Though this much contented the company (that then feared nothing but starving) yet some so envied his good successe, that they rather desired to starve, then his paines should prove so much more effectuall then theirs. Some projects there was, not only to have deposed him but to have kept him out of the fort, for that being President, he would leave his place and the fort without their consents; but their hornes were so much too short to effect it, as they themselves more narrowly escaped a greater mischiefe. All this time our old taverne 1 made as much of all them that had either mony or ware as could bee desired; and by this time they were become so perfect on all sides (I meane Souldiers, Sailers, and Salvages,) as there was ten times more care to maintaine their damnable and private trade, then to provide for the Colony things that were necessary. Neither was it a small pollicy in the mariners, to report in England wee had such plenty, and bring us so many men without victuall, when they had so many private factors in the fort, that within 6. or 7. weekes after the ships returne, of 2. or 300. hatchets, chissels, mattocks, and pickaxes, scarce 20 could be found; for pike-heads, knives, shot, powder, or any thing (they could steale from their fellowes) was vendible. They knew as well (and as secretly) how to convay them to trade with the Salvages, for furres, baskets, mussaneekes, young beastes, for such like commodities, as exchange them with the sailers, for butter, cheese, biefe, porke, aquavitæ, beere, bisket, and oatmeale, and then faine, all was sent them from their friends. And though Virginia afford no furs for the store, yet one mariner in one voyage hath got so many, as hee hath confessed to have solde in England for 301. Those are the Saint-seeming worthies of Virginia, that have notwithstanding all this, meate, drinke, and pay; but now they begin to grow weary, their trade being both perceived and prevented. None hath bin in Virginia (that hath not 1 Referring to trade conducted despite the orders of the council. * Squirrels. observed any thing) which knowes not this to be true, and yet the scorne and shame was the poore souldiers, gentlemen, and carelesse governours, who were all thus bought and solde, the adventurers cousened,' and the action overthrowne by their false excuses, informations, and directions. By this let all the world Judge how this businesse coulde prosper, being thus abused by such pilfering occasions. The proceedings and accidents, with the second supply. Mr Scrivener was sent with the barges and Pinas to Werawocomoco, where he found the Salvages more ready to fight then trade, but his vigilancy was such, as prevented their projectes, and by the meanes of Namontack, got 3. or 4. hogsheads of corne, and as much Red paint, which (then) was esteemed an excellent die. Captaine Newport being dispatched with the tryals of pitch, tarre, glasse, frankincense, and sope ashes, with that clapbord and wainscot [which] could bee provided, met with Mr Scrivener at point Comfort, and so returned for England, leaving us in all 200, with those hee brought us. The names of those in this supply are these. Mistresse Forest and Anne Buras her maide, 8. Dutchmen and Poles, with divers to the number of 70. persons. Those poore conclusions so affrighted us all with famine, that the President provided for Nansamund, tooke with him Captaine Winne, and Mr Scrivener (then returning from Captaine Newport). These people also long denied him trade (excusing themselves to bee so commanded by Powhatan) til we were constrained to begin with them perforce, and then they would rather sell us some, then wee should take all. So loading our boats with 100 bushels, we parted friends, and came to James Towne; at which time, there was a marriage between John Laydon and Anne Burrowes, being the first marriage we had in Virginia. Long he staied not, but fitting himselfe and captaine Waldo with 2. barges, from Chawopo, weanocke and all parts there, was found neither corne nor Salvage, but all fled 1 I.e., artisans. (being jealous of our intents) till we discovered the river and people of Appametuck, where we found little. That they had we equally devided betwixt the Salvages and us, but gave them copper in consideration. Mr Persie and Mr Scrivener went also abroad, but could finde nothing. The President seeing this proc[r]astinating of time, was no course to live, resolved with Captaine Waldo (who he knew to be sure in time of need), to surprise Powhatan and al his provision; but the unwillingnes of Captaine Winne, and Mr Scrivener (for some private respects), did their best to hinder their project. But the President, whom no perswasions could perswade to starve, being invited by Powhatan to come unto him, and if he would send him but men to build him a house, bring him a grinstone, 50. swords, some peeces, a cock and a hen, with copper and beads, he would loade his shippe with corne. The President not ignoraunt of his devises, yet unwilling to neglect any opportunity, presently sent 3. Dutchmen and 2. English (having no victuals to imploy them, all for want thereof being idle). Knowing there needed no better castel then that house, to surprize Powhatan, to effect this project, he took order with Captaine Waldo, to second him, if need required. Scrivener, he left his substitute, and set forth with the Pinnas, 2. barges, and six and forty men, which only were such as voluntarily offered themselves for his journy, the which (by reason of Mr Scriveners ill successe) was censured very desperate. They all knowing Smith would not returne empty howsoever, caused many of those that he had appointed to find excuses to stay behinde. CHAPTER VIII Captaine Smiths journey to Pamaunke. The 29 of December, hee set forward for Werawocomoco: his company were these. M Mr George Persie, brother to the Earle of Northumberland; Mr Frauncis West, brother to the Lord De-la-Ware. William Phetiplace, Captaine of the Pinnas. 4 Dutchmen and Richard Salvage were sent by land, to build the house for Powhatan against our arrivall. This company being victualled but for 3. or 4. daies, lodged the first night at Weraskoyack, where the President tooke sufficient provision. This kind Salvage did his best to divert him from seeing Powhatan, but perceiving he could not prevaile, he advised in this manner, Captaine Smith, you shall finde Powhatan to use you kindly, but trust him not, and bee sure hee have no opportunitie to seaze on your armes, for hee hath sent for you only to cut your throats. The Captaine thanked him for his good counsell, yet the better to trv his |