Leah and Rachel, or, the two fruitfull sisters Virginia and Mary-land: their present condition, impartially stated and related. VVith a removall of such imputations as are scandalously cast on those countries, whereby many deceived souls, chose rather to beg, steal, rot in prison, and come to shamefull deaths, then to better their being by going thither, wherein is plenty of all things necessary for humane subsistance. / By John Hammond.

Leah and Rachell, or the two fruit∣full Sisters of Virginia and Mary-land; their pre∣sent condition impartially stated and related.

IT is the glory of every Nation to enlarge themselves, to encourage their own forraign attempts, and to be able to have of their own, within their own territories, as many several commodities as they can attain to, that so others may rather be beholding to them, then they to others; and to this purpose have Encouragements, Privi∣ledges and Emunities been given to any Discoveries or Ad∣venturers into remote Colonies, by all politique Common Wealths in the world.

But alas, we Englishmen (in all things else famous, and to other Countries terrible) do not onely faile in this, but vilifie, scandalize and cry down such parts of the unknown world, as have been found out, setled and made flourishing, by the charge, hazzard and diligence of their own brethren, as if because removed from us, we either account them peo∣ple of another world or enemies.

This is too truly made good in the odiums and cruell slanders cast on those two famous Countries of Ʋirginia and

Mary-land, whereby those Countries, not onely are many times at a stand, but are in danger to moulder away, and come in time to nothing; nor is there any thing but the fertility and natural gratefulnesse of them, left a remedy to prevent it.

To let our own Nation (whose common good I covet, and whose Common wealths servant I am, as born to no other use) be made sensible of these injuries: I have under∣taken in this Book to give the true state of those places, ac∣cording to the condition they are now in; and to declare either to distressed or discontented, that they need not doubt because of any rumour detracting from their good∣nesses, to remove and cast themselves and Fortunes upon those Countries, in which if I should deviate from the truth; I have at this present carping enemies in London enough, to contradict and cry down me and this, for Impostours. It is not long since I came from thence (God knows sore a∣gainst my will) having lived there upward of one and twen∣ty years; nor do I intend (by Gods assistance) to be long out of it again: and therefore can by experience, not hear∣say (as Bullock and other lying Writters have done, who at randome or for their own private lucre have rendred their Books rediculous and themselves infamous lyars, nor will I like them, over extoll the places, as if they were rather Pa∣radices than earthly habitations; but truly let ye know, what they are, and how the people there live.) Which when impartially viewed, will undoubtedly clear up those Fog∣gy Mists, that hath to their own ruine blinded and kept off many from going thither, whose miseries and misfortunes by staying in England are much to be lamented, and much to be pittied.

In respect these two Sister Countries (though distinct Governments) are much of one nature, both for produce and manner of living; I shall only at present, Treat of the elder Sister Virginia, and in speaking of that include both: And ere I leave off, shall in particular rehearse the unnatu∣rall usuage Mary-land the younger Sister, hath had, not by

Ʋirginia; but by those Vipers she hath received and har∣boured with much kindnesse and hospitalitie.

The Country is reported to be an unhealthy place, a nest of Rogues, whores, desolute and rooking persons; a place of intolerable labour, bad usage and hard Diet, &c.

To Answer these several calumnies, I shall first shew what it was? next, what it is?

At the first settling and many years after, it deserved most of those aspersions (nor were they then aspersions but truths) it was not settled at the publique charge; but when found out, challenged, and maintained by Adventurers, whose avarice and inhumanity, brought in these inconve∣niences, which to this day brands Ʋirginia.

Then were Jayls emptied, youth seduced, infamous wo∣men drilled in, the provisions all brought out of England, and that embezzelled by the Trustees (for they durst neither hunt fowl, nor Fish, for fear of the Indian, which they stood in aw of, their labour was almost perpetuall, their allow∣ance of victual small, few or no cattle, no use of horses nor oxen to draw or carry, (which labours men supplyed them∣selves) all which caused a mortality; no civil courts of justice but under a Marshall law, no redresse of grievances, complaints were repaied with stripes, moneys with scoffes, tortures made delights, and in a word all and the worst that tyrany could inflict or act, which when complained of in England: (but so were they kept under that it was long ere they would suffer complaints to come home) the bon∣dage was taken of, the people set free, and had lands a signed to each of them to live of themselves, and enjoy the benefit of their own industry; men then began to call what they laboured for their own, they fell to making themselves convenient housing to dwell in, to plant corne for their food, to range the wood for flesh, the rivers for fowle and fish, to finde out somwhat staple for supplie of cloathing, to continue a commerce, to purchase and breed cattle, &c. but the bud of this growing happinesse was again nipt by a cruell Massacre committed by the Natives, which again pull'd them back and kept them under, enforcing them to

get into Forts (such as the infancy of those times afforded: they were taken off from planting; their provisions de∣stroyed, their Cattle, Hogs, Horses, &c. kill'd up, and brought to such want and penury, that diseases grew rife, mortality exceeded; but receiving a supply of men, amuni∣tion and victuals out of England, they again gathered heart, pursued their enemies, and so often worsted them, that the Indians were glad to sue for peace, and they desirous of a cessation) consented to it.

They again began to bud forth, to spread further, to ga∣ther wealth, which they rather profusely spent (as gotten with ease then providently husbanded, or aimed at any pub∣lique good; or to make a Country for posterity; but from hand to mouth, and for a present being; neglecting discoveries, planting of Orchards, providing for the Win∣ter preservation of their stocks, or thinking of any thing staple or firm; and whilest Tobacco, the onely Commodi∣ty they had to subsist on bore a price, they wholy and ea∣gerly followed that, neglecting their very planting of Corn, and much relyed on England for the chiefest part of their provisions; so that being not alwayes amply suppli∣ed, they were often in such want, that their case and con∣dition being related in England, it hindred and kept off many from going thither, who rather cast their eyes on the Barren and freezing soyle of New-England, than to joyn with such an idigent and sottish people,) is were reported to be in Virginia.

Yet was not Virginia all this while without divers honest and vertuous inhabitants, who observing the general neg∣lect and licensiousnesses there, caused Assemblies to be call'd and Laws to be made tending to the glory of God, the se∣vere suppression of vices, and the compelling them not to neglect (upon strickt punishments) planting and tending such quantities of Corn, as would not onely serve them∣selves, their Cattel and Hogs plentifully, but to be ena∣bled to supply New England (then in want) with such pro∣portions, as were extream reliefs, to them in their necessi∣ties.

From this industry of theirs and great plenty of Corn, (the main staffe of life) proceeded that great plenty of Cat∣tel and Hogs, (now innumerable) and out of which not on∣ly New England hath been stocked and relieved, but all other parts of the Indies inhabited by Englishmen.

The inhabitants now finding the benefit of their indu∣stries, began to look with delight on their increasing stocks: (as nothing more pleasurable then profit) to take pride in their plentifully furnished Tables, to grow not onely civil, but great observers of the Sabbath, to stand upon their re∣putations, and to be ashamed of that notorious manner of life they had formerly lived and wallowed in.

They then began to provide and send home for Gospel Ministers, and largely contributed for their maintenance; But Ʋirginia savouring not handsomely in England, very few of good conversation would adventure thither, (as thinking it a place wherein surely the fear of God was not) yet many came, such as wore Black Coats, and could babble in a Pulpet, roare in a Tavern, exact from their Parishoners, and rather by their dissolutenesse destroy than feed their Flocks.

Loath was the Country to be wholy without Teachers, and therefore rather retain these then to be destitute; yet still endeavours for better in their places, which were ob∣tained, and these Wolves in sheeps cloathing, by their As∣semblies questioned, silenced, and some forced to depart the Country.

Then began the Gospel to flourish, civil, honourable, and men of great ••states flocked in: famous buildings went for∣ward, Orchards innumerable were planted and preserved; Tradesmen set on work and encouraged, staple Commo∣dities, as Silk, Flax, Pot-ashes, &c. of which I shall speak further hereafter, attempted on, and with good successe brought to perfection; so that this Country which had a mean beginning, many back friends, two ruinous and bloody Massacres, hath by Gods grace out-grown all, and is become a place of pleasure and plenty.

And having briefly laid down the former state of Ʋirgi∣nia, in its Infancy, and filth, and the occasion of its scan∣dalous aspersions: I come to my main subject, its present Condition and Hapinesse (if any thing can be justly called happy in this transatory life (otherwise then as blessings which in the well using whereof, a future happinesse may be expected.)

I affi••me the Country to be wholesome, healthy and fruitfull; and a modell on which industry may as much im∣prove it self in, as in any habitable part of the World; yet not such a Lubberland as the Fiction of the land of Ease, is reported to be, nor such a Ʋtopian as St. Thomas Moore hath related to be found out.

In the Countries minority, and before they had well cleared the ground to let in ayre (which now is otherwise) many imputed the stifling of the wood to be the cause of such sicknesse; but I rather think the contrary; for di∣vers new Rivers lately settled, were at their first comming upon them as woody as James Rivers, the first place they setled in, and yet those Rivers are as healthy as any former setled place in Virginia or England it self: I believe (and that not without reason) it was only want of such diet as best agreed with our English natures, good drinks and whole∣some lodgings were the cause of so much sicknesses, as were formerly frequent, which we have now amended; and therefore enjoy better healths; to which I add, and that by experience since my comming into England, and many (if not all Ʋirginians can do the like,) that change of ayre does much alter the state of our bodies: by which many travel∣lers thither may expect some sickness, yet little danger of mortality.

A Geographicall description of the Country I shall not attempt (as having littles kill in the Mathematicks) enough of that hath been formerly Written; nor is it a place now to learn to discover. I shall abhor to spirit over any; but go along with such as are voluntarily desirous to go thither, and lead them with my blunt relation (for truth knows little of eloquence) aboard the Ships thither bound, and

carrying you into the Country, shew you the courtesie of the place, the, disposition of the Inhabitants, the commodi∣ties, and give all sorts of people advice how and where to set down for their present benefit and future accommoda∣tion.

If any are minded to repair thither, if they are not in a capacity to defray their own charges (if they are I wish they might and so be at their own disposing) let them not be seduced by those mercinary spirits that know little of the place, nor aime at any good of theirs, but onely by foysting and flattering them to gain a reward of those they procure them for; beware them, for it is not only hab nab whether ye go to a good service or a bad, but scandalous to your selves to be so seduced, and it were good and very just that such vagabond people were severely punished, as great betrayers of their own Nation, for ye cannot imagine but there are as well bad services as good; but I shall shew ye if any happen into the hands of such crooked dispositi∣ons, how to order them and ease your selves, when I come to treat of the justice of the Country, which many being ig∣norant of suffer inconveniences, which by this they may prevent.

Let such as are so minded not rashly throw themselves upon the voyage, but observe the nature, and enquire the qualities of the persons with whom they ingage to trans∣port themselves, or if (as not acquainted with such as in∣habit there, but go with Merchants and Mariners, who transport them to others,) let their covenant be such, that after their arrival they have a fortnights time assigned them to enquire of their Master, and make choyce of such as they intend to expire their time with, nor let that brand of sel∣ling of servants, be any discouragement to deter any from going, for if a time must be served, it is all one with whom it be served, provided they be people of honest repute, with which the Country is well replenished.

And be sure to have your contract in writing and under hand and seal, for if ye go over upon promise made to do this or that, or to be free or your own men, it signifies no∣thing,

for by a law of the Country (waving all promises) a∣ny one coming in, and not paying their own passages, must serve if men or women four years, if younger according to their years, but where an Inden••ure is, that is binding and observing.

The usuall allowance for servants is (besides their charge of passage defrayed) at their expiration, a years provision of corne, dubble apparrell, tooles necessary, and land ac∣cording to the custome of the Country, which is an old de∣lusion, for there is no land accustomary due to the servant, but to the Master, and therefore that servant is unwise that will not dash out that custom in his covenant, and make that due of land absolutely his own, which although at the present, not of so great consequence; yet in few years will be of much worth, as I shall hereafter make manifest.

When ye go aboard, expect the Ship somewhat troubled and in a hurliburly, untill ye cleer the lands end; and that the Ship is rummaged, and things put to rights, which many times discourages the Passengers, and makes them wish the Voyage unattempted: but this is but for a short season, and washes off when at Sea, where the time is plea∣santly passed away, though not with such choise plenty as the shore affords.

But when ye arrive and are settled, ye will find a strange alteration, an abused Country giving the lye in your own approbations to those that have calumniated ir, and these infalable arguments may convince all incredible and ob∣stinate opinions, concerning the goodnesse and delight∣fulnesse of the Country, that never any servants of late times have gone thither; but in their Letters to their Friends commend and approve of the place, and rather in∣vite than disswade their acquaintance from comming thi∣ther. An other is this, that seldom (if ever) any that hath continued in Ʋirginia any time, will or do desire to live in England, but post back with what expedition they can; al∣though many are landed men in England, and have good E∣states here, and divers wayes of preferments propounded to them, to entice and perswade their continuance.

The Country is as I said of a temperate nature, the dayes, in summer not so long as in England, in winter longer; it is somewhat hotter in June, July and August then here, but that heat sweetly allayed by a continual breaze of winde, which never failes to cool and refresh the labourer and tra∣veller; the cold seldom approaches sencibly untill about Christmas, (although the last winter was hard and the worst I or any living there ever knew) and when winter comes, (which is such and no worse then is in England,) it conti∣nues two monthes seldom longer, often not so long and in that time although here seldom hard-weather keep men from labour, yet there no work is done all winter except dressing their own victuals and making of fires.

The labour servants are put to, is not so hard nor of such continuance as Husbandmen, nor Handecraft∣men are kept at in England, as I said litle or nothing is done in winter time, none ever work before sun rising nor after sun set, in the summer they rest, sleep or exercise themselves five houres in the heat of the day, Saturdays afternoon is alwayes their own, the old Holidayes are observed and the Sabboath spent in good exercises.

The Women are not (as is reported) put into the ground to worke, but occupie such domestique imployments and houswifery as in England, that is dressing victuals, righting up the house, milking, imployed about dayries, washing, sowing, &c. and both men and women have times of re∣creations, as much or more than in any part of the world besides, yet som wenches that are nasty, beastly and not fit to be so imployed are put into the ground, for reason tells us, they must not at charge be transported and then man∣tained for nothing, but those that prove so aukward are ra∣ther burthensom then servants desirable or usefull.

The Country is fruitfull, apt for all and more then Eng∣land can or does produce, the usuall diet is such as in Eng∣land, for the rivers afford innumerable sortes of choyce fish, (if they will take the paines to make wyers or hier the Natives, who for a small matter will undertake it,) winter and summer, and that in many places sufficient to

serve the use of man, and to fatten hoggs, water-fowle of all sortes are (with admiration to be spoken of) plentifull, and easte to be killed, yet by many degrees more plentifull in some places then in othersome, Deare all over the Coun∣try, and in many places so many, that venison is accounted a tiresom meat, wilde Turkeys are frequent, and so large that I have seen some weigh neer threescore pounds; other beasts there are whose flesh is wholsom and savourie, such are unknowne to us; and therefore I will not stuffe my book with superfluous, relation of their names; huge Oy∣sters and store in all parts where the salt-water comes.

The Country is exceedingly replenished with Neat cat∣tle, Hoggs, Goats and Tame-fowle, but not many sheep; so that mutton is somwhat scarce but that defect is supplied with store of Venison; other flesh and fowle, the Country is full of gallant Orchards, and the fruit generally more luscious and delightfull then here, witnesse the Peach and Quince, the latter may be eaten raw savourily, the former differs and as much exceeds ours as the best relished apple we have doth the crabb, and of both most excellent and comfortable drinks are made, Grapes in infinite manners grow wilde, so do Walnuts, Smalnuts, Chesnuts and a∣bundance of excellent fruits, Plums and Berries, not grow∣ing or known in England; graine we have, both English and Indian for bread and Bear, and Pease besides English of ten se∣veral sorts, all exceeding ours in England, the gallant root of Potatoes are common, and so are all sorts of rootes, herbes and Garden stuffe.

It must needs follow then that diet cannot be scarce, since both rivers and woods affords it, and that such plen∣ty of Cattle and Hoggs are every where, which yeeld beefe, milk, butter, cheese and other made dishes, porke, bacon, and pigs, and that as sweet and savoury meat as the world affords, these with the help of Orchards and Gardens, Oy∣sters, Fish, Fowle and Venison, certainly cannot but be sufficient for a good deit and wholsom accommodation, considering how plentifully they are, and how easie with industry to be had.

Beare is indeed in some place constantly drunken, in o∣ther some, nothing but Water or Milk, and Water or Beve∣rige; and that is where the goodwives, if I may so call them, are negligent and idle; for it is not for want of Corn to make Malt with (for the Country affords enough) but be∣cause they are sloathfull and carelesse: but I hope this item will shame them out of those humours, that they will be adjudged by their drink, what kinde of Housewives they are.

Those Servants that will be industrious may in their time of service gain a competent estate before their Free∣domes, which is usually done by many, and they gaine e∣steem and assistance that appear so industrious: There is no Master almost but will allow his Servant a parcell of clear ground to plant some Tobacco in for himself, which he may husband at those many idle times he hath allowed him and not prejudice, but rejoyce his Master to see it, which in time of Shipping he may lay out for commodities, and in Summer sell them again with advantage, and get a Sow-Pig or two, which any body almost will give him, and his Master suffer him to keep them with his own, which will be no charge to his Master, and with one years increase of them may purchase a Cow Calf or two, and by that time he is for himself; he may have Cattel, Hogs and Tobacco of his own, and come to live gallantly; but this must be gained (as I said) by Industry and affability, not by sloath nor churlish behaviour.

And whereas it is rumoured that Servants have no lodg∣ing other then on boards, or by the Fire side, it is contra∣ry to reason to believe it; First, as we are Christians; next as people living under a law, which compels as well the Master as the Servant to perform his duty; nor can true la∣bour be either expected or exacted without sufficient cloa∣thing, diet, and lodging; all which both their Indentures (which must inviolably be observed) and the Justice of the Country requires.

But if any go thither, not in a condition of a Servant, but pay his or her passage, which is some six pounds: Let

them not doubt but it is money well layd out (yet howe∣ver let them not fall (although they carry little else to take a Bed along with them, and then few Houses but will give them entertainment, either out of curtesie, or on reasonable tearms; and I think it better for any that goes over free, and but in a mean condition, to hire himself for reason∣able wages of Tobacco and Provision, the first year, provi∣ded he happen in an honest house, and where the Mistresse is noted for a good Housewife, of which there are very ma∣ny (notwithstanding the cry to the contrary) for by that means he will live free of disbursment, have something to help him the next year, and be carefully looked to in his sicknesse (if he chance to fall sick) and let him so covenant that exceptions may be made, that he work not much in the hot weather, a course we alwayes take with our new hands (as they call them) the first year they come in.

If they are women that go after this manner, that is pay∣ing their own passage; I advise them to sojourn in a house of honest repute, for by their good carriage, they may advance themselves in marriage, by their ill, overthow their fortunes; and although loose persons seldome live long unmarried if free; yet they match with as desolute as themselves, and never live handsomly or are ever respected.

For any that come over free, and are minded to dyet and quarter in another mans house, it matters not whether they know on what term or conditions they are there; for by an excellent Decree, made by Sir William Berkly, when Governour; (as indeed he was the Author of many good Laws:) It was ordered, that if any inhabitant received any stranger Merchant, or border into their houses, and did not condition in Writing with him or them so entertained on what tearms he received them, it should be supposed an in∣vitation, an no satisfaction should be allowed or recovered in any Court of Justice; thereby giving notice that no stranger coming into the Country should be drilled in, or made a purchase of under colour of friendship: but that the Inhabitants at first coming shall let them know how they mean to deal with them, that if they like not the

terms they may remove themselves at pleasure; a Law so good and commendable, that it is never like to be revoked or altered.

Now for those that carry over Families and estates with a determination to inhabit, my advice is that they neither sojourn for that will be chargeable; nor on the sudden purchase, for that may prove unfortunate; but that they for the first year hire a house (for seats are alwayes to be hi∣red) and by that means, they will not onely finde content and live at a cheap rate, but be acquainted in the Country and learn the worth and goodnesse of the Plantation they mean to purchase; and so not rashly intangle themselves in an ill bargain, or finde where a convenient parcell of Land is for their turns to be taken up.

Yet are the Inhabitants generally affable, courteous and very assistant to strangers (for what but plenty makes hospitality and good neighbour hood) and no sooner are they settled, but they will be visiting, presenting and ad∣vicing the stranger how to improve what they have, how to better their way of livelihood.

Justice is there duly and daily administred; hardly can any travaile two miles together, but they will finde a Ju∣stice, which hath power of himself to hear and determine mean differences, to secure and binde over notorious offen∣ders, of which very few are in the Country.

In every County are Courts kept, every two moneths, and oftener if occasion require, in which Courts all things are determined without exceptions; and if any dislike the proceedings of those Courts, they have liberty to appeal to the Quarter Court, which is four times a year; and from thence to the Assembly, which is once or oftner eve∣ry year: So that I am confident, more speedy Justice and with smaller charge is not in any place to be found.

Thest is seldome punished (as being seldome or never committed; for as the Proverb is, where there are no re∣ceivers, there are no thieves; and although Doores are nightly left open (esp••ci••lly in the Summer time) Hedges hanging full of Cloathes; Plate frequently us;ed amongst

all comers and goers (and there is good store of Plate in many houses) yet I never heard of any losse ever received either in Plate, Linnen, or any thing else out of their Hou∣ses all the time I inhabited there.

Indeed I have known some suffer for stealing of Hogs, (but not since they have been plentifull) and whereas Hogstealing was once punished with death, it is now made penal, and restitution given very amply to the owner thereof.

Cases of Murther are punished as in England, and Juries allowed, as well in Criminal causes, as in all other diffe∣rences between party and party, if they desire it.

Servants complaints are freely harkened to, and (if not causlesly made) their Masters are compelled either speedi∣ly to amend, or they are removed upon second complaint to another service; and often times not onely set free, if the abuse merit it, but ordered to give reparation and damage to their servant.

The Country is very full of sober, modest persons, both men and women, and many that truly fear God and fol∣low that perfect rule of our blessed Saviour, to do as they would be done by; and of such a happy inclination is the Country, that many who in England have been lewd and idle, there in emulation or imitation (for example moves more then precept) of the industry of those they finde there, not onely grow ashamed of their former courses, but abhor to hear of them, and in small time wipe off those stains they have formerly been tainted with; yet I cannot but confesse, there are people wicked enough (as what Coun∣try is free) for we know some natures will never be re∣formed, but these must follow the Fryers rule, Si non caste, tamen cante; for if any be known, either to prophane the Lords day or his Name, be found drunk, commit whore∣dome, scandalize or disturb his neighbour, or give offence to the world by living suspiciously in any bad courses; there are for each of these, severe and wholsome laws and remedies made, provided and duly put in execution: I can confidently affirm, that since my being in England, which is

not yet four moneths, I have been an eye and ear witnesse of more deceits and villanies (and such as modesty forbids me to utter) then I either ever saw or heard mention made of in Virginia, in my one and twenty years aboad in those parts.

And therefore those that shall blemish Virginia any more, do but like the Dog bark against the Moon, untill they be blind and weary; and Virginia is now in that secure grow∣ing condition, that like the Moon so barked at, she will passe on her course, maugre all detractors, and a few years will bring it to that glorious happinesse, that many of her calumniators, will intercede to procure admittance thi∣ther, when it will be hard to be attained to; for in smal time, little land will be to be taken up; and after a while none at all; and as the Mulberry Trees grows up, which are by every one planted, Tobacco will be laid by, and we shall wholy fall to making of Silk (a Sample of 400 l. hath already been sent for England, and approved of) which will require little labour; and therefore shall have little use of Servants; besides, Children increase and thrive so well there, that they themselves will sufficiently supply the defect of Servants: And in small time become a Nation of themselves sufficient to people the Country: And this good policy is there used; As the Children there born grow to maturity, and capable (as they are generally very capable and apt) they are still preferred and put into au∣thority, and carry themselves therein civilly and discret∣ly; and few there are but are able to give some Portions with their daughters, more or lesse, according to their a∣bilities; so that many comming out of England have raised themselves good fortunes there meerly by matching with Maidens born in the Country.

And therefore I cannot but admire, and indeed much pitty the dull stupidity of people necessitated in England, who rather then they will remove themselves, live here a base, slavish, penurious life; as if there were a necessity to live and to live so, choosing rather then they will forsake England to stuff New-gate, Bridewell, and other, Jayles with

their carkessies, nay cleave to tyburne it selfe; and so bring confusion to their souls horror and infamine to their kindred or posteritie, others itch out their wearisom lives in reliance of other mens charities, an uncertaine and unmanly expectation; some more abhorring such courses betake themselves to almost perpetuall and restlesse toyle and druggeries out of which (whilst their strength lasteth) they (observing hard diets, earlie and late houres) make hard shif•• to subsist from hand to mouth, untill age or sicknesse takes them off from labour and directs them the way to beggerie, and such indeed are to be pittied, relieved and provided for.

I have seriously considered when I have (passing the streets) heard the several Cryes, and noting the commmo∣dities, and the worth of them they have carried and cryed up and down; how possibly a livelihood could be exacted out of them, as to cry Matches, Smal-coal, Blacking, Pen and Ink, Thred-laces, and a hundred more such kinde of trifling merchandizes; then looking on the nastinesse of their linnen habits and bodies: I conclude it gain suffi∣cient could be raised out of them for subsistance; yet their manner of living was degenerate and base; and their con∣dition to be far below the meanest servant in Virginia▪

The other day, I saw a man heavily loaden with a burden of Faggots on his back, crying, Dry Faggots, Dry Faggots; he travailed much ground, bawled frequently, and sweat with his burthen: but I saw none buy any, neer three houres I followed him, in which time he rested, I en∣tered into discourse with him, offered him drink, which he thankfully accepted of (as desirous to learn the mistery of his trade) I enquired what he got by each burden when sold? he answered me three pence: I further asked him what he usually got a day? he replyed, some dayes nothing some dayes six pence; some time more, but seldome; me thought it was a pittifull life, and I admired how he could live on it; And yet it were dangerous to advise these wretches to better their conditions by travaile, for fear of the cry of, a spirit, a spirit.

The country is not only plentifull but pleasant and profitable, pleasant in regard of the brightnesse of the weather, the many delightfull rivers, on which the in∣habitants are settled (every man almost living in sight of a lovely river) the abundance of game, the extraordi∣nary good neighbour-hood and loving conversation they have one with the other.

Pleasant in their building, which although for most part they are but one story besides the loft, and built of wood, yet contrived so delightfull, that your ordinary houses in England are not so handsome, for usually the rooms are large, daubed and whitelimed, glazed & flowered, and if not gl••zed windows, shutters which are made very pritty and convenient.

Pleasant in observing their stocks and flockes of Cattle, Hoggs, and Poultry, grazing, whisking and skipping in their sights, pleasant in having all things of their own, growing or breeding without drawing the peny to send for this and that, without which, in England they cannot be supplyed.

The manner of living and trading there is thus, each man almost lives a free-holder, nothing but the value of 12. d. a year to be paid as rent, for every 50. Acrees of land; firing cost nothing every man plants his own corne and neede take no care for bread: if any thing be bought, it is for comodity, exchanged presently, or for a day, payment is usuall made but once a year, and for that Bill taken (for accounts are not pleadable.)

In summer when fresh meat will not keep (seeing every man kils of his own, and quantities are inconve∣nient, they lend from one to another, such portions of flesh as they can spare, which is repaied again when the borrowers kils his.

If any fall sick, and cannot compasse to follow his crope which if not followed, will soon be lost, the ad∣joyning neighbour, will either voluntarily or upon a

request joyn together, and work in it by spels, untill the honour recovers, and that gratis, so that no man by sicknesse loose any part of his years worke.

Let any travell, it is without charge, and at every house is entertainment as in a hostery, and with it hearty welcome are stranger entertained.

In a word, Virginia wants not good victual, wants not good dispositions, and as God hath freely bestowed it, they as freely impart with it, yet are there aswel bad natures as good.

The profit of the country is either by their la∣bour, their stockes, or their trades.

By their labours is produced corne and Tobacco, and all other growing provisions, and this Tobacco however now low-rated, yet a good maintenance may be had out of it, (for they have nothing of necessity but cloathing to purchasse) or can this mean price of To∣bacco long hold, for these reasons, First that in Eng∣land it is prohibited, next that they have attained of late those sorts equall with the best Spanish, Thirdly that the sicknesse in Holland is decreasing, which hath been a great obstruction to the sail of Tobacco.

And lastly, that as the mulbery tree grows up, tobacco will be neglected and silke, flax, two staple commo∣dities generally fallen upon.

Of the increase of cattle and hoggs, much advantage is made, by selling biefe, porke, and bacon, and butter &c. either to shipping, or to send to the Barbadoes, and other Islands, and he is a very poor man that hath not sometimes provision to put off.

By trading with Indians for Skine, Beaver, Furres and other commodities oftentimes good profits are raised; The Indians are in absolute subjection to the English, so that they both pay tribute to them and re∣ceive all their severall king from them, and as one dies they repair to the English for a successor so that

none neede doubt it a place of securitie.

Several ways of advancement there are and imploy∣ments both for the learned and laborer, recreation for the gentry, traffique for the adventurer, congregations for the ministrie (and oh that God would stir, up the hearts of more to go over, such as would teach good doctrine, and not paddle in faction, or state matters; they could not want maintenance, they would find an assisting, an imbracing, a conforming people.)

It is knowne (such preferment hath this Country rewarded the industrious with) that some from be∣ing wool-hoppers and of as mean and meaner imploy∣ment in England have there grown great merchants, and attained to the most eminent advancements the Country afforded. If men cannot gaine (by diligence) states in those parts.) I speake not only mine owne opinion, but divers others, and something by experi∣ence) it will hardly be done (unlesse by meere lucke as gamsters thrive, and other accidentals in any other part whatsoever.

Now having briefly set down the present state of Virginia not in fiction, but in realitie, I wish the ju∣ditious reader to consider what dislike can be had of the Country, or upon what grounds it is so infamously injured, I only therein covet to stop those blackmou∣thed babblers, that not only have and do abuse so no∣ble a plantation, but abuse Gods great blessing in ad∣ding to England so flourishing a branch, in perswading many souls, rather to follow desparate and miserable courses in England, then to ingage in so honorable an undertaking as to travile and inhabite there: but to those I shall (if admonition will not worke on their recreant spirits) only say. Let him that is filthie be filthie still.