Since 1998 - Historical and Genealogical
Resources
for the Upper New River Valley of North Carolina and Virginia
| Foreword | |
| I | The Indians of Virginia |
| II | The First Explorations in Virginia |
| III | Spanish Settlements in Virginia |
| IV | The Roanoke Colony |
| V | The Jamestown Colony |
| VI | Tragedies of 1607-1610 |
| VII | Sir Thomas Dale, Governor |
| VIII | Continuation of Chronology |
| IX | Progress of Colony From 1619 to 1622 |
| X | Massacre of 1622 |
| XI | The Ship Treasurer |
| XII | Virginia After the Massacre |
| XIII | The Original Sister Colonies |
| XIV | The Southern Colonies |
| XV | The Crown Colony |
| XVI | Harvey and Berkeley |
| XVII | The First Berkeley Administration |
| XVIII | The Semi-Finals |
| XIX | The First Declaration of Independence |
| XX | Formation of Shires and Counties |
| XXI | Sub-Division of Shires |
| XXII | The Nothumberland Group |
| XXIII | The Botetourt Group |
| XXIV | Summary of Population from 1526 to 1920 |
For a number of years the author of this work has been greatly interested in study of the History of Virginia, his native State.
The deeper he has delved into the records of the Colonial period, the more has he been impressed with the dearth of material, dealing with many important events and characters, found available to the general reading public.
When first engaged in research, there was no thought of giving the results of the investigation to public print. It was only deemed a pleasant pastime for idle hours, fostered by earnest desire to know more of the part taken, by our colonial ancestors, in the foundation and development of the great Republic of today.
The information, thus obtained, impressed the writer with the sad fact that Virginians, as a class, have not been as loyally enthusiastic in endeavor to familiarize themselves with the important legacies the colony has bequeathed to the American Nation, as have the citizens of other sections where later colonies were planted.
This lack of knowledge has not been entirely through failure of interest on the part of Virginia citizens, but, owing, one is constrained to believe, to the fact that information to be obtained is, often, only available in rare and costly works ; timeworn, musty manuscripts, filed away in National and State Libraries, or, within the pages of old record books, yet to be catalogued or indexed.
No criticism, intended or implied, is lodged against the school histories written by gifted Virginians of today. These authors have found it necessary to cover a wide range of historical data, within a limited number of pages. In thus attempting to write the history of the various periods, viz., Colonial, Revolutionary, 1812, Mexican War, War between the States, World War, and many events, commercial and otherwise, of the present time, it is to be noted that abridgement has been found an absolute necessity.
The author, of this volume, has not attempted to cover more than the "Period of Formation," which extended from the first settlement to the time of the so called, "Bacon's Rebellion." Even in this, much has been omitted when found immaterial or treated of in works available to the general public.
The "Period of Transition"--The interval between the First Declaration of Independence, July 4th, 1676 ; and the signing of the Declaration of July 4th, 1776, may be treated of in a volume to be published later.
The prime object of the writer, when the chapters of this volume were first prepared for publication, was to interest Virginians in the Historical Pageant, staged ire the Capital City, the week of May 22nd, 1922, and give assurance of the mass of material available for preparation of such an enterprise.
The articles appeared, weekly in the Richmond Times Dispatch, running through a series covering seven or eight months, and the reception by the public was a source of gratification to the author. In fact, there were so many requests, that the series appear in book form, he was constrained to feel, not only repaid for the labor and time taken in preparation of the articles, but, justified in revising and preparing them for publication in book form, at a price within the means of anyone desiring to possess a copy.
The author wishes to tender acknowledgment of valuable data secured through study of the works of eminent Virginians, authors colonial and modern. The Majority of these works are rare and out of print, now available, only to visitors of the Congressional Library, Virginia State Library, Virginia Historical Society, or libraries of the University of Virginia, William and Mary, Hampden-Sidney, and other of the older colleges of the State. Few private libraries treasure copies of these rare and costly volumes.
Among works examined, and from which valuable information has been obtained, may be mentioned, Tyler's"Cradle of the Republic"; Brown's-"First Republic"; Collections of the Virginia Historical Society; and the Histories of Virginia, by Captain John Smith, Beverly, Stith, Campbell, Chambers, Howe, and others. Graham's History of the United States, in unabridged form, has proven of great value in parallel reading.
To Messrs. William G. Stanard, Librarian of the Virginia Historical Society; Morgan P. Robinson, State Archivist; Earl G. Swem, Librarian of the College of William and Mary; and Dr. Lyon G. Tyler, the Historian, appreciation is expressed for counsel and advice, at all times freely given. The data, furnished the author by Rev. F. Joseph Magri, relative to the early Spanish settlements in Virginia, has proven invaluable in the preparation of the chapter on that subject. To him testimonial of appreciation is also expressed.
That a colony was planted in Virginia, at or near Jamestown, in 1526, again on the Rappahannock in 1570, is not generally known.
Many have given ear, to the myth of the ten or twelve year old Pocahontas' love for Captain Smith and to vilifications against the patriot Bacon and his followers, without attempt to refute them. They know nothing regarding the genesis of the country of their birth, nor of the one in which they now reside.
Is the school boy, or girl, of today, as familiar with the correct names of the vessels used to transport the colonists to Jamestown, in 1607, as with that of the ship which brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth Rock, in 1620, thirteen years afterward? Do they realize the service rendered the colony by the converted Indian boy, Chanco? Can they tell the story of the career and adventures of the "Treasurer?"
These questions are not designed to embarrass the reader, but, to induce Virginians to give more attention to the study of Colonial History, not alone within the pages of this volume, but wherever information can be obtained.
The "Pageant of Virginia," written and dramatized by Dr. Thomas Woods Stevens, was intended to impress all, who were so fortunate as to attend the great production, with the wonderful history of the commonwealth. So well was it presented, and acted by Virginians, ably assisted by the masterly reading of Rev. A. W. Homy, as Mage of the Tower, it will never be forgotten by those who witnessed its delightful pageantry.
This volume is sent forth, to assist in the awakened interest the Pageant aroused, and to instil into the hearts of both those who were present, and those who could not attend, a greater love and reverance for their State.
With this explanation of the purpose for which the volume is published, it is sent forth, with the hope that its readers may find, within its pages, inspiration to emulate those who never hesitated to yield up their lives a sacrifice to service for future generations.
May the reader find inspiration to take a part in perpetuating their memory, ever remembering that posterity should be given just cause to be as proud of us as we have reason for revering those who have gone before. This accomplished, the mission of the volume will not have proven in vain.
W. B. CRIDLIN.
"What is Time, That he should master us?"
When the Founders of the Nation settled at Jamestown, the whole country-, with the exception of small patches cleared by fire, was a vast forest. The thick and lofty groves grew-, died and decayed without interruption by the hand of man, except where a few were felled by aid of sharp stones.
In the Tidewater section, the river sides were covered with swamps, marsh and stagnant water. There were no domestic animals, of any kind, but the deer, moose, elk, bear, wolf and a species of lion, squirrels, rabbits and other quardrupeds, summing up in species to the number of twenty-eight, roamed the forest at will. It is recorded that there were eighty-six varieties of birds in great abundance. In the streams there were almost every known variety of fish, and in the woods the natives found chestnuts, grapes, walnuts, crab-apples, whortlehe rries, strawberries, etc. ; they cultivated, with crude instruments of wood and stone, corn (Pogatour), beans, peas, pompions, mellons, potatoes and otheruseful vegetables. Special attention was paid to the raising and preparation of tobacco (Uppowac) of which both sexes were verve fond of smoking and offering as incense to their Deities.
It seems almost unbelievable, when one reads that the labor of the squaws, who. alone cultivated the soil, secured a yield per acre equal to, if not greater, than that produced by our practical farmers with aid of modern machinery.
The Indians of Virginia were members of the great Algonquin Nation, whose territory extended along the southern borders of the present State [with exception of a small strip occupied by the Manakins, of the Tuscarora tribe, (Monacan), the Manahoac and small tribes of Chowanoc, Nottoway and Meherrin, who with their neighbors, the Cherokees of western North Carolina, were of the Iroquoise Nation. The Algonquin territory extended along the northern shores of the Ohio to its confluence with the Mississippi, following the eastern bank of the river to the Lake of the Woods and Lake Winnipeg in Canada. The Great Lakes, with the exception of Erie, Ontario and the eastern shore of the Huron, were within their borders, and, in fact, all of Canada east of the points mentioned was zealously claimed as Algonquin hunting ground, on which the Iroquois must not venture, thence, but southward from Lake Champ lain they held sway along the Atlantic Coast as far as the South Carolina border.
Apparently, the Iroquoise were dwellers in the Eastern section of the continent before the arrival of the Algonquins, for a wedge was driven between the Cherokees and Tuscaroras in the South and the "Five Nations" of the Iroquoise in the North. The "Five Nations," or tribes, were surrounded on all sides by Algonquin enemies. Neither nation was descendant from the original inhabitants of Virginia. Their forefathers had conquered a race much their superior in knowledge of the arts and sciences of civilization; a people who understood the use and manufacture of metal instruments of war and peace.
We have little knowledge of them other than relics excavated from the great mounds, tumuli and earthworks, still to be found, in the western section of the State and extending as far as the Mississippi. V e have a lasting memorial to these Alleghee in having given our mountains the name of the Alleghanies.1
The Algonquins were the first Indians met by the colonists who landed at Jamestown, Roanoke Island, Provincetown and Plymouth. Their Nations were divided into tribes, such as the Powhatan, Pamunkey, Mattaponi and others. These were subdivided into families or clans, each clan being descendant from a remote ancestress. Descent was from the female side of the house and each had a symbol, or coat of arms, that distinguished one family from another.
The clan names were representative of some animal, bird or reptile, such as bear, eagle or snake, illustrated by crude pictures drawn in colors upon shield or tepee, and tatooed upon the face or body. A clan's family would dwell in one house lengthened as the family grew. Sometimes as many as 100 persons occupied one hut. The tepees were crudely framed of bent saplings and covered with mats of bark or grass, and there being no chimneys, the smoke of the fireside escaped through holes in the roof or door. An injury to a member of a clan was an injury to all, and the offender, or his clan, must pay in like manner. The chief men of each clan formed the Council of the tribe, presided over by the hereditary chief, who was not necessarily the War Chief, as this honor was conferred upon a leader who had distinguished himself by prowess and strategy in battle.
CI STOMS IN WAR
Should a chief desire to declare war on an enemy, the Council would solemnly deliberate on the question, and, if an affirmative decision was made, the best orators would be sent to other friendly tribes in the neighborhood, in an attempt to show cause for declaration of war and the advantage it would he for them to become allies.
Before beginning hostilities, it was considered proper end honorable to send an ultimatum to the enemy, though this was not always observed, and for this purpose a tomahawk, painted red, was used. The enemy would send a similar hatchet in return. Sometimes a hastily formed scouting party would capture one of the members of the challenging tribe, torture and dispatch him, leaving the body-, in which the red tomahawk was imbedded, where it could be easily- discovered.
When either party desired peace, a pipe elaborately carved and embellished with tribal insignia, was sent to the enemy. The messenger was safe from capture or harm and the communication received with respect by the War. Council. If peace was accepted, the two Councils would meet, smoke the pipe of peace and exchange belts of wampum to he kept as memorials of the pledge of friendship. Wampum was made from shell laboriously cut into button-like shape and pierced by stone instruments. The most valuable was the purple section found in the round clam, and it is stated that, notwithstanding the labor required in cutting out and forming these buttons, there were great quantities in possession of the Indians.
A prisoner of war was not necessarily tortured and executed. The mother or father of a son lost in battle could claim the captive and have him adopted into the tribe, though sometimes by ordeal, and he became a son of the bereaved parent, assuming the name of the
10 PERSONAL ADORNMENTS UNMAN SPIRIT WORSHIPone who had been slain. The amount of pain an Indian captive would suffer without evincing distress, has ever been a source of amazement to the white race. He would stoically- stand the torture, with a smile of derision, chant of the wonderful exploits of his tribe, berate his captors for their clumsiness in the execution, and proudly boast of the artistic manner in which he and companions had tortured members of the enemies' family.
Both men and women tatooed their faces and bodies, the flesh being scarified in crude designs and pigments of red, blue, etc., inserted in the wound. Healing, it would thus remain visible in outline, for life. Both sexes pierced their ears and inserted therein sticks of gradually increasing sizes until the desired opening was obtained. Ornaments of all kinds were suspended therefrom, and the more hideous and repulsive the warrior could obtain, the better it suited his purpose. Ofttimes live snakes a foot or more long, or lizards and other reptiles wiggled and squirmed about their faces, the tails passing through their ears and being firmly secured.
The warrior's head was bare on one side, the hair having been pulled out strand by strand, but a scalp lock was always worn, adorned with feathers and painted porcupine quills, serving as a challenge to an enemy to take it if he could, just as a small boy of today puts a chip upon his shoulder and gives his companions the "dare." The right side of the hair was cut short to prevent it being caught in the bow string, when the wind `vas blowing. If a warrior be lefthanded his hair was cut on the left side.
The Indian wore no beard, the hair being pulled out with tweezers made of two flat stones or shells; hirsute adornment being considered a sign of femininity by the
Indian beaux. Indian maidens shaved their heads
around the ears and forehead, ,wearing their hair down the back. This was accomplished by rubbing the hair between two sharp stones or shells. When they were married, the hair was permitted to grow, and they took great pride in its length. In some southern tribes, a newly made widow would cut the long hair from her head and strew it upon the grave of her deceased hus
band. She could not marry again until the hair was of former length.
Clothing was designed to give freedom of movement and was made from woven grass, bark, feathers
or tanned skins upon which the hair remained. Leggings of skin were worn to protect the limbs from briars and
undergrowth while moccasions of deer skin, skilfully tanned and ornamented, formed protection for their feet.
In warm weather the young boys and girls were nude. They worshipped the Great Spirit, who was feminine
and supposed to dwell in the moon, and an evil spirit called Hobamocko. The redbird was the ambassador and news carrier of the Great Spirit, therefore, held as sacred. To the Great Spirit they gave reverence and expressed gratitude for natural benefits, while to the
other, it was thought necessary to pay assiduous devotion, else he inflict with his wrath. The evil spirit was masculine.
Every important object had a tutelary divinity, and each individual a guardian spirit. Upon the death of a brave warrior he would be transported to a Happy Hunting Ground, far away to the southwest, there to pursue, without hunger or fatigue, such favorite employments as would render an eternity delightful. His favorite weapons were buried with him for use in the other world. If his scalp was taken in battle, there was
INDIAN -kNrEAPONS
doubt of his enjoying the blessings above mentioned, unless, buried with him, were the scalps he had taken, which he was supposed to barter in return for his own. Probably they fancied that in the Happy Hunting Ground there were dealers in scalps, such as we find dealing- in tickets, the scalpers of today.
Their weapons of stone, arrows, tomahawks, etc., were made, with infinite pains and labor. The head of the tomahawk was often forced through the center of a young sapling and there imbedded until the wood of the sapling grew around it. The handle would then 1>e cut to the proper length for use.
The men spent their time making weapons, hunting, fishing, and at war. The women did all of the menial work and were required to erect their tents, pull them down and carry them in their migrations.
1. The Iroquoise called them the "Mooneyed People," their
tradition being that they could not see well in the day time and
that they were easily conquered. The Algonquins having no such
tradition, gives further proof of latter settlement.
"Stand up, stout seamen. Give us now your tale."
To John Cabot and his three sons, Lewis, Sebastian and Sancto, must be bestowed the honor of first discovering the mainland of North America,1 and viewing the shores of Virginia. Some doubt has been expressed as to Lewis and Saneto having accompanied their father, but it is known that Sebastian, the second son, made the voyage.
Cabot sailed under commission of Henry VII of England, and was a native of Genoa (as was Columbus) though he had spent most of his life as a citizen of Venice. He settled at Bristol, England, in 1472.
The adventurers were supplied with a ship by the King, and four small vessels accompanied, (furnished by merchants of Bristol) to act as consorts. The commission was dated March 5, 1495, and Cabot was directed "to discover and occupy isles or countries of the heathern or infidels, unknown to Christians; accounting to the king for a fifth part of the profit upon return." He was commanded to "plant the English banner on the walls of their castles and cities and to maintain with the inhabitants a traffic exclusive of all competitors."
Cabot did not set sail from Bristol until 1497. Sailing northwest-he first arrived at Davis Straits. Thence, turning southward, Cape Breton Island and Nova Scotia were sighted on June 24. Nova Scotia was given the name of Prima Vista (First View). Sailing onward he discovered a large island which he called Newfoundland, and in the waters near by first observed the immense schools of cod, which still abound in that section of North America. He reported that the cod were so numerous "they sumtymes stayed his shippes." The voyagers continued along the coast until they reached the Capes of Virginia, possibly going as far south as the Carolina Coast. Victuals running low, Cabot landed and trafficed with the nativesobtaining supplies for use while returning to England. As a result of this traffic turkeys were first introduced into England.
Some writers claim the voyage to Virginia was made while on a second expedition, one year later, but John Cabot died in England in 1498.
The fickle Henry had turned his attention toward war with Scotland and had also commenced negotiations for the marriage of his son, Prince Arthur, to Catherine, daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella. He had lost interest in the Cabot enterprise and had no wish to antagonize the claims of the Spanish sovereigns, who asserted proprietary rights to the New World through the prior discoveries of Columbus.
Sebastian Cabot entered the service of Spain, and made a number of voyages to South America, but never returned to Virginia.
It was while Sebastian Cabot was in the service of Spain that the German schoolmaster, Woldseemuler, who had transformed his name into Hylacomlyus, proposed to members of the Academy that the new continent be called "America," in honor of his friend Amerigo Vespucci, the false claimant to been the first discover of the continent.
Does it not appear a singular coincidence that Columbus, in the service of Spain; Cabot in the service of England, and Americus Vespucius, were Italians, and that another Italian, in the service of France, should be the next explorer to visit Virginia?
Giovanni Verrazano (born 1480, died 1572) a Florentine, in the service of Francis L, of France, on a voyage along the eastern coast of North America, landed near Cape Charles in 1524, 27 years after the visit of Cabot. He explored the peninsular and expressed the opinion that the Chesapeake was an arm of the Pacific Ocean. He makes mention of this conclusion on a map he drafted 'at the time. Verrazano captured a number of Indian children and carried them to France as proof of his discovery, but before returning to Europe he sailed as far north as Newfoundland, and en route visited New York harbor and Narragansett Bay, also explored the Neighboring Coast. Claiming right of prior discovery he named the entire country Nova Francia (New France) and declared it a possession of the French throne. On his return to Europe, he found France at war with Germany and Spain, and as a result, the voyage of Verrazano proved as abortive as had the explorations of Cabot. Had Henry VII., or Francis I, only realized the vast extent of the New World, or could they have dreamed of its wonderful possibilities, what a different story would be written of America of today.
Nova Francia, Nueva Espana, New Amsterdam, (New Holland), Virginia; truly America was blessed with a multiplicity of names bestowed upon it by the rival claimants to its territory. Happily the last was to prove the survivor of the three others.
1. The voyages of the Northenmen are not considered in modern
discovery, as they were productive of no permanent benefit. The
record of their adventures are confined only to Sagas and Egas of
Iceland, unknown in Europe when Columbus made discovery of Santo
Domingo.
"My Sovereign
By long inheritance and the will of Rome
Doth hold these shores in fee . . . Our Florida."
Were it not for letters, maps and official documents, discovered in the old archives of Spain, nothing would he known of the Spanish attempt to colonize Virginia.
Fortunately, through these faded manuscripts, we know that as early as 1526 the Chesapeake and its tributaries here explored, thirty--two years after Columbus' first voyage, and antedating the Jamestown settlement of 1607 by eighty-three years.
The documents record that one rear after the exploration of the peninsula by- Verrazano, Lucas Vasques de Ayllon, a lawyer and judge of Santo Domingo, obtained a patent from King Charles (Carlos) of Spain,1 authorizing him to explore and plant a settlement, on the American mainland, and charging him to Christianize the inhabitants.
It was in June, 1526, that de Ayllon set sail, with three small vessels, from Puerto de la Plata, Santo Domingo. Accompanying him were six hundred men, women and children, with sufficient supplies and 150 horses. As special companions and advisors of de Ayllon. there sailed Father Antonio de 'Montesinos (who had become celebrated in Spain, and was persona non grata to the Santo Domingo authorities, on account of his "indomitable warfare against the traffic in slaves." `'With him were Father Antonio de Cervantes and Brother Peter de Estrada, all being of the order of St. Dominic.
De Ayllon entered the Chesapeake Bay, which he named Madre de las Aguas ('Mother of Waters), and ascending the Guandape (James River) landed at a place he called St. -Michael. (San Miguel).
Ecija, the Spanish pilot, who entered the Chesapeake, in 1609, in search of information regarding the English, settlement, reported to his government that the colony was located on the exact spot chosen by- de Ayllon for settlement.
de Ay-llon and his followers constructed rude puts, a chapel AN-as erected and temporary defenses planned.
His settlement at St. Michael2 was the second colony attempted on the maintaind d of North America, the first having been located by Police de Leon, at Charlotte Harbor, Florida, in 1521.
Little is known of the trials and vicissitudes of the little settlement, other than that de Ayllon died of fever within four months after landing and the colonists passed through a severe winter exposed to both disease, hostile Indians and insurection of negro slaves which decimated their ranks and left the survivors almost hopeless of rescue. Within one rear after the colony was established, Francis Gomez, who had succeeded to the command, embarked the survivors upon two ships, one having sunk, and sailed for Santo Domingo. En route one of the ships founded, with all on board, and only- one hundred and fifty of the six hundred ever reached home again. Among those who returned was Father Montesinos. Thus ended, in disaster, the first Spanish settlement in Virginia, called by them Nueva Espana (New Spain).
No further attempt at colonization was made until 1570, when Menendez, Governor of Florida, desirous of a colony on the Chesapeake, fitted out an expedition headed by Fathers Segura and Louis Quiros, assisted by six Jesuit Brothers, named Soli, Mendes, Linares, Redondo, Gabriel Gomez and Sancho Zevalles.
The expedition planted, its little colony on the banks of the Rappahannock, but was soon betrayed by a supposedly converted Indian who had received the baptismal name of Don Louis de Valasco.
de Valasco conspiring with other Indians massacred the unsuspecting Spaniards to a man, and it was not until the following spring that Mendes learned through a pilot, he had sent with supplies, of the disaster that had befallen.
He immediately sailed for Axacan, as the settlement was called, captured and hanged the murderers. Shortly before their execution, the manuscripts relate, the murderers were converted and baptised by Father Rojel, a Jesuit Missionary who accompanied the punitive expedition.
Some years ago, a skeleton enclosed in an iron cage was discovered near the banks of the Rappahannock. It leads one to speculate upon the probability of this grim find being all that remained to remind future generations of the second Spanish attempts to Colonize Virginia.
The exact location of Axacan is lost in uncertainty. Was it a local name or that of the country? The nearest surviving Indian word that suggests the name, is "Occoquan, a town in Prince William County.
When Captain John Smith explored the Rappahannock, he found an Indian, ('Moscow) with whom he could converse and use as an interpreter. Tosco was of fighter complexion than the other natives and wore beard. Evidently he was a descendant of the ill fated colony. Smith and Newport had found an Indian, whom they used as interpreter, on their voyage to the falls of the James, just ten days after landing at Jamestown, and it is reported they- also saw a youth of light complextion and an old Indian with a beard. Presumably they were descendants from the Spanish settlement at St. Michaels.
The last record of Spanish visits to the Chesapeake is contained in a report by Pedro Menendez sent to Philip II, of Spain. It was written in 1565 and in it he states that for some years "bison skins were brought down the river (Potomac) and thence carried along shore in canoes to the French seated at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. Within two years 1564-65, he had obtained from the Indians, in trade, 6000 skins." (See Bul. 30; pt. 2; p. 798, B. Am. Eth.)
The Indian name of the tribe of traders was Patawomeck which translated meant "They go and come" i. e.-travel for trade. The river received its name from the tribe using it for transportation of pelts, etc.
1. Ferdinand died in 1576. Carlos (Charles), his grandson,
succeeded him. Carlos died in 1588 and was succeeded by Philip II.
It was Philip II who, through his ambassador, Gondomar, envoy to
the court of James I. and later Charles I, used every endeavor,
through diplomacy, intrigue and bribery, to destroy the infant
colony at Jamestown.
2. Called by the Spaniards-"San Migue de Guandape. Guandape was the
name given the James River and the new territory. The river has had
four names-Guandape, Powhatah, King's and James.
*Rev- F. Joseph Magri, M. A. D. D., has favored the compiler of
volume with the following references. They substantiate the
Authenticity of the reports on Spanish settlements in
Virginia.
4. Barcia--"Ensayo Chronolozico" pp. 1-12-6 ; Fernandez--"Historia
Ecclesiasticade Nuestros Tiempos," (Toledo, 1611) ; Navarette-"Real
Cedulaque Continenceo Asiento Con Lucas V asquez de Ayllon."
Collection "de Verages C. Descubrimientos " (Madrid, 1829), pp.
153-6 ; Tanner-"Societies Militans," (1675 pp. 447-51).
"The grapes in hearing-ay, a fragrant shore,
Wi' scarlet birds, and flowers all wild and rich."
It was July 2nd. (O. S.) 1584, when the first expedisent out by Walter Raleigh. anchored in Orakoke Inlet, off the coast of that part of Florida, later given the name of Virginia, and now within the confines of North Carolina. The Indian name for the region was Wingandacoa, and Winginia was king.
The expedition was in joint command of Captains Philip Amidas and Arthur Barlow, and had left England on April 27.
Grapes and fruit appeared in such abundance, growing to the very borders of the sea, even covering shrubs and trees, that the adventurers were enraptured at the sight and landed upon the island of Wococan, thinking themselves upon the mainland. This island was not far from Roanoke, where was seated Granganameo, brother of the king.
hour days after the adventurers had landed they were visited by Granganameo with assurance of friendship and hospitality. On a second visit, several days afterwards, his wife and children accompanied him. It is related that the woman who was "very bashful and modest," had a hand of white coral about her forehead and from her ears extended a string of pearls of the "bigness of peas," that hung down below- her waist. Other members of the company were "decked in red copper and such ornaments" as -were then in fashion among the Indians. Granganameo, "eat and drank very merrily," and traded "leather, coral, and divers kinds of dyes" with his hosts.
He sent daily- supplies of game, fish, fruit and vegetables, and such friendly relations were thus established that Captain Amidas and seven others of the adventurers paid a visit to Granganameo at Roanoke. Arriving at the town, found to consist of nine houses,-the Indian prince being absent,-his wife received them with great courtesy and kindness.
That the reader may realize the real character of the Indian, when treated with friendly consideration and respect, I quote Stith's account of this first reception of the English adventurers in the home of this hospitable family.
"She made some of her people dram their boat up to prevent its being injured by beating of the surge; some she ordered to bring them ashore on their backs, and others to carry their oars to' the house, for fear of being stole. When they came into the House, she took off their cloaths and stockings, and washed them, as likewise their feet, in warm water."
"When their dinner was ready, they were conducted into an inner room (for there were five in the House, divided by mats) where they found Hominy, boiled venison, and roasted fish; and as a Desert, Melons, boiled roots, (probably sweet and Irish potatoes, the ]as' then unknown in Europe, but later to find great favor in Ireland, when introduced there by - Raleigh), and Fruits of various sorts. * * * In short, she omitted nothing that the most generous hospitality and hearty desire of pleasing- could do, to entertain them."
What a commentary upon our boasted Christian civilization when we read of the Indian hospitality-, and compare the intolerance of the men of the second expedition, who, for such a trifling offense as loss of a silver cup, (?) burned one of the Indian towns, and destroyed their corn. The first expedition had returned to England in September of the same year, taking with it Manteo and Wanchese, two Indian subjects of Granganameo. They were welcomed with great acclaim. Elizabeth bestowed her name upon the region and knighted Raleigh.
The advantageous accounts given by the adventurers, and the two Indians, caused Sir. Edward Greenville to head a second expedition. He set out the following April (1585) with seven ships and a full supply of risen and necessary equipment. Greenville landed at the island formerly- occupied by the first expedition (Wococon), but soon selected a party to explore the mainland, under his personal command.
Here occurred the tragedy, of which mention has been previously made.
The Indians had regarded the English as a superior race of beings, even considering them as direct descendants from the gods; and, there being no women with them, they at first thought all of the white race to be masculine.
What a trifling excuse was seized upon by this bully to wreak vengeance upon a defenseless village and trusting people. How out of proportion the offense, if it occurred, was the exaction of the penalty-. Here was first sown the dragon's teeth that changed a confiding King and subjects from open-hearted friendship to secret enmity-. Can we he surprised that the native began to lose confidence in this strange white race from across the sea ; that they began matching their wits in endeavor to prevent successful colonization; that two years later the colony at Roanoke, having taken possession of the island on which the Indians had given the first expedition such a hospitable reception-should disappear?
When Greenville returned to England he left 108 persons as a colony, and they, deserting Wococan, chose Roanoke as their place of habitation. When a place was selected for settlement little deference was shown any objection of the original inhabitants to giving up their place of abode. There was nothing for the Wingandacoa to do but move their village to some less coveted spot on island or mainland.
This has been the bitter experience of the poor Indian, from the discovery of America, even unto the present generation. Let us, at least, do them the justice of reviewing the history of their race, its trials and tragedies, without the prejudice of the past centuries, with that Christian charity they so ofttimes richly deserve. We are Christians, but what would we do if we should discover a strange race of people landed within our territory, squatted upon the land we call our own, and using strange engines of destruction against those of our people who endeavored to protest against being dispossessed? Should find that, not satisfied with the land already seized, they were making exploitation with intention of seating other newcomers of their race? Is it not possible for the strange race to regard our mode of living just as crude as the intolerant Greenville considered the dwellers in the village he destroyed? Had Greenville been a Penn, and some of the Colonial leaders even as Smith, the massacres of 1622 and 1644. would never have occurred, nor Bacon had reason to defy the authority- of the besotted Berkeley.
The explorations of Captain Lane and the colonists left at Roanoke by Greenville in 1585, resulted in the discovery of the Chesapeake Bay and Elizabeth River, and upon their return to England with Sir Francis Drake, they gave such a glowing account of the desirability of the Chesapeake section as a site for establishing a permanent colony, Raleigh and his associates were enthusiastic in desire to send out another expedition, with instructions to found a colon- at the newly discovered site.
The hospitality of the Chesapeake Indians, seated on the hanks of the Elizabeth, evidently induced the discoverers to bestow the name upon the great bay, since proven to he one of the most important land-locked harbors of the world, folly justifying the old Spanish appellation.
Greenville, unaware that his colon- had returned with Drake, left England for America before they arrived, therefore, upon reaching Roanoke Island, he found the settlement deserted. Leaving a party, variously estimated at from fifteen to fifty, he shortly sailed for home. These men were never heard of again, evidently having be en massacred by the Indians in retaliation for the great wrong suffered from the exploring party of Greenville's first expedition.
The next expedition, under Captain John White, was sent out b\- Raleigh, with explicit directions to seat his colony on the shores of the Chesapeake, but, failing to reach this harbor, by design of their Spanish pilot, Simon Ferdinaneo, and narrowly escaping shipwreck, they found themselves off Roanoke Island, glad to escape the perils of the sea. Here the settlement was again established. White expected to find the then left Greenville, but a destroyed fort and the bones of one man were all that remained of the part, though the cabins of the members of the first expedition remained uninjured.
The Indians who had been dispossed by Greenville had not again established settlement on the Island and Granganameo, who had befriended the colonists at Wococan, was dead. His wife, who had entertained them with such genuine proof of friendship and hospitality, had returned to her people.
White's colonists found they must 'depend upon their own resources Overtures with the Indians under Wingina were attempted with ill success, even Manteo, the Indian who had spent some time in Europe, been concerted and partly educated, could not persuade his tribesmen to again put trust in the men from across the seas. Several women being in the expedition, the Indians perceived they had been mistaken in their supposition that the white race was masculine and descended from the gods. This, influenced them to no small degree, in their future actions toward the white intruders.
George Howe, one of the council, was slain by some of Wingina's men while either hunting or wandering away from the settlement. Friendship could not be re-established, for the Indian never forgets. Determined to revenge the death of Howe, Governor White, Captain Stafford and twenty-four men, well armed and equipped, made a secret night landing on the main land near what was supposed to be the village of Wingina.
The surprise was complete, and one Indian shot before it was discovered that a mistake had been made. The Indians were a party from Croatan, clansmen of Manteo, who, on his account had continued friendly. That the Indian never forgets may be again recalled by the tragedy of the "Lost Colony." Governor White, having returned to England for supplies, had been delayed by war with Spain and the report of a projected attack by the Invincible Armada. Virginia Dare, his granddaughter, was born during his absence, her mother (Ellinor) being the wife of Ananias Dare, a member of the council.
It was the Indians of Croatan who had been attacked without cause, one of their number shot, their corn confiscated. It was "Croatan" found carved upon the post, a silent messenger of the fate of Virginia Dare, her mother, father and the hundred or more settlers, when in 1589 White returned to Roanoke.
Was the "C. R. O." crudely cut upon the tree, or the "Croatan," carved upon the post, a sign left by the colonists to indicate they were leaving the island? No. The writer is of opinion that only starvation and distress could have caused these men to abandon their settlement for the purpose of seating elsewhere, and it had been agreed that a cross would lie carved, as a sign of distress, should necessity require such a course.
Again, is there a valid explanation of why the houses had been taken down and a palisade erected? The Indians were accustomed to erect such forts for defense, and Powhatan had a similar one near the falls of the James.1
Would the Roanoke colonists have buried their clothing and other impedimenta? No! "The Indian never forgets." Vision the converted (?) Manteo returning to his tribe, his clansmen's anger at the English, his joining them in plotting destruction: The secret landing and attack, planned as had the English in their descent upon them; the massacre; disposal of the bodies in the sea; the clothing and impedimenta placed in a cache for future use, if necessary, as was the Indian custom; the houses pulled down to construct the palisado.
Picture Manteo, the converted Indian, who had received several years of training in England, idly carving "C. R. O." in crude letters upon a tree; his smile of delight as he cut upon the post "Croatan," the name of his tribe. How his tribesmen must have grinned and danced in delight when he explained the significance of this warning to Governor White (should he return) that the Indian never forgets a wrong. Is it not an Indian characteristic that they should thus desire to show their day of reckoning had come? The smoke rising from the island, seen by White, was probably caused by Indian watchers signaling to their distant brethren the arrival of English ships. The discharge of the ship's cannon, in warning of arrival, gave ample time for the Indians to disappear ere landing was made. Manteo never again was seen among the English. His tribe was revenged, he was a Red Man, a savage to the end of his days.
The English, within less than four years, had twice reaped what they had sown. In both cases the innocent paid the penalty and the guilty escaped. Greenville and the unfortunate White lived to see the result of their folly.
Discouraged by this tragedy, no other attempt at colonization was made during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Raleigh, discouraged and impoverished by his losses in the several ventures under his patent, assigned his interest to Sir Thomas Smith and a company of London merchants, who are said to have been satisfied, for eighteen years, with petty traffic along the Atlantic Coast.
1. So well was Powhatan's palisade constructed, it is stated, it would have been impossible for hostile Indians to have taken it. It was purchased by Smith and given the name of "None Such," with the intention of seating West and his company there in security.
"Folk of Virginia: forward from the hour
When first Virginia's name rang clear."
Three hundred and fourteen years have come and gone since that day in May, 1607 when a little band of Englishmen landed at Jamestown, to establish the first Anglo-Saxon Colonyand plant the first germ of Democracy upon the Western Continent. What a far cry there is from the puny little settlement, with its many vicissitudes, to the great Commonwealth of to-day.
With only 105 members in the Colony, its territory extended from the thirty-fourth to the forty-fifth parallel, corresponding to the southern border of North Carolina and the southern line of Nova Scotia. It was divided by charter into the first or Southern Colony, designated for administration by the London Company, and the second, or Northern Colony, apportioned to the cities of Bristol, Exter and Plymouth, associated with the western section of England.
The first charter was dated April 10, 1606. It stipulated that two settlements were to be founded, at least 100 miles apart, with jurisdiction along the coast to within fifty miles of each other. Each was granted jurisdiction within 100 miles of the seashore and promised that "No other of our subjects shall be permitted or suffered to plant or inhabit behind or on the back side of them towards the main land without the express license or consent of the Counsel of the Colonies." Any settlement made within the jurisdiction of the Colonies would be required to pay five in every hundred of value in such wares as they should "traffick, buy or sell." It was under this provision in 1613, that Henrick Corstraensen and his Dutch companions, in their trading camp on Manhattan Island, paid taxes to the Governor of Virginia in acknowledgment of Virginia's sovereignty.
As the centuries have advanced and population increased Virginia's territory has gradually decreased, until, with the loss of West Virginia during the Civil War, it has become small indeed in proportion to its original vast extent. Since its cession of the Northwest Territory in 1787 so many states have been carved fromits original boundaries it has been rightly named, "The Mother of States." How proudly we look, in retrospect, upon the heroic struggles of our Anglo-Saxon forebears and read of their determined efforts to blaze out of an unknown wilderness a civilization never equaled by man.
The three small, vessels on which the Colonists came, to America-"Sarah Constant" of 100 tons, Captain. Christopher Newport; "Good Speed," 40 ton, Captain Bartholomew Gosnold ; and the pinnace "Discovery," 20 tons, Captain John Ratcliffe-after a voyage of over four months arrived off Cape Henry on April 26th and anchored off Jamestown on Thursday, May 13, 1607. Having debarked, their Chaplain, Rev. Robt. Hunt, led them in a prayer of thanksgiving to God for safe delivery from the terrors of the deep, and Newport proclaimed leis sovereign, James I, as lawful ruler of the entire region.
How different the reception, by the Indians, of the voyagers sent out by Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Summers and others, from that received by the colonists of 1585 ! Lane was welcomed by the Chesapeakes; Newport and Grosnold's men savagely attacked upon landing at Cape Henry in search of water. Twentytwo years had passed; the white race had, by their acts, destroyed the pedestal upon which they had beets placed, and instilled into the hearts of the red race was a spirit of enmity and distrust. What Greenville had sown, the colonists of 1607 must reap, at least in part. Yet, welcome and good will awaited the voyagers when they landed on the western shore of the bay. It is probably true that the Indians of Kicoughtan were not advised of the tragic experience of their Algonquin brethren of Croatan. Had the colonists of 1607 profited by the example of the Raleigh expedition? Apparently not!
When the three small ships arrived at the capes, Captain John Smith had been in close confinement for thirteen weeks. He had been arrested while the ships were taking on water and supplies at the Canaries. There had been quarrel and dissension ever since leaving Blackwall, even while stormbound off the coast of England for a period of six weeks.
Smith was charged with conspiring to murder the members of the council, usurp the government and declare himself king of Virginia. The absurdity of this charge is evidenced, as the personnel of the council was not known until the expedition arrived within the capes, and Smith was the one man of the expedition who understood how to deal with the aborigines.
The members of the council whose names were found in the sealed box, when opened upon reaching Chesapeake Bay, were. Bartholomew Grosnold, John Smith. Edward Maria Wingfield, Christopher Newport, John Ratcliffe, John Martin and George Kendall. The council elected Wingfield as its president "the first executive officer in Virginia. [Campbell's History of Virginia]. Wingfield held office about three months, and was succeeded by Captain John Ratclifie. The settlers were not satisfied with Ratcliffe's management of affairs. He was soon succeeded by Captain Smith, as the popular choice of the Colony. Smith retained the presidency until his embarkation for England. Captain Geo. Percy administered the government after Smith's departure.
The Colonists of 1607 were not the first Englishmen to enter the capes and partly explore the Chesapeake Bay.
It is recorded by Stith that a party from the Roanoke Colonly entered the capes in 1585 and explored to the South of the Bay, discovering the Elizabeth river on the banks of Which the Chesapeake Indians were seated. Stith doubts that the name Chesapeake means "Mother of Waters" as many assert, but suggests that it is derived from the Indian tribe of that name. He thinks it may owe the interpretation of "Mother of Waters" from translation of an old Spanish map upon which it is described as "'Madre de las Aguas."
In describing the seat of the Chesapeakes, probably near Norfolk, it is asserted by the Roanoke Colonists that "for pleasantness of situation, for temperature of clime, fertility of soil and commodiousness to the sea, it was not to be excelled by any in the world."
When Newport entered the Chesapeake Bay some days were spent in endeavor to find a passage over the shoals that prevented the ships, though of small tonnage, entering the James river. They had almost decided to abandon the attempt, after many soundings had been made off Willoughby Spit, where the channel was discovered on the Point Comfort side.1
Captain Newport, in charge of the expedition, found among his instructions that he was to settle a Colony at a safe point on a navigable river, but, before making permanent settlement, was to explore the said river., ascertain how far it was navigable and whether it sprung out of the mountains or lake. It was suggested that it might afford passage to the "Other Sea."
In accordance with these instructions, Newport set out from Jamestown as soon as home defense could be temporarily organized. He explored the Powhatah,2 as the river was called by the Indians, as far as the falls: His party consisted of twenty-three adventurers. Among them was Captain John Smith who had been released from confinement after arriving in Virginia when it was found, upon opening the sealed instructions given by the London Company, that Smith was appointed a Member of the Council. Smith had not as yet been permitted to act with the Council though his worth was recognized by Newport in such an expedition as he was embarking upon. This fact probably saved the little party from destruction, for upon reaching "Turkey Island" an Indian was added to the party, as interpreter, who evidently could converse in the Spanish language. Smith having spent some time in the wars of Spain, was familiar with this tongue.3
The Newport exploring party left Jamestown at noon Thursday, Way 21st arriving at the Falls on the afternoon of the 23rd and landing there on Whit-Sunday May 24th (O. S.) 4 During the entire voyage the English were treated with friendship and respect, being entertained by the Passpaheghs seated at Sandy Point, the Quiyoughcohanocks whose chief village was located where here Claremont is now situated; the Arrohatecks whose chief town was near what is now Dutch Gap canal; and by the Powhatans at the Falls of the James. King Powhatan, whose village was on the north bank of the river just east of where Fulton now stands, first refused permission for the adventurers to come ashore on the 23rd, but through the medium of the interpreter a parley was arranged. After spending the. night on an island and having joined Powhatan in repast, the Indian King relented and they ascended the river in their schallop. Powhatan followed along the shore and met 'them at a small island below the falls. This island is now part of the mainland near the northside abutments of Mayor's Bridge. Here it was that Newport set up a cross and took possession of the, land in the name of the King of England. On the cross there was inscribed the words--Jacobus Rex 1607"Newport's name was written below the inscription. It is said that they christened the stream, "King's river"-Thus the river has been called lay three names-Powhatan,5 King's and James. Powhatan became very much offened at the ceremony of planting the cross and evading towards the shore he started return to the village. The Indian warriors, taking this as indicative of his hostility, began closing in upon the little party and would probably have massacred them, had it not been for the Indian interpreter hastening after the King, under instructions of Newport and Smith, with explanation that the cross was an indication of friendship. He explained that the upright planted in the. ground was to typify Powhatan as Lord of the country; the transverse section to represent Newport and his followers, bound to the Indian King by the ties of friendship and brotherly love. Powhatan accepted the explanation, returned to the island, called off his warriors, embraced Newport, and the crisis was passed.
What a surprise it must have been for them to fume on return to the settlement that au attack had been made by the Indians, one boy killed and seventeen men wounded. Stith records that "Had not a cross-bar shot from the ships happened to strike a bough from a tree among them the English had been all cut off, being securely at work, and their arms in dry fats." Evidently there was cause for provocation. Is it reasonable to judge the Indians as the sole perpetrators of this first attack upon the settlement, without cause, while the, three ships of the expedition still lay at anchor within a few- yards from shore. Had there been only a savage desire to destroy- would the Passpaheghs, who lived in the neighborhood, have received with every assurance of friendship the little exploring party of Newport and Smith and yet attacked the larger force at Jamestown ?
We do know that upon return of the explorers, Smith's demand for a trial, on the charges that had been the cause of his disgrace, was reluctantly granted, resulting in his vindication and a fine of 200 pounds charged against the President of the Council in reparation. Smith gave the money for public use of the Colony, as he was satisfied with the verdict. The Rev. Hunt preached a sermon on "Peace and Concord" and (note the significance)-"The day- after, being the fifteenth of June, the Indians voluntarily sued for Peace." When the English were peaceful so we find the Indians expressing a desire to be. Smith had no minor part in bringing about the ending of a situation frought with such danger as to bid far to prove a parallel of the Roanoke tragedy.
At the time that the English arrived Powhatan, the Indian king, was about seventy years of age and had several villages moving from one to the other as suited his convenience in making collections from his sub-chiefs. He required eighty per cent. of all revenues to be payable. to him and woe unto an Indian who secured a prize pelt who did not offer it to the despotic Chieftan. It seems surprising that he should have had such control over the various tribes when his own tribe had only about fifty warriors. He had the power of life and death not only over individuals but clans and it is said that he utterly annihilated the Chesapeakes and the Kicoughtans for some fancied wrong, notwithstandingtheir combined force was three times that of his own men.
The Indian name for Virginia is said by Tyler in his "Cradle of the Republic" to have been "Attanoughkomouclc," meaning "band enclosed for producing or growing," that is, a plantation.
In the summer of 1607 Smith continued his explorations, following the river down to Kiccoughtan (Kecoughtan) and across to Waroskoyack (Isle of Wright), making journies along the shore line, exploring the creeks, etc., in that section. In the fall he began mapping out the country along the banks of the Chickahominy, exploring the river as far as possible for him to use a canoe.
On September 17th, and again in November, there was a trial by jury at Jamestown. This English custom was inaugurated within a few months after the arrival of the colonists.
January 8, 1608, the first ship to arrive in the colony, since the settlement, anchored off Jamestown and landed what is termed the first supply of colonists who together with others, from a ,ship arriving on the 20th of April, gave a total of 120 additional members, three in excess of the original number of settlers. There had been sixty-seven deaths in the interval and the colony now numbered 158.
Newport, who had sailed for England shortly after his exploration of the James, having left the pinnace "Discovery" for use of the Colony, returned in his two ships with the second supply of seventy more colonists, giving Jamestown a total of 200 men, after deducting for twenty-eight deaths.
He had received express orders, when in England; to explore the country west of the falls of the James, where dwelt the Monacans, hereditary enemies of Powhatan. In deference to the Indian King, no attempt had been made to push west of the now site of Richmond, and it appears that Smith protested against the project, for, declared he "every effort should be subordinated to that of placing Jamestown in a state of defense." Some writers claim it was Smith's purpose to do the exploring himself, after the return of Newport, and thus have the honor of discovery should he find a passage to the sea. Be that as it may, Newport followed out his instructions and explored at least forty miles above the falls, reaching what is now the boundary of Goochland. In order to pass the falls his boat was constructed in five( sections for easy portage, taken apart below the falls and the parts re-assembled after passing the rocks. It seems strange to us that such experienced men should still have had an idea that the James would furnish an outlet to the "South Sea" (Indian Ocean) though it still lingered in the minds of the colony for years after Newport's explorations.6
1. It was on account? of their joy at finding deep water that Point Comfort received 'its name. The name was afterwards changed to "Old Point Comfort" to distinguish it from "New Point Comfort," a cape guarding the entrance to Mob Jack Bay (originally Mock Jack, said to be so called on account of echoes from the wooded shore mocking the sailors' voices). New Point Comfort also guards the entrance to the York.
2. The lower section of the river east of Sandy Point, was called "Passpaheghs."
3. Smith found an Indian, with whom he could converse, not only on the voyage up the James, about nine days after landing at Jamestown, but also used as interpreter, "Mosco," and Indian met on his exploration of the Rappahannock. It is reasonable to assert that these interpreters had some knowledge of the Spanish language, a boy being found with one of them of light complexion, eyes and hair. Had they knowledge of English it would have proven a clue to the lost Colony of Roanoke. The Jamestown colonists made a number of attempts to discover the fate of their fellow countrymen, urged so to do by positive orders from England. Explorations were made as far south as the Chowan River in effort to discover their fate.
4. Campbell made the error of placing the date of the landing as
June 10th, making the interval twenty-eight days after the landing
at Jamestown. As a matter of fact only eleven days had intervened.
He first made error of seven days, according to, the old style or
Julian calendar by which we record the landing at Jamestown, then
added ten days, the difference between the Julian calendar and the
new style, or Gregorian. If one but reads the diary of Archer, or
searches the calendar of that year, it can be easily ascertained
that Whit-Sunday came on May 24th. The new style calendar had not
come into general use in the English speaking world, and the new
Year was calculated from March.
In later years, Smith, (in his history), used the Gregorian
calendar and this accounts for apparent discrepancies in the dates
mentioned by- him and those quoted by other Colonial writers.
5. Spaniards called it "Guandape." See p. 17.
6. The fact that the Volga, Tanais and Dwina rivers had their sources in the same section yet flowed each into a different sea gave encouragement to the thought that such might prove their good fortune in finding an outlet. Picture our distance from India and contrast it with the lack of knowledge the colonists had as to the extent of the western continent, for, as you already know, the Indians were so-called by being mistaken for inhabitants of the Asiaic country. Such things seem absurd to the reader of today, yet it is true that, when President Jefferson sent Lewis and Clarke on their explorations to the Pacific coast, he warned against the mammoth, saber tooth tiger and other prehistoric animals, as-fossils having been found in Kentucky-he feared the section through which they passed would probably prove to be the ranging ground of these, long extinct species.
"Aye-we must eat.
Corn, for God's love, if there's nought else, give us corn."
1607-Smith made his first explorations in the Tidewater section, was captured by the Indians and saved by Pocahontas. The pinnace "Virginia" built in 1607 was the first vessel of American construction
1608-Population 158-Within one year of the first settlement 120 additional colonists had arrived, but sixty-seven of the original number had died. On October 6 Newport arrived with seventy new colonists, but twenty-eight had died since May and the population only totaled 200.
1609-Population about 190. Smith explored the Chesapeake and its tributaries, trading with the Indians for corn to supply the colony.1
In the Autumn of 1609, he was severely burned by an accidental explosion of powder, stored in the shallop in which he was returning to Jamestown from Nonesuch (site of Richmond). He had attempted to establish a new settlement of one hundred and twenty persons, under `Vest, but, much to his disgust, had failed.
Owing to his great suffering, and lack of means for proper treatment in Virginia, he embarked for England "above Michaelmas," (Sept. 29th). He had been with the colony a little over two years and had not only saved the settlers from starvation but protected them from the Indians. The savages feared him more than all the others combined. Smith, on numerous occasion had given them cause to respect, as well as fear his skill in directing the colony's affairs. With Captain Percy, and fifteen companions in adventure, he had ascended the York (then the Charles) to the present site of West Point--(West's Point) and, though surrounded by several hundred hostile warriors, under Opecahancanough, had singled out the wiley Chieftain, seized his scalp lock, and pointing a pistol to his breast; made demand that the Indians throw down their arms and supply him with corn. Such acts as this, compelled the Indians to fear attempting treachery and proved the means of saving the colony from starvation or massacre. While Smith ,vas risking his life in search of food for the settlers, many of them not only made no effort to relieve the situation, but spent hours of idleness at Jamestown playing quoits and pitching horseshoes upon the streets.
It was a sad day for the Colony- when Smith embarked.
He left behind him three ships and seven boats, commodities ready for trade with the Indians; corn, newly gathered, ten weeks' provisions in the store; twenty-four pieces of ordnance; 300 muskets, with other arms and ammunition more than enough for the men; one hundred trained soldiers, nets for fishing, and tools for all kinds of work, sufficient apparel, six mares and a horse (the Indians had no horses), five or sit hundred hogs, a like number of hens and chickens, some sheep and goats.
By June, 1610, of 490 left by Smith, there were only sixty alive. This period is recorded as "starving time." On June 10, Deleware arrived with supplies and ninety new colonists, just in time to intercept Gates the morning after deserting Jamestown. Gates had provisions for only sixteen days and intended taking the starving band to Newfoundland in the hope of meeting with assistance from an English fishing fleet. The Colonists returned to Jamestown, where they received Lord Deleware and joined him in giving thanks to God for saving them in such dire necessity and peril. Delaware established a health resort near Hampton, probably at Buckroe, in order to acclimate newcomers before forwarding them to Jamestown. This was the first quarantine and health resort established in America.
1611-When Sir Thomas Dale arrived with colonists, cattle and a year's supply of provisions, he found the settlers had only a three months' supply of food in store and that the chief occupation of the inhabitants was playing at bowles in the streets. Dale set them to work felling timber, etc., also planting a crop of corn at Kicquotan, near the fort erected there.
1. The second charter was granted in 1609. Sicklemore had been
sent by Smith to visit the country of the Chowanocks in an attempt
to ascertain if there could be any trace of the lost colony and had
returned without any information whatever.
2. This scene, and others depicting the landing at Jamestown and
its tragic history, was illustrated in the Virginia Historical
Pageant, May 22-29, 1922. Those who had the pleasure of witnessing
this great dramatic picturization of Virginia's past, can never
forget the realizism of the scenes, dramatized by Dr. Thomas Woods
Stevens, and, acted by Virginians, many of them descendants of the
colonial characters they represented.
"The colony Creeps from this marshbound island, up the stream Plantation by plantation."
A description of the Jamestown settlement having been given with an outline of the progress of the colonists centered about that settlement, and having pointed out the salient features in the founding of the other colonies, this chapter will have to do with the attempt of Deputy-Governor Dale to found a city fifty miles further up the James River.
It was in June 1611, that Sir Thomas Dale sailed up the James to select a proper site for the new town he had been instructed to found in Virginia. There were several very- good reasons why such a town should he founded. In the first place, the colony was in jeopardy of surprise attacks by- the Spaniards. That war-like nation looked with great jealousy- upon English colonization in America. They- had, by right of discovery-, claimed all of the coast of North America, and were using every endeavor to gain information as to the situation and condition of the English. As yet they- had not located the settlement, and it was feared that upon being discovered at Jamestown the colony would be destroyed. The town of Henricus could be better defended, owing to its situation. Then again, the low, marshy terrain of Jamestown was thought to be the cause of the great mortality among the settlers, where as, the site for the new- city, being more elevated and with better drainage, would minimize this great drawback to the colony's efforts at successful colonization.
While in search of a new location, Dale ascended the River as far as the falls, and then returned to "A high-land invironed with the Mayne River, near to an Indian Town called Arrahattocke." If this settlement proved a success, it was the intention to abandon Jamestown, unless conditions there greatly improved.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Dale stated, "I have surveyed a convenient, strong, healthie and sweet seate to plant the new town in, from whence might be no more remove of the principal seate; and in that form to build, as might accommodate the inhabitants, and the Title and Name which, it hath pleased the Lords, all readie to appoint for it." The name selected by the Privy Council had been Henrico (Henricus : Henricopolis) in honor of Henry, Prince of Vales, the patron of the Company-. The Prince of Wales was an enthusiastic supporter of the plan to colonize Virginia, and his untimely death, November 16th, 1623, was a great loss to the colony.-. Had he lived, and succeeded to the Crown, the history of Virginia would have been much less full of the tragedies and sufferings of its founders.
It was Dale's intention to erect five fortifications for the protection of the colony, viz: Point Comfort, ( Fort Algernoune)1, Kiskiack, Jamestown, Henrico, and at the Falls (nowRichmond). He requested that a standing army of two thousand men be sent from England. The army was never dispatched, but, with the aid of political prisoners sent over, Dale began preparing the defense of the new town, to secure it against the Indians, "in the midst of whom, he was resolved to set down," as he was convinced that a settlement at Henrico would command the security of that part of the colony situate above its site. Having selected the site, Dale returned to Jamestown, secured the approval of Lieutenant Governor Gates, and returned in September, with about three hundred men, to the place selected. It was reported that "within ten days he had fortified seven acres of ground, which in honor of the Noble Prince Henrie (whose royal heart was ever strongly affected to that section) he called by the name of Henrico." Strong watch-towers were constructed at each corner of the town (five) ; also a "fair and handsome church and store houses." By the middle of January 1612, he had constructed houses for himself and men, and made ".Henrico much better and of more worth than all the work ever since the Colony began, therein done." (It was reported that the first stories of these houses were constructed of brick, burnt in that vicinity.)
On the Salisbury side (the south side of the River, the north side being called the Popham side), a hospital was constructed, containing eighty beds for the sick and wounded, and keepers were appointed, "To attend them for their comfort and recoverie." The place where this hospital was located w as a section of Coxendale, called Mount Malady. It may be well to explain here that the North side of the River ,vas named after the patron of the North Virginia colony-, Chief Justice Popham, and the South Side after the patron of the South Virginia colony, the Karl of Salisbury, Prime Minister of England.
In fortifying Henrico, three parts being already environed by the James River, Dale cut a "Dutch gap" at the narrowest point, and erected a palisade on the side toward the town. This was called Dutch Gap by Dale, as he was in the military service of Holland, and was furloughed, for a limited time, by request of the Virginia Company. In the wars of the Lower Countries, he had become familiar with this method of defense. If was not the attempted completion of this gap by Germans under command of General B. F. Butler in the Civil war, that gave the name to this piece of engineering, though this is the general impression which has prevailed.
Evidently the intention of Dale was to make this gap deep enough to permit the passage of vessels, for prior to the war between the. States, a channel was open half way across the peninsular, the work having been interrupted by the Indian massacre of 1622.
About two miles from the town, a pale (palisade fence) two miles in length, was placed from the James River to the Appomattox, and there were several block houses on this line of defense. This was to secure a fertile section of land between the James and Appomattox, so that the planters could raise corn and tobacco without interruption by the Indians. Ralph Hammer says that sufficient crops could be raised in this section to have supported ever- immigrant that could be expected to arrive within the colony for three years. Coxendale was also impaled, and secured by block houses. Here the colonists began the raising of quantities of hogs and cattle.
In 1619, Brown state s in his, "First Republic in America," that, "The City- of Henricus included Henrico (Farrar's Island), extending thence on both sides of James River to the westward, the pale run by Dale between the said river and the Appomattox River being the line on the South Side." It was represented in the House of Burgesses by Thomas Dowse and John Polentine. Henrico having keen selected as the site for a college and university, the first college in America, ten thousand acres were set by, as agreed, and the limits of the corporation were extended from the Falls of the James on the Popham side to what is now called Farrar's Island.. Part of the University land was impaled on the Salisbury side, around Coxendale, to which was added one hundred acres of plebe land for a primary school, and one thousand acres (?) to belong to the college. The college was for the purpose of educating Indian boys and girls, whereas the project for the larger institution comprehended including within its scope, the education of sons and daughters of the colonists. Fifty tenants were sent from England to tend the college land, there wages to be pro-rated on a fifty per cent basis of the profits.
In 1622, construction of the university buildings had' begun and a number of houses had been added, among them a guest house or tavern, and the little settlement lead every right to look forward toward rapid growth and prosperity. But, while man proposes and plans, without being able to look into the future, with any accuracy, all of those calculations proved as naught. It was this year, March 22nd, that the massacre entirely destroyed both the inhabitants and their habitations. Henricus was never rebuilt. Only a monument stands sentinel to mark the spot where this great tragedy occurred and commemorate the efforts of these hardy colonists, to establish the first English city in the New World. It may be observed by those passing through Dutch Gap.
1. Fort Algernoune (Old Point Comfort) was so named by George
Percy, President of the King's Council in 1609. The name was
selected in honor, of the founder of his family William Algernoune
de Percy, who came from France to England, with William the
Conqueror, in 1066. He was called Algernounce, (which means
whiskers) on account of his wearing a beard, to distinguish him
from the other William of the Conquest.
"Between the red folk and her Englishmen.
A link of peace, that while she lived, held firm."
1612-Newport arrive with supplies and explored the Potomac. Pocahontas, having been sent by her father to the Northern Neck in order to hide her from the English, was lured upon a vessel of Argall's fleet in the Potomac River, through the treachery of Chief Japazaws and his wife. The price for her betrayal was a copper kettle. She was taken captive to Jamestown and never permitted to return to her tribe.
1613-Governor Dale made treaty with the Chickahaminies by which they were adopted as "Tassautessus" (Englishmen). Bermuda Hundred, Charles City Hundred, Curles, Rocksdale Hundred and Shirley Hundred were located and the Virginia lottery was estableshed in London.
1614-Pocahontas married John Rolfe at Jamestown and was baptized as Rebecca. John Rolfe introduced the culture of tobacco by the colonists, thereby, establishing a trade in this commodity greatly to the profit of the colonists. As tobacco was not raised in England, there was quite an increase in English immigration to Virginia when it was found that the growing of the plant could be made profitable. Salt works were located on Smith's Island. There is no record of the number of new colonists that came over between 1611 and 1614.
1613-Since landing at Jamestown, 1607, the colony had been communistic in all of its workings. The planters were supposed to labor jointly in preparing and harvesting their crops, and to 1>e fed out of the common store.
Theoretically, the arrangement was an ideal one, but many had taken advantage of it, and shirked work where ever possible. It is recorded that many concerned themselves only in the sharing of the results of the labor of the more industrious_ caring not, nor thinking not, of the final result of such action.
The King had issued instructions that this system should prevail for five years from the landing, and the time having lapsed, Sir Thomas Dale, the Governor, disgusted with the results obtained, determined to, adopt some method to better fit the requirements. He allotted three acres of cleared land to each colonist on which was to be planted a crop as supplementary to two bushels of corn allotted from the store. It was ordered that each Jamestown colonist should give one month's time to tilling his own soil; the eleven months remaining to public service.
At Bermuda Hundred a more liberal plan was inaugurated. Here the planters were given eleven months for personal work and one month was allotted for public service. On account of this concession each planter was required to pay into the common store a yearly tribute of two and one-half barrels of corn.
1614-Sir Thomas Dale, learning that the French had made settlement within the borders of Northern Virginia, sent Captian Argall to dislodge them. He surprised settlements at Port Royal and St. Croix, (now New England), dispersed them and captured two ships lately arrived from France. These vessels, loaded with supplies, were taken to Jamestown as prizes. The French sailors had escaped, but the colonists found much good apparel, furniture and provisions in the cargo. This successful expedition is an evidence of the Jamestown colonists' determination to protect their charter rights, and did much to prevent the French from planting further colonies along the shore of Northern Virginia, paving the way for the successful landing and peaceful settlement of the Pilgrims at Provincetown and Plymouth, six years afterwards.
This v ear overtures were made to Powhatan, requesting) the hand of his youngest daughter in marriage to an Englishman. In his reply he asserted, "he held it not a brotherly part to bereave him of his two darling children at once." . . . "That there was already a pledge of one of his daughters, which, as long as she lived, would be sufficient, but if she should die he promised to give another."
In 1612 Pocahontas is said to have had living, twenty brothers, eleven sisters and eleven stepmothers. Her father's name was Wauhunsenacawah (Wahunsonacock) sometimes called Ottaniack, or Mannatowick, by his subjects, though we read of him only as Powhatan.
In 1614 Smith made a voyage to Northern Virginia, and charted the coast. He gave it the name of New England and the name was later confirmed. He never returned to Jamestown.
1616-Three hundred and fifty-one persons estimated as living in the colonies. John Rolfe and Pocahontas, his wife, with their little son, Thomas, embarked for England, taking with them a party of Indians of both sexes. They arrived at Plymouth on June 12, 1616. Pocahontas did not have the opportunity of bidding goodby to her father, as he was not in the vicinity of Jamestown at the time of her departure. She never saw him again.
Pocahontas was well received in England. It is said that she used good English and was very civil and ceremonious, after the English fashion.
When Smith visited Pocahontas she expressed surprise at finding him alive, asserting that she had been told that he was dead. She insisted upon calling him father and that he should call her his child. What pathos there was in the meeting again of these two great figures in Virginia colonial history. The 12-year-old child, developed into a comely matron, thus meeting again the man whom she had worshiped as a great hero. Any child, raised far from the marts of civilization would look with wonder and reverence upon a visitor v ho, dressed in wonderful raiment, preformed deeds, that to the child mind appeared supernatural, and yet failed not to bestow gifts and affection. Truly, Pocahontas as a child must have reverenced Smith as a being superior to any man she had ever conceived of meeting, and the mature woman never forgot the impression first made upon her immature mind. Is it at all strange that she should look up to him and say. "Thou art my father-call the thy child?"
The granting of 100 acres, as a premium for each person brought into the colony, was reduced to fifty acres, allowed only to those who came over themselves, or brought others over. (Many records of these old grants are still on file in the Virginia Land Office.) So many colonists had begun the raising of tobacco as a paying crop, and giving little attention to the cultivation of corn, a rule was made that no tobacco should be set until such a proportion of corn ground had been planted as would prove sufficient to maintain the master and each servant whom he employed.
1617-John Rolfe, having been appointed secretary and recorder general of Virginia, embarked with his wife and little son for return to Jamestown. Gravesend was the port of embarkation, but the ship had not cleared when the Princess Pocahontas was fatally stricken. It is recorded that "it pleased God at Gravesend to take Pocahontas to his mercy in about the two and twentieth year of her age. * * * She died agreeably to her life, a most sincere and pious Christian."
The bereaved husband returned to Virginia after placing his little son, Thomas Rolfe, in the care of Sir Lewis Steukley, viceadmiral of the County, of Devon. though within a short time he was taken to London by his uncle, Henry Rolfe, with whom he remained until he received his education. Young Rolfe, not content to remain in England longer than necessary, returned to Virginia as soon as his school days were over. His father lad been killed in the massacre of 1622. He became a person of fortune and distinction in the colony, one child, a daughter, surviving him. She married Colonel Robert Rolling, and their descendants have ever occupied an eminent position in the Old Dominion. Many prominent families are proud of direct descent from this Indian princess. The wife of ex-President Wilson is one of the descendants, as was John Randolph, of Roanoke.
It was in 1617 that Lambert discovered a new method for curing tobacco, adding much to its marketable value. Prior to this time, tobacco was cured in piles or heaps. Lambert discovered that it cured better, and was much improved in flavor when strung on lines in separate bundles. Tobacco thus cured was called "sweet scented," and many old records give evidence of its being demanded in trade in preference to that cured by the original process.
There were fifty-four laborers and eighty-one farmers, plus those of the gentleman class not enumerated, settled in the colony in 1617.
In May, 1618, a great storm visited the settlement. At Jamestown, hailstones "poured down that measured eight or nine inches in circumference." 1
A decree was issued by the Governor requiring every colonists to attend church, on Sunday and holidays, or "lye neck and heels that night and be a slave to the colony the week." The second offense was punishable by slavery for a month, and for a third offence, "he should serve for a year and a day."
Lord Delaware on his way toy Virginia with 200 new colonists died off the coast near the mouth of the bay which bears his name. Thirty of the emigrants died enroute and the ships, blown out of their course, landed the survivors on the coast of Northern Virginia (New England). Here, while recuperating, they spent the time hunting and fishing with such success they were enabled to bring a good supply with them to Jamestown.
Three new settlements were established, viz.--Flowerdieu Hundred, Martin's Hundred and Maycock's Hundred. The word "Hundred" is a term used by the English to designate a shire or parish. Originally, it was supposed to have one hundred citizens or families in its jurisdiction. Some of the old English terms relating to property are now obsolete. A "Hyde" was sufficient land to support one family; a "Hyde and a Half," about 120 acres. Property transfer was by "Turf and Twig." The purchaser received from the seller a piece of turf and a twig from a tree to indicate that the ownership, both land and woods, was transferred to the new owner.
Powhatan died in 1618 and was succeeded by his brother Opitchapan, a cripple. Opecancanough, a younger brother,2 assumed the title of "King of Chickahominy." but, being of commanding presence and crafty of nature, to which was added a savage hatred of anything English, he was the real leader of the Indians until, upon death of Opitchapan, he became king of the Powhatans.
It was in 1618 that Sir Walter Raleigh, the founder of the Roanoke Colony and guardian angel of the first settlers was beheaded in London. His incarceration and execution will ever be a blot upon the reign of King James I.
Sir Edwin Sandys assumed control of the affairs of the London Company-. He was democratic and liberal in the administration of his office, and had an abiding faith in the future of the Virginia colony. He did more toward furthering its interests than the previous administration, it having been interested only as to what returns could be secured from the investments Of the London stockholders.
Sir Geo. Yeardley came to Virginia with a commission as Governor and an order to arrest Capt. Argall. Governor Argall had been ruling the colony with an eye single to his own interest and gain. To obtain his desire he had faltered at nothing, even condemning to death those who had the termerity to oppose him. Friends of Argall in England succeeded informing him of Yeardley's mission and he fled the colony twelve days prior to the new Governor reaching Jamestown. One of the most important documents ever sent the colony, letters patent, granting permission to elect an Assembly, was brought over by Yeardley. Each of the 11 burroughs were authorized to elect two representatives. Yeardley called the General Assembly, to meet in the church at Jamestown, in June 1619. This was the First Representative Legislative Assembly that ever met in America. The Assembly was called the House of Burgesses, as Burroughs were representated, counties not yet having been formed, and the name was retained ever afterwards. The 11 Burroughs sending representatives to the 1st Assembly were Argall's Gift, Charles City, Flowerdieu Hundred, Henricus, James City, Lawnes Plantation, Martin's Brandon, Martin's Hundred, Capt. Ward's Plantation, Smythes Hundred and Kicquotan.
Emulating the House of Commons, it is stated, they sat in assembly with their hats on. They selected their own speakers, while the Council, (upper house), appointed by the Crown, was presided over by the Governor.
Magistrates and other crown officers were authorized to have jurisdiction in the several burroughs. Nothwithstanding the fact that we have long since foresworn allegiance to a king, we still retain the name "Coroner," a word meaning "officer of the crown." Money was raised in England to establish a college in Virginia and 10,000 acres of land laid off for seating a university at Henricopolis (now- Dutch Gap). Fifty farmers were sent over to tenant the college lands "at halves," with promise of like number the next year. It was anticipated these tenants would produce a college revenue of 500 English pounds per year. George Thorpe, a kinsman of Sir Thomas Dale, was appointed, the following spring, to act as superintendent of the college.
1. Brown "The First Republic." p. 278
2. Some historians doubt Opecancanough's blood relationship. The
claim is advanced that neither chief was of the Algonquin race,
Opecancanough, coming from Mexico; Powhatan, from Cuba. I have not
found substantuation of this claim.
"And from this meeting
Have grown all congresses and states,
All government... for our America."
Tyler, in the "Cradle of the Republic," estimates the of colonists that came to Virginia from December, 1618, to November 1619, as 840, leaving about 900 alive in the colony in December, 1619. Of 1,440 persons accounted as having emigrated from England, five hundred and fort had died.
It was in 1619 that the Puritan refugees in Holland, having, heard through Captain Smith, who visited them, the wonders of the new world, an account of his explorations, and probably having examined his maps, decided to make an attempt to plant a colony, on the southside of the Hudson in Northern Virginia. Permission was secured from the London Company to make their settlement within Virginia territory. One hundred and twenty persons sailed from Plymouth on the Mayflower in 1620, landing at Patuxent (New Plymouth) on December 11. The first landing was at Provincetown but it was not considered as desirable a location as Plymouth.
In 1620, when the Separatists, or Pilgrims, landed at Plymouth there were 2,200 colonists living at or near Jamestown.
Ninety maids voyaged from England to marry Virginia planters. No transportation was charged, provided a maid married a farmer, but should she select a husband with some other trade or profession, transportation fee was to be paid by the one chosen. No maid was permitted to marry a servant, though she was permitted to accept or reject a suitor, the only restriction being that the husband must be a free man and well able to care for her. So successful was this venture, sixty more maids came over the following year, all bringing testimonials of gentle birth and good character. The husbands of the second contingent were required to pay from 120 to 150 pounds of "sweet-scented" tobacco to cover the cost of transportation.
According to Smith's "History of Virginia." twenty-one ships were sent to Virginia in 1620. On them came 1,300 then, women and children. * * * Sir Edwin Sandys, in his report to the London Companv, seated, "With in the year there have been sent out eight ships at the company°s expense, and four other by private adventure." And that "these ships have transported 1,260 persons, wherefore 650 were for the public use, and the other 611 were for private plantations." He reported that "many patents have passed to various adventurers and and their associates, who have undertaken to transport to Virginia great multitudes of people with much cattle." He also reported 150 persons had been seat over to set up three iron works, and directions had been given for making cordage, hemp and flax, from the growing of silk-grass,"which grew there naturally in great abundance, and is found upon experience to make the best cordage and line in the world."
Sufficient then had been sent over to erect sawmills, make pitch, tar, pot and soap ashes; also experts were included in making wine from the excellent grapes found in the colony, and "plenty of silk-worm seed of the best sort," were exported for experiment in silk culture. The last in fact, was a second supply, from His Majesty's own store. Sandys reported the salt works had been restored and there were "Hopes of such plenty, as not only to serve the colony for the present, but also shortly to supply the great fishery on those :American coasts." (New England).
Various contributions were made in England, and in the colony, for the purpose of creating a fund to be used in the education of Indian boys and girls. Salaries of ministers, fixed by law, were to be 1,500 weight of tobacco and sixteen barrels of corn, then estimated at about 200 pounds sterling.
In September, the Earl of Southampton was elected treasurer "without ballot, but general acclamation and erection of hands."
The writer records the above details that the reader may be informed of the condition of the Virginia Colony when the 120 Pilgrims landed at Plymouth.
On July .4, 1621, King James, The First, granted the fourth charter to the London Company. It authorized "two supreme councils, in Virginia, for better government of the said colony." One was designed as "the Council of State," whose office was to assist the Governor with "care, advice and circumspection." The first appointees of the Council of State were Sir Francis Wyatt, Governor of Virginia; Captain Francis `Vest, Sir George Yeardley, knight; Sir William Neuse, knight marshal of Virginia; (after whom Newport News (New Porte Neuse) received its name).1 George Sandys, treasurer; George Thorpe, deputy of the college; Captain Thomas Neuse, deputy for the company; Rev. Robert Pawlet, Mr. Leech, Captain Nathaniel Powell, Christopher Davidson, secretary; Dr. Pots, physician to the company; Roger Smith, John Berkley, John Rolph, Ralp Hamor, John Pounds, Mitchell Eapworth, 'Mr. Harwood and Samuel Macock. The members of the council were to reside "about or near the Governor" and were to meet quarterly. The other council was to consist of the House of Burgesses and members of the Council of State. This council was to be called "once yearly and no oftener," unless for extraordinary occasion. It was to be called "the General Assembly," a lame still used for our Legislature. This provision in the charter was a confirmation of the Letters Patent under which the House of Burgesses met in 1619.
The General Assembly was granted "free power to treat, consult and conclude as well of all emergent occasions, concerning the public weal of the said colony, and every part thereof, as also to make, ordain and enact such general laws and orders for the behoof of the said colony and every part thereof. * * *"
The General Assembly was instructed to follow the "policy of the form of government of the realm of England," but the said laws were to be confirmed by the General Quarter Court of the London Company. It was stipulated that this would not be required (report to the General Court) after the "Government of the colony shall once have been well framed."
The Virginia lottery, by which 29,000 pounds sterling had been received, now being at an end, it was found necessary to raise additional revenue for use of the company in its Virginia enterprise. To assist in creating interest and revenue, Captain John Smith was requested to write a "History of Virginia" for the "effect which such a general history, deduced to the life, would have throughout the kingdom," and also because "a few years would consume the lives of many whose memories retained much and might also devour those letters and intelligences, which yet remained in loose and neglected papers."
Captain Smith accepted the commission. His history of Virginia was published and found circulation not only throughout England, but in the Virginia colony. Copies, or reprints, of this work are treasured heirlooms in some of the old Virginia families.
Sir Francis Wyatt arrived in Virginia, October, 1621, with a fleet of nine ships, a number of colonists and a commission as Governor to succeed Sir George Yeardley. He assumed the office on November 18. It is said that his instructions from the company contained forty-seven articles, among them being orders to suppress gaming, drunkenness and "excess in apparel." No person, "except the Council, Heads of Hundreds and Plantations, with their wives and children, should wear gold on their clothes, or any apparel of silk, except such as had been raised by their own industry." Smith reports that the Governor and council answered to this by asserting "they knew of no excess in apparel except in the price of it."
One article suggested that the "best disposed" of the Indians should be employed by the, planters in order to reconcile them to a "Civil Way of Life," and that a certain number of Indian children should be, "Brought up in the first elements of Literature," and "the most towardly of these should be fitted for the; College; in the building of which they proposed to proceed as soon as any Profit arose from the Estate appropriated for that use."
They were commanded to make only 100 pounds of tobacco per head, per year, and take all possible care to, "Improve that proportion in Goodness." In order to assist in overcoming the deficiency in the Treasury, the company issued a number of Rolls (permits) for sale to the planters. One roll was a permit to buy from the Cape Merchant (Storekeeper) at such a moderate price as would justify the money advanced. Another roll granted subscribers an allotment of land, according to the number of maids sent over to marry the colonists. The land was to be laid off and formed into a town to be known as "Maidstown." Another roll was a permit to establish a glass furnace to make beads to be used as currency in trading- with the Indians. The fourth roll permitted the holder to voyage age among the Indians and purchase skins and furs.
The population in Virginia at this time was given as near 4,000.
Rev. Mr. Copeland, chaplain of the "Royal James," on a voyage from East India to England, raised a sum of £70, among the ship's company, to be used in building a free school in Virginia. Two anonymous subscribers later made gifts to increase the fund to £125. It was decided to use this fund to build a school in Charles City to he known as East India School, in recognition of the gift having- been started on an East India ship. One thousand acres of land, five servants and an overseer ",ere allotted by the company to support a Master and usher. The graduates of the school were to be admitted to the college at Henricopolis (Dutch Gap). Rev. Mr. Copeland was appointed master, and carpenters were sent over the following year to construct the school building.
The first negroes, bought into the colony arrived in 1619, on a Dutch ship (?-the Treasurer) and were distributed among the planters to assist them in raising tobacco. It is said that Opecancanough, seeing them for the first time in 1621, thought that God had shown displeasure at some of the planters by turning them black.
It was in 1621 that Captain Gookin arrived from Ireland (Newse Towne) with the first Irish immigrants. They were eighty in number, and settled at Newport News, of which mention has been made. This same year Lieutenant Jabez Whitaker erected a Guest House at Jamestown, for accommodation of visitors and newcomers. It is reported that the Planters contributed 11500 towards the venture. This may be said to have been the first traven or hotel in America.
Great distress was suffered by the planters, on the adoption of the method of Garbling by the officials of the Crown in England. "Garbling" was so called from the fact that an officer was appointed to examine tobacco stored in English warehouses and throw out all garble or trash. Advantage was taken of this law, to such extent, much tobacco was confiscated to the Government, though of fine quality, and. after the tax on the balance was paid, there was ofttimes a loss instead of gain. In consequence of this practice the tobacco trade of Virginia was virtually ruined. Notwithstanding the protests of the company and colonists the practice continued. In order to gain relief the commodity was diverted to Holland, until the King, learning of it, interfered.
1. First founded by a colony, under Samuel Gookin, from Neucetown (Neuse of Newse), Ireland. The settlers were both Irish and English. The land was part of a tract owned by Sir William Neuse and his, brother. The tract was large and embraced most of what is now Elizabeth City County. The general, presumption, of late years, has been that the name was in honor of Capt. Christopher Newport, but this is a mistake. Manuscript reports of British officers stationed there during the Revolution, are dated from New Port Neuse. (Department of Archives, State Library.)
"When the swift savage axe Flashed in the fire-light, treacherous, and fell, And all the far plantations shook with death."
As previously noted, the death of Powhatan in 1618 had left as successor to his throne, after short interregnum, the treacherous and vindictive Opechancanough, a deadly secret enemy of the colonists. Protesting love and affection for them, for four years he plotted their destruction, while with crafty and unrelenting deliberation he sought and secured the promise of co-operation from the sub-chiefs and tribes who either acknowledged his overlordship . or came within the sphere of his influence.
The marriage of Rolfe and Pocahontas, while staying the hand of Powhatan and causing him faithfully to observe the treaty of peace, then entered into, had not produced the lasting effect nor good-will and understanding among the two races as had at first seemed fully consummated. The Indians were deeply offended that the English refused to follow the example of Rolfe and continue intermarriage with the women of their tribes. Not only did the settlers decline these advances, but sent to England for their wives.
Unfortunately, the colonists, not yet understanding the true traits of Indian character, were unaware of having thus instilled into the hearts of their savage neighbors, a feeling of offended pride and' mortification. Little did they then realize an Indian never forgets nor forgives an affront and that this was an additional offense added to other grievences. Yet, they had not been neglected by the colonists. Attempts at conversion had been made, trade had been established and many were employed by individual planters to assist in the various vocations of the time.
Encouraged in the cultivation of friendly intercourse they were welcomed guests at the planters' tables and admitted into their homes and habitations. Though accepting the tender of hospitality, encouraged by their wily chieftain, the spirit of hate was ever cultivated and revenge found lodgment in the secret recesses of their savage breasts. It was during this unguarded intercourse with the whites that the Indians formulated their plan for a general massacre-the indiscriminate slaghter of every' man, woman and child in the colony.
Opechancanough, distinguished for fearlessness and rancorous hate, renewed the treaty that his more humane brother, Powhatan, had entered into and faithfully guarded. Availing himself of the feeling of security this act produced among the whites, he prepared his followers for the final act in the great tragedy he had projected with such consummate skill.
Each tribe, except those on the Eastern Shore, who were without the sphere of his influence, he carefully plepared, for the day of massacre, with that single mindness of purpose characteristic of Indian revenge.
A writer of that period asserts that, "notwithstanding the long interval that elapsed between the formation and execution of their present enterprise, and the perpetual intercourse that subsisted between them and the white people, the most impenetrable secrecy was preserved; and so consummate and fearless was their dissimulation, they were accustomed to borrow boats, from the English to cross the river, in order to concert and communicate the progress of their designs."
The death of Nemattanow, one of their celebrated sub-chiefs, seems to have furnished Opechancanough the final argument to sharpen the ferocity of the waiting Indians and give them sense of ample provocation.
The Indian, Nemattanow, (Jack of the feather) by courage, craft and good fortune, had obtained great repute among his countrymen. In skirmishes and engagements with other Indian tribes, and in former hostile clashes with the English, he had exposed his person with a bravery that so surprised his savage companions and so instilled them with awe and astonishment that to them his body was apparently invulnerable; therefore, his person had been invested with the character of sanctity.
Emboldened by his continued successful achievements, Nemattanow treacherously murdered a planter named Morgan, and fell, in turn, a victim to revengeful fury of the farmer's sons. Finding the pangs of death fast approaching he entreated his captives to conceal his fate and grave, that the secret of his mortality might never be revealed. The young men acceded to the request, but the secret was discovered, and amidst the lamentations of his tribesmen, Opechancanough issued his secret call to arms.
The colonists, unsuspicious of the treachery of their friends (?), not only continued instructing them in the handling of firearms, but furnished them with rifles, powder and ball to assist in hunting and in defense against their enemies. God pity the innocence of these confiding Englishmen.
Differing from the colonists in New England and New Amsterdam, who mostly seated themselves in towns and fortified stockades, the liberty loving Virginians disbursed themselves along the rivers and lowlands of the Tidewater section, each intent to found a home in which he and family could enjoy the blessings of peace, undisturbed by an over-abundance of neighbors. The land was fertile, the climate ideal, the arrangement a happy readjustment of conditions left behind them in the mother country, now far removed. Again, were nor the Indians their goods friends upon whom they could call for assistance in any emergency which might befall?
This condition, of course, did much toward making the ask, upon which Opechancanough had set his subchiefs to work, a comparatively easy one. The Indians, instructed to be more friendly- than ever before, brought fish and game as daily presents to the planters' doorsteps. Assistance was given in the preparation of crops and guides furnished in hunting and exploration. Seated as guests at the planter's table, they partook of the food and hospitality of the unsuspecting host and his happy wife, fondled their little ones and listened to their infant prattle as the inquisitive children climbed upon their laps and played with the bright colored beads that dangled from their necks.
- Good Friday, March 22, 1622, dawned bright and clear. Young mothers, humming homeland nursery songs, cuddled cooing offsprings to their breasts and smiled in day dreams of the happy years to come. Housewives hastened preparations for the morning meal that husband and his Indian guests might eat their fill and smoke their Peace Pipe at the door. We picture Superintendent Thorpe. lately arrived from England, pointing out the foundation of the university building the workmen had just commenced to lay; explaining to his new acquaintances the wonderful benefit it would prove to the Indian boys and girls; John Rolfe, reading aloud the last letter from his young son in England and exhibiting the handwriting that appeared so unintelligible to his Indian guests. How proud, he thought, they must be of this child of Pocahontas, their beloved and lamented Princess.
Was their no soul-piercing eye to read their thought; no mighty arm to stay their savage breasts? No Pocahontas hearted youth or maid to give them \varniag of their pending fate? No Nantaquas? Aye! One, and only one, found pity in his heart. Chanco, a converted youth, working for his patron and godfather, Richard Pace, first learned the story of the plot on the night before the massacre. His brother, spending the night with him, gave orders from the Indian chief that he should strike his patron down, when came the hour of noon, next day. Chanco, dissembling, drew forth the story- in the full, then, as his brother sped away to join his band, made haste to awaken the sleeping Pace and give him notice of the plot. Pace succeeded in warning Jamestown and the adjacent planters, but those more distant could not be reached in time.
At mid-day, the hour arranged, the Indian war hoop signaled throughout the settlements ; each savage swooping down upon the victim selected for his scalping knife. Surprised, defenseless, there fell within the hour, mid every brutal outrage familiar to the savage race, 347 souls. Neither age nor sex found mercy given them. Defenseless children, babes at breast, mere added numbers to the slain.
Six members of the Council, Superintendent Thorpe, John Rolfe, and many of the colonists, most influential citizens, met death that day. No quarter was shown to anyone who could not save his life by stout defense.
Henricopolis, destroyed, was never built again. The first university projected in America was forever to be abandoned.
On the morning of Good Friday, March 22, 1622, there were 1,240 people in the colony; that afternoon only 893 survived and many of these would have fallen victims of the massacre had not Chanco, the converted Indian, given warning.
The disastrous tragedy came very near proving fatal to the young colony. It had struggled through may adversities for fifteen years, and at last was justified in feeling it had established permanent settlements on the shores of the Chesapeake and James.
To the planters, happy in the thought that not only were they seated upon fertile acres of their own, crops justifying the labor they placed' upon them and with presuming their neighbors, the Indians, to be apparently friendly-, the massacre came as a flash of lightning from a clear sky. The colony seemed doomed. The months from 'March until December gave the crucial test as to whether the settlement should prove a failure, or, arising from its ashes, should push forward with more determination than ever. Had it been a decision to be debated by the colonists alone, a satisfactory solution could have been made by the survivors, but there were powers beyond the sea, intrigue, deceit and every other discouragement brought to bear upon them before the Virginians could again find security in the rebuilding of their shattered estates.
Such was the dread produced by this terrible massacre, in which more than one-fourth of the entire colony had been slain, host of the survivors left their plantations and hastened to Jamestown for protection. Huddled together in unwholesome quarters, they awaited in fear a repitition of attempted annihilation. Many, panic-stricken, secured passage in vessels returning to England, and not one in ten of the plantations could muster an inhabitant.
Hawthorne, the historian, asserts that 2,000 settlers left the colony, but this error is evident, as there were only 893 survivors. The colony- was not abandoned. Concentration, at the more easily- defended plantations, was decided upon. The suggestion that Jamestown be abandoned and the colonists retire to Eastern Shore, where they could the better defend themselves, was rejected.
The points of concentration selected were Sherley Hundred, Flower dieu Hundred, Passapahey, Kicquotan and Southampton Hundred. Samuel Jordan, of Jordan's Point, and Mr. Gookin, with his Irish settlers at Newport News (New Porte Neuce) refused to obey the order of the Governor and remained to defend themselves against all assaults. One heroic woman, Mrs. Proctor, a proper, civil and modest gentlewoman, defended her estate for a month, till she, with all with her, were obliged by the English officers to go with them, and to leave their substance to the havoc and spoil of the enemy. Edward Hill, also, at Elizabeth City, "altho' much mischief was done to his cattle, yet did himself alone defend his house, whilst all his men were sick and unable to give him any assistance." (Stith) Preparations for various manufactures were abandoned. The people were so terrified they feared to work; in the fields, and crops were neglected. A winter of famine was the grim prospect.
Henricopolis was destroyed never to be rebuilt, and the projected university abandoned; John Berkeley and the twenty skilled workmen at the iron works, erected at Falling Creek, had been among the slain; the first iron mine and foundry in the colony would never be reopened. 1 Maurice Berkeley, son of John, was temporarily assisting in erecting glass and salt works on Eastern Shore, therefore, escaped the fate of his Falling Creek companions. Experiments in mining and forging had also been made, near Providence Forge. Deposits of good ore have lately been found in that vicinity.)
(Before closing this chapter relating to the massacre, let us consider the tragedy of Northern Neck, which also occurred in 1692. This time we find the Indians the victims, under somewhat similar circumstances, and the English the aggressors.)
There were bad Indians but just as truly there were intolerant enemies of the red race among those who had taken possession of their lands. Let us for example, consider an episode in which the cowardly and intriguing Captain Isaac Maddison descended upon the unsuspecting and friendly Potowmacks2 in 1622. I again quote the language of Stith, "Captain Crowshaw had been living at peace with the Indians with only one white attendant. * * * * * Under pretense of business (Captain Maddison who had built within the enclosure occupied by Crowshaw) sent for the King to his stronghouse ; where, having locked him and his son, and four others up, and set a guard of five Englishmen upon the house, he fell on the town (surrounding the enclosure) with the rest of his company and slew thirty or forty men, women and childen. The poor King being surprised at such an unexpected assault called out, and begged him to cease from so undeserved cruelty, but he gave not. over the execution till he had slain or put to flight all the town. Then he returned and taxed the King of treachery who denied it bitterly, and told him it was some contrivance of those who wished his destruction for being a friend of the Indians."3
"After this Maddison led him, his son and two others to his ship, promising to set them at liberty as soon as his men were all safely aboard; and the King, very readily and effectively, ordered his subjects not to shoot at nor annoy the English whilst they were going on board. But not withstanding this, Maddison, contrary to all good faith carried them prisoners to Jamestown; where they lay till the October following." These prisoners after having been confined four months were released by the payment of ransom demanded of their people.
Maddison had been sent to the Potowmacks with thirty men commissioned by the Governor to defend these friends of the English against the common enemy. We see the result.
This is one of the many recorded instances that caused the Indians of both Virginia and New England to look with hate and suspicion upon the white race; a condition wisely avoided by Penn and his Quaker followers.
With the desire to do justice to a race that has received little sympathy at the hands of many of our historians. yet saddened with the thought that so many innocent men, women and children, struggling bravely to find homes in a new land, had to pay the penalty of the folly of others, I pay this tribute to the Virginia Indians.
So little do we understand them even to this day- that many express astonishment even doubt that Pocahontas, an Indian, could find it in her heart to prove such a true friend to an alien race. It is even claimed by some that she was of part English blood. Virginia Dare, some say, may have been her mother or grandmother. As a matter of fact, Virginia Dare was only about 8 years older than Pocahontas, and the Indian Princess was not ashamed of her pure Indian blood.
1. It was used in time of Wm. Byrd, for awhile, but the iron was
brought from elsewhere. Ingots from this foundry have lately been
located.
2. Original spelling- - "Patawomeck." See p. 19.
3. The Indian King was "Japazaws."
"The mighty deeds and' dreams that they have locked Into gray volumes of the prisoned past."
The history of Virginia contains so much of romance and tragedy, adventure, pathos and humor, the writer finds himself embarrassed in any attempt he may make to cover each phase.
We have studied the tragic experiences of the settlers from the very hour they landed at Jamestown.. until the terrible massacre of 1622. Perhaps it would be best for the sake of continuity, to discuss the effect of the massacre and the defection of certain members of the company and colony, in order that we may best understand the excuse that James I. gave as reason for justification in annulling the charter of the London Company, and placing the colon`- directly under control of the Crown.
But, before going into this discussion, let us, for the time being, as it will lead up to one of the reasons given as a cause of dissention, follow the adventures of Captain Samuel Argall and his famous ship, the Treasurer. This vessel with its adventurous commander, had much to do with the success of the Virginia Colonial Enterprise, and the Treasurer's career should he as familiar to the boys and girls-aye, the older people--of Virginia, as is the Mayflower to the people of New England. [A ship called the "Mayflower" was making regular voyages between England and Virginia in 1641.]
On August 2, 1612, the Treasurer, Captain Samuel Argall, commanding, sailed from England, and arrived at Point Comfort, September 27, following. On this voyage the ship brought over sixty-two colonists. It had been ,commissioned to come to Virginia and "drive out foreign intruders," who might attempt settlement within the boundaries of the patents of James I. Argall had been specially instructed to investigate the report that Louis XIIL, of France, had granted a patent to Madam de Guercheville (a lady of honor to his Queen), to all that part of North America extending from the St. Lawrence River to Florida, and that she was seating colonists within the bounds of the Virginia grant. The charter of the Treasurer stipulated that the ship was to be "wholly employed in trade and other services, for relieving the colonie," and to be in service one year. The ship was owned jointly by Lord Governor West, Lord Rich, Argall and others, and was chartered by the London Company. Lord Rich, above mentioned, was afterwards created the Earl of Warwick, and his connection with this ship in the later days of its piratical career will be mentioned later.
The Treasurer's battery consisted of fourteen guns, and she was manned by sixty musketeers, "trained for sea service," one of the requirements being that they should be adept at boarding the prizes, and putting their defenders to the sword. The first adventure of the Treasurer in Virginia waters was an expedition against the Indians along the Nansemond River. Governor Dale accompanied Argall on the trip, and "escaped killing very narrowly" in one of the attacks on an Indian village. It was reported that this expedition procured a quantity of corn for the colony.
In December of the same year Argall sailed the Treasurer up the Pembroke (Rappahannock) and Potomac Rivers, where he traded with his friend, the King of Pastancy, and obtained' 1,400 bushels of corn. He exchanged hostages, and on February- 11, returned to Point Comfort.
The next month (January- 1613) the Treasurer ascended the Rappahannock River as far as the falls. There Argall explored into the country, where he reported seeing many buffaloes, and claimed he discovered "sundry mines."1
It was while on this trip Argall learned that Pocahontas was visiting the King of the Patowomacks, and resolved to secure her by strategy "for the ransoming of so many Englishmen as were prisoners of Powhatan.' . . . Descending the Rappahannock, he entered the Potomac, and through bribery of Japazaws,2 persuaded her to go aboard the ship and refused to permit her return. In the Treasurer, Argall delivered his prisoner to Gates at Jamestown. Returning to Old Point he superintended the building of a frigate and a fishing boat. After selecting a number of the crew to fish off Cape Charles, "for relief of the men at Henrico," the Treasurer sailed along the eastern side of the hay in search of good harbors for boats and barges. There Argall found "great store of fish, both shellfish and others."
It was in July of this year that the Treasurer sailed for the coast of Northern Virginia in search of French settlements. Mount Desert was captured and several ships taken, along with a number of French prisoners, among them being Captain La Saussaye, the commander. A ship of 100 tons, a barque of twelve tons, supplies and fifteen prisoners, were brought to Jamestown, the commandant and fourteen others having been placed in a small shallop, with permission to sail for France. It seems almost miraculous that they succeeded in reaching their mother country- after a voyage of tyro months across the ocean.
When the Treasurer returned to Jamestown there were already Spanish and Indian prisoners quartered there, so we find that they had quite a variety of nationalities confined in their keep. The Treasurer returned to the northern coast in October and destroyed several more. French settlements. The two French ships accompanied Argall on this trip, the larger one being commanded by Turner, his lieutenant. He destroyed St. Croix and Port Royal eliminating every "token of French names and French claims as he had been commanded to do." At each of these places he set up a cross, upon which was carved notice of English ownership of that section.
The ships began the return voyage on November 9, and Argall experienced the first miscarriage of his hitherto well-laid plans. A great storm sank the barque and the ship commanded by Turner was apparently lost, though it arrived in England, in a much battered condition, the following January. The Treasurer succeeded in weathering the storm, and Argall entered Chesapeake Bay- three weeks afterward. Notwithstanding the fact that he had suffered the loss of the other two vessels, en route, he anchored the Treasurer off 'Manhattan Island,3 and required the Dutch Governor, seated there, to "submit himself, companyand' plantation to his Majesty and to the Governor and government of Virginia," thereby acknowledging that the Jamestown Colonly had priority- of claim to the territory. It was in March following that the Treasurer sailed up the Pamunkey4 (York) and anchored off Wereowocornoco. On board, Argall had a