doors on the ground, within two or three flights shot of the place, to save the labour of so small a remainder. The close of the evening, and a little more patience (thro' the infinite goodness of the Almighty) did put a happy period to our cross adventure. A large bed of sweet straw was spread ready in Jenkin's house for our reception, upon which I did hasten to extend and stretch my wearied limbs. And being thus brought into safe harbour by the many miracles of divine mercy, from all the storms and fatigues, perils and necessities to which we had been exposed by sea and land for almost the space of four months, I cannot conclude this voyage in more proper terms, than the words that are the burthen of that psalm of providence, O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wondrous works unto the children of men! Our landlord Jenkin Price, and conductor Jack took great care to provide meat for us; and there being a dairy and hens, we could not want. As for our stomachs, they were open at all hours to eat whate'er was set before us, assoon as our wearied bodies were refresh'd with sleep. It was on Saturday the day of January, that we ended this our wearisome pilgrimage, and entred into our king's dominions at Achomat, called by the English, Northampton county, which is the only county on that side of the bay belonging to the colony of Virginia, and is the best of the whole for all sorts of necessaries for human life. Having been thus refresh'd in Jenkin's house this night with all our hearts could wish, on the next morning, being Sunday, we would have been glad to have found a church for the performance of our duty to God, and to have rendred our hearty thanks to him in the publick assembly, for his unspeakable inercies vouchsafed to us; but we were not yet arrived to the heart of the country where there were churches, and ministry perform'd as our laws direct, but were glad to continue our own chaplains, as formerly. As we advanced into the plantations that lay thicker together, we had our choice of hosts for our entertainment, without money or its value; in which we did not begin any novelty, for there are no inns in the colony; nor do they take other payment for what they furnish to coasters, but by requital of such courtesies in the same way, as occasions offer. When I came to the house of one Stephen Charlton, he did not only outdo all that I had visited before him, in variety of dishes at his table, which was very well order'd in the kitchen, but would also oblige me to put on a good farmer-like suit of his own wearing cloaths, for exchange of my dirty habit; and this gave me opportunity to deliver my camlet coat to Jack, for the use use of my brother of Kickotank, with other things to make it worth his acceptance. Having been thus frankly entertain'd at Mr. Charlton's, our company were in condition to take care for themselves. We took leave of each other, and my next stage was to esquire Yardly, a gentleman of good name, whose father had sometimes been governor of Virginia. There I was received and treated as if I had in truth and reality been that man of honour my brother of Kickotank had created me. It fell out very luckily for my better welcome, that he had not long before brought over a wife from Rotterdam, that I had known almost from a child. Her father (Custis by name) kept a victualling house in that town, liv'd in good repute, and was the general host of our nation there. The esquire knowing I had the honour to be the governor's kinsman, and his wife knowing my conversation in Holland, I was receiv'd and caress'd more like a domestick and near relation, than a man in misery, and a stranger. I stay'd there for a passage over the bay, about ten days, welcomed and feasted not only by the esquire and his wife, but by many neighbours that were not too remote. About the midst of February, I had an opportunity Feb. 13. to cross the bay in a sloop, and with much ado landed in York river, at esquire Ludlow's plantation, a most pleasant situation. I was civilly receiv'd by him, who presently order'd an accommodation for me in a most obliging manner. But it fell out at that time, that captain Wormly (of his majesty's council) had guests in his house (not a furlong distant from Mr. Lud low's) feasting and carousing, that were lately come from England, and most of them my intimate acquaintance. I took a sudden leave of Mr. Ludlow, thank'd him for his kind intentions to me, and using the common freedom of the country, I thrust myself amongst captain Wormly's guests in crossing the creek, and had a kind reception from them all, which answered (if not exceeded) my expectation. Sir Thomas Lundsford, Sir Henry Chickly, Sir Philip Honywood, and colonel Hamond were the persons I met there, and enjoy'd that night with very good chear, but left them early the next morning, out of a passionate desire I had to see the governor, whose care for my preservation had been so full of kind ness. Captain Wormly mounted me for James Town, where the governor was pleased to receive and take me to his house at Greenspring, and there I pass'd my hours (as at mine own house) until May following; at which time he sent me for Holland to find out the king, and to sollicite his majesty for the treasurer's place place of Virginia, which the governor took to be void by the delinquency of Claybourne, who had long enjoy'd it. He furnish'd me with a sum of money to bear the charge of this sollicitation; which took effect, tho' the king was then in Scotland. He was not only thus kind to me (who had a more than ordinary pretence to his favour by our near affinity in blood) but, on many occasions, he shew'd great respect to all the royal party, who made that colony their refuge. His house and purse were open to all that were so qualify'd. To one of my comrades (major Fox) who had no friend at all to subsist on, he shew'd a generosity that was like himself; and to my other (major Morrison) he was more kind, for he did not only place him in the command of the fort, which was profitable to him whilst it held under the king, but did advance him after to the government of the country, wherein he got a competent estate. And thus (by the good providence of a gracious God, who helpeth us in our low estate, and causeth his angels to pitch tents round about them that trust in him) have I given as faithful an account of this signal' instance of his goodness to the miserable objects of his mercy in this voyage, as I have been able to call to a clear remembrance. More especially the South part thereof, Richly and truly valued: viz. The fertile Carolana, and no lesse excellent Isle of Roanoak, of Latitude from 31. to 37. Degr. relating the meanes of raysing infinite profits to the Adventurers and Planters. The second Edition, with Addition of THE DISCOVERY OF SILKWORMS, with their benefit. And Implanting of Mulberry Trees. ALSO The Dressing of Vines, for the rich Trade of making Wines in VIRGINIA. Together with The making of the Saw-mill, very usefull in Virginia, for cutting of Timber and Clapbord to build withall, and its Conversion to many as profitable Uses. By E. W. Gent. LONDON, Printed by T. H. for John Stephenson, at the Signe of the Sun below Ludgate. 1650. |