Chapter 5

CHAP. I.

_Of the_ English _Settlements in_ Virginia.

The first Discovery made for the _English_ in _North-America_, was in the Year 1584, (a hundred and forty Years ago) by Captain _Philip Amidas_, and Captain _Arthur Barlow_, by the Protection and Encouragement of _Queen Elizabeth_; with the Persuasion and Direction of Sir _Walter Raleigh_.

They anchored at _Roenoak_ Inlet, now belonging to the Government of _North Carolina_, and from the _Virgin Queen_, and the apparent Purity of the _Indians_, and primitive Plenty of the Place, that new discover'd Part of the World was named _Virginia_.

After that, Sir _Richard Greenvile_, Sir _Francis Drake_, and Sir _Walter Raleigh_ carried on the Project, and made Advancements in it, with the Leave of the Government; which were promoted and continued by the _Merchants_ of _London_, _Bristol_, _Exeter_ and _Plymouth_; with Variety of Accidents, Successes and Disappointments in Respect of their Trade and Possessions, and War and Peace with the _Indians_; especially under the Conduct of _Captain Smith_, who was employed by the Company of Merchants incorporated by _King James_ I. in 1606; and has written a large History of his particular Transactions.

They then fixed chiefly at, and near _James Town_, on a small Island in _James River_, till the Year 1609, when they sent out Settlements to _Nansemond_, _Powhatan_, and the Year after to _Kiquotan_.

After that the Plantations of _Virginia_ were formed into a Government, managed first by three, and afterwards by one _Governor_, to whose Assistance in a small Time they added _Counsellors_; and in 1620, they called an _Assembly of Burgesses_, who being elected by the People, met the _Governor_ and _Council_ at _James Town_, and debated Matters for the Improvement and good Government of the Country.

About this Time the _Dutch_ brought over some _Negroes_ for Sale, who are now wonderfully encreased; besides the constant Supplies of them imported yearly.

At this Time, they made new Settlements, laid out and apportioned Lands, some to the _Governor_, some for a _College_ and _Indian School_, some to the _Church_ and _Glebes_, and some to particular Persons; and carried on _Salt Works_ and _Iron Works_, besides _Tobacco_.

This Prosperity of the Colony so encouraged its Increase, that one thousand three hundred People have gone over in one Year to settle there; upon which they made _County Courts_ for the Tryal of some Causes and Criminals under the _General Court_ and _Assembly_; but private Interest and Quarrels byassing the Governors and other Persons concerned, often introduced ill Success, Faction, and _Indian_ Wars.

The fatal Consequences of this _Male-Administration_ cry'd so loud, that _King Charles_ I. coming to the Crown of _England_, had a tender Concern for the poor People, that had been betrayed thither and almost lost: Upon which he dissolved the Company in 1626, reducing the Country and Government into his own immediate Direction, appointing the _Governor_ and _Council_ himself, and ordering all _Patents_ and _Processes_ to issue in his own Name, reserving to himself a _Quit-Rent_ of two Shillings for every hundred Acres of Land.

In this happy Constitution, the Colony of _Virginia_ has prosperously encreased gradually and wonderfully, to its present most flourishing Condition.

Indeed _Bacon_'s Rebellion against the _Governor_ occasioned a great deal of Bloodshed and Disturbance; but that after his Death soon ceased.

The assured good Report of this vast Tract of Land and happy Climate encouraged several Gentlemen of Condition and good Descent, to transport themselves and Families, and settle in this new Paradise; some for the Sake of Wealth, some for Religion, and others because they could not well live elsewhere; and others because they dared not, or cared not to stay at Home.

But one particular Occasion that sent several Families of good Birth and Fortune to settle there, was the Civil Wars in _England_; for Sir _William Barkley_ the Governor being strong for the _King_, held out the last of all the _King's Dominions_ against the _Usurper_; and likewise proclaimed _King Charles_ II. before the _Restoration_.

This safe Receptacle enticed over several _Cavalier_ Families, where they made many Laws against _Puritans_, tho' they were free from them; which had this good Success, that to this Day, the People are as it were quite free from them, being all of the _Church of England_, without the odious distinguishing Characters of _High_ or _Low_ among themselves. Indeed, there are a few _Quakers_ in some of the worst Counties, where _Clergymen_ are unwilling to settle, such as the lower Parts of _Nansemond_ County; but these might easily be brought over to the _Church_; and I am fully persuaded that the Growth of their Doctrine might be easily nipped in the Bud, by very plain Methods.

Among other Persons of Distinction that went over to settle in _Virginia_, was the noble _Cæcilius Calvert Lord Baltimore_, a _Roman Catholick_, who with his Family, Friends and Attendants, was willing to retire thither for the free Exercise of his Religion.

He obtained a Patent for all that vast Part of _Virginia_, which lies to the Northward of the great River _Potowmack_; which was confirmed to his Son and his Heirs in the Year 1633.

This Province was named _Maryland_ from the _Royal Consort of King Charles_ I. and remains still the Propriety of the present _Lord Baltimore_ and his Heirs, with the Restriction of their being _Protestants_; and is perhaps the largest Estate in the World belonging to any one Person, that is not a Prince.

Though the _Church of England_ be establish'd in _Maryland_; yet it is a Sanctuary for _Papists_, who are pretty numerous there, and enjoy the Freedom of their _Priests_ and _Mass_ in a great Measure, without Molestation.

CHAP. II.

_Of the Metropolis_ Williamsburgh, _and the College, Capitol, and Governor's House, and the Church_, &c.

The first _Metropolis_, _James Town_, was built in the most convenient Place for Trade and Security against the _Indians_, but often received much Damage, being twice burnt down; after which it never recovered its Perfection, consisting at present of nothing but Abundance of Brick Rubbish, and three or four good inhabited Houses, tho' the Parish is of pretty large Extent, but less than others. When the _State House_ and _Prison_ were burnt down, _Governor Nicholson_ removed the Residence of the Governor, with the Meeting of _General Courts_ and _General Assemblies to Middle Plantation_, seven Miles from _James Town_, in a healthier and more convenient Place, and freer from the Annoyance of _Muskettoes_.

Here he laid out the _City of Williamsburgh_ (in the Form of a Cypher, made of _W._ and _M._) on a Ridge at the Head Springs of two great _Creeks_, one running into _James_, and the other into _York River_, which are each navigable for Sloops, within a Mile of the Town; at the Head of which _Creeks_ are good _Landings_, and _Lots_ laid out, and Dwelling Houses and Ware Houses built; so that this Town is most conveniently situated, in the Middle of the lower Part of _Virginia_, commanding two noble Rivers, not above four Miles from either, and is much more commodious and healthful, than if built upon a River.

Publick Buildings here of Note, are the College, the Capitol, the Governor's House, and the Church. The Latitude of the _College_ at _Williamsburgh_, to the best of my Observation, is 37°. 21´. _North_.

The Front which looks due _East_ is double, and is 136 Foot long. It is a lofty Pile of Brick Building adorn'd with a _Cupola_. At the _North_ End runs back a large Wing, which is a handsome _Hall_, answerable to which the _Chapel_ is to be built; and there is a spacious _Piazza_ on the _West_ Side, from one Wing to the other. It is approached by a good Walk, and a grand Entrance by Steps, with good Courts and Gardens about it, with a good House and Apartments for the _Indian Master_ and his Scholars, and Out-Houses; and a large Pasture enclosed like a Park with about 150 Acres of Land adjoining, for occasional Uses.

The Building is beautiful and commodious, being first modelled by Sir _Christopher Wren_, adapted to the Nature of the Country by the _Gentlemen_ there; and since it was burnt down, it has been rebuilt, and nicely contrived, altered and adorned by the ingenious Direction of _Governor Spotswood_; and is not altogether unlike _Chelsea Hospital_.

This _Royal Foundation_ was granted and establish'd by _Charter_, _by King William and Queen Mary_, and endowed by them, with some thousand Acres of Land, with Duties upon Furs and Skins, and a Penny a Pound for all Tobacco transported from _Virginia_ and _Maryland_, to the other Plantations; to which have been made several additional Benefactions, as that handsom Establishment of Mr. _Boyle_, for the Education of _Indians_, with the many Contributions of the Country, especially a late one of 1000 _l._ to buy _Negroes_ for the College Use and Service.

The Society is a Corporation establish'd for a _President_, _six Masters_ or _Professors_, with a hundred _Scholars_, more or less.

For some Causes that I can't account for, the Revenue is not improved as much as might be wished; neither is the College brought to that Method of Education and Advantage, as it might be; tho' 'tis hoped, that in a few Years it will, like the Palm Tree, grow to the greater Perfection, under the weighty Obstacles that load it.

The Salary of the President Mr. _James Blair_, has been lately ordered to be reduced from 150 to 100 _l. per Ann._

The Salary of the Fellows (one of which I have been several Years) is 80 _l. per Ann._ each, with 20 _s._ Entrance, and 20 _s._ a Year for Pupilage for each Scholar: The Payments are sometimes made in Current _Spanish Money_, and sometimes in _Sterling_ Bills.

The Nature of the Country scarce yet admits of a Possibility of reducing the _Collegians_ to the nice Methods of Life and Study observed in _Oxford_ and _Cambridge_; tho' by Degrees they may copy from thence many useful Customs and Constitutions.

When the _College_ shall be compleatly finished, and Scholarships founded, then is the Trust to be transferred from the _Trustees_ to the _President and Masters_; but at present it is managed by a certain Number of _Governors_ or _Visitors_, (one of which is chosen yearly _Rector_) appointed first by the _Trustees_, elected out of the principal and worthiest Inhabitants.

These appoint a Person, to whom they grant several Privileges and Allowances to board and lodge the Masters and Scholars at an extraordinary cheap Rate.

This Office is at present performed in the neatest and most regular and plentiful Manner, by _Mrs. Mary Stith_, a Gentlewoman of great Worth and Discretion, in good Favour with the Gentry, and great Esteem and Respect with the common People.

Great Pity it is, but the noble Design of this College met with more Friends to encourage, and Benefactors to advance, its flourishing State.

One Happiness is, that it has always a _Chancellor_ in _England_, chosen by the _Governors_ or _Feoffees_; to whose Patronage and Direction it may have Recourse upon emergent Occasions.

The last _Chancellor_ was the late _Bishop of London_; and the present is his _Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury_.

The _Chancellor_ continues in that Office but seven Years; so that it may happen as soon as he has obtained a perfect Knowledge and Acquaintance with the Persons and Affairs belonging to the _College_, his Term is expired: Besides their Business in other momentous Affairs at Home may divert them, and the Distance of the Country may prevent them from obtaining true Notions, and exact Accounts of the Nature of the _Colony_ and the _College_; so that for these Reasons, they can't do for it the Good, which they otherwise might: For their better Information, and for Direction of all, in promoting Religion and Learning in this _Plantation_, I have made Publick this Account of _it_, and _its_ Inhabitants.

Fronting the _College_ at near its whole Breadth, is extended a noble Street mathematically streight (for the first Design of the Town's Form is changed to a much better) just three Quarters of a Mile in Length: At the other End of which stands the _Capitol_, a noble, beautiful, and commodious Pile as any of its Kind, built at the Cost of the _late Queen_, and by the Direction of the _Governor_.

In this is the _Secretary's Office_ with all the Courts of _Justice_ and _Law_, held in the same Form, and near the same Manner, as in _England_; except the _Ecclesiastical Courts_.

Here the _Governor_ and _twelve Counsellors_ sit as _Judges_, at the _General Courts_ in _April_ and _October_, whither Trials and Causes are removed from Courts, held at the Court-Houses Monthly in every County by a Bench of _Justices_ and a _County Clerk_.

Here are also held the _Oyer and Terminer Courts_, one in Summer, and the other in Winter, added by the Charity of the _late Queen_, for the Prevention of Prisoners lying in Gaol above a Quarter of a Year before their Trial.

Here are also held _Courts Martial_, by Judges appointed on Purpose, for the _Trial_ of _Pyrates_; likewise _Courts of Admiralty_, for the Trial of _Ships_ for illegal Trade.

The Building is in the Form of an =H= nearly; the _Secretary's Office_, and the _General Court_ taking up one Side below Stairs; the Middle being an handsom _Portico_ leading to the Clerk of the _Assembly's_ Office, and _the House of Burgesses_ on the other Side; which last is not unlike the _House of Commons_.

In each Wing is a good Stair Case, one leading to the _Council Chamber_, where the _Governor_ and _Council_ sit in very great State, in Imitation of the _King and Council_, or the _Lord Chancellor_ and _House of Lords_.

Over the _Portico_ is a large Room where _Conferences_ are held, and _Prayers_ are read by the Chaplain to the General Assembly; which Office I have had the Honour for some Years to perform. At one End of this is a Lobby, and near it is the _Clerk of the Council's Office_; and at the other End are several Chambers for the _Committees_ of _Claims_, _Privileges_, and _Elections_; and over all these are several good Offices for the _Receiver General_, for the _Auditor_, _Treasurer_, &c. and upon the Middle is raised a lofty _Cupola_ with a large Clock.

The whole is surrounded with a neat _Area_, encompassed with a good Wall, and near it is a strong sweet _Prison_ for _Criminals_; and on the other Side of an open Court another for _Debtors_, when any are removed thither from other Prisons in each County; but such Prisoners are very rare, the Creditors being there generally very merciful, and the Laws so favourable for Debtors, that some esteem them too indulgent.

The Cause of my being so particular in describing the _Capitol_ is, because it is the best and most commodious Pile of its Kind that I have seen or heard of.

Because the _State House_, _James Town_, and the _College_ have been burnt down, therefore is prohibited in the _Capitol_ the Use of Fire, Candles, and Tobacco.

Parallel to the main Street mentioned is a Street on each Side of it, but neither quite so long nor broad; and at proper Distances are small cross Streets, for the Convenience of Communication.

Near the Middle stands the _Church_, which is a large strong Piece of Brickwork in the Form of a Cross, nicely regular and convenient, and adorned as the best Churches in _London_. This from the Parish is called _Bruton Church_, where I had the Favour of being Lecturer.

Near this is a large Octogon Tower, which is the _Magazine_ or Repository of Arms and Ammunition, landing far from any House except _James Town Court-House_; for the Town is half in _James Town County_, and half in _York County_.

Not far from hence is a large _Area_ for a _Market Place_; near which is a _Play House_ and good _Bowling Green_.

From the _Church_ runs a Street Northward called _Palace Street_; at the other End of which stands the _Palace or Governor's House_, a magnificent Structure, built at the publick Expence, finished and beautified with Gates, fine Gardens, Offices, Walks, a fine Canal, Orchards, _&c._ with a great Number of the best Arms nicely posited, by the ingenious Contrivance of the most accomplished _Colonel Spotswood_.

This likewise has the ornamental Addition of a good _Cupola_ or _Lanthorn_, illuminated with most of the Town, upon _Birth-Nights_, and other Nights of occasional Rejoicings.

At the _Capitol_, at publick Times, may be seen a great Number of handsom, well-dress'd, compleat Gentlemen. And at the _Governor's_ House upon _Birth-Nights_, and at _Balls_ and _Assemblies_, I have seen as fine an Appearance, as good Diversion, and as splendid Entertainments in _Governor Spotswood's Time_, as I have seen any where else.

These Buildings here described are justly reputed the best in all the _English America_, and are exceeded by few of their Kind in _England_.

In every Part of this Town are excellent Springs of good Water, or else may be made good Wells; and the Ground falling on both Sides, conveys the Water and Rain by small Channels into the Creeks; but to make the main Street exactly level, the Assembly lately gave a considerable Sum, which was expended in removing Earth in some Places, and building a Bridge over a low Channel; so that it is now a pleasant, long dry Walk, broad, and almost level from the _College_ to the _Capitol_.

_Williamsburgh_ is now incorporated and made a _Market Town_, and governed by a _Mayor and Aldermen_; and is well stock'd with rich _Stores_, of all Sorts of Goods, and well furnished with the best Provisions and Liquors.

Here dwell several very good Families, and more reside here in their own Houses at publick Times.

They live in the same neat Manner, dress after the same Modes, and behave themselves exactly as the _Gentry in London_; most Families of any Note having a _Coach_, _Chariot_, _Berlin_, _or Chaise_.

The Number of Artificers is here daily augmented; as are the convenient _Ordinaries_ or Inns for Accommodation of Strangers.

The Servants here, as in other Parts of the Country, are _English_, _Scotch_, _Irish_, _or Negroes_.

The Town is laid out regularly in _Lots_ or square Portions, sufficient each for a House and Garden; so that they don't build contiguous, whereby may be prevented the spreading Danger of Fire; and this also affords a free Passage for the Air, which is very grateful in violent hot Weather.

Here, as in other Parts, they build with Brick, but most commonly with Timber lined with Cieling, and cased with feather-edged Plank, painted with white Lead and Oil, covered with Shingles of _Cedar_, &c. tarr'd over at first; with a Passage generally through the Middle of the House for an Air-Draught in Summer.

Thus their Houses are lasting, dry, and warm in Winter, and cool in Summer; especially if there be Windows enough to draw the Air.

Thus they dwell comfortably, genteely, pleasantly, and plentifully in this delightful, healthful, and (I hope) thriving _City of Williamsburgh_.

CHAP. III.

_Of the Situation and Nature of the Country of_ Virginia, _and its Coasts_, &c.

Under the Meridian is extended the Expanse _Bay of Chesapeak_, esteemed one of the noblest and safest Bays in the World.

The Land on the _East_ Side of it is called the _Eastern Shore_, the Northern Part of it belonging to _Maryland_, and the Southern containing _Accomack_ and _Northampton Counties_ belonging to _Virginia_; at the extreme Point of which lies one of the _Capes of Virginia_, the other being opposite to it, one called _Cape Henry_, and the other _Cape Charles_; _without_ these runs a bold Shore Southward, being the Coast of _North Carolina_.

After Ships are clear of _England_, they need go near neither Land, Rocks, nor Shoals, but in a direct Course might cross the vast _Atlantick Ocean_ about a thousand Leagues nearly _W. S. W._ till they make Land somewhat to the Southward of the Capes; then knowing (by their Latitude, or Landmarks, or by certain Trees) what Land they are near, they may easily get within the Capes, unless they happen to be kept off to Sea for some Time by blustering _Northwesters_; or unless they carelessly fall upon _Cape Hatteras_, or other Shoals on that Coast, in known Latitudes; so that this may be esteemed as easy a Voyage as any.

There are belonging to _Virginia_ four principal Rivers (neither of them inferior upon many Accounts to the _Thames_ or _Severn_) that empty themselves into the Bay after they have glided some Hundreds of Miles fromwards the Mountains, the Western Bounds of _Virginia_.

The most Southerly of these Rivers is called _James River_, and the next _York River_, the Land in the Latitude between these Rivers seeming most nicely adapted for _sweet scented_, or the finest _Tobacco_; for 'tis observed that the goodness decreaseth the farther you go to the Northward of the one, and the Southward of the other; but this may be (I believe) attributed in some Measure to the Seed and Management, as well as to the Land and Latitude: For on _York River_ in a small Tract of Land called _Digges's Neck_, which is poorer than a great deal of other Land in the same Latitude, by a particular Seed and Management, is made the famous Crop known by the Name of the _E Dees_, remarkable for its mild taste and fine Smell.

The next great River is _Rappahannock_, and the fourth is _Potowmack_, which divides _Virginia_ from the _Province_ of _Maryland_.

These are supplied by several lesser Rivers, such as _Chickahommony_ and others, _navigable_ for Vessels of great Burthen.

Into these Rivers run abundance of great _Creeks_ or short Rivers, navigable for _Sloops_, _Shallops_, _Long-Boats_, _Flats_, _Canoes_ and _Periaguas_.

These _Creeks_ are supplied with the _Tide_, (which indeed does not rise so high as in _Europe_, so prevents their making good _Docks_) and also with fresh-Water-runs, replenished with _Branches_ issuing from the _Springs_, and soaking through the _Swamps_; so that no Country is better watered, for the Conveniency of which most Houses are built near some Landing-Place; so that any Thing may be delivered to a Gentleman there from _London_, _Bristol_, &c. with less Trouble and Cost, than to one living five Miles in the _Country in England_; for you pay no Freight for Goods from _London_, and but little from _Bristol_; only the Party to whom the Goods belong, is in Gratitude engaged to freight _Tobacco_ upon the Ship consigned to her Owners in _England_.

Because of this Convenience, and for the Goodness of the Land, and for the sake of Fish, Fowl, _&c._ Gentlemen and Planters love to build near the Water; though it be not altogether so healthy as the _Uplands_ and _Barrens_, which serve for _Ranges for Stock_.

In the _Uplands_ near the Ridge generally run the _main Roads_, in a pleasant, dry, sandy Soil, free from Stones and Dirt, and shaded and sheltered chiefly by Trees; in some Places being not unlike the Walks in _Greenwich Park_.

Thus neither the Interest nor Inclinations of the _Virginians_ induce them to cohabit in Towns; so that they are not forward in contributing their Assistance towards the making of particular Places, every Plantation affording the Owner the Provision of a little Market; wherefore they most commonly build upon some convenient Spot or Neck of Land in their own Plantation, though Towns are laid out and establish'd in each County; the best of which (next _Williamsburgh_) are _York_, _Glocester_, _Hampton_, _Elizabeth Town_, and _Urbanna_.

The Colony now is encreased to _twenty nine Counties_, naturally bounded (near as much as may be) one with another about as big as _Kent_; but the frontier Counties are of vast Extent, though not thick seated as yet.

The whole Country is a perfect Forest, except where the Woods are cleared for Plantations, and old Fields, and where have been formerly _Indian Towns_, and _poisoned Fields_ and _Meadows_, where the Timber has been burnt down in Fire-Hunting or otherwise; and about the Creeks and Rivers are large rank _Morasses_ or _Marshes_, and up the Country are poor _Savannahs_.

The Gentlemen's Seats are of late built for the most Part of good Brick, and many of Timber very handsom, commodious, and capacious; and likewise the common Planters live in pretty Timber Houses, neater than the _Farm Houses_ are generally in _England_: With Timber also are built Houses for the _Overseers_ and _Out-Houses_; among which is the _Kitchen_ apart from the _Dwelling House_, because of the Smell of hot Victuals, offensive in hot Weather.

CHAP. IV.

_Of the_ Negroes, _with the Planting and Management of_ Indian _Corn, Tobacco,_ &c. _and of their Timber, Stock, Fruits, Provision, and Habitations,_ &c.

The _Negroes_ live in small Cottages called _Quarters_, in about six in a _Gang_, under the Direction of an _Overseer_ or _Bailiff_; who takes Care that they _tend_ such Land as the Owner allots and orders, upon which they raise _Hogs_ and _Cattle_, and plant _Indian Corn_ (or _Maize_) and _Tobacco_ for the Use of their Master; out of which the _Overseer_ has a Dividend (or Share) in Proportion to the Number of _Hands_ including himself; this with several Privileges is his Salary, and is an ample Recompence for his Pains, and Encouragement of his industrious Care, as to the Labour, Health, and Provision of the _Negroes_.

The _Negroes_ are very numerous, some Gentlemen having Hundreds of them of all Sorts, to whom they bring great Profit; for the Sake of which they are obliged to keep them well, and not over-work, starve, or famish them, besides other Inducements to favour them; which is done in a _great Degree_, to such especially that are laborious, careful, and honest; tho' indeed some Masters, careless of their own Interest or Reputation, are too cruel and negligent.

The _Negroes_ are not only encreased by fresh Supplies from _Africa_ and the _West India_ Islands, but also are very prolifick among themselves; and they that are born there talk _good English_, and affect our Language, Habits, and Customs; and tho' they be naturally of a barbarous and cruel Temper, yet are they kept under by severe Discipline upon Occasion, and by good Laws are prevented from running away, injuring the _English_, or neglecting their Business.

Their Work (or Chimerical hard Slavery) is not very laborious; their greatest Hardship consisting in that they and their Posterity are not at their own Liberty or Disposal, but are the Property of their Owners; and when they are free, they know not how to provide so well for themselves generally; neither did they live so plentifully nor (many of them) so easily in their own Country, where they are made Slaves to one another, or taken Captive by their Enemies.

The Children belong to the Master of the Woman that bears them; and such as are born of a _Negroe_ and an _European_ are called _Molattoes_; but such as are born of an _Indian_ and _Negroe_ are called _Mustees_.

Their Work is to take Care of the _Stock_, and plant _Corn_, _Tobacco_, _Fruits_, &c. which is not harder than _Thrashing_, _Hedging_, or _Ditching_; besides, tho' they are out in the violent Heat, wherein they delight, yet in wet or cold Weather there is little Occasion for their working in the Fields, in which few will let them be abroad, lest by this means they might get sick or die, which would prove a great Loss to their Owners, a good _Negroe_ being sometimes worth three (nay four) Score Pounds Sterling, if he be a Tradesman; so that upon this (if upon no other Account) they are obliged not to overwork them, but to cloath and feed them sufficiently, and take Care of their Health.

Several of them are taught to be _Sawyers_, _Carpenters_, _Smiths_, _Coopers_, &c. and though for the most Part they be none of the aptest or nicest; yet they are by Nature cut out for hard Labour and Fatigue, and will perform tolerably well; though they fall much short of an _Indian_, that has learn'd and seen the same Things; and _those Negroes_ make the best Servants, that have been _Slaves_ in their _own Country_; for they that have been _Kings_ and _great Men_ there are generally lazy, haughty, and obstinate; whereas the others are sharper, better humoured, and more laborious.

The _Languages_ of the _new Negroes_ are various harsh _Jargons_, and their _Religions_ and _Customs_ such as are best described by Mr. _Bosman_ in his Book intitled (I think) _A Description of the Coasts of_ Africa.

The _Virginia_ Planters readily learn to become good _Mechanicks_ in Building, wherein most are capable of directing their Servants and Slaves.

As for Timber they abound with excellent good; having about eight Sorts of _Oak_, several Kinds of _Walnut-Tree_, and _Hickory_ and _Pignut_, _Pine_, _Cedar_, and _Cypress_ for _Shingles_; which Covering is lighter than _Tiles_, and being nailed down, are not easily blown off in any Tempest or _Gust_.

The Oak, _&c._ is of quick Growth, consequently will not last so long as ours; though it has a good _Grain_, and is freer from Knots, and will last long enough for Shipping, and ordinary Uses.

When a _Tract of Land is seated_, they _clear_ it by felling the Trees about a Yard from the Ground, lest they should shoot again. What Wood they have Occasion for they carry off, and burn the rest, or let it lie and rot upon the Ground.

The Land between the Logs and Stumps they _how_ up, planting _Tobacco_ there in the Spring, inclosing it with a slight _Fence_ of cleft Rails. This will last for _Tobacco_ some Years, if the Land be good; as it is where _fine Timber_, or _Grape Vines_ grow.

Land when tired is _forced_ to bear _Tobacco_ by penning their Cattle upon it; but _Cowpen Tobacco_ tastes strong, and that planted in wet marshy Land is called _Nonburning Tobacco_, which smoaks in the Pipe like Leather, unless it be of a good Age.

When Land is tired of _Tobacco_, it will bear _Indian Corn_ or _English Wheat_, or any other _European Grain_ or _Seed_, with wonderful Increase.

_Tobacco_ and _Indian Corn_ are planted in _Hills_ as Hops, and secured by _Wormfences_, which are made of Rails supporting one another very firmly in a particular Manner.

_Tobacco_ requires a great deal of Skill and Trouble in the right Management of it.

They raise the Plants in _Beds_, as we do Cabbage Plants; which they _transplant_ and _replant_ upon Occasion after a Shower of Rain, which they call a _Season_.

When it is grown up they _top_ it, or nip off the Head, _succour_ it, or cut off the Ground Leaves, _weed_ it, _hill_ it; and when ripe, they _cut_ it down about six or eight Leaves on a Stalk, which they carry into airy _Tobacco Houses_; after it is withered a little in the Sun, there it is hung to dry on _Sticks_, as Paper at the Paper-Mills; when it is in proper Case, (as they call it) and the Air neither too moist, nor too dry, they _strike_ it, or take it down, then cover it up in _Bulk_, or a great Heap, where it lies till they have Leisure or Occasion to _stem_ it (that is pull the Leaves from the Stalk) or _strip_ it (that is take out the great Fibres) and _tie_ it up in _Hands_, or _streight lay it_; and so by Degrees _prize_ or press it with proper Engines into great Hogsheads, containing from about six to eleven hundred Pounds; four of which Hogsheads make a _Tun_, by Dimension, not by Weight; then it is ready for Sale or Shipping.

There are two Sorts of _Tobacco_, viz. _Oroonoko_ the stronger, and _Sweetscented_ the milder; the first with a sharper Leaf like a Fox's Ear, and the other rounder and with finer Fibres: But each of these are varied into several Sorts, much as Apples and Pears are; and I have been informed by the _Indian Traders_, that the _Inland Indians_ have Sorts of _Tobacco_ much differing from any planted or used by the _Europeans_.

The _Indian Corn_ is planted in Hills, and weeded much as _Tobacco_.

This Grain is of great Increase and most general Use; for with this is made good _Bread_, _Cakes_, _Mush_, and _Hommony_ for the _Negroes_, which with good _Pork_ and _Potatoes_ (red and white, very nice and different from ours) with other _Roots_ and _Pulse_, are their general Food.

_Indian Corn_ is the best Food for _Cattle_, _Hogs_, _Sheep_ and _Horses_; and the _Blades_ and _Tops_ are excellent _Fodder_, when well cured, which is commonly used, though many raise good _Clover_ and _Oats_; and some have planted Sanfoin, _&c._

In the _Marshes_, and _Woods_, and _old Fields_ is good _Range_ for _Stock_ in the Spring, Summer, and Fall; and the _Hogs_ will run fat with certain Roots of Flags and _Reeds_, which abounding in the _Marshes_ they root up and eat.

Besides, at the _Plantations_ are standard _Peach-Trees_, and _Apple-Trees_, planted out in _Orchards_, on Purpose almost for the _Hogs_.

The _Peaches_ abound, and are of a delicious Taste, and _Apple-Trees_ are raised from the _Seeds_ very soon, which kind of Kernel Fruit needs no grafting, and is diversify'd into numberless Sorts, and makes, with good Management, an excellent _Cyder_, not much inferior to that of _Herefordshire_, when kept to a good Age; which is rarely done, the _Planters_ being good _Companions_ and _Guests_ whilst the _Cyder_ lasts. Here _Cherries_ thrive much better (I think) than in _England_; tho' the _Fruit-Trees_ soon decay, yet they are soon raised to great Perfection.

As for _Wool_, I have had near as good as any near _Leominster_; and it might be much improved if the _Sheep_ were housed every Night, and foddered and littered as in _Urchinfield_, where they have by such Means the finest _Wool_; but to do this, would be of little Use, since it is contrary to the Interest of _Great Britain_ to allow them Exportation of their Woollen Manufactures; and what little Woollen is there made might be nearly had as cheap, and better from _England_.

As for _Provision_, there is Variety of excellent _Fish_ in great Plenty easily taken; especially _Oysters_, _Sheepsheads_, _Rocks_, _large Trouts_, _Crabs_, _Drums_, _Sturgeons_, &c.

They have the same tame Fowl as in _England_, only they propagate better; but they exceed in _wild Geese_ and _Ducks_, _Cohoncks_, _Blew-Wings_, _Teal_, _Blew-Wings_, _Teal_, _Swans_, and _Mallard_.

Their _Beef_ and _Veal_ is small, sweet, and fat enough; their _Pork_ is famous, whole _Virginia Shoots_ being frequently _barbacued_ in _England_; their _Bacon_ is excellent, the _Hams_ being scarce to be distinguished from those of _Westphalia_; but their _Mutton_ and _Lamb_ some Folks don't like, though others extol it. Their _Butter_ is good and plentiful enough. Their _Venison_ in the lower Parts of the Country is not so plentiful as it has been, tho' there be enough and tolerably good; but in the _Frontier Counties_ they abound with _Venison_, _wild Turkies_, &c. where the common People sometimes dress _Bears_, whose Flesh, they say, is not to be well distinguished from good _Pork_ or _Bacon_.

They pull the _Down_ of their living _Geese_ and wild and tame _Ducks_, wherewith they make the softest and sweetest _Beds_.

The _Houses_ stand sometimes two or three together; and in other Places a Quarter, half a Mile, or a Mile, or two, asunder, much as in the _Country_ in _England_.

CHAP. V.

_Of the_ Habits, Customs, Parts, Imployments, Trade, _&c. of the_ Virginians; _and of the Weather, Coin, Sickness, Liquors, Servants, Poor, Pitch, Tar, Oar_, &c.

The _Habits_, _Life_, _Customs_, _Computations_, &c. of the _Virginians_ are much the same as about _London_, which they esteem their _Home_; and for the most Part have contemptible Notions of _England_, and wrong Sentiments of _Bristol_, and the other _Out-Ports_, which they entertain from seeing and hearing the common Dealers, Sailors, and Servants that come from those Towns, and the Country Places in _England_ and _Scotland_, whose Language and Manners are strange to them; for the _Planters_, and even the _Native Negroes_ generally talk good _English_ without _Idiom_ or _Tone_, and can discourse handsomly upon _most_ common Subjects; and conversing with Persons belonging to Trade and Navigation from _London_, for the most Part they are much civilized, and wear the best of Cloaths according to their Station; nay, sometimes too good for their Circumstances, being for the Generality comely handsom Persons, of good Features and fine Complexions (if they take Care) of good Manners and Address. The Climate makes them bright, and of excellent Sense, and sharp in Trade, an Ideot, or deformed Native being almost a Miracle.

Thus they have good natural Notions, and will soon learn Arts and Sciences; but are generally diverted by Business or Inclination from profound Study, and prying into the Depth of Things; being ripe for Management of their Affairs, before they have laid so good a Foundation of Learning, and had such Instructions, and acquired such Accomplishments, as might be instilled into such good natural Capacities. Nevertheless thro' their quick Apprehension, they have a Sufficiency of Knowledge, and Fluency of Tongue, tho' their Learning for the most Part be but superficial.

They are more inclinable to read Men by Business and Conversation, than to dive into Books, and are for the most Part only desirous of learning what is absolutely necessary, in the shortest and best Method.

Having this Knowledge of their Capacities and Inclination from sufficient Experience, I have composed on Purpose some short Treatises adapted with my best Judgment to a Course of Education for the Gentlemen of the Plantations; consisting in a short _English Grammar_; an _Accidence to Christianity_; an _Accidence to the Mathematicks_, especially to _Arithmetick_ in all its Parts and Applications, _Algebra_, _Geometry_, _Surveying of Land_, and _Navigation_.

These are the most useful Branches of Learning for _them_, and such as they willingly and readily master, if taught in a plain and short Method, truly applicable to their _Genius_; which I have endeavoured to do, for the Use of _them_, and _all others_ of their Temper and Parts.

They are not very easily persuaded to the Improvement of useful Inventions (except a few, such as Sawing Mills) neither are they great Encouragers of Manufactures, because of the Trouble and certain Expence in Attempts of this kind, with uncertain Prospect of Gain; whereas by their staple Commodity, Tobacco, they are in hopes to get a plentiful Provision; nay, often very great Estates.

Upon this Account they think it Folly to take off their _Hands_ (or Negroes) and employ their Care and Time about any thing, that may make them lessen their Crop of Tobacco.

So that though they are apt to learn, yet they are fond of, and will follow their own Ways. Humours, and Notions, being not easily brought to new Projects and Schemes; so that I question, if they would have been imposed upon by the _Missisippi_ or _South-Sea_ or any other such monstrous Bubbles.

In their Computations of Time, Weights and Measures both of Length, Superficies, and Solidity, they strictly adhere to what is legal; not running into precarious Customs, as they do in _England_. Thus their Quart is the true _Winchester_, their Hundred is 100, not 112, and they survey Land by Statute Measure.

Indeed, what _English_ Coin is there, is advanced in Value; so that a Shilling passes for 14 _d._ and a Guinea goes by Tale for 26 _s._ but the Current Money is the _Spanish_ which in Reality is about 15 _l. per Cent._ inferior to our _English_ Coin, as settled by Law; but frequently the Value of this varies in Respect of Sterling Bills according to the Circumstances of Trade; Currency and Sterling being sometimes at a _Par_; but for the Generality 10 _per Cent._ Discount is allowed for Sterling Bills.

As for Education several are sent to _England_ for it; though the _Virginians_ being naturally of good Parts, (as I have already hinted) neither require nor admire as much Learning, as we do in _Britain_: yet more would be sent over, were they not afraid of the Small-Pox, which most commonly proves fatal to them.

But indeed when they come to _England_ they are generally put to learn to Persons that know little of their Temper, who keep them drudging on in what is of least Use to them, in pedantick Methods, too tedious for their volatile Genius.

For _Grammar_ Learning taught after the common round-about Way is not much beneficial nor delightful to them; so that they are noted to be more apt to spoil their School-Fellows than improve themselves; because they are imprisoned and enslaved to what they hate, and think useless, and have not peculiar Management proper for their Humour and Occasion.

A civil Treatment with some Liberty, if permitted with Discretion is most proper for them, and they have most Need of, and readily take polite and mathematical Learning; and in _English_ may be conveyed to them (without going directly to _Rome_ and _Athens_) all the Arts, Sciences, and learned Accomplishments of the Ancients and Moderns, without the Fatigue and Expence of another Language, for which most of them have little Use or Necessity, since (without another) they may understand their own Speech; and all other Things requisite to be learn'd by them sooner and better.

Thus the Youth might as well be instructed there as here by proper Methods, without the Expence and Danger of coming hither; especially if they make Use of the great Advantage of the _College_ at _Williamsburgh_, where they may (and many do) imbibe the Principles of all human and divine Literature, both in _English_ and in the learned Languages.

By the happy Opportunity of this College may they be advanced to religious and learned Education, according to the Discipline and Doctrine of the established _Church of England_; in which Respect this College may prove of singular Service, and be an advantageous and laudable Nursery and strong Bulwark against the contagious dissentions in _Virginia_; which is the most ancient and loyal, the most plentiful and flourishing, the most extensive and beneficial Colony belonging to the Crown of _Great Britain_, upon which it is most directly dependant; wherein is establish'd the _Church of England_ free from Faction and Sects, being ruled by the Laws, Customs, and Constitutions of _Great Britain_, which it strictly observes, only where the Circumstances and Occasion of the Country by an absolute Necessity require some small Alterations; which nevertheless must not be contrary (though different from and subservient) to the Laws of _England_.

Though the Violence of neither _Whig_ nor _Tory_ reigns there, yet have they Parties; for the very best Administration must expect to meet with some Opposition in all Places; especially where there is a Mixture of People of different Countries concerned, whose Education and Interest may propose to them Notions and Views different from each other.

Most other Plantations, especially they that are granted away to Proprietors, are inferior to _Virginia_: where the seeming Interest and Humour of the Owners often divert them from Pursuit of the most proper Methods; besides, they cannot have such a right Claim to the Favour of the Crown, nor demand its best Protection, since they may often interfere with its Interest: whereas _Virginia_ is esteemed one of the most valuable Gems in the Crown of _Great Britain_.

Thus _Virginia_ having to itself (with _Maryland_) the staple Commodity of Tobacco, has a great Advantage of all other Plantations on the Continent for the Encouragement of the Crown; whereas others belonging to Gentlemen, or having no peculiar Trade, cannot expect such Power to advance and promote their Interest.

To this add, that _Virginia_ equals, if not exceeds, all others in Goodness of Climate, Soil, Health, Rivers, Plenty, and all Necessaries, and Conveniencies of Life: Besides she has, among others, these particular Advantages of her younger Sister _Maryland_, viz. Freedom from Popery, and the Direction of Proprietors; not but that Part of _Virginia_, which is between the Rivers _Potowmack_ and _Rappahannock_ belongs to Proprietors, as to the Quit-Rent; yet the Government of these Counties (called the _Northern Neck_) is under the same Regulation with the other Parts of the Country.

If _New England_ be called a Receptacle of Dissenters, and an _Amsterdam_ of Religion, _Pensylvania_ the Nursery of Quakers, _Maryland_ the Retirement of _Roman_ Catholicks, _North Carolina_ the Refuge of Run-aways, and _South Carolina_ the Delight of Buccaneers and Pyrates, _Virginia_ may be justly esteemed the happy Retreat of _true Britons_ and _true Churchmen_ for the most Part; neither soaring too high nor drooping too low, consequently should merit the greater Esteem and Encouragement.

The common Planters leading easy Lives don't much admire Labour, or any manly Exercise, except Horse-Racing, nor Diversion, except Cock-Fighting, in which some greatly delight. This easy Way of Living, and the Heat of the Summer makes some very lazy, who are then said to be Climate-struck.

The Saddle-Horses, though not very large, are hardy, strong, and fleet; and will pace naturally and pleasantly at a prodigious Rate.

They are such Lovers of Riding, that almost every ordinary Person keeps a Horse; and I have known some spend the Morning in ranging several Miles in the Woods to find and catch their Horses only to ride two or three Miles to Church, to the Court-House, or to a Horse-Race, where they generally appoint to meet upon Business; and are more certain of finding those that they want to speak or deal with, than at their Home.

No People can entertain their Friends with better Cheer and Welcome; and Strangers and Travellers are here treated in the most free, plentiful, and hospitable Manner; so that a few Inns or Ordinaries on the Road are sufficient.

As to the Weather, the Spring and Fall are not unlike those Seasons in _England_, only the Air is never long foggy, nor very cloudy; but clear, sometimes of a bluish Colour, occasioned by the thin Smoak, dispersed in the Air, from the Flames of the Woods and Leaves, which are fired in Hunting, to drive the Beasts from their lurking Places; or in the Spring to burn the old Leaves and Grass, that there may be the better Pasture the next Summer.

The Months of _December_, _January_ and _February_ are generally much colder, and _June_, _July_ and _August_ are much hotter than in _England_; tho' sometimes 'tis on a sudden very cool in Summer, and pretty warm in Winter, the Weather being governed by the Wind; which with sudden Storms from the _North-West_, and sometimes from the _West_ and _South-West_ bring violent Gusts or Tempests, with Thunder, Lightning, and Rain very terrible, but soon over.

The _North West_ Winds are exquisitely sharp and cold, proceeding from Clouds arising from the vast Lakes and prodigious snowy Mountains that lie to that Quarter; but the Southerly Winds and others are very warm.

The Days and Nights are there always much nearer the Equality of twelve Hours, than in the Latitude of _England_.

At the sudden Changes of the Weather, from Heat to Cold, People are apt to take Cold, often neglecting to shift their Cloaths with the Weather; which with Abundance of Damps and Mists from the Water, and by eating too plentifully of some delicious Fruits, makes the People subject to Feavers and Agues, which is the Country Distemper, a severe Fit of which (called a _Seasoning_) most expect, some time after their Arrival in that Climate; but the Goodness of God has furnished us with a perfect _Catholicon_ for that Sickness, _viz._ the _Bark_; which being taken and repeated in a right Manner, seldom fails of a Cure, unless the morbifick Matter comes to a Head again from fresh Causes, and so returns with Mastery; upon which Recourse must be had to the same specifick Remedy; besides which there are several Ways of Cure, but none so universal and sure as that.

Some for Want of timely Care, through Ignorance or Obstinacy, will permit the Distemper to lurk about them so long, till at last it has reduced them to an irrecoverable, lingering, ill Habit of Body; especially if they live meanly, drinking too much Water, and eating too much salt Meat; and this _Cachexy_ generally ends their Lives with a Dropsy, Consumption, the Jaundice, or some such Illness.

Besides this, some are troubled with the dry Gripes, proceeding from Colds (I suppose) which take away for a long Time the Use of the Limbs of some, especially hard Drinkers of Rum; some that have lain out in mighty cold Weather have been Frost-bitten, and lost their Fingers or Toes.

There is no Danger of wild Beasts in traveling; for the Wolves and Bears, which are up the Country, never attack any, unless they be first assaulted and hurt; and the Wolves of late are much destroyed by Virtue of a Law, which allows good Rewards for their Heads with the Ears on, to prevent Imposition and cheating the Publick; for the Ears are crop'd when a Head is produced.

The Bears are also much destroyed by the Out-Planters, _&c._ for the Sake of their Flesh and Skins.

As for Rattle-Snakes, _&c._ they make off from you, unless you by Carelesness chance to tread on them; and then their Bite is found now not to be mortal, if Remedies can be applied in Time.

The worst Inconveniency in travelling a-cross the Country, is the Circuit that must be taken to head Creeks, _&c._ for the main Roads wind along the rising Ground between the Rivers, tho' now they much shorten their Passage by mending the Swamps and building of Bridges in several Places; and there are established Ferries at convenient Places, over the great Rivers; but in them is often much Danger from sudden Storms, bad Boats, or unskilful or wilful Ferrymen; especially if one passes in a Boat with Horses, of which I have great Reason to be most sensible by the Loss of a dear _Brother_ at _Chickohomony Ferry_, in _Feb._ 1723/4.

As for their Drink, good Springs of excellent Water abound every where almost, which is very cooling and pleasant in Summer, and the general Drink of abundance: not so much out of Necessity, as Choice.

Some Planters, _&c._ make good small Drink with Cakes of _Parsimmons_ a kind of Plumbs, which grow there in great Plenty; but the common small Beer is made of _Molossus_, which makes extraordinary brisk good tasted Liquor at a cheap Rate, with little Trouble in brewing; so that they have it fresh and fresh, as they want it in Winter and Summer.

And as they brew, so do they bake daily, Bread or Cakes, eating too much hot and new Bread, which cannot be wholsom, tho' it be pleasanter than what has been baked a Day or two.

Some raise Barley and make Malt there, and others have Malt from _England_, with which those that understand it, brew as good Beer as in _England_, at proper Seasons of the Year; but the common strong Malt-Drink mostly used, is _Bristol_ Beer; of which is consumed vast Quantities there yearly; which being well brew'd and improv'd by crossing the Sea, drinks exceedingly fine and smooth; but Malt Liquor is not so much regarded as Wine, Rack, Brandy, and Rum, Punch, with Drams of Rum or Brandy for the common Sort, when they drink in a Hurry.

The common Wine comes from _Madera_ or _Phial_, which moderately drank is fittest to cheer the fainting Spirits in the Heat of Summer, and to warm the chilled Blood in the bitter Colds of Winter, and seems most peculiarly adapted for this Climate: Besides this, are plentifully drank with the better Sort, of late Years, all Kinds of _French_, and other _European_ Wine, especially Claret and Port.

Here is likewise used a great deal of Chocolate, Tea and Coffee, which, with several Sorts of Apparel, they have as cheap, or cheaper than in _England_, because of the Debenture of such Goods upon their Exportation thither: Besides, they are allowed to have Wines directly from _Madera_, and other Commodities are brought from the _West-Indies_, and the Continent, which cannot be brought to _England_ without spoiling.

As for grinding Corn, _&c._ they have good Mills upon the Runs and Creeks: besides Hand-Mills, Wind-Mills, and the _Indian_ Invention of pounding Hommony in Mortars burnt in the Stump of a Tree, with a Log for a Pestle hanging at the End of a Pole, fix'd like the Pole of a Lave.

Though they are permitted to trade to no Parts but _Great Britain_, except these Places: yet have they in many Respects better and cheaper Commodities than we in _England_, especially of late Years; for the Country may be said to be altered and improved in Wealth and polite Living within these few Years, since the Beginning of _Col. Spotswood_'s Government, more than in all the Scores of Years before that, from its first Discovery. The Country is yearly supplied with vast Quantities of Goods from _Great Britain_, chiefly from _London_, _Bristol_, _Liverpool_, _Whitehaven_, and from _Scotland_.

The Ships that transport these Things often call at _Ireland_ to victual, and bring over frequently white Servants, which are of three Kinds. 1. Such as come upon certain Wages by Agreement for a certain Time. 2. Such as come bound by Indenture, commonly call'd _Kids_, who are usually to serve four or five Years; and 3. those Convicts or Felons that are transported, whose Room they had much rather have than their Company; for abundance of them do great Mischiefs, commit Robbery and Murder, and spoil Servants, that were before very good: But they frequently there meet with the End they deserved at Home, though indeed some of them prove indifferent good. Their being sent thither to work as Slaves for Punishment, is but a mere Notion, for few of them ever lived so well and so easy before, especially if they are good for any thing. These are to serve seven, and sometimes fourteen Years, and they and Servants by Indentures have an Allowance of Corn and Cloaths, when they are out of their Time, that they may be therewith supported, till they can be provided with Services, or otherwise settled. With these three Sorts of Servants are they supplied from _England_, _Wales_, _Scotland_, and _Ireland_, among which they that have a Mind to it, may serve their Time with Ease and Satisfaction to themselves and their Masters, especially if they fall into good Hands.

Except the last Sort, for the most Part who are loose Villains, made tame by _Wild_, and then enslaved by his _Forward Namesake_: To prevent too great a Stock of which Servants and Negroes many Attempts and Laws have been in vain made.

These if they forsake their Roguery together with the other Kids of the later _Jonathan_, when they are free, may work Day-Labour, or else rent a small Plantation for a Trifle almost; or else turn Overseers, if they are expert, industrious, and careful, or follow their Trade, if they have been brought up to any; especially Smiths, Carpenters, Taylors, Sawyers, Coopers, Bricklayers, _&c._ The Plenty of the Country, and the good Wages given to Work-Folks occasion very few Poor, who are supported by the Parish, being such as are lame, sick, or decrepit through Age, Distempers, Accidents, or some Infirmities; for where there is a numerous Family of poor Children the Vestry takes Care to bind them out Apprentices, till they are able to maintain themselves by their own Labour; by which Means they are never tormented with Vagrant, and Vagabond Beggars, there being a Reward for taking up Run-aways, that are at a small Distance from their Home; if they are not known, or are without a Pass from their Master, and can give no good Account of themselves, especially Negroes.

In all convenient Places are kept Stores or Ware-Houses of all Sorts of Goods, managed by Store-Keepers or Factors, either for themselves or others in the Country, or in _Great Britain_.

This Trade is carried on in the fairest and genteelest Way of Merchandize, by a great Number of Gentlemen of Worth and Fortune; who with the Commanders of their Ships, and several _Virginians_ (who come over through Business or Curiosity, or often to take Possession of Estates, which every Year fall here to some or other of them) make as considerable and handsom a Figure, and drive as great and advantageous a Trade for the Advancement of the Publick Good, as most Merchants upon the _Royal-Exchange_.

At the Stores in _Virginia_, the Planters, _&c._ may be supplied with what _English_ Commodities they want.

The Merchants, Factors, or Store-Keepers in _Virginia_ buy up the Tobacco of the Planters, either for Goods or current _Spanish_ Money, or with _Sterling_ Bills payable in _Great Britain_.

The Tobacco is rolled, drawn by Horses, or carted to convenient Rolling Houses, whence it is conveyed on Board the Ships in Flats or Sloops, _&c._

Some Years ago there was made an Act to oblige all Tobacco to be sent to convenient Ware-Houses, to the Custody and Management of proper Officers, who were by Oath to refuse all bad Tobacco, and gave printed Bills as Receipts for each Parcel or Hogshead; which Quantity was to be delivered according to Order upon Return of those Bills; and for their Trouble and Care in viewing, weighing, and stamping, the Officers were allowed 5 _s. per_ Hogshead.

The Intent of this Law was to improve the Commodity, prevent Frauds in publick Payments; and for Ease of the common Planters, and Expedition and Conveniency of Shipping.

But though the first Design was for publick Tobacco only, yet the private Crops of Gentlemen being included in the Law, was esteemed a great Grievance; and occasioned Complaints, which destroyed a Law, that with small Amendments might have proved most advantageous.

The Abrogation of this Law reduced the Sailors to their old Slavery of rolling the Tobacco in some Places; where they draw it for some Miles, as Gardeners draw a Roller, which makes them frequently curse the Country, and thro' Prejudice give it a very vile Character.

The Tobacco purchased by the Factors or Store-Keepers, is sent Home to their Employers, or consign'd to their correspondent Merchants in _Great Britain_.

But most Gentlemen, and such as are beforehand in the World, lodge Money in their Merchant's Hands here, to whom they send their Crop of Tobacco, or the greatest Part of it.

This Money is employed according to the Planter's Orders; chiefly in sending over yearly such Goods, Apparel, Liquors, _&c._ as they write for, for the Use of themselves, their Families, Slaves and Plantations; by which Means they have every Thing at the best Hand, and the best of its Kind.

Besides _English_ Goods, several Merchants in _Virginia_ import from the _West-Indies_ great Quantities of Rum, Sugar, Molossus, _&c._ and Salt very cheap from the _Salt Islands_; which Things they purchase with Money, or generally with Pork, Beef, Wheat, _Indian-Corn_, and the like.

In some of the poorer Parts of the Country abounding in Pine, do they gather up the _Light-wood_, or Knots of the old Trees, which will not decay, which being piled up (as a Pit of Wood to be burnt to Charcoal) and encompassed with a Trench, and covered with Earth, is set on Fire; whereby the Tar is melted out, and running into a hole is taken up, and filled into Barrels; and being boiled to a greater Consistency becomes Pitch.

Of Pitch and Tar they send Home great Quantities, though not near so much at _North Carolina_, which formerly was the _South_ Part of _Virginia_; but has long since been given away to Proprietors, tho' the Bounds between the Colony of _Virginia_, and the Government of _North Carolina_ are disputed; so that there is a very long _List_ of Land fifteen Miles broad between both Colonies (called the _disputed Bounds_) in due Subjection to neither; which is an _Asylum_ for the Runagates of both Countries.

The greatest Part of _Virginia_ is uneven: and near the Water they are free from great Stones, Rocks, and high Hills; but far in the Country they have vast Rocks, Stones, and Mountains; and though in the Salts there is no Stone for Lime nor Building; (but with _Oyster-Shells_ they make good Lime and enough) yet up the Freshes, and above the Falls of the Rivers are discovered free and common Stone of several Sorts, among which may be expected Lime-Stone.

Here are also vast Quantities of _Iron Oar_, and various Kinds of _Minerals_, whose Nature and Vertues are as yet undiscovered.

_Moses's_ Words of Exhortation to the _Israelites_ for Obedience to God's Laws, _Deut._ viii. 6, 7, 8, 9, may be applied to the _Virginians_; and particularly when he saith that God had brought them into a Land whose Stones are Iron; and for what we know the following Words may also be applied to them, when he saith out of the Hills of that Land might be digged _Brass_, for which there is no small Prospect and Expectation; and in all Probability there may be found the nobler Metals of _Gold_ and _Silver_, if we did but search for them in the Bowels of the Earth, if we would but be at the Expence and Trouble to seek for them.

Why may not our Mountains in _America_, for what we know, be as rich as those of _Mexico_ and _Peru_ in the same Country? Since the little Hills so plentifully abound with the belt of Iron; for the digging, melting, working, and Exportation whereof Providence has furnish'd us with all wonderful Conveniences; if we would add but a little Expence, Art, and Industry.

This Iron has been proved to be good, and 'tis thought, will come at as cheap a Rate as any imported from other Places; so that 'tis to be hoped _Col. Spotswood's Works_ will in a small Time prove very advantageous to _Great Britain_, which undoubtedly will be carried to great Perfection and universal Benefit, by his skilful Management and indefatigable Application to such noble Undertakings and glorious Projects.

CHAP. VI.

_Of_ Germanna, _the_ Palatines, _Wine_, _Hemp_, _Flax_, _Silk_, _Sumack_, _Trees_, _Fruits_, _Coals_, _the Tracts of Land_, _Health_, _Militia_, _the_ Mannacan Town, _Titles_, _Levies_, _Burgesses_, _Laws_, _and general Assembly_.

Beyond _Col. Spotswood_'s Furnace above the Falls of _Rappahannock_ River within View of the vast _Mountains_, he has founded a Town called _Germanna_, from some _Germans_ sent over thither by _Queen Anne_, who are now removed up farther: Here he has Servants and Workmen of most handy-craft Trades; and he is building a Church, Court-House and Dwelling-House for himself; and with his Servants and Negroes he has cleared Plantations about it, proposing great Encouragement for People to come and settle in that uninhabited Part of the World, lately divided into a County.

Beyond this are seated the Colony of _Germans_ or _Palatines_, with Allowance of good Quantities of rich Land, at easy or no Rates, who thrive very well, and live happily, and entertain generously.

These are encouraged to make Wines, which by the Experience (particularly) of the late _Col. Robert Beverly_, who wrote the _History of Virginia_, was done easily and in large Quantities in those Parts; not only from the Cultivation of the wild Grapes, which grow plentifully and naturally in all the good Lands thereabouts, and in the other Parts of the Country; but also from the _Spanish_, _French_, _Italian_, and _German_ Vines, which have been found to thrive there to Admiration.

Besides this, these Uplands seem very good for _Hemp_ and _Flax_, if the Manufacture thereof was but encouraged and promoted thereabouts; which might prove of wonderful Advantage in our _Naval Stores_ and Linens.

Here may likewise be found as good _Clapboards_, and _Pipe-Staves_, _Deals_, _Masts_, _Yards_, _Planks_, &c. for Shipping, as we are supplied with from several other Countries, not in his Majesty's Dominions.

As for _Trees_, _Grain_, _Pults_, _Fruits_, _Herbs_, _Plants_, _Flowers_, and _Roots_, I know of none in _England_ either for Pleasure or Use, but what are very common there, and thrive as well or better in that Soil and Climate than this for the generality; for though they cannot brag of Gooseberries and Currants, yet they may of Cherries, Strawberries, _&c._ in which they excel: Besides they have the Advantage of several from other Parts of _America_, there being Heat and Cold sufficient for any; except such as require a continual Heat, as Lemons and Oranges, Pine-Apples, and the like, which however may be raised there with Art and Care.

The worst Thing in their Gardens, that I know, is the Artichoak; but this I attribute to Want of Skill and good Management.

Mulberry Trees and Silkworms thrive there to Admiration, and Experience has proved that the Silk Manufacture might be carried on to great Advantage.

There is Coal enough in the Country, but good Fire-Wood being so plentiful that it encumbers the Land, they have no Necessity for the Trouble and Expence of digging up the Bowels of the Earth, and conveying them afterwards to their several Habitations.

There grows Plenty of _Sumack_, so very useful in the Dying Trade.

The Land is taken up in Tracts, and is Freehold by Patent under the King, paying two Shillings as a yearly _Quit-Rent_ for every hundred Acres.

Most Land has been long since _taken up_ and _seated_, except it be high up in the Country.

For surveying of Land, when any is _taken up_, bought, exchanged, or the Right contested, there is appointed a _Surveyor_ in each County, nominated and examined by the _Governors of the College_, in whose Gift those Places are under the _Surveyor General_.

But of this I may be more particular upon another Occasion; only I shall here observe, that every five or seven Years all People are obliged to go a _Procession_ round their own Bounds, and renew their Landmarks by cutting fresh _Notches_ in the boundary Trees.

Sometimes whole Plantations are sold, and at other Times small Habitations and Lands are let; but this is not very common, most having Land of their own; and they that have not think to make more Profit by turning Overseers, or by some other better Ways, than by _Farming_.

Though now Land sells well there, in a few Years it will be more valued, since the Number of Inhabitants encreases so prodigiously; and the _Tracts_ being divided every Age among several Children (not unlike _Gavel Kind_ in _Kent_ and _Urchinfield_) into smaller Plantations; they at Length must be reduced to a Necessity of making the most of, and valuing a little, which is now almost set at Nought.

In general the Country of _Virginia_ is plentiful, pleasant and healthy; especially to such as are not too fond of the Customs and Way of living they have been used to elsewhere; and to such as will endeavour at first to bear with some small Matters, and wean themselves, and make every Change as agreeable as they can.

Without such Proceeding the best Country in the World would not please them; since wherever they go from Home they must certainly find many Things different from what they have been accustomed to.

As for Health, I think this Climate as good as any with Care, though some Constitutions can be well in no Air, let them do what they will, and the stoutest cannot be always Proof against Sickness, be they in never so healthy a Country; and in all Places with Care People may enjoy a good Share of Health, if they have any tolerable good Constitution; if they avoid Heats and Colds, Intemperance, and all Manner of Excesses.

In each Country is a great Number of disciplin'd and arm'd _Militia_, ready in Case of any sudden Irruption of _Indians_ or Insurrection of _Negroes_, from whom they are under but small Apprehension of Danger.

Up _James River_ is a Colony of _French_ Refugees, who at the _Mannacan Town_ live happily under our Government, enjoying their own Language and Customs.

The Gentlemen of the Country have no other distinguishing Titles of Honour, but _Colonels_ and _Majors_ and _Captains_ of the _Militia_, except _the Honourable the Council_, and some commissioned in Posts by his Majesty or his Orders, who are nominated _Esquires_: but there is one _Baronet_'s Family there, _viz._ Sir _William Skipwith_'s.

The Taxes or _Levies_ are either publick, _County_, or _Parish_; which are levied by the _Justices_ or _Vestries_, apportioning an equal Share to be paid by all Persons in every Family above Sixteen; except the _white Women_, and some antiquated Persons, who are exempt.

The Payment is Tobacco, which is sold or applied in _Specie_ to the Use intended.

The publick Levy is for the Service of the Colony in General, the County Levy is for the Use of the County, collected by the _Sheriff's_ and their Offices and _Receivers_; and the Parish Levy is for its own particular Use, collected by the _Church-Wardens_ for Payment of the _Minister_, the _Church_, and _Poor_.

There are two _Burgesses_ elected by the _Free-holders_, and sent from every County; and one for _James Town_, and another for the _College_; these meet, choose a Speaker, _&c._ and proceed in most Respects as the _House of Commons_ in _England_, who with the _Upper House_, consisting of the _Governor and Council_, make Laws exactly as the _King_ and _Parliament_ do; the Laws being passed there by the _Governor_, as by the _King_ here.

All the Laws and Statutes of _England_ before _Queen Elizabeth_ are there in Force, but none made since; except those that mention the Plantations, which are always specified in _English_ Laws, when Occasion requires.

The _General Assembly_ has Power to make Laws, or repeal such others, as they shall think most proper for the Security and Good of the Country, provided they be not contradictory to the Laws of _England_, nor interfering with the Interest of _Great Britain_; these Laws are immediately in Force there, and are transmitted hither to the Lords of the Plantations and Trade for the _Royal Assent_; after which they are as obligatory as any Laws can possibly be; but of late all Laws relating to Trade must be sent Home before they be of any Validity; which makes some occasional Laws upon certain Emergencies altogether useless; since the intended Opportunity may be pass'd, before they are returned back to _Virginia_; and so signify nothing to the Purpose.

All Laws that the _King_ dislikes upon the first Perusal, are immediately abrogated.

Thus in State Affairs Liberty is granted, and Care is taken to make such Laws from Time to Time, as are different from the Laws in _England_, whenever the Interest or Necessity of the Country, or the Nature of the Climate, and other Circumstances shall require it.