History research

John Rolfe: Letter to Sir Edwin Sandys

Honored Sir:

Studying with myself what service I might do you, as a token of my grateful remembrance for your many favors and constant love shown me, as well in my absence as when I was present with you I could not at this time devise a better than to give you notice of some particulars both of our present estate and what happened since the departure of the Diana. And though I am well assured, you will be satisfied herein more fully by our Governor, yet I desire your kind acceptance of this my poor endeavor.

Presently, after the Diana had her dispatch, Sir George Yeardley (according to a Commission directed unto him and to the Council of State) caused Burgesses to be chosen in all place who met at James City, where all matters therein contained were debated by several Committees and approved and likewise such other laws enacted as were held expedient & requisite for the welfare and peaceable government of this Commonwealth. Captain Martin’s Burgesses for his Plantation were not admitted to this Assembly; the reasons I am assured you shall receive from our Governor, who sends home a report of all those proceedings.

These principal men being at James City, Captain William Epps (who commands Smythe’s Hundred Company) was arraigned (as near as might be) according to the laudable Laws of England, for killing one Captain Edward Roecroft alias Stallenge. He came hither from the North Colony in a ship of Sir Ferdinando Gorges (as he said) for some necessaries which he wanted and to coast along the shore to find and discover what Harbors and rivers he could. But through neglect of the Master of the ship and others, she was forced aground in a storm near Newport News and there sprang so great a leak that he could not carry her back again. This mischance happened through uncivil and unmanly words urged by Stallenge (there being no precedent malice) with which Captain Epps being much moved did strike him on the head with a sword in the scabbard such an unfortunate blow that within 2 days he died. The Jury … , hearing the Evidence, found him guilty of Manslaughter by Chance medley. The Governor finding him (though young) yet a proper civil gent and of good hopes, not long after restored him to his Command.

Captain Henry Spelman, being accused by Robert Poole (one of the interpreters of the Indian language) of many crimes which might be prejudicial to the State in general and to every man’s safety in particular, received Censure at this general Assembly. But the Governor hoping he might redeem his fault, proceeding much of Childish ignorance, pardoned the punishment upon hope of amendment. In trial whereof he was employed as interpreter to Patawamack to trade for Corn.

Captain Ward in his ship went to Monahigon in the North Colony in May and returned the latter end of July, with fish which he caught there. He brought but a small quantity, by reason he had but little salt. There were some Plymouth ships where he harbored, who made great store of fish, which is far larger then Newfoundland fish.

The George was sent by the Cape Merchant (with the Governor’s consent) to Newfoundland to trade and buy fish for the better relief of the Colony and to make trial of that passage. One other reason (as I take it) was, for that the Magazine was well stored with goods, it was somewhat doubtful, whether a ship would be sent to carry home the crop so soon as the George might upon her return back. She departed hence about the 9th of July and arrived here again about the 10th of September. She made her passage to Newfoundland in less than 3 weeks and was at the bank amongst the French fishermen in 14 days. She came back hither again in 3 weeks, with bare wind and brought so much fish as will make a saving voyage, which, beside the great relief, gives much content to the whole Colony.

The Sturgeon ship and the Trial departed hence together [in] July. Mr. Pountys has taken great pains in fishing, and toward Michaelmas (the weather being somewhat temperate) made some good sturgeon. He hopes by the spring to be better fitted, with Cellars and houses, and to do some good therein.

The Cattle in the Trial came exceeding well, and gave the Colony much joy and great encouragement. Both the horses and Mares will be very vendible here a long time, the Colony increasing with people as of late.

About the latter end of August, a Dutch man-of-war of the burden of a 160 tons arrived at Point Comfort, the Commander’s name Captain Jope, his Pilot for the West Indies one Mr. Marmaduke, an Englishman. They met with the Treasure in the West Indies and determined to hold consort ship hitherward, but in their passage lost one the other. He brought not anything but 20 and odd Negroes, which the Governor and Cape Merchant bought for victuals (whereof he was in great need as he pretended) at the best and easiest rate they could. He had a large and ample Commission from his Excellency to range and to take purchase in the West Indies.

Three or 4 days after the Treasure arrived. At his arrival he sent word presently to the Governor to know his pleasure, who wrote to him, and did request myself, Lieutenant Peace, and Mr. Ewens to go down to him, to desire him to come up to James City. But before we got down, he had set sail and was gone out of the Bay. The occasion hereof happened by the unfriendly dealing of the Inhabitants of Keqnoughton, for he was in great want of victuals, wherewith they would not relieve him or his Company upon any terms. He reported (whilst he stayed at Keqnoughton) that if we got not some Ordinance planted at Point Comfort, the Colony would be quite undone—and that ere long—for that undoubtedly the Spaniard would be here the next spring which he gathered (as was said) from some Spaniard in the West Indies. This being spread abroad does much dishearten the people in general for we have no place of strength to retreat unto, no shipping of certainty (which would be to us as the wooden walls of England) no sound and experienced soldiers to undertake, no Engineers and earthmen to erect works, few Ordinance, not a serviceable carriage to mount them on; not Ammunition of powder, shot and lead, to fight 2 whole days, no, not one gunner belonging to the Plantation, so our sovereign’s dignity, your honors or poor reputations, lives, and labors thus long spent lies too open to a sudden and to an inevitable hazard, if a foreign enemy oppose against us. Of this I cannot better do, to give you full satisfaction, than to refer you to the judgment and opinion of Captain Argall, who has often spoken hereof during his government and knows (none better) these defects.

About the beginning of September, Japazaws (the King of the Patawamack’s brother) came to James City to the Governor. Among other frivolous messages, he requested, that 2 ships might be speedily to Patawamack, where they should trade for great stores of corn. Hereupon (according to his desire) the Governor sent an Englishman with him by land, and in the beginning of October, Captain Ward’s ship and Somer-Island frigate departed James City hitherward.

Robert Poole, being wholly employed by the Governor of message to the great King, persuaded Sir George that if he would send Pledge, he would come to visit him. Our Corn and Tobacco being in great abundance in our ground (for a more plentiful year than this it hath not pleased God to send us since the beginning of this Plantation, yet very contagious for sickness, whereof many, both old and new men, died) the Governor sent two men unto him, who were returned with frivolous answers, saying he never had any intent to come unto him. The Governor being jealous of them (…  because we had many straggling Plantations, much weakened by the great mortality, Poole likewise proving very dishonest) requested Captain William Powell and myself … to go in a shallop unto Pomonkey river, which we did. Going up that river within 5 miles of his house, we sent Captain Spelman and Thomas Hobson unto him with the Governor’s message. The ship and frigate (being not far out of their way to Patawamack) went in the night about 12 miles into the river, and we hasting up with our shallop, the messengers were with Opachankano, before or as soon as any news came to him either of the ships or our arrival, which much daunted them and put them in great fear. Their entertainment at the first was harsh (Poole being even turned heathen), but after their message was delivered, it was kindly taken, they sent away lovingly, and Poole accused and Condemned by them, as an instrument that sought all the means he could to break or league. They seemed also to be very weary of him. Opachankano much wondered I would not go to him, but (as I wished the messengers) they said I was sick of an ague, wherewith they were satisfied. We had no order to bring Poole away, or to make any show of discontent to him, for fear he should persuade them to some mischief in our corn fields, hoping to get him away by fair means. So we returned in great love and amity to the great content of the Colony, which before lived in daily hazard, all message being untruly delivered by Poole on both sides.…

All the Ancient Planters being set free have chosen place for their dividend according to the Commission. Which giveth all great content, for now knowing their own land, they strive and are prepared to build houses & to clear their ground ready to plant, which gives the great encouragement and the greatest hope to make the Colony flourish that ever yet happened to them.

Upon the 4th of November the Bona Nova arrived at James City. All the passengers came lusty and in good health. They came by the West Indies, which passage at that season doth much refresh the people.

The proportion of Victuals brought for those 100 men fell so short that Captain Welden and Mr. Whitaker were forced (notwithstanding our plenty) to put out 50 or thereabout for a year by the Governor’s and Council’s advise, for whom they are to receive the next years 3 barrels of corn and 55 n of tobacco for a man; which their sickness considered (for seldom any escapes little or much) is more than they of themselves could get. By this means the next year, they will be instructed to proceed in their own business and be well instructed to teach newcomers. With the remainder (being about 25 apiece, the one is seated with one Captain Mathews 3 miles beyond Henrico for his own security, and to his great content. And Mr. Whitaker within 4 miles of James City on the Company’s land.

Upon Saturday the 20th of November at night Mr. Ormerod died at James City, after a long and tedious sickness, the chief occasion the flux, which of late hath much reigned among us. His death is generally much lamented, the Colony receiving hereby a great loss, being a man of so good life, learning & carriage as his fellow here he left not behind him.

One Mr. Darmer, agent sent out by the Plymouth Company, arrived here about the end of September in a small bottom of 7 or 8 tons; he had coasted … to our Plantation, and found an Inland sea … , the depth whereof he could not search for want of means, and winter coming on. He is fitting his small vessel and purposes this spring to make a new trial.

Captain Lawne, at his arrival, seated himself in Warraskoyack Bay with his Company, but by his own sickness and his people’s (wherein there was improvidence) he quitted his Plantation, went up to Charles City, and about November died. So his piece is likely (unless better followed and well seconded) to come to nothing.

Smythe’s Hundred people are seated at Dauncing Point, the most convenient place within their limit. There has been much sickness among them: so yet this year no matter of gain or of great industry can be expected from them.

Martyne’s Hundred men seated at Argall Towne with good & convenient houses have done best of all Newcomers. Many who were industrious having reaped good crops, but most not of equal spirit and industrious have less, yet exceeded other Newcomers. Many of these have also died by sickness, but not comparable to other places.

About the beginning of December Captain Ward with his ship and the frigate came from Patawamack. Japazaws had dealt falsely with them, for they could get little trade, so that they brought not about 800 bushels, the most part whereof they took by force from Japazaws’ Country who deceived them, and a small quantity they traded for. But in conclusion being very peaceable with all the other Indians, at their departure they also made a firm peace again with Japazaws.

At this time also came Captain Woodiff in a small ship of Bristow, who brought his people very well, and made his passage in ten weeks.

Thus far as part of my duty (ever ready at your service) have I briefly made known unto you, some particulars of our estate and withal in conclusion cannot chose but reveal unto you the sorrow I conceive, to hear of the many accusations heaped upon Captain Argall, with whom my reputation has been unjustly joined, but I am persuaded he will answer well for himself. Here have also been divers depositions taken and sent home by the Diana; I will tax no man therein. But when it shall come to farther trial, I assure you that you shall find many dishonest and faithless men to Captain Argall, who have received much kindness at his hand & to his face will contradict, and be ashamed of much, which in his absence they have intimated against him. Lastly, I speak on my own experience for these 11 years, I never among so few, have seen so many falsehearted, envious, and malicious people (yea among some who march in the better rank), nor shall you ever hear of any the justest Governor here, who shall live free, from their scandal and shameless exclamations, if way be given to their report. And so desiring your kind acceptance hereof, being unwilling to conceal anything from yourself (who now, to mine and many others’ comfort, stands at the helm to guide us and bring us to the Port of our best happiness, which of late we say principally by your goodness we now enjoy) either which you may be desirous to understand or which may further you for the advancement of this Christian Plantation I take my leave and will ever rest

At your service and command in all faithful duties.

Jo: Rolf.

[Indorsed by Sir Edwin Sandys:] Mr. John Rolfe from Virginia Jan. 1619.

By the George.

Narration of the Late proceedings in Virginia.

Cape Cod fish larger than that of Newfoundland.

The fishing voyage of the George.

The Treasure’s return: Extreme fear of the Spaniards: Want of all things.

Ships sent to the King of Patawamack.

Voyage to Opachankano. Poole’s villainy.

The 4 Burrough & public land set out.

Joy and good success of dividing the Lands.

The Voyage of the Bona Nova. Vide C. Welden’s seat. Vide Death & praise of Mr Ormerod.

Mr. Darmer of Plymouth’s discoveries.

Captain Ward’s Voyage for Corn.

In favor of C. Argall. That people ill-conditioned to Sir Edwin Sandys.

[Addressed by self:] To the Honored and my much respected friend Sir Edwyn Sandys Kt, Treasurer for the Virginia Company these.