Chapter III: Part 3

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_Of the present condition of the Plantation, and what it is._

When we came first to _Nehumkek_, we found about halfe a score Houses, and a faire House newly built for the Gouernor, we found also aboundance of Corne planted by them, very good and well liking. And we brought with vs about two hundred Passengers and Planters more, which by common consent of the old Planters were all combined together into one Body Politicke, vnder the same Gouernor.

There are in all of vs both old and new Planters about three hundred, whereof two hundred of them are setled at _Nehumkek_, now called _Salem_: And the rest haue planted themselues at _Masathulets_ Bay, beginning to build a Towne there which wee doe call _Cherton_, or _Charles_ Towne.

We that are setled at _Salem_ make what haste we can to build Houses, so that within a short time we shall haue a faire Towne.

We haue great Ordnance, wherewith wee doubt not but wee shall fortifie our selues in a short time to keepe out a potent Aduersary. But that which is our greatest comfort, and meanes of defence aboue all other, is, that we haue here the true Religion and holy Ordinances of Almightie God taught amongst vs: Thankes be to God, wee haue here plenty of Preaching, and diligent Catechizing, with strickt and carefull exercise, and good and commendable orders to bring our People into a Christian conuersation with whom wee haue to doe withall. And thus wee doubt not but God will be with vs, and _if God be with us, who can be against us_?

_Here ends Master Higgeson’s Relation of New-England._

_A Letter sent from_ New-England, _by Master_ Graues, _Engynere now there resident_.

Thus much I can affirme in generall, that I neuer came in a more goodly Country in all my life, all things considered: if it hath not at any time beene manured and husbanded, yet it is very beautifull in open Lands, mixed with goodly woods, and againe open plaines, in some places five hundred Acres, some places more, some lesse, not much troublesome for to cleere for the Plough to goe in, no place barren, but on the tops of the Hils; the grasse & weedes grow vp to a man’s face, in the Lowlands & by fresh Riuers aboundance of grasse and large Meddowes without any Tree or shrubbe to hinder the Sith. I neuer saw except in Hungaria, vnto which I alwayes paralell this countrie, in all our most respects, for euery thing that is heere eyther sowne or planted prospereth far better then in old England: the increase of Corne is here farre beyond expectation, as I haue seene hereby experience in Barly, the which because it is so much aboue your conception I will not mention. And Cattle doe prosper very well, and those that are bredd here farr greater then those with you in England. Vines doe grow here plentifully laden with the biggest Grapes that euer I saw, some I haue seene foure inches about, so that I am bold to say of this countrie, as it is commonly said in _Germany_ of _Hungaria_, that for Cattel, Corne, and Wine it excelleth. We haue many more hopefull commodities here in this countrie, the which time will teach to make good vse of: In the meane time wee abound with such things which next vnder God doe make vs subsist, as Fish, Foule, Deere, and sundrie sorts of fruits, as musk-millions water-millions, India-Pompions, Indian-Pease Beanes, & many other odde fruits that I cannot name; all which are made good and pleasant through this maine blessing of God, the healthfulnesse of the countrie which far exceedeth all parts that euer I haue beene in: It is obserued that few or none doe here fal sicke, vnless of the Scuruy that they bring from aboard the Ship with them, whereof I haue cured some of my companie onely by labour. [Thus making an end of an imperfect Description, and committing you to God, &c.

A Catalogue of such needefull things as euery Planter doth or ought to prouide to go to _New-England_

as namely for one man, which being doubled, may serue for as many as you please, _viz._

Victuals for a whole yeere for a man, and so after the rate for more.

_8 Bvshels of meale._
_2 Bushels of pease._
_2 Bushels of Otemeale._
_1 Gallon of Aquavitæ._
_1 Gallon of Oyle._
_2 Gallons of Vinegar._
_1 Firkin of Butter._

Apparell.

_1 Monmoth Cap._
_3 Falling bands._
_3 Shirts._
_1 Wast-coat._
_1 Suit of Canuase._
_1 Suit of Frize._
_1 Suit of Cloth._
_3 Paire of Stockings._
_4 Paire of Shooes._
_2 Paire of Sheets._
_7 Ells of Canuas to make a bed and boulster._
_1 Paire of Blankets._
_1 Course Rug._

Armes.

_1 Armor compleat._
_1 Long peece._
_1 Sword._
_1 Belt._
_1 Bandilier._
_20 Pound of Powder._
_60 Pound of Lead._
_1 Pistoll and Goose shot._

Tooles.

_1 Broad Howe._
_1 Narrow Howe._
_1 Broad Axe._
_1 Felling Axe.
1 Steele Handsawe._
_1 Whipsawe._
_1 Hammer._
_1 Shouell._
_1 Spade._
_2 Augres._
_4 Chissels._
_2 Percers stocked._
_1 Gimblet._
_1 Hatchet._
_2 Frowes._
_1 Hand-Bill._
_1 Grindstone._
_1 Pickaxe._
_Nayles of all sorts._

Houshold implements.

_1 Iron pot._
_1 Kettel._
_1 Frying pan._
_1 Gridiron._
_2 Skellets._
_1 Spit._
_Wooden Platters._
_Dishes._
_Spoons._
_Trenchers._

Spices.

_Sugar._
_Pepper._
_Cloues._
_Mace._
_Cinnamon._
_Nutmegs._
_Fruit._

Also there are diuers other things necessary to bee taken ouer to this Plantation, as Bookes, Nets, Hookes and Lines, Cheese, Bacon, Kine, Goats, &c.

The names of the most remarkable places in _New-England_.

But whosoeuer desireth to know as much as yet can be discouered, I aduise them to buy Captaine _John Smiths_ booke of the description of _New-England_ in Folio; and reade from Fol. 203. to the end; and there let the Reader expect to haue full content.

_Finis._

SOME BRIEF COLLECTIONS

_&c._

_Some brief collections out of a letter that Mr._ Higginson _sent to his friends at_ Leicester.

There are certainly expected here the next spring the coming of 60 familyes out Dorcettershire,[5] who have by letters signified so much to the Goverour to desyre him to appoint them places of habitations they bringing their ministers with them. Also many families are expected out of Lincolnshire[6] and a minister with them, and a great company of godly Christians out of London. Such of you as come from Leister, I would counsell you to come quickly and that for two reasons. 1st, if you linger too long, the passages of Jordan through the malice of Sathan, may be stopped, that you can not come if you would. 2dly, Those that come first speed best here, and have the priviledge of choosing choice places of habitations. Little children of 5 years ould may by setting corne one month be able to get their owne maintenance abundantly. Oh what a good worke might you that are rich do for your poore brethren, to helpe them with your purses onely to convey them hither with their children and families, where they may live as well both for soule and body as any where in the world. Besides they will recompense the cost by helping to build houses and plant your ground for a tyme; which shall be difficult worke at the first, except you have the helpe of many hands. Mr. Johnson out of Lincolnshire and many others, have helped our godly christians hither to be employed in their worke, for a while, and then to live of themselves. We have here about 40 goats that give milke, and as many milch kyne; we have 6 or 7 mares and an horse, and do every day expect the coming of half a score mares more, and 30 Kyne by two shipps that are to follow us.[7] They that come let them bring mares, kyne, and sheepe as many as they can: Ireland is the best place to provide sheepe, and lyes in the way. Bring none that are in lambe, nor mares in foale; for they are in more danger to perish at sea. Of all trades carpenters are most needful, therefore bring as many as you can. It were a wise course for those of abilityes to joyne together and buy a shipp for the voyage and other merchandize. For the governour would that any man may employ his stocke in what merchandises he please, excepting only beaver skins, which the company of merchants reserve to themselves, and the managing of the publique stocke. If any be of the mynde to buy a shipp my cousin Nowell’s[8] counsell would be good. Also one Mr. [Beecher] a very godly man and the master of the ship we went in, and likewise one Mr. Graves the master’s maite dwelling in Wapping may herein staund you in stead. The payment of the transportation of things is wondrous deare, as 5_l_ a man and 10_l_ a horse and commonly 3_l_ for every tunne of goodes: so that a little more than will pay for the passage will purchase the possession of a ship for all together.

No man hath or can have a house built for him here unlesse he comes himselfe, or else send servants before to do it for him. It was an errour that I now perceive both in myselfe, and others did conceive by not rightly understanding the merchaunts meaning. For we thought that all that put in their money into the common stocke; should have a house built for them, besides such a portion of the land; but it was not so. They shall indeed have so much land allotted to them when they come to take possession of it and make use of it, but if they will have houses they must build them. Indeed we that are ministers, and all the rest that were entertained and sent over and maintained by the rest of the company, as their servants, for such a tyme in such employments, all such are to have houses built them of the comyanies charge and no others nor otherwise. They that put money into the stocke, as they do a good worke to helpe forwards so worthy a plantation, so all the gayne they are likely to have, is according to the increase of the stocke at 3 years end, by the trade of beaver, besides the lands which they shall enjoy when they will.

All that come must have victualls with them for a twelve month, I meane they must have meale, oatmeale and such like sustenaunce of food, till they can gett increase of corne by their owne labour. For, otherwise, so many may come without provision at the first, as that our small beginnings may not be sufficient to maintayne them.

Before you come be carefull to be strongly instructed what things are fittest to bring with you for your more comfortable passage at sea, as also for your husbandrey occasions when you come to the land. For when you are once parted with England you shall meete neither with taverns nor alehouse, nor butchers, nor grosers, nor apothecaries shops to helpp what things you need, in the midst of the great ocean, nor when you are come to land here are yet neither markets nor fayres to buy what you want. Therefore be sure to furnish yourselves with things fitting to be had before you come; as meale for bread, malt for drinke, woolen and linnen cloath, and leather for shoes, and all manner of carpenters tools, and a good deale of iron and steele to make nails, and lockes, for houses, and furniture for ploughs and carts, and glasse for windowes, and many other things which were better for you to think of them than to want them here.

Whilst I was writing this letter my wiffe brought me word that the fishers had caught 1600 basse at one draught, which if they were in England were worth many a pound.

NOTES

NOTES.

[1] Thomas Hutchinson, the historian of Massachusetts, attributed this document to Francis Higginson, but Alexander Young and Robert C. Winthrop have shown that another draft of these “Considerations,” in the handwriting of Forth Winthrop, and now preserved in the Winthrop Papers, was probably inspired by John Winthrop. Another copy in the English State Paper Office is endorsed “White of Dorchester his instructions for the plantation of New England.”

[2] Quote, _i. e._ quost, an obsolete spelling of coast.

[3] The manuscript now in the library of the Massachusetts Historical Society, ends at this point, the following pages having been lost since it was in the possession of Hutchinson. The remainder of the journal of the voyage is reprinted from Hutchinson’s “Collection of Original Papers relative to the History of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay,” Boston, 1769.

[4] Gloucester harbor.

[5] These were the settlers who came with Maverick.

[6] The emigrants from Boston, England.

[7] The “Four Sisters” and the “Mayflower.”

[8] Increase Norwell, afterward Secretary of the Colony.

[A] _Records of the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in New England.—Boston, 1853._

INDEX

Aberden, 114.

Accomack, 113.

Accomintus, 113.

Aggawom, 113.

Air of New England, 29, 98.

Ancocisco, 113.

Ancociscos Mount, 113.

Anmoughcawgen, 113.

Ash trees, 26, 95.

Assurance (ship), 62.

Bahanna, 113.

Barley, 109.

Barties Isles, 114.

Barwick, 113.

Bass, 27, 97.

Bastable, 113.

Beans, 110.

Bears, 26, 95.

Beavers, 26, 95, 119.

Beech trees, 26, 95.

Beecher, Mr., 63, 119.

Berries, 25, 94.

Birch trees, 26, 95.

Birds, 31, 100.

Biscay ship, 65.

Black, Goodman, 76.

Boats, Fishing, 28, 97.

Borley, Capt., 64.

Boston, 113.

Boston (Eng.), 125.

Bows and arrows, 35, 105.

Brass, 35, 105.

Bricks, 23, 91.

Bright, Francis, 53, 54.

Bristow Bay, 113.

Brookelime, 25, 94.

Browne, Mr., 65.

Butter, 111.

Cambridge, 113.

Candles, 32, 102.

Cannon, 37, 60, 108.

Cape Ann, 26, 77, 78, 79, 95, 113.

Cape Cod, 113.

Cape James, 113.

Cape Tragabig sanda, 113.

Carrots, 25, 93.

Carvel, 25, 94.

Cattle, 23, 34, 60, 92, 104, 109, 118.

Cedar trees, 26, 95.

Charles I, 6.

Charles River, 22, 90, 113.

Charlestown, 37, 108.

Chawum, 113.

Cherries, 26, 94.

Cherton, 37, 108.

Chestnuts, 25, 94.

Chevit hills, 113.

Christopher Islands, 65.

Churches of Europe, 41.

Claybrook Parish (Eng.), 6.

Cloth, 25, 94.

Clothing for New England, 30, 100, 111.

Codfish, 27, 96.

Cordage, 25, 94.

Corn, 23, 35, 36, 92, 107, 109, 118, 120.

Cornwall (Eng.), 64.

Cowcastle (Eng.), 62.

Cowes (Eng.), 63.

Crabs, 28, 97.

Cucumbers, 25, 94.

Currants, 25, 94.

Cush, 28, 97.

Cypress trees, 26, 95.

Dartmouth (Eng.), 113.

Death of child, 66, 76;
of sailor, 75.

Deer, 26, 27, 95, 96.

Dog fell overboard, 69.

Dorchester (Eng.), 59, 60, 117.

Ducks, 31, 101.

Dunbarton, 114.

Dye stuffs, 26, 95.

Eagle, 31, 101.

Edenborow, 113.

Education, 41.

Eels, 28, 97.

Endecott, Gov., 5, 79.

Falmouth, 113.

Fast kept, 67, 71.

Filberts, 25, 94.

Files, 23, 91.

Fir trees, 26, 95.

Fires in New England, 32, 102.

Fish, 27, 96, 121.

Fishing nets, 28, 97.

Force, Peter, 8.

Four Sisters (ship), 60, 125.

Foxes, 26, 95.

Geese, 31, 101.

George (ship), 60, 79.

Gibs, Mr., 66.

Gloucester, 125.

Gnats, 33, 103.

Goats, 23, 60, 92, 118.

Gods, Indian, 36, 106.

Goffe, Mr., 69.

Gooseberries, 78.

Governor’s house, 36, 107.

Grain, 25, 93.

Grampus, 27, 96.

Grapes, 25, 94, 110.

Grass, 23, 92.

Graves, Mr., 109, 119.

Gravesend (Eng.), 61.

Gum, 26, 95.

Haddock, 28, 97.

Harbors, 27, 96.

Haughton’s Isles, 114.

Hawkes, 31, 101.

Health in New England, 29, 99.

Herbs, 25, 94.

Herring, 28, 97.

Higginson, Rev. Francis, 5-11, 54, 117, 125;
family of, 7;
health of, 29, 81, 99;
sickness of child, 30, 65, 100;
agreement with, 51;
sea journal of, 57;
sails from England, 59;
death of child, 66;
lands at Neihumkek, 79;
seasickness of wife, 81;
letter to friends at Leicester, 117.

Higginson, Mary, 63, 65.

Higginson, Samuel, 65, 68.

Hogs, 23, 27, 92, 96.

Horses, 23, 34, 60, 92, 104, 118, 119.

Household implements, 112.

Houses, 119.

Houses of Indians, 35, 106.

Hull, 113.

Hungaria, 109, 110.

Hutchinson, Gov. Thomas, 11, 125.

Iceberg, 72.

Indians, purchase corn, 24, 93;
dyes used by, 26, 95;
lights used by, 32, 102;
killed by a rattlesnake, 33, 104;
Saggamores of, 34, 104;
number of, 34, 105;
destroyed by the plague, 34, 47, 105;
unable to use all the land, 34, 105;
have no settled places, 34, 105;
personal appearance, 35, 105;
clothing, 35, 105;
weapons, 35, 105;
utensils, 35, 106;
houses, 35, 106;
approve coming of Englishmen, 35, 106;
religion, 36, 106;
language, 36, 107;
title to land, 46;
place names, 113.

Ipswich, 113.

Isle of Wight, 62.

Johnson, Mr., 118.

Juniper trees, 26, 95.

Kenebecka, 113.

Land, abundance of, 34, 35, 104, 106.

Leather, 26, 95.

Leeks, 25, 94.

Leicester ( Eng.), 6, 117.

Leith, 113.

Lincolnshire (Eng.), 117, 118.

Lions, 26, 95.

Lion’s Whelp (ship), 60, 61, 66, 73, 74, 76.

Liverwort, 25, 94.

Lobsters, 28, 97.

London (Eng.), 59.

Mackerell, 27, 96.

Marble, 23, 91.

Marble-harbour, 23, 91.

Margate (Eng.), 61.

Martins, 26, 95.

Massachusetts, 113.

Massachusetts Bay, 22, 90.

Massachusetts Bay, settlement at, 37, 107.

Massachusetts Bay Company, 6.

Masts, 26, 95.

Matinack, 114.

Maverick, John, 125.

Mayflower (ship), 60, 125.

Mecadacut, 114.

Meere, Mr., 64.

Melons, 110.

Metinacus, 114.

Milk, 23, 92.

Minerals, 23, 91.

Molke, 26, 95.

Monahigan, 114.

Moose, 26, 95.

Mosquitoes, 33, 103.

Mulberries, 25, 94.

Mullet, 28, 97.

Mussels, 28, 97.

Names of places, 113.

Neihumkek, 78, 79, 113;
_see also_ Salem.

New England, 21, 89;
soil, 22, 90, 109;
minerals, 23, 91;
growth of vegetables, 25, 93;
woods, 26, 95;
wild beasts, 26, 95;
fish, 27, 96;
air, 29, 98;
seasons, 30, 100;
birds, 31, 101;
discomforts, 33, 103;
winters, 33, 103;
unoccupied land in, 34, 104;
condition of plantation in, 36, 107;
reasons for settling in, 41;
journal of voyage to, 57;
healthfulness, 82, 110;
clothing for, 111;
arms for, 111;
tools for, 111, 121;
household implements for, 112, 121;
places in, 113;
further emigration to, 117;
cost of transportation to, 119;
food for, 120.

“New-England’s Plantation,” manuscript sent to England, 7;
editions printed, 7;
reprinted, 8;
bibliographical description, 8;
census of known copies, 10;
fac-simile of first edition, 17;
reprint of third edition, 87.

Norwich, 114.

Nowell, Increase, 119, 125.

Nusket, 114.

Oak trees, 26, 95.

Oatmeal, 111.

Oil, 32, 102, 111.

Onions, 25, 94.

Otters, 26, 95.

Oxford, 113.

Oysters, 28, 97.

Parsnips, 25, 93.

Partridges, 31, 101.

Passasaquack, 113.

Pease, 25, 93, 110, 111.

Pennobscot, 114.

Pennyroyal, 25, 94.

Pemmayquid, 114.

Pigeons, 31, 101.

Pine trees, 26, 32, 95, 102.

Pitch, 26, 95.

Plague destroyed Indians, 34, 105.

Planters at Neihumkek, 36, 107.

Plymouth, 24, 93, 113.

Portsmouth (Eng.), 62.

Pumpkins, 25, 94, 110.

Raspberries, 25, 94.

Rattlesnakes, 33, 103.

Roses, 25, 78, 94.

Sagadahock, 113.

Sagoquas, 113.

St. Johns towne, 114.

Salem, Landing at, 6;
name, 22, 37, 90, 107, 113;
harbor, 27, 96;
wells, 29, 98;
houses, 36, 37, 107, 108;
number of settlers, 36, 107;
harbor, 79.

Salmon, 27, 97.

Salt, 28, 98.

Saltpeter, 26, 95.

Sandwich, 113.

Sassafras, 26, 95.

Sassanows Mount, 113.

Schools of Europe, 41.

Seasickness, 62, 64.

Segocket, 114.

Sheep, 118.

Ships, 60.

Shuter’s hill, 113.

Sickness, 29, 62, 64, 99.

Skate, 28, 97.

Skelton, Rev. Samuel, 6, 53, 54.

Smallpox, 65, 66, 70, 75.

Smith, Rev., 67.

Smith, Capt. John, 114.

Smith’s Isles, 113.

Snake weed, 33, 104.

Snakes, 33, 103.

Snowdon hill, 113.

Soap ashes, 26, 95.

Soil of New England, 22, 90.

Soldiers, 36, 107.

Sorrel, 25, 94.

Southampton, 113.

Sowocatuck, 113.

Sparke, Michael, 17, 87.

Spices, 112.

Spruce trees, 26, 95.

Squirrels, 26, 95.

Stone, Building, 23, 95.

Storm at sea, 69.

Strawberries, 25, 31, 78, 94, 101.

Sturgeon, 28, 97.

Sumach, 26, 95.

Talbot (ship), 60, 61.

Tar, 26, 95.

Thornback, 28, 97.

Tools for New England, 111.

Torches, 32, 103.

Totan, 113.

Trees, 26, 95.

Turbot, 28, 97.

Turkeys, 31, 101.

Turnips, 25, 93.

Turpentine, 26, 95.

Vegetables, 25, 93.

Vinegar, 111.

Voyage to New England, 59.

Walnuts, 25, 94.

Wapping (Eng.), 119.

Watercress, 25, 94.

Weapons of Indians, 35, 105.

Wells, 29, 98.

Whales, 27, 96.

White, John, 125.

White benjamin gum, 26, 95.

Whitethorn, 25, 94.

Wild cats, 26, 95.

Willow trees, 26, 95.

Willowbies Isles, 114.

Winship, George Parker, 11.

Wintersavory, 25, 94.

Winter season, 33, 103.

Winthrop, Forth, 125.

Winthrop, Robert C., 125.

Wolves, 26, 95.

Wood, William, 7.

Woods, 26, 94.

Yarmouth (Eng.), 63.

Young, Alexander, 8, 125.

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE

Introduction, page 9: ‘D[4]’ replaced by ‘D(4)’ to avoid confusion
with footnote numbering.
Introduction, page 9: ‘Third Editon’ replaced by ‘Third Edition’.
Index, page 131: ‘Sagamores of’ replaced by ‘Saggamores of’.
Index, page 131: ‘34, 195;’ replaced by ‘34, 105;’.

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New-Englands plantationChapter III: Part 3

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