pidgeons, with other sorts, whereof there are none in _England_.

The Sea, the Bays of _Chesapeack_ and _Delaware_, and generally all the Rivers, do abound with Fish of several sorts; as Whales, Sturgeon, Thorn-back, Grampuses, Porpuses, Mullets, Trouts, Soules, Plaice, Mackrel, Perch, Eels, Roach, Shadd, Herrings, Crabs, Oysters, Cockles, Mussels, _&c._ but above all these, the Fish whereof there are none in _England_, as _Drums_, _Sheeps-head_, _Cat-fish_, _&c._ are best, except Sturgeon, which are there found in great abundance, not inferior to any in _Europe_ for largeness and goodness.

The Minerals may in time prove of very great consequence, though no rich Mines are yet discover’d there; but there is Oar of several sorts, _viz._ of Tin, Iron, and Copper, whereof several trials have been made by curious Persons there with good success.

The Soyl is generally very rich, the Mould in many places black and rank, insomuch, that it is necessary to Plant it first with _Indian_ Corn, Tobacco, or Hemp, before it is fit for _English_ Grain; under that is found good _Loam_, whereof has been made as good Brick as any in _Europe_: There are store of Marsh-grounds for Meadows; great plenty of Marle, both blue and white; excellent Clay for Pots and Tiles: To conclude, there is nothing that can be reasonably expected, in a place lying in the same Latitude with this, but what is either there found naturally, or may be procur’d by Industry, as Oranges, Lemons, and Olives, _&c._

[Sidenote: Commodities which are, or may be procur’d by industry.]

We need not here mention _Indian_ Corn, (call’d _Mayz_) Pease and Beans of several sorts, being the peculiar products Planted by the _Indians_ of that part of _America_.

All sorts of _English_ Grain are now common there, and yield a great encrease; as Wheat, Rye, Barley, Oats, Pease, Beans, _&c._ good Beer of Wheat or Barley Malt, after the _English_ Mode, is made, even in the meanest Families there; Some drink Beer of _Indian_ Corn, others of the Stalks thereof, or of the Chipps of the _Pockykerry_-Tree, all which make a sort of fresh and pleasant Drink; but the general Diet of the Country is now _English_, as most agreeable to their Constitutions.

There are few able Planters there at present, but what are plentifully supply’d with all sorts of Summer and Winter Fruits; as also of Roots and Herbs, of all sorts out of their Gardens and Orchards, which they have Planted for their Profit as well as Pleasure: They have Pears, Apples, Plumbs, Peaches, _&c._ in great abundance, and as good as those of _Italy_; so are their Mellons, Pumpions, Apricocks, Cherries, Figgs, Pomegranates, _&c._ In fine, there is scarce any Fruit or Root that grows in _England_, _France_, _Spain_, or _Italy_, but hath been try’d there, and prospers well.

You may have there also Hemp, Flax, Pitch, and Tar, with little labor; the Soyl is apt for Hops, Rape-seed, Annice-seed, Woad, Madder, Saffron, _&c._ there may be had Silk-worms, the Country being stor’d with Mulberry-trees, and the superfluity of the Wood will produce Pot-ashes.

There is a great quantity of Syder made there at present, and as good as in any other Countrey; good Perry and Quince-drink is there likewise made in great plenty: The Ground doth naturally bring forth Vines in great quantities, the quality whereof being something corrected by Industry, (as there have been several trials thereof already made there) may no doubt produce good Wine, to the great encouragement and advantage of the Undertakers.

Brave Ships may be built there with little charge, Clab-board, Wainscot, Pipe-staves, and Masts for Ships, the Woods will afford plentifully; some small Vessels have been already built there: In fine, Beef, Furrs, Hides, Butter, Cheese, Pork, and Bacon, to Transport to other Countreys, are no small Commodities, which by Industry, are, and may be had there in great plenty, the _English_ being already plentifully stock’d with all sorts of Cattel and Horses; and were there no other Staple-Commodities to be hop’d for, but Silk and Linnen (the materials of which apparently will grow there) it were sufficient to enrich the Inhabitants.

But the general Trade of _Mary-land_ at present depends chiefly upon Tobacco, it being the Planters greatest concern and study to store himself betimes with that Commodity, wherewith he buys and sells, and after which Standard all other Commodities receive their Price there; they have of late vented such quantities of that and other Commodities, that a hundred Sail of Ships from _England_, _Barbadoes_, and other _English_ Plantations, have been usually known to Trade thither in one Year; insomuch, that by Custom and Excize paid in _England_ for Tobacco and other Commodities Imported from thence, _Mary-land_ alone at this present, hath by his Lordships vast Expence, Industry, and Hazard for many years, without any charge to the Crown, improv’d His Majesties, the King of _Englands_ Revenues, to the value of Forty thousand Pounds _Sterl. per annum_ at least.

The general way of Traffick and Commerce there is chiefly by Barter, or Exchange of one Commodity for another; yet there wants not, besides _English_ and other foraign Coyns, some of his Lordships own Coyn, as Groats, Sixpences, and Shillings, which his Lordship at his own Charge caus’d to be Coyn’d and dispers’d throughout that Province; ’tis equal in fineness of Silver to _English Sterling_, being of the same Standard, but of somewhat less weight, and hath on the one side his Lordships Coat of Arms stamp’d, with this Motto circumscrib’d, _Crescite & Multiplicamini_, and on the other side his Lordships Effigies, circumscrib’d thus, _Cæcilius Dominus Terræ-Mariæ_, &c.

[Sidenote: The Government.]

The Order of Government and settled Laws of this Province, is by the Prudence and endeavor of the present Lord Proprietary, brought to great Perfection; and as his Dominion there is absolute (as may appear by the Charter aforemention’d) so all Patents, Warrants, Writs, Licenses, Actions Criminal, _&c._ Issue forth there in his Name: Wars, Peace, Courts, Offices, _&c._ all in his Name made, held, and appointed.

Laws are there Enacted by him, with the advice and consent of the General Assembly, which consists of two Estates, namely, the first is made up by the Chancellor, Secretary, and others of his Lordships Privy-Council, and such Lords of Mannors, and others as shall be call’d by particular Writs for that purpose, to be Issu’d by his Lordship: The second Estate consists of the Deputies and Delegates of the respective Counties of the said Province, elected and chosen by the free voice and approbation of the Free-men of the laid respective Counties.

The Names of the Governor and Council in this present Year 1671. are as followeth, Mr. _Charles Calvert_, his Lordships Son and Heir, Governor; Mr. _Philip Calvert_, his Lordships Brother, Chancellor; Sir _William Talbot_ Baronet, his Lordships Nephew, Secretary; Mr. _William Calvert_, his Lordships Nephew, Muster-Master-General; Mr. _Jerome White_, Surveyor-General; Mr. _Baker Brooke_, his Lordships Nephew; Mr. _Edward Lloyd_, Mr. _Henry Coursey_, Mr. _Thomas Trueman_, Major _Edward Fits-Herbert_, _Samuel Chew Esq._

His Lordship, or his Lieutenant there for the time being, upon due occasion, Convenes, Prorogues, and Dissolves this Assembly; but whatsoever is by his Lordships Lieutenant there, with the consent of both the said Estates Enacted, is there of the same Force and Nature as an Act of Parliament is in _England_, until his Lordship declares his dis-assent; but such Laws as his Lordship doth assent unto, are not afterwards to be Alter’d or Repeal’d but by his Lordship, with the consent of both the said Estates.

Their chief Court of Judicature is held at St. _Maries_ Quarterly every Year, to which all Persons concern’d resort for Justice, and is call’d _The Provincial Court_, whereof the Governor and Council are Judges: To the Court there doth belong several sworn Attorneys, who constantly are present there, and act both as Barristers and Attorneys; there are likewise chief Clerks, Bayliffs, and other Officers, which duly attend the Court in their respective places.

The Province is divided at present, so far as it is inhabited by _English_, into Counties, whereof there be ten, _viz._ St. _Maries_, _Charles_, _Calvert_, _Anne Arandel_, and _Baltemore_ Counties, which first five lie on the West side of the Bay of _Chesapeack_; on the Eastern side whereof, commonly call’d _The Eastern-Shore_, lies _Sommerset_, _Dorchester_, _Talbot_, _Cæcil_, and _Kent Counties_, which last is an Island lying near the Eastern-shore of the said Bay.

Besides the Provincial Court aforenam’d, there are other inferior Courts, appointed to be held in every one of the Counties six times in the year, for the dispatch of all Causes, not relating to Life or Member, and not exceeding the value of three thousand weight of Tobacco; the decision of all other Causes being reserv’d to the Provincial or higher Court before-mention’d, and there lies Appeals from the County-Courts, to the Provincial Court.

There are Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, and other Officers appointed by the Lord and Proprietary, or his Lordships Lieutenant for the time being, in the said respective Counties; and without four Justices, of which one to be of the _Quorum_, none of the said respective County-Courts can be held; any of his Lordships Privy Council may sit as Judge, in any of the said County-Courts, by vertue of his place.

These Courts are appointed to be held at convenient Houses in the said Counties, which commonly are not far distant from some Inn, or other House of Entertainment, for accommodation of Strangers; one of the said six County Courts in each County is held for settling of Widows and Orphans Estates.

There are Foundations laid of Towns, more or less in each County, according to his Lordships Proclamation, to that effect Issu’d forth in the year 1668. In _Calvert County_, about the River of _Patuxent_, and the adjacent Cliffs, are the Bounds of three Towns laid out, one over against _Point Patience_, call’d _Harvy Town_, another in _Battel-Creek_, call’d _Calverton_, and a third upon the Cliffs, call’d _Herrington_, and Houses already built in them, all uniform, and pleasant with Streets, and Keys on the Water side. In the County of St. _Maries_, on the East side of St. _Georges_ River, is the principal and original Seat of this Province, where the general Assembly, and Provincial Courts are held, and is call’d St. _Maries_, being erected into a City by that Name, where divers Houses are already built: The Governor hath a House there call’d St. _John_’s; the Chancellor Mr. _Philip Calvert_, his Lordships Brother, hath another, and in this place is built and kept the Secretaries Office, where all the Records are kept, all Process, Grants, for Lands, Probates of Wills, Letters of Administration are issu’d out: the Plat of a Fort and Prison is lately laid there, upon a point of Land, term’d _Windmil-Point_, from a Windmil which formerly stood there, the situation is proper, for that it commands the breadth of the said River of Saint _Georges_; so that when it is finish’d, all Shipping may safely Ride before the Town, without the least fear of any sudden Assault, or Attempt of Pirats or other Enemy whatsoever. This City has formerly been the usual place of abode for his Lordships Lieutenants, and their Retinue; but of late years the present Governor, Mr. _Charles Calvert_, hath built himself a fair House of Brick and Timber, with all Out-houses, and other Offices thereto belonging, at a place call’d _Mattapany_, near the River of _Patuxent_ before-mention’d, where he and his Family reside, being a pleasant, healthful, and commodious Seat, about eight Miles by Land distant from St. _Maries_.

[Sidenote: Of the _Indians_ in _Mary-land_.]

The _Indians_ in _Mary-land_ are a People generally of streight, able, and well proportion’d Bodies, something exceeding the ordinary pitch of the _English_, their Complexion Swarthy, their Hair naturally long and black, without Curle, which generally they cut after some strange Fantastical Mode; nay, sometimes they Dye it with red and other preposterous Colours: They Liquor their Skins with Bears Grease, and other Oyls, which renders them more tawny, and less apt to receive injury from the Weather: They are subtile from their Infancy, and prone to learn any thing their Fancy inclines them to, in other things slothful.