America and West Indies: October 1625

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 1, 1574-1660. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1860.

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'America and West Indies: October 1625', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 1, 1574-1660, (London, 1860) pp. 75-76. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol1/pp75-76 [accessed 19 April 2024]

October 1625

Oct. 4. 46. Petition of Sir George Yeardley to the King. At his coming from Virginia, the country was in great distress for want of necessary supplies, and the whole colony, utterly disheartened at the late pretended contract, required him to crave His Majesty's assistance. Prays that he may be commanded to attend the Privy Council, to declare the true state of the colony, that orders may be taken for it's present and future subsistence.
Oct.? 47. Divers heads, wherein the Privy Council are to be moved [by Sir Geo. Yeardley] concerning Virginia. Present supply and relief of the colony with munition, apparel, tools, and other provisions. A new patent, securing the estate of the inhabitants, confirmed by Parliament. None of those complained against, nor any factious persons, to have hand in the government. No contracts to be forced upon the people, who should have liberty to make the best of their labour. The importation of tobacco, except from Virginia and the Somers Islands, to be prohibited, until some staple commodities are brought to perfection. Great numbers of people to be sent over, and those of worth encouraged to go. Liberty of General Assemblies to be confirmed, and the people to have voice in the election of officers. Staple commodities to be free of custom for a certain time, and trade free in all things. Defence and discovery of the country at the public charge. Until a charter can be drawn, the old planters to be encouraged, by the King, to remain in the colony. Declarations brought over [by Yeardley] will further exhibit the mind of the colony. Suggests that the Governor be encouraged to stay. Very great unity prevails. The people, disheartened at Sir Thos. Smythe being in the new commission, and justly fearing to fall into former miseries, resolve to seek the farthest part of the world rather than endure it. Importance of the work, and advantage to the King's dominions. The first supply should be sent away with all speed, to prevent the people perishing either by the savages, or the severity of the winter; the supply of soldiers should arrive in Virginia before the end of March.
Oct. 19.
Southampton.
48. Mayor and Aldermen of Southampton to the Privy Council. Their Lordships letters for setting forth a vessel of great burden for relief of Virginia have been received. Are informed that a ship of 120 tons, Capt. Whitaker, with Grindall, and one Coe, master, is now setting forth from London for that colony, and that Abrah. Jennens is doing the like at Plymouth, besides another undertaken by Mr. Pescod and company. Pray that they may be spared, or receive jointly in adventure with Mr. Pescod in two ships, either for profit or loss.