| Jan. 8. |
Att. Gen. Coventry to the Privy Council. Has heard the witnesses produced by Will. Canning and Thos. Kightley, the former bringing many to prove that Kightley declared it to be neither just nor honest to deliver up the patent [of the Virginia Company], whilst Kightley produced the certificates of 24 persons who were present to prove that he never uttered such words. Kightley brought an action against Canning for striking him on the Exchange, which arose out of a quarrel in Court the day before; for this a jury gave 20l. against Canning. Leaves the whole matter to their consideration. [DOMESTIC Corresp. Jac. I., Vol. CLVIII., No. 12, Cal. p. 146. See ante, 8 Dec. 1623.] |
Jan. 30.
James City. |
1. The Governor and Council of Virginia to the Virginia Company. Recount the wars in which they have been engaged with the savages; have cut down their corn, burnt their houses, and slaughtered many. Have also revenged the treachery of the Pascaticons and their associates, the greatest people in those parts, for cutting off Capt. Spilman and Mr. Puntis' pinnace, and murdering great numbers of their ancient allies, the Patowmacks. No small difficulty to maintain a war by unwilling people. Were constrained to desist for want of means to feed the soldiers. No hope of sub-verting these barbarous and perfidious Indians but by stratagem, neither fair war nor good quarter can ever be held with them. There have been large additions of buildings more convenient than guest houses, wherein great number of new comers may be entertained. The mortality, which is imputed to the country alone, is chiefly caused by the pestilent ships which reach Virginia victualled with musty bread and stinking beer, heretofore so earnestly complained of. New comers should bring their own provisions, so as not to make too sudden a change in their diet. Though the scarcity was great last year, none, to their knowledge, perished through want. A proclamation has been issued for sowing abundance of corn, and measures have been taken to provide for the wants of the colony. Will turn their attention to staple commodities, iron works, vines, and silk. The whole Colony thanks the King for restraining the sole importation of tobacco and for his favour, which enables them to attend to the strength and beauty of the colony, "for what can be expected from proverty?" Are grateful to the Company for supplies. Robt. Benet in his lifetime boasted that the sale of four butts of wine would clear a voyage; rotten wines destroy their bodies and empty their purses. Proceedings for the recovery of Mr. Blaney's debts. The Company are referred to Mr. Treasurer's letters for accounts of the glassworks, shipwrights, and composition with the Frenchmen. Will give an account of the petitions by Mr. Hart. The unmasking of Virginia is referred to a particular unmasking [of Capt. Butler] by the General Assembly. Relate what has been done regarding the Fort undertaken by Capt. Each, and how sickness had brought down great numbers since their last letters. Have with much earnestness importuned Capt. Smyth to stay upon the place, who has done as much as could be expected from him. Other things are referred to their next letters, which shall be written after the General Assembly has met. [Certified copy, endorsed"By the Furtherance." On 25 Dec., 1623, Sam. More writes to Nicholas. News has lately come from Virginia that the English, upon a treaty with the natives for peace, have poisoned a great many of them, for which the actors are very much blamed.Extract. DOMESTIC Corresp. Jac. I., Vol. CLVI., No. 1, Cal. p. 134.] |
