Chapter I: Front Matter (1)

{Transcriber's Note: British, archaic and inconsistent spellings have been left as in the original, as have capitalizations. A few obvious typographical errors have been changed. Margin notes, except when they refer to either the whole paragraph or the beginning of the paragraph, are indicated where they occur in the text with {MN} and inserted in full at the beginning of the paragraph to which they refer. Material in square or round brackets are as in the original; transcriber's notes are in curly brackets. Several maps and illustrations are mentioned in the text, but none appear in the original book, nor does the index. Pagination of the 1624 edition, which this edition places in the margins, have been left interlinear to more nearly indicate their original placement.}

The Travels of

Captaine John Smith

In Two Volumes

Volume I

GLASGOW

PRINTED AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS BY
ROBERT MACLEHOSE & COMPANY LTD. FOR
JAMES MACLEHOSE AND SONS, PUBLISHERS
TO THE UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW

MACMILLAN AND CO. LTD. LONDON
THE MACMILLAN CO. NEW YORK
THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA TORONTO
SIMPKIN, HAMILTON AND CO. LONDON
MACMILLAN AND BOWES CAMBRIDGE
DOUGLAS AND FOULIS EDINBURGH

MCMVII

The Generall Historie
of
Virginia, New England

&

The Summer Isles

Together with
The True Travels, Adventures
and Observations, and
A Sea Grammar

By
CAPTAINE JOHN SMITH
Sometimes Governour in those Countryes
and Admirall of New England

VOLUME I

Glasgow

James MacLehose and Sons
Publishers to the University
New York: The Macmillan Company

MCMVII

THE TABLE

Page

Publishers' Note, xvii

The Epistle Dedicatorie to the Duchesse of Richmond and Lenox, xxii

A Preface of foure Poynts, xxv

Panegyrick Verses, xxvii

The Contents of the generall History, divided into six Books:

THE FIRST BOOKE.

A.D. The first voyage to the new World, by Madock Prince of 1170 Wales. The next by Hanno Prince of Carthage, and how 1488 it was offred K. Hen.7. by Chr. Cullumbus, that 1492 undertooke it for the Spanyards. 1492. 1

1497 How John Cabot was imployed by King Hen. the 7. and found 1576 the Continent before Cullumbus. Also Sir Martin 1583 Frobisher, and Sir Humphrey Gilbert ranged towards the 1584 North. And how Captaine Amidas was sent to discover the coast of Florida by Sir Walter Raleigh and his associates. And the Country Wingandacoa was called Virginia by Queene Elizabeth. 2

1585 Sir Richard Greenvill sent thither with 108. he left for
a plantation. The discovery of the Rivers Chawonok
and Moratoc. The trechery of their King, who with eight
more were slaine, and they all returned to England
againe the same yeare with Sir Francis Drake. 10

The Observations of Master Heriot. Of their commodities,
victuall, fruits, beasts, fishes, and foules. Their
Religion, and beliefe of God, of the Creation of the
world, and man; the immortalitie of the soule; the
subtiltie of their Priests; the peoples simplicitie,
and desire of salvation; and other Accidents. 19

1586 Sir Rich. Greenvill sent to supply them. Not finding them,
left fiftie. Their successe. 26

1587 Master White sent to relieve them, found they were all
slaine, yet left 115. more, and departed. 26

1589 Returning the second time, he could not heare of them; his
Observations and Accidents. 30

1602 A discovery by Captaine Gosnoll of Elizabeths Isles; his
Observations, Relations, and returne. 33

The voyage of Captaine Pring to the same Coast. 37

1603 The discovery of Captaine Waymouth; his Observations,
Relations, and returne. 38

1605 A Map of the old Virginia, with the figures of the
Salvages. 40

THE SECOND BOOKE.

Of Virginia now planted, discovered by Captaine Smith.

1606 The Latitude, Temperature, and Capes; a description of
Chisapeack Bay, and seaven navigable Rivers that fall
fall into it, with their severall Inhabitants, and
diversitie of Language. 43

1606 Of things growing Naturally, as woods, fruits, gummes,
berries, herbs, roots; also of beasts, birds, and
fishes; how they divide the yeare, prepare their
ground, plant their corne, and use it, and other
victuall. 52

What commodities may be had by industry. The description
of the people, their numbers, constitutions,
dispositions, attyre, buildings, lodgings and gardens,
their usage of children, striking of fire, making their
Bowes and Arrowes, knives, swords, targets, and boats:
how they spinne, make fish-hooks, and ginnes, and their
order of hunting. Consultations and order in Warres. 60

Their musicke, entertainment, trade, Physicke, Chirurgery
and Charmes. Their Religion, God, burials ordinary and
extraordinary, Temples, Priests, Ornaments, solemnities,
Conjurations, Altars, sacrifices, black boyes, and
resurrection. 70

The manner of their government, their Emperor; his
attendants, watch, treasury, wives, successors &
authority: tenure of their lands, and manner of
punishment, with some words of their Language
Englished. 77

And a Mappe of the Countrey of Virginia now planted.

THE THIRD BOOKE.
Of the Accidents and Proceedings of the English.

1606 Their orders of government, Accidents in going, first
landing and government setled. 85

1607 The Salvages assault the Fort, the ships returne, their
names were left, occasion of sicknes, plenty
unexpected, the building of James Towne, the beginning
of Trade, two projects to abandon the Country. 88

1607 Their first attempts upon the Salvages. Captaine Smith
taken prisoner; their order of Triumph, and how he
should have beene executed, was preserved, saved
James towne from being surprised, how they Conjured
him. Powhatan entertained him, would have slaine him;
how Pocahontas his daughter saved him, and sent him to
James Towne. The third plot to abandon the Countrey
suppressed. 96

Their first Supply and Accidents. The Salvages opinion of
our God. Captaine Smith revisits Powhatan; James Towne
burnt; A conceited gold mine; A needlesse charge;
Captaine Newports returne for England. 104

1608 James Towne rebuilt, with a Church and Store-house; The
Salvages plot to murther all the English; their
insolencies suppressed. Different opinions among the
Councell. 110

Their names landed in this Supply. 113

The discovery of the Bay of Chisapeack. Their fight and
conference with the Kuskarawaoks; Ambuscadoes
prevented in the river Patawomek; A mine like
Antimony. How to deale with the Salvages. Smith neare
killed with a Stingray. With many other Accidents in
the discovery. A needlesse misery at James towne
redressed. 115

The second Voyage to discover the Bay. Their incounter
with the Massawomekes and Tockwhoghs; the
Sasquesahanoughs offer subjection to the English.
The exceeding love of the Salvage Mosco. Their
fight with the Rapahanocks; their fight with the
Manahokes. The King of Hassaninga's brother taken
prisoner; his relation of those mountainers; peace
concluded with all those Nations. The discovery of the
river Payankatank their fight with the Nandsamunds, &
Chisapeacks; their returne to James town. 124

1608 The Presidency surrendred to Cap. Smith. The second Supply
by Captaine Newport, many Presents sent from England
to Powhatan, his scorne, Consultations; factions
suppressed; Cap. Smith visiteth Powhatan; Pocahontas
entertaines him with a Maske; the Coronation of
Powhatan, and Conditions. The discovery of the
Monacans; a punishment for swearing; the
Chickahamanians forced to Contribution; the abuses of
the Mariners; Master Scriveners voyage to
Werowocomoco. 138

Captaine Smiths Relation to England of the estate of the
Colony: the names of them arrived in this Supply.
Nandsamund forced to Contribution. The first Marriage
in Virginia. Apamatuck discovered. 147

Captaine Smiths journey to Pamaunkee. The discovery of
the Chawwonocks. Smiths discourse to Powhatan; His
reply and flattery; and his discourse of Peace and
Warre. Powhatans plot to murther Smith, discovered by
his daughter Pocahontas. 154

Their escape at Pamaunkee. The Dutchmen deceive Captaine
Winne, and arme the Salvages; sixteene English beset by
seven hundred Salvages, Smith takes their King
Opechankanough prisoner; the Salvages excuse &
reconcilement. Master Scrivener and others drowned;
Master Wiffins desperate journey to Pamaunkee;
Powhatan constraines his men again to be trecherous;
he is forced to fraught their Ship; Smith poysoned;
the Dutch mens trechery. 163

The Dutch-mens plot to murther Smith. He taketh the King
of Paspahegh prisoner, and others; they become all
subject to the English. A Salvage smoothered, yet
recovered; three or foure Salvages slaine in drying
stolne powder. 174

1608 Great extremity occasioned by ratts; Bread made of dryed
Sturgeon; the punishment for loyterers; the discovery
of the Mangoags. Captaine Argals first arrivall; the
inconveniences in a Plantation. 179

1609 The government altered; the arrivall of the third Supply;
mutinies; Nandsamund planted; breach of peace with
the Salvages; Powhatans chiefe seat bought for Copper;
Mutinies. Captaine Smith blowne up with Gun-powder; a
bloudy intent; the causes why he left the Country and
his Commission; his returne for England; the ends of
the Dutch-men. 187

Certaine Verses of seaven Gentlemen. 199

THE FOURTH BOOKE.

With their Proceedings after the alteration of the Government.

How the mutiners proceeded; the Salvages revolt; the
planting point Comfort. Them at Nandsamund, and
the Fals, defeated by the Salvages. Captaine
Ratliff, with thirtie slaine by Powhatan. The fruits
of improvidence. The arrivall of Sir Thomas Gates.
1610 James Towne abandoned. The arrivall of the Lord
La Warre; their actions, and both their returnes. 203

1611 The government left to Captaine Percie; & his Proceedings.
The arrivall of Sir Thomas Dale, and his actions. 211

The second arrivall of Sir Thomas Gates; the building
1612 Henerico; and the Bermudas; how Captaine Argall tooke
Pocahontas prisoner, Dales voyage to Pamaunkee.
1613 The marriage of Pocahontas to Master Rolfe. Articles
of Peace with the Salvages. 215

1614 The government left to Sir Thomas Dale. Captaine Argals
voyage to port Royall. Master Hamers to Powhatan; and
their Accidents. 223

1615 The manner of the Lottery. A Spanish Shippe in Virginia.
1616 Dale with Pocahontas comes for England. Capt. Yerley
left Deputy Governour; his warres and peace with the
Chickahamanians, and proceedings. 228

A relation to Queene Anne of the quality & condition of
1617 Pocahontas; how the Queen entertained her; Capt. Argall
sent governour; the death of Powhatan; ten English
slaine; Argals accidents and proceedings. The Lord de
la Warre sent againe governour; his death. A relation
of their present estates. Haile-stones 8. inches
about. 236

1619 Sir George Yerley sent governor; Waraskoyack planted. A
parliament in Virginia; foure Corporations appointed;
the adventures of Cap. Ward; the number of ships and
men sent this yeare; gifts given; Patents granted. 245

1620 A desperate Sea fight by Captaine Chester with two Spanish
men of warre; the names of the Adventurers. 250

1621 Notes and observations. A relation of their estates by
Master Stockam. The arrivall of Sir Francis Wyat with
nine ships. Master Gockings plantation; and their
accidents; the number of ships and men sent this yeare;
gifts given, Patents granted. 268

Master Pories journeyes to Pawtuxunt, and other places,
with his accidents. 274

1622 Capt. Each sent to build Forts and Barks. The cause and
manner of the Massacre; the numbers slaine; the
providence of Cap. Nuse; Cap. Chroshaw his voyage to
Patowomek. 277

Capt. Smiths offer to the Company to suppresse the
Salvages. Their answer; the manner of the Sallery;
Chroshaw stayes at Patawomek; the escape of Waters
and his wife. Cap. Hamar goes to Patawomek; Chroshaws
1622 plot for all their preservations. Capt. Madison sent
to Patawomek. Cap. Powell kils three Salvages. Sir
George Yerleys journey to Acomack. The misery of
Captaine Nuse. The kindness of the King of Patawomek;
a vile policy of a Salvage; Madisons mischiefe unto the
Patawomeks. It was not well don to make Opechankanough
drinke healths. 300. surpriseth Nandsamund and
1623 Pamaunkee. The opinion of Cap. Smith how to subject
the Salvages. The arrivall of Cap. Butler in Virginia,
and other Accidents. 295

The losse of Cap. Spilman and 26. men. A particular of
such necessaries as are fit for private persons or
families. 313

A briefe relation by Cap. Smith to his Majesties
Commissioners, for the reformation of Virginia. The
7 questions the right Worthie Commissioners demanded,
1624 and his answers; how the King hath pleased to take it
into his consideration. 318

At this present two ships are going; more a preparing; new
Commissions sent. A Proclamation, no Tobacco be used
in England, but what shall come from Virginia, or the
Somer Isles; quere the Proclamation.

THE FIFT BOOKE.

A Mappe of the Somer Isles and Fortresses. The
description of the Isles, the fruits, fishes, soyle,
ayre, beasts, birds, with the relation of the
1593 shipwrack of Henry May. 331

1609 The shipwrack of Sir Tho. Gates, and Sir George Somers; 1610 their accidents, deliverance and arrivall in Virginia. Somers returne to the Isles; his death, and Epitaph, 1611 the accidents hapned; three men lived there alone two yeares. 341

1612 Master More sent to make a plantation. A peece of Amber
Greece found of 80. pound weight; much dissension;
Mores Industrie in fortifying and waighing Ordnance out
1613 of the wracks. Their first Supply; a strange increase of
Potatoes. The attempt of 2 Spanish ships; a great
mortality; a strange being of Ravens; a new Supply,
1614 with their Accidents, and Moores returne. 348

1615 The rent of the six governours; a wonderfull accident of
Milliard, not much lesse then a miracle. 355

1616 The government of Ca. Tuckar; Assises; the strange
adventure of 5 men in a boat; plants from the West
1617 Indies; the endevours of Cap. Powell; Assises. The
Country neer devoured with ratts; their strange
1618 confusion. The divisions of the Isles into Tribes, and
Tribes into shares, by Mr. Norwood; the names of the
adventurers, and their shares. 359

The first Magazin; two exployts of desperate fugitives.
The returne of Cap. Tuckar. Cap. Kendall left
deputy-governor, and their Accidents. 372

1619 The government of Cap. Butler; A platforme burnt, and much
hurt by a Hericano. The refortifying the Kings Castle.
The arrivall of two Dutch Frigots. The rebuilding the
Mount, and a Tombe for Sir George Somers. The
reformation of their lawes and officers. Their Assises.
A Parliament. Their acts; their opinion of the Magazin.
The building three Bridges. The generall Assises; A
1620 strange deliverance of a Spanish wracke. A strange
Sodomy; many Ordnances got from wracks. Their estates
1621 present. 376

1622 Master Barnard sent to be governour; his arrivall, death, 1623 and funerall, with the proceedings of Mr. Harrison 1624 his successor, & Cap. Woodhouse their governor. 394

ILLUSTRATIONS

Page

Facsimile of the Engraved Title Page of "The Generall
Historie," 1624, xx

Portrait of Frances, Duchess of Richmond and Lenox, xxviii

Portrait of Pocahontas, 104

A description of part of the Adventures of Captain
Smith in Virginia, with Map of Ould Virginia, 208

Map of The Summer Isles, 368

Map of Virginia, 396

PUBLISHERS' NOTE

John Smith "was borne in Willoughby in Lincolneshire, and a Scholler in the two Free-schooles of Alford and Louth." His father, George Smith, "anciently descended from the ancient Smiths of Crudley in Lancashire," was a farmer-tenant of Lord Willoughby, to whom he bequeathed as a token of his "dewtifull good will the best of my two yeares old colts." John, the eldest son, was baptised in the Parish Church of Willoughby, on the 6th January, 1579. "His parents dying when he was about thirteene yeeres of age, left him a competent meanes, which hee not being capable to manage, little regarded; his minde being even then set upon brave adventures, sould his Satchell, bookes, and all he had intending secretly to get to Sea, but that his fathers death stayed him." About the age of fifteen he was bound apprentice to "Master Thomas Sendell of Linne the greatest Merchant of all those parts; but because hee would not presently send him to Sea, he never saw his master in eight yeeres after." At length he succeeded in attending Peregrine Bertie, second son of Lord Willoughby, to France, but in a few weeks he was sent back to England "his service being needlesse." Unwelcome at home, his friends "liberally gave him (but out of his owne estate) ten shillings to be rid of him." With this he made his way to Paris and made friends with "one Master David Hume, who making some use of his purse, gave him Letters to his friends in Scotland to preferre him to King James." Smith, however, having spent nearly all his money in Rouen, went to Havre where "he first began to learne the life of a souldier." He next served two or three years in the Low Countries. Thence proceeding to Scotland (being shipwrecked on the Holy Island on the way) he delivered his letters, but "After much kinde usage amongst those honest Scots," finding he had "neither money nor means to make him a Courtier" he returned to Willoughby. Here he retired to the woods, built himself a "Pavillion of boughs" and lived chiefly on venison, "his exercise a good horse, with his lance and Ring," his books Macchiavelli's "Art of War" and Marcus Aurelius. Tiring of this life after a short time he returned to the Low Countries and began the adventurous career of which he gives such an enthralling description in his "True Travels, Adventures and Observations."

In 1605 he returned to England, and the next year prepared to join an expedition to Guiana but the scheme was frustrated by the death of the intended leader, Charles Lee. On 19th December 1606 he sailed from Blackwall with the Colonists for Virginia. For the next three years he was busily employed, as his "Generall Historie of Virginia" witnesses, in founding the Colony; in September 1609 he narrowly escaped death by the accidental explosion of a bag of gun-powder, and left for England to recruit his health. He did not return to Virginia, but for the next few

{Transcriber's Note: Two pages (xix and xx) are missing from the original at this point.}

most learned Treasurer of Antiquitie. The question as to the truth of the adventures recorded in this book has given rise to heated and prolonged controversy.

Smith was a prolific writer of tracts and pamphlets on the colonisation of Virginia and New England, but the substance of them is contained in "The Generall Historie" and "The True Travels."

In accordance with the scheme of this series, the edition here presented is an exact reprint of the Original Editions except that the letters i, j, u and v have been altered to conform to modern usage, and obvious printers' errors, both of spelling and punctuation, have been corrected. References to the pages of the original editions are given in the margin, and a full index has been added.

Glasgow,
February, 1907.

TO THE ILLUSTRIOUS AND MOST NOBLE
PRINCESSE,
THE LADY FRANCIS,

Duchesse of Richmond and Lenox.

May it please your Grace,

This History, as for the raritie and varietie of the subject, so much more for the judicious Eyes it is like to undergoe, and most of all for that great Name, whereof it dareth implore Protection, might and ought to have beene clad in better robes then my rude military hand can cut out in Paper Ornaments. But because, of the most things therein, I am no Compiler by hearsay, but have beene a reall Actor; I take my selfe to have a propertie in them: and therefore have beene bold to challenge them to come under the reach of my owne rough Pen. That, which hath beene indured and passed through with hardship and danger, is thereby sweetned to the Actor, when he becometh the Relator. I have deeply hazarded my selfe in doing and suffering, and why should I sticke to hazard my reputation in Recording? He that acteth two parts is the more borne withall if he come short, or fayle in one of them. Where shall we looke to finde a Julius Caesar, whose achievments shine as cleare in his owne Commentaries, as they did in the field? I confesse, my hand, though able to weild a weapon among the Barbarous, yet well may tremble in handling a Pen among so many Judicious: especially when I am so bold as to call so piercing, and so glorious an Eye, as your Grace, to view these poore ragged lines.

Yet my comfort is, that heretofore honorable and vertuous Ladies, and comparable but amongst themselves, have offred me rescue and protection in my greatest dangers: even in forraine parts, I have felt reliefe from that sex. The beauteous Lady Tragabigzanda, when I was a slave to the Turkes, did all she could to secure me. When I overcame the Bashaw of Nalbrits in Tartaria, the charitable Lady Callamata supplyed my necessities. In the utmost of many extremities, that blessed Pokahontas, the great Kings daughter of Virginia, oft saved my life. When I escaped the crueltie of Pirats and most furious stormes, a long time alone in a small Boat at Sea, and driven ashore in France, the good Lady Madam Chanoyes, bountifully assisted me.

And so verily these my adventures have tasted the same influence from your Gratious hand, which hath given birth to the publication of this Narration. If therefore your Grace shall daigne to cast your eye on this poore Booke, view I pray you rather your owne Bountie (without which it had dyed in the wombe) then my imperfections, which have no helpe but the shrine of your glorious Name to be sheltered from censorious condemnation. Vouchsafe some glimpse of your honorable aspect, to accept these my labours; to protect them under the shadow of your excellent Name: which will inable them to be presented to the Kings royall Majestie, the most admired Prince Charles, and the Queene of Bohemia: your sweet Recommendations will make it the worthier of their good countenances. And as all my endevours are their due tribute: so this Page shall record to posteritie, that my service shall be to pray to God, that you may still continue the renowned of your sexe, the most honored of men, and the highly blessed of God.

Your Graces faithfull
and devoted servant,
JOHN SMITH.

A Preface of foure Poynts.

I. This plaine History humbly sheweth the truth: that our most royall
King James hath place and opportunitie to inlarge his ancient
Dominions without wronging any; (which is a condition most agreeable
to his most just and pious resolutions:) and the Prince his Highness
may see where to plant new Colonies. The gaining Provinces addeth to
the Kings Crown: but the reducing Heathen people to civilitie and
true Religion, bringeth honour to the King of Heaven. If his Princely
wisedome and powerfull hand, renowned through the world for admirable
government, please but to set these new Estates into order; their
composure will be singular: the counsell of divers is confused; the
generall Stocke is consumed; nothing but the touch of the Kings
sacred hand can erect a Monarchy.

II. Most noble Lords and worthy Gentlemen, it is your Honors that have
imployed great paines and large expence in laying the foundation of
this State, wherein much hath beene buried under ground, yet some
thing hath sprung up, and given you a taste of your adventures. Let
no difficulties alter your noble intentions. The action is an honour
to your Country: and the issue may well reimburse you your summes
expended. Our practices have hitherto beene but assayes, and are
still to be amended. Let your bountie supply the necessities of weake
beginnings, and your excellent judgements rectifie the proceedings;
the returne cannot choose in the end but bring you good Commodities,
and good contentments, by your advancing shipping and fishing so
usefull unto our Nation.

III. Yee valiant and generous spirits, personall possessors of these
new-found Territories, banish from among you Cowardise, covetousnes,
jealousies, and idlenes, enemies to the raising your honours and
fortunes; vertue, industry, and amitie, will make you good and
great, and your merits live to ensuing Ages. You that in contempt of
necessities, hazard your lives and estates, imploying your studies
and labours in these faire endevours, live and prosper as I desire my
soule should prosper.

IIII. For my selfe let emulation and envie cease, I ever intended my
actions should be upright: now my care hath beene that my Relations
should give every man they concerne, their due. But had I not
discovered and lived in the most of those parts. I could not
possibly have collected the substantiall truth from such a number of
variable Relations, that would have made a Volume at least of a
thousand sheets. Though the beginning may seeme harsh in regard of
the Antiquities, brevitie, and names; a pleasanter Discourse ensues.
The stile of a Souldier is not eloquent, but honest and justifiable;
so I desire all my friends and well-wishers to excuse and accept it,
and if any be so noble as to respect it, he that brought New England
to light, though long since brought in obscuritie, he is againe to
be found a true servant to all good designes.

So I ever rest yours to command,
JOHN SMITH.

_PANEGYRICK VERSES._

A Gentleman desirous to be unknowne, yet a great Benefactor to Virginia,
his love to the Author, the Company, and History.

Stay, reade, behold, skill, courage, knowledge, Arts;
Wonder of Nature: Mirror of our Clime.
Mars, Vulcan, Neptune strive to have their parts,
Rare Ornaments, rich honours of our time.

From far fetcht Indies, and Virginia's soyle,
Here Smith is come to shew his Art and skill:
He was the Smith that hammered famins foyle,
And on Powhatan's Emperour had his will.

Though first Columbus, Indies true Christofer;
Cabots, brave Florida, much admirer;
Meta Incognita, rare Martin Forbisher;
Gilberts brave Humphery, Neptunes devourer;

Captaine Amadis, Raleighs discoverer;
Sir Richard Grenvill, Zealands brave coaster:
Drake, doomes, drowne, death, Spaines scorner;
Gosnolds Relates, Pring prime observer.

Though these be gone, and left behinde a name,
Yet Smith is here to Anvile out a peece
To after Ages, and eternall Fame,
That we may have the golden Jasons fleece.

He Vulcan like did forge a true Plantation,
And chain'd their Kings, to his immortall glory;
Restoring peace and plentie to the Nation,
Regaining honour to this worthy Story.

By him the Infidels had due correction,
He blew the bellowes still of peace and plentie:
He made the Indians bow unto subjection,
And Planters ne're return'd to Albion empty.

The Colonies pin'd, starv'd, staring, bones so feeble,
By his brave projects, proved strong againe:
The Souldiers' lowance he did seeke to treble,
And made the Salvage in uncouth place remaine.

He left the Countrey in prosperous happie state,
And plenty stood with peace at each mans doore:
Regarding not the Salvage love nor hate:
Themselves grew well, the Indians wondrous poore.

This there he did and now is home return'd,
To shew us all that never thither goe:
That in his heart, he deepely oft hath mourn'd,
Because the Action goeth on so slow.

Wise, Rich,
grave, prize
Brave, Benefactors,
Replant, want, continue still good Actors.

finde,
and bring
kinde, eyes
Be to blind;
By Gods great might, give Indians light.

Bloud,
money, to doe
Spend that good,
That may give Indians heav'nly food.

no lesse,
God You still
And shall blesse;
Both you and yours the Lands possesse.

S. M.

See here behold as in a Glasse,
All that is, or is and was.
T. T. 1624.

Samuel Purchas of his friend Captaine John Smith, and his Virginia.

Lo here Smiths Forge, where Forgery's Roague-branded,
True Pegasus is shoo'd, fetters are forged
For Silke-sotts, Milk-sops, base Sloth, farre hence landed,
(Soile-chang'd, {FN-1} Soule-soil'd still) Englands dregs, discharged,
To plant (supplant!) Virginia, home-disgorged:
Where vertues praise frames good men Stories armour
'Gainst Time, Achilles-like, with best Arts charged;
Pallas, all-arm'd, all-learn'd, can teach Sword-Grammer,
Can Pens of Pikes; Armes t' Arts; to Scholar, Souldier, hammer:

Can Pilgrim make a Maker; all so well
Hath taught Smith scoure my rustic out-worne Muse,
And so conjur'd her in Virginian Cell,
That things unlearned long by want of use,
Shee fresh areeds me read, without abuse
By fabling. Arthurs great Acts little made
By greater lies she saith; scales Faith excuse
{FN-2} T' Island, Groonland, Estotiland to wade
After lie-legends; Malgo, Brandon, are Wares braide.

The Fryer of Linne {FN-3} frights her with his black Art;
Nor Brittish Bards can tell where Madoc {FN-4} planted.
Cabots, Thorns, Elyots truth have wonne her heart,
Eldest discov'rers of New Worlds Cont'nent (granted
So had just Fates.) Colon and Vespuce panted;
This got the name, {FN-5} last, least of Three; the Other
New Worlds Isles found first: Cabot is most chanted
In Three-Mens-song; did more New World discover
Then both, then any; an hundred degrees coasted over.

Haile Sir Sebastian, Englands Northern Pole,
Virginia's finder; Virgin Eliza nam'd it,
Gave 't Raleigh. (Rut, Prat, Hore, I not enrole)
Amadas rites to English right first fram'd it.
Lane planted, return'd, nor had English tam'd it:
Greenviles and Whites men all slaine; New Plantation
James founds, Sloth confounds, feare, pride, faction sham'd it:
Smiths Forge mends all, makes chaines for Savage Nation,
And feeds the rest; the rest reade in his Bookes Relation.

* * * * *

{FN-1} _Caelumnon animum Mutant._

{FN-2} _These are said a thousand years agoe to have been in the North parts of America._

{FN-3} _He is said to discover the Pole 1360._

{FN-4} _Madoc ap Owen Planted some remote Western parts. 1170._

{FN-5} _America named of Americus Vesputius which discovered less than Colon or Sir Sebastian Cabot, and the continent later. Colon first found the Isles 1492. the Continent 1498. Above a year after Cabot had done it. He was set forth by Henry 7. and after by Hen. 8. Knighted, and made grand Pilot of England by Ed. 6 Under whom he procured the sending of Sir Hugh Willoughby, & discovery of Greenland and Russia: having by himself discovered on America from 67 North lat. to neere 40 South._

Thomas Macarnesse to his worthy friend and
Countryman, Captaine John Smith.

Who loves to live at home, yet looke abroad,
And know both passen and unpassen road,
The prime Plantation of an unknowne shore,
The men, the manners, fruitfulnesse, and store:
Read but this little Booke, and then confesse,
The lesse thou lik'st and lov'st, thou liv'st the lesse.

He writ it with great labour, for thy good,
Twice over, now in paper, 'fore in blood;
It cost him deare, both paines, without an ayme
Of private profit, for thy publicke gaine.
That thou mightst read and know and safely see,
What he by practice, thou by Theoree.

Commend him for his loyall loving heart,
Or else come mend him, and take thou his part.

To his friend Captaine John Smith, and his Worke.

I Know not how Desert more great can rise,
Then out of Danger t'ane for good mens Good;
or who doth better winne th' Olympian prize,
Than he whose Countryes Honor stirres his bloud;
Private respects have private expectation,
Publicke designes, should publish reputation.

This Gentleman whose Volumne heere is stoard
With strange discoverie of Gods strangest Creatures,
Gives us full view, how he hath Sayl'd, and Oar'd,
And Marcht, full many myles, whose rough defeatures,
Hath beene as bold, as puissant, up to binde
Their barbarous strength's, to follow him dog-linde.

But wit, nor valour, now adayes payes scores
For estimation; all goes now by wealth,
Or friends; tush! thrust the beggar out of dores
That is not Purse-lyn'd; those which live by stealth
Shall have their haunts; no matter what's the guest
In many places; monies well come best.

But those who well discerne, esteeme not so:
Nor I of thee brave Smith, that hast beat out
Thy Iron thus; though I but little know
To what t' hast seene; yet I in this am stout:
My thoughts, maps to my minde some accidents,
That makes mee see thy greater presidents.

Jo: Done.

To my worthy friend Captaine John Smith.

How great a part of knowledge had wee lost,
Both of Virginia and the Summer Isles,
Had not thy carefull diligence and cost
Inform'd us thus, with thy industrious stile!
Like Caesar now thou writ'st what thou hast done,
These acts, this Booke will live while ther's a Sunne.

Edw: Worseley.

To his much respected friend Captaine John Smith.

Envie avant. For Smith, whose Anvill was Experience,
Could take his heat, knew how and when to Strike,
Wrought well this Peece; till After-negligence
Mistaking temper, Cold, or Scorch'd; or like
Unskilfull workmen, that can never Fyle
Nor Pollish it, that takes in Forge such toyle:
Heere Noble Smith, thou shewest the Temper true,
Which other Tampring-Tempres never knew.

Ro: Norton.

To his loving friend Captaine John Smith.

Where actions speake the praises of a man,
There, Pennes that use to flatter silent be,
Or if they speake, it is to scorne or scanne;
For such with vertue seldome doe agree.

When I looke backe on all thy labours past,
Thy travels, perils, losses oft sustaind
By Sea and Land; and (which is worst and last)
Neglect or small reward, so dearely gaind,

I doe admire thy still undanted spirit;
unwearied yet to worke thy Countries good.
This be thy praise then, due unto thy merit;
For it th' hast venter'd life; and lost thy blood.

1. 2. 3. 1. 2. 3.
Truth, travayle, and Neglect, pure, painefull, most unkinde,

1. 2. 3. 1. 2. 3.
Doth prove, consume, dismay, the soule, the corps, the minde.

Edw: Ingham.

To my deare friend by true Vertue ennobled Captaine John Smith.

More then enough I cannot thee commend:
Whose both abilities and Love doe tend
So to advance the good of that Estate,
By English charge, and Planters propagate
Through heapes of painfull hazards; in the first
Of which, that Colony thy Care hath nurst.
And often that effected but with ten
That after thee, and now, three hundred men
Have faild in, 'mong the Salvages; who shake
At bruit of Thee, as Spaine at Name of Drake.
Which well appeares; considering the while
Thou governedst, nor force of theirs, ne guile
Lessend a man of thine; but since (I rue)
In Brittish blood they deeply did imbrue
Their Heathen hands. And (truth to say) we see,
Our selves wee lost, untimely leaving Thee.
Nor yet perceive I any got betweene
Thee and thy merit; which hath better beene
In prayse; or profit much; if counted just;
Free from the Weales abuse, or wronged trust.
Some few particulars perhaps have sped;
But wherein hath the publicke prospered?
Or is there more of those Vast Countries knowne,
Then by thy Labours and Relations showne
First, best? And shall we love Thee now the lesse?
Farre be it! fit condignely to expresse
Thankes, by new Charge, or recompence; by whom,
Such past good hath, such future good may come.

David Wiffin.

Noble Captaine Smith, my worthy Friend.

Not like the Age wherein thou liv'st, to lie
Buried in basenesse, sloth, or Ribaldrie
(For most doe thus) hast thou thy selfe applide;
But, in faire Actions, Merits height descride:
Which (like foure Theaters to set thee forth)
The worlds foure Quarters testifie thy worth.
The last whereof (America) best showes
Thy paines, and prayse; and what to thee shee owes,
(Although thy Sommer shone on th' Elder Three,
In as great Deeds as great varietie)
For opening to Her Selfe Her Selfe, in Two {FN}
Of Her lame Members; Now Ours, to our view.
Thereby endearing us to thy desart,
That doubly dost them to our hands impart;
There by thy Worke, Heere by thy Workes; By each
Maist thou Fames lasting Wreath (for guerdon) reach.
And so become, in after Times t' ensue,
A President for others, So to do.

William Grent.

* * * * *

{FN} _Virginia now inhabited, and New-England._

To his worthily affected Friend, Captaine John Smith.

Amongst so many that by learned skill,
Have given just praise to thee, and to thy Booke,
Deare friend receive this pledge of my good will,
Whereon, if thou with acceptation looke,
And thinke it worthie, ranke amongst the rest:
Use thy discretion, I have done my best.

{word in Greek}

THE FIRST VOLUME

CONTAINING THE

First Five Bookes of the Generall Historie
of Virginia, New England and
The Summer Isles

How Ancient Authors [I.1.]
Report, the New-World, Now called America, was
discovered: and part thereof, first Planted
by the English, called Virginia,
with the Accidents and
Proceedings of
the same.

THE FIRST BOOKE.

For the Stories of Arthur, Malgo, and Brandon, that say a thousand yeares agoe they were in the North of America; or the Fryer of Linn that by his blacke Art went to the North pole in the yeare 1360. in that I know them not, let this suffice.

A.D. 1170.

The Chronicles of Wales report, that Madock, sonne to Owen Quineth, Prince of Wales seeing his two brethren at debate who should inherit, prepared certaine Ships, with men and munition, and left his Country to seeke adventures by Sea: leaving Ireland North he sayled west till he came to a Land unknowne. Returning home and relating what pleasant and fruitfull Countries he had seene without Inhabitants, and for what barren ground his brethren and kindred did murther one another, he provided a number of Ships, and got with him such men and women as were desirous to live in quietnesse, that arrived with him in this new Land in the yeare 1170: Left many of his people there and returned for more. But where this place was no History can show.

A.D. 1492.

The Spaniards say Hanno a Prince of Carthage was the first: and the next Christopher Cullumbus, a Genoesiar, whom they sent to discover those unknowne parts, 1492.

A.D. 1497.

But we finde by Records, Cullumbus offered his service in the yeare 1488. to King Henry the seaventh; and by accident undertooke it for the Spanyards. In the Interim King Henry gave a Commission to John Cabot, and his three sonnes, Sebastian, Lewis, and Sautius. John and Sebastian well provided, setting sayle, ranged a great part of this unknowne world, in the yeare 1497. For though Cullumbus had found certaine Iles, it was 1498. ere he saw the Continent, which was a yeare after Cabot. Now Americus came a long time after, though the whole Continent to this day is called America after his name, yet Sebastian Cabot discovered much more then them all, for he sayled to about forty degrees Southward of the lyne, and to sixty-seaven towards the North: for which King Henry the eight Knighted him and made him grand Pilate of England. Being very aged King Edward the sixt gave him a Pention of 1661. 13s. 4d. yearely. By his directions Sir Hugh Willowby was sent to finde out the Country of Russia, but the next yeare he was found frozen to death in his Ship, and all his Company.

A.D. 1576.

Mr. Martin Frobisher was sent in the yeare 1576. by our most gracious Queene Elizabeth, to search for the Northwest passage, and Meta incognita: for which he was Knighted, honored, and well rewarded.

A.D. 1583.

Sir Humphrey Gilbert a worthy Knight attempted a Plantation in some of those parts: and obtained Letters Pattents to his desire: but with this Proviso, He should [1.2.] maintaine possession in some of those vast Countries within the tearme of sixe yeares. Yet when he was provided with a Navy able to incounter a Kings power, even here at home they fell in divisions, and so into confusion, that they gave over the Designe ere it was begun, notwithstanding all this losse, his undanted spirit began againe, but his Fleet fell with New-foundland, and he perished in his returne, as at large you may read in the third Volume of the English Voyages, written by Mr. Hackluit.

Upon all those Relations and inducements, Sir Walter Raleigh, a noble Gentleman, and then in great esteeme, undertooke to send to discover to the Southward. And though his occasions and other imployments were such he could not goe himselfe, yet he procured her Majesties Letters Pattents, and perswaded many worthy Knights and Gentlemen to adventure with him to finde a place fit for a Plantation. Their Proceedings followeth.

A.D. 1584.

The most famous, renowned, and ever worthy of all memory, for her courage, learning, judgement, and vertue, Queene Elizabeth, granted her Letters Patents to Sir Walter Raleigh for the discovering and planting new Lands & Countries, not actually possessed by any Christians. This Patenty got to be his assistants Sir Richard Grenvell the valiant, Mr. William Sanderson a great friend to all such noble and worthy actions, and divers other Gentlemen and Marchants, who with all speede provided two small Barkes well furnished with all necessaries, under the command of Captaine Philip Amidas and Captaine Barlow. The 27. of Aprill they set sayle from the Thames, the tenth of May passed the Canaries, and the tenth of June the West Indies: which unneedfull Southerly course, (but then no better was knowne) occasioned them in that season much sicknesse.

_Their arrival._
_Abundance of Grapes_ {MN}

The second of July they fell with the coast of Florida in shoule water, where they felt a most dilicate sweete smell, though they saw no land, which ere long they espied, thinking it the Continent: an hundred and twenty myles they sayled not finding any harbor. The first that appeared, with much difficulty they entred, and anchored, and after thankes to God they went to view the next Land adjoyning to take possession of it for the Queenes most excellent Majestie: which done, they found their first landing place very sandy and low, {MN} but so full of grapes that the very surge of the Sea sometimes over-flowed them: of which they found such plenty in all places, both on the sand, the greene soyle and hils, as in the plaines as well on every little shrub, as also climbing towards the tops of high Cedars, that they did thinke in the world were not the like abundance.

_The Ile of Wokokon._
_In Lybanus are not many._ {MN-1}
_Conference with a Salvage._ {MN-2}

We passed by the Sea-side towards the tops of the next hills being not high: from whence we might see the Sea on both sides, and found it an Ile of twentie myles in length, and six in breadth, the vallyes replenished with goodly tall Cedars, Discharging our Muskets, such a flocke of Cranes, the most white, arose by us, with such a cry as if an Army of men had shouted altogether. This He hath many goodly Woods, and Deere, Conies, and Foule in incredible abundance, and using the Authors owne phrase, the Woods are not such as you finde in Bohemia, Moscovia, or Hercinia, barren and fruitlesse, but the highest and reddest Cedars of the world, {MN-1} bettering them of the Assores, Indies, or Libanus: Pynes, Cypres, Saxefras, the Lentisk that beareth Mastick, and many other of excellent smell and qualitie. Till the third day we saw not any of the people, then in a little Boat three of them appeared, one of them went on shore, to whom wee rowed, and he attended us without any signe of feare; {MN-2} after he had spoke much though we understood not a word, of his owne accord he came boldly aboord us, we gave him a shirt, a hat, wine and meate, which he liked well, and after he had well viewed the barkes and us, he went away in his owne Boat, and within a quarter of a myle of us in halfe an houre, had loaden his Boat with fish, with which he came againe to the poynt of land, and there devided it in two parts, poynting one part to the Ship, the other to the Pinnace, and so departed.

A.D. 1584.
[I.3] _The Arrival of the Kings brother._

The next day came divers Boats, and in one of them the Kings Brother, with forty or fifty men, proper people, and in their behaviour very civill; his name was Granganameo, the King is called Wingina, the Country Wingandacoa. Leaving his Boats a little from our Ships, he came with his trayne to the poynt: where spreading a Matte he sat downe. Though we came to him well armed, he made signes to us to sit downe without any shew of feare, stroking his head and brest, and also ours, to expresse his love. After he had made a long speech unto us, we presented him with divers toyes, which he kindly accepted. He was greatly regarded by his people, for none of them did sit, nor speake a word, but foure, on whom we bestowed presents also, but he tooke all from them, making signes all things did belong to him.

The King himselfe in a conflict with a King his next neighbour and mortall enemy, was shot in two places through the body, and the thigh, yet recovered: whereby he lay at his chiefe towne six dayes journey from thence.

_Trade with the Salvages._

A day or two after shewing them what we had, Granganameo taking most liking to a Pewter dish, made a hole in it, hung it about his necke for a brest-plate: for which he gave us twenty Deere skins, worth twenty Crownes; and for a Copper Kettell, fiftie skins, worth fiftie Crownes. Much other trucke we had, and after two dayes he came aboord, and did eate and drinke with us very merrily. Not long after he brought his wife and children, they were but of meane stature, but well favoured and very bashfull; she had a long coat of Leather, and about her privities a peece of the same, about her forehead a band of white Corrall, and so had her husband, in her eares were bracelets of pearle, hanging downe to her middle, of the bignesse of great Pease; the rest of the women had Pendants of Copper, and the Noblemen five or sixe in an eare; his apparrell as his wives, onely the women weare their haire long on both sides, and the men but on one; they are of colour yellow, but their hayre is blacke, yet we saw children that had very fayre Chesnut coloured hayre.

_Note_ {MN}

After that these women had beene here with us, there came downe from all parts great store of people, with Leather, Corrall, and divers kinde of dyes, but when Granganameo was present, none durst trade but himselfe, and them that wore red Copper on their heads, as he did. When ever he came, he would signifie by so many fires he came with so many boats, that we might know his strength. Their Boats are but one great tree, which is but burnt in the forme of a trough with gins and fire, till it be as they would have it. For an armour he would have ingaged us a bagge of pearle, but we refused, as not regarding it, that wee might the better learn where it grew. He was very just of his promise, for oft we trusted him, and he would come within his day to keepe his word. He sent us commonly every day a brace of Bucks, Conies, Hares, and fish, sometimes Mellons, Walnuts, Cucumbers, Pease, and divers rootes. {MN} This the Author sayth, their corne groweth three times in five moneths; in May they sow, in July reape; in June they sow, in August reape; in July sow, in August reape. We put some of our Pease in the ground, which in ten dayes were 14. ynches high.

_The Ile Roanoak._ {MN-1}
_The Great courtesie of a Woman._ {MN-2}

The soyle is most plentifull, sweete, wholesome, and fruitfull of all other, there are about 14. severall sorts of sweete smelling tymber trees: the most parts of the underwood, Bayes and such like: such Okes as we, but far greater and better. After this acquaintance, my selfe with seaven more went twenty myle into the River Occam, that runneth toward the Cittie Skicoack, {MN-1} and the evening following we came to an Ile called Roanoak, from the harbour where we entred 7. leagues; at the North end was 9. houses, builded with Cedar, fortified round with sharpe trees, and the entrance like a Turnpik. When we came towards it, {MN-2} the wife of Granganameo came running out to meete us, (her husband was absent) commanding her people to draw our Boat ashore for beating on the billowes, other she appoynted to carry us on their backes aland, others to bring our Ores into the [I.4.] house for stealing. When we came into the other roome, (for there was five in the house) she caused us to sit downe by a great fire; after tooke off our clothes and washed them, of some our stockings, and some our feete in warme water, and she her selfe tooke much paines to see all things well ordered, and to provide us victuall.

_A Banquet._
_Skicoak a great towne._ {MN}

After we had thus dryed our selves, she brought us into an Inner roome, where she set on the bord standing a long the house somewhat like frumentie, sodden venison, and rosted fish; in like manner mellons raw, boyled rootes and fruites of divers kindes. There drinke is commonly water boyled with Ginger, sometimes with Saxefras, and wholsome herbes, but whilest the Grape lasteth they drinke wine. More love she could not expresse to entertaine us; they care but onely to defend themselves from the short winter, and feede on what they finde naturall in sommer. In this feasting house was their Idoll of whom they tould us uncredible things. When we were at meate two or three of her men came amongst us with their Bowes and Arrowes, which caused us to take our armes in hand. She perceiving our distrust, caused their Bowes and Arrowes to be broken, and they beaten out of the gate: but the evening approaching we returned to our boate, where at she much grieving brought our supper halfe boyled, pots and all, but when she saw us, but put our boat a little off from the shoar and lye at Anchor, perceiving our Jelousie, she sent divers men & 30. women to sit al night on the shoare side against us, and sent us five Mats to cover us from the raine, doing all she could to perswade us to her house. Though there was no cause of doubt, we would not adventure: for on our safety depended the voyage: but a more kinde loving people cannot be. Beyond this Ile is the maine land and the great river Occam, on which standeth a Towne called Pomeiock, {MN} and six dayes higher, their City Skicoak: those people never saw it, but say there fathers affirme it to be above two houres journey about. Into this river falleth an other called Cipo, where is found many Mustells wherein are Pearles: likewise another River called Nomapona, on the one side whereof standeth a great towne called Chawanock, the Lord of the Country is not subject to Wingandacoa. Beyond him an other king they cal Menatonon. These 3. are in league each with other. Towards the south, 4. dayes journey is Sequotan, the southermost part of Wingandacoa.

_Pamovik._
_How the Country was called Virginia._ {MN}

Adjoyning to Secotan beginneth the country Pomovik, belonging to the King called Piamacum, in the Country Nusiok upon the great river Neus. These have mortall warres with Wingina, King of Wingandacoa. Betwixt Piamacum and the Lord of Secotan, a peace was concluded: notwithstanding there is a mortall malice in the Secotans, because this Piamacum invited divers men, and 30. women to a feast, and when they were altogether merry before their Idoll, which is but a meere illusion of the Devill, they sudainly slew all the men of Secotan, and kept the women for their use. Beyond Roanoak are many Isles full of fruits and other Naturall increases, with many Townes a long the side of the Continent. Those Iles lye 200. myles in length, and betweene them and the mayne, a great long sea, in some places, 20. 40. or 50. myles broad, in other more, somewhere lesse. And in this sea are 100. Iles of divers bignesses, but to get into it, you have but 3. passages and they very dangerous. Though this you see for most part be but the relations of Salvages, because it is the first, I thought it not a misse to remember them as they are written by them that returned & arived in England about the middest of September the same yeare. This discovery was so welcome into England that it pleased her Majestie to call this Country of Wingandacoa, Virginia, by which name now you are to understand how it was planted, disolved, reuned, and enlarged.

The Performers of this voyage were these following.

Philip Amadas. }
Arthur Barlow. } Captaines

William Grenvill. Benjamin Wood. }
John Wood. Simon Ferdinando. } Of the
James Browewich. Nicholas Peryman. } Companie.
Henry Greene. John Hewes. }

[I.5] Sir Richard Grenvills voyage to Virginia, for Sir Walter
Raleigh. 1585.

_Sir Richard Grenvills, Voyage 1585._